May 3, 1999 - On this segment of Mainstreet Radio’s Rural Diversity series, Tom Robertson looks at Minnesota's 'hidden' population -- rural minorities.
May 3, 1999 - MPR’s Brent Wolfe reports that while Mexican American migrant workers have been drawn to agricultural jobs in Minnesota for many years, an increasing number are calling Minnesota "home."
May 4, 1999 - MPR’s Jim Bickal talks with musician and anthropologist Maya Lopez-Santamaria about “Musica de la Raza: Mexican and Chicano Music in Minnesota” CD. Lopez-Santamaria collected the music and wrote the book which accompanies it.
May 5, 1999 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from St. Cloud State University as part of MPR's week-long project called "Hidden Rainbow: The Changing Face of Minnesota." In this first hour of program, Rachel Reabe hosts a discussion on racism in St. Cloud with Ralonda Mason, a local lawyer handling racism cases for St. Cloud Area Legal Services; Taye Reta, former St. Cloud business owner and member of the State Council on Black Minnesotans; Susan Ihne, executive editor at The St. Cloud Times; and Vusi Khamalo, director for the Multicultural Services at St. Cloud Technical College.
May 5, 1999 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports on the diminishing population of rainbow smelt in Lake Superior. Years ago, the smelt run drew huge crowds to Lake Superior beaches, where fish were netted by hand and cooked over open fires. Raucous all-night beach parties fueled by generous doses of alcohol achieved mythical status around the big lake. But now, the big smelt runs are history.
May 5, 1999 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from St. Cloud State University as part of MPR's week-long project called "Hidden Rainbow: The Changing Face of Minnesota." In this second hour of program, Rachel Reabe hosts a discussion on refugee resettlement in Minnesota with Minh Tran, area coordinator for Refugee and Immigration Services for Lutheran Social Services in Moorehead; Diane Kimm, a Pelican Rapids volunteer who has worked with refugee families in the community; Bob Hulteen, of Minnesota Council of Churches; and Sue Pirsig, who works with economic development organization in Swift County.
May 6, 1999 - Roger Moe, Senate majority leader, and Steve Sviggum, House speaker, discuss issues over tax rebates, education, light rail, and tobacco settlement with ten days left before the end of the session. Moe and Sviggum also answer listener questions. Program begins with update from Mike Mulcahy, MPR’s senior political editor.
May 6, 1999 - An MPR Special report on Kosovo, highlighting various reports on potential peace settlement and status of refugees from war. Program also contains interview with Nick Hayes, chair of history department at Hamline University, and comments from President Clinton.
May 7, 1999 - A special Midday broadcast from the IDS Crystal Court in downtown Minneapolis. MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton. Topics include downtown development planning, proposed light rail, and crime prevention. Sayles Belton also answers audience and listener questions.
May 7, 1999 - A focus on Downtown with Sam Grabarski, of the Downtown Council; Greg Ortale, of the Convention & Visitors Association; and Council President Jackie Cherryhomes. Featuring interviews about downtown with Barbara Flanagan, Neil Justin and "CJ" of the Star Tribune.