March 24, 1997 - The Minnesota Gopher mens basketball team makes its first ever appearance in the NCAA Final Four Saturday. Minnesota plays Kentucky in the semi-final game. The Gophers' electrifying play through the initial rounds of the tournament has been matched only by the enthusiasm of fans who have followed them hundreds of miles to watch them. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Wareham has a report.
February 20, 1997 - MPR's Bill Wareham takes a look efforts by Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton to spend $35 million to help finance a Target store and other development on the south end of Nicollet Mall. The two-story Target would anchor a 14-story office and retail complex on the 900 block of Nicollet. Meanwhile, a block away the University of St. Thomas plans to expand its graduate school campus and link it to a K-12 magnet school also on the drawing boards.
February 17, 1997 - It's been anything but smooth sailing for the stadium financing plan the Minnesota Twins announced a month ago. Negative public reaction and a poor political reception at the state capitol have forced stadium supporters to reconsider their proposal to exchange team equity for a publicly financed ballpark. But if a new stadium is down...history suggests the idea definitely isn't out cold. The experience of several other states suggests stadium deals can overcome long odds to survive. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Wareham reports on two such stadium deals: Steve Van Luven isn't much of a baseball fan. The Bellevue, Washington legislator had only attended two Mariners games before 1995...but he went to
February 14, 1997 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton State of the City address. Sayles Belton described Minneapolis as a strong, vibrant place, but also stated a need of stronger efforts to reduce gang violence. In addition to crime prevention, the mayor also highlighted education and economic development efforts.
February 10, 1997 - Minneapolis officials are considering opening up the city's private trash hauling contract to competitive bids for the first time in 25 years. At least one council member thinks the city could save several million dollars a year by seeking other bidders. The consortium of haulers that now handles the waste admits the city might be able to save some money -- but contends small haulers would likely go out of business in the process. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Wareham reports.
January 16, 1997 - Twins stadium supporters propose paying for a new ballpark by raising the cigarette tax a dime-a-pack. Critics quickly denounced the plan...saying it's unfair to make smokers shoulder the financial burden for a new stadium. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Wareham reports: The stadium plan announced by Twins and state officials last week calls for a public contribution of roughly $200-million dollars...and lawmakers said then it wouldn't come from general sales...income...or property taxes. That left taxes on items like liqour...lodging...and gambling on the table -- but smoking emerged as...if not the most popular...then the least objectionable option.
January 15, 1997 - UPDATES WITH NEW LEAD FOR MIDDAY State officials will announce a plan for financing a new Twins stadium this afternoon at a 3 o'clock press conference at the capitol. The proposal announced last week by the Twins calls for a public contribution of more than $200-million dollars to the project. The governor and other stadium supporters reportedly favor financing that contribution with an increase in the cigarette tax. Also today...the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission holds its last scheduled meeting on new stadium proposals. Commissioners will discuss will hear from a stadium architect on the viability of a multipurpose stadium to house both the Twins and Vikings. Yesterday Minneapolis stockbroker Ed Villaume presented commissioners with what he claims is a better plan for building a new Twins stadium than the one team and state officials made public last week. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Wareham reports: | D-CART ITEM: 1128 | TIME: 4:02
January 9, 1997 - State lawmakers now know it will cost upwards of $200-million dollars to ensure the Twins remain in Minnesota. The team announced yesterday it would contribute $83-million dollars of the estimated $350-million dollars needed to build a new ballpark. Though the public would have to come up with the rest...it would get something no other community has -- a 49-percent ownership interest in the team. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Wareham reports: Twins officials and state negotiators are calling the proposed stadium arrangement unique...innovative...and a model for the future of pro sports. Perhaps more to the point...Twins president Jerry Bell says provi
January 9, 1997 - Midday looks at the proposal for a new Twins ballpark and the surrounding financial details with guests Gene Merriam, Minnesota Senate Finance Committee Chairman; and MPR reporter Bill Wareham. Program also includes short interviews with key individuals on proposal and listener call-in questions.
December 11, 1996 - This afternoon the St. Paul city council will discuss a proposal to tie business development aid to jobs that pay $8-twenty-five-an-hour or better. The proposal comes from a task force assembled by the city councils of both Minneapolis and St. Paul to look at how the cities can cultivate so-called "living wage" jobs. Business groups have lobbied successfully against such legislation at the state level...and helped defeat a similar proposal in St. Paul last year. This time around...business has been largely silent in the debate...although that's likely to change with this afternoon's council hearing.