March 8, 1991 - MPR’s Mark Heistad interviews Nellie Stone Johnson, an African American civil rights activist and union organizer. A native Minnesotan, Johnson shares her memories and commentary on labor efforts, politics, and race.
March 20, 1991 - William Donaldson, he Chairman of the New York Stock Exchange, speaking at Minnesota Meeting. Donaldson’s address was titled “New Market Forces and the Changing Face of American Investment.” Following address, Donaldson answered audience questions. Minnesota Meeting is a non-profit corporation which hosts a wide range of public speakers. It is managed by the Hubert H. Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota.
April 5, 1991 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger profiles The Ojibwe News, an independent newspaper serving Bemidji area. The paper focuses on tribal and reservation news, with some controversial stances. While read by many, the paper’s independence from Red Lake Reservation tribal government does not keep some from questioning paper’s objectivity as a Native press.
May 13, 1991 - Mainstreet Radio’s Rachel Reabe visits the newly opened Grand Casino in Mille Lacs. The casino, built on reservation land by Twin Cities investors, guarantees over 50% of profits to the Mill Lacs Band and has dramatically improved the unemployment problem in area. The reservation has plans to expand with a much larger facility.
May 20, 1991 - Mainstreet Radio’s John Biewen visits La Paysanne, a sheep milk production company outside of Hinkley, Minnesota. The cheeses made from sheep milk include feta and ricotta. The sheep dairy industry in the U.S. is a small market and a tough business to succeed at.
July 15, 1991 - MPR’s Stephen Smith reports on a rural resettlement program for Hmong in Minnesota. Some Hmong see rural Minnesota communities as a better environment than the Twin Cities. Smith interviews Hmong participating in program, local residents, and Lao Family Community officials.
August 8, 1991 - Gil Gutknecht, of Minnesota’s 1st Congressional District, shares his concerns over check off proposal by Checchi regarding Northwest Airlines.
August 12, 1991 - Cathy Meredig, creator of Happy To Be Me dolls, talks about her new children’s toy. Meredid says the purpose behind doll is to present a more realistic body types to young girls and counter the unrealistic “Barbie” doll body shape that children have come to see as normal.
August 28, 1991 - Did you know aviation enigineers created the mini-dount machine? MPR’s Bill Wareham presents a short history of three State Fair food classics: cheese curds, mini donuts, and pronto pups. Wareham talks with vendors behind the fairground treats.
September 2, 1991 - MPR’s Chris Roberts interviews numerous individuals on the attraction of working at the Minnesota State Fair. No surprise; it’s people.