Story archive for
Michael Khoo
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| Date |
Title |
Description |
| 05/14/2001 |
Twins Hopeful About Legislation |
The Minnesota Twins say they've glimpsed a ray of light in the stadium debate at the State Capitol. On Monday, a House committee approved a package that removes most of the public subsidies from the ballpark plan. The Twins say it's doubtful they would support such a deal, but they say they were encouraged by the suggestion they study the financing plan used for the Minnesota Wild's hockey arena. |
| 05/11/2001 |
Twins: Ballpark Plan Lands Foul |
There's good news and bad news for the Minnesota Twins. Lawmakers on Friday revived discussion on a new outdoor ballpark - but in an effort to generate more support, they've removed most of the public financing from the package. Twins officials say legislators may have gone too far, making the stadium deal unpalatable to the franchise. |
| 05/08/2001 |
Showdown Over Abortion Waiting Period |
The Minnesota Senate Tuesday approved a Health and Human Services funding bill with an abortion provision that Gov. Jesse Ventura has promised to veto. Supporters of legalized abortion say funding for essential state services is being held hostage to abortion politics. But abortion foes say their plan to create a 24-hour waiting period for abortions is moderate, and deserves the govenor's signature. |
| 05/08/2001 |
Senate Democrats Release Tax Plan |
With only two weeks to go in the legislative session, Senate DFLers have finally released details of their $609 million tax relief bill. The package concentrates on property tax relief for mid-range homes. But House Republicans say the size of the cuts are an "embarassment." And Gov. Jesse Ventura's administration says the bill fails to meet any of the governor's criteria for reform. |
| 04/30/2001 |
House Releases $1.56 Billion Tax Cut Plan |
Income taxes also would drop, but not by way of traditional rate cuts. The House GOP plan focuses instead on capital gains relief and credits for low-income families totaling about $93 million. |
| 04/26/2001 |
The Incredible Shrinking Income Tax Cut |
Prospects for a major income-tax cut appear dim. House Republicans, who previously championed the idea of across-the-board income-tax cuts, say they're now leaning towards substantial property-tax reform and relief. |
| 04/24/2001 |
Power to the Suburbs? |
Minnesota Senate Republicans are the first out of the gate in the redistricting race. Caucus members unveiled a new map of congressional districts, which they say accounts for the explosive growth in Twin Cities suburbs. |
| 04/18/2001 |
White House Call Reshapes Senate Race |
House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty says an unusual phone call from the White House has convinced him not to run for the U.S. Senate in 2002. |
| 04/17/2001 |
Rebate at Heart of Senate-Ventura Showdown |
Gov. Jesse Ventura is criticizing Senate Democrats for not passing a tax-rebate bill this year, despite an April 15th deadline for taking action. Appearing on MPR's Midday program, Ventura said the failure to act means the Senate will have to accept his proposal, which returns the entire current year surplus. |
| 04/06/2001 |
Ventura Meets His Match: Hunters |
Gov. Jesse Ventura has apologized for his comparison of deer hunting with his own military career. Ventura had seemed to question the legitimacy of hunting animals that can't defend themselves. But after extended criticism from sporting groups, the governor's backing down. |
| 04/03/2001 |
Mixing Abortion Policy with Budget Bills |
Private providers of family planning services say they could lose significant funding if legislation approved by a key House committee becomes law. Last week, the Health and Human Services Committee voted to shift state family planning grants from non-profit groups to cities and counties. Opponents say the move is a veiled attack on groups that provide abortions. But supporters say the switch simply gives taxpayers oversight into how the money is used. |
| 04/03/2001 |
Error: Title not found |
Private providers of family planning services say they could lose significant funding if legislation approved by a key House committee becomes law. Last week, the Health and Human Services Committee voted to shift state family planning grants from non-profit groups to cities and counties. Opponents say the move is a veiled attack on groups that provide abortions. But supporters say the switch simply gives taxpayers oversight into how the money is used. |
