May 7, 2003 - 40 years ago today the Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis opened its doors for the first time. The new theater was Sir Tyrone Guthrie's brainchild. The internationally known director wanted to build high quality theater outside the influence of the New York scene. Four decades on Guthrie's vision endures, but the theater now appears to be at a crossroads.
May 7, 2003 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on U.S. Ambassador to Laos visiting Minnesota to promote the start of normal trade relations with the communist country. The visit sparked protests, organized primarily by Hmong veterans who sided with the United States during the Vietnam War, but who were driven out when the U.S. withdrew its support. They say opening relations with Laos only rewards a brutal regime.
May 9, 2003 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports on a Minnesota House Committee has voted to sell state land lying within the Federal Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. But it's raised fierce opposition from the environmental community and from within the Legislature. Report includes various speaking and interview clips.
May 26, 2003 - One of Minnesota's oldest cemetaries marked two occasions today. As it has since 1870, St. Paul's Oakland Cemetary hosted a Memorial Day service honoring the veterans buried there. But this year the cemetary also celebrates its 150th anniversary. Oakland has long been one of Minnesota's lesser-known historical treasures. But in the past few years volunteers have uncovered a wealth of new details about the veterans buried there.
May 26, 2003 - Recent shootings in a north Minneapolis neighborhood are testing the resolve of its residents. Some neighbors are formulating new ideas of how they can keep crime and hopelessness from taking over the Jordan neighborhood. But at the same time, some have admitted that the shootings illustrate how little has changed and say they are considering moving out.
May 30, 2003 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer reports on musicians in The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra agreeing to ratify a contract which includes a 17% pay cut. That change comes in the first year of a new four-year contract.
May 30, 2003 - MPR’s Marianne Combs reports on August Wilson’s play King Hedley II. Report includes interview with Penumbra’s Lou Bellamy and excerpts from play.
June 5, 2003 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports on annual concert held in a Mankato quarry. Thousands of people show up to listen to the Mankato Orchestra and blues rock band City Mouse.
June 9, 2003 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik interviews Rick Kahn, who reflects on his controversial eulogy at Paul Wellstone memorial service and the political fallout.
June 10, 2003 - Opera lovers in Sioux Falls are trying to light the flame in hopes of it catching on in the northern plains. Two South Dakota natives, both of which are now opera stars, are performing scenes from several operas as a way of introduction. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland caught up with Louis Otey, one of the performers, to talk about the efforts.