December 23, 2005 - The Minnesota trucking industry is asking Governor Pawlenty to temporarily suspend a two-month-old mandate that requires diesel fuel sold in the state contain two percent biodiesel. Truckers say they are experiencing more mechanical problems and they suspect that the fuel made from soybeans is to blame. John Hausladen, President of the Minnesota Trucking Association, says many of his members are pretty upset right now. That is John Hausladen, President of the Minnesota Trucking Association.
December 15, 2005 - The play-writing world lost two of its titans in 2005 -- Arthur Miller in February, in August Wilson in October. The lives and works of both men were discussed at length at the times of their respective deaths, but now that we have a little distance, maybe we can talk without all the flowery language and rose-colored glasses about their legacy.
December 5, 2005 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Brian Horrigan, editor of the book “Christmas In Minnesota.” Some of the Minnesota's best-known writers share memoires and stories from the holidays in Minnesota.
October 3, 2005 - August Wilson moved to St. Paul in 1978 where he got his first paying job as a writer, composing educational scripts for the Science Museum of Minnesota. He lived here until 1990 and it was during that time that he began writing the set of plays that would make him famous. In 1991, Minnesota Public Radio aired a documentary about the playwright and his work. It is called "August Wilson's Sacred Book." Here is an excerpt narrated by Beth Friend.
June 7, 2005 - One hundred years ago today... June 7th, 1905... Norway peacefully dissolved its union with Sweden... making Norway a fully independent nation. Norwegians are marking the centennial... and so are hundreds of student musicians from St. Olaf College. The school's band, orchestra, and choir are touring the country this month. The Northfield, Minnesota college was founded by Norwegian immigrants. Karen Hansen is Executive Director of St. Olaf's Center for Life Long Learning... and has been attending the concerts... and she joins us on the line.
May 17, 2005 - Malena Handeen, a mother, farmer, musician and painter says she finds inspiration in the scenery around Milan.
May 17, 2005 - Syttende Mai is a big deal here in Milan because so many of its residents are the decendants of Norwegian immigrants. Professor Shackleford says people came here from Norway for a number of reasons.
May 3, 2005 - With less than three weeks to go before the end of the Legislative session, a number of spending bills are making their way through both the House and Senate -- but the two chambers are far apart on how to balance the state budget in the face of a projected deficit. Joining us now to talk about the budget and other Legislative issues is Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. That is Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty. For all the latest Capitol news, go to the Session 2005 page of our website at Minnesota Public Radio dot org.
April 25, 2005 - A Somali man from Minnesota is back in a St. Paul jail this morning after an attempt to deport him to his homeland was unsuccessful. Keyse Jama made it all the way to Somalia late last week, but local leaders there refused to let him off the plane and accept him. The trip was supposed to be the culmination of his deportation case, which he fought all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court. He argued that there was no functioning government in Somalia to accept him because of civil unrest but the Court ruled against him in January. Joining us on the line is Kevin Magunson, Keyse Jama's lawyer.
December 6, 2004 - MPR’s Perry Finelli interviews Dr. Pat Walker, medical director at the Center for International Health at Regions Hospital, about mass health screening clinics for new refugees.