| 03/29/2001 |
Twins' Stadium Bill is Barely Breathing |
The move to build a new Twins stadium with partial state funding has cleared a crucial legislative committee. The favorable vote comes just one day before the first deadline for committee action, but the legislation still faces significant obstacles. A number of lawmakers and citizens' groups remain staunchly opposed to public funding for a new ballpark. |
| 03/28/2001 |
Redistricting Battle Looms |
Political consultants are already sharpening their map-drawing pencils with an eye towards the once-in-a-decade redistricting battle. Sharp growth in the Twin Cities' suburban ring will require lawmakers to redefine legislative and Congressional boundaries to match shifting populations. |
| 03/27/2001 |
Ventura Holds Court |
Gov. Jesse Ventura revealed more than just his opposition to abortion legislation during an appearance on MPR's Midday program. The governor staked out positions on a host of proposals now under consideration at the Legislature. |
| 03/22/2001 |
Vikings Seek Stadium Study |
The Minnesota Vikings announced legislation for a stadium study rather than launching a full-bore bid for public money toward a $500 million facility the team would share with the University of Minnesota. |
| 03/06/2001 |
Ventura Tackles Campaign Finance Reform |
Gov. Jesse Ventura has announced a package of campaign finance reforms he says will level the playing field for all candidates in future elections. A tripartisan group of lawmakers joined the governor to support his initiative, although some of them say even deeper reforms are necessary. |
| 02/28/2001 |
Ventura Holds Firm on Tax Plan |
A new economic forecast that predicts a drop in the state's projected surplus means lawmakers and interest groups will have to reconsider some of their budget proposals. But most say the dip of just over $600 million won't force a major change in priorities; and Gov. Jesse Ventura says the new numbers actually strengthen his case for major tax relief and reform. |
| 02/16/2001 |
Ventura Gets an Earful |
Gov. Jesse Ventura is on the road to shop his legislative agenda. Ventura spent Thursday afternoon in downtown St. Peter meeting with business owners. He brought along his budget proposals and tax reform agenda, and residents brought pointed questions. |
| 02/14/2001 |
Students Rally at Capitol |
Thousands of Minnesota students converged on the state Capitol Wednesday to protest Gov. Jesse Ventura's proposed higher education budget. Education advocates say Ventura's budget shortchanges colleges and universities, but the governor is standing his ground. He says he wants to see higher education tighten its belt before seeking new state funds. |
| 02/14/2001 |
Poll: Spend Some of the Surplus |
A new poll shows most Minnesotans favor using part of the state's projected $3 billion surplus for new spending initiatives. The Minnesota Public Radio-St. Paul Pioneer Press survey finds schools among the top priorities. DFL lawmakers say the results support their call for more spending on K-12 and higher education, but GOP leaders and the Ventura administration say they'll continue to push for tax relief. |
| 02/09/2001 |
Despite Controversies, Minnesotans Still Embrace Ventura |
A new poll shows roughly half of Minnesotans disapprove of Gov. Jesse Ventura's job broadcasting XFL football games. But the same survey, commissioned by Minnesota Public Radio and the St. Paul Pioneer Press, shows the governor's job approval ratings are virtually untouched following his XFL debut. |
| 02/05/2001 |
Energy Aid to Schools Stirs Rebate Debate |
The Minnesota Senate has approved up to $30 million in emergency assistance for schools hit by rising energy costs. Supporters of the bill say the measure will allow schools to pay their heating bills without making cuts in other programs. But critics say the plan is just the first step towards spending down the state's projected surplus rather than returning it as a rebate. |
| 01/22/2001 |
Legislators Brace for Abortion Fight |
