August 9, 1997 - In sports news: The Minnesota Twins have stepped up pressure on lawmakers in the team's bid to get a new stadium. The Twins said yesterday they've hired a national company to help pursue options in case the Twins don't get a new ballpark. The other Twins news this week came from owner Carl Pohlad. He says he likes the idea of publicly selling shares in his team. But Major League baseball would first have to approve the plan. Pohlad says the team could sell voting and non-voting shares, but he says he would keep his voting stake. The Twins open a four-game series with the New York Yankees tonight as they begin the big celebration honoring the 1987 World Series championship team.
August 18, 1997 - The ELCA's failure to approve a closer relationship with the Episcopal Church comes as no surprise to the 820,000 ELCA Lutherans in Minnesota. In fact, as Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports, many Minnesota Lutherans wonder why the proposed "concordat" with Episcopalians got as far as it did.
August 18, 1997 - At his news conference this afternoon in Philadelphia, ELCA bishop H. George Anderson took questions on today's split vote, and looked to the future.
August 18, 1997 - Families who lost their homes in spring flooding hope to find permanent housing before cold weather arrives. Many are still living in trailers or other temporary shelter. In the Minnesota River valley in the southern part of the state, flood repairs continue. Some people though are finding few housing options available. Mark Steil of Mainstreet Radio reports: Pettijohn street in Montevideo is nearly deserted. Most of the houses will be torn down, after being soaked by (in) six feet of flood water. Some homes are swathed in yellow police tape, condemned to the wrecking ball. Behind one house, there are signs of life:
August 18, 1997 - The Minnesota State Fair starts this Thursday and the fairgrounds are alive with activity in preparation for opening day. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik interviews various members at the State Fair on what this year holds.
August 18, 1997 - A Midday call-in program about ecumenism in religion and other trends in organized religion with studio guest Clark Morphew, St. Paul Pioneer Press religion writer and nationally syndicated columnist.
August 19, 1997 - At the University of Minnesota's Division of Epidemiology, Alex Wagenaar has been researching drinking on college campuses. The Grain Belt deal, he says, is nothing new.
August 19, 1997 - The Minnesota Brewing Company is making what it describes as an unprecedented advertising effort by paying the University of Minnesota $75,000 a year for the next three years for promotional space. You'll see the Grain Belt Premium logo at all the Gophers' games, and in many bars and restaurants alongside the Gopher's logo. It may seem natural to pair a local product with a local team, but is it wise policy to advertise alcohol at events sure to be attended by thousands of underage students? Minnesota Brewing Company president Jack Lee shares his thoughts on the deal.
August 19, 1997 - United Parcel Service says it will start ramping up to full service tomorrow now that it appears as though a strike is drawing to an end. Labor is claiming victory in the tentative settlement and observers say the struggling labor movement stands to benefit from the walkout. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
August 20, 1997 - capitol Lawmakers completed their work of the special session in one day...and sent three major pieces of legislation to the Governor. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports: Lawmakers in BOTH houses quickly passed the main bill BEHIND the special session...a 124-million dollar flood relief package that frees up money for home buyouts, flood prevention projects and economic development strategies aimed at keeping Minnesota businessness in the state. Governor Carlson calls the aid package, "unprecedented" while Republican Representative Tim Finseth says it gives flood victims a Hand UP not a hand OUT. BITE: green one Finseth, whose district in the northwestern corner of the state was hit h