Digitization made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, approved by voters in 2008.
June 17, 1997 - Mark Rosentraub is an expert on the economics of professional sports. He's the author of "Major League Losers: The Real Cost of Sports and Who's Paying For It". Rosentraub says today's news about the NHL expansion team is great news for sports fans, but it may be tough to support a fourth professional sports team in this market.
June 17, 1997 - A solar-powered car using the same amount of power as a hair-dryer, but capable of breaking the speed limit on the open highway, is ready to hit the road. "Aurora 3" is the solar car built by University of Minnesota students to compete against solar cars from other schools in Sunrace '97, the cross-country contest which begins in Indianapolis tomorrow. Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr went along to watch preparations before the team left Minnesota.
June 17, 1997 - Minneapolis officials say they've put a significant dent in two gangs operating in the city. The announcement that police have arrested nine members of the Bogus Boys and the Family Mob gangs comes just as a new report highlights the strong link between gangs and Minneapolis homicides. The report suggests that despite the recent arrests police still have their work cut out for them. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Wareham reports.
June 17, 1997 - Federal meat inspection requirements are coming under fire by the owners of small processing plants. The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service is considering changing a ban on interstate sales of beef processed at state inspected plants. Officials held two days of public testimony in Sioux Falls this week. Minnesota Public Radios Cara Hetland reports.
June 18, 1997 - Governor Carlson says he's bringing the Legislature back for a special session on funding K-12 education, even though he and the Democrats say they haven't resolved the deadlock left over after the Legislature adjourned last month. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin kaste reports.
June 18, 1997 - The Minneapolis School Board has found a candidate for superintendent less than three weeks after ending its relationship with a private management firm. They're offering the job to a suburban district superintendent who spent five years as an administrator for Minneapolis schools. Board members say the state's largest school district has too many urgent needs to conduct a prolonged superintendent search. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
June 18, 1997 - The National Hockey League plans to return to the Twin Cities in the year 2000. The NHL’s expansion committee has recommended the league put a new team in St. Paul that year. The recommendation is expected to be approved next week. Many state and city officials are celebrating the NHL's decision as a boon for the region. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports.
June 18, 1997 - The Rochester Board of Education heard from a committee last night that is recommending delaying the start times of all the district's schools. Supporters of the plan say it will help adolescents get the sleep they need and keep elementary school students off the streets before the sun comes up. Minnesota Public Radio's Brent Wolfe reports from Rochester.
June 18, 1997 - Brandi Parisi reports on strife in the classical music scene, as a debate brews over the direction and public interest in the genre. Parisi gets varied commentary from those in the community. Some see a crisis point; others see a natural evolution.
June 18, 1997 - As lawmakers struggle to find a way to pay or a new baseball stadium, some say Indian tribes should tap their casino profits to help foot the bill. Backers of the idea say, if the tribes won't help out, then the State of Minnesota should open its OWN casino to pay for a Twins stadium. Tribal leaders say the state has no business setting its sites on THEIR money. And they fear losing their casino monopoly would lead to a lose of their newfound economic independence. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...