December 23, 1998 - It's a word that makes many lawmakers cringe, but talk of stadiums will be back before the legislature in 1999 session. A task force appointed by Governor Carlson is asking lawmakers to create a new commission to fund sports stadiums and arts venues. Legislative leaders and the Governor-elect are skeptical.
December 24, 1998 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports on efforts of the Minnesota Twins executives to “break even” by cutting payroll. That helps explain why the Twins let go of several of their best-paid players, but it’s not clear where this short-term strategy will lead them.
December 31, 1998 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Minnesota lawmakers who've argued for less government regulation say 1999 could finally be the year they claim success. With a Republican-controlled House and a new Governor who campaigned on the issue, legislation cutting regulations may fare better than in previous sessions.
January 1, 1999 - Howard Sinker, MPR sports analyst, and Gary Eichten discuss the year in sports with Joe Kapp, former Vikings quarterback. Topics include the Vikings' Superbowl chances, the Twins retrenchment and stadium flap, the NBA strike, Minnesota's Olympic gold medal winners, and more.
January 8, 1999 - Red McCombs, Minnesota Vikings owner, talks about Vikings highly successful season, the prospects for the Superbowl, and much more. McCombs also answered listener questions. After McCombs interview , MPR’s Michael Coo presents a brief report on the end of NBA labor dispute and lockout, and what the Minnesota Timberwolves are doing to mend relationship with fans. Program closes with Britt Robson, City Pages sports reporter, discussing the NBA settlement and creation of shortened season. Robson also answered listener questions.
January 22, 1999 - It was Purple Pride Day in Minneapolis and Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton asked people to join her in wearing purple and celebrate the team that almost made it to the Super Bowl. At a Minneapolis City Council meeting, Mayor Sayles Belton and Minneapolis City Council members showed their Viking spirit.
January 27, 1999 - Mainstreet Radio’s Amy Radil profiles Duluth musher John Stetson, who ran the 1999 Beargrease mid-distance race of 150 miles. He says he loves to race because it's the ultimate test for a musher and his or her dogs.
February 18, 1999 - Baseball analyst Kevin Hennessy says it doesn't bode well for a good season for the Minnesota Twins as pitchers and catchers reported to baseball spring training. The team has slashed its payroll by $10 million in the hopes of breaking even after several seasons of losing money. They're total team payroll is almost what New York Yankees pitcher Roger Clemens, alone, makes in a year.
March 11, 1999 - Howard Sinker, MPR sports commentator; and Jay Weiner, MPR sports commentator, discuss the allegations of academic fraud in the University of Minnesota basketball program. MPR reporters William Wilcoxen and Tim Pugmire contribute reports. Basketball coach, Clem Haskins, discusses big-time athletics in the University setting.
March 18, 1999 - Mark Yudof, University of Minnesota president, discusses the role of athletics at the University and the accusations of academic fraud in the Gopher men's basketball program. Yudof also answers listener questions.