August 6, 2003 - After several days of debate and drama at their national convention in Minneapolis, Episcopalian leaders yesterday (Tues) voted to make Gene Robinson the church's first openly gay bishop. The move came after a one-day investigation cleared Robinson of accusations of sexual improprieties. The vote did not, however, end debate over whether the church should install Robinson as bishop of New Hampshire. Like the rest of the country's Episcopalians, those in Minnesota are NOT of one mind when it comes to the confirmation of the faith's first openly gay bishop. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
July 30, 2003 - The American Episcopal Church is facing a political and theological battle over homosexuality. At issue is the confirmation of a gay bishop-elect of New Hampshire, and the blessing of same sex unions. The two issues are threatening to fracture the Episcopal church during its General Convention being held this week in Minneapolis. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
July 23, 2003 - A Wisconsin Army reservist was buried today Wednesday in his home town of Spooner, Wisconsin. Sergeant First Class Dan Gabrielson died when his truck was hit by a rocket propelled grenade on July 9th while travelling in a convoy about 120 miles north of Baghdad. His nephew - also a reservist in the same platoon - accompanied Gabrielson's remains home to Spooner for the funeral. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
July 16, 2003 - Leaders of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system voted today Weds to sharply increase tuition over the next two years. Students will pay an average of 400 dollars a year more to attend one of MnSCU's 33 institutions. Officials say state budget cuts to higher education forced the increases. Many students are disappointed by the increase. They also say the board's decision to set increases two years in advance will price many students out of an education. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
July 15, 2003 - The former clinical director of the state's sexual offenders program told state lawmakers last night (Mon) she quit her job earlier this year because of plans to release some of the sexual psychopaths in the program. Her testimony, however, conflicted with that of the state human services commissioner. Kevin Goodno told the joint legislative committee that there are no plans to release committed sexual offenders and called such allegations "outrageous." Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
July 9, 2003 - One of the biggest names in U.S. soccer right now is just 14 years old. Freddy Adu as they practiced for Sunday's big game.
July 1, 2003 - At least a portion of the Minnesota's two-year budget won't go into effect today Helms reports.
June 27, 2003 - The state ethical practices board says St. Paul Mayor Randy Kelly was wrong to accept a free trip to Denver, Colorado, for a Minnesota Wild hockey playoff game. The Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board ruled against the mayor for accepting a plane ride, ground transportation and game tickets on April 22 from Minnesota Wild club owners. The Mayor says he will appeal the Board's decision. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
June 25, 2003 - MPR’s Marisa Helms reports from Buffalo Lake, a small town about 75 miles southwest of the Twin Cities, where an F2 tornado struck on June 24th. Helms speaks with residents as they start picking up the pieces from extensive damage left behind.
June 23, 2003 - A war of words has erupted at the highest levels of state government in the wake of a newspaper article about Minnesota's sexual offender program. The article in yesterday's Star Tribune was headlined: "State looks to release sexual psychopaths." Attorney General Mike Hatch is criticizing the Pawlenty administration for forcing early release of predators to save state money. Pawlenty chief of staff Charlie Weaver counters the article is wrong, and Hatch's claims politically motivated. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.