April 2, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Steve Minn, former Minneapolis City Council member, about R.T. Rybak’s upcoming first State of the City address. It’s been three months since Rybak took office. After campaigning on issues like affordable housing, and restoring trust in City Hall, Rybak has had to handle a series of high-profile events, in addition to focusing on his stated agenda.
April 2, 2002 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak delivered his first State of the City speech, exactly ninety days after taking the political helm at City Hall. Rybak emphasized four issues that he says need special attention in the months ahead. He says Minneapolis needs to manage its money better, build more affordable housing and protect the environment. He also wants the city to be more welcoming to its various cultural groups. William Wilcoxen’s report also includes commentary about mayor’s speech from community activists and Minneapolis police chief.
April 3, 2002 - MPR's Brandt Williams looks at the life of Minnesota civil rights pioneer Nellie Stone Johnson, who passed away on April 2nd, 2002. Johnson spent the majority of her life fighting for social causes, especially those focused on the rights of labor unions, African Americans, and women. Those who knew her say that her activism was a testament to her passion for equality.
April 3, 2002 - MPR’s Tasha Rosenfeld interviews Minneapolis hip-hop and spoken word artist Desdamona. They discuss First Avenue spoken word event. Desdamona also performs a piece.
April 3, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with historian Hy Berman about Nellie Stone Johnson, an influential leader in civil rights and labor movements, who passed away on April 2nd, 2002. Johnson was 96 years old.
April 5, 2002 - The University of Minnesota has announced that the U of M Press will be the subject of an external review to make sure that its publishing criteria and processes meet industry standards. The announcement comes in the wake of controversy over a book that the press will publish next month called "Harmful to Minors: The Perils of Protecting Children from Sex." The book, which was written by New York journalist Judith Levine, concludes not all sexual interaction between adults and minors is bad. Christine Maziar, Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School will oversee the review. She says the review will evaluate the Press's procedures against two standards.
April 9, 2002 - Minnesota's public television stations can move ahead with plans to convert to digital transmission. The Senate voted 53-5 today to override Governor Ventura's veto of about 8 (M)million dollars in state funding. The move follows a similar vote yesterday in the House. The bill will provide money to ten stations in Minnesota that are trying to meet a federal requirement to broadcast digital signals by May 2003. Jim Pagliarini (PAL-yah-REE-nee) is president and CEO of Twin Cities Public Television. He says he is thrilled by the overrride:
April 12, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer showcases a batch of vintage MPR audio from 1982, as the Metrodome opened to fans and ball games. The 1982 Twins were a terrible team, about to play their first season in the brand new domed sports facility.
April 12, 2002 - Tonight Minnesota's literary community will gather at the Fitzgerald Theater in St Paul to celebrate the years's top books. The 14th annual Minnesota Book Awards identifies the best in popular fiction, anthology, and children's literature among others. Minnesota book critic and independent book seller Brad Zellar says it says a lot about the state that so many small presses are competing.
April 12, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on atmosphere at ballpark and Minnesota State Capitol with the potential that 2002 home opener may be the team’s last.