August 15, 2000 - MPR’s Lorna Benson talks with Ryan Olcott, founder of the rock band 12 Rods, about the group’s album “Separation Anxieties.”
August 15, 2000 - As Democrats present their platform at their national convention in Los Angeles, Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton, who co-chaired the platform committee, offers her assessment to delegates.
August 21, 2000 - In June, state senator Jerry Janezich survived hours of debate and nine ballots to become the D-F-L's endorsed candidate for U-S Senate. With the party's backing, the support of the state's major labor unions, and a strong base on Minnesota's Iron Range, the Chisholm native might seem like a natural choice to challenge incumbent Republican Rod Grams. But Janezich must first fight his way through a hotly-contested primary battle where he faces three well-funded opponents. In the latest in our series of candidate profiles, Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Khoo takes a look at Jerry Janezich.
August 21, 2000 - MPR’s Mike Edgerly talks with Native American writer James Welch, author of “The Heartsong of Charging Elk.” Welch discusses his book, culture, and Native American history. Welch also answers listener questions. Welch is well known for his previous works, including his book “Killing Custer.”
August 22, 2000 - The United Way of Minneapolis is sticking by its committment to give money to local boy scout troops. The charity considered revoking the scouts' gift after the Supreme Court upheld a ban on gay troop leaders earlier this year. Nationally, seven United Ways have stoped giving money to the Boy Scouts. Terri BUH-RAY-ROH is the Senior Director of Community Service for the United Way of Minneapolis. She says reaction to the Supreme Court decision has been low-key:
August 22, 2000 - Members of the Minnesota Women's Political Caucus gathered Monday to discuss strategies for electing more women to higher office this fall. The group has endorsed Rebecca Yanisch for U.S. Senate and Betty McCollum for the Fourth Congressional District. The two candidates have different attitudes about using gender as a campaign issue. Yanisch says her life experience, including her experience as a woman and mother, makes her a better candidate than the men in the field. But McCollum, who faces several other female candidates, says people shouldn't vote for her because she's a woman but because she's a hard worker with a good understanding of the issues. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.
August 22, 2000 - On his 80th birthday, a rebroadcast of the popular Pen Pals Lecture by science fiction writer Ray Bradbury. He's best known for The Martian Chronicles and Fahrenheit 451 and he is working on several new books.
August 24, 2000 - Republican U.S. Senator Rod Grams at the MPR booth at the State Fair answers listener questions about politics and the election this year.
August 24, 2000 - Mark Seeley, University of Minnesota Climatologist, joins Gary Eichten to answer listener weather questions live from the MPR booth at the State Fair.
August 24, 2000 - A swan song of summer gets underway as the 2000 edition of the Minnesota State Fair opens at the grounds in Falcon Heights. The popularity of the fair can make transportation and parking a challenge in the area for the next twelve days, but some visitors and exhibitors avoid traffic headaches by camping at the fair.