May 17, 2006 - The movement of immigrants to Minnesota has transformed communities and changed long established social orders. Take the city of Worthington. Drawn mainly by meatpacking jobs, immigrants have been moving to the southwest Minnesota city for more than twenty years. Most came as strangers, and many remain strangers, even after years of living there. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Steil spoke with two women who've experienced the divisions in town.
May 1, 2006 - The push for a change in immigration law reaches a new level today as Latinos and other minority groups are being asked to stay home from work to demonstrate their economic clout. Organizers call the protest 'a day without immigrants'. The main focus of the event in Minnesota will be an afternoon rally at Powderhorn Park in Minneapolis. No one knows how many people will actually boycott work, but the impact of the event has already been felt. The nation's meatpackers will close some two dozen plants around the U.S. today in part because they're concerned they won't have enough workers. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Steil reports.
January 30, 2006 - Nearly 300 people turned out in Worthington Sunday to talk about immigration. The subject has been a major topic of discussion in the southwest Minnesota city since Governor Tim Pawlenty proposed new measures earlier this month to deal with undocumented workers. Worthington has a large immigrant population. Some are fearful they're being targeted. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Steil reports.
November 17, 2005 - MPR’s Mark Steil looks back at the origin story of the Floyd of Rosedale trophy, which goes each November to the winner of the Minnesota-Iowa game. On one level, the bronze pig is just another collegiate prize. But few people know it had its origins in a 1934 game with racial overtones.
October 12, 2005 - As part of the series “Polluted Waters - Costly Cleanup,” MPR’s Mark Steil reports on ditch systems in Minnesota and their impact on water quality issues in the state.
June 10, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports on the death of 1st Lieutenant Michael Fasnacht, who was killed by a roadside bomb Wednesday near Tikrit, Iraq. The Minnesota soldier is being praised today for his love of family and country.
March 2, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports on how the Minnesota town of Appleton honors fallen soldiers. Funeral services for Sergeant Jesse Lhotka will be held in his hometown of Appleton. A roadside bomb killed Lhotka and two other Minnesota National Guard soldiers in Iraq. Lhotka is the most recent in a long line of Appleton residents to die in battle and reminders of the town's service are everywhere.
November 18, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports that Governor Pawlenty's livestock task force may recommend a new state panel to handle disputes over livestock farms. The task force is looking for ways to streamline the regulatory process and build Minnesota's livestock industry. The proposed state commission would hear appeals of county and township decisions on siting livestock farms.
November 9, 2004 - Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports on a southern Minnesota landmark that has returned to its lofty pedestal in New Ulm. A crane lifted Hermann the German, all 32-feet of him, into place. The copper statue was taken down about a year and a half ago to repair more than one hundred years of wear.
August 30, 2004 - Life's not easy for small businesses. Either a big corporation is squeezing your future or you're scratching for money to fix some machine. Survive ten years and you're an old-timer. Last 144 years and you're a legend. The August Schell Brewing Company of New Ulm has managed that trick. The family owned business has survived war, prohibition, the Great Depression and cut-throat beer competition. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports.