June 23, 2005 - It's hot and muggy in the Twin Cities, the kind of day when many people long for air conditioning…and that got us thinking. MPR went to one of the largest air-conditioned buildings in the state, the Metrodome, to see what Twins fans thought about the idea of an outdoor stadium on a very steamy Minnesota day.
July 4, 2005 - Eighty eight years ago this country entered World War 1, a conflict far more unpopular than the current war in Iraq. Then as now officials worried how the country could protect itself at home and how many civil liberties should be restricted in the interest of national security. The reaction by Minnesota officials was extreme. In l917, they created a commission on public safety. The commission suspended civil rights, set up an armed militia and created a network of spies. Minnesota business leaders encouraged and supported the move because of their own agenda. They worried about union organizers and striking workers affecting their businesses, and they were counting on the state to keep workers in line. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
July 22, 2005 - THAT'S TIM PRENDIVILLE, EPA PROJECT MANAGER FOR THE SUPERFUND SITE IN MINNEAPOLIS' PHILLIPS NEIGHBORHOOD. FOR MORE ON THIS STORY AND TO TAKE PART IN THE CONVERSATION, JOIN KERRI MILLER FOR MIDMORNING AT 9 O'CLOCK MONDAY.
September 8, 2005 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann interviews Mary Harbeck, a nurse serving with the Minnesota Disaster Medical Assistance Team in Biloxi, Mississippi. The team is providing medical care in the hurricane-affected region amidst aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
September 19, 2005 - At 9:00 tonight, Minnesota Public Radio will broadcast the new American Radio Works documentary, "No Place for a Woman." It's the story of a landmark legal battle which changed workplaces in America. It established that companies have a legal responsibility to protect employees from sexual harassment. The case is the basis for the new Warner Brothers movie, "North Country," scheduled for release next month. The movie was partially filmed on the Iron Range, and many residents of the Range will appear as extras. Sally Mayasich stood in line all day to try out for a part. She wasn't picked, but she says she wanted to help make the movie as realistic as possible. Mayasich grew up on the Iron Range. She's a freelance writer who's working on a historical novel about the area. Her experience working in a taconite mine helps her understand what makes the Range unique. She took Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill on a tour of her home town, to try to explain the Iron Range character.
September 22, 2005 - MPR’s Sam Choo reports on storm that rocked areas of the Twin Cities, including Andover, which had severe property damage. Choo interviews residents about what happened in the storm. On the night of September 21, 2005, a series of supercells produced four tornadoes, widespread wind damage (gusts of 75+ miles per hour), large hail (up to three inches), and flash-flooding in east central Minnesota. Three damage was present in tree damage in Maple Grove, Brooklyn Center, Brooklyn Park, and north Minneapolis, with one fatality from a fallen tree branch. In the worst hit areas there were downbursts…such as in Andover, where wind gusts reached 100 miles per hour.
October 5, 2005 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer checks in with Rich Naistat, of the National Weather Service, about the intense rainfall that deluged the Twin Cities. The two compare it with the superstorm that dumped massive amounts of rain in July 1987.
November 15, 2005 - Duluth is rediscovering David Ericson. In the first half of the 20th century he painted dreamy Impressionist landscapes, and portraits filled with light. He studied with James McNeill Whistler. Now the Tweed Museum is mounting a big show that features 80 works by Ericson. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill has this report.
February 14, 2006 - A lost era -- a time when immigrant workers rolled cigars by hand in southern Florida comes to life in "El Lector". It's a new book for young people, written by northern Minnesota author William Durbin. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
June 22, 2006 - Sunday at Community United Church of Christ in the Iron Range town of Biwabik, there'll be a birthday celebration. Martha Anderson is turning 105. She lives in her own home, cooks her meals, brings flowers to church, and refuses to use the elevator. She says it's for old people. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill went to the rural community of Lakeland, outside Gilbert, to meet Mrs. Anderson.