June 27, 2006 - For the first time in a decade, Congress is taking up a massive telecommunications bill. One of its provisions would make it easier for telephone companies to offer subscription television service to cable customers. Phone companies like Qwest and the big cable companies like Comcast and time Warner are all lobbying to make sure they retain as many advantages as possible in the final bill. But some small players are concerned they could suffer in the process. Community television stations say they've got much to lose if the bill becomes law. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
June 12, 2006 - MPR’s Marisa Helms reports on the increasing importance and interest for Spanish langauge radio in the Twin Cities. Two 24-hour stations are going head to head for listeners…Radio Rey and La Invasora.
May 1, 2006 - Today immigrants and worker rights advocates are marking the importance of immigrants to the US economy. During "A day without immigrants" thousands were expected to stay home from work and avoid shopping.The full impact of the action won't be known for a few days. .In theTwin Cities' Latino neighborhoods, stores were shuttered. While the day was meant to show immigrants' economic clout, the message may be more political than financial. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
April 28, 2006 - MPR's Marisa Helms reports on Neighborhood House, a St. Paul community center providing services for the growing numbers of immigrants and refugees in the metro area. Neighborhood House is celebrating the grand opening of its new building in St. Paul, which is named after Paul and Sheila Wellstone.
January 3, 2006 - MPR’s Marisa Helms reports on Chris Coleman being sworn in as the 45th mayor of St. Paul. In his first speech as mayor, Coleman emphasized the city's growing diversity and the need for citizen involvement and cooperation.
December 29, 2005 - Chris Coleman will be inaugurated Tuesday as St. Paul's 45th Mayor. In November, Coleman ousted fellow DFLer Randy Kelly from office with 69 percent of the vote. Coleman's family has deep roots in St. Paul and a strong commitment to public service. Chris's father Nick Coleman, was senate majority leader in the mid-1970s. But friends and family say Chris is not part of any political dynasty. They say hard work and a love for the city got him into the mayor's office. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
April 20, 2005 - Plans to close the University of Minnesota's General College move forward despite deep controvesy over the proposal. For over 70 years, the U's General College has been a gateway to the U for under-prepared metro-area high school students, many of whom are immigrants and people of color. University officials say even with the proposed changes to General College, they are committed to recruiting and helping students of color succeed.Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
March 30, 2005 - University of Minnesota officials today unveiled a significant redesign of several academic programs. The blueprint is part of the university's strategic planning process. The goal is for the U to become one of the top public research universities in the world in ten years. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
February 25, 2005 - University of Minnesota President Bob Bruininks says now is the best, and worst time for the University to pursue its ambitions to be among the top three public research universities in the world. Bruininks made his comments during his annual State of the University speech yesterday. The president used the time to focus primarily on the U's strategic planning process.
January 27, 2005 - Governor Tim Pawlenty has proposed a tax credit that he says will help close the achievement gap between white and minority students. Under the plan he first mentioned in this week's budget proposal, businesses would get the credit for funding scholarships that would allow at-risk students in the K-12 public school system to attend private schools. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.