April 19, 2002 - In this edition of Word of Mouth - A profile on Brave New Workshop’s comedy “Bushwacked 2”/ Minnesota Opera’s “Little Women” / Center for the Performing Arts comedy “Among the Oats” / Northern Clay Center’s St. Paul American Pottery Festival / Klezmer Dances / Albee’s “The Play about the Baby” / The Rose Ensemble is performing music that is based on Gregorian chant / Minneapolis poet and spoken word artist Desdamona reads “To Know my Mother” / Minnesota jazz singer Alicia Renée
April 19, 2002 - After writing two books that brought him little financial success, reporter Mark Bowden says he didn't expect life to change much when he wrote his third book, "Black Hawk Down". The book earned considerable praise from critics, was a finalist in the 1999 National Book Awards, and was made into a blockbuster movie that was released earlier this year. Bowden's most recent book analyzes a U.S. military campaign in another part of the world, this time in Colombia.Guest: Author Mark Bowden
April 23, 2002 - Polygamy is illegal in Minnesota, yet activists in some immigrant groups in the Twin Cities say, while the practice is kept under wraps, it is relatively common. MPR’s Kaomi Goetz reports that younger members of the Hmong community are now trying to get the issue out into the open.
April 24, 2002 - Patrick Schiltz, Interim Dean of the University of St. Thomas Law School, talks about the American Catholic Cardinals meeting with the Pope in Rome to discuss sex abuse by priests.
April 24, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura says he does not want to close the governor's mansion on Summit Avenue. He had considered closing the mansion since he has chosen not to move in there and the costs to keep it open were problematic due to legislative budget cuts.
April 25, 2002 - MPR’s Tasha Rosenfeld interviews Paul Ostrow, president of Minneapolis City Council, on lack of support on council to buy out of police chief’s contract. Minneapolis Police Chief Robert Olson will keep his job for now. City Council President Paul Ostrow says there isn't enough support on the council to buy out the two years remaining on the chief's contract. Last week, Mayor R.T. Rybak said he had lost confidence in Olson. Now, he says he will work with the chief if he needs to. Ostrow says dozens of Minneapolis residents have called the city to voice support for the chief. Ostrow also states that cost of buying out the contract was a big issue.
April 25, 2002 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports that the Minnesota Senate passed a bill that would require students to recite the pledge of allegiance in school at least once a week. Supporters say the bill would help teach patriotism to children, but opponents say the state shouldn't force students to recite the pledge.
April 26, 2002 - Mainstreet Radio’s Tom Robertson reports on a bill heading to Governor Ventura that restricts all-terrain vehicle use in some state forests. Legislators approved a ban on cross country ATV travel on some state land. That means ATV riders can't go off established trails and roadways, but there are other changes ahead for Minnesotans who ride all-terrain vehicles.
April 26, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Pastor Anita Hill about the year since being ordained by St. Paul-Reformation Lutheran Church. Hill is a lesbian woman in a committed relationship, and that puts the church out of line with the ELCA. Reverend Hill has continued ministering to her congregation despite the debate around her ordination.
April 26, 2002 - The Minneapolis based Loft Literary Center announced today its launching a new bi-monthly national magazine. Speakeasy, will publish literary commentary, book reviews and original fiction, non-fiction and poetry. Loft Literary director Bart Schneider says it doesn't bother him that there are plenty of literary magazines already being published in the Twin Cities.