May 7, 1998 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports on Lighthouse for the Blind, a Duluth plant that manufacturers a plain, white and rather sturdy roll of toilet tissue. But one of Duluth's most widely-distributed exports is in danger, as are the jobs of dozens of Minnesotans who are sight-impaired .
May 8, 1998 - Some are calling this weekend's fishing opener in Minnesota the "opener of the decade." DNR fisheries experts say the early ice-out and warm spring temperatures have created ideal conditions for a strong opening season. That's good news for anglers, and great news for thousands of Minnesotans who depend on tourism for their livelihood. Minnesota Pubic Radio's Tom Robertson reports from Bemidji... (sound of motorboat)
May 8, 1998 - capitol to follow other stories: Word of a settlement in the case quickly spread from the Federal Courthouse downtown St. Paul...directly UP the HILL to the state capitol. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports on reaction from the Governor and some lawmakers
May 11, 1998 - MPR’s Dan Olson reports on a Minneapolis intersection once known for crime getting a big lift with the opening of a mercado, or marketplace. The city's burgeoning Spanish-speaking population is one of the factor's behind the creation of the business. Residents are welcoming the unusual development as the latest sign of economic revival on Lake Street.
May 11, 1998 - Tobacco companies say one of the reasons they settled Minnesota's tobacco lawsuit was their view that they couldn't get a fair trial here - they argued the jury and judge were biased against them. A statement from RJ Reynolds said the court's rulings favored the state, and, quote, "placed a loaded gun to our head". The judge in Minnesota's tobacco trial found his name in the news nearly every day for the past four months - his every word heavily scrutinized as he presided over what might be the most high-profile case in Minnesota history. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum looks at Kenneth Fitzpatrick's reputation and judicial style.
May 12, 1998 - Last month, three massive mergers shook the banking and financial services industries, not only because of their size .... but because of the rapid fire pace of announcements. None of the companies involved is a major player in consumer banking in this state, but the situation has many observers wondering if Minnesota companies will be next. Experts say the merger fervor affects a financial services industry that is an important and large part of the region's economy. Bill Catlin has this report. SFX cars on highway. As you approach downtown Minneapolis the city's skyline is literally defined by the financial services industry. The do
May 14, 1998 - Dwight Silverman, computer columnist for the Houston Chronicle; and MPR's Jon Gordon talk about the pending anti-trust lawsuit against Microsoft. Silverman and Gordon also answer listener questions. Programs begins with report on if traditional industrial anti-trust standards apply to high-tech.
May 14, 1998 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on the testing challenges of public schools in Minneapolis and St. Paul see more immigrants and refugees each year…with few speaking English. That makes passing exams, including the 8th grade basic skills tests in reading and math, extremely difficult. The state provides money to educate these students, but in many cases the immigration is outpacing the funding.
May 14, 1998 - Law enforcement officials say despite some recent high-profile homicides, they're beginning to see improvements in some of Minneapolis' toughest neighborhoods. Some neighborhood leaders say they agree, but argue that's no reason to lift the pressure on drug dealers and city officials. Minnesota Public Radio's Eric Jansen reports.
May 14, 1998 - As the debate over how to spend Minnesota's tobacco settlement heats up, some of the discussion has shifted to the state's co-plaintiff - Blue Cross Blue Shield of Minnesota. The insurer's share of 469-million dollars is now the subject of two class-action lawsuits filed this week. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports.