December 27, 2001 -
December 27, 2001 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports on possible impact of Minnesota Twins leaving the state. Most experts say only a new stadium will prevent the loss of the team. Observers say if Major League Baseball moves ahead with its contraction plans and cuts the Twins before next season, the Twin Cities reputation as a major league city sports location would be in jeopardy. However, economists say the fallout from the loss of the team would be more psychological than economic.
December 28, 2001 - INTRO ON TAPE. The Minnesota Department of Finance is ending its freeze on state grants to non-profits. Officials announced the decision yesterday. In late November, the Finance Department asked state agencies to stop giving new grant money until it determined the extent of the budget shortfall. The move raised concerns about how some non-profits would continue their work serving the public. Marcia Avner is the Public Policy Director for the Minnesota Council on Non-profits. She's on the line now.
December 28, 2001 - In just a few days R.T. Rybak becomes Mayor of the city of Minneapolis, replacing Sharon Sayles Belton after eight years in that office. In this audio excerpt, Sayles Belton formally said goodbye in remarks made to the city council and city staff in newly renovated Minneapolis City Council chambers.
December 28, 2001 - INTRO ON TAPE. The three judge panel that heard arguments yesterday left few clues as to which way it will rule. Joining us on the line for some analysis is Hamline Universty Law School professor Joe Daley.
December 31, 2001 - Inspired by September 11th, electronic surveillance powers are now given to the government in order to keep Americans safe. The Patriot Act allows the government to get into any email account or phone account.
January 1, 2002 - Saint Paul's new mayor, Randy Kelly, says he hopes all the city's residents will attend at least one of the many inaugural events planned for the rest of the week. In addition to the inaugural ball and a more casual party, Kelly is holding roundtable discussions to help set the tone for his new administration. Once this week's festivities are over, he'll begin the task of leading the capital city through budgetary challenges. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has this report...
January 1, 2002 - Dean Barkley is a former Independence Party Senate candidate and current Director of the state Department of Planning. Bob Meek is a long-time DFL political consultant. And Sara Janecek is a Republican and co-editor of the newsletter Politics in Minnesota.
January 1, 2002 - R.T. Rybak talks about how St. Paul and Minneapolis needs to come together and put aside the jokes, housing in Minneapolis, and how things need to change at City Hall.
January 2, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on R.T. Rybak taking oath as new Minneapolis Mayor. A Minneapolis City Hall ceremony installed the new mayor and a city council with more newcomers than veterans. Mayor Rybak promises an era of new openness and cooperation in city government. The day also included surprises as the council's elected its new leadership.