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.
May 14, 1998 - Negotiators for Northwest Airlines and its largest union are back the bargaining table in Washington D.C. Its been more than a month since the airline and it machinists union have been engaged in federally mediated contract talks. The union says this latest round of negotiations could be critical in determining whether ground workers move toward a strike. All six of Northwest's unions which represent workers from mechanics to flight crews are preparing for a possible walk out this summer. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
May 15, 1998 - It's an old argument with a new twist. Which is more important: economics or the environment? Some people criticize the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for favoring economic development, and ignoring the potential for environmental damage. In the final part of our series on problems at the MPCA, Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure looks at charges that long term changes in the agency's philosophy are responsible for the growing list of environmental problems on its watch. 51:12 train. Birds etc.
May 18, 1998 - [for use IF KOCH SIGNS for ATC tonight at 5:20. I will write alternate version for use if Koch does NOT sign by 5:20.] The Koch Refining Company and officials of the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency have worked out final details of a 6.9 million dollar out-of-court- settlement. The agreement signed today requires Koch to begin agressive clean up of groundwater contamination at its Rosemount refinery south of the Twin Cities...but it comes years after the spills and leaks were first reported. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports. HOST OUTCUE The signing of the new cleanup agreement removes one barrier to a new air