Regional Report Archive

Rochester man to help Afghan refugees
Jan. 14 — This week a Rochester man will travel to Pakistan where he'll establish relief services for Afghan refugees. Frank Anderson represents the American Refugee Committee, a non-profit organization that in the past has taken him to Bosnia, Croatia and Thailand. Anderson believes this could be his most challenging posting yet.
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Legislature to consider anti-terrorism bills
Dec. 17 — Now that the federal government has expanded its authority in criminal investigations, some state lawmakers say they'll propose related legislation. State anti-terrorism measures could include broadening wiretapping authority and limiting public access to information.
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Life on the border
Dec. 17 — The Sept. 11 terrorist attacks have raised concern over security issues along the U.S.-Canada border. Minnesota and North Dakota have 30 ports of entry into Canada. Protecting all of them is no easy task. The lives of those who regularly cross the border have also changed. Tighter security means more waiting and more worrying.
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Sheikh's presence in Rochester is worrisome
Dec. 13 — As the military campaign against Al-Qaeda tightens, so does a campaign launched by Minnesota 1st District Rep. Gil Gutknecht. Gutknecht wants Sheikh Omar Abdel Rahman transferred out of Rochester's Federal Medical Center to a secret location. Rahman, 63, is serving a life sentence for conspiracy in the World Trade Center bombing of 1993. Gutknecht says the sheikh's presence poses a threat to Rochester.
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Somalis worried about mass interviews
Dec. 6 — The FBI has begun interviewing immigrant men in the Twin Cities as part of a nationwide probe of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. It's part of a federal effort to interview 5,000 recent immigrants from countries the U.S. suspects of links to terrorism. Somali leaders see it as one sign of troubling changes in the legal system of their adopted country.
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Camp Ripley's role in national defense
Nov. 27 — Even before Minnesota was a state, the U.S. government built a military outpost called Fort Ripley, seven miles north of present-day Little Falls. In the 1920s and '30s, the state bought land to build Camp Ripley in the same area. The camp's purpose was to train Minnesota National Guard troops for war. Seventy years later, Camp Ripley still prepares National Guard troops for battle. But the training has taken on new significance since the attacks of Sept. 11.
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Questions about quarantine
Nov. 26 — The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging states to adopt new quarantine laws to prepare for bioterrorism. The CDC has floated a model state law calling for strict quarantines and compulsory vaccinations. Minnesota's proposed legislation would give state health authorities powers greater than any they've used in the past, even during historic outbreaks of smallpox.
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Anti-terrorism efforts test limits of civil liberties
Nov. 22 — The Ventura administration has released a series of anti-terrorism initiatives. The proposals range from expanded background checks to updated quarantine laws. State officials say they expect widespread legislative support, but privacy advocates are already starting to raise questions.
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Somalis worried about mass interviews
Dec. 6 — The FBI has begun interviewing immigrant men in the Twin Cities as part of a nationwide probe of the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11. It's part of a federal effort to interview 5,000 recent immigrants from countries the U.S. suspects of links to terrorism. Somali leaders see it as one sign of troubling changes in the legal system of their adopted country.
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Camp Ripley's role in national defense
Nov. 27 — Even before Minnesota was a state, the U.S. government built a military outpost called Fort Ripley, seven miles north of present-day Little Falls. In the 1920s and '30s, the state bought land to build Camp Ripley in the same area. The camp's purpose was to train Minnesota National Guard troops for war. Seventy years later, Camp Ripley still prepares National Guard troops for battle. But the training has taken on new significance since the attacks of Sept. 11.
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Questions about quarantine
Nov. 26 — The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urging states to adopt new quarantine laws to prepare for bioterrorism. The CDC has floated a model state law calling for strict quarantines and compulsory vaccinations. Minnesota's proposed legislation would give state health authorities powers greater than any they've used in the past, even during historic outbreaks of smallpox.
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Anti-terrorism efforts test limits of civil liberties
Nov. 22 — The Ventura administration has released a series of anti-terrorism initiatives. The proposals range from expanded background checks to updated quarantine laws. State officials say they expect widespread legislative support, but privacy advocates are already starting to raise questions.
