May 7, 2009 - When times are tough, a good book can provide an escape. Two book critics offer their suggestions for books that take readers to a different place. Guests: Janice Harayda: Author and editor-in-chief of One Minute Book Reviews. Her novels include "the Accidental Bride" and "Manhattan on the Rocks." Mark Athitackis: Author and book critic. His reviews have appeared in the New York Times Book Review, the Washington Post Book World, and the Star Tribune. He also writes about books on his blog, American Fiction Notes.
May 7, 2009 - Attorneys representing the family of Fong Lee say they're disappointed that a federal judge dropped the city as a defendent in their wrongful death lawsuit. The judge also threw out one of the charges against the officer who shot and killed Lee in 2006. But the attorneys say that doesn't change the main thrust of their case. Lee family attorney Rich Hechter says the evidence will show that Lee was unarmed and that officer Jason Andersen acted unlawfully.
May 7, 2009 - A federal court judge has dismissed charges against the city of Minneapolis in the Fong Lee wrongful death lawsuit. But Lee family attorneys say the core of the lawsuit is still intact. They believe that officer Jason Andersen violated Lee's rights and committed assault and battery when the officer shot and killed Lee in 2006. A grand jury cleared Andersen of wrongdoing in 2007. Attorney John Klassen is not affiliated with the Lee case. But he has sued the city before. He says the Lee family still has a chip to bargain with in upcoming settlement talks.
May 11, 2009 - Brandt Williams reports on nearly 200, mostly Hmong people, demonstrating in front of the U.S. courthouse in downtown St. Paul. They came to rally support for the family of Fong Lee, who was shot and killed by a Minneapolis police officer in 2006.
May 11, 2009 - This morning nearly 200 people gathered in front of the U.S. Courthouse in downtown St. Paul to rally in support for the family of Fong Lee. Minneapolis police officer Jason Andersen shot and killed Lee in 2006. Participants at the rally say Lee was unarmed and they believe police officers planted a gun next to Lee's body to justify the shooting. Police officials have denied that a gun was planted. Those at the morning rally called for the resignation of officer Andersen and police Chief Tim Dolan. Rally organizer Dai Thao says the demonstration is helpful for the Lee family. He says Lee's death has had an impact outside of the immediate family.
May 14, 2009 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill reports that critics of Minnesota's new ballast water permit system will argue in court that the system doesn't do enough to protect Lake Superior from invasive species. They say with a deadly fish virus infesting every Great Lake except Lake Superior, the state needs to act more quickly and more effectively.
May 18, 2009 - University of Minnesota and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System Colleges expect big tuition increases.
May 19, 2009 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports that the number of people on the state's payroll has grown even though thousands of government employees have retired since Governor Tim Pawlenty ordered a hiring freeze at state agencies.
May 20, 2009 - Nico Muhly isn't 30 yet, but the protege of Phillip Glass is already recognized as a major force in contemporary classical music. The Juilliard graduate has composed for, among others, the Boston Pops, Chicago Symphony, and Bjork. Muhly sees himself and his music as a product of the internet age.
May 25, 2009 - Heather McElhatton will tell you she knows a thing or two about dating. She's spent enough time using on-line dating services to know what the terms men use to describe themselves in their profiles REALLY mean.