November 15, 2001 - State Senator Becky Lourey (LORR-ee) officially entered the 2002 governor's race today (THURSDAY). The DFL'er from northern Minnesota says she's running for governor because the state needs a leader, not a celebrity. Governor Ventura hasn't said whether he's running for a second term. A year before the election, Lourey is the first Democrat to formally announce a gubernatorial bid, but she won't be the last. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
November 15, 2001 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports that Hennepin County District Judge Harry Crump says he'll announce soon whether he'll require the Twins to play baseball in the Metrodome next year (2002). Crump heard arguments from the the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, the Attorney General's office, and the Minnesota Twins.
November 16, 2001 - Since September 11th, there have been renewed interest in congress in Encryption schemes. Photography is essentially sending secret codes. Should encryption be illegal?
November 16, 2001 - Any government coming to power right now in Afghanistan is going to fail 100% because everything is gone. Any government that is coming in should get help from the rest of the world. He also discusses the effect the war has on him and his family.
November 16, 2001 - Congress sent President Bush its aviation security bill today, after it passed overwhelmingly in both the House and Senate. The bill federalizes all airport screeners, requires fortified cockpit doors and ask airports to maximize the inspection of all checked bags within 60 days. Jim Welna is Director of Public Safety at Twin Cities International Airport. He says he thinks the legislation goes a long way towards reforming airport security but adds, passengers shouldn't expect to see any immediate changes:
November 16, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Minneapolis businessman Harvey MacKay about a group of state business leaders that will meet with Governor Jesse Ventura to discuss the future of the Minnesota Twins. The group is working on a proposal to buy the team from owner Carl Pohlad. They're also exploring ways to get a new ballpark.
November 16, 2001 - A grassroots organization of Rochester residents wants a recount of last week's school referendum vote. Some residents say the school district had too much control over a ballot with only one item. Mainstreet radio's Rob Schmitz has this report. Voters passed the levy measure by only 185 votes last Tuesday.
November 16, 2001 - Hennepin County District Judge Harry Crump says he'll announce in a few days whether he'll require the Twins to play baseball in the Metrodome next year. Crump heard arguments yesterday (Thurs) from the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission, the attorney general's office and the Minnesota Twins. The commission filed suit last week after Major League Baseball's owners announced they would eliminate two teams before next season. The Twins are a top candidate for contraction. But the Sports Facilities Commission argues the Twins have signed a contract that requires the team to play in the Metrodome next year. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
November 19, 2001 - Thirty years ago the fight to improve the lives of the nation's children looked much as it does today, according to child welfare advocates. Former Vice-President Walter Mondale and a panel of experts reflected on the failed Child and Family Services Act of 1971.
November 19, 2001 - A group of Rochester voters went to court today to force a recount of the narrowly approved school funding referendum. The newly formed group called Rochester Recounts says the district had too much control over the election process. In a year when half the schools districts in Minnesota asked for excess levy referenda, Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer says she's hearing similar complaints from all over the state. Mainstreet Radio's Laurel Druley has this report. { A record number of Minnesota school districts asked voters for extra school funding this fall. When the only question on the ballot is a levy request, the school district is responsible for conducting the election. Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer says, it's the law.