|
December 30, 2002 - January 3, 2003
[ Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday ]
|
Monday, Dec. 30, 2002 |
Economic downturn hits state's budget hard
When the 2003 Legislature convenes next week, the main task facing lawmakers and Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty is how to deal with a $4.5 billion budget deficit. The financial squeeze will affect almost every decision they make in the next few months. Yet just a couple of years ago, state officials were swimming in a sea of cash. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum looks at the dramatic downturn in Minnesota's economy, and what the state's leaders plan to do about it.
Mining in Minnesota still struggling
This year may have been the beginning of a turnaround for Minnesota's struggling mining industry. The state's six taconite mines produced more iron pellets than the year before. But, the parent companies of two taconite companies have filed for bankruptcy protection. A third company is struggling to stay open, and the state's largest mine was sold to an investment group. The only certainty in mining is uncertainty. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher has a report.
Vikings finish on up note
The Minnesota Vikings have finished their season on a winning note, 38-36 over the Lions in Detroit. The victory sends them into the offseason 6-10, one game ahead of last year's record. The Vikings started this season on a disappointing note, but turned things around somewhat late in the year, and won several of their final games. Joining us on the line is Sean Jensen, who covers the Vikings for the Pioneer Press.
Chris Farrell on the financial markets
MPR's chief economics correspondent Chris Farrell talks with Cathy Wurzer about the financial markets at the end of the year.
|
|
Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002 |
Some say no taxes pledge could hurt state
If voters knew one thing about Republican gubernatorial candidate Tim Pawlenty, it was this: under no circumstances, he said, would he raise state taxes. Now, gov.-elect Pawlenty is facing a $4.5 billion budget deficit over the next two years, far bigger than most had anticipated. Pawlenty says the unexpected size of the shortfall has not diminished his resolve to stand tough on taxes. But critics say his pledge could damage the state's long-term prospects. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
Crime falls in Minneapolis and St. Paul in 2002
Statistics show serious crime has fallen in Minneapolis and St. Paul for the second year in a row. Minneapolis will report a one percent decrease, and St. Paul about eight percent. But the number of homicides in Minneapolis rose slightly this year over last year from 43 to 46. The rate remains well below the peak of 1995, when nearly 100 killings led to the nickname Murderapolis. Law enforcement officials credit more aggressive policing as one of the main reasons for the long-term decline. However, they are troubled by a resurgence in gang activity this year which has led to a high number of gang-related killings. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
Reviewing the top news stories in 2002
There were several big news stories in 2002. The nation marked the first anniversary of the September 11th attacks and was mesermized for two weeks in October as snipers randomly killed people in the Washington, D.C. area. Here in Minnesota, October was also the month of the biggest regional news story... the death of Senator Paul Wellstone and seven others in a plane crash near Eveleth. Nick Coleman is a columnist for the St. Paul Pioneer Press. He says despite all the news, there were some stories that didn't get as much coverage as they should have.
|
|
Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2003 |
Changes in store for Health and Human Services
The incoming Pawlenty administration and lawmakers will be looking at services for the poor, elderly, and sick as they consider ways to balance the state's budget. Health and Human Services is the second biggest part of the budget, and is considered one of the fastest growing areas of state spending. While some lawmakers say the state's most vulnerable residents could be harmed by budget cuts, Pawlenty and others say Minnesota can make some cuts and changes that will still protect those who need help the most. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
Lt. Gov. to also run Transportation Department
In an apparent first for state government, Minnesota's next lieutenant governor will head a state agency. Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty named Carol Molnau as Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation yesterday. Pawlenty says the appointment shows his administration will not be business as usual. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.
