May 27, 1998 - There's word today the federal transporation bill contains money to help build LRT along the Hiawatha corridor in Minneapolis. The prospect of a shiney new light rail line has stolen the transit spotlight the last few months. But the man credited with playing a key role in securing the LRT dollars told an audience at Minneapolis transit forum today buses must play a bigger role in Twin Cities transit. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports. Dozens of North American cities have a head start over Minneapolis on light rail transit projects. But Congressman Martin Sabo says the effort to win federal funds for the Hiawatha avenue line is a turning point. He says it shows interest groups are once again thinking about the future. But Sabo cautions while Light rail is glamorous says bus
May 27, 1998 - Negotiations between Northwest Airlnes and its two most powerful unions are resuming this week under the direction of two of the three members of the presidential appointed National Mediation Board. Pilots returned to negotiations on Sunday in Washington State. The Machinsits are to be back at the table this morning in Washington D.C. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
May 28, 1998 - Democratic Party Leaders are in the Twin Cities this week scrutinizing the Twin Cities's ability to host the Democratic National Convention in the year 2000. Minneapolis is one of seven cities under consideration as a site for the covention. The Democrats inspected the Minneapolis Target Center and Metrodome this morning, then lunched in St. Paul. They want to be sure not only convention delegates will be happy, but also news media from around the world. Minnesota Public Radio's Eric Jansen reports:
May 28, 1998 - Twin Cities United Healthcare announced it is merging with another major national health care firm, Kentucky-based Humana. Officials with the companies say the 5 and a half billion dollar deal will result in an unspecified number of jobs cuts. The company will be based in Minnesota, and retain the United Healthcare name, but observers say it's unlikely to have much affect on consumers or the health care industry in the state. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
May 28, 1998 - With news Northwest Airlines Pilots have authorized a strike, travelers are increasingly uneasy about flying the nation's fourth largest airline even though it would be at least a month before any Northwest union could legally walk out. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik.
May 29, 1998 - The Steele County city of Owatonna is bustling today (Friday) with the grand opening of Cabela's, a massive retail hunting and fishing extravaganza. The grand opening is shared with a privately-funded museum that is a local man's vision-become-reality. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports. Owatonna is not a sleepy town, but it is still small enough to have its name on a water tower. After today, Minnesota residents from more than 200 miles around will be driving here. Outdoors enthusaists who used to order duck decoys and bait-casting reels from a catalog in the privacy of their own home, may just decide to get in the car and go to the Cabela's store
June 1, 1998 - The American Association of Retired Persons' national conference gets underway in Minneapolis tomorrow. The three-day convention is expected to draw some twenty thousand seniors and there's a special focus on baby-boomers this year. For most of us, our first contact with AARP comes about six months before our fiftieth birthday. Commentator Susan Vass explains: Comedian Susan Vass lives in Maplewood. Her next show is a benefit at the Mount Zion Temple in St. Paul Sunday June 14th. "Get High-High-High with Laugher" celebrates 18 years in the comedy business.
June 1, 1998 - Comparing American business with Chinese, Japanese, and Russian businesses.
June 1, 1998 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger reports on Aitkin County farmers experimentation in establishing cranberry bogs for harvesting. Cranberries take deep pockets and sturdy patience; but now, after three years and hundreds of thousands of dollars, the Aitkin County bogs are ready to produce.
June 2, 1998 - The Who's Song "My Generation" spoke for many baby boomers in the sixties, who couldn't envision the day when they'd be their parents' age. Thirty years on.... it's happened. According to the American Association of Retired People, one person every eight seconds turns 50 in the United States. Over time, the impact of baby boomer numbers has changed schools, the workplace and family life. And now, officials in Minnesota and throughout the country are trying to anticipate what kind of impact they'll have on the greying of America. Minnesota Public Radio's Gretchen Lehmann reports.