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Ventura concerned about his own security
Nov. 15 — Gov. Ventura reassured Minnesotans this week that the state is prepared to deal with a terrorist attack. But even as he has tried to calm the public, Ventura has shown increasing concern about the security of the state Capitol - and his own personal protection.
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Minnesota Hispanics feel aftershock of Sept. 11
Nov. 14 — Since Sept. 11, the U.S. economy has weakened. Layoffs and job cutbacks have hit Hispanic workers especially hard. That's because so many immigrants work in the industries most affected - food service, hotels and airports. With layoffs and other scares like anthrax, some Hispanic immigrants are going home.
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Rally supports Somalis in Minneapolis
Nov. 9 — A crowd of more than 200 people gathered in Minneapolis Thursday night to support Minnesota's Somali community. It's been hit hard by the federal crackdown on financial organizations allegedly linked to terrorism.
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Minneapolis groups targeted for aiding bin Laden
Nov. 7 — U.S. Customs agents moved quickly Wednesday to shut down Minneapolis businesses suspected of being associated with terrorist Osama bin Laden. The Bush administration added them to a list of suspected terrorist associates, and froze their assets.
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Health officials: More training, less panic for anthrax scare
Nov. 5 — Minnesota doctors and nurses say they need more supplies and training to deal with a bioterrorist attack. Two Minnesota House committees held a hearing on bioterrorism and key lawmakers say they want to alleviate public fear about anthrax and other forms of bioterrorism.
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Mayo develops quicker anthrax test
Nov. 5 — Researchers at Rochester's Mayo Clinic have developed a new DNA test that identifies anthrax samples in less than an hour. Up to now, it took labs several days to identify the presence of anthrax.
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Postal workers concerned about safety
Oct. 29 — Twin Cities postal union leaders say their members aren't getting the support they need to deal with anthrax scares. The leaders met Monday with Sens. Mark Dayton and Paul Wellstone to air their concerns. They say they're concerned about safety procedures, and workers' ability to get tested for anthrax if they suspect they've been exposed.
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The pledge debate
Oct. 24 — In the burst of patriotism since the terrorist attacks, schools are considering requiring that time be set aside each day for the Pledge of Allegiance, an effort that isn't pleasing everybody.
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Media members examine their role in wartime
Oct. 23 — The local chapter of the Society for Professional Journalists brought together some Twin Cities media executives in a forum at the University of Minnesota. They discussed the challenges of covering the September 11th attacks and the war on terrorism.
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Customers continue to shop at Mall of America
Oct. 19 — The Mall of America is a widely recognized symbol of American consumerism. In recent weeks, the mall has also moved onto the list of potential targets for terrorism. But despite increasing concern about safety at the Mall, shoppers have not stayed away.
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Minnesota Guard unit ready for front lines of bioterrorism
Oct. 18 — Throughout the country, specially-trained teams of National Guard troops are helping local law enforcement officials investigate potential chemical and biological threats. The teams are highly trained and equipped with some of the nation's most sophisticated equipment. The units are on the front lines of the country's defense against bioterrorism. One of them is based in the Twin Cities.
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Powdery substances raises concerns on Northwest flight
Oct. 18 — Vermont health authorities are ordering 60 people connected with a Northwest Airlink flight to receive precautionary antibiotic treatment following a ssuspicious substance that appeared in the plane's cargo hold.
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Capitol, Ventura's residences tested for anthrax
Oct. 17 — Officials will test several areas of the state Capitol, the governor's residence on Summit Ave., and Ventura's Maple Grove ranch for anthrax. The tests follow news that anthrax spores were discovered in New York Gov. George Pataki's office.
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Poll: Bush gets high marks; Minnesotans divided on restrictions
Oct. 17 —A new poll shows President Bush's approval ratings have soared since the terrorist attacks of September 11th. The survey, conducted for Minnesota Public Radio, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and KARE-11 TV, shows 76 percent of Minnesota voters give Bush favorable marks. But while the public is united in its support of the U.S. military campaign in Afghanistan, divisions emerge on how to combat terrorism on the home front.
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Surgeon General: U.S. is "underprepared" for bio attack
Oct. 16 —U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher says the nation is "underprepared" for bioterrorism but is making rapid steps forward. Satcher spoke by satellite video Tuesday at a conference sponsored by the Minnesota Department of Health.
