May 14, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports on a House committee approving a package that removes most of the public subsidies from the ballpark plan. The Twins say it's doubtful they would support such a deal, but they say they were encouraged by the suggestion they study the financing plan used for the Minnesota Wild hockey arena.
May 15, 2001 - A wet spring has put many farmers behind schedule planting their crops. In fact inclement weather in the northern part of North Dakota has put some farmers way behind schedule harvesting some of last year's sunflower crops. The wet spring is an unpleasant reminder of last summer when a early season storm moved through the Red River Valley and northwest Minnesota, dumping up to eight inches of rain in the area. The deluge caused millions of dollars in damage to homes and crops. Researchers at North Dakota State University not only lost last years harvest, but valuable time in developing new hybrid crops that farmers need to remain competitive. MainStreet Radio's Bob Reha reports. { For Al Schneiter, *Chair of the Plant Sciences department at North Dakota State University* the flood is just a bad memory. Something he can joke about now. Asked if theres anything positive that came out of last summers disaster he chuckles.
May 15, 2001 - Life is tough for cyber squatters. They seem to be losing challenges to the ownership of internet domain names.
May 15, 2001 - The farmers had to start planting late because of flooded fields from melted snow and preciptation. It's not a bad thing because this is prime spouting time.
May 15, 2001 - State officials stated a 77% unemployment insurance in the last month. The jump in unemployment was expected, but the magnititude was not.
May 18, 2001 - Farmers across Minnesota are scrambling to get seeds in the ground. Wet weather narrowed their window of opportunity for planting. Some farmers are still waiting for fields to dry. While soybean farmers have a few more days, corn growers are a week late as corn needs more time to grow. Mainstreet Radio's Laurel Druley shadowed farmer Kevin Paap on a recent busy planting day.
May 18, 2001 -
May 21, 2001 - When General Mills said last June it would take over crosstown rival Pillsbury, most analysts called it a match made in heaven. The ten-point-five billion dollar deal would give General Mills the bulk it needed to compete in a global marketplace -- AND return Pillsbury to local control. Company officials initially expected to complete the merger by year-end. Now General Mills says it may not close until this July. Analysts say federal regulators are concerned the combination could threaten competition in the food industry. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
May 22, 2001 - The Minnesota Twins open a two-game set against the Seattle Mariners at the Metrodome tonight. The series pits the Twins against the only team in the majors with a better record than Minnesota. The Twins lead the American League Central division by a half game over the Cleveland Indians. Their best pitcher, Brad Radke, will try for his eighth victory of the year tonight. LaVelle Neal covers the Twins for the Star Tribune. He's on the line now.
May 25, 2001 - INTRO: A federal judge has handed Minnesota's light-rail line, that will run through Minneapolis, a victory over Excel Energy. The energy company had sued to keep from having to pay to move their utility lines which is estimated to cost abou 18 million dollars. U-S District Judge John Tunheim ordered the cmpany to relocate their lines downtown. Excel said they had an agreement in place with the city that called for advance payment for relocations as a result of state projects like light-rail. Joining us on the line is Elwyn Tinklenberg, Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Transportation. -- What did the ruling say ? -- What was the law that he ruled under? -- Why should the utility have to move the lines? -- Who will end up paying for it? Why should the utility pay? -- Do you expect an appeal? -- Will the costs just be passed on to consumers? -- What ramificatyions are there for the phone company Qwest?