December 4, 2000 - As lawyers for George W. Bush and Al Gore battle over the presidency in the courts, the candidates and their surrogates wage parallel campaigns trying to convince the public of the merits of their arguments. Polls show Americans getting impatient, even though they remain split over what the outcome should be. Like most Americans, Minnesotans are talking about the state of the nation. Some are indignant, some say it's about fairness, and others are just sick of the whole thing. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
November 30, 2000 - Marisa Helms reports on a survey looking at aspects of Governor Ventura from the public’s view. The results sow ratings are high in all categories. One way he is so popular is through his bold moves, writing books, and connecting with citizens through unusual mediums, such as Playboy interviews.
November 28, 2000 - Saint Cloud State University has made headlines over the past five years for at least a dozen discrimination lawsuits brought against the school. One of the longest standing cases - a sex discrimination class action lawsuit -- has been in the courts for almost four years and is now entering settlement talks. Typically, plaintiffs in such actions are advised to not speak out about their case. But the latest discrimination case against St Cloud State is getting attention because the complainant is willing to speak out. Israeli-born Arie Zmora Helms reports.
November 14, 2000 - MPR’s Maris Helms reports that more than 300 government officials and business leaders were in St. Cloud to give Governor Jesse Ventura feedback on budget proposals he will take before the legislature in January. One of the top issues was funding K-12 education.
November 13, 2000 -
October 27, 2000 - St. Cloud area voters rejected a half-cent sales tax increase during last year's election. This year, the tax is back on the ballot, but in a form the city hopes voters will approve. Mainstreet Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
October 19, 2000 - A new, provocative public service campaign against sexual assault has hit airwaves and billboards across Minnesota. The campaign's message tells a viewer or listener that they could potentially be a rapist. The combination of shock and sexuality in the images is a tried and true formula for selling products, and some advocates are hoping the same formula will propel their anti-violence message into the minds of their target audience 18 to 24 year old men. Mainstreet Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
October 12, 2000 - The banking practice called "microlending" started nearly 30 years ago in Bangladesh as a way to help the poorest people in developing countries find their way out of poverty. Now some Minnesotans are focusing on microlending and how it can help women in the state's minority communities.
September 28, 2000 - Streamlined city budgets and the national trend toward fewer fire emergency responders are among the reasons some Minnesota fire departments are adding more volunteers to their ranks. Mankato, Austin and Winona are the most recent cities to move to what's called a "combination" department. And now the city of Saint Cloud is considering that option with potential savings of a million dollars a year in taxes. But critics say mixing volunteer and career firefighters could put St Cloud residents at risk. Mainstreet Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
September 8, 2000 - With four days to go until voters decide who gets the DFL's US Senate nomination, the leading candidates fanned out across the state for a final round of campaigning. We have a series of reports on the day's activities, beginning with Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms in St. Cloud.