November 25, 2003 - Authorities have dismissed charges against a couple who fled Minnesota after being charged with child abuse in 1984. Edward and Karri LaBois were arrested outside of Salt Lake City earlier this month. Nineteen years ago, the two were accused of abusing their 4-year-old daughter in their home in Minnetonka. Hennepin County Attorney Amy Klobuchar says there isn't sufficient evidence to move the case forward.
November 27, 2003 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports on Twin Cities band Halloween, Alaska. The band consists of members of three prominent Twin Cities musical groups - Happy Apple, 12 Rods, and Love Cars. The musicians are taking a break from their noisier roles as rock and jazz musicians to create quiet, mood pop, with a heavy nod to one of its favorite musical eras - the 1980s.
November 27, 2003 - It's Turkey Day -- a day for feasting on fowl. But what about people who don't eat turkey? MPR’s Chris Julin thought to find some alternatives at a co-op grocery store, so he paid a visit.
November 27, 2003 - MPR’s Dan Olson presents a profile of Marian Biersdorf, the person behind the Festal canned pumpkin pie recipe.
November 27, 2003 - MPR’s Elizabeth Stawicki reports that Gen. Vang Pao, a former Vietnam-era military leader of CIA sponsored forces in Laos and head of the United Lao Liberation Front made a stark change in his position by saying he'd support normalizing trade relations if Laos improves its conduct on human rights.
November 28, 2003 - Gary Eichten's studio guest is Hennepin County Chief Judge Kevin Burke, the 2003 winner of the William H. Rehnquist Award for Judicial Excellence. He was honored in Washington last week.
November 28, 2003 - Midday presents two Voices of Minnesota conversations with Minnesota fishermen. Howard Sivertson and Walter Sve share recollections of growing up in fishing families on the North Shore of Lake Superior. It's a way of life that's practically disappeared.
November 28, 2003 - Mainstreet Radio's Tim Post reports on the new tale "Old Turtle and the Broken Truth" from central Minnesota author Douglas Wood. The turtle reappears 11 years after its first appearance.
December 1, 2003 - Minnesota children's author Mary Casanova is out with a new picture book that takes readers on a journey with a girl and her dog. "One-Dog Canoe" features animals that live near Casanova's home in Rainy Lake in northern Minnesota. "One Dog Canoe" is featured on the Minnesota Humanities Council's list of 17 books parents and children should read together. Casanova says her latest book was inspired by growing up as one of ten children. She says like the young girl in her story--she was always searching for some "alone time."
December 5, 2003 - Mainstreet Radio's Tom Robertson reports on the concerns over charter schools outside of the metro. There are 88 charter schools in Minnesota. While about two-thirds of those are in the Twin Cities, a growing number of charter schools are popping up in greater Minnesota. Supporters say starting charter schools in rural Minnesota is tough and they face resistance from school districts afraid of losing students.