June 16, 2003 - There are big changes ahead for ATV riders. This year, the Legislature passed Minnesota's first comprehensive plan regulating where people can ride off-road vehicles. Managing the sport has become one of the most divisive issues in years. The number of off-highway vehicles in the state has skyrocketed. They've caused major damage to the environment in some places. Some say the legislation didn't go far enough. But as Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports, for now, it seems, people on both sides of the issue have at least some reason to celebrate the new regulations... {
June 16, 2003 - Despite fresh violence in the Middle East, the Bush Administration has called on both Israelis and Palestinians to remain dedicated to the so-called roadmap to peace. Brian Atwood is the Dean of the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. He served as the Administrator of the U.S. Agency for International Development from 1993 to 1999. Atwood was the first American official to meet with Yasir Arafat after the PLO leader returned to Gaza and the West Bank in 1994. Atwood supports President Bush's peace initiative, but warns it won't be effective unless it's backed by the necessary support.
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June 19, 2003 - President Bush made a quick afternoon stop to Fridley-based Micro Control Company today (Thurs), where he highlighted his recently passed tax cut package. Bush said the cuts will spur economic growth by putting more money in Americans' pockets. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
June 19, 2003 - President George Bush is scheduled to give a speech in suburban Minneapolis today to tout his administration's work to revive the economy. The White House says President Bush will talk about the importance of small businesses to the nation's economy at Fridley- based Micro Control Company. The Republican president's visit comes the same day that Democratic party leaders from around the country arrive in the Twin Cities for meetings to hear from several of the Democrats vying for the White House. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
June 20, 2003 - Six of the nine prominent Democratic presidential candidates are expected to address a gathering of party officials in St. Paul today FRIDAY. The event comes just one day after President George Bush appeared in the Twin Cities to promote the latest round of federal tax cuts. Democratic leaders say their annual summer meeting will provide a valuable forum for evaluating their candidates -- and will offer clear alternatives to Bush's economic vision. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
June 20, 2003 - The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Tom Ridge told a St. Paul audience last night (Thurs) that safety doesn't just come from Washington, but from the efforts of states, cities and counties. Ridge delivered the keynote address at a symposium that attracted about 300 Minnesota public safety business, and government leaders. Ridge told the group that public and private partnerships will be critical to keeping America safe in the years ahead. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
June 20, 2003 - Starting July 1st bars and restaurants across the city of Minneapolis will be able to serve alcohol until 2 a.m. The Minneapolis city council approved the new ordinance in a near-unanimous vote. However, the measure only won approval after considerable debate. Some council members are worried about how the new hours will affect people who live close to neighborhood bars. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports
June 20, 2003 - President Bush traveled to Minnesota yesterday THURSDAY to highlight the tax cuts he recently signed into law. The president spoke to about two-thousand people at an electronics manufacturing firm in Fridley. He says the tax relief package will help Micro Control Company and other small businesses create jobs. Economic issues could be crucial in the president's re-election bid. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
June 23, 2003 - A portion of the health and human services bill passed into law earlier this month changes the way the state provides grants to Minnesota counties. Instead of providing grants to counties for specific services, county officials will receive larger block grants. Supporters of the new provision say counties will be able to prioritize spending based on their unique needs. But several special interest groups say counties may deliver money to services that have the most political clout instead of services that need the help the most. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...