February 17, 1999 - Minnesota lawmakers are debating whether to relax a state ban prohibiting them from receiving gifts from lobbyists. The current law is very strict... but supporters argue they aren't about to let their votes be bought for a cup of coffee or a cookie. Opponents say changing the law opens the door to more money in politics.
February 18, 1999 - As Eric reported Artspace, the organization that's adopted the Shubert theater must raise twenty to thirty million dollars to re-open the theatre. If they can't do it, the theater will be torn down. Wendy Holmes-Nelson of Artspace says the heavy-duty fundraising will start this spring.
February 18, 1999 - The desire for artistic expression is inherent in every human being. That's the view at the Interact Center for the Visual and Performing Arts which is opening a new play this weekend. Interact is the only place of it's kind in the country, offering people with mental and physical disabilities a chance to become artists. A Mind in Flames" is about mental illness written and performed by artists who know first hand what it's like to live with schizophrenia, depression, and paranoia.
February 18, 1999 - The Shubert Theatre in downtown Minneapolis is finally inching toward its new home. Moving the 90-year-old building is a costly project fraught with delays, so arts supporters and city officials are relieved it's finally on its way.
February 18, 1999 - The family of a Minneapolis man killed in a high speed chase says police need more training to avoid similar tragedies. Last November a Minneapolis police officer struck Steve Winkel's truck while chasing a burglary suspect. Today, members of a Minnesota House committee approved a measure which more than doubles the pursuit training police must take. The measure also increases penalties for people who try outrun police. But the next House committee to hear the bill has questions about funding the measure.
February 18, 1999 - Governor Ventura took a break from the state capitol today and took his show on the road to the small town of Delano, about half an hour west of Minneapolis . Ventura says he's beginning to feel isolated from the people who elected hi,m and he made the trip to get back in touch with the grassroots.
February 18, 1999 - Rochester officials say the possibility of a University of Minnesota branch campus will increase the ability for the Mayo Clinic and other businesses to attract and retain workers. The Minnesota State College and University Board this week approved a set of principles that opens the door for a U of M branch campus in Rochester. The decision is now in the hands of the University Board of Regents and the legislature.
February 18, 1999 - It's been less than six weeks since the new 651 area code became mandatory for St. Paul and its surrounding suburbs. And already, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission is considering another area code for the Twin Cities. Last night, the PUC held its first public hearing on the proposed changes.
February 18, 1999 - Republicans and Democrats in the Minnesota House have agreed to use money from the state's tobacco settlement to pay for subsidized health care. In a unique show of bi-partisanship, lawmakers from both parties support a plan to eliminate the so-called "sick tax", and use tobacco money to fund Minnesota Care.
February 19, 1999 - Since the early 1960s the Vermont-based Bread and Puppet Theater has been taking it to the streets. Considered at the forefront of the theater of social protest... the company uses hand-made puppets which are deceptively simple-- created from common materials but with powerful artistic results. This week and next Bread and Puppet -- with it's founder Peter Schumann -- are in the Twin Cities performing some of their classic work and and adding new creations with the help of Macalester college students and children from area schools.