January 3, 2005 - Voices of Minnesota talks business. Voices of Minnesota goes in-depth with two of the state's most prominent business leaders: Marilyn Carlson Nelson, the head of Carlson Companies, and Dr. Hugh Smith, the chair of the Mayo Clinic's board of governors in Rochester.
January 7, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that Governor Tim Pawlenty and leaders of three northern Minnesota Indian tribes say they were pleased with an historic meeting on the White Earth Reservation. Much of the discussion centered on the governor's push to change the landscape of casino gambling in the state.
January 11, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Annie Baxter reports that the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is holding firm on its stand not to share casino revenues with the state. Mille Lacs' tribal chair Melanie Benjamin gave her "State of the Band" address and praised the band for protecting its 'economic livelihood' from Governor Pawlenty and the Legislature…but Benjamin made another announcement that still keeps the Band involved in the casino profit sharing debate.
January 12, 2005 - The developers of the former Sears building on Minneapolis' Lake Street say they've completed two of the biggest remaining construction agreements. They're commemorating the deals by opening up the project site to business leaders and elected officials today. As heavy round-the-clock construction continues, many prospective tenants say a vision is forming of a retail space similar to Seattle's Pike Place Market and other destination shopping areas. Minnesota's Art Hughes reports.
January 26, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that Governor Tim Pawlenty is banking on casino money as a way to balance the state's finances. His plan includes a proposed Twin Cities casino that would be run jointly by the state and interested northern Indian tribes.
February 21, 2005 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports that on history and new ownership of WELY, Ely's only community radio station.
February 22, 2005 - MPR’s Mike Edgerly and Sasha Aslanian present an American RadioWorks documentary, titled “Toxic Traces.” The documentary raises questions about who is responsible for the safety of the public and the environment, and about whether state agencies are doing enough to protect citizens from toxic chemicals.
February 24, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports that three northern Minnesota Indian tribes are closing in on an agreement with the state to build a Twin Cities area casino. The proposed half-billion dollar entertainment and hotel complex would be operated by the tribes through the Minnesota State Lottery.
March 14, 2005 - MPR’s Steven John interviews U.S. congressman Keith Ellison, who discusses a bill introduced that would double the level of protection provided to Minnesota children to prevent lead poisoning. DFLer Keith Ellison represents North Minneapolis in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
March 15, 2005 - Governor Tim Pawlenty wants the state to partner with three northern Minnesota Indian tribes on a $550 million dollar Twin Cities casino. Profits would be split between the state and the White Earth, Leech Lake and Red Lake Ojibwe bands. The plan has launched a high-profile debate in the Legislature. It's also sparked a growing debate among northern tribal members. Some don't trust the state; they worry the plan is a bad deal for the tribes. As Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports, members of the Red Lake band may get a chance to vote the deal up or down.