May 6, 2002 - Record companies are emplored to embrace the positive effect of file sharing and recorded music sales.
May 8, 2002 - The competition for people's entertainment dollars is tight. Many regional theaters are struggling. In Sioux Falls, the 72-year old Community Playhouse closed mid-season. Two years ago the Playhouse asked the city for a bail out. So, the city purchased a downtown auditorium and a neighboring building. The plan was to connect the two into an impressive theatre facility. But instead, the project stands unfinished and in debt. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports:
May 8, 2002 - The Paul Bunyan Playhouse in Bemidji is the longest continuously running summer stock theater company in Minnesota. But, lately, it's fallen on tough financial times. Playhouse officials say they've had trouble filling seats the past two years. They say part of the problem has been a sluggish economy and fewer tourists. But the Playhouse is also facing competition from several new theater companies. And as Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports, there are plans to bring even more theater to Bemidji. {
May 13, 2002 - After more than thirty years of singing, the Plymouth Music Series is no more. Instead, as of Saturday, the Minneapolis based ensemble is called "Vocalessence". Music Director Phillip Brunelle admits he was initially perturbed about changing the name, but he told Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr it was time for a change for a number of reasons.
May 16, 2002 - Governor Ventura and other supporters of the Northstar Commuter Rail Line say they have renewed hope that funding for the project will be included in the state's still-evolving bonding bill. Lawmakers worked feverishly last night to pass the bonding bill and still have enough time to override a veto. But talks broke down as negotiators disagreed over funding for anti-terrorism equipment. Last night's compromise didn't include Northstar funding, but Ventura may use his line item veto authority to influence legislators to reconsider their agreement. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 16, 2002 - A deal on a capital investment bill hit a snag late last night (WEDNESDAY), making lawmakers miss a deadline for passing it with enough time to override vetoes. Earlier in the evening, House and Senate negotiators reached agreement on a bill funding 977-million dollars worth of construction projects. But negotiators couldn't agree on the details in time to get the bill to the governor by midnight. Until the bonding bill is resolved, other major issues are on hold. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...
May 16, 2002 - Children's book author Mary Casanova was inspired to write her new book after spending time with eagle researchers on Minnesota's Rainy Lake. "When Eagles Fall" introduces young-adult readers to 13-year -old Alex. She's an angry girl sent to live with her father in Minnesota's north woods. Alex is dealing with the death of her younger brother, her parent's separation and typical teenage growing pains. Alex's emotions get the best of her as she defies her father and sets out on an adventure to save a baby eagle. Mary Casanova told Minnesota Public Radio's Greta Cunningham Alex is a good kid who takes a turn and winds up in trouble.
May 17, 2002 -
May 20, 2002 - Governor Ventura says he will make a quick decision on which projects he'll cut from the Legislature's 979 million dollar bonding bill. Ventura said the bill is too large, especially after lawmakers overrode his veto of the budget balancing bill. The governor also says he has concerns about a proposed requirement that would require students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 22, 2002 - Governor Ventura today vetoed more than a third of the bonding bill passed by lawmakers on Sunday. Ventura vetoed 116 projects totaling more than 300-million dollars, and said he won't release all of the funding for another three projects. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum joins me now from the Capitol with an update. Give us a rundown of some of the projects that the governor vetoed. Guthrie, Children's Theatre, all of the arts projects, nearly all of the projects for Mpls and St. Paul including Mpls Planetarium, St. Paul's Roy Wilkins Auditorium, renovation of governor's mansion, emergency radio system, St. Cloud convention center