September 11, 2003 - An interview excerpt of Osmo Vänskä as he prepares to lift the baton for the first time as music director of the Minnesota Orchestra. The Finnish conductor arrives as the orchestra celebrates its centennial. Vanska says he realizes he has to live up to many expectations.
September 12, 2003 - A rainstorm didn't halt the state's largest September 11 memorial ceremony last (THURSDAY) night in St. Paul. Governor Pawlenty and other leaders told a small but dedicated crowd the fight against terrorism must continue. They said Minnesotans can channel their emotions into community service here at home. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
September 12, 2003 - September brings with a number of transitions, the passing of the season, the end of summer, the start of the school year. Those transitions remind commentator Hans Eisenbeis of the passage of time.
September 16, 2003 - All Things Considered’s David Molpus interviews Gorden Wittenmyer, who covers the Twins for the St. Paul Pioneer Press, about big series against Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox. The Twins’ chief rival for the American League Central Division crown is in town for the first game of a three-game series.
September 17, 2003 - After months of work, a group of parents, staff, and students at an international school in Minneapolis will get their wish later today when the school officially changes its name. It will be named after the late Senator Paul Wellstone, and become known as the Wellstone International School. The school serves a group of older immigrant students... usually between the ages of 17 and 21, who have little or no previous education before coming to Minnesota. Joining us on the line is Luis Ortega (loo-EES or-TAY-ga), principal of the school.
September 17, 2003 - Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty and North Dakota Governor John Hoeven (HOE-vehn) will meet soon to discuss a dispute over hunting. North Dakota is restricting where and when people from out of state can hunt . And license fees are going up. That's angered many Minnesota hunters. But the changes have also upset a lot of North Dakota business owners. Mainstreet Radio's Dan Gunderson reports.
September 18, 2003 - MPR’s David Molpus interviews Bruce Coppock, The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra president and managing director, about SPCO program highlighting "degenerate" music from the Nazi era.
September 18, 2003 - MPR's Stephanie Curtis reports that the Minnesota Orchestra is celebrating its centennial year with its new music director, Osmo Vänskä , finally in place. He is the orchestra's tenth music director and like others, he will be compared with his predecessors. Some critics say they hope the orchestra doesn't repeat mistakes made when it appointed Eiji Oue as music director.
September 18, 2003 - The Twins will be trying to sweep their three game series with the Chicago White Sox when the teams take the field in the Metrodome. With a 4-2 victory the previous night, the Twins fattened their Central Division lead over the White Sox to two-and-a-half games.
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.