September 7, 2004 - The start of the new school year today in St. Paul marks the opening of three Transitional Learning Centers. District officials created the centers in response to the latest wave of Hmong immigrants moving to the city. Como Park, Hayden Heights and Phalen Lake will serve up to 125 students each in the short-term program. But the district still doesn't doesn't know how many kids will show up. Superintendent Pat Harvey says some of the students who lived in a Thailand refugee camp have little formal education. She says they need a program that provides basic information.
September 8, 2004 - In this episode of Future Tense, reporter Jon Gordon takes a look at Vocaloid, a music software that synthesizes human voice to produce musical results.
September 10, 2004 - Minneapolis Police Chief Bill McManus says Governor Pawlenty is wrong to want police officers to arbitrarily check people's immigration status. Earlier this month the governor sent a letter to officials in Minneapolis and St. Paul urging the cities to change the laws which prohibit police officers from asking about a person's immigration status. Pawlenty says such prohibitions compromise security. On Minnesota Public Radio's Midmorning program today, McManus said it's a form of racial profiling and he's steadfastly against it.
September 15, 2004 - MPR’s Erin Galbally reports on flooding in Austin, Minnesota after a massive rainstorm in area.
September 20, 2004 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen profiles Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Johan Santana as he ties a team record by winning his twelfth game in a row. With a 19-6 record and three different dominant pitches, Santana is a favorite to win the Cy Young Award in 2004.
September 23, 2004 - MPR’s Toni Randoplh looks into a Minnesota Public Radio-Pioneer Press poll that shows many state residents believe that the cost of helping immigrants get established here outweighs their contribution.
September 27, 2004 - Mainstreet Radios Dan Gunderson reports that Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty wants to double the amount of ethanol required in gasoline sold in the state. The Governor also expects state government to cut gasoline consumption in half in the next decade. Those proposals are part of a renewable fuels initiative announced by the governor.
September 27, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports that it's football season and once again speculation is flying about a potential sale of the Minnesota Vikings. There are few details available yet about the potential bid, but there are a lot of factors which could come into play if a sale goes forward…it will also involve a lot of money.
September 30, 2004 - MPR’s Chris Roberts profiles St. Paul rap act Heiruspecs. MC Felix and Sean McPherson, members of the Midway neighborhood group, talk with Roberts about their CD “A Tiger Dancing” and structure and meaning of the songs on album.
October 4, 2004 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports on how despite half the team being new faces from last year’s winning roster, The Minnesota Twins were able to capture a third straight American League Central Division title. Wilcoxen finds Twins teammates praising each other on team’s accomplishment.