August 11, 2003 - Many reports indicate that U.S. inmate populations are hitting record high levels. Minnesota's incarceration rate remains low compared to other states. But the numbers are on the rise. That's putting pressure on state prisons. A new law will shift some of the burden to county jails. Mainstreet Radio's Annie Baxter reports.
August 12, 2003 - The Republican landslide in November's election left Democrats with little leverage at the state Capitol. Only the Senate remained in DFL control, and by the slimmest DFL margin since the state began partisan elections in the early 70s. The result was predictable -- although they managed to blunt the impact of some of the proposed Republican budget cuts, no major DFL initiatives succeeded in the last session. In part four of our Right Turn series, Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum looks at the challenges facing DFL leadership in the Legislature.
August 12, 2003 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham interviews Wendell Anderson, former governor of Minnesota; and Chuck Ruhr, a Minneapolis advertising executive, as they look back at the 1973 Time magazine issue that highlighted the state of Minnesota. Anderson and Ruhr discuss the Minnesota reflected in those pages and how things have changed.
August 12, 2003 - Two of Governor Tim Pawlenty's most important assets are his winning smile and his easy disposition. Even his biggest critics say it's hard not to like him. But political opponents are quick to charge that behind the friendly demeanor lurks a radical agenda that is steering Minnesota off-course. Pawlenty and his allies, however, point to crushing victories at the ballot box last year as evidence that their roadmap is exactly what Minnesotans want. As part of our "Minnesota's Right Turn" series, Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has this report.
August 13, 2003 - Minnesota's new budget has been law for barely a month, too soon for nonprofits, local government officials and health care professionals to know its full impact. In May, led by Governor Tim Pawlenty and the Republican-controlled House, the Legislature passed a two year budget that erased a $4.2 billion deficit without raising taxes. Critics warned that approach would threaten Minnesota's high quality of life. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports the impact on the state's quality of life may not be known for some time.
August 13, 2003 - California voters will get a taste of Minnesota in their gubernatorial recall election campaign. Dean Barkley, who founded Minnesota's independence party and orchestrated Jesse Ventura's 1998 election win, has been brought on board to direct California independent candidate Arianna Huffington's campaign. Barkley also served as interim senator after the death of Paul Wellstone last fall. He says he intends to pattern Huffington's run after Jesse Ventura's miracle victory.
August 13, 2003 - Another Minnesota National Guard Unit leaves today for active duty. The 1st Battalion of the 125th Field Artillery will go first to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin for training before heading overseas. Farewell ceremonies have been held for the unit throughout southern Minnesota, including one Tuesday afternoon in New Ulm. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports.
August 13, 2003 - Several Twin Cities area judges say they have a renewed passion for the American justice system after serving as the first U.S. judges to take part in the United Nation's mission in Kosovo. Judges from Hennepin, Ramsey and Dakota counties ruled on cases too sensitive for local judges war crimes, ethnic disputes and organized crime. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki checked in with the judges who returned to the U.S. in the past few weeks
August 13, 2003 - A behind-the-scenes feud between Governor Tim Pawlenty and DFL Attorney General Mike Hatch spilled into the open today (MONDAY) as House Republicans called for an investigation of Hatch. In response Hatch released letters detailing sharp disagreements between his office and the Pawlenty administration over how to appoint an independent counsel to investigate possible campaign finance abuses. The spat is the latest round in an ongoing series of recriminations between DFL and GOP officials at the state Capitol. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
August 14, 2003 - The two largest state employees unions are recommending that their members reject a new contract proposal that state officials say is their best offer. Talks broke off early this morning when the state and union negotiators failed to find agreement on how to structure health benefits. Union leaders say the plan will drive up out-of-pocket health care expenses. State officials say the increases will be modest given rising costs and the state's budget pinch. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.