January 10, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that much of the reception to Ventura's deficit reduction plan is icy. Social program advocates and local government officials say Ventura is balancing the state budget at their expense. Tax opponents say Ventura's plans for higher gasoline, tobacco, and sales taxes hurt working Minnesotans.
January 4, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that the Minnesota Twins may not be a team next year but at least they have a new manager. The team announced third base coach Ron Gardenhire will receive a two year guaranteed contract to replace Tom Kelly, contraction or not.
December 27, 2001 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports on possible impact of Minnesota Twins leaving the state. Most experts say only a new stadium will prevent the loss of the team. Observers say if Major League Baseball moves ahead with its contraction plans and cuts the Twins before next season, the Twin Cities reputation as a major league city sports location would be in jeopardy. However, economists say the fallout from the loss of the team would be more psychological than economic.
December 19, 2001 - A Hazelden Foundation report says Minnesotans between the ages of 12 and 25 rank among the highest in the nation in illegal drug use, binge drinking and tobacco use. Researchers say the report shows more young Minneotans are engaging in risky behavior. They say the findings prove the state needs to improve its alcohol, drug and tobacco prevention programs ....even as some state lawmakers are urging that funds earmarked for anti-tobacco education be diverted to solve the state's budget woes. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
December 11, 2001 - An official with Major League Baseball's Player's Association says the union and Major League Baseball did not make significant progress today in talks that could delay elimination of teams. The league and union are reportedly close to reaching an agreement that delays contraction for a year. If the deal goes through, the Twins will play baseball next season but could still face elimination at the end of the 2002 baseball season. Some state lawmakers and other stadium activists say the delay gives them time to save the team but acknowledge a stadium financing plan would have to be put together quickly. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports....
December 5, 2001 - Legislative leaders have started highlighting their proposals to fix the state's nearly 2-billion dollar budget shortfall announced yesterday. Caucus leaders spoke today at the Association of Minnesota Counties' Annual Conference in St. Paul. They say they will wait for Governor Ventura to outline a plan that could help balance the budget, but started making recommendations which include raising taxes and cutting services. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
December 3, 2001 - Governor Ventura has announced the formation of a tri-partisan task force to study rising health care costs and the quality of care. Ventura says the state's double-digit health insurance increases and a floundering economy could lead to higher uninsurance rates. However, he says the task force will not make recommendations until after next year's gubernatorial election. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
November 30, 2001 - The Minnesota Twins and Major League Baseball will get an expedited hearing on whether they must play ball in the Metrodome next season. Though they lost their appeal to take the matter directly to the state Supreme Court, the Court of Appeals has agreed to hear the case before the end of the year. The team and league are asking for the expedited hearing so they can go ahead with their contraction plans before next season. The Twins are a considered a top candidate for contraction. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports... ___________________________ Earlier in the day, the Minnesota Supreme Court issued an order that attorneys for Major League Baseball and the Twins have not demonstrated that this case requires extraordinary procedures. The court also ordered the Court of Appeals to expedite a hearing and decision on the case. At 5 this evening, the Court of Appeals adhered to that order and scheduled briefing dates for mid December and asked all involved parties to appear in court on December 27th. Roger Magnuson, an attorney for Major League Baseball and the Twins, says he's pleased the courts are moving ahead with the case.
November 30, 2001 - Could a new stadium keep the Minnesota Twins up and running? The team is being threatened with shut down because of low salaries and low rankings…but local political and business efforts in creating a task force to look at options for new stadium in state are providing hope that there is still a chance to avoid losing professional baseball in Minnesota.
November 27, 2001 - MPR’s Tom Scheck provides a debrief on Major League Baseball owners meeting in Chicago, where MLB Commissioner Bud Selig said both he and the owners still plan to eliminate two teams before next season. The Minnesota Twins are widely considered a top prospect for elimination, but Selig acknowledges there may be obstacles along the way.