Several thousand abortion opponents demonstrated on the steps of the state Capitol to mark the 28th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe v. Wade decision. The crowd cheered the new political landscape, in particular the swearing-in of President George W. Bush, and promised to push for more restrictions on the procedure. But groups who support legal access to abortion are vowing not to give up the fight. |
| 01/16/2001 |
Gauging Ventura's Contributions |
Minnesota's experiment in tripartite government begins its third year this month, and Gov. Jesse Ventura says the system is a success. But leaders in the state Legislature say the governor has yet to make his mark in any fundamental sense and that it's too soon to reach a verdict on Minnesota's peculiar arrangement. |
| 01/12/2001 |
Ventura Promotes XFL on 'State Time' |
Gov. Jesse Ventura has come under fire from lawmakers for taking vacation time during the legislation session and for agreeing to provide color commentary during broadcasts of the upcoming Xtreme Football League. It now appears he's combined the two by stumping for the XFL this week while out of town. The governor has said the extracurricular activities won't interfere with his policy agenda, but some legislators think otherwise. |
| 12/27/2000 |
Session 2001: Redistricting |
State lawmakers will redraw legislative and congressional boundaries to match shifting populations. Drawing a map is the easy part, but since the new districts will affect the balance of political power until 2010, drawing a map that all parties can accept may take years. |
| 12/26/2000 |
Session 2001: The Property Tax Debate |
Gov. Ventura has recommended a sweeping reform of Minnesota's property tax system, removing general education funding from the property tax system. His vision faces tough sledding at the Capitol. |
| 12/12/2000 |
Kennedy In, Minge Out in Second District |
Democratic Congressman David Minge has conceded the second district race to Republican challenger Mark Kennedy. Minge's annoucement brings to an end almost two weeks of ballot recounting. |
| 11/28/2000 |
Ventura Ethics Question Unanswered in A.G. Opinion |
The Minnesota attorney general's office has released an opinion that Gov. Jesse Ventura is bound by the state's code of ethics. Ventura has previously maintained that as an elected official, he is exempt from the rules applied to other state employees. But the A.G.'s opinion does not address the crucial question of whether Ventura's recent contract with the XFL actually breaches any ethical codes. |
| 11/08/2000 |
Dayton Ousts Grams from Senate |
DFLer Mark Dayton is headed to Washington after defeating incumbent Republican Rod Grams. Unofficial returns show Dayton with 49 percent of the vote and Grams with 43 percent. Independence Party candidate James Gibson finished a distant third with six percent, but enough to keep major-party status. |
| 11/02/2000 |
MPR Poll: McCollum in Control of 4th District Race |
A new poll suggests Minnesota will elect a woman to Congress for the first time in more than 40 years. The survey, commissioned by Minnesota Public Radio, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and KARE-11 TV, shows DFLer Betty McCollum leading Republican Linda Runbeck in the Fourth District race. Independence Party candidate Tom Foley is following in third place. |
| 11/01/2000 |
MPR Poll: Gore, Bush in Dead Heat in Minnesota |
Texas Gov. George W. Bush arrives in Minnesota to try to break a statistical dead heat among likely Minnesota voters. A new poll, conducted for Minnesota Public Radio, the St. Paul Pioneer Press and KARE-11 TV, shows Gore with 44 percent, Bush with 41 percent, and Green Party candidate Ralph Nader with 8 percent. |
| 09/28/2000 |
Poll: Dayton Catches Grams |
The first poll since the primary election shows Mark Dayton has garnered much of the previously undecided vote, and now leads incumbent U.S. Senator Rod Grams. |
| 09/26/2000 |
The Politics of Privacy |
Minnesota Democrats say they'll make consumer privacy a core issue in the upcoming state legislative races. Last session, both sides of the aisle promised to enact privacy protection measures, and now both are blaming the other side for failure to do so. |
| 09/14/2000 |
No Time to Lose |
The surviving candidates for U.S. Senate wasted no time hitting the campaign trail after the primary election significantly narrowed the field. Republican incumbent Rod Grams, DFLer Mark Dayton, and Independence Party candidate James Gibson are all promising clean campaigns focused on the issues. But the rhetoric is already heating up. |
