January 7, 1999 - House Republicans have attached specific dollar amounts to the rebates they plan to send to state taxpayers. They and the Ventura Administration agree the state should return as much of the surplus as possible directly to taxpayers... but so far, neither side knows for sure how to keep FEDERAL tax collectors from taking a chunk out of those rebate checks.
January 7, 1999 - Scientists who meeting at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency said they're encouraged by the progress being made in determining the cause of deformities in frogs found in Minnesota and other states since 1995. Researchers say several different avenues of the investigation are providing information that could lead them closer to finding the reason many frogs have missing limbs, extra limbs, missing eyes and other deformities.
January 7, 1999 - Cities and counties are concerned about their futures under Minnesota's new tri-partisan state government. Many say there are opportunities with a Republican-dominated House, a DFL-controlled Senate, and a Reform Party governor -- but they worry funding for local services may be threatened in the rush to cut taxes.
January 8, 1999 - Red McCombs, Minnesota Vikings owner, talks about Vikings highly successful season, the prospects for the Superbowl, and much more. McCombs also answered listener questions. After McCombs interview , MPR’s Michael Coo presents a brief report on the end of NBA labor dispute and lockout, and what the Minnesota Timberwolves are doing to mend relationship with fans. Program closes with Britt Robson, City Pages sports reporter, discussing the NBA settlement and creation of shortened season. Robson also answered listener questions.
January 8, 1999 - A deal reached between NBA players and team owners means the Minnesota Timberwolves should be back in action next month. The next few weeks will be busy ones as the franchise prepares for a season many thought would never materialize.
January 8, 1999 - Nearly fifty mushers and their sled dog teams will hit the trail in Duluth this Sunday, as the Sixteenth Annual Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon gets underway. The Beargrease has long been Minnesota's main mushing event, but this year the racing season has expanded. New races in Grand Portage and Hinckley attest to the sport's growing popularity, but also mean more competition for the Beargrease.
January 8, 1999 - Snow fall has done a lot to lift the spirits of Minnesota businesses dependent on winter activites like snowmobiling and skiing. Resorts, restaurants and service stations are welcoming back thousands of ski and snowmobile enthusiasts who had little chance to enjoy winter sports since the Spring of 1997. But for some businesses, snow may be too late.
January 8, 1999 - The US govenment announced today 50-million-dollars in emergency aid for struggling hog farmers. Vice President Al Gore says the administration wants to soften the blows of record low prices for producers and help them get back on their feet. The announcement came as South Dakota Pork Producers were debating asking for a billion dollars in disaster aid.
January 8, 1999 - Tensions flared today between the Republican majority in the House and the DFL minority. DFLers say Republicans are changing procedural rules to their own advantage -- and they're even hinting Republican Speaker Steve Sviggum has abused his office on behalf of one of his caucus members. Republicans dismiss the DFL complaints as sour grapes.
January 8, 1999 - A growing number of Minnesota lawmakers say something needs to be done to supply more affordable housing in the state. So far, no bills have been put in the hopper. But there are plenty of ideas circulating including tax cuts for property owners and tax credits for people who invest in affordable housing.