February 25, 2002 - One place that's never been popular for sailing or cruising is the North Shore of Lake Superior. The big lake is famous for its sudden storms. MPR's Stephanie Hemphill reports that local boaters have been pushing the state to build safe harbors along the rocky North Shore. Duluth City Council looks at a plan for a harbor that's created its own storm of controversy.
March 14, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that a Twins ballpark bill has limped across the finish line in the Senate. It's the first time a stadium bill has succeeded in the House or Senate since 1997. The bill survived several potentially lethal amendments and passed only after lawmakers scaled back a proposed statewide tax on sports memorabilia.
March 15, 2002 - Governor Jesse Ventura enters the Twins ballpark debate with a plan of his own. Ventura's proposal avoids any new taxes, user fees, or surcharges, and relies strictly on a multi-part financing plan to shift the costs entirely onto the team. Lawmakers say the plan shows promise, but the package requires a substantial upfront investment by the Twins. The team has recently balked at paying cash upfront.
March 25, 2002 - MPR's William Wilcoxen reports that even as state lawmakers debate whether to help finance a ballpark, potential host cities have been jockeying for position. St. Paul city officials said the city has three downtown sites that could become the next home to the Minnesota Twins. Business and labor leaders joined Mayor Randy Kelly at City Hall to describe the sites.
March 25, 2002 - Minnesota lawmakers are coming up against their self-determined deadline for finishing the session. Leglislators have said they want to complete their work and adjourn by Easter. But they still have plenty to do, including agreeing on a plan to close a $440 million gap in the state budget. Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer gets developments from MPR's Capitol Bureau Chief Laura McCallum.
March 25, 2002 - MPR’s Lorna Benson talks with capitol reporter Michael Khoo about Minnesota House expected to vote on a ballpark financing plan first proposed by Governor Jesse Ventura's administration.
March 29, 2002 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews Kurt Badenhausen, a senior editor at Forbes Magazine, who estimates the Minnesota Twins are worth $127 million…up from $99 million in the previous year. The jump in value was the second largest in major league baseball. Still, the Twins rank 29th out of 30 teams, ahead of only the Montreal Expos.
April 1, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer presents audio clips of various commentary from listeners calling in about a new stadium for the Minnesota Twins. Some were supportive, but most were critical.
April 1, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Star Tribune’s LaVelle Neal to get his thoughts on the Minnesota Twins chances at success as the 2002 MLB season begins. The Twins take on the Kansas City Royals before a sold-out crowd in their season opener.
April 12, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer showcases a batch of vintage MPR audio from 1982, as the Metrodome opened to fans and ball games. The 1982 Twins were a terrible team, about to play their first season in the brand new domed sports facility.