| 08/25/2000 |
Campaigning at the Fairgrounds |
If Minnesota elections have an unofficial starting gun, the State Fair is it. And with a highly-contested DFL Senate primary just over the horizon, this year's candidates are preparing for a mad sprint to the finish line. |
| 08/24/2000 |
Gore Pulls Ahead in Minnesota |
A new poll shows Vice President Al Gore has taken the lead among likely Minnesota voters. Over the summer, various polls have shown Gore and Texas Governor George W. Bush in a virtual dead heat to carry the state. But the survey, conducted for Minnesota Public Radio, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and KARE-11 TV, shows Gore leading Bush by eight percentage points. |
| 08/22/2000 |
Report Raises Questions About Property Tax Reform |
A report by the Citizens League shows the state's property tax system is leaving some homeowners squeezed by high tax levies. The study was conducted at the request of the state revenue department, which is developing a plan to overhaul the tax system during the next legislative session. The Citizens League report recommends policymakers start with relief for those low- to middle-income families who have seen their tax bills rise beyond their ability to pay. |
| 08/21/2000 |
Senate Candidate Profile: Jerry Janezich |
In June, state senator Jerry Janezich survived hours of debate and nine ballots to become the DFL's endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate. With the party's backing, the support of the state's major labor unions and a strong base on Minnesota's Iron Range, the Chisholm native might seem like a natural choice to challenge incumbent Republican Rod Grams. |
| 08/18/2000 |
Gore's Speech Reaffirms Democratic Platform |
Vice President Al Gore and running mate Joseph Lieberman began their day on August 18 in La Crosse, Wisconsin. They're starting a campaign boat trip down the Mississippi River and through several key swing states. Minnesota delegates are also on their way home after the final curtain came down on the Democratic National Convention. They say they're energized by Gore's acceptance speech, but state DFLers admit the campaign won't be easy. |
| 08/04/2000 |
The Party's Over, It's Back to Work for Minnesota Delegates |
Many of the Minnesota delegates to the Republican National Convention head home with optimism that the state is winnable for George W. Bush. |
| 08/03/2000 |
Minnesota Delegation Reacts to Cheney Speech |
George W. Bush's running mate, Dick Cheney, spoke to the Republican National Convention in Philadelphia and brought the Minnesota delegation to its feet. |
| 07/31/2000 |
Three Minnesotans Speak on GOP Convention's First Day |
The Republican National Convention is underway in Philadelpia. The first day's speakers included three Minnesota candidates: Senator Rod Grams, who is up for re-election this year, and Congressional candidates Linda Runbeck and John Kline. |
| 07/31/2000 |
Convention Battles Gone, But Drama Remains |
The Republican National Convention has begun in Philadelphia. The gathering will culminate Thursday night with the formal endorsement of Texas Governor George W. Bush as the GOP's presidential nominee. Although the party's major decisions have been made in advance of the convention, Minnesota's delegation say there's still reason to be excited. |
| 07/27/2000 |
DFL Debate Reveals Too Much Candidate Similarity |
The four major DFL candidates for U.S. Senate faced off last night during a citizens' forum debate. State senator Jerry Janezich, the party's endorsed candidate joined trial attorney Mike Ciresi, Minneapolis businesswoman Rebecca Yanisch and former state auditor Mark Dayton. In this debate however, the candidates found themselves struggling to differentiate themselves to voters. |
| 07/13/2000 |
MPR Poll: Ventura's Still a Hit |
Minnesotans are giving Governor Jesse Ventura high marks for the recently concluded legislative session. A poll shows more respondents approve of the governor's performance than of the Legislature's. |
| 07/12/2000 |
Poll: Minnesota Up for Grabs in Presidential Contest |
A new poll suggests Texas Governor George W. Bush could be the first Republican presidential candidate to carry Minnesota since Richard Nixon's 1972 victory. An MPR survey shows Bush and Vice-President Al Gore in a statistical dead heat among likely Minnesota voters. |
| 06/23/2000 |
Pump Politics |
