September 3, 2004 - The federal Wilderness Act is forty years old today - a document with a lot of Minnesota connections. The Bill was first introduced in 1956 by Minnesota US Senator Hubert Humphrey. One its most visible supporters was Ely writer Sigurd Olson. Olson's biographer, David Backes, says Olson was controversial but respected.
September 4, 2004 - MPR’s Greta Cunnnigham talks about "politicking on a stick" with Minnesota Public Radio's political reporter Michael Khoo, who has been at the Minnesota State Fair each and every time a big name politician has made a visit to the 2004 event.
September 8, 2004 - "Shanda" is a yiddish word for 'scandal.' It's a word used to describe someone who is an embarrassment to his family or even his community. Minneapolis writer Neal Karlen describes himself as a shanda. He grew up Jewish, in a devout Twin Cities family. At one point it looked as thought he was going to become a rabbi. But he turned to journalism instead, and began to drift away from his heritage. He says in time he became what he describes a Jewish "Uncle Tom"
September 15, 2004 - Seth Binau, a forecaster with the National Weather Service, breaks down the flood warnings and rainfall totals in south-central Minnesota. Biau also describes the makeup of front that brought about torrential rain.
September 15, 2004 - MPR’s Erin Galbally reports on flooding in Austin, Minnesota after a massive rainstorm in area.
September 20, 2004 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen profiles Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Johan Santana as he ties a team record by winning his twelfth game in a row. With a 19-6 record and three different dominant pitches, Santana is a favorite to win the Cy Young Award in 2004.
September 21, 2004 - For the first time in franchise history, the Minnesota Twins will play postseason baseball in three straight years. The Twins clinched their third straight American League Central Division crown with an 8-2 victory over the White Sox in Chicago. Twins General Manager Terry Ryan shares his thoughts and hopes for the team in the postseason.
September 23, 2004 - MPR’s Toni Randoplh looks into a Minnesota Public Radio-Pioneer Press poll that shows many state residents believe that the cost of helping immigrants get established here outweighs their contribution.
September 27, 2004 - Mainstreet Radios Dan Gunderson reports that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty wants to double the amount of ethanol required in gasoline sold in the state. The Governor also expects state government to cut gasoline consumption in half in the next decade. Those proposals are part of a renewable fuels initiative announced by the governor.
September 27, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports that it's football season and once again speculation is flying about a potential sale of the Minnesota Vikings. There are few details available yet about the potential bid, but there are a lot of factors which could come into play if a sale goes forward…it will also involve a lot of money.