September 23, 2003 - Observers say a court case questioning the Metropolitan Council's authority will affect how the Twin Cities looks in the future. The St. Paul suburb of Lake Elmo is challenging the Council's call for denser development. The case argued today before the Minnesota Court of Appeals will clarify the Council's power. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
September 24, 2003 - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty leads a trade delegation to Montreal this weekend. The trade mission is focused on biotechnology, as the governor tries to promote Minnesota as a place for biotech companies. Pawlenty and other biotech boosters say Minnesota is well poised to compete in the rush for biotech business. Skeptics say the state doesn't have the resources to become a major biotech player. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
September 24, 2003 -
September 24, 2003 - Minnesota state government may soon join a growing line of seniors and others crossing into Canada for cheaper prescription drugs. Governor Tim Pawlenty today (WEDNESDAY) announced he'll examine ways to reduce state health care expenses by taking advantage lower-priced medications available in other countries. The move puts him at odds with the Bush administration, which has steadfastly oppposed the importation of drugs, arguing it could expose consumer to unsafe products. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
September 25, 2003 - St. Paul officials announced a proposal today (THURS) that targets properties that have become a nuisance to neighbors. They hope better enforcement and stiffer penalties will prompt landlords and other property owners to address health and safety issues. The announcement comes during a time of heightened awareness of safety issues following the weekend fire in Minneapolis that killed three University of Minnesota students. One St. Paul council member intends to introduce a new rule requiring closer scrutiny of student housing. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 25, 2003 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Susan Crumb, a community prosecutor in Brooklyn Park. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office hosting a two-day national meeting on Thursday-Friday, September 25-26, with focus on "community prosecution." In 1999, Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar initiated this new approach to crime-fighting. This approach is based on a closer working relationship between prosecutors and the local neighborhoods and communities where crime is occurring. Prosecutors are assigned to work with police, local residents, businesses and others in a specific geographic area to develop strategies for preventing and prosecuting crime, as well as to identify appropriate consequences for those who break the law.
September 25, 2003 - A divided Minnesota Supreme Court ruled game wardens may inspect fishing boats without probable cause that an angler is violating fishing regulations. However, a dissenting justice said the ruling opens the door for warrantless searches by any police officer on the mere suspicion that the individual is, has, or will hunt or fish. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports:
September 25, 2003 - The Pawlenty administration and others watching the Minnesota economy see biotechnology as one bright light on the horizon. And no single place better captures Minnesota's biotech dreams than a sprawling, abandoned building on the west edge of St. Paul. The city bought the building this month to serve as a non-profit "incubator." Officials hope the empty space will nurture fledgling biotech entrepreneurs into tomorrow's powerhouse corporations. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
September 26, 2003 - This (FRI) afternoon Governor Pawlenty stopped at Rocori High School in Cold Spring. Cold Spring classes resumed just two days after the fatal school shooting. Students say it was hardly a typical day of school -- the halls were relatively quiet, and teachers put their normal lesson plans aside. The goal for the day was mostly to make sure students kept their hands and minds occupied. And that they had someone to talk to if they needed it. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
September 26, 2003 - Should a reporter help the FBI nail the helpful, homeless hacker?