Despite signs of falling gas prices, House Republicans called on Governor Jesse Ventura to convene a special legislative session to suspend the state's gasoline excise tax. Ventura quickly nixed the idea, but not before a flurry of competing proposals emerged aimed at combatting high prices at the pump. |
| 06/05/2000 |
Pols Hit the Road Running |
DFL candidates for the U.S. Senate aren't missing a beat as they turn their attention from the weekend convention to the September primary contest. Endorsed candidate Jerry Janezich and rival Rebecca Yanisch were out shaking hands and Mike Ciresi and Mark Dayton are also about to begin criss-crossing the state. |
| 05/25/2000 |
Ventura: Little State Can Do to Stop Mine Closing |
During an appearance on MPR's Midday program, Ventura seemed resigned to the Hoyt Lakes mine closing without a fight. But he was ready to take the gloves off with reporters who were more interested in a new book chapter. |
| 05/18/2000 |
North Star Standard Flunks Legislative Test |
After several false starts on a Profile of Learning compromise, lawmakers eventually agreed on reforms to the state graduation rule. Missing from the agreement, however, were the alternative North Star standards favored by some House Republicans. |
| 04/20/2000 |
Dashed Hopes Under the Dome |
Had the legislative session gone according to plan, lawmakers would have wrapped up their work Wednesday and returned home to kick off their re-election campaigns. Instead, both houses will return next week to pick up where they left off - deadlocked over budget talks. |
| 04/19/2000 |
The Art of No Deal |
Governor Ventura has often proclaimed his lack of ability as an artist. When it comes to the art of political negotiations and consensus-building, he may be right. |
| 04/14/2000 |
Ventura Vetoes Abortion Bill |
Governor Ventura angers Republican leaders in the House by vetoing a bill on abortion, which they claim he promised to support. |
| 04/10/2000 |
Abortion Bill Heads to Ventura |
The Minnesota Senate voted 37-30 in favor of so-called "Women's Right to Know" legislation. The bill establishes a 24-hour waiting period for women seeking an abortion. The measure has already passed the House and now heads to Governor Jesse Ventura's desk. |
| 03/28/2000 |
Lawmakers Bicker Over Tax Cuts |
Minnesota House Republicans have passed a tax relief package totalling three-and-a-quarter billion dollars over the next three years. |
| 03/22/2000 |
Light Rail at the Brink |
The Minnesota House has approved more than $400 million in new spending for state transportation projects. The bill is similar to one passed earlier this week by the Senate. But significant differences remain between the House, the Senate, and the governor - including the issue of light-rail. |
| 03/15/2000 |
The End of the Pork Barrel? |
Minnesota's House Republicans have released their 2000 bonding proposal which they say is free of the pork-barrel spending of the past. The $400 million package conforms with Governor Jesse Ventura's spending target but falls short of what Senate DFLers will likely request. |
| 03/10/2000 |
Unicameral Bill Staggers After House Hit |
Governor Jesse Ventura's push to create a one-house legislature stumbled not once, but twice at the Capitol. A House committee killed a bill that would have let voters decide the issue in the fall. Later in the day, an attempt to revive the measure on the house floor met stiff resistance and was abandoned. |
| 03/03/2000 |
Grams Leads Senate Poll |
In the fight to unseat U.S. Senator Rod Grams, the DFL's strongest candidate isn't even a candidate. A poll commissioned by Minnesota Public Radio and the St. Paul Pioneer Press shows former Congressman Tim Penny would beat Grams if the election were held today. |
| 03/02/2000 |
Privacy Striking Out at Legislature |
Now that the uproar has quieted over news that banks and other companies routinely sold the private financial data of its customers, so - apparently - has the willingness of Minnesota politicians to do something about it. |
| 02/29/2000 |
Spend or Save? |
Despite Governor Ventura's insistence that most of the budget surplus be saved until next year, the news of a higher-than-expected surplus immediately touched off a round of legislative maneuvering over how to divide it between tax cuts and new spending initiatives. |
| 02/23/2000 |
Senate Wounds Unicameral Bill |
