April 8, 1999 - This has not been edited! The University of Minnesota now says damage done by animal rights activists who broke into a university research facility earlier this week could extend into the millions of dollars. The Animal Liberation Front has claimed responsibility for the break-in, which freed more than one hundred lab animals and destroyed computers, microscopes, and other lab equipment. As the investigation continues, activists on both sides of the issue are speaking up.
April 9, 1999 - The Minnesota Gang Strike Force is seeking $6 million dollars from the state legislature to continue its work into the year 2000. Attorney General Mike Hatch is also seeking broad new gang prosecution powers. In its first year the force was responsible for 129 convictions and the seizure of drugs, money and firearms around the state. But activists have raised questions about the tactics used to identify gang members, and whether the strikeforce's work justifies its expense.
April 9, 1999 - Top officials from the Red Lake Reservation, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and the Bureau of Indian Affairs met this afternoon to sign a historic agreement to restore the depleted walleye population on Red Lake.
April 9, 1999 - After serving 28 months in federal prison, former White Earth Tribal Chairman Darrell "Chip" Wadena is back home on the reservation. Convicted in 1996 of 15 felony counts including conspiracy, theft and embezzlement of tribal funds, Wadena still contends he did nothing wrong. He now says he plans to seek the White Earth chairmanship again in 2000.
April 9, 1999 -
April 12, 1999 - Voters in the Pipestone-Jasper School District in far southwestern Minnesota, decide tomorrow if they'll replace an 82 year old high school. The building violates the state fire code and is beginning to crumble from the ground up. Opponents don't want to spend 22 million dollars on a new school but would prefer to renovate the old. Pipestone is not alone in this decision. Many communities with aging schools will hold similar bond referendums in the next several years as turn-of-the-century schools need updating. The state isn't staying neutral - holding out financial assistance as an incentive to force new construction.
April 12, 1999 - It's nail biting time for Twin Cities rail boosters. Federal officials reviewing Minnesota's request for money for the Hiawatha Avenue light rail line assume the state will share the cost. But Last week, members of a key Minnesota House committee approved a transporation bill which does NOT include the $60 million the governor and other rail supporters seek. A version of the bill still alive in the Senate includes the money. Light rail supporters worry that failure to win state money will push Minnesota to the back of the funding line.
April 12, 1999 - This week marks Governor Jesse Ventura's 100th day in office. The former wrestler is arguably the country's most well-known governor, and so far he's riding high in the opinion polls.
April 12, 1999 - Tonight the congregation of Redeemer Missionary Baptist Church in Minneapolis will kick off a public fundraiser to help restore the sanctuary they've called home since 1988. The church is among the few remaining prairie school churches in the country. It was designed by architects William Gray Purcell and George Feick Junior in 1909. The architectural style was inspired by straight lines and simple forms of the midwestern landscape. Today, the church sits in a neighborhood that has weathered some tough times, but appears to be on the upswing. The church is just a few feet from Interstate 35 and the drone of traffic outside the building is pretty constant. The church is weather-worn, its paint is peeling, its windows are broken. But it's still a well-preserved example of classic prairie school design. Curator Jennifer Olivarez with the Minneapolis Institute of Arts gave me a tour of the church.
April 12, 1999 - Voters in Minnesota's southeastern-most senate district go to the polls tomorrow in a special election. They'll fill the seat DFL senator Steve Morse left to become assistant commissioner of the Department of Natural Resources. Voters will choose between long time Winona DFL state representative Gene Pelowski; Republican Bob Kierlin - the CEO of Fastenal Company; and Winona County Recorder Bob Bambenek of the Reform Party. The candidates aren't that far apart on the issues. Minnesota Public Radio's Brent Wolfe reports the election will probably turn on which party does the best job getting its core supporters to the polls.