August 1, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports that new numbers from the U.S. Census Bureau show same-sex households account for nearly one percent of all Minnesota couples. The 2000’ Census figures provide the agency's most accurate count yet of same-sex couples. Advocates and officials alike say the numbers still don't accurately track the true number of gays and lesbians, but are an important marker nonetheless.
July 31, 2001 - Minneapolis officials are downplaying the decision by the investment firm Moody's to downgrade the city's bond rating. Moody's shaved the Minneapolis rating one notch from triple-A----the best rating possible---to double-A-1. Political challengers, however, regard the news as further reason voters should oust incumbent office holders. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
July 27, 2001 - A film depicting the life of Tibetan villagers opens tonight (Friday) at the LagoonTheater in Minneapolis. "Himalaya", by French director Eric Valli (Volley), was nominated for an Oscar for best foreign-language film in 1999. The movie depicts a power struggle among Tibetan villagers in an isolated region of Nepal called 'the dolpo". Most of the actors in the film are local villagers playing fictionalized versions of themselves. One exception is Lhakpa Tsamchoe (LOK-pah SOM-shoo), the Tibetan film actress who was last seen in "Seven Years in Tibet". She told Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes the eight months of filming high in the Himalayan mountains was draining both emotionally and physically.
July 10, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports that The Minneapolis City Council is struggling to figure out the city's next step in light of tax reform that substantially limits future money for a popular neighborhood development program, Neighborhood Revitalization Program. Neighborhood activists are also not sure whether to try for a referendum in November to make up the funding that was cut.
May 23, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on the results of Minnesota’s U.S. census figures. Highlights include the state’s population is older than it was ten years ago; Minnesotan's are much more likely to own their homes than residents in the rest of the nation; and the dramatic increase in the state's Hispanic population is made up largely of people of Mexican heritage.
May 14, 2001 - The agency that manages the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis presented a report which concludes the public favors a new ballpark for the Twins…but the Vikings can make do in the Metrodome if it's renovated. Consultant John Himle, who distilled the comments into the report, says they show the public feels an urgency to deal with the Twins stadium issue. He also says the comments are not related to the teams current success on the field.
May 10, 2001 - ((Ambiance at end goes for about :45 if you want it)) Politics, celebration and a determined plea for human compassion marked the Dalai Lama's final day in Minnesota. After addressing the legislature and meeting privately with the governor yesterday (Wednesday), the Tibetan Buddhist leader lectured at the University of Minnesota and participated in a roundtable discussion on religion with representatives of selected faiths. He's scheduled to leave for Salt Lake City this (Thursday) morning. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
May 9, 2001 - On his third day in Minnesota, the Dalai Lama addressed a joint meeting of the Minnesota Legislature, touching on his constant themes of human rights, faith and each person's responsibility to make personal change. He also met with Governor Ventura, and made his third public speech at the University of Minnesota.
May 9, 2001 - The Dalai Lama brought his message of peace and compassion to a capacity crowd at the University of Minnesota's Williams Arena last (Tues) night. Topics for his address ranged from parenting to politics and his country's occupation by China. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports. The leader of Tibet bowed humbly to the expectant faces that reached to the top seats of what is normally a basketball arena. He was welcomed by Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman. US Senator Paul Wellstone introduced the Dalai Lama with a firey denunciation of China's human rights record in Tibet.
May 8, 2001 - The Dalai Lama made his first public appearance in Minneapolis this (Tues) morning. The holy leader of Tibet presented a lesson on basic Buddhist beliefs to a sold out crowd at the University of Minnesota's Northrop Auditorium. As Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports, reactions to the teaching range from inspired to confused.