September 9, 1999 - MPR’s Michael Choo reports on a new Hmong-language radio program that premiered on WMIN Radio Rey in St. Paul. The variety show features Hmong music and news from both Laos and the Twin Cities region. Backers of the show say the estimated 75-thousand Hmong living in the metro area represent an under-served market with significant economic potential.
September 8, 1999 - The Minnesota Department of Public Safety reports the incidence of serious crime dropped 7 percent statewide last year. The Minnesota experience is part of a national trend that has seen crime levels fall steadily since the early nineties.
August 31, 1999 - Minnesota senators Paul Wellstone and Rod Grams appeared together last night to discuss the state's farm crisis. The two participated in a Minnesota Citizens' Forum where they were joined by representatives of the Ventura administration.
August 30, 1999 - St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman often cites new ballparks in Denver, Baltimore, and Cleveland as a models for his plan to build a new stadium for the Minnesota Twins. In an attempt to judge the economic and social impact of the new facilities, delegations from St. Paul have already visited Denver and Baltimore. Later this week, they expect to complete their ballpark tours with a pilgrimage to Jacobs Field in Cleveland.
August 24, 1999 - Last summer, some Minnesotans found themselves waiting up to three months to schedule a drivers license road test. Now, Governor Jesse Ventura and officials from the Department of Public Safety say the wait is over. Ventura says it's all part of a new focus on customer service.
August 10, 1999 - As St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman continues his search for new Twins ownership and west metro officials consider their options for retaining the team in Minneapolis , opponents of publicly subsidized ballparks grow increasingly frustrated. They wonder why -- in the face of significant public opposition -- the debate continues.
August 3, 1999 - The Minnesota Twins have reached a deal with St. Paul on building a new downtown ballpark. The agreement, reached last night, contains several provisions intended to persuade reluctant St. Paul residents and state lawmakers to support the effort. A key element requires the current team owners -- the Pohlad family -- to sell their entire stake in the Twins.
July 27, 1999 - Common Cause Minnesota says St. Paul Mayor Norm Coleman is illegally using city resources to support passage of a ballot initiative for a new Minnesota Twins ballpark. Later today, the watchdog group plans to file complaints with the State Auditor and the Ramsey County attorney's office calling for an investigation.
July 27, 1999 - St. Paul business leaders today announced a campaign to build public support for a new downtown ballpark for the Minnesota Twins. Meanwhile, leaders in the west metro area have faced continuing difficulties getting a proposal out of the starting gates. But today, at least, Hennepin County avoided having the brakes put on development of a ballpark proposal. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo reports on the latest developments in the stadium debate.
July 26, 1999 - The new Gophers basketball coach says he'll make academic achievement a top priority. Gonzaga University head coach Dan Monson signed a seven-year contract with the University of Minnesota over the weekend. University officials say Monson's committment to good grades was a key factor in their decision to hire him.