August 6, 2003 - This weekend 19 year old Private First Class Michelle Loftus will be the subject of celebration at her family farm near Rochester. Loftus was seriously injured in an attack near Baghdad two weeks ago July 23rd. Loftus is lucky to be alive. She's now on the mend and recovering well. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik visited her this week.
July 21, 2003 - New Access Communications has drawn customer complaints from Minnesotans similar to complaints in other states which led to regulatory fines. Governor Tim Pawlenty had connections to the Minneapolis-based telephone company while he served in the Legislature. New Access officials say the vast majority of their customers are satisfied despite consumer protection settlements in three states and an ongoing investigation in Minnesota by Attorney General Mike Hatch. But critics say New Access misled customers about pricing and... in some cases... took over people's telephone service without their permission, a process called "slamming." Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
July 17, 2003 - A spokesman for Governor Tim Pawlenty says the governor would be willing to amend a compaign disclosure report to reflect payments he recieved from a telephone company partially owned by his longtime friend and Republican activist Elam Baer. Pawlenty revealed the payments this week, but said they were made to a corporation he formed, and that he believes they didn't need to be reported as income. But some campaign finance reform advocates say Pawlenty was taking advantage of a loophole in the law, and that candidates should be required to reveal much more about their outside income. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
July 14, 2003 - Funeral services will be held this week in Shakopee for Edward James Herrgott HER-got, the first Minnesotan to die in the war with Iraq. Herrgott, a member of the 1st armored division, fell victim to sniper fire while on patrol in Baghdad a week and a half ago July 3rd. His family and friends want him remembered as a regular kid who was working to hard to build a future for himself. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
July 4, 2003 - Taste of Minnesota organizers say the new Harriet Island location across the Mississippi River from downtown St. Paul is working well for the festival. For the past 20 years A Taste of Minnesota was held on the Capitol mall. Promoters say Harriet Island offers significantly more room and will benefit downtown St. Paul by introducing more people to the city. But venders and festival attendees are giving the new location mixed reviews. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
June 26, 2003 - State officials are urging Minnesotans who'll be igniting fireworks over the 4th of July holiday to use caution. This is the second 4th of July that certain types of fireworks are legal in Minnesota. Officials they're concerned about the potential for injuries and property damage from the use of both legal and ILLEGAL fireworks. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports....
June 25, 2003 - Residents are assessing the damage and beginning the clean up in Buffalo Lake Minnesota. Tuesday night a tornado ripped through the small west central Minnesota town, damaging or destroying several businesses and homes. Governor Tim Pawlenty surveyed the damage early today. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
June 19, 2003 - President George Bush is scheduled to give a speech in suburban Minneapolis today to tout his administration's work to revive the economy. The White House says President Bush will talk about the importance of small businesses to the nation's economy at Fridley- based Micro Control Company. The Republican president's visit comes the same day that Democratic party leaders from around the country arrive in the Twin Cities for meetings to hear from several of the Democrats vying for the White House. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
June 19, 2003 - President Bush made a quick afternoon stop to Fridley-based Micro Control Company today (Thurs), where he highlighted his recently passed tax cut package. Bush said the cuts will spur economic growth by putting more money in Americans' pockets. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
June 9, 2003 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik interviews Rick Kahn, who reflects on his controversial eulogy at Paul Wellstone memorial service and the political fallout.