June 15, 2006 - The recent opening of the Minneapolis Public Library drew a lot of attention to the new look of libraries, with state of the art technology, cafes and comfy chairs. But libraries aren't just changing physically. MPR's Marianne Combs reports on how libraries are becoming less about books, and more about people.
June 22, 2006 - The new Guthrie Theater opens this weekend. After over forty years on Vineland Place in Minneapolis, The Guthrie has moved to the banks of the Mississippi and into the international spotlight. The new, blue building, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, sits on the riverfront in downtown Minneapolis. To celebrate its new home, the theater will host a weekend full of events.
June 27, 2006 - Acclaimed local author Sandra Benitez has come out with a new book, but you won't be able to find it in any book store. Benitez, who has earned nearly two dozen honors for her work, including a Minnesota Book Award, struggled to find a publisher for her new memoir, "Bag Lady." The book recounts her battle with a form of Irritable Bowel Disease and the surgery that changed her life. Concerned that the book would be a hard sell, publishers passed on it. So, Benitez and her husband published the memior themselves.
June 28, 2006 - The McKnight Foundation named Lou Bellamy its 2006 Distinguished Artist. The honor recognizes individuals who've made significant contributions to the state's cultural life.
June 29, 2006 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles local hip-hop artist Desdamona. The two discuss her stage name, B-girl movement, spoken word scene, and CD “The Ledge.” Report also includes commentary from writer Dwight Hobbes and Theresa Sweetland, Intermedia Arts Programs Manager
July 11, 2006 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen visits the neighborhood around Randolph and Hamline Avenues in St. Paul. That's where Cretin-Derham Hall High School is located and locals will be cheering for one of their own during 2006 MLB All-Star Game…Cretin-Derham graduate Joe Mauer, of the Minnesota Twins, takes the field with his American League teammates.
July 20, 2006 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill talks with Michigan author Anne Margaret Lewis about her children's picture book “Gitchi Gumee.” The book that takes readers on a journey across Lake Superior. In the process, they learn about respect and patience, taught by the spirit of the big lake itself, Gitchi Gumee.
July 20, 2006 - MPR’s Steven John interviews Carol Connolly, the first ever poet laureate of the city of St. Paul. Connolly talks about becoming a poet and reads her first poem ever finished, “Last Resort.”
July 26, 2006 - MPR’s Duluth bureau reporter Stephanie Hemphill visits some of the burned and blackened areas after the Cavity Lake wildfire. It was the largest fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in over a century, burning nearly 32-thousand acres. Hemphill toured the area with two forest service workers, Lissa Griver and Tim McKenzie. They find surprising signs that life there was not only surviving, but thriving.
July 27, 2006 - MPR’s Tim Post interviews meteorologist Mark Seeley about the reasons behind the “extreme” drought conditions in northern Minnesota. Seeley states main culprit is the jet stream.