December 13, 2000 - The agency that manages the MetroDome in Minneapolis today (Wednesday) unveiled a detailed renovation plan that it says provides a prudent and cost-effective option for increasing revenues for the Vikings. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission says the design builds on the Dome's strengths and looks to keep the Minnesota Vikings---the Dome's primary tenant---beyond the end of their lease in 2011. The proposal, however, got a chilly reception from Vikings executives. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
December 13, 2000 - The Saint Paul city council left most of the city's $44 million reserve fund untouched as it completed work on the 2001 budget today (Wednesday). In doing so, the council rejected mayor Norm Coleman's proposal to refund money to citizens in a one-time buy-down of their heating bills this winter. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
December 14, 2000 - Next winter's natural gas costs might be lower. But until then, analysts predict, homeowners and businesses will be hammered with high natural gas bills. The result for homeowners is already being seen in monthly bills more than fifty percent higher than last year's costs. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
December 14, 2000 - All PC companies are facing problems with sales. It is a good time for buyers, bad time for makers. A civil liberties coalition is fighting the framework for fighting computer crime, saying it would take away individual privacy rights.
December 15, 2000 - The Minneapolis Federal Reserve Office says the state's economy should continue to grow, but not as fast as it did in the last year. The Fed's Forecast for 2001 predicts the economy will create more jobs and higher income levels, but says overall growth will fall well short of previous years'. But others say the Fed's predictions are too optimistic, and consumers and investors should be prepared for a downturn and maybe a recession. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
December 15, 2000 - UNemployment remains low across Minnesota, despite a slowing economy. In Northeast Minnesota's Arrowhead, the jobless rate hovers around 3-percent; but new data shows that many of those with jobs are either working below their abilities, or making less money than they could elsewhere. Economic development officials hope to convince new employers the region's under-employment represents a hidden work force that's ready to be tapped. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.
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December 15, 2000 - Governor Ventura traveled to Thief River Falls today to help Arctic Cat unveil a new snowmobile. The company says the machine is quieter and cleaner and will revolutionize the industry. Environmentalists call the new snowmobile window dressing, designed to convince the government to rescind a ban on the machines in national parks. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson reports.
December 18, 2000 - The Minnesota Vikings fell five points short of going undefeated at the Metrodome this year. The 33-28 loss to the Green Bay Packers yesterday means the Vikings are still trying to wrap up the division title. They'll also be trying to avoid heading into the playoffs on a three game losing streak when they travel to Indianapolis for their final game of the regular season Sunday. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
December 18, 2000 - For the second week in a row the Minnesota Vikings had a chance to clinch the NFC Central and home field advantage throughout the playoffs and once again were unable to do it. Yesterday's 33 to 28 loss to the Green Bay Packers at the Metrodome leaves the Vikings' playoff position uncertain. Sean Jenson covers the Vikings for The St. Paul Pioneer Press and he joins us now. Did the Packers play especially well or did the Vikings play especially poorly? Were we seeing a vintage Brett Favre performance? The Vikings defense has been a weakness all year. Is it more of a liability now? The Packers were successful in shutting down Robert Smith. Was that a big part of their game plan? What do they need to do to get back on track? Quarterback Duante Culpepper sprained his ankle. Will he be okay for next week's game? What are their chances next week in Indianapolis against the Colts.