Monday, December 25

Holiday programming.

The bald eagle has come back from the brink of extinction in the U.S. and in Minnesota. The state DNR, along with other agencies and wildlife groups, did a survey of eagle nests in the state, and preliminary findings confirm that the population has grown significantly since the 1960's when the eagle went on the endangered species list. Joining us in the studio is Richard Baker and Joan Galli, both of whom worked on the survey for the DNR. Galli says the state's eagles are doing better than just surviving.

Since his days on the campaign trail, Governor Jesse Ventura has railed against the state's local property tax system, calling it unfair, confusing, and in urgent need of reform. As a candidate, Ventura had few hard proposals for reform and his first budget as governor lacked any radical changes. But after studying the issue for two years, Ventura and his top aides say they're now ready for a major change in property taxes: They propose taking general education funding completely off the property tax rolls, a nearly $1 billion bite. Replacing that revenue with other taxes or spending cuts will involve tricky budget negotiations and the plan is already facing tough questions at the Capitol. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has this preview of Ventura's property tax initiative.

In this era of low unemployment, employers are having a difficult time hiring and retaining skilled workers. In the health care sector, where lives are at stake, the hiring crunch is even more severe. Hospital administrators say the nursing shortage comes at a time when the population is growing older and the need for care is growing. Hospitals, nursing homes and doctor's offices all say the biggest workforce shortage is on the frontlines of medicine: Nurses. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.

MPR's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell with his weekly update on the markets.

Temperatures will drop below zero around the state once again tonight. These cold temperatures are increasing the demand for natural gas, and that's means it's getting more and more expensive to heat your home. Natural gas prices have tripled in the last 18 months, as supplies across the United States have failed to match rising demands. Some analysts say prices could go even higher in the next few months. One way to reduce heating costs is through conservation. Dale Sullivan is an energy specialist with Ramsey Action Programs. He says home owners should start off by trying to reduce draughts within the house.

Remember your census form? The first results from the national headcount should arrive this week. Those numbers and the data that follow will lay the groundwork for a once-in-a-decade political battle. State lawmakers will examine hundreds of thousands of census blocks next year, all part of redrawing 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. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has this preview of the redistricting process.

The Minnesota Legislature will consider a $12 million aid package for the city of Granite Falls when it convenes next month. An F-4 tornado hit the town in southwest Minnesota five months ago, only the most recent disaster the town has endured. The rebuilding continues even as subzero weather sets in. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports.

There are just a few days left to make year-end tax moves to save some money. This year, the stock market started off red-hot, but it looks like most stock indexes will be down for the year. For those of you who bought a house, had a child, or got a big raise, your tax status may have changed. Ed Slott, editor of Ed Slott's IRA Advisor says if you pay off your credit card every month, you can use it to charge medical expenses and charitable contributions that you can deduct from this year's taxes.

The history of Duluth abounds with fur traders and explorers, ships and trains. The city is proud to direct tourists to the museums and historical markers pointing to Duluth's colorful past. But, like all cities, Duluth has stories it regrets. For many years Duluth tried to forget the day it made national news in 1920, the day a crowd of thousands hanged three Black men from a downtown street light. A group of Duluth residents is now working to honor the victims with a monument and a week of events this coming June, on the anniversary of the lynching. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Julin reports.

Don't forget your boots today. Another winter blast is expected to dump snow across much of Minnesota throughout the day. A winter storm warning has been issued for western and southern sections. Matt Davis is a forecaster with the National Weather Service in Chanhassen. He says we're looking at a strong storm system.

When lawmakers gather at the Capitol for the 2001 session, their main purpose is to pass a two-year state budget. Governor Jesse Ventura will reveal his budget in late January, a budget he's spent months preparing. Political observers say the Governor's second budget will define his administration by showing his top priorities. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.

In less than a week, Minnesota will swear-in its first African-American woman as a state legislator. Neva Walker was elected in November from a state House district in South Minneapolis. She's a youth development coordinator for the Minneapolis Area United Way. Walker is a DFLer who, like all new legislators, will have to transition into her new job. Joining us on the line is State Representative-elect Neva Walker.

The University of Minnesota will play North Carolina State in the Micronpc.com Bowl in Miami at 7 p.m. today. The resurgent football program is in a good position to help improve the financial outlook in a men's athletic department that's run up some big debts in the last few years. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports.

Governors of the eight Great Lakes States have floated a series of proposals intended to keep Great Lakes water in the five Great Lakes. The plan by the Council of Great Lakes Governors would make it a lot harder to sell water to anyone outside the region. But first, they've got to convince two Canadian provincial governments and a handful of environmental groups the proposals are tough enough. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.

The major players are the same for the 2001 legislative session - a Republican controlled House, a Senate dominated by Democrats, and an independent Governor who answers to neither party. But as Minnesota's experiment with tri-partisan government enters its third year, the political dynamics are shifting. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.

The Minnesota Gophers football team imploded last night. The team lost 38-30 to the North Carolina Wolfpack in the micronpc.com bowl. The Gophers looked good at the beginning of the game, and lead 21-0 before falling behind. For Minnesota, the loss ends an up and down year that saw a victory at Ohio State for the first time in decades, and heart breaking losses.... including one on a hail mary pass against Northwestern. Joining us to talk about the bowl game last night and the end of the Gopher's season is Brian Hamilton, sports writer for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Meteorologist Mark Seeley, on the weather.

The snow created bad road conditions in many other parts of the state as well. We checked in with Renard Fritz of the state patrol in Detroit Lakes to see how things are going in that area of the state.

Minnesotans are slowly digging out after a winter storm dumped up to ten inches in some areas of the state. That snow is snarling traffic in some parts of the Twin Cities this morning. Robin Bellamy at the traffic management center says there's been some trouble out there.