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Poll: Minnesotans unsure about state's ability to cope with terrorism
Oct. 16 —A new poll shows most Minnesotans have doubts or are unsure about the state's ability to respond to a potential terrorist attack. The survey, conducted for Minnesota Public Radio, the St. Paul Pioneer Press, and KARE-11 TV, shows just over a third are confident the state is well-prepared to deal with an attack in Minnesota. The poll results come just as federal, state, and local law enforcement officials are seeking to reassure lawmakers and the public that the state is primed for action if necessary.
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Minnesotans volunteer in New York
Oct. 15 —Firefighters, police officers and other emergency personnel in New York City are getting assistance from many Minnesotans who say it was their duty to travel to the World Trade Center site after September eleventh. A wide variety of Minnesotans, representing organizations like the Red Cross and Salvation Army, made the trip in the past month.
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University of Minnesota tightens security
Oct. 12 —The University of Minnesota is stepping up its security precautions to deal with the threat of terrorist attacks. The increased concern has touched animal research, sporting events, and energy facilities on university campuses.
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Economy's downturn measured at social-service agencies
Oct. 11 —The economic ripple effect from last month's terror attacks continues to reverberate through the Minnesota economy, as airlines - and the companies that rely on them - lay off more people. Meanwhile, food shelves and other social services in the Twin Cities are struggling to keep up with rising demand and a significant drop-off in donations.
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One month later
Oct. 11 —This day marks one month since the terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. Midmorning marks that anniversary with a special live broadcast from Macalester College in St. Paul, holding a conversation about Islam, and about how well the U.S. is prepared for another possible attack.
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A common bond
Oct. 10 —For eight years, Minnesota's only Islamic school has educated elementary and secondary students in Fridley with little notice. Last month's terrorist attacks unexpectedly thrust the school into the spotlight. School officials and students share a common outrage over the violence, but they have mixed feelings about the recent media attention.
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Grounded
Oct. 9 —Dozens of Lake Elmo pilots are among 41,000 pilots, who are stranded on the ground in the name of homeland security. The government says small planes pose a security risk. Ironically, this group includes a retired police officer, several airline pilots and a former FBI agent.
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An Afghani perspective
Oct. 9 —Those who grew up in Afghanistan and now live in Minnesota, have a unique perspective given the current state of affairs. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki recently talked with some Afghanis living in the Twin Cities about the military conflict and how the United States can fight terrorism.
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Minnesotans hurting from economic shock wave
Oct. 8 —U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone chaired a Senate hearing Monday in Bloomington on how the economic slowdown is affecting the state. Wellstone, along with other members of the state's congressional delegation, heard from business and labor leaders, laid-off workers and economists, about what Washington could do to help.
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Minneapolis tries to jump-start economy
Oct. 5 —Minneapolis, like other cities around the country, is feeling the impact of the September 11th terrorist attacks. Job layoffs, fears over public safety, and shrinking consumer confidence are raising concerns about the city's prospects. Minneapolis law enforcement officials, clergy and business leaders discussed how to use their influence to minimize the local impact of the attacks.
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Strike doesn't affect anti-terrorism efforts, officials insist
Oct. 4 —State officials say Minnesota is prepared for the threat of terrorism, despite having as many as half of its workers on strike. They say the state has been preparing for the possibility of a terrorist attack for years, and those plans aren't compromised by Minnesota's largest state employee strike. Members of AFSCME and MAPE were originally set to strike the week after the September 11 attacks, but delayed the strike for two weeks.
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Post-attack economy ushers in new tone at Capitol
Oct. 4 —State lawmakers say the weakening economy, rattled by the September 11th terrorist attacks, will set a new tone when the state Legislature reconvenes early next year. After almost a decade of substantial surpluses, state officials now say revenues are likely to fall short of projections, forcing the state to dip into its reserves - and perhaps beyond.
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Ventura tours World Trade Center attack site
Oct. 3 — Gov. Jesse Ventura says he was shocked by the magnitude of the wreckage at the site of the former World Trade Center in New York City. Ventura toured the site Tuesday with New York Gov. George Pataki.
