August 1, 2002 - The August edition of the MPR series Voices of Minnesota features riverboat captain Bill Bowell (interviewed by William Wilcoxen) and National Park Service Ranger John Anfinson (interviewed by Kate Smith).
July 10, 2002 - Saint Paul's chances of working out a ballpark funding plan with the Minnesota Twins this year are growing dimmer. To meet the terms of stadium legislation passed this spring, city voters would have to approve local funding for a new ballpark by the end of September. City officials have been meeting with Twins executives in hopes of working out a business deal in time to get a referendum question on the September ballot. But Mayor Randy Kelly says the talks have stalled, making it less likely the ballpark issue can be resolved this fall. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
July 4, 2002 - When the Minnesota Legislature legalized some types of fireworks this year, it set the stage for the arrival of an American institution long missing from the Land of Lakes: the roadside fireworks stand. Over the past few weeks, colorful tents have sprouted in parking lots, along highway shoulders, and on frontage roads. For just a few more days, the entrepreneurial spirit will live on under those canopies as self-starting salespeople hawk their remaining sparklers, fountains, jumping jacks, and whippersnappers. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has this report...
June 7, 2002 - The opening of the Twin Cities' first light rail transit line is still a couple of years away ... but policymakers are beginning to collect opinions on a possible second line. A commission is studying transit options for the University Avenue corridor between Minneapolis and Saint Paul. Last night (Thurs), the group heard from citizens on the possibility of LRT or a bus rapid transit system connecting the two downtowns. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has this report...
May 30, 2002 - One of the Bush administration's leading housing officials visited the Twin Cities yesterday (WEDNESDAY) and encouraged local policymakers to be vigilant about adding more affordable homes to their communities. Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Alphonso Jackson announced HUD is providing more than $12 million dollars in federal aid to Saint Paul. Jackson also joined in a panel discussion on how to boost the region's supply of affordable housing. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has this report...
May 24, 2002 - The University of Minnesota hired a new women's basketball coach today (Fri), more than a month after Brenda Oldfield jilted the Gophers by leaving town after one unforgettable season. The new coach is Pam Borton, a former assistant at Boston College. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
May 24, 2002 - Saint Paul Mayor Randy Kelly met face to face last night (Thursday) with neighborhood critics of his plan to connect Ayd Mill Road with Interstate 35-E. The road has been a source of contention among residents since it was first planned more than forty years ago. Now, Kelly is defending his plan for an experimental connection against critics who say it will make their neighborhood unsafe by routing thousands of additional cars through city streets. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
May 6, 2002 - Most of our region's biggest cities are located on waterways. Residents have relied on rivers for drinking water, transportation, and industrial power. We've modified rivers with dredging, dikes, and dams to meet our needs. But those changes are coming under scrutiny as we learn more about their impact. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen takes us to the urban Mississippi in this installment of our series "Changing Currents."
May 3, 2002 - A variety of musical, dramatic, and artistic events will highlight this weekend's birthday celebration for one of Saint Paul's most historic buildings. The centennial of Landmark Center has admirers of the castle-like structure expressing gratitude that the building lasted one hundred years. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
April 29, 2002 - Today (Mon) is the first day of the off-season for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Yesterday's (Sun) thirteen point loss to Dallas gave the Mavericks a three-game sweep in their first-round playoff series. The Timberwolves finished the regular season with their best record ever, but for the sixth straight year they were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...