April 8, 2002 - If you're an average Twin Cites resident, you'll spend about thirty-seven hours this year sitting in an automobile idling in a traffic jam. During the 1990's only one city -- Atlanta -- saw traffic congestion grow faster. What's more, projections show the Twin Cities' population will keep growing over the next thirty years, putting more pressure on an aging road system that's already getting crowded to capacity. With transit options limited, getting around the Twin Cites is becoming a bigger and more expensive problem for those who live, do business in, or visit the area. This week, Minnesota Public Radio is taking a closer look at transportation issues in a special series of reports called "Are We There Yet?" William Wilcoxen opens our series with a look at some of the transportation challenges facing the region...
April 8, 2002 - Saint Paul and the University of Minnesota are basking in the aftermath of one of the most successful Frozen Four tournaments the college hockey championships have known. The U of M men's team earned its first national title since 1979 by beating the University of Maine four to three over the weekend. The Gophers' victory capped a tournament that broke Frozen Four attendance records at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
April 5, 2002 - The University of Minnesota men's hockey team hopes to capture its first national championship since the Herb Brooks days, when it meets the University of Maine in tomorrow (Sat) night's Frozen Four title game. The Gophers earned a spot in the championship by beating Michigan three to two last (thurs) night in front of a capacity crowd in Saint Paul. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
April 4, 2002 - Saint Paul Mayor Randy Kelly has issued a road map for how to add five-thousand new homes to the city's housing stock over the next four years. City officials say the long-range plan -- together with twenty million dollars of additional city money -- will encourage private investors and foundations to help fund the ambitious housing plan. Minnesota Pubilc Radio's William Wilcoxen reports twenty percent will be priced for low-income residents...
April 4, 2002 - When Herb Brooks coached the US Olympic team to a silver medal in men's hockey this winter, it reminded some Minnesotans of his successful years as coach at the University of Minnesota. All three of the Gophers' national championships came under Brooks during the 1970's. The Gophers hope to end their twenty-three year title drought in this year's college hockey championship, or "Frozen Four," which is underway in Saint Paul. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
April 2, 2002 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak delivered his first State of the City speech, exactly ninety days after taking the political helm at City Hall. Rybak emphasized four issues that he says need special attention in the months ahead. He says Minneapolis needs to manage its money better, build more affordable housing and protect the environment. He also wants the city to be more welcoming to its various cultural groups. William Wilcoxen’s report also includes commentary about mayor’s speech from community activists and Minneapolis police chief.
March 25, 2002 - MPR's William Wilcoxen reports that even as state lawmakers debate whether to help finance a ballpark, potential host cities have been jockeying for position. St. Paul city officials said the city has three downtown sites that could become the next home to the Minnesota Twins. Business and labor leaders joined Mayor Randy Kelly at City Hall to describe the sites.
March 18, 2002 - Recent economic indicators suggest the nation may be pulling out its recession, but Minnesota's state and local governments are likely to feel its pain for some time. Saint Paul is among the cities bracing for a tighter budget next year. But among many business people in Saint Paul there's a feeling that the capital city is in a better financial position than it was during the last recession eleven years ago. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports on some of the differences.
February 28, 2002 - The Big Ten Conference women's basketball tournament gets underway in Indianapolis today (Thurs). One of the top contenders for the league championship will be the University of Minnesota, which jumped from a last place finish a year ago to finish this season in a tie for second place. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports the Gophers are still getting used to their new role of being hunted by underdog opponents...
February 15, 2002 -