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Some airlines may fail, Steenland tells legislators
Oct. 2 — Minnesota lawmakers heard testimony on the troubled condition of the state's airline industry. Executives from both Northwest Airlines and Sun Country Airlines told legislators they remained in trouble, despite a $15 billion federal assistance package for major carriers.
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Albright defends the record
Oct. 2 — Former U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright says she's gratified to see nations around the world coming together in opposition to terrorism. Albright talked about the September 11th attacks and offered support to the Bush administration Monday during a speech at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul. She also defended her own record as a diplomat.
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Commentary: Hold our government accounatable
Sept. 28 — On September 11, Joel Patenaude watched with the rest of us as airplanes were turned into missiles that hit the World Trade Center towers in New York, and the Pentagon in Washington D.C. He immediately realized that suspicion would quickly focus on Middle Eastern terrorists. For him, it was a reminder of the aftermath of the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.
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Ventura agrees to Guard troops at airport
Sept. 27 — Visitors to the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport will soon see Minnesota National Guard troops helping with any number of security jobs. President Bush has called on the nation's governor's to deploy National Guard troops at airports through the country. Gov. Jesse Ventura thinks it's a good idea that'll improve security and help put nervous travelers at ease.
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State official defends post-attack gas prices
Sept. 26 — Minnesota's commerce commissioner has told lawmakers that retailers who hiked gas prices the night of September 11 were not gouging consumers. Jim Bernstein says gas stations were merely responding to panicked customers willing to wait in line for gas at any price.
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The Northwest Ripple
Sept. 25 — State officials say Northwest's troubles will have a broad, ripple effect through the state economy. For every job lost at the airline, two more positions will be lost elsewhere in Minnesota. The state is asking the federal government for millions of dollars in emergency dislocated worker funding.
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Muslims in Minnesota play it safe
Sept. 24 — In the wake of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C, Muslims and Arab-Americans across the country report being harassed and discriminated against. In Rochester, some Arab-Americans have been the victims of verbal threats. We talked to one family about their experiences.
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An attack on privacy
Sept. 24 — As the nation struggles to come to grips with terrorism on its own soil, some legal scholars worry that Americans will be too willing to relinquish some of their civil liberties in hopes of a more secure society.
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NWA cuts 10,000
Sept. 21 — Northwest Airlines announced Friday it will cut 10,000 jobs and reduce service by 20 percent to counter a business slowdown in the wake of terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. The carrier attributed the action directly to last week's terrorist attacks.
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Business leaders react to uncertainty
Sept. 21 — Economic uncertainty is among the anxieties facing Americans in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. A panel of business leaders and scholars met at the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management Thursday night, to share views on the economic implications of last week's events.
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War protests return to campuses
Sept. 20 — About 150 students and other activists gathered at the University of Minnesota Thursday to protest the possible use of military action to combat terrorism. Through speeches, chants and poetry, demonstrators voiced their concerns that military strikes against Middle Eastern countries would lead to more terrorist attacks against America.
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Economic shockwave hitting Minnesota
Sept. 20 —The economic ripple effect of last week's terrorists attacks is taking a heavy toll on the Twin Cities convention business. Officials say concern about safety and the difficulty of flying have caused planners of several large conventions to cancel their events. Other businesses are suffering as well.
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Prospects look bright for Alliant Techsystems
Sept. 19 —The prospect of increased military spending in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks has prompted a dramatic rise in the stock prices of some defense contractors - including Edina-based Alliant Techsystems. The company makes ammunition and precision guided munitions that may be needed as the nation goes to a war footing.
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Family, friends remember Minnesota native killed in terrorist attacks
Sept. 19 —Friends and family members remembered Tom Burnett as a hero Tuesday night at St. Edwards Catholic Church. He was among those killed when a hijacked airplane crashed in the Pennsylvania countryside during last week's terrorist attacks.
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State lawmakers look at helping Northwest
Sept. 18 — As Congress considers a $24 billion airline bailout package, some Minnesota legislative leaders think the state should look at ways to help Northwest Airlines, one of the state's largest private employers. But there is no concensus on whether the state should step in with assistance.
