May 12, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles Twin Cities rapper Omaur Bliss. Roberts interviews Bliss about the optimism in his music and on growing up in East St. Paul. Segment also includes comments from Steve McPherson, music editor of Pulse.
May 18, 2006 - MPR’s Sea Stachura interviews numerous individuals taking part in the “sport” of Mechwars, a competition that pits homemade robots against other bot creations. Everything from Barbie dolls to gnomes are utilized as weaponry.
May 19, 2006 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on the opening of new Minneapolis Central Library. Visitors to the five story, 365,000 square foot building will likely first notice its eye-grabbing architecture - complete with a 90-ton structure that looks like an airplane wing resting on top. Inside patrons will have access to more than three million books and other reference materials as well as an art gallery, nearly 300 public computers and special sections for young library people and immigrants.
May 22, 2006 - Duluth city councilors consider adding Bob Dylan's name to a few blocks of London Road. MPR's Stephanie Hemphill reports on the numerous perspectives on naming area of road after the famous musician born in Duluth.
June 5, 2006 - On this segment of Future Tense, MPR’s Jon Gordon interviews founder Tiffany Shlain about this year’s WEBBY Awards, including a lifetime Internet achievement award to Prince for his visionary use of the web as a music artist.
June 7, 2006 - MPR’s Perry Finelli interviews local poet who is a part of this year’s Poets on the Buses metro event. Poet reads a poem she will be performing.
June 12, 2006 - MPR’s Marisa Helms reports on the increasing importance and interest for Spanish langauge radio in the Twin Cities. Two 24-hour stations are going head to head for listeners…Radio Rey and La Invasora.
June 15, 2006 - The recent opening of the Minneapolis Public Library drew a lot of attention to the new look of libraries, with state of the art technology, cafes and comfy chairs. But libraries aren't just changing physically. MPR's Marianne Combs reports on how libraries are becoming less about books, and more about people.
June 28, 2006 - The McKnight Foundation named Lou Bellamy its 2006 Distinguished Artist. The honor recognizes individuals who've made significant contributions to the state's cultural life.
June 29, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles local hip-hop artist Desdamona. The two discuss her stage name, B-girl movement, spoken word scene, and CD “The Ledge.” Report also includes commentary from writer Dwight Hobbes and Theresa Sweetland, Intermedia Arts Programs Manager