February 10, 2004 - There are only a few places in the country considered hotbeds for emerging biotechnology industries and Minnesota isn't one of them. Governor Pawlenty hopes to change that with an initiative to strengthen a biotech corridor in the Twin Cities and Rochester. But some say biotech businesses could also spur economic development in rural Minnesota. Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that leaders in Bemidji are exploring ways to develop a mini biotech cluster of their own.
February 17, 2004 -
February 18, 2004 - The company set to supply new artificial turf for the Metrodome's playing surface has filed for bankruptcy. S-R-I Sports was chosen last fall to install a new playing surface at the Dome. The removal of the current surface and installation of the new spongier AstroPlay was to be completed before the Twins' season opener on April 5th. Steve Maki is the engineering director for the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission. He says the commission was surprised by the bankruptcy announcement.
February 19, 2004 - Several DFL lawmakers unveiled a plan today to ban smoking in all public buildings in Minnesota, including bars and restaurants. They say the ban would help reduce smoking related illnesses and boost business. Critics say the bill is unfair because state government should not impose additional regulations on businesses. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
February 20, 2004 -
February 23, 2004 - Photographer Colleen Mullins wants to take people into a secret world. It's a place where the enormously wealthy go to play. For two years, Mullins aimed her camera at passengers on luxury cruise ships. The result is "Pictures of the Floating World," on display at Creative Electric Studios in Minneapolis. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts has more.
February 24, 2004 -
February 24, 2004 -
March 1, 2004 - 15 years after state officials signed gaming compacts with Minnesota's Indian tribes, 18 casinos have been built. They generate hundreds of millions of dollars in revenue, far more than anyone imagined they would. The state of Minnesota gets only a small sliver of that money and it's used to regulate the casinos.
March 4, 2004 -