April 11, 2002 - Budget talks at the state Capitol still show no sign of progress and could detoriate even further. Yesterday House and Senate leaders staged dueling press conferences to point blame at each other. And GOP leaders say if resolution isn't in hand by the end of the week, there's likely to be no compromise until next month. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
April 11, 2002 - There are numerous opinions on which transportation system would work best for the Twin Cities. One Minnesota-based transportation expert says an expanded and improved bus system, and not light rail, is the answer. Tom Martinson is an Independent consultant based in Edina, who helps cities around the world plan transportation systems that fit their unique characteristics.
April 12, 2002 - House and Senate negotiators traded budget offers today, taking more of what legislative leaders are calling "baby steps" toward balancing the budget. But the House and Senate still can't agree on whether to raise taxes or cut spending to deal with the remaining deficit. Legislative leaders say at this pace a budget solution is weeks away. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
April 12, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on atmosphere at ballpark and Minnesota State Capitol with the potential that 2002 home opener may be the team’s last.
April 16, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on mayor of Minneapolis view on police chief. R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis, says any public discussion right now about Robert Olson's future as police chief is inappropriate. Rybak's statement came amid reports he has told Olson to find another job. Rybak makes it clear Olson is not living up to the new administration's expectations in terms of what Rybak calls community relations. Report also includes comments from City Council members Scott Benson, Paul Ostrow, and Joe Biernat.
April 16, 2002 - MPR’s Steven John interviews Paul Ostrow, president of the Minneapolis City Council, about status of Minneapolis police chief. There are reports this morning that Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is planning to replace Police Chief Robert Olson. Rybak and Olson have not confirmed those reports, but Rybak has said he is concerned about the relationship between the police department and the community. The police have been criticized in recent weeks for shooting a mentally ill Somali man, and using aggressive tactics against people celebrating the University of Minnesota's men's hockey championship. If Olson does not leave voluntarily, the City Council would have to buy out the remaining two years of his contract.
April 17, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Macalester College professor and former St. Paul mayor George Latimer, who shares what he likes about “Profiles in Courage.” In the book, John F. Kennedy describes the sacrifices that senators made when they supported unpopular policies.
April 17, 2002 - An audio clip of John F. Kennedy Jr. reading from his father’s book “Profile of Courage.”
April 17, 2002 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports that budget negotiations proceeded at a snail's pace at the State Capitol. A co-chairman in a joint House-Senate budget balancing conference committee says he sees little need to meet until legislative leadership agrees to spending targets for conference committees. About the only sign of movement came on transportation funding as House Republicans made their first indication they would be open to a gas tax increase.
April 18, 2002 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s statements that it is time for Police Chief Robert Olson to go. Mayor Rybak says the chief hasn't done enough to foster public trust in the Minneapolis Police Department. Rybak will need the City Council's approval to buy out the remainder of the chief's contract. However, the council appears split on the issue, with some council members saying constituents don't believe a new chief will necessarily bring better relations between police and the community. Reports includes comments from Keith Ellison, attorney and community activist; Mathea Little-Smith, DFL activist; and Robert Lilligren, Minneapolis city council member.