April 18, 2002 -
April 18, 2002 - The five major DFL and Republican candidates for governor shared a stage for the first time in the campaign last night (WEDNESDAY). The five participated in a student-sponsored debate at the University of Minnesota. Questions about higher education, jobs and affordable housing highlighted the differences between the Democrats and Republicans. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
April 18, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Tony Bouza, former Minneapolis Police Chief, about possible leadership change in Minneapolis Police department. Last night, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak confirmed that he has asked Police Chief Robert Olson to resign. Rybak says he asked the chief to step down two weeks ago in his words "for the good of the community." Olson has not commented on those reports. Fifth Precinct Inspector Lucy Gerold is reportedly being considered for the job of interim chief.
April 19, 2002 - Minneapolis activist Ken Pentel has announced his candidicacy for governor as a member of the Green Party. The Green Party became one of four major political parties in the state when Green Party Presidential candidate Ralph Nader garnered over five percent of the vote in 2000. Pentel says the major themes of his campaign will be improving the state's environment, its election system and help poor people. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
April 19, 2002 - The stalemate between House Republicans and Senate DFLers continues at the Capitol as lawmakers go home for a three day weekend. Some are saying part of the reason for the gridlock over solving Minnesota's budget problems is due to politically powerful lobbying group -- The Taxpayers League of Minnesota. At least one Senate DFLer says lawmakers need to decide if they owe more to their constituents or to the group. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
April 19, 2002 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak upcoming plans. Report includes subject of campaign promise of mixed income housing to the city, and on getting a new Minneapolis police chief.
April 22, 2002 - Almost a month after they had hoped to finish, Minnesota lawmakers are still trying to work out an agreement on several key issues. House and Senate budget negotiators have spent hours in meetings, but made little progress toward closing a 439 million dollar gap in the current 2-year budget. And the two sides are still trying to strike a deal on transportation, bonding, and anti-terrorism bills. Joining us now is Laura McCallum, Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief.
April 22, 2002 - Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch wants to strip the anti-tobacco group, Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco- or MPAAT- of its 202 (m) million dollar endowment. He is asking a Ramsey County District court judge to decide MPAAT has failed to administer its endowment properly and has undermined public confidence. Hatch wants the endowment money divided instead between the University of Minnesota and the state Department of Health. Minnesota's commissioner of health is caught in the middle of the issue. Jan Malcolm sits on MPAAT's board, but Malcolm would direct half the endowment for the Health Department if the judge agrees with Hatch. She says MPAAT had been responding to a number of Hatch's concerns:
April 23, 2002 - Governor Ventura is expected to sign a bill that makes sparklers and other novelty fireworks legal for the first time in six decades. The legislation is a watered down version of an earlier House bill that would have legalized the sale of more powerful fireworks. Supporters of the bill say the state's ban has sent businesses and revenue to neighboring states. The Minnesota State Fire Chiefs Association strongly opposes the legislation. Tim Farmer, the organization's president, says there was an intense lobbying effort in support of the bill:
April 23, 2002 - A disagreement between the Minnesota Attorney General's office and a non-profit anti-tobacco organization escalated today (TUESDAY). The two sides are fighting over how the non-profit distributes hundreds of millions of dollars for smoking cessati on and medical research. The Attorney General filed a lawsuit in Ramsey District Court last week saying the Minnesota Partnership for Action Against Tobacco is misusing its funds. Hatch wants someone else to oversee the money. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...