December 19, 2000 - A new report on drug abuse trends by the Hazelden Foundation finds that "club drugs" are on the rise in the Twin Cities metro area, especially the drug known as ecstasy. Ecstasy is a form of methamphetamine that has hallucinogenic properties. It is considered a "club drug" because it is often used at rave parties and at nightclubs. Carol Falkowski. author of Hazeldon's report, speaks with MPR News.
December 19, 2000 - Right now law enforcement officials in most Minnesota counties have no easy way of sharing information about criminals. That means if officials arrest someone in their county, they may not know that the suspect has a criminal record somewhere else in the state. A bill that will be introduced in the upcoming Legislative session would fund the development of a network for tracking criminals. CriMNet would give officials access to criminal justice records statewide. Last session, as part of Katie's Law, the Legislature approved funds to develop a model for such a system. DFL Senator Jane Ranum is the chair of the Senate crime prevention committee, and talks with MPR News.
December 18, 2000 - For the second week in a row the Minnesota Vikings had a chance to clinch the NFC Central and home field advantage throughout the playoffs and once again were unable to do it. Yesterday's 33 to 28 loss to the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome leaves the Vikings' playoff position uncertain. Sean Jenson covers the Vikings for The St. Paul Pioneer Press and he joins us now. Did the Packers play especially well or did the Vikings play especially poorly? Were we seeing a vintage Brett Favre performance? The Vikings defense has been a weakness all year. Is it more of a liability now? The Packers were successful in shutting down Robert Smith. Was that a big part of their game plan? What do they need to do to get back on track? Quarterback Duante Culpepper sprained his ankle. Will he be okay for next week's game? What are their chances next week in Indianapolis against the Colts.
December 14, 2000 - After the speeches last night by Vice-President Gore and President-elect Bush, Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone announced he is reconsidering his pledge to serve no more than two terms in the U-S Senate. Wellstone's second term ends in 2002. He joins us now. Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone.
December 14, 2000 - All PC companies are facing problems with sales. It is a good time for buyers, bad time for makers. A civil liberties coalition is fighting the framework for fighting computer crime, saying it would take away individual privacy rights.
December 14, 2000 - The presidential contest is over, and Al Gore has conceded to George W. Bush. In a speech last night, the Vice President told the country that it's time to come together as a nation, and offered his support to Bush. After Gore's speech, Bush said he will bring a spirit of bi-partisanship back to Washington, and is ready to lead the country. The two speeches last night came a day after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5 to 4 to end manual recounts in Florida. Joining us on the line is Steven Schier, chair of the political science department at Carleton College.
December 13, 2000 - Republican Gil Gutknecht, who represents Minnesota's First Congressional District, says last night's decision means George W. Bush is the winner of the Presidential election. First District Congressman Gil Gutknecht. Senator Paul Wellstone says he will react to the decision later today.
December 13, 2000 - Everyone involved in the Presidential election dispute is evaluating what to do in the wake of last night's decision by the U.S. Supreme Court. That includes the Florida Legislature. Yesterday the Republican-dominated Florida House passed a resolution to select a set of 25 electors who support Governor George W. Bush. The Florida Senate was planning to vote on that resolution today, but that may not happen. Roger Magnuson is an attorney with the Minneapolis firm Dorsey and Whitney. He has been in Florida testifying on the legitimacy of the Legislature's action. Magnuson says the Supreme Court decision will have an impact on what the Florida Legislature decides to do.
December 13, 2000 - Many are saying it's time for Al Gore to concede after last night's decision by the U-S Supreme Court. Yesterday, Second District D-F-L Congressman David Minge conceded and halted a recount in his race against Republican challenger Mark Kennedy. Minge had called for a recount after the certified vote totals gave Kennedy a victory margin of only 155 votes, but Minge determined yestreday that even if the vast majority of disputed ballots went in his favor, he would not have enough to win. Joining us now is Congress-elect Mark Kennedy.
December 13, 2000 - Fifth District Congressman Martin Sabo.