December 31, 1999 - In November, St. Paul voters rejected Mayor Norm Coleman's proposal to build a new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins. Coleman had sold the stadium as a key link in his efforts to rejuvenate downtown St. Paul. But it was only one piece of a broader strategy to attract business and build grand new public amenities. In another of our series of reports on the year ahead, Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg looks at prospects for reviving St. Paul.
February 11, 2000 - Midday’s Gary Eichten spends the hour talking with Sharon Sayles Belton, mayor of Minneapolis, about what she sees as the state and health of the city. Topics include crime prevention and affordable housing, amongst others. Sayles Belton also answers listener questions.
February 24, 2000 - Sam Grabarski, president and CEO of the Minneapolis Downtown Council; and Steve Cramer, executive director of the Minneapolis Community Development Agency discuss downtown Minneapolis and what to do with "Block E."
February 28, 2000 - MPR’s John Rabe talks with Ralph Nader, Green Party presidential candidate. Nader discusses the issues in the campaign, including wealth discrepancy in country, labor laws, gun control, and environment. Nader also answers listener questions.
March 30, 2000 - On this Midday, Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson talks about charges his administration was improperly involved in the threat to move the Twins and gain a new ballpark. Program also includes a talk with Twins President Jerry Bell.
April 19, 2000 - The recent exposure of a multi-state prostitution ring based in the Twin Cities focused the political spotlight on preventing exploitation of homeless and vulnerable teenagers. The Minnesota legislature is considering several measures this year to enhance the safety net for at-risk kids. But at the county level, the situation is getting worse instead of better. Financially strapped counties can offer few options for homeless teens, and youth shelters are struggling to keep their doors open.
May 24, 2000 - Randy Johnson, Hennepin County board chairman; and Rick Kruger, CEO of "is.com", discuss results of the first annual "Regional Opportunity Forecast.” Report was put together by a group of business, education and civic leaders called The Great North Alliance. Johnson and Kruger are members of the group, and answer listener questions. Program begins with news from MPR’s Greta Cunningham.
May 24, 2000 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Walter Mondale, former U.S. ambassador to Japan and former vice-president, on congressional bill that would allow China permit normal trade status. Following Mondale interview, David Foster, director of the NW quadrant of states for the United Steelworkers of America, shares his view on the bill and its impact.
May 26, 2000 - In the 1970s the City of Minneapolis blocked off Nicollet Avenue at Lake Street to make room for a K-mart store. It seemed like a good idea at the time as a way of getting rid of an area full of what many considered sleazy businesses. Now city officials and neighborhood activists want to stitch Nicollet back together so the entire avenue can share in urban renewal.
November 30, 2000 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Minnesota House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty, a Republican from Eagan, about his thoughts about state surplus and what should happen going forward. Pawlenty is concerned about Governor Ventura’s idea of lowering state sales tax, but raising in other areas.