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 -
February 8, 2002 - Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing will have fewer Minnesota employees by the end of the year. 3-M says it is cutting five hundred jobs at its plant on the east side of Saint Paul. At the same time, the company announced a long-term plan to turn part of the plant into a research center. Officials say that conversion will send employment back up again in 2003. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
February 1, 2002 - MPR's William Wilcoxen reports on The Minnesota Twins, who are preparing for their 42nd season…knowing that it could be their last. Major League Baseball executives say they're proceeding with plans to dissolve two teams, including the Twins, but it's not clear if and when it might actually happen.
January 31, 2002 - Saint Paul city officials today (Thurs) took the first steps in a journey that could lead to a new ballpark for the Minnesota Twins. Legislation introduced at the capitol would authorize the city to impose a tax on bars and restaurants and a surcharge on tickets to ballpark events. City officials say money from those taxes plus parking revenue would cover half the cost of a baseball stadium, with private money paying the other half. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
January 30, 2002 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports voters on St. Paul's East Side having elected the world's first Hmong American legislator. Thirty-two year old Mee Moua won special election to fill the state Senate seat vacated by Randy Kelly, who was elected mayor.