January 18, 2007 - The city of Minneapolis needs to target more resources toward helping Somali youth avoid poverty, homelessness, truancy and criminal activity. That's according to a report released today by the city's civil rights department. The report expressed concern about the presence of organized Somali youth gangs and offered some recommendations on how to stop their spread. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
November 30, 2006 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak says he's disappointed and angry about having to remove fire chief Bonnie Bleskachek from the office he appointed her to in 2004. Earlier this week, Rybak and several other councilmembers voted to fire her from the department's top post, and to reject a settlement offer that would allow her to come back to the force in a lesser rank. MPR’s Brandt Williams report also includes interviews with Bonnie Bleskachek and Greg Corwin, a civil service attorney.
November 6, 2006 - In the last day of campaigning, all three candidates from Minnesota's 5th district were out in full force. Democrat Keith Ellison, Republic Alan Fine, and Independant Tammy Lee were all campaigning, hoping for a victory.
November 1, 2006 - In less than a week, voters in Minnesota's 5th district will elect a new representative to Congress for the first time in nearly three decades. MPR's Brandt Williams checks out all four campaigns.
September 29, 2006 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Twins dramatic 2-1 win over the Kansas City Royals at the Metrodome. The 10-inning game featured a return to the mound for injured pitcher Brad Radke and a couple clutch hits from Joe Mauer and Jason Bartlett.
September 13, 2006 - The Minnesota Twins lost to the Oakland A's at the Metrodome by a score of 1-0, but the Twins also suffered another loss that may prove more damaging in their pennant run. Pitching phenom Francisco Liriano may be lost for the rest of the season after he reinjured his throwing arm, leaving the game in the 3rd inning.
September 12, 2006 - Interim police Chief Tim Dolan is Mayor R.T. Rybak's choice to lead the Minneapolis Police department. Dolan is a Minneapolis native and 23-year veteran of the force. Rybak says Dolan's experience with the city and with the department makes him the best choice to be the city's next top cop. MPR’s Brandt Williams report includes comments from both Rybak and Dolan.
September 12, 2006 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on interim Police Chief Tim Dolan being Mayor RT Rybak's choice to lead the Minneapolis Police department. Dolan is a Minneapolis native and 23-year veteran of the force. Rybak says Dolan's experience with the city and with the department makes him the best choice to be the city's next top police officer. Report also contains commentary from PCRC and community member.
September 6, 2006 - Construction is expected to start later this month on a broadband wireless network that will blanket the city of Minneapolis. Once it's operational, subscribers will be able to access the Internet at speeds comparable to other broadband service providers. And they will be able to do so for a relatively low monthly fee. But some say the biggest advantages of the network will be cost savings for the city and narrowing of the technology gap between lower- and upper-income residents. Minnesota public radio's Brandt Williams reports.
August 16, 2006 - Brief audio clip of Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak on environment that is threat to kids in some neighborhoods.