October 9, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura answers questions from MPR listeners about the issues facing the state and the nation.
October 9, 2001 - Note to editor: top with whatever latest on military action Those who grew up in Afghanistan and now live in Minnesota have a unique perspective given the current state of affairs. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki recently talked with some Afghanis living in the Twin Cities about the military conflict and how the United States can fight terrorism.
October 9, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that state officials and leaders of the two largest public employee unions are set to resume contract talks, but Governor Jesse Ventura says he doesn't see any way to satisfy the demands of striking workers short of cutting government payrolls. Union leaders, however, say if more money isn't available, there's little chance for movement when talks resume.
October 9, 2001 - Some of the smallest local governments in Minnesota, the townships, are getting ready for major changes in the state's tax structure. Many are still trying to work out how the reforms will affect taxpayers. Last summer's special legislative session resulted in a shift in philosophy. The state will now pick up nearly 80 percent in public school costs. But for some cities and townships, the reforms mean the loss of millions of dollars in state aid. As Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Robertson reports, those small governments will have to raise property taxes to maintain services. {
October 9, 2001 - The state and two of its unions will return to the bargaining table on Thursday. A mediator scheduled new talks yesterday in an effort to break the deadlock in the week-long walkout that is the largest state workers strike in Minnesota history. While neither side has offered any new proposals publicly, negotiators say they're hopeful of a breakthrough. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
October 9, 2001 - A bill introduced would cost $1.6 billion for all 50 states. This bill is an answer to the terrorist attacks.
October 9, 2001 - Minnesota law enforcement officials and businesses have stepped up security since the bombings of Afghanistan began Sunday. The Mall of America has increased parking restrictions. At the airport, bombproof garbage cans have been moved in front of doors to prevent cars from driving into the terminal...and police have stopped and searched trucks entering downtown Minneapolis. U-S Attorney for Minnesota Tom Heffelfinger is charged with finding ways to prevent future attacks while balancing the rights of citizens during searches. He says people are not being targeted because of their ethnic background or religion.
October 10, 2001 - Voter turnout is typically low in off-year elections, when only local races are decided. But in Saint Paul this year, at least one constituency claims to be more involved in the mayor's race. Some of the city's business leaders say their interest in local politics grew during the administration of mayor Norm Coleman. Business people seem to be paying more attention than usual to the race to succeed Coleman. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
October 10, 2001 - The headless bodies of Mary Zalman and Mohammed Taiff were found in a rural area in Olmstead County. The bodies were found in 1999 and now the killer can be identified: her husband.
October 10, 2001 - As far as BIO-terrorism is concerned, Kennedy says the most progress is being made at the federal level.