A proposal to create a one-house state legislature has stumbled out of a Senate committee in a mixed victory for unicameral supporters. Though the committee sent the plan forward to the next committee stop, lawmakers signalled their opposition by voting down a recommendation that it pass. |
| 02/18/2000 |
The Mile-High Governor |
Governor Jesse Ventura says the Denver experience offers lessons in building successful rail systems, including overcoming political obstacles. Ventura's plan for a Minneapolis LRT line faces a challenge from some state lawmakers. |
| 02/17/2000 |
Denver's Light Rail Experiment |
Governor Jesse Venture is in Denver, Colorado to tour that city's light-rail transit system. The trip is part of the governor's campaign to bring LRT to the Twin Cities, where the plan faces renewed opposition from some state lawmakers. |
| 02/14/2000 |
Unicameralism Survives First Test |
A proposed constitutional amendment to create a one-house state legislature took a small but important step forward Monday. A House committee unanimously approved a measure to put the question on November's ballot. It's the first time a unicameral proposal has passed a legislative committee. |
| 02/10/2000 |
Is LRT a Legislative Poker Chip for 2000? |
Nearly $100 million in state funds for light-rail transit is under attack by House Republicans. GOP leaders say a proposed LRT line in Minneapolis is a waste of taxpayer money and they'll seek to repeal the bonding authority. Senate DFLers and Governor Jesse Ventura say the funding will stay. |
| 02/09/2000 |
Soft Money Survives Attempt at Hardball Politics |
A state Senate committee has struck down an attempt to restrict campaign expenditures by political parties. The plan would have restored a provision limiting so-called independent expenditures by parties on behalf of their candidates. But opponents said the plan would give too much power to special interest groups who would remain unregulated. |
| 02/08/2000 |
Unicameral Proposal Gets First Legislative Airing |
The unicameralism debate has finally opened at the state Capitol. Last night Governor Jesse Ventura and key lawmakers presented the case for a one-house state legislature to legislators themselves. |
| 02/03/2000 |
Ventura Proposes a Boost Toward Self-Reliance |
Governor Jesse Ventura wants to strengthen Minnesota's social safety net by nearly $200 million. Yesterday, the governor proposed using a reserve fund of federal dollars to assist families moving from welfare to self-reliance. |
| 02/02/2000 |
Hands Off the Surplus, Ventura Declares |
Governor Jesse Ventura says he'll offer Minnesota businesses some relief from contributions to the state's workers' compensation fund. Last night in an address to the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, the governor said he'd take advantage of a $500 million surplus in the workers' comp program. Ventura says he'll be more prudent with projected surpluses in the state's general fund. |
| 01/28/2000 |
The Effect of Welfare Reform |
A report from Minnesota's legislative auditor shows Minnesota's welfare rolls are shrinking, but the remaining cases tend to be the hardest to solve. With a federal five-year limit on welfare benefits approaching, the study recommends intensified efforts to reach all needy families and tougher sanctions for those that don't comply. |
| 01/25/2000 |
DFL Releases Rural Plan |
DFL leaders in the State senate announced their rural development agenda for the 2000 legislative session. The Democrats' package doesn't yet have a price tag, but it's similar to a House Republican plan released last week. The main obstacle to each plan may be Governor Jesse Ventura. |
| 01/21/2000 |
Health Care Under the Microscope |
Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch says he will soon launch an investigation into rising health-care premiums in Minnesota. Hatch made his announcement as top DFL lawmakers unveiled a package of health-care proposals for the 2000 legislative session. |
| 01/19/2000 |
Katie's Law |
The five major announced DFL candidates seeking to unseat Republican Senator Rod Grams met for their first debate in Mankato. The candidates sought to distinguish themselves from one another but the task was complicated by their frequent agreement on the issues. Most of their harshest criticisms were directed at Senator Grams rather than each other. |
| 01/18/2000 |
