October 1, 2003 - Changes in the state's medical insurance program for low-income Minnesotans took effect today (WEDNESDAY). The changes mean fewer people are eligible for MinnesotaCare and those who are eligible will have to pay more. Officials at hospitals such as the Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis say they stand little chance of seeing additional payments from many poor patients. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 29, 2003 - One woman is dead, another man is wounded after a shooting this morning on the 17th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis. Officers have a female suspect in custody. The shooting happened outside a room where harassment cases were being heard. The violence has prompted a renewed call for greater security in the largest Minnesota government building outside of the state capitol. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 25, 2003 - Minneapolis fire officials have ruled out electrical problems and the hot water heater as the cause of a fire that killed three University of Minnesota students early Saturday morning. Careless smoking and arson are possible, but officials say the exact cause may never be known. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 25, 2003 - St. Paul officials announced a proposal today (THURS) that targets properties that have become a nuisance to neighbors. They hope better enforcement and stiffer penalties will prompt landlords and other property owners to address health and safety issues. The announcement comes during a time of heightened awareness of safety issues following the weekend fire in Minneapolis that killed three University of Minnesota students. One St. Paul council member intends to introduce a new rule requiring closer scrutiny of student housing. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 23, 2003 - Hennepin County officials expect to lay off up to 350 employees as it deals with budget cuts next year. County Administrator Sandy Vargas presented her preliminary budget today (TUES). She proposed raising the property tax the county collects by just over two percent. The overall budget shrinks by more than 63-million dollars. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 22, 2003 - This week, Hennepin County Administrator Sandy Vargas presents her preliminary budget for next year. The budget is expected to reflect reductions of close to a hundred million dollars prompting layoffs and dramatic changes in the way social programs, probation, and other county-funded services work. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 9, 2003 - Hennepin County Commissioners today (Tues) refrained from setting the highest possible property tax levy for next year, despite a grim budget outlook. Those supporting the lower levy limit say keeping taxes down is important for families during tough economic times. Opponents on the County Board, however, say it means there will be ten million dollars less for services for needy residents. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 5, 2003 - Hennepin County officials have collected hundreds of ideas and concerns from those who use and provide the county's myriad services. The county is deciding how to reduce or eliminate spending for many of the programs next year to accommodate recent state funding cuts. Hennepin officials still can't specify where the cuts will be, but say the expected 50-million dollar cut can't help but touch every part of the county's social service network. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
August 27, 2003 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak says he wants a police chief who keeps city streets safe, but also holds officers accountable and can be creative with the department's complex budget. Rybak makes his comments as the search for a replacement for Police Chief Robert Olson gets started in earnest.
August 18, 2003 - About 50 Minneapolis cab drivers held a rally today (MONDAY) to memorialize two slain collegues and to call attention to what they say are unaddressed safety issues. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.