March 28, 2005 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Minnesota Twins President Dave St. Peters about his recollections of Bob Casey, who died at the age of 79. Casey was the only stadium announcer the Minnesota Twins have ever had in their 44 year history. St. Peters says Casey's style as an announcer was unique, exciting and fun.
April 8, 2005 - The Minnesota Twins first home game of the 2005 season is the Twins' fourth straight opening day sell-out. The Twins are the odds on favorites to repeat as the American League Central Division champs and some sportswriters are predicting the team will make it all the way to the World Series. However, up until now, the Twins on-field success hasn't translated into bigger attendance numbers.
April 11, 2005 - (Bianca Vazquez Toness = bee AHN ka BAHS kess TOH ness) The April fifteenth- deadline to file taxes causes most Americans stress and anguish. But for the millions of people living and working illegally in the United States, filing taxes can be an advantage. It's an opportunity to prove their economic contribution and document their residence here. The I-R-S allows them to file using a special number. But some immigration critics don't like the idea of a federal agency accommodating illegal immigrants. Minnesota Public Radio's Bianca Vazquez Toness has the story.
April 25, 2005 - MPR's Brandt Williams reports that the Minnesota Twins and Hennepin County have agreed to a funding plan for a new baseball stadium in downtown Minneapolis. The plan for the $360 million facility will include private funding from Twins owner Carl Pohlad and public money from the county in the form of a sales tax increase.
April 26, 2005 - Julian Loscalzo, a longtime Twins fan who led the failed effort to save Metropolitan Stadium, discusses what is it about outdoor baseball that you find so attractive. Loscalzo also gives his “grade” on Minnesota Twins and Hennepin County having formally announced their agreement to finance a new baseball stadium.
May 12, 2005 - Despite pressure from party leaders, a handful of House Republicans who broke party ranks on the gas tax late last night held firm today (Thu) when the plan came up for final approval. The gas tax would go up ten cents a gallon under the transportation bill the Minnesota House passed on a 72 to 61 vote. The move is in open defiance of Governor Pawlenty's "no new taxes pledge." Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
May 16, 2005 - MPR’s Jeff Horwich looks at lessons learned about global marketing. Horwich reports on a snafu from company giant Nike, to the success story of Minnesota company Aveda.
May 16, 2005 - We know how Wal-Mart has battered its competition in the United States, in large part by buying in enormous volume from China. The world's largest retailer is also the world's largest importer of Chinese goods. Now the Arkansas-based giant is looking to China as a source of customers. But it's a competitive market. The BBC's Stephen Evans goes deep inside a Chinese Wal-Mart as part of Think Global, public radio's week of special coverage.
May 20, 2005 - Former Vice President and Minnesota Senator Walter Mondale shares his thoughts about Nixon’s trip to China in 1972, and of Minnesota Opera's performance of "Nixon in China" by John Adams.
June 13, 2005 - MPR’s Bianca Vazquez Toness profiles La Loma, a commercial kitchen in Minneapolis that makes about 13,000 tamales a week. Toness interviews the owners about how they started and there goals for the future.