October 17, 2001 - Audio excerpts from Midday program with Minneapolis mayoral candidates.
October 18, 2001 - (NOTE: HOST BACK-ANNOUNCE) A new poll shows Minnesotans remain generally upbeat about economic prospects, despite signs of a downturn and the uncertainties following last month's terrorist attacks. The survey was conducted for Minnesota Public Radio, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and KARE-11 TV. It indicates 80 percent of Minnesotans expect to be at least as well off a year from now as they are today. That's nearly identical to poll results from mid-summer. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
October 23, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes presents a profile of mayoral candidate R.T. Rybak. R.T. Rybak hopes to become the first challenger to unseat an incumbent Minneapolis mayor since 1977. Backers say the political newcomer has a gift for energizing people toward his causes. Critics, however, say Rybak's vision lacks specifics and his big-tent approach is so big that it includes conflicting ideals that can't be sustained over time. Report includes Rybak’s efforts on fighting jet noise in South Minneapolis, and bringing a Target store to downtown.
October 24, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes presents a profile on Minneapolis Mayor Sayles Belton, who is in a tough campaign as she runs for a third term. Report includes interviews from numerous individuals on their views of her accomplishments and governance.
October 25, 2001 - Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Pawlenty is proposing a new funding source to jump-start road and bridge construction. Pawlenty -- who serves as House Majority Leader -- wants to sell the state's claim to 25 years' worth of tobacco settlement claims for an upfront price of 1-point-5 billion dollars. He says the proceeds would accelerate transportation projects statewide. But critics say the move would divert funds from other state needs. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
October 25, 2001 - Two postal officials who spoke in Brooklyn Park today say the government is moving quickly to tighten security for the U.S. mail. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports
October 26, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura is urging taxpayers to pay special attention to the record number of school levy referenda on the ballot this November. The governor says some school districts are using deceptive tactics to disguise the size of proposed tax increases. He says the levies threaten to erode property tax relief passed during the last legislative session. But school officials say the levies are a response to inadequate funding during that same session. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
October 26, 2001 - A new report charges the Minnesota Department of Agriculture with failing its responsibility to protect the state's waters from pesticide contamination. A non-profit environmental group, the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, will release the report on Monday. It's based on two years of research by the environmental group. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports.
October 29, 2001 - A legislative committee holds a hearing tomorrow on Attorney General Mike Hatch's audit of Allina Health System. Hatch's year-long investigation found the health care company overspent millions on administrative costs and wasted millions more on executive perks. But as lawmakers begin their inquiry into Hatch's findings, employers and workers say they are more concerned with rising health insurance rates. The state health department says premiums increased for five consecutive years in 2000. Last year's increase was 16 percent. Some health care experts say if the upward trend continues employers may look for alternatives to managed care or stop offering health insurance altogether. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck has the first installment in our series, "Managing Managed Care."
October 29, 2001 - On November 6th, there's only one election for state office. Voters in Morrison and southern Crow Wing counties will replace veteran DFL legislator Steve Wenzel. Wenzel resigned this spring for a job with the U.S. Agriculture Department. Republican Greg Blaine and DFLer Helen McLennan, both of Little Falls, want to represent people in House District 12B. Mainstreet Radio's Jeff Horwich reports from a region rediscovering its political identity.