November 29, 2004 - On November 21, 2004 in the Wisconsin woods, eight hunter were shot; six died. Chai Vang has told police he shot the hunters after one of them first shot at him. Vang, a Hmong immigrant, also reportedly claims the hunters surrounded him and hurled slurs at him.
November 29, 2004 - When it comes to health care, Governor Pawlenty thinks there's strength in numbers. So much so that he's formed an informal alliance of state government, large employers and labor groups. Pawlenty hopes the large group can initiate changes in the health care marketplace that will lower costs and improve quality. He also plans on eliminating some required paperwork for providers and wants improvements to medical technology. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
November 30, 2004 - Mexico plans to open up a consulate in St. Paul sometime early next year. City, state and Mexican officials made the announcement today.
December 3, 2004 - Governor Pawlenty today (FRI) proposed a series of initiatives to help military members and veterans. He says the 18-million dollar package is a top priority, even as the state faces a projected 700-million dollar budget deficit. Some National Guard members and their families say the governor's proposed benefits would be a major incentive for military members. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
December 6, 2004 - Some members of Governor Tim Pawlenty's own party say he's wrong to explore using casino gambling money to help fund state government. They say the governor's approach conflicts with fundamental Republican party principles and it will cost them votes. Nevertheless Pawlenty is not backing down from trying to pressure tribes into sharing their casino profits. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
December 8, 2004 -
December 9, 2004 - A commissioner from the Federal Communications Commission is in the Twin Cities today
December 10, 2004 - Recent elections have hinted at it, and now a new study backs up the notion that Minnesota's legendary progressive politics have changed. The report by the "Minnesota Community Project" found that many Minnesotans are deeply skeptical about state government and think the state wastes their hard-earned tax dollars on programs that don't benefit them personally. Instead, they want government to get back to the basics like roads and education. These views are strongest in the state's fastest growing counties - the so-called exurbs that make up the outermost ring of the Twin Cities suburbs. Minnesota Public Radio's Lorna Benson reports.
December 13, 2004 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on a Minnesota Community Project study regarding Minnesotan’s attitudes on immigrants. The majority of the people involved in the study expressed favorable attitudes toward immigration. However, the authors say they're particularly dismayed over data showing a streak of hostility toward immigrants - especially by people living in the outer ring suburbs. The study's authors say those attitudes go against Minnesota's tradition of tolerance and acceptance of newcomers.
December 13, 2004 - A high profile, national attorney and two Minnesota hospitals were in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis today to argue how much charity care a non-profit hospital should provide. Plaintiffs across the country have been filing lawsuits against non-profit hospitals for failing to provide an adequate level of charity care to the uninsured and the poor. Allina Hospitals and Clinics and Fairview Health Services say they provide enough care and are asking a judge to dismiss the lawsuit. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...