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• LRT riders accused of hogging street parking
  Some south Minneapolis residents who live near the new light rail line complain that commuters are taking up all of the residential street parking. City and transit officials say they hope the addition of more park-and-ride spots will ease the strain on local residents.August 1, 2004
• Hennepin County moves closer to installing detectors
  Ten months after a woman was shot and killed on the 17th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center in downtown Minneapolis, commissioners are close to approving a plan to install metal detectors in the building.July 28, 2004
• Medical assistance rules challenged in court
  Four people on Minnesota's low-income Medical Assistance program on Monday filed what they intend to be a class-action lawsuit, alleging a 2003 law requiring them to pay co-payments for medication and doctors' visits violates federal Medicaid law.July 26, 2004
• Minneapolis council passes smoking ban
  Smokers in Minneapolis have eight months to light up in the city's bars and restaurants. The Minneapolis City Council Friday passed a ban on smoking in bars, restaurants, pool halls and bowling alleys beginning on March 31, 2005. Mayor R.T. Rybak says he supports the measure. The council voted 12-1 on the measure. The overwhelming show of support came after it became evident that attempts to exempt some bars and restaurants from a smoking ban couldn't receive enough votes.July 23, 2004
• Despite federal assurances, critics still worry about Patriot Act's reach
  Federal officials say the USA Patriot Act, the anti-terrorism law passed in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, does not single out libraries and bookstores for investigation. But critics of one section of the law remain concerned that the Patriot Act may go too far.July 23, 2004
• What does the 9-11 Commission's final report mean?
  Following the release of the 9-11 Commission's final report, we talk to a Minnesotan who was on the Commission's staff about how the 18-month investigation was distilled into 500 pages of narrative, analysis and recommendations.July 22, 2004
• 9-11 Commission: The Final Report
  The National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9-11 Commission) releases its final report on July 22. National Public Radio provides live coverage of the press conference.July 22, 2004
• Bloomington passes first metro area smoking ban
  The Bloomington City Council has passed the first metro area smoking ban. Starting Sept. 1, 2004, all public places and workplaces in Bloomington become smoke-free. The ban would take effect in bars and restaurants next March. The council passed the ban on a 6-1 vote, after four hours of testimony and debate that stretched into the early morning hours.July 20, 2004
• The history of the 9-11 commission
  The final written report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States (also known as the 9-11 Commission) is expected the week of July 19, 2004. In anticipation of this historic report, NPR News has produced a one-hour special on the history of the commission.July 19, 2004
• Fergus Falls tries to save a landmark
  The city of Fergus Falls is trying to save a well known local landmark. When it was built in the 1890s, the Fergus Falls state hospital was considered a model of mental health treatment. Most of the residents are gone now, and the state has declared the site surplus property. If no developers are interested in the sprawling complex, the historic site might fall under the wrecking ball.July 16, 2004
• Cities plead for fix in local government aid
  Mayors from across Minnesota say time is running out for Gov. Tim Pawlenty and lawmakers to correct an error that's left most cities guessing about how much state aid they'll receive next year. A technical glitch has created confusion over how to interpret the aid law -- and city officials say that could lead to budget headaches and unnecessary property tax hikes. Lawmakers and the governor all agreed the law is defective -- but disagree over how and when to call a special session to fix the problem.July 14, 2004
• Who should head the CIA?
  Leaders of the Senate Intelligence Committee are urging President George W. Bush not to delay in naming someone to succeed George Tenet as the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Tenet formally left his post on July 11. Among the questions facing the government: in what ways, if any, should the position's scope and responsibilities change? The CIA has been the focus of intense criticism for intelligence failures leading up to the attacks of September 11 and the war in Iraq.July 12, 2004
• Light rail debut called successful
  Metro Transit officials declare the opening of the Hiawatha Light Rail line a success. A host of celebrations greeted riders over the weekend and the train performed regular, less ceremonious duty Monday. There have been a few minor incidents, but officials say none that mar the smooth function of the state's first commuter train since the mid-'50s.June 28, 2004
• Launch of LRT draws crowds
  Crowds of people joined political leaders in inaugurating light rail service in Minneapolis this weekend. The opening day of the Hiawatha Rail Line saw trains filled to capacity. It was also a day for politicians to put away differences and encourage support to build more transit.June 27, 2004
• Moorhead passes smoking ban in all public workplaces
  The Moorhead City Council has approved a smoking ban that would make it illegal to smoke in all public indoor workplaces. Moorhead is the latest community to pass a ban. Duluth, Cloquet and Moose Lake have smoking bans. Olmsted County, which includes the city of Rochester, has a county- wide ban. Supporters of the ban are hopeful it will prompt officials in neighboring communities in North Dakota to take similar action.June 22, 2004

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