December 22, 2005 - The Twin Cities Salvation Army is afraid it might run out of toys for needy children this holiday season. The charity had to make a last-minute purchase of 35-thousand dollars worth of toys this week to re-stock its metro area "toy shops". The shops give needy families a grocery store gift certificate and age-appropriate gifts for children. Salvation Army spokesperson Annette Bower says the biggest shortfall has been in toys for teenagers.
March 18, 2005 - MPR’s Steven John checks in with Mainstreet Radio’s Erin Galbally about heavy snow in southern Minnesota. Galbally describes closed roads and blowing snow.
March 17, 2005 - The boy's state high school basketball tournament is underway, and another tournament storm seems likely in 2005. "Tournament storms" are legendary in Minnesota -- but, it turns out, they aren't much more than that…legends.
March 14, 2005 - MPR’s Steven John interviews U.S. congressman Keith Ellison, who discusses a bill introduced that would double the level of protection provided to Minnesota children to prevent lead poisoning. DFLer Keith Ellison represents North Minneapolis in the Minnesota House of Representatives.
February 23, 2004 - Midday presents former President Jimmy Carter speaking at the annual Nobel Peace Prize Forum at St. Olaf College in Northfield. Carter gives the keynote address and says Americans aren't doing enough to help people in developing countries.
May 1, 2003 - A team of doctors at Rochester's Mayo Clinic has developed an innovative way to treat, and possibly even cure, sinusitis. MPR’s Steven John interviews Dr. David Sherris about the condition and new treatment.
May 1, 2003 - The VocalEssence music series presents the North American professional premiere of Swedish composer Sven-David Sandström’s "High Mass." It is a huge event, featuring two full choirs, an orchestra and five soloists, with close to 250 people on stage at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.
February 4, 2003 - MPR’s Steven John interviews R.T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis, on changing snow plowing plans within the city. The cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul declared snow emergencies in wake of the winter's biggest snowstorm. In St. Paul when crews finish plowing east-west residential today the parking restrictions will end. But in Minneapolis the snow emergency will not end until 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday. When R.T. Rybak campaigned for mayor of Minneapolis he pledged to change the city to a 24-hour plowing schedule.
May 23, 2002 - More than 30 state legislators won't be returning to their seats in 2003…retiring DFL State Senator Doug Johnson of Tower is one of them. Senator Johnson talks about his 30-year career in the Minnesota Legislature.
April 16, 2002 - MPR’s Steven John interviews Paul Ostrow, president of the Minneapolis City Council, about status of Minneapolis police chief. There are reports this morning that Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak is planning to replace Police Chief Robert Olson. Rybak and Olson have not confirmed those reports, but Rybak has said he is concerned about the relationship between the police department and the community. The police have been criticized in recent weeks for shooting a mentally ill Somali man, and using aggressive tactics against people celebrating the University of Minnesota's men's hockey championship. If Olson does not leave voluntarily, the City Council would have to buy out the remaining two years of his contract.