May 28, 2003 - State lawmakers are in danger of missing yet another of their self-imposed timeposts. The fate of a $217 million bonding bill is unresolved in the House. That could lead to delays in approving other elements of the state budget. House lawmakers last night did pass a transportation funding bill and a tax measure that avoids any new state taxes. But Senate DFLers adjourned without taking any action. They say the bonding bill, which authorizes an increase in state debt for long-term investments, is their top priority. And they say they won't consider the other budget measures until the House passes it. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
May 29, 2003 - While there's some state money coming for public works projects in St. Paul....some historic sites in the capital city may have to close because of budget cuts. The James J. Hill house is slated to close July first, along with other historic sites across the state. The Minnesota Historical Society expects to lose more than 8 million dollars in State funding over the next two years. There are efforts to keep the historic sites open. Historical Society Director, Nina Archibal says she's due to meet soon with Mayor Kelly about the Hill house.
May 30, 2003 - A bill that authorizes borrowing of 237 million dollars for capital investments is on its way to Governor Pawlenty. The bill provides funding for statewide projects in the arts, flood relief and higher education. The bill was a top priority of Senate DFLers who said it would stimulate the economy. Opponents say the bill is inappropriate during a budget crisis. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
May 30, 2003 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer reports on musicians in The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra agreeing to ratify a contract which includes a 17% pay cut. That change comes in the first year of a new four-year contract.
May 30, 2003 - Internationally acclaimed choral conductor Dale Warland is stepping down as artistic director of the chorus he created three decades ago. Under his baton the Dale Warland Singers have become known as one of the best a capella choirs in the world. But now Warland says it's time to move on. He'll do one more season, then the Dale Warland Singers will disband. Warland talked about the decision to Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Crann. Dale Warland talking to Minnesota Public radipo's Tom Crann. You can hear the Dale Warland Singers 30th anniversary concert, and further interviews at Minnesota-public-radio-dot-org
May 30, 2003 - MPR’s Marianne Combs reports on August Wilson’s play “King Hedley II.” Report includes interview with Penumbra’s Lou Bellamy and excerpts from play.
June 2, 2003 - Minnesota legislators last week passed a bill authorizing the state to borrow to help pay for a variety of construction projects. The bill includes dozens of projects from flood relief in Roseau to a new Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Three-million dollars in bonding for a new planetarium was proposed, but didn't make it into the final bill. Bob Bonadurer is the director of the Minneapolis Planetarium. He says the legislature's decision will not stop the planetarium's efforts to secure a new home. Bonadurer says he will spend the next year trying to build more support for the center.
June 3, 2003 - Hour 2 of Midday featuring two Voices of Minnesota interviews with Opera singer Vern Sutton and Bonnie Morris, the founder of the Illusion Theater.
June 6, 2003 - In episode 10 of American Mavericks series, the evolution of the orchestra is explored. Program includes music segments of highlighted composers and interviews with various people in the classical music world, including Vivian Perlis, John Adams, Tan Dun, Michael Torke, Lou Harrison, Steve Reich, Steven Mackey, and David Del Tredici.
June 10, 2003 - Alaska's diphtheria epidemic of 1925 is well-documented in the 1995 animated movie Balto. The film's namesake, a fluffy black husky, and his sleddog team brave an Arctic blizzard to bring life-saving serum to hundreds of dying kids. While the story is true, the popular children's tale reveals just a fraction of what really happened. Cousins Laney and Gay Salisbury (SAHLS-bury) have written the first complete account of the diphtheria serum run in their new book "The Cruelest Miles." Gay Salisbury says the outbreak first appeared in Nome which, at the time, was the north-westernmost town in Alaska.