January 2, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on R.T. Rybak’s first day as mayor. A mix of optimism and harsh economic reality greet the new Minneapolis mayor and city councilmembers who are to be sworn in. R.T. Rybak's first day in office promises to be filled with ceremony, reflection and celebration. But his administration is also confronted with the urgent task of eliminating five million dollars’ worth of city services while the possibility of even greater cuts looms.
January 2, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on R.T. Rybak taking oath as new Minneapolis Mayor. A Minneapolis City Hall ceremony installed the new mayor and a city council with more newcomers than veterans. Mayor Rybak promises an era of new openness and cooperation in city government. The day also included surprises as the council's elected its new leadership.
December 13, 2001 - Struggle with the budget is being presented to the Minneapolis council tonight.
December 11, 2001 - An additional property tax levy to fund a popular neighborhood program will be a key topic when the Minneapolis City Council begins honing budget details today (Tuesday). Speakers at a public hearing on the budget last night listed the accomplishments of the Neighborhood Revitalization Program and pleaded for its future. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
December 6, 2001 - An analysis by the Associated Press shows that St. Paul has the highest level of segregation among cities with large Asian populations. While the AP's segregation index doesn't distinguish among the various Asian populations, experts agree the highly-concentrated living patterns of St. Paul's Hmong citizens boosts the city's segregation rating.
November 27, 2001 - Some of the state's leading experts on business, safety and health gathered at the University of Minnesota today (Tuesday) to discuss the lingering effects of the September 11 terrorist attacks. The forum was organized by Minnesota congressmen Martin Sabo and James Oberstar. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
November 20, 2001 - A survey released today (Tuesday) by the U.S. Census Bureau shows St. Paul residents outrank their Minneapolis counterparts in household income. The survey also shows Anoka County residents spend as much time commuting as people living in Los Angeles County. The survey of 700-thousand Americans is a snapshot of various characteristics, but experts warn its relative inaccuracy makes it valuable for only broad comparisons. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
November 7, 2001 - Minneapolis Mayor-elect R.T. Rybak got started on his move to City Hall, a day after trouncing incumbent Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton. Rybak announced the first two people who will head his administration's transition team, with an initial focus of affordable housing.
November 7, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on how Minneapolis voters overwhelmingly picked challenger R.T. Rybak for mayor of Minneapolis. Rybak beat two-term incumbent Sharon Sayles Belton in mayoral election with 65 percent of the vote. He leads a pack of new faces on the city council that signals a significant change of direction. Hughes summarizes the two campaigns and outcome.
November 5, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes provides a summary report of Minneapolis mayoral debate at a Minnesota Public Radio forum. Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton forcefully fights for her political career in the final days before the election, squaring off against challenger R.T. Rybak. In debate, Sayles Belton questioned Rybak's promise to shun campaign donations by those with business interests in city hall. She also strongly defended her administration against Rybak's accusation that the city is mismanaged.