August 14, 2003 - MPR’s Jayne Solinger interviews R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis. Rybak delivered a 1.2 billion-dollar 2004 budget this afternoon. The mayor proposes to avoid further layoffs by drawing down the city s rainy day fund. He plans to rehire thirty-four firefighters laid off this year and add a class police recruits, which had been cut from the last budget. The budget isn't painless by any means. Most Minneapolis homeowners will see their property tax bills rise 18%. Rybak calls the budget the "Light at the end of the tunnel."
August 15, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on the Minneapolis city budget, which continues to drop by millions of dollars. Mayor R.T. Rybak says he sees some reason for optimism. Rybak delivered his 1.24 billion-dollar budget proposal for 2004, saying there will be no more layoffs. In fact, he says the city will hire more police and firefighters. But the strain of debt and the second round of cuts from the state mean property taxes for Minneapolis homeowners will continue to rise. Report includes commentary form various city officials.
August 21, 2003 - In a live broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair, Midday’s Gary Eichten interviews Amy Klobuchar, district attorney for Hennepin County; and Susan Gaertner, district attorney for Ramsey County, about current events and major issues of fighting and preventing crime in the Twin Cities and Minnesota. Klobuchar and Gaertner also answer audience questions.
August 27, 2003 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak says he wants a police chief who keeps city streets safe, but also holds officers accountable and can be creative with the department's complex budget. Rybak makes his comments as the search for a replacement for Police Chief Robert Olson gets started in earnest.
September 9, 2003 - A day-long session in Duluth kicks off five regional public programs scheduled around the state this month to discuss identity theft. Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar is the president of the Minnesota County Attorneys Association, who along with AARP is sponsoring the forums. Klobuchar says identity theft in on the rise both across the country and in Minnesota.
September 18, 2003 - On his 80th birthday, former Minnesota Governor Al Quie joins MPR Midday host Gary Eichten to discuss his life and political career. Quie also answers listener questions.
September 25, 2003 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Susan Crumb, a community prosecutor in Brooklyn Park. The Hennepin County Attorney's Office hosting a two-day national meeting on Thursday-Friday, September 25-26, with focus on "community prosecution." In 1999, Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar initiated this new approach to crime-fighting. This approach is based on a closer working relationship between prosecutors and the local neighborhoods and communities where crime is occurring. Prosecutors are assigned to work with police, local residents, businesses and others in a specific geographic area to develop strategies for preventing and prosecuting crime, as well as to identify appropriate consequences for those who break the law.
October 1, 2003 - In a live broadcast from Collegeville, Minnesota Public Radio President Bill Kling talks with Gary Eichten about MPR. He also takes listener questions and comments.
October 16, 2003 - On this Midday, author and former columnist Jim Klobuchar talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about his adventures, life in Minnesota, and his recent books.
October 16, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on an alleged sexual assault by Minneapolis police officers. Report includes commentary from R.T. Rybak, Minneapolis Mayor; Keith Ellison, accuser’s attorney; John DelmoMPR’s Art Hughes reports on an alleged sexual assault by Minneapolis police officers. Report includes commentary from R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis; Keith Ellison, accuser’s attorney; John Delmonico, President of Minneapolis Police Federation; and individuals in the community.nico, President of Minneapolis Police Federation; and individuals in the community.