May 22, 1998 - Northwest Airlines employees angry about not having contracts in place, picketed the airline today in several cities. The airline's largest union, the machinists, held a rally near the Twin Cities airport to protest the slow pace of contract negotiations. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
May 22, 1998 - The Minnesota Thunder, the state's only pro soccer club, plays its home-opener tomorrow night (SAT). The team has started the season with a 4-and-2 winning streak on the road, and team managers are hoping that will translate into profits -- something the team has not yet seen in its 8-year history. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports: ((BANG of ball hitting chainlink, cheers, followed by predictable soccer practice soundbed)) Attacker Amos Magee is on a hot streak -- he's scored five goals in his last four games, something akin to a baseball player getting a hit every time he walks up to the plate. During team practice at the National Sports Center soccer stadium in Blaine, Magee's coach and teammates treat him as the star of the moment... but the St Paul native is careful not to crow:
May 25, 1998 - Traffic on many Minnesota roads is bumper-to-bumper this evening as Memorial Day travelers return home. If you got a long drive ahead and are looking for a little diversion, entertainment might be just a cow pasture away. Author John Pukite (Poo-Kee-Tee) says everyone loves to look at cows. In his new book "A Field Guide to Cows", Pukite describes in detail the 52 cattle breeds found in the United States. John Pukite (Poo-Kee-Tee) is author of "A Field Guide to Cows." He will sign copies of his book July 9th at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Maple Grove at 7pm.
May 26, 1998 - The federal government has awarded more than $21 million dollars to the city of Minneapolis for housing and community development. Federal officials say Minneapolis is an example of what they want cities to do to get federal housing money. Minnesota Public Radio's Eric Jansen reports.
May 27, 1998 - There's word today the federal transporation bill contains money to help build LRT along the Hiawatha corridor in Minneapolis. The prospect of a shiney new light rail line has stolen the transit spotlight the last few months. But the man credited with playing a key role in securing the LRT dollars told an audience at Minneapolis transit forum today buses must play a bigger role in Twin Cities transit. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports. Dozens of North American cities have a head start over Minneapolis on light rail transit projects. But Congressman Martin Sabo says the effort to win federal funds for the Hiawatha avenue line is a turning point. He says it shows interest groups are once again thinking about the future. But Sabo cautions while Light rail is glamorous says bus
May 27, 1998 - Negotiations between Northwest Airlnes and its two most powerful unions are resuming this week under the direction of two of the three members of the presidential appointed National Mediation Board. Pilots returned to negotiations on Sunday in Washington State. The Machinsits are to be back at the table this morning in Washington D.C. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
May 28, 1998 - Democratic Party Leaders are in the Twin Cities this week scrutinizing the Twin Cities's ability to host the Democratic National Convention in the year 2000. Minneapolis is one of seven cities under consideration as a site for the covention. The Democrats inspected the Minneapolis Target Center and Metrodome this morning, then lunched in St. Paul. They want to be sure not only convention delegates will be happy, but also news media from around the world. Minnesota Public Radio's Eric Jansen reports:
May 28, 1998 - Twin Cities United Healthcare announced it is merging with another major national health care firm, Kentucky-based Humana. Officials with the companies say the 5 and a half billion dollar deal will result in an unspecified number of jobs cuts. The company will be based in Minnesota, and retain the United Healthcare name, but observers say it's unlikely to have much affect on consumers or the health care industry in the state. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
May 28, 1998 - With news Northwest Airlines Pilots have authorized a strike, travelers are increasingly uneasy about flying the nation's fourth largest airline even though it would be at least a month before any Northwest union could legally walk out. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik.
May 29, 1998 - The Steele County city of Owatonna is bustling today (Friday) with the grand opening of Cabela's, a massive retail hunting and fishing extravaganza. The grand opening is shared with a privately-funded museum that is a local man's vision-become-reality. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports. Owatonna is not a sleepy town, but it is still small enough to have its name on a water tower. After today, Minnesota residents from more than 200 miles around will be driving here. Outdoors enthusaists who used to order duck decoys and bait-casting reels from a catalog in the privacy of their own home, may just decide to get in the car and go to the Cabela's store