Monday, December 31

Harper Lee's novel To Kill a Mockingbird is considered a timeless classic by some. It's message of inclusion and tolerance has touched countless readers. Now teachers and students at the Fergus Falls middle school are finding the book is not only great reading but a tool for bringing the community together. As Mainstreet Radios Bob Reha reports they got some unexpected support. FULL STORY

Skiers and snow lovers enjoyed their first full weekend of winter snow and sunny skies. At Afton Alps on Sudnay, undeterred by the chilly temperatures, skiers, snowboarders, and snowball-tossers were happy for the chance to enjoy the winter weather. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.

Over the years more than six million children have seen the Minnesota's Children's Theatre Company. For many it was their first theater experience The Children's Theatre Company, now in its 37th season, has outgrown its Minneapolis facility. It's asking the state for $12 million to expand. Mainstreet Radio's Rob Schmitz has this report.

Minnesota Public Radio's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell looks back at the markets in 2001.

The Minnesota Vikings lost to the Green Bay Packers 24-13 yesterday at Lambeau Field. The Vikings had taken the lead in the fourth quarter,l but 79-yard touchdown drive late in the game put the Packers back on top. Rookie Michael Bennett rushed for 104 yards, but third-string quarterback Spergon Wynn completed just 11-of-30 passes and threw three interceptions. Even with a win next week at Baltimore, Minnesota will finish with one of the franchise's worst records. Sean Jenson covers the Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He says the Vikings put forth a strong effort against the Packs.

It's December 31 and time is running out for last minute decisions that will impact your tax bill. The end of the calendar year is a hard-and-fast deadline in making financial moves that will lower your taxes in April. Joining us on the line is Ed Slott of Ed Slott's IRA Advisor, and a regular guest for Minnesota Public Radio's Sound Money.

For a look back at politics in Minnesota over the last year, we're joined by Dean Barkley, former Independence Party Senate candidate and current director of the state Department of Planning; Bob Meek, longtime DFL political consultant; and Republican Sara Janecek, co-editor of the newsletter Politics in Minnesota.

Shoppers in Minnesota and across the nation bought slightly more this holiday season than they did last year. Topping their lists were electronics and other home-related products. Analysts say the impulse to buy such goods gained strength after Sept. 11, when many people appeared to feel that staying close to home was a good idea. The trend was good news for Twin Cities based retailers Target and Best Buy. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports. FULL STORY

Beginning next week, an unusual appeals panel sets up shop in Minnesota; the first of its kind in the country. The panel, comprised of three former Twin Cities judges, will act as a kind of appeals court when health insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield denies mental health coverage to a subscriber. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports. FULL STORY

A mix of optimism and harsh economic reality greet the new Minneapolis mayor and city councilmembers who are to be sworn in Wednesday. R.T. Rybak's first day in office promises to be filled with ceremony, reflection and celebration. But his administration is also confronted with the urgent task of eliminating $5 million worth of city services while the possibility of even greater cuts looms. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.

R.T. Rybak isn't the only new mayor in the Twin Cities. Randy Kelly takes over as mayor of St. Paul today. Many of his inaugural events will happen over the next few days, including his public swearing-in ceremony on Friday. Joining us on the line is Mayor Randy Kelly.

Medicare payment disparities are hurting rural Minnesota. That's according to a new report written by former Minnesota DFL congressman David Minge, and sponsored by the Blandin Foundation. The study is the first of its kind for putting a dollar figure on the difference between rural and urban rates in Medicare, which is the federal government's biggest health care program for seniors. Joining us on the line is David Minge.

Governor Ventura delivers the final State of the State address of his term Thursday tonight. In a break with tradition, Ventura will speak from the Governor's Residence with no live audience present. The governor says he'll focus on the state budget and the projected nearly $2 billion deficit. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.

Norm Coleman was an avid promoter of St. Paul during his eight years as mayor, and no part of the city was touted more heavily than the Mississippi riverfront, which enjoyed a development surge. As Randy Kelly takes over the mayor's office from Coleman, river boosters may wonder how the Father of Waters rates among Kelly's priorities. Wednesday night, the new mayor used one of his inauguration week events to emphasize the importance of the riverfront in his plans for St. Paul. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more.

A tri-partisan stadium task force opened its proceedings to public comment Thursday, and found supporters of state assistance for a new Twins ballpark outnumbering opponents. Unlike previous stadium discussions in previous years, critics of taxpayer involvement were scarce during nearly six hours of testimony. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports. FULL STORY

Minnesota has spent hundreds of millions of public and private sector dollars on affordable housing. However, demand continues to outpace supply. Advocates and state officials say Minnesota is short thousands of units. A private sector study released late last year says the Twin Cities needs tens of thousands of affordable housing units in the next decade for workers earning service sector salaries. Advocates say state and federal budget problems are dimming chances the needs can be met. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.

Governor Ventura delivered the final State of the State address of his term Thursday night, and he used the speech to provide Minnesotans with his perspective on the state's budget problems. The state faces a nearly $2 billion projected budget shortfall. The governor says if the Legislature doesn't act quickly to solve the problem, he'll use his authority to cut government spending. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports. FULL STORY

Ask hockey fans about good hockey teams around the state, and you're likely to hear about the St. Cloud State Huskies. The men's hockey team is again at the top of this week's Division One poll by U.S. College Hockey Online. The team is 17-2-1 for the season. Craig Dahl is the head coach. He's on the line now.

Mark Seeley, professor and extension climatologist at the University of Minnesota, joins us with a look at a typical January snowfall.

Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green is the longest-tenured head coach in the NFL, but his job may be in jeopardy. The Vikings are at the end of Green's first losing season in 10 years with the team. Reports say owner Red McCombs is backing off his steadfast support of Green, and may fire him. The Vikings play their last game this Monday Night against the Baltimore Ravens. Joining us on the line is Sean Jensen who covers the Vikigns for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

In today's edition of the Minneapolis-based business journal CityBusiness, William George will be named Executive of the Year. George is the Chairman of Medtronic. He was chosen for his contributions to the company and his commitment to the community. George has increased Medtronic's market worth by more than 170 percent since he joined the company in 1989. He left his position as CEO last summer, and will retire as chairman this May. Sam Black wrote the article about George for CityBusiness. He says George has an interesting approach to leadership.

Governor Jesse Ventura delivered his State of the State speech last night, giving broad outlines for his plans to close a projected nearly $2 billion state budget shortfall. He said he preferred spending cuts over tax increases. He specifically said that aid to local governments is high on his target list for cuts. Joining us on the line is Karen Anderson, mayor of Minnetonka, and president of the National League of cities.