Materials created/edited/published by Archive team as an assigned project during remote work period in 2020
April 18, 2002 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s statements that it is time for Police Chief Robert Olson to go. Mayor Rybak says the chief hasn't done enough to foster public trust in the Minneapolis Police Department. Rybak will need the City Council's approval to buy out the remainder of the chief's contract. However, the council appears split on the issue, with some council members saying constituents don't believe a new chief will necessarily bring better relations between police and the community. Reports includes comments from Keith Ellison, attorney and community activist; Mathea Little-Smith, DFL activist; and Robert Lilligren, Minneapolis city council member.
April 18, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Tony Bouza, former Minneapolis Police Chief, about possible leadership change in Minneapolis Police department. Last night, Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak confirmed that he has asked Police Chief Robert Olson to resign. Rybak says he asked the chief to step down two weeks ago in his words "for the good of the community." Olson has not commented on those reports. Fifth Precinct Inspector Lucy Gerold is reportedly being considered for the job of interim chief.
April 19, 2002 - In this edition of Word of Mouth - A profile on Brave New Workshop’s comedy “Bushwacked 2”/ Minnesota Opera’s “Little Women” / Center for the Performing Arts comedy “Among the Oats” / Northern Clay Center’s St. Paul American Pottery Festival / Klezmer Dances / Albee’s “The Play about the Baby” / The Rose Ensemble is performing music that is based on Gregorian chant / Minneapolis poet and spoken word artist Desdamona reads “To Know my Mother” / Minnesota jazz singer Alicia Renée
April 19, 2002 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak upcoming plans. Report includes subject of campaign promise of mixed income housing to the city, and on getting a new Minneapolis police chief.
April 25, 2002 - MPR’s Tasha Rosenfeld interviews Paul Ostrow, president of Minneapolis City Council, on lack of support on council to buy out of police chief’s contract. Minneapolis Police Chief Robert Olson will keep his job for now. City Council President Paul Ostrow says there isn't enough support on the council to buy out the two years remaining on the chief's contract. Last week, Mayor R.T. Rybak said he had lost confidence in Olson. Now, he says he will work with the chief if he needs to. Ostrow says dozens of Minneapolis residents have called the city to voice support for the chief. Ostrow also states that cost of buying out the contract was a big issue.
April 26, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on reaction from Minneapolis Police Chief Robert Olson on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s attempt to oust him from position. Olson says that he has no intention of moving on. Rybak had requested Olson leave, followed by a failed attempt from Rybak on getting votes from Minneapolis City Council.
May 2, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on Roger Moe’s candidacy for governorship. A former math teacher, Roger Moe has the most political experience out of all the candidates in the running for governor. Report includes commentary from former Vice President Walter Mondale, who endorsed Moe for governor; and Becky Lourey, state senator and rival DFL candidate for governor.
May 3, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on local Cinco de Mayo celebrations. What began as a Mexican national holiday to commemorate an important battle is now a way to share ethnic pride with Minnesota's exploding population of Latinos from many different countries.
May 6, 2002 - MPR’s Dan Olson provides a report on how the vice presidency changed under the Carter administration. Report includes various speaking excerpts of Jimmy Carter, Stuart Eizenstadt, Walter Mondale, and Maxine Issacs.
May 20, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis, on state capital stadium bill. Governor Jesse Ventura has 14 days to decided what to do with a Twins stadium financing plan that lawmakers sent him late Saturday night. The deal for a 330-million-dollar ballpark, requires a 120 million private contribution (facilitated by the Twins) prior to any bond sale. In addition, the team would pay ten million dollars a year in rent. Proponents of a new ballpark in Minneapolis were hoping the bill would allow a county to finance the local portion of the cost, but that did not happen. Rybak says because of that Minneapolis appears to be out of the running as a location for a new ballpark.