January 11, 2002 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that a tri-partisan stadium task force has given its informal endorsement to a state role in building new stadiums for the Minnesota Twins, the Vikings, and the University of Minnesota Gophers. During a meeting in Mankato, the panel opted to support the concept of public financing for a stadium, while steering clear of direct subsidization. Sorting through the details is likely to remain a formidable task.
January 15, 2002 - A proposal for two new stadiums will be voted on this year, but there is concern that there is only a vague proposal about how the stadiums will be funded. MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on debate going on within Stadium Task Force.
January 16, 2002 - The Stadium Task Force presents it’s recommendations to Minnesota Legislature, with panel voting 13-4 on option of financing two new sports stadiums, and public financing for new facilities, as opposed to funding. The loan would be repaid to the state through a variety of revenue services.
January 31, 2002 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik takes a look at the background of Donald Watkins, the Alabama businessman who says he wants to buy the Minnesota Twins.
January 31, 2002 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson interviews and reports on two Bemidji sisters, Kari Erickson and Stacey Liapis, as they prepare to compete in the Olympics as curlers. The two, coached by their dad, will compete in Salt Lake City for Olympic gold.
February 1, 2002 - MPR's William Wilcoxen reports on The Minnesota Twins, who are preparing for their 42nd season…knowing that it could be their last. Major League Baseball executives say they're proceeding with plans to dissolve two teams, including the Twins, but it's not clear if and when it might actually happen.
February 5, 2002 - By letting stand a lower court ruling that binds the Minnesota Twins to the Metrodome for another season, a Minnesota Supreme Court order all but guarantees that plans to eliminate the team will be put on hold for at least the coming year. While the team is disappointed with the court's decision, the team's landlord and fans are embracing the news.
February 6, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on potential downtown ballpark site discussions. Alabama businessman Donald Watkins was in Minneapolis to assess potential ballpark sites. Watkins is exploring a possible purchase of the Minnesota Twins and has pledged to build a new stadium entirely with private dollars if he's able to acquire the team. Meanwhile, Governor Jesse Ventura says he hasn't changed his stance on a ballpark, despite a willingness to call a special session if lawmakers can't address the issue in the regular course of business.
February 15, 2002 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that the ballpark debate has returned to the state Capitol on two fronts and lawmakers seem more receptive to stadium plans than in past years. A Senate committee gave the green light to a proposal for a St. Paul Twins ballpark and House lawmakers introduced legislation to construct a joint Vikings and University of Minnesota football facility. But opposition hasn't faded entirely.
February 18, 2002 - LaVelle Neal, who covers the Minnesota Twins for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, talks about spring training from Fort Myers, Florida. The team survived Major League Baseball's off-season talk of contraction this year, thanks in part to a decision by the Minnesota courts that requires the team to honor its lease at the Metrodome. Still, it's a strange year for the Twins, who could be playing their last season.