December 6, 2004 - Some members of Governor Tim Pawlenty's own party say he's wrong to explore using casino gambling money to help fund state government. They say the governor's approach conflicts with fundamental Republican party principles and it will cost them votes. Nevertheless Pawlenty is not backing down from trying to pressure tribes into sharing their casino profits. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
December 6, 2004 - MPR’s Perry Finelli interviews Dr. Pat Walker, medical director at the Center for International Health at Regions Hospital, about mass health screening clinics for new refugees.
December 7, 2004 - In the early 1930s, Soviet recruiters persuaded thousands of Finnish-Americans from northern Minnesota to move to Stalin's Russia. They thought they were going to build a utopia, but many ended up as Stalin's victims. A new book for youngsters, "The Darkest Evening," describes the painful episode. The author is William Durbin. He talked with Mainstreet Radio's Stephanie Hemphill. William Durbin will be reading from "The Darkest Evening" at Back To Books in Hudson at noon on Sunday (Dec 12).
December 7, 2004 - In the early 1930s, Soviet recruiters persuaded thousands of Finnish-Americans from northern Minnesota to move to Stalin's Russia. They thought they were going to build a utopia, but many ended up as Stalin's victims. A new book for youngsters, "The Darkest Evening," describes the painful episode. The author is William Durbin.
December 8, 2004 - LaVelle Neal, who follows the Twins year-round for the Star Tribune, discusses the Minnesota Twins signing of ace pitcher Brad Radke to a two-year $18 million contract. The 32-year-old right hander has been a fixture in the Twins rotation since 1995. He recorded the best earned run average of his career last season.
December 8, 2004 -
December 10, 2004 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Carl Eller, former Viking and Pro Football Hall of Famer. Eller’s Hall of Fame speech focused on the future of young African American men.
December 10, 2004 - MPR’s David Molpus interviews Cheryl Thomas, who runs Women's Human Rights Program at the Minnesota Advocates for Human Rights. Thomas discusses the domestic violence facing women in immigrant communities here in Minnesota.
December 10, 2004 - A commentary from American poet Mark Nowak, who is creating a country-wide buzz by applying hip-hop sensibilities to politics and breaking news. His book of poems "Shut Up Shut Down," published by Coffeehouse Press, is drawing national attention and praise.
December 10, 2004 - In this State of the Arts segment, MPR’s Marianne Comb profiles Outward Spiral Theatre Company, the only Twin Cities theater dedicated to producing shows by and about Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgendered people. After a couple of poorly attended seasons, the theater is wondering whether the GLBT community needs it anymore.