April 26, 2002 - The Minneapolis based Loft Literary Center announced today its launching a new bi-monthly national magazine. Speakeasy, will publish literary commentary, book reviews and original fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Loft Literary director Bart Schneider says it doesn't bother him that there are plenty of literary magazines already being published in the Twin Cities:
April 24, 2002 - President George Bush talked policy and politics in South Dakota today. In a short while the President will appear at a fundraiser for congressional candidate John Thune. He began the day talking to farmers at an ethanol plant near Wentworth. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Steil was there and joins us now. 1) Host: What kind of reception did the president receive?
April 24, 2002 - Minnesota Supreme Court Chief Justice Kathleen Blatz says a statewide child protection reform project has been successful in its first year. The Children's Justice Initiative is designed to get abused and neglected kids into permanent homes faster. 12 Minnesota counties took part in the program this year... by 2006, all 87 counties in the state will be included. Justice Blatz says the state's child protection system needs a lot of work:
April 23, 2002 - Trade potential with China is huge and the past president is going to go talk to China to figure out what they are looking for in a trade and how a trade can be arranged so that both parties will benefit.
April 22, 2002 - HOST INTRO: This weekend's snow has many Minnesotans dreaming of spending "April in Paris." Travelers to France hoping to explore the country's cuisine often pack Patricia Wells book "A Food Lovers Guide to Paris." Wells has infused the book with the wisdom, restaurant reviews and tips she's learned during her 20 years as a food columnist for "The International Herald Tribune." Her latest book, "THE PARIS COOKBOOK," has been nominated for a 2002 James Beard Foundation Award. Minnesota Public Radio's Greta Cunningham spoke to Patricia Wells during her recent visit to the Twin Cities for Marshall-Fields' salute to the French countryside.
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April 11, 2002 - There are numerous opinions on which transportation system would work best for the Twin Cities. One Minnesota-based transportation expert says an expanded and improved bus system, and not light rail, is the answer. Tom Martinson is an Independent consultant based in Edina, who helps cities around the world plan transportation systems that fit their unique characteristics.
April 9, 2002 - State Fire Marshal Steve Wolf says the fire that destroyed three buildings in downtown Lanesboro may have been arson. Wolf says most accidental causes have been ruled out. Firefighters from Lanesboro and other communities spent almost 16 hours trying to douse the flames before officials decided to raze the buildings yesterday afternoon. Lanesboro city administrator Barbara Hoyhtya says town officials have already started looking for a spot to relocate a bike and canoe rental business that was destroyed:
April 4, 2002 - A bill that passed the House today would legalize the sale of fireworks in state. The fireworks provision is attached to volunteer firefighter legislation. It allows fireworks to be sold from May 1st to July 15th and from December 1st to January 2nd each year. People would have to be 18 to buy them and receive information on fireworks safety. Fireworks currently are legal in 41 states. Republican Representative Mark Holsten, who sponsored the provision, says the state's ban on fireworks is out of date:
April 3, 2002 - The University of Maryland introduced Brenda Oldfield as its new women's basketball coach today. Oldfield left Minnesota after guiding the Gophers to their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1994. U of M womens' athletic director Chris Voelz said today she feels confident the U can hire a new coach quickly. Merrily Dean Baker was director of women's intercollegiate athletics at the University of Minnesota in the mid-80's. She says the University of Minnesota does face some unique recruiting challenges: