May 21, 2003 - After more than a decade of planning and a 110-million dollar voter referendum, Minneapolis officials celebrated the start of construction on a new downtown library (TUESDAY). Only two months ago the project's future was in question because of state and city government financial woes. But city and library leaders decided the new building would cost less than operating in some other leased space. Now, supporters turn their full attention to raising the additional money needed to complete construction. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
May 7, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on U.S. Ambassador to Laos visiting Minnesota to promote the start of normal trade relations with the communist country. The visit sparked protests, organized primarily by Hmong veterans who sided with the United States during the Vietnam War, but who were driven out when the U.S. withdrew its support. They say opening relations with Laos only rewards a brutal regime.
April 8, 2003 -
April 2, 2003 - Minneapolis city officials say residents can expect fewer firefighters to show up at emergency calls, fewer police staff at community meetings and working in schools, and it will take longer to make some street repairs. A divided City Council approved a series of job cuts Tuesday to account for a proposed 21-million dollar cut in state aid yesterday. At the same time, Hennepin County officials approved 27-million dollars in cuts to their budget, reducing more than 300 jobs, mostly at the county's hospital. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
March 28, 2003 -
March 25, 2003 - Police arrested 67 anti-war protestors today (TUESDAY) during a protest at the Federal Building in downtown Minneapolis. Those arrested briefly blocked the entrances to the building while others cheered them on and chanted slogans nearby. This is the second civil disobedience demonstration in the Twin Cities in as many days. Arrests now total almost 100. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
March 19, 2003 - Many Minnesotans are thinking today about the threat of war, and the possibility of terrorism. People visiting the Mall of America in Bloomington today said they are concerned, but not enough to make them live differently.
March 13, 2003 - Minneapolis officials will meet today (THURSDAY) to set a budget reduction framework, clearing the way for department heads to start cutting staff. The reductions are in response to anticipated cuts in state aid that could trim the city's coffers by more than 40-million dollars over the next two years. The budget cutting has neighborhood groups worried about cuts to public safety programs, like community policing. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes has the first of our two reports.
March 13, 2003 - Minneapolis leaders say pink slips will go out soon to firefighters following today's (THURSDAY) city council vote to cut 20-million dollars from the budget. The lay-offs are in anticipation of a proposed cut in state aid to cities. Other departments will bring lay-off strategies to the council in the next two weeks. A total of more than 400 employees could lose their jobs. Minnsota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
February 17, 2003 - Office vacancies in downtown Minneapolis continue to push higher even after three years of a down market. The vacancies create headaches for owners of some of the most valuable properties in the state and increase the tax burden for residential property owners. Meanwhile, people wanting space in Minneapolis are snatching up deals. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes explains.