October 23, 2003 - A recent study shows racial profiling occurs across Minnesota. In Bemidji, the study sparked renewed protests by American Indians. They've complained for years that Indians in the region are unfairly targeted by law enforcement. Now, some are demanding action. But law enforcement officials in Bemidji deny racial profiling exists. They say the study is flawed.
October 23, 2003 - Minneapolis police officials were already in the middle of federally mediated talks about their relations with communities of color last week when new allegations of police brutality were made public. An African American man claims that two police officers sexually assaulted him while they were searching him for drugs. The FBI has been called in the investigate the allegations. The truth is still unknown about what happened. However, to many African Americans in Minneapolis , the idea that police could commit such an act is entirely believable.
October 24, 2003 - No one's ever performed the entire “Piece Symphonique,” composed by Jean Langlais. MPR’s Chris Julin reports that is changing, with a world premier in Minnesota. The composer's widow is a concert organist and she has performances in Duluth and Minneapolis of the work.
October 29, 2003 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill looks back at fight to stop the pollution of Lake Superior, an early chapter in the history of the environmental movement. It established the principle that the government can force industry to clean up its pollution.
October 29, 2003 - The Minneapolis Civilian Police Review Authority meets with the public tonight for the first time in almost two years. The board reviews citizen complaints of police misconduct, but it's largely been out of business since Spring 2002. Elected leaders hope the newly constituted board will improve police accountability. But as Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports, it faces an uphill battle.
October 30, 2003 - MPR’s Steve Nelson reports on St. Paul being the center of an emerging group of Hmong writers. That's may not seem all that remarkable, until you consider that Hmong people had no written language at all until 1952. Before then, Hmong story-telling relied on oral traditions. Now, writers in St. Paul are turning those stories into literature and history.
October 31, 2003 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on who speaks for Black community. Reports includes comments from church leaders, an academic, a city council member, and resident of the community.
November 1, 2003 - The American RadioWorks documentary “Whose Vote Counts” looks at voting issues in the United States. Reports include various viewpoints on the problems and potential solutions.
November 14, 2003 - Mainstreet Radio’s Mark Steil reports on auction of rifle believed once owned by Dakota Indian chief Little Crow. He was a central figure in the Dakota Conflict of 1862. Report includes a historical overview of Little Crow, and interviews with various parties, including Little Crow’s great-granddaughter.
November 18, 2003 - Mainstreet Radio’s Rob Schmitz reports the debate in Rochester over the police department's treatment of minorities.