January 17, 2001 - As the sharply divided congress convenes, there's a great deal of debate about who will wield power in Washington D. C. With House Republicans holding a slim five vote majority, some pundits say the moderate Blue Dog Democrats will form a centrist power base. But Minnesota Seventh District Congressman Collin Peterson, a founding member of the Blue Dogs, says that's unlikely to happen. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
January 17, 2001 - MPR's Andrew Haeg presents various local viewpoints on the telecommunication regulations debate. The Ventura administration wants to dramatically change the way the state regulates telecommunications. The goal is to foster competition for telephone and cable customers throughout the state, and, by doing so affordable and advanced services to all Minnesotans.
January 17, 2001 - Some Minnesota lawmakers are looking for someone to blame for soaring natural gas prices. At a Senate committee hearing Tuesday, several Senators questioned whether consumers are getting gouged. But as Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports, the reasons for the high prices aren't that simple...
January 17, 2001 - Officials from around the state broke ground today (Wednesday) on the eleven-and-a-half mile Hiawatha light rail line in Minneapolis. The ceremony marked the start of construction on the massive $675 million dollar transit project which begin carrying passengers in about three years. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
January 17, 2001 -
January 17, 2001 - Term limits have been set for Minnesota politicians since 1990.
January 17, 2001 - Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone ended months of speculation by announcing he will run for a third term in 2002. Wellstone says the political climate has changed since he pledged to serve only two terms. Wellstone's decision was praised by Democrats and panned by Republicans.
January 18, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone about his decision to run for re-election and the political environment. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
January 18, 2001 - Minnesota's Long-Term Care Task Force says the state should spend 113 million dollars to change the way the state cares for the elderly. The report proposes a shift away from the traditional nursing home structure to a system that includes homecare and assisted living facilities. The panel says the state has to make these changes before the baby boom population starts to retire and needs long-term care. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
January 22, 2001 - Cell phones should only be used in emergencies. Casual or business conversations should be written up.