November 11, 2004 - MPR's Brandt Williams reports that Minnesota Twins pitcher Johan Santana has been named the 2004 American League Cy Young award winner. The honor is given each year by the Baseball Writers association of America to the most statistically dominant pitchers in both Major League Baseball divisions. Santana, a 25-year-old left hander, recorded the most strikeouts of any pitcher in the American league, the lowest earned run average and the second highest number of victories.
November 11, 2004 - In honor of Veterans Day, we remember the Minnesotans who took part in World War II and the lesser-known stories of those who stayed behind and worked on the home front.Guests: Dave Kenney is author of "Minnesota Goes to War: The Home Front during World War II."
November 11, 2004 - Much has been said of the people who fought in the battles of World War II, but what about all the ones who participated in the stateside war effort? A new book examines the history of the Minnesota home front during what former Sen. Eugene McCarthy called "the last of the 'happy' wars."Guests: Dave Kenney is the author of several books on Minnesota history. His latest is "Minnesota Goes to War: The Home Front during World War II."
November 15, 2004 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports that St. Paul School District officials say 600 Hmong refugee students have enrolled since the beginning of the school year, and hundreds more could still arrive in the coming weeks.
November 16, 2004 - Elmer Andersen was only Minnesota's governor for two years, but his impact on the state went far beyond his single term as chief executive. Andersen served nine years in the state senate, led his company, H.B. Fuller, into the Fortune 500, chaired the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents, published newspapers, authored books, and was remembered by friend and Minnesota Historical Society Director Nina Archabal as "the ultimate Minnesotan." Other guests on the program include, Lori Sturdevant,Star Tribune Editorial Writer and Columnist who edited Gov. Elmer Andersen's memoir, "A Man's Reach," and other friends and admirers of the late governor.
November 18, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports that Governor Pawlenty's livestock task force may recommend a new state panel to handle disputes over livestock farms. The task force is looking for ways to streamline the regulatory process and build Minnesota's livestock industry. The proposed state commission would hear appeals of county and township decisions on siting livestock farms.
November 18, 2004 - A Minnesotan won the National Book Award today for Young Adult Literature. Pete Hautman's latest book, "Godless", is about children in a small town who invent their own religion. He accepted the award this morning in New York city -- at a ceremony that also featured a tribute to famed young adult novelist Judy Blume. We reached Pete Hautman before he returned to Minnesota. He said his award might not make it home at all.
November 18, 2004 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer has a conversation with Duluth writer Barton Sutter about his book "Farewell to the Starlight in Whisky." Sutter explores a wide range of topics: among them, politics, sobriety, the Minnesota wilderness, and love.
November 19, 2004 - MPR’s Chris Julin reports on Grand Marais rap group Crew Jones. Julin interviews members Burly Burlesque (Ben Larson), Mic Trout (Sean Elmquist), and Ray Wolf (Rain Elfvin). Julin details the style and local subjects the trio develop and reflect.
November 19, 2004 - From golfing in the arctic circle to 22-day roller coaster marathons, acclaimed sportswriter Steve Rushin is out with a new book on extreme recreation. "The Caddie was a Reindeer" is a compilation of Rushin's tender odes to his old favorites like basketball and hockey, as well as off-the-wall explorations of off-the-map sports. What drives a person to go zipping through the mountains of Germany at 180 miles per hour, anyway?Guests: Steve Rushin writes the popular "Air and Space" column in Sports Illustrated. Minnesota native.