December 21, 2001 -
December 21, 2001 - The holiday travel season begins today for many people trying to be with friends and family for Christmas. For those taking to the air, increased security at airports, along with the crush of travelers, can be a recipe for delays. Joining us from the Twin Cities airport is Mary Beth Schubert, spokesperson for Northwest Airlines. That's Mary Beth Schubert, a spokesperson for Northwest Airlines.
December 24, 2001 - The Minnesota Vikings have just two games left in what will be remembered as the team's worst season since the infamous Les Steckel era. The Vikings lost to the Jacksonville Jaguars 33 to three yesterday at the Metrodome. Wide Receiver Cris Carter, in what could be his last home game for the Vikings, caught seven passes thrown by third string quarterback Spergon Wynn. Wynn replaced Tood Bouman who re-injured his right thumb early in the game. Joining us now is Sean Jensen who covers the Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
December 24, 2001 - MPR’s Marisa Helms reports on the popularity of Magnetic Poetry, a literary novelty has grown into a $7 million dollar a year company in Northeast Minneapolis. What started as a time-consuming obsession for Minnesota songwriter Dave Kapell is now a staple on the American refrigerator.
December 24, 2001 - MPR’s Mark Steil reports that wind turbines are becoming a more popular scene in the country because farmers are harvesting the wind for electricity. Steil interviews numerous individuals about this creative use of farmland.
December 26, 2001 - Winona County approved an ordinance today that will limit locations for adult businesses. Minnesota Public Radio's Rob Schmitz has this report.
December 26, 2001 - MPR's Mark Zdechlik reports that Governor Jesse Ventura says Minnesotans will likely be more open to major governmental reform with the state facing a projected budget deficit of nearly two billion dollars. Ventura says he'll use his State of the State speech a week from tomorrow as something of a “Government 101” course to help Minnesotans learn how state taxes are spent.
December 26, 2001 - Shoppers crowded malls today to exchange gifts or look for bargains. The main parking lot at Rosedale Shopping Center was full by 10 o'clock this morning. Retailers are counting on a post Christmas rush to make up for disappointing holiday shopping figures. Steven Roorda (ROAR-dah) is a Senior Equity Analyst with American Express Financial Advisors in Minneapolis. He says overall sales this season are off about four percent from last year:
December 26, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Lavelle Neal, who covers the Twins for the Star Tribune about the status of the Minnesota Twins as 2001 closes. The team being sold, potential Major League Baseball contraction, and a looming player contract dispute are all threats to organization.
December 27, 2001 - The Minnesota Court of Appeals will hear oral arguments this morning on whether the Minnesota Twins should be required to play another season in the metrodome. The Twins will ask the court to reverse a ruling by District Court Judge Harry Crump that orders the team to honor to their one-year Metrodome lease, and play in the facility next year. Meanwhile, Minnesota Twins players remain in limbo. Denny Hocking is the Twins player representative. He says contraction isn't his only concern right now.