October 14, 2003 - In Hennepin County, a new task force will examine security issues at the Government Center in downtown Minneapolis. Hennepin County Board Chair Mike Opat named the group yesterday. The move comes in response to a fatal shooting, in which a woman was killed and her attorney injured when someone opened fire on the 17th floor of the building. A grand jury has indicted Susan Berkovitz in the shootings. Former Hennepin County Commissioner John Derus is a member of the new task force, and he's on the line now.
October 15, 2003 - Community activists in Minneapolis expressed outrage today (WEDS) over allegations of police brutality by Minneapolis police officers. Minneapolis police have asked the FBI to investigate the allegation. Members of groups which represent several communities of color say they believe an African American male suspect was sexually assaulted while in custody Monday afternoon. The activists are demanding a federal civil rights investigation of the Minneapolis department. MPR's Brandt Williams reports
October 15, 2003 - A Minnesota Marine just back from the war in Iraq says many residents he encountered welcomed American troops. Jorge (George) Alvarado returned home Saturday after nearly nine months of duty that began with combat and ended with security detail. He faced danger at every turn but the incident that injured him was caused by a car crash. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
October 15, 2003 - Ohio Congressman Dennis Kucinich brought his presidential campaign kick-off tour to Minneapolis last night. About two-thousand supporters gathered at Roosevelt High School, one of 12 stops Kucinich scheduled over three days. Kucinich supporters say their candidate is the only presidential contender who truly represents a change from George W. Bush. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
October 16, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty announced a plan today that would make it easier for Minnesotans to buy lower priced prescription drugs from Canada. Pawlenty wants the state to create a website that lists Canadian pharmacies that meet state standards for safety. He's also asking state officials to look at importing foreign-made, government-approved drugs for Minnesotans. Critics say the plan isn't safe for consumers and could endanger the economic health of pharmacies across Minnesota. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
October 16, 2003 - The Metropolitan Council has adopted a new draft plan to guide growth and development in the Twin Cities for the next few decades. The new plan changes a previous iniative called Blueprint 2030 which was approved last December... when most of the council members were appointed by then-Governor Jesse Ventura. When Tim Pawlenty became governor he appointed a new chairman... and new members. The growth plan produced by the new group is more concise and is now called a framework rather than a blueprint. Joining us on the line is Peter Bell... chairman of the Met Council. That is Peter Bell, chair of the Metropolitan Council
October 16, 2003 - The state's public defenders told the Minnesota Supreme Court yesterday (Wednesday) that state budget cuts have pushed their system into a crisis. The board says it's down 20 attorneys at a time when caseloads are soaring. They've asked justices for emergency relief ranging from delaying some criminal cases to limiting the number of public defenders handling child protection cases. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports:
October 16, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on an alleged sexual assault by Minneapolis police officers. Report includes commentary from R.T. Rybak, Minneapolis Mayor; Keith Ellison, accuser’s attorney; John DelmoMPR’s Art Hughes reports on an alleged sexual assault by Minneapolis police officers. Report includes commentary from R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis; Keith Ellison, accuser’s attorney; John Delmonico, President of Minneapolis Police Federation; and individuals in the community.nico, President of Minneapolis Police Federation; and individuals in the community.
October 21, 2003 - Nearly two-thousand University of Minnesota clerical workers are walking the picket lines at this hour. Marisa Helms reports.
October 21, 2003 - The University of Minnesota today is facing its first strike in nearly 60 years. More than 18-hundred clerical workers belonging to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees local 38-hundred went on strike this morning. The union rejected the university's final offer last night. It included a one-year wage freeze and a two-and-a-half percent pay increase in the second year. It would also increase employees' share of health-care premiums. University officials say that state budget cuts have limited their ability to offer more. Tom Juravich is director of the Labor Relations and Research Center at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He says, in some cases, a strike can be an effective tool for workers.