March 4, 2004 - While thousands of people tried out alternative methods to get around during the transit strike, hundreds of Twin Cities bus drivers and supporters rallied at Metro Transit headquarters in Minneapolis today (THURS). There is no resolution in sight to bring the 22-hundred union members off the picket line. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
March 5, 2004 - The strike by Metro Transit bus drivers is now in day two. On day one, the work stoppage didn't produce the major traffic headaches that had been anticipated, but there was a big impact for some bus riders. Minnesota Public Radio's Toni Randolph reports. (The walk-out by bus drivers didn't stop classes at the Ronald M. Hubbs Center in St. Paul. Adult basic education and English language classes went on as usual yesterday.
March 8, 2004 - It used to be that all a student needed to do to make the football squad or debate team was to pass a tryout. These days, it also takes cold hard cash. Because of budget cuts at many Minnesota schools, a growing number are requiring fees for extracurricular activities. And it's more than a few bucks. In the Anoka-Hennepin school district, for instance, hitting the gridiron runs $290, joining the debate team $230, and playing basketball a hefty $332. Anoka Hennepin found in a recent survey that the high price tags were actually driving students away.
March 8, 2004 - Workers continue to walk picket lines and no talks are in sight as the Twin Cities Metro Transit bus strike enters its first full work week. Many commuters are settling into alternate travel routines with no promise buses will return to their routes any time soon. While many commuters simply drive their own cars to work, Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes found others who are taking the high road.
March 10, 2004 - This week, a flurry of studies presented at the American College of Cardiology meeting in New Orleans could have lasting implications for treatment of patients with heart problems. One report suggested lowering cholesterol levels far below the level that most doctors consider adequate can substantially reduce the risk of heart attacks. Another suggested implantable cardiac defibrillators -- or ICDs -- could prevent sudden death in patients with moderate heart problems. A third found that drug-coated coronary stents -- which have been used to unclog large heart arteries -- are showing promise in clearing tiny heart arteries as well. Last week Minnesota-based Boston Scientific received FDA approval to sell its drug-coated stent.
March 11, 2004 - Target might sell Marshall Field's and Mervyn's chains. Minneapolis-based Target Corporation says it's considering the possible sale of its struggling Mervyn's and Marshall Field's chains. The Minneapolis-based retail chain says it's hired the Goldman Sachs firm to review the stores' future. Marshall Fields has stores in North Dakota's major cities. Industry watchers have expected the move. Guests on the program are University of St. Thomas marketing professor David Brennan, and Pioneer Press columnist Dave Beal.
March 12, 2004 - Over the past year several Minnesota theaters have closed their doors. Others are struggling to stay open, but the outlook is bleak. Artists say they're victims of what they call "the perfect storm." Minnesota Public Radio's Marianne Combs reports: {Minnesota Citizens for the Arts Director Sheila Smith says artists are suffering now more than ever in her 15 year career as an arts advocate. After the attacks of September 11th 2001 the various funding sources for arts organizations - ticket sales, foundation support and state funding - simultaneously tanked. But yet, Smith says, the crisis isn't getting the attention it deserves:
March 16, 2004 - Governor Tim Pawlenty announced his stadium plans, with the governor's stadium advisory commission recommending the state build new ballparks for both the Minnesota Twins and the Vikings. Midday presents report and holds a discussion on plan and takes listener calls.
March 16, 2004 - The state DFL party started running a television ad today (TUESDAY) accusing Governor Pawlenty of standing by while his administration released sex offenders. The hard-hitting ad is unusual, because Governor Pawlenty isn't up for re-election for another two-and-a-half years. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum looks at the ad and its claims...
March 16, 2004 -