June 23, 2003 - A war of words has erupted at the highest levels of state government in the wake of a newspaper article about Minnesota's sexual offender program. The article in yesterday's Star Tribune was headlined: "State looks to release sexual psychopaths." Attorney General Mike Hatch is criticizing the Pawlenty administration for forcing early release of predators to save state money. Pawlenty chief of staff Charlie Weaver counters the article is wrong, and Hatch's claims politically motivated. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
June 23, 2003 -
June 24, 2003 - Gov. Pawlenty says Democrats are making reckless allegations that budget considerations have prompted his administration to consider releasing sexual predators. Pawlenty says the allegations are untrue, and he won't allow early release of sexual psychopaths being held for treatment after their prison terms end. He says Minnesota's policy is unchanged. Kevin Goodno, Human Services Commissioner joins to discuss.
June 24, 2003 - A new law makes it easier to build larger feedlots in Minnesota. People who oppose such facilities and their large manure lagoons say the law strips citizens' right to have a say in the future of their community. Supporters say it will save the government time and money. Mainstreet Radio's Rob Schmitz reports. Prior to the new law, neighbors could challenge any proposed feedlot that had more than 1000 hogs or 214 dairy cows.
June 24, 2003 - Ramsey County is expected to vote today on banning handguns from county owned property. The vote is a response to the recent conceal-carry handgun law passed at the State Capitol. Ramsey county's plan would prohibit handguns from county buildings, libraries... beaches... and other facilities. Joining us on the line is the chair of the county Board of Commissioners, Jim McDonough (mick-DONE-uh). That is Jim McDonough, chair of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners.
June 26, 2003 -
July 1, 2003 -
July 1, 2003 - At least a portion of the Minnesota's two-year budget won't go into effect today Helms reports.
July 1, 2003 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill reports that people in Two Harbors are debating a painful choice. A developer wants to build a motel, shops, and condos on a key piece of real estate. Many local residents want to preserve their a favorite place for a quiet walk along Lake Superior, while others are questioning whether the city can afford what it'll take to keep the land, known as Lighthouse Point, as a park.
July 1, 2003 - The Minnesota Health Department reports today that the number of abortions performed in 2002 was the lowest since the department started collecting yearly comprehensive data in 1998. The report comes on the same day that a new law that requires women to wait 24 hours before receiving an abortion goes into effect. As of today, abortion providers and family planning clinics are also required to provide women seeking an abortion with specific information about the potential risks and complications of the procedure. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...