Department of Corrections settles discrimination lawsuit
The state of Minnesota will pay over $400,000 to settle a discrimination lawsuit filed against the Department of Corrections in 1999. The suit was brought by several parties including three black current and former corrections employees whose complaints included being passed over for promotions, and being subjected to a racially hostile workplace. Under the terms of the settlement announced yesterday, the Department of Corrections admits no wrongdoing, but agrees to work with the plaintiffs in establishing a task force to examine department policies. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
|
|
Thursday, Jan. 2, 2003 |
Education community worried about cuts despite assurances
Legislators' promises to protect K-12 education in the 2003 session have not been enough to ease the budget fears in Minnesota school districts. With the state facing a $4.5 billion deficit, education leaders are bracing for another year of program cuts and layoffs. They are also expecting an end to the state's controversial graduation standards, known as the Profile of Learning. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
Bags inspected at Twin Cities airport
All checked bags at the Twin Cities International Airport are now being inspected for explosives. The federal government mandated the inspections as a response to the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, and more than 400 airports around the country are using a variety of techniques to comply. The new checks may mean longer waits at airports, and travelers are being advised to slightly change how they pack their bags. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked with Jim Welna, deputy federal security director for the Transportation Security Administration.
State senate election dispute due to go to court
The two sides in the dispute over who will be the state senator from southern Minnesota's 27th district head to court today. Attention on the closely fought race is focused on whether the State Canvassing Board appropriately handled what to do about seventeen burned ballots. As Minnesota Public Radio's Rob Schmitz reports, the debate is not only being fought by lawyers, but by major players in state government.
Comments on changing libraries
The downtown Minneapolis library is being torn down to make way for a new building. Architect Cesar Pelli designed the next library to accommodate the new needs of library users. St. Paul's downtown library reopened last fall after a major renovation. Commentator Bette Hammel understands why the upgrades are necessary, but she hopes it doesn't mean sacrificing what was good about old libraries.
|
|
Friday, Jan. 3, 2003 |
Transportation will be hot issue at the Capitol
Major transportation initiatives have been stalled at the state Capitol for the last few years, leading to what some advocates say is a near crisis situation on Minnesota's roads and buses. During the campaign for governor, Republican candidate Tim Pawlenty promised that would change under his leadership, but then came the news of the state's whopping $4.5 billion projected deficit. The deficit - and Pawlenty's pledge not to raise taxes - complicate the debate over transportation funding. But the gov.-elect says he remains committed to a solution. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports.
Higher education weighs budget challenge
Minnesota's public universities planned for a couple of lean years even before state officials announced a projected $4.5 billion deficit for the biennium. Both the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system proposed scaled down budget requests for the legislative session. Now that the projected deficit is much larger than anyone thought, officials at the U of M and MnSCU are hoping for the best, but preparing for the worst. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
Pawlenty names chief of staff
Gov.-elect Tim Pawlenty will be sworn into office on Monday. Pawlenty has already made several appointments, including Lieutenant Governor Carol Molnau as transportation commissioner. Yesterday, he named his longtime friend and colleague Charlie Weaver as chief of staff. Weaver served as commissioner of public safety under Gov. Ventura and led Pawlenty's transition team. Commissioner Weaver joins us on the phone this morning.
North Dakota prepares for multi-state lottery
The fourth time was the charm. In November, North Dakota voters approved a ballot measure to allow the state to join a multi-state lottery, like Powerball. Charitable gambling has been legal for years in North Dakota, but this marks the first time the state will enter the gambling business. State officials are already banking on millions of dollars in revenues. Mainstreet Radios Bob Reha reports.
Still no sign of snow
University of Minnesota Meteorologist Mark Seeley looks at Minnesota weather history and discusses the current lack of snow.
Jim Campbell named Executive of the Year
Wells Fargo's Jim Campbell will be named Executive of the Year in today's edition of the The Business Journal. Campbell, the retiring Chairman and CEO of Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, was chosen for his leadership of the company after the 1998 merger between Wells Fargo and Norwest Bank. That merger took the company's headquarters from Minneapolis to San Francisco. Campbell is credited with keeping the bank active and successful in Minnesota. Andrew Tellijohn wrote the profile of Campbell, and he says Campbell's success in business wasn't the only reason why he was chosen Executive of the Year.
Word of Mouth Roundup
Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts looks at art and artists around the state this week.
|
| Morning Edition Archive |
|
|
|
© 2025 | Home : Terms of Use : Your Privacy Rights