May 16, 2003 - In a fast paced society, people must learn to adapt to the world around them.In Lanesboro, the Commonweal Theatre presents "Beautiful Again," the story of one family's comic yet poignant growing pains. When only one member of the family changes, and the others don't, it's hard for the family to stay together and be happy. Minnesota Public Radio's Marianne Combs reports:
May 21, 2003 - Two Irish brothers are out in a bog cutting turf for a fire. One of the brothers swings his shovel and makes a grisly discovery--the perfectly preserved head of a red-haired woman. Because peat bogs prevent decay, the head could have been buried for centuries--or she could be a new homicide. That is the opening scene of Minneapolis writer Erin Hart's new book "Haunted Ground." Hart's novel combines archeology, forensics and her love of Irish music and culture. She left her job with the Minnesota State Arts Board to pursue her dream of becoming a novelist. Erin Hart told Minnesota Public Radio's Greta Cunningham winning Glimmer Train Magazine's literary contest started her professional writing career.
May 23, 2003 - Mainstreet Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports on birthday celebration for Bob Dylan at Duluth’s Armory building. A teenage Dylan was inspired by a Buddy Holly concert at venue.
May 26, 2003 - One of Minnesota's oldest cemetaries marked two occasions today . As it has since 1870, St. Paul's Oakland Cemetery hosted a Memorial Day service honoring the veterans buried there. But this year the cemetery also celebrates its 150th anniversary. Oakland has long been one of Minnesota's lesser-known historical treasures. But in the past few years volunteers have uncovered a wealth of new details about the veterans buried there. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports on the effort to find and honor Oakland's veterans.
May 26, 2003 - Legislative leaders are meeting again on this holiday in hopes of reaching a deal on the final budget bill. Lawmakers reached a deal early this morning on three of the four outstanding budget items. Leaders say they hope they can compromise on the $7.3 billion health and human services bill today. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
May 26, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty and legislative leaders have made a major breakthrough in budget negotations. Negotiators met late last night and into the morning to craft agreements on transportation funding, aid payments to local governments, and state borrowing. Lawmakers are expected to return later today to tackle the final piece of the puzzle the health and human services budget. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo has more.
May 26, 2003 - One of Minnesota's oldest cemetaries marked two occasions today. As it has since 1870, St. Paul's Oakland Cemetary hosted a Memorial Day service honoring the veterans buried there. But this year the cemetary also celebrates its 150th anniversary. Oakland has long been one of Minnesota's lesser-known historical treasures. But in the past few years volunteers have uncovered a wealth of new details about the veterans buried there.
May 27, 2003 - Leaders in the state Legislature have tentatively agreed to a bonding bill that would provide the Guthrie Theater with 25-million dollars for a new multi-stage complex on the riverfront and 5-million dollars to the Children's Theatre Company to renovate its current space. But even in the final hours of the special session, the battle is far from over for both theater companies. Minnesota Public Radio's Marianne Combs reports.
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.