Monday, February 25

Minnesotans love their boats, and boating seems to be growing in popularity. But one place that's never been popular for sailing or cruising is the North Shore of Lake Superior. The big lake is famous for its sudden storms. Local boaters have been pushing the state to build safe harbors along the rocky North Shore. Tonight the Duluth City Council looks at a plan for a harbor that's created its own storm of controversy. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.

Charges against three suspects in the kidnapping and murder of Wall Street Journal reporter Daniel Pearl have been delayed while police continue looking for his body. U.S. officials announced Pearl's death late last week after evidence showed up at the U.S. embassy in Pakistan. Pearl disappeared last month while working on a story. Commentator Linda Cullen, who lives in Minnesota, was in Pakistan when Daniel Pearl was abducted. Cullen is a freelance photographer, and was working in an Afghani refugee camp outside of Peshawar, Pakistan. She says Pearl's death had a large impact on her, and her work.

U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone has revealed he has a mild form of multiple sclerosis. The Senator made the announcement at a press conference Sunday at his home in St. Paul. He says the persistent pain in his lower right leg that he and his doctors have attributed to sports injuries, was diagnosed a month ago as primary progressive multiple sclerosis. Despite the illness, Wellstone says he will continue with his reelection campaign for a third term in the U.S. Senate. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports. FULL STORY

Joining us now is Joel Ulland, the public coordinator of the Minnesota chapter of the MS Society.

Minnesota Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe made it official Sunday. He will seek the DFL endorsement for governor. Moe made the announcement in the gym of the Crookston high school he attended. Mainstreet Radios Dan Gunderson reports. FULL STORY

Legislative leaders and Governor Ventura are expected to meet again today to try to resolve differences on a plan to balance the state budget. The governor must decide soon whether to sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without his signature. Meanwhile, an updated revenue forecast showing a growing shortfall could be released as early as today. Joining us now is Minnesota Public Radio's Capitol Bureau Chief, Laura McCallum.

The Winter Olympics in Utah are over. Before the closing ceremonies last night, Canada defeated the United States for the gold medal in hockey and more athletes were banned because of their use of performance-enhancing drugs. Minnesota sent a large group of competitors to the Olympics, some who are coming home happy, others disappointed. Joining us on the line is Minnesota Public Radio sports Commentator Jay Weiner who we have been checking in with throughout the games.

That's Minnesota Public Radio's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell.

Legislators are expected Tuesday to try to override Governor Jesse Ventura's veto of a budget-balancing plan that lawmakers crafted last week. Ventura criticized the package for relying too heavily on one-time budget reserves to repair what he considers an ongoing problem. Lawmakers say they're disappointed in the governor's action -- but will act quickly to overturn his veto. The maneuvering comes on the heels of another budget forecast showing even larger deficits than originally anticipated. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more. FULL STORY

We talked this morning with DFL Minority Leader Tom Pugh, who says DFL'ers will caucus before the floor debate begins.

State finance officials say it appears Minnesota wages have fallen for the first time in at least 40 years. The figures are part of a forecast released Monday projecting the state's budget shortfall will reach nearly $2.3 billion. That's an increase of 17 percent compared to the forecast issued in early December. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.

A new study shows opening up the carpool lanes on 35W and 394 to all drviers would speed up trips and cut down on gas consumption. But State Transportation Commissioner Elwin Tinklenberg says there are no plans right now to open those lanes. Meanwhile, there are plans that will go into effect this Friday that will turn on more ramp meters around the metro area. Kevin Gutknecht is a spokesman for MnDOT. He says these changes are the result of last year's ramp meter study.

Olympic cross-country skier John Bauer is back in Minnesota today after an impressive performance in Salt Lake City. Bauer finished 12th in the 15 km race, the best American finish in 26 years. He also helped the men's cross-country relay team finish 5th in the 4x10 kilometer race, the best results ever for an American Olympic ski team. John Bauer is on the line now, from his home in Duluth. MINNESOTA AT THE WINTER OLYMPICS

It appears a proposal for a state-run casino in the Twin Cities is dead in the Legislature. The plan would have split casino profits between the state and the impoverished Red Lake and White Earth reservations in northwest Minnesota. Most Minnesota Indian tribes opposed the measure. But tribal leaders at Red Lake and White Earth saw it as a way to lift their reservations out of poverty. Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports.

Two African art forms from two different cultures - Tanzanian storytelling and the Ugandan xylophone - will be heard Wednesday night in Northfield. A St. Olaf professor reading from his collection of Tanzanian folk tales will be joined by two Minnesotans trying to preserve the fast fading tradition of the wooden Ugandan xylophone. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.

House Democrats have blocked an attempt to override Governor Jesse Ventura's veto of a key budget-balancing bill. With virtually all House Republicans voting to override, the chamber fell three votes shy of the necessary two-thirds majority needed to overturn the governor's veto. Ventura says the political maneuvering has only just begun. GOP leaders say they'll make another attempt to push the bill into law over the governor's objections. Democrats say they'll try to win concessions on education spending in return in return for their override support. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.

The Minneapolis school board has approved cutting more than $31 million from next year's budget. The belt tightening includes reduced bus service and the loss of more than 200 teaching positions. But Minneapolis teachers will not be included in a wage freeze affecting other school district employees. In fact, teachers and school officials say they've reached tentative agreement on a new contract. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.

The Big Ten Conference women's basketball tournament gets underway in Indianapolis Thursday. One of the top contenders for the league championship will be the University of Minnesota, which jumped from a last place finish a year ago to finish this season in a tie for second place. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports the Gophers are still getting used to their new role of being hunted by underdog opponents.

The Senate is expected Thursday to complete an effort to override Governor Jesse Ventura's veto of a bipartisan budget-balancing plan. After a false start earlier this week, 11 House Democrats switched their votes Wednesday to provide the necessary two-thirds majority required for an override in the House. If the Senate follows suit, the bill will wipe out nearly $2 billion of a projected $2.3 billion deficit. Lawmakers say they'll now turn their attention to tackling the next piece of the shortfall -- but differences on how to proceed are already emerging. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports. FULL STORY

Joining us now for more analysis is Steven Schier, professor of Political Science at Carleton College.