Republicans Lose Another Politician |
State Auditor Judi Dutcher has announced she will leave the Republican Party for the DFL. Dutcher's move marks the second defection by a high-ranking Republican in less than a week. |
| 01/13/2000 |
The Politics of Privacy |
With the 2000 legislative session still more than two weeks away, the debate over consumer privacy protection is shaping up to be a major issue. DFL leaders unveiled a privacy protection package as an alternative to one announced by Republicans last week. DFLers are calling privacy their top legislative priority this session. |
| 11/09/1999 |
Time to Go Private? |
A former North Dakota governor is starting an organization to protect people whose rights are violated by organized religion. George Sinner says he's concerned some religious bodies are willing to sacrifice individual rights to protect their own power and interests. |
| 11/03/1999 |
Voters Write Stadium Obituary |
St. Paul residents yesterday overwhelmingly rejected a sales-tax increase to pay for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in the city's downtown. After a summer of sometimes contentious debate, voters defeated the proposal 58 percent to 42 percent. |
| 10/28/1999 |
Will Baseball Ever Change? |
Next week, St. Paul voters will decide whether to approve Mayor Norm Coleman's plan to build a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in the city's downtown. Supporters and opponents argue back and forth on the economic impact a stadium could provide, but both sides seem to agree the finances of Major League Baseball are in disarray, leaving small market teams like the Twins at a competitive disadvantage. |
| 10/27/1999 |
The Beginning of the End |
The college basketball season hasn't started, but the University of Minnesota Gophers already know they won't make the Final Four next spring. University officials are prohibiting the mens' basketball team from postseason play for one year. |
| 10/21/1999 |
Old Debate, New Forum |
Supporters and opponents of Mayor Norm Coleman's plan to build a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in downtown St. Paul faced off again, this time before the Saint Paul City Council. Meanwhile, Mayor Coleman has eliminated two potential sites for a stadium. |
| 10/19/1999 |
MPR Poll Shows Little Support for Stadium |
Despite an attempt to diffuse opposition to a taxpayer-financed stadium by a change in ownership, a Minnesota Public Radio - Saint Paul Pioneer Press shows steadfast opposition to the plan remains. |
| 10/13/1999 |
A Hidden Threat? |
Minnesota's House Crime Prevention Committee is again exploring options for changing Minnesota's law on concealed handguns. Last night, the committee took public testimony on a proposal that would make it easier for some Minnesotans to carry concealed weapons. |
| 10/12/1999 |
Forum on Stadia Provides Little Agreement |
With the Twins and the Vikings both seeking public support for new sports facilities, tracking the ongoing stadium debate becomes more complicated each day. Last night, key figures in the discussion gathered at a forum sponsored by Minnesota Public Radio and the St. Paul Pioneer Press. They came to five the issues a thorough hearing, and left with little to agree upon. |
| 10/08/1999 |
Pohlad Agrees to Sell Twins |
Minnesota Twins owner Carl Pohlad has signed a letter of intent to sell the team pending approval of a new ballpark in downtown St. Paul. If the deal goes through, sports moguls Glen Taylor and Robert Naegele will head up the new ownership group. Taylor and Naegele are, respectively, the principal owners of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Minnesota Wild. A sale would give them control of three of the Twin Cities' four major professional sports teams. |
| 10/07/1999 |
After the Vote |
In less than a month, Mayor Norm Coleman's plan to build a new Twins ballpark in downtown St. Paul will face a crucial test at the polls. If St. Paul voters approve a new sales tax to fund the stadium, the debate will move to a leery state legislature. Even if the referendum fails, the discussion isn't necessarily over. Part four of a series. |
| 10/05/1999 |
Baseball's Political Football |
Mayor Norm Coleman's campaign to build a new Minnesota Twins ballpark in downtown St. Paul has entered the final month before a citywide referendum on the issue. If voters approve a sales-tax hike to help fund the project, the debate will advance to the state Legislature, where just two years ago, efforts to build a new ballpark ran afoul of public sentiment. Part two of a series. |
