April 1, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports that Minnesota Public Radio has announced plans to expand its programming by creating a third statewide network to compliment its existing news and music channels. The new network will be all silent…and in stereo!
April 2, 2002 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak delivered his first State of the City speech, exactly ninety days after taking the political helm at City Hall. Rybak emphasized four issues that he says need special attention in the months ahead. He says Minneapolis needs to manage its money better, build more affordable housing and protect the environment. He also wants the city to be more welcoming to its various cultural groups. William Wilcoxen’s report also includes commentary about mayor’s speech from community activists and Minneapolis police chief.
April 3, 2002 - MPR's Brandt Williams looks at the life of Minnesota civil rights pioneer Nellie Stone Johnson, who passed away on April 2nd, 2002. Johnson spent the majority of her life fighting for social causes, especially those focused on the rights of labor unions, African Americans, and women. Those who knew her say that her activism was a testament to her passion for equality.
April 8, 2002 - Minneapolis police say they arrested 23 people for disorderly conduct and vandalism during Saturday night's melee at the University of Minnesota. They say six officers were injured. The rambunctious fans smashed street lights, vandalized cars and set fires after the men's hockey team won the NCAA championship. The University is still trying to tally up the damage.
April 10, 2002 - The 2000 Census was the first opportunity for Minnesotans to report their multi-racial heritage. And without past years of data to compare the numbers to, demographers don't know if the state's mixed race population is larger than 10 years ago. But they do know that the multicultural population is very young. And they say that says a lot about the changing face of Minnesota.
April 11, 2002 - MPR’s Chris Julin has this Mainstreet Radio reports on something a little different…a Geek Prom being held in Duluth. Organizers believe It's a chance for adults who don't fit in to have a night out with their own kind.
April 12, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on atmosphere at ballpark and Minnesota State Capitol with the potential that 2002 home opener may be the team’s last.
April 16, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on mayor of Minneapolis view on police chief. R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis, says any public discussion right now about Robert Olson's future as police chief is inappropriate. Rybak's statement came amid reports he has told Olson to find another job. Rybak makes it clear Olson is not living up to the new administration's expectations in terms of what Rybak calls community relations. Report also includes comments from City Council members Scott Benson, Paul Ostrow, and Joe Biernat.
April 16, 2002 - MPR’s Steven John interviews Paul Ostrow, president of the Minneapolis City Council, about status of Minneapolis police chief. There are reports this morning that Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is planning to replace Police Chief Robert Olson. Rybak and Olson have not confirmed those reports, but Rybak has said he is concerned about the relationship between the police department and the community. The police have been criticized in recent weeks for shooting a mentally ill Somali man, and using aggressive tactics against people celebrating the University of Minnesota's men's hockey championship. If Olson does not leave voluntarily, the City Council would have to buy out the remaining two years of his contract.
April 17, 2002 - Future Tenses’ Jon Gordon interviews Alex Ignatiev about why computers are such a pain to turn on and off. Firing up a computer, or rebooting it after a crash, takes longer than we'd like. But it could be a lot quicker if new technology from the University of Houston is a hit in the marketplace. Already, the school has licensed the technology to Sharp Electronics.