Digitization made possible by the State of Minnesota Legacy Amendment’s Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, approved by voters in 2008.
December 21, 2000 - The Minnesota Department of Transporation has released preliminary findings of the eight week experiment during which ramp meters were turned off in the Twin Cities metrolopolitan area. MNDOT spokesman Mike Sobolewski says these findings show some definite trends.
December 21, 2000 - The president of Amtrak is mobilizing support for high speed rail service in the Midwest. During a Minnesota visit yesterday George Warrington also backed the idea of making St. Paul's Union Depot the passenger rail station for the Twin Cities, an idea that sits well with officials in the capital city. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports.
December 21, 2000 - Minnesota's homeless population has more than doubled over the past decade. A new Wilder Research Center survey finds the largest growth in homelessness is among children in both urban and rural regions of the state. Advocates for the homeless say the lack of affordable housing is largely responsible for the increase. Minnesota Public Radio's Lynette Nyman reports.
December 21, 2000 - MPR’s Dan Olson profiles, Carl Andersen, an apprentice seaman who stepped up to an NBC microphone and sang a Christmas carol to the nation.
December 21, 2000 - Minnesota's homeless population has more than doubled over the past decade. That's according to early results from a survey conducted by the Wilder Research Center in October. The largest growth in homelessness was among children in both urban and rural regions of the state. People who died homeless in Minnesota this past year will be remembered tonight at a memorial service in Minneapolis. Monica Nelson, director of the Simpson Shelter in Minneapolis and organizer of the service, speaks with MPR News.
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 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 22, 2000 - A Fillmore County judge this afternoon ruled against the state's pollution control agency and ordered further environmental testing of a proposed feedlot site. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally 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 22, 2000 - Each day hundreds of people visit downtown St. Paul's Town Square Park, many of them to eat lunch or catch up with friends. The city created the arboretum-like setting in 1980 as an urban park with help from a federal grant. The multi-level facility, which features an auditorium, a lot of trees and a small stream sits below a massive sloping glass roof giving views across the downtown. The facility is used for public and private functions, including lunchtime holiday concerts But next week Town Square Park will close. This year Mayor Norm Coleman eliminated the park from the city's budget. The move will save the city nearly $200,000 annually. Minnesota Public Radio's Lynette Nyman stopped by the park today to guage reaction to the impending closure.