January 12, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that Governor Jesse Ventura has come under fire from lawmakers for taking vacation time during the legislation session and for agreeing to provide color commentary during broadcasts of the upcoming Xtreme Football League. It now appears he's combined the two by stumping for the XFL while vacationing out of town.
January 12, 2001 - The Minnesota and Wisconsin transportation departments announced today (friday) plans to suspend construction of a new bridge over the Saint Croix River. The announcement comes just days after MN-DOT commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg failed to find federal funding for the project. Reaction to the decision is mixed. Environmentalists are calling it a victory against urban sprawl while project supporters say traffic problems in the area will remain until there's a new bridge. Minnesota Public Radio's Lynette Nyman reports.
January 15, 2001 -
January 15, 2001 - Leaders of a new education lobbying group say they want to advocate a common sense, conservative agenda for school reform. The Minnesota Education League today (Monday) outlined a political agenda that includes private school tax credits, charter school incentives, an easing of teacher license requirements and an overhaul of the Profile of Learning graduation standards. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports...
January 15, 2001 - The theme at 2001 Martin Luther King Day rally and march in St. Paul was progress in race relations. But many of the speakers gave their view of the distance to go before equity and justice are achieved.
January 16, 2001 - MINNESOTA LAWMAKERS ARE BACK ON THE JOB TODAY AT THE STATE CAPITOL. AFTER A THREE DAY WEEKEND, THERE ARE MANY ISSUES FACING LEGISLATORS. FOR A ROUNDUP, LET'S CHECK IN WITH MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO'S CAPITOL BUREAU CHEIF, LAURA MCCOLLUM.
January 16, 2001 -
January 17, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura remarks at the Humphrey Institute Policy Forum called "Moving Minnesota: How Is Tri-partisan Government Working?" Other remarks from House Republican Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty and Senate DFL Majority Leader Roger Moe.
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.