May 9, 2002 - Folks who live near the St. Croix River like to brag that when their river flows into the Mississippi, it makes the Mississippi cleaner. The St. Croix runs 150 miles along the Wisconsin-Minnesota border before it joins the Mississippi near Hastings. The condition of many waterways around the state has Minnesotans wringing their hands over pollution and blighted scenery. But for most of its length the St. Croix is clean and quiet. It is rich with spectacular views, great fishing and a long history. Yet Twin Cities commuters are pushing east in search of an improved quality of life. The St. Croix now winds through one of the fastest-growing parts of the state. Those who care about the river are trying to keep their good thing going. As part of our series "Changing Currents," Mainstreet Radio's Jeff Horwich visits the St. Croix with some who know it best.
May 13, 2002 - The U.S. Supreme Court could rule at any time on a case which could dramatically change the tenor of judicial campaigns in at least 30 states including Minnesota. The Court is considering whether to throw out a Minnesota rule that bars judicial candidates from speaking about political and legal issues likely to come before the court. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports on how judicial campaigns may change if the High Court strikes down Minnesota's rule.
May 13, 2002 -
May 15, 2002 - Honeywell plans to lay off as many as 900 Minnesota workers as it closes four of its Twin Cities advanced circuits facilities. The cuts will end Honeywell's advanced circuits business in Minnesota. The company says an industry-wide crisis is forcing it to reduce capacity. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg has more.
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 21, 2002 - Economists meeting in Winona say the national picture is looking brighter; but things aren't so great for the state. Financial analysts spoke today at Winona State University's Economic Summit. Minnesota Public Radio's Laurel Druley reports. Gene Stanaland is the president of GSE, an Alabama-based economics and management consulting firm. Like many other economists Stanaland says the nation is on the rebound. He says many factors including the September 11th attacks and a manufacturing and dot com recession caused the recent national economic slow down. Now he says manufacturing is making a comeback, but consumer spending needs to stay strong.
May 21, 2002 - The Minnesota Vikings are disappointed they didn't get their own stadium bill this session, and owner Red McCombs says he'll seriously consider selling or relocating the team. McCombs contends that the team cannot remain competitive if they stay at the Metrodome, where they have a lease through 2011. McCombs has asked JP Morgan Securities Inc. to help him evaluate all options. Joining us now is Sean Jensen, who covers the Vikings for the Pioneer Press. That's Sean Jensen who covers the Vikings for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
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May 22, 2002 - Some Twin Cities business executives say consumers want foods that promote health and the market for meals with a health benefit will grow dramatically. The remarks came on the last day of a national conference called Foods for Health in Minneapolis. But others at the conference say consumers generally won't eat foods unless they taste good, regardless of whether they're healthful or not. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.