January 30, 2001 - A new report says the costs of problems associated with addiction to alcohol and drugs consume about 16-percent of Minnesota's entire state budget. The study by National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University examined the 1998 budgets of all 50 states. It found Minnesota ranked sixth in the per capita spending on substance abuse. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
January 18, 2001 - Students and adults in Fargo-Moorhead are being challenged this week to think differently about people with disabilities. Cleveland based Dancing Wheels dance company is in town to showcase its artistry, and shatter conventional thinking. Mainstreet Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
January 18, 2001 - North Dakota and South Dakota are using government funded broadband networks to bring state of the art telecommunications access to all parts of the state. Officials there believe encouraging telecommunication companies to build an infrastructure to meet government needs will mean better access for business and everyone else. Mainstreet Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
January 17, 2001 - As the sharply divided congress convenes, there's a great deal of debate about who will wield power in Washington D. C. With House Republicans holding a slim five vote majority, some pundits say the moderate Blue Dog Democrats will form a centrist power base. But Minnesota Seventh District Congressman Collin Peterson, a founding member of the Blue Dogs, says that's unlikely to happen. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
December 22, 2000 - A system created to help kids by reducing social service bureaucracy may now be threatened by a bureaucracy of its own creation In 1993 the Minnesota legislature funded collaborative projects to increase cooperation among local government and social service agencies. The goal was to get local agencies to work together efficiently and effectively, so children at risk don't fall through the cracks. Startup funding is now running out and legislators are being asked for more money to keep the projects going. Local officials from northwest Minnesota discussed the issue with lawmakers today in Moorhead. But while those involved in the projects are claiming success, Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe warned they are in danger of creating further bureaucracy. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
December 21, 2000 - The North Dakota board of higher education voted unanimously today to keep the University of North Dakota's controversial "Fighting Sioux "nickname. The vote is being severely criticized by some Native Americans who find the nickname offensive. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Reha reports.
December 21, 2000 - Fargo-based Great Plains Software is being acquired by software giant Microsoft in a stock deal valued at about one billion dollars. Analysts say the deal marks a shift in focus for Microsoft, and a growth opportunity for Great Plains. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
December 15, 2000 - Governor Ventura traveled to Thief River Falls today to help Arctic Cat unveil a new snowmobile. The company says the machine is quieter and cleaner and will revolutionize the industry. Environmentalists call the new snowmobile window dressing, designed to convince the government to rescind a ban on the machines in national parks. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
December 14, 2000 - North Dakota Governor Ed Schafer leaves office today after serving two four year terms. The popular governor chose not to run for a third term, saying it's time to move on. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
November 24, 2000 - At a time where farmers are being urged to diversify their income one Minnesota dairy farmer is doing just that by making celebrities of his cows. David Lill recently published a book of whimsical photos featuring his cows in human poses, and there are plans for a calendar, t-shirts, coffee mugs and posters. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson reports.