December 15, 1998 - The government watchdog group Common Cause Minnesota says conflict of interest allegations against a state senator point out why lawmakers should disclose how they make their money. A Senate ethics panel this week will look into a controversial consulting fee the University of Minnesota paid to D-F-Ler Dallas Sams of Staples. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports... The non-partisan group Citizens for Fiscal Responsibility raised questions last month about a consulting fee paid indirectly from the Univeristy of Minnesota to D-F-L State Senator Dallas Sams. The group says the 12-thousand-five-hundred dollar payment has the appearance of a kickback. Now, Common Cause Minnesota says the allegations underscore the ne
December 15, 1998 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports from Duluth, where the temperature soared close to 50 degrees on December 14th. This fell just short of a 100-year old record. Few seemed to mind the sunshine and distinct lack of ice or snow.
December 15, 1998 - Students who say they're concerned about cuts in financial aid, cheered as Governor-elect Jesse Ventura told them they should pay for college themselves. Ventura told students at North Hennepin Community College in Brooklyn Park that they'll enjoy their education more if they earn it. MPR’s Tim Pugmire interviews a couple students after event to get their take.
December 16, 1998 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Steven Schier, Carleton College political science professor, about Thursday's impeachment debate. Topic of the inevitability of impeachment is addressed. Program also includes interviews with four of Minnesota's representatives in Congress (Martin Sabo, Bill Luther, Gil Gutknecht, and Bruce Vento), and Judge Andrew Danielson on perjury.
December 16, 1998 - (WITH IMPEAC) 4th district MINNESOTA CONGRESSMAN BRUCE VENTO SAYS THE HOUSE PROBE INTO PRESIDENT CLINTON COULD LAST A YEAR. VENTO VOTED AGAINST AN OPEN ENDED INQUIRTY INTO THE PRESIDENT'S BEHAVIOR TODAY. MOST DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF THE MINNESOTA DELEGATION PREFERRED AN INQUIRY THAT WOULDN'T HAVE LASTED PAST THE END OF THE YEAR. Sun 28-MAY 08:32:35 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
December 16, 1998 - Minnesota hog farmers are wondering when a price slump which has made their pigs almost worthless will end. Prices fell sharply again yesterday as an oversupply of hogs continues to drive the market down. More than 300 producers voiced anger at their precarious economic situation last night in Marshall, during a meeting organized by congressman David Minge. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports: The collapse of the hog market is the crisis of a lifetime for pork producers. the worst slump they've ever experienced. The Mar
December 16, 1998 - A Minneapolis city council committee has authorized issuing up to $55 million dollars in bonds to build a Target store downtown. The committee also voted to support an affirmative action plan filed by Dayton Hudson corporation, needed for the Target store project to proceed. More from Minnesota Public Radio's Eric Jansen: Minneapolis officials say Dayton Hudson's filing of its affirmative action plan has resolved the last thorny issue blocking plans for a Target store on Nicollet Mall. Dayton Hudson has said a downtown Target store is not one of its priorities --- its stores do best in suburban locations. But city leaders, including Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, s
December 17, 1998 - Minnsota's congressional delegation has been tracking events in Iraq, and trying to prepare for tomorrow's floor debate on whether to impeach President Clinton. 3rd district Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad says he approves of the airstrikes, but he's still withholding judgement on the impeachment issue: Minnesota 3rd district Republican Congressman Jim Ramstad. Sun 28-MAY 07:29:07 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
December 17, 1998 - We also reached Congressman Martin Sabo in Washington earlier today. The fifth district Democrat also approves of the airstrikes, saying they're the logical conclusion to a long period of ineffective diplomatic relations with Iraq: 5th District Democratic Congressman Martin Sabo spoke to us from Washington earlier in the afternoon. Sun 28-MAY 07:29:07 MPR NewsPro Archive - Wed 04/11/2001
December 17, 1998 - A new housing development in Minneapolis' Phillips neighborhood will convert several landmark mansions into condominiums. Residents say the project is not gentrification that will push poor people out but instead is the beginning of a long awaited turn-around for the inner city neighborhood. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports. The wrecking ball has taken many of the mansions along Park avenue in the Phillips neighborhood. But a few remain, and Lutheran Social Services spokesman Bill Vanderwall says three near their headquarters building will become condominiums. The units will sell for $90,000 to $145,000. Vanderwalle says the housing and other projects in the works will change the face of the city's poorest neighborhood.