February 6, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on potential downtown ballpark site discussions. Alabama businessman Donald Watkins was in Minneapolis to assess potential ballpark sites. Watkins is exploring a possible purchase of the Minnesota Twins and has pledged to build a new stadium entirely with private dollars if he's able to acquire the team. Meanwhile, Governor Jesse Ventura says he hasn't changed his stance on a ballpark, despite a willingness to call a special session if lawmakers can't address the issue in the regular course of business.
February 6, 2002 - A House committee today approved a bill that would prevent telemarketers from calling individuals who put their names on a state-sponsored "do not call" list. Supporters of the measure say telemarketers are inundating residents with too many calls and becoming a nuisance. Opponents argue the bill won't do anything to stop fraudulant telemarketers and will impede businesses that rely on telemarketing. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..
February 6, 2002 - Local leaders and policy makers are gathering in St. Paul today for a conference on workforce development. The group will discuss ways to help low-wage workers and improve the workforce at the same time. Elaine Ryan, the Government Affairs Director for a Washington DC-based group that represents state and local human service agencies, will present the keynote address. She'll discuss how welfare reform has affected the workforce, and she's on the line now. That's Elaine Ryan who's in St. Paul today to give the keynote address at a conference on workforce development. By the way, Governor Ventura will be at the conference as well. He's expected to make an announcement about how he's merging two departments: Trade and Economic Development, and Economic Security.
February 8, 2002 - A statewide program for troubled youth that's been operating for more than 20 years may be eliminated. Governor Ventura's budget has no funding for the youth intervention program. Law enforcement officials say the program has helped thousands of kids turn their lives around. Mainstreet Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
February 8, 2002 -
February 11, 2002 - The State Senate will vote today on a plan to fix Minnesota's nearly two billion dollar projected budget shortfall. Like the House Republican plan, the proposal does not raise taxes. But the plan's spending cuts of 200 million dollars a year are less than half the amount proposed by the House. Laura McCallum is Minnesota Public Radio's capitol bureau chief, and she's on the line now.
February 11, 2002 - Former St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman officially kicks off his campaign this morning with a rally at Harriet Island. Coleman, a Republican and so far the the only major challenger faced by DFL incumbent Paul Wellstone, will embark on a statewide tour later in the day, telling Minnesotans he can do for the state what he did for St. Paul. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports... BACKANNOUNCE: Tomorrow listen for Mark's report on the early stages of Senator Paul Wellstone's reelection campaign.
February 12, 2002 -
February 12, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on proposed budget cuts by Minneapolis Mayor and City Council. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak and City Council leaders delivered a list of proposed cuts to reach the five-million-dollar budget reduction imposed by the council two months ago. The police and fire departments will see reductions, but their functions are protected. Many smaller operations in city hall aren't as lucky, including Office of Cultural Affairs, Civilian Review Authority (CRA), and Truth and Sale of Housing program, amongst others.
February 12, 2002 - Minnesota's senior U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone plans to officially kick off his reelection campaign in late Spring. Wellstone has been busy raising money for a race that's likely to break Minnesota campaign spending records. With control of the closely divided Senate at stake, the contest between Wellstone and his likely GOP opponent Norm Coleman has major national implications.