August 2, 2006 - Somalia's interim government is backed by Europe and the US, but it is nearly powerless. And it continues to unravel. Four more government ministers resigned today, just the latest of dozens to resign in the past few weeks. They're protesting the government's reluctance to work with the Supreme Islamic Courts Union. That's the full name of the Islamists who control Somalia's capitol, Mogadishu. They took over from US-backed warlords there in June.
June 19, 2006 - The United Nations has warned that wider conflict is likely in Somalia after militia groups loyal to Islamic courts achieved military victories over secular warlords who are believed to be backed by the United States. The African Union and Western nations are pushing ahead with plans to send foreign peacekeepers to Somalia. But rulers in the Somali capital of Mogadishu strongly object to foreign troops entering the country. Ali Khalif Galaydh was prime minister of Somaila from late 2000 until the end of 2001. He is now a visiting professor the Humphrey Institute at the University of Minnesota. I spoke with him earlier this afternoon.
June 7, 2006 - After George Bush said that all new immigrants to the United States must speak English, the Minnesota literacy organization says it's a contradictory statement. The Bush administration has cut literacy funding by more than 56% in the last few years. Bush came under fire for the statement from Democrats as well as member of his own party.
May 30, 2006 - Drive through Pelican Rapids and it may well look like many other small Minnesota towns. But take a walk through the streets and you'll find some remarkable things about the past present and future of this place.
May 1, 2006 - La Velle Neal, who covers the Minnesota Twins for the Star Tribune, comments on a brutal road trip for team, leaving behind a 3-12 record. In one three-game stint, the Twins were outscored 33-1.
April 24, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Crann talks with Duluth’s Poet Laurete Bart Sutter, who talks about his role. Sutter also shares a poem on his city.
April 18, 2006 - MPR’s Tom Crann and Dr. Jon Hallberg share annual dose of the poetry of physicians and patients.
April 18, 2006 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with Jacob Reitan, director of the Soul Force Equality Ride; and Jay Barnes, Bethel University's Provost, about a visit of the cross-country bus tour by gay-rights activists to Bethel University.
April 7, 2006 - The debate about crime in the state's largest city has been prompted by the coverage of those high-profile homicides. Media coverage can influence perceptions about whether or not the city is safe for visitors. Our regular media commentator David Brauer says the stories get attention because of people's motivations.
March 24, 2006 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann interviews Scott Coooper, a lobbyist for OutFront Minnesota -- an advocacy organization for the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Community. Cooper says amendment would cut off discussion on gay marriage issue.