February 10, 1999 - A new study concludes Minnesota is paying a high price to subsidize low-wage jobs. A Washington D.C.-based public policy group analyzed more than 500 economic development deals, and found almost a fourth of the deals cost more than 35-thousand dollars for every job created. The study is sparking debate over whether the state should set limits on corporate subsidies.
February 10, 1999 - The unpaid medical bill at Minnesota's largest public hospital is growing. Hennepin County Medical Center is treating a growing number of patients who have no health coverage. Hennepin County officials says filling the funding gap shouldn't be the responsibility of county taxpayers alone.
February 10, 1999 - Two distressed areas of Minneapolis are in line for up to $100 million in federal funds. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Andrew Cuomo told Minneapolis officials at the former Sears site along Lake Street today the designation 'Empowerment Zone' means grants and tax credits for business owners. The program may also include money for cleaning up brownfields, creating parks and expanding after-school activities. Neighborhood residents are enthusiastic but they also have a 'wait and see' attitude.
February 11, 1999 - University of Minnesota officials say they need state help to head off a funding crisis in medical education and to improve physician training. They say cuts in federal support and smaller profits from patient care are threatening the future of the Academic Health Center. The U asked for 37-million dollars to overhaul its curriculum and an annual 60-million dollar boost from a state endowment to fund medical education and research. Governor Ventura provided the money in his budget. But his plan hinges on putting the state's tobacco settlement money in the bank, a plan many legislators oppose.
February 11, 1999 - Federated Department stores, the company that operates Bloomingdales, Macy's and other retailers is buying Minnesotaetonka based Fingerhut. The transaction is the latest evidence of the internet's affect on Minnesota's retailing industry. Fingerhut is the nation's number 2 catalog retailer after JC Penney, and sells products ranging from clothing to appliances. The deal is valued at 1-point-7 billion dollars.
February 11, 1999 - When the Minnesota Timberwolves take on the L.A. Lakers Thursday night, some amazing athletes will take the floor... but they won't be playing the game They'll be the halftime entertainment. The FM Acro Team... that's F.M. as in Fargo-Moorhead regularly draws standing ovations in arenas around the country for its show gyMinnesotaastics performances.
February 11, 1999 - A labor union traditionally associated with the iron and steel industries is making inroads into representing healthcare workers. The United Steelworkers of America has just been granted representation of more than 800 health clinic workers in Duluth, and the union is targeting additional medical employees across the region.
February 11, 1999 - The impeachment trial of President Clinton is nearly over, and by next week it could be back to other business for members of Congress. But senators and representatives will be assessing the political fallout from the trial for months to come. Polls show that Republicans have lost popularity due to their role in the trial -- and Minnesota's Republican Senator, Rod Grams, may be one of the Senate's most vulnerable members. But Grams is busy looking past impeachment, and is taking the lead on a key issue the Republican party hopes will resonate strongly with voters and bring support back into the fold.
February 15, 1999 - Five weeks into the legislative session, the Minnesota House has passed nearly a dozen bills, including a tax rebate and a repeal of residency requirements for Minneapolis /St. Paul city employees. One first-term legislator co-authored both bills. DFL'er Ann Lenczewski of Bloomington is adjusting to the hectic pace at the Capitol, but is already catching some flak from her caucus for her non-partisan style.
February 15, 1999 - It's been nearly two years since the flood of '97 washed through the Red River Valley, chasing thousands of people from Grand Forks and East Grand Forks and causing widespread destruction. For many the flood is quickly sliding into history. The communities are busy rebuilding. but an alarming number of residents are now struggling with financial and emotional debt. Mental health workers say there is an epidemic of depression.