October 17, 2000 - The final debate between presidential candidates Governor George W Bush, and Vice-President Al Gore is scheduled to take place later tonight in St. Louis, but it could be postponed because of the death of Missouri Govenor Mel Carnahan. The race is close in nation-wide polls, and many battleground states are being inundated with political ads. In Minnesota, the national Republican Party recently began spending money on ads for Bush, and ads on behalf of Rod Grams in the Minnesota U.S. Senate race. The Minnesota GOP won't say how much money is being spent, only that it is "substantial." Steven Schier, chair of the political science department at Carleton College, speaks with MPR News.
October 17, 2000 - A growing number of people in the region are reporting that their homes are being invaded by swarms of insects that look a lot like the common ladybug. They're actually a relative of the ladybug known as the multi-colored asian lady beetle. Their numbers have been growing in Minnesota recently and this time of year the beetles go into houses in search of a warm place to spend the winter. Jeff Hahn, an entomologist with the University of Minnesota Extension Service, talks with MPR News.
October 16, 2000 - Twin Cities motorists weigh in on life without ramp meters.
October 16, 2000 - Vikings running back Robert Smith ran for 170 yards to lead the Minnesota Vikings to a 28 to 16 win over the Bears last night in Chicago. Smith passed Chuck Foreman to become the leading rusher in Vikings history. The Vikings are now 6 and 0 and tie with the St. Louis Rams for the best record in football. Joining MPR News from Chicago to comment is Sean Jensen who covers the Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
October 13, 2000 - Debuting the Minnesota Wild hockey team is great, but there are some downfalls that come with it. Areas of concern include: XCel Energy Center, NHL, question of Wild success.
October 13, 2000 - Mark Seeley is a meteorologist and climatologist at the the University of Minnesota and he's here for his weekly weather chat, in short sleeves.
October 13, 2000 -
October 13, 2000 - Later today city officials and neighborhood groups will break ground on a project to build wetlands around Lake Nokomis. The water quality of the lake is declining because rain water drains into the lake and brings with it phosphorous from lawn fertilizers and other contaminants from the surrounding area. The new wetlands will filter the water before it drains into the lake. Joining MPR News to comment is Pam Blixt, president of the board of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed District.
October 12, 2000 - A bill that would increase protection for women and children who are victims of international sex trafficking is headed to president Clinton after passing in the Senate yesterday. The CIA estimates that as many as 50,000 women and children who enter the United States illegally each year are forced to work as prostitutes, forced laborers, and servants. This legislation has been a priority for Senator Paul Wellstone. He says his wife Shelia deserves credit for getting the bill through Congress.
October 11, 2000 - Funeral services for Representative Bruce Vento will be held on Friday. Jim Schiebel worked closely with Vento when Schiebel was mayor of St. Paul in the early 1990s. He says he'll remember Vento for his commitment to a number of issues including help for the homeless.