October 25, 2006 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on a tighter than expected race in Minnesota's 1st Congressional District. Incumbent Republican candidate Gil Gutknecht is finding a strong opponent in DFL candidate Tim Walz.
October 12, 2006 - Minnesota's Republican and Democratic U.S. Senate candidates are sharply divided on issues surrounding taxes and economic growth. DFL-er Amy Klobuchar says rolling back tax cuts for the wealthiest of Americans would generate tens of billions of dollars that could be used to balance the budget and fund new programs. Republican Congressman Mark Kennedy insists those tax cuts are responsible for economic growth and the creation of millions of jobs. As part of our look at the issues in this year's U.S. Senate race, MPR's Mark Zdechlik reports on candidate’s view on taxes.
August 22, 2006 - President Bush promoted a new healthcare "transparency" initiative at an event in Minnetonka this afternoon (Tuesday). The White House billed the event as a healthcare summit. The president used the forum to promote liability reform, new electronic medical record keeping, and the pooling of small business health insurance. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
May 30, 2006 - A dramatic reflection of rural Minnesota's changing demographics lies in Pelican Rapids' recent inclusion in a state integration program that grew from efforts to desegregate schools in urban areas. Consider this statistic: nearly one-half of Pelican Rapids second graders come from homes where English is not spoken. That number along with other measures of diversity in Pelican Rapids schools forced the district into a program that now requires Pelican Rapids to work with neighboring school districts which are far less diverse. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports on the program and broader concerns about how so-called "integration revenue" money is spent.
April 8, 2005 - Karl Rove, the man considered to be the political mastermind of the Bush White House, will be in Minnesota Friday night to raise money for Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty. Pawlenty is up for re-election next year. Some powerful Republicans also view Pawlenty as a potential presidential or vice presidential candidate in 2008. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
December 27, 2004 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik prepared this documentary, looking back at Minnesota's battleground role in the 2004 race for the White House. Includes numerous interviews and speeches.
December 6, 2004 - Some members of Governor Tim Pawlenty's own party say he's wrong to explore using casino gambling money to help fund state government. They say the governor's approach conflicts with fundamental Republican party principles and it will cost them votes. Nevertheless Pawlenty is not backing down from trying to pressure tribes into sharing their casino profits. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
November 26, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty says he's hoping Minnesotans will share their ideas about the state budget by logging onto a new website put together to collect citizen input. The website "w-w-w-dot-minnesotabudget-dot-state-dot-mn-dot-us," is designed to survey Minnesotans about state revenue and spending priorities. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
April 5, 2004 - National Public Radio says it's sticking with its decision to reassign long-time Morning Edition host Bob Edwards even though thousands of listeners around the country are unhappy with the decision. Some are threatening to withhold membership contributions if NPR doesn't reinstate Edwards. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
December 29, 2003 - Republican U.S. Senator Norm Coleman is approaching the one year anniversary of his arrival in Washington. Coleman says he's living up to his campaign promise to "get the job done." He says his first year has been a success, particularly for a freshman. Minnesota DFL party leaders say there's no question Coleman's been busy, but they say he has focused on building up his own public profile-- not on helping Minnesotans. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...