| 09/24/1999 |
Stretch Drive Underway for Stadium Vote |
In just over a month, St. Paul residents will deliver their verdict on Mayor Norm Coleman's plan to increase the city sales tax to help build a new open-air stadium for the Minnesota Twins. With time running down, opponents and supporters of the plan are waging campaigns to win hearts, minds, and votes. |
| 09/20/1999 |
Uncharted Territory |
Has a near-perfect 1998-99 season spoiled fans of the Minnesota Vikings? Anybody can be a fan when a team wins, but remaining true to a team after a loss is the ultimate test of character. |
| 08/31/1999 |
How to Keep 'Em on the Farm |
The head of the Minnesota Office of Planning says if the problems of rural Minnesota can't be fixed, the population crunch in metro-Minnesota will get worse. |
| 08/30/1999 |
What Does Cleveland Know? |
St. Paul boosters of a new ballpark say Cleveland is a great example of how a stadium can revitalize a city. Can it? Cleveland's downtown is thriving, but its schools are a disaster and critics say Jacobs Field is a monument to misplaced priorities. |
| 08/12/1999 |
McCombs' Turn |
With the debate over the Twins stadium heating up, Vikings owner Red McCombs makes it clear: he expects a stadium for his team too. |
| 08/10/1999 |
Is Resistance Futile |
The stadium debate becomes a war of attrition. Can proponents outlast frustrated opponents? |
| 08/03/1999 |
Pohlad's Exit Planned |
As part of St. Paul's bid to win approval for a sales-tax increase to fund a new stadium, the owners of the Twins agree to sell the team. |
| 07/26/1999 |
Monson's Message: Go to Class |
After an academic cheating scandal forced out basketball coach Clem Haskins, the University of Minnesota hires a new coach with a different agenda: players should do their own work. |
| 07/14/1999 |
A Mixed Bag |
Although his job performance rating is relatively unchanged, the latest poll from Minnesota Public Radio, KARE TV, and the St. Paul Pioneer Press shows growing concern over Governor Ventura's behavior as governor. |
| 07/01/1999 |
No Sale |
A Minnesota Public Radio - St. Paul Pioneer Press - KARE TV poll shows overwhelming opposition in St. Paul to the idea of a taxpayer-funded baseball stadium. |
| 06/30/1999 |
Legalized Fireworks |
The Fourth of July holiday rekindles the debate: should Minnesota legalize fireworks for public sale? |
| 06/28/1999 |
Lost Cause? |
As the stadium war heats up in the Twin Cities, some economists say stadiums won't equalize the economic playing field. |
| 06/24/1999 |
The Kid From Hibbing |
The people who knew Kevin McHale way back when didn't know he'd be good enough to be a Hall of Famer. |
| 06/21/1999 |
Rallying Around a Friend |
Friends of Kathleen Olson say her arrest by the FBI doesn't change their opinion of her. |
| 06/18/1999 |
Swing And A Miss |
Mayor Coleman and stadium supporters strike out in first attempt to sway voters on ballpark's merits. |
| 06/15/1999 |
The Drive Begins |
St. Paul begins petition drive to put the stadium question on the ballot. A key lawmaker says it won't matter. He'll still vote against it. |
| 06/08/1999 |
Grams Re-election Effort Underwa |
Incumbent senator has plenty of DFL challengers waiting in the wings. |
| 05/18/1999 |
Pencils Down. Legislature Closes Book on Session |
Education is the big winner in the legislative session, but the future of "Profile of Learning" is in doubt. |
| 04/26/1999 |
Rock 'n' Roll to the Rescue |
Minneapolis hosts the first U.S. benefit concert for Kosavar refugees. |
| 04/07/1999 |
Who Are These Guys? |
They're the Minnesota Twins; a lean, mean, game-losing machine. And the fans seem to love it. |
| 04/06/1999 |
Senators Cancel One Another |
As they have for years, Minnesota's two Senators have different opinions on Kosovo. |
| 03/26/1999 |
Looking for a Seed of Hope |
Farmers worry promises of help from state officials was little more than talk. |
| 03/17/1999 |
Abortion Debate Heats Up |
Committee action sets the stage for floor fights. |
| 03/02/1999 |
All Danced Out |
The Majestic Ballroom bows out. |
| 02/20/1999 |
Titanic Whistle Blows Again |
Thousands gather in St. Paul for last chance to hear blast. |
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