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Local hospitals examine emergency preparedness
Sept. 18 — Emergency room physicians say hospitals throughout the state are re-examining their emergency plans after last week's terrorist attacks. Doctors say a large patient load like those seen on the East Coast could stretch their resources. Hospital officials also say they need to increase their planning to prepare for other types of disasters, especially a bioterrorist attack.
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Students advise Wellstone
Sept. 17 — Students at St. Paul's Como Park Senior High School say they want the federal government to track down those responsible for last's week's terrorist attacks on the East Coast, but they don't want to see a hasty military response. About 200 students shared their concerns Monday about the new war on terrorism during a discussion with U.S. Sen. Paul Wellstone.
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A changed climate
Sept. 17 — At the University of Minnesota, some Arab and Muslim students have reported verbal attacks and harassing phone calls since last week's terrorist attacks. While students say they are getting support from their fellow students and from university administrators, some have become more cautious to protect their safety.
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Regional airports deal with tighter security rules
Sept. 17 — Over the weekend, the Federal Aviation Administration issued formal instructions for smaller, regional airports outlining security requirements that mean more restrictions and less convenience for travelers accustomed to their hometown airfield.
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Minnesota Remembers: A Memorial from the Heartland
Sept. 16 — Thousands of Minnesotans gathered outside the State Capitol Sunday afternoon to remember the victims of last week's terrorists attacks.
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Familiar times for 'The Greatest Generation'
Sept. 16 — With patriotic fervor stirred, thousands of people gathered in South Dakota's capital city to dedicate a memorial to its World War II veterans. While some remembered the war to end all wars, many people's thoughts were on a new war, against an elusive enemy.
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NWA cuts flights, may cut jobs
Sept. 15 — Northwest Airlines plans to cut its schedule by 20 percent systemwide by Oct. 1 in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, the airline said Saturday.
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Sept. 14
Minnesota pauses in wake of attacks
Minnesota church bells rang, people gathered for prayer services and local religious leaders called for peace and unity. Events were held throughout the state Friday in conjunction with a national day of prayer and remembrance to honor the victims of this week's terrorist attacks.
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Minnesotans feel pinch at northern border
U.S. Customs officials are in a state of high alert at U.S border crossings as security tightens in the wake of this week's terrorist attacks. At the bridge crossing between International Falls and Fort Frances, Ontario, this means long lines for those trying to get into the United States. Travelers see it as a necessary inconvenience.
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Stranded MSP travelers grow more frustrated
Northwest Airlines abruptly canceled all flights nationwide Thursday night, citing 'external factors' and 'security concerns on the East Coast.' United and Continental followed Northwest's lead, also canceling flights. Airport spokespeople said all airlines intend to resume regular flights this Friday. For the thousands of travelers who came to Minneapolis St. Paul airport ready to leave Minnesota, it was another frustrating day in a very unusual week.
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Sept. 13
Shippers look for alternatives to air cargo
Airlines resumed limited service Thursday after the first nationwide shutdown in history. Businesses that rely on air freight have been scrambling to find alternative ways to ship product, or have just been waiting until service returns to normal.
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Will attacks prompt a recession?
Economists say the terror attacks on the East Coast increase the odds of a recession. While disagreeing on the severity of the impact, they generally agree the consumer's reaction is key.
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Sept. 12
Twin Cities airport service still on hold
Airlines and airports across the country are scrambling to meet new Federal Aviation Administration security rules. Twin Cities-based Northwest Airlines, along with other carriers, has government clearance to begin bringing back some international flights which were diverted to cities outside of the United States Tuesday. Minneapolis St. Paul Airport officials say the airport here will be ready to open - under heightened security - when the FAA permits the resumption of regular scheduled service.
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Minnesota Muslims fear backlash
Amid widespread speculation of an Islamic link to Tuesday's attacks, U.S. Muslim groups condemned the terrorism and warned the 7 million Muslims in the United States to take precautions against harassment or abuse. About 3,000 Muslim people live in Rochester. Many local Muslims became concerned for their own safety.
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Gas gougers strike after terrorists(9/12)
A rush to the gas pump (9/12)
Minnesota reacts to attacks(9/12)
Airport closed in wake of attacks (9/12)
Ventura responds to terrorist attacks (9/12)