May 30, 2002 - This afternoon a tiny store that many St. Paul residents considered a neighborhood icon became a recognized piece of state history. Tiger Jack Rosenbloom and his wife Nurceal (nerr-SEAL) owned and operated the store for more than 50 years. Today it was uprooted and transported to the Minnesota Historical Society, which will put it on display. Tiger Jack died last year at the age of 94 and the family thought Rosenbloom's store deserved to be immortalized for all to see. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports:
May 24, 2002 - The family and friends of Thomas Burnett called him an American hero during funeral and burial services today in the Twin Cities. Burnett, a Minnesota native, was one of several men who resisted the hijackers who had taken over United flight 93 and caused the jet to crash short of the terrorists target on September 11. Government officials believe the passenger jet which carried Burnett and 44 others was heading for the White House. And those who knew Burnett say they're not surprised at his self-less act. MPR's Brandt Williams reports:
April 26, 2002 - Archbishops of the dioceses of Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota talked about their thoughts about sexual abuse conducted by Catholic priests.
April 19, 2002 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak upcoming plans. Report includes subject of campaign promise of mixed income housing to the city, and on getting a new Minneapolis police chief.
April 18, 2002 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak’s statements that it is time for Police Chief Robert Olson to go. Mayor Rybak says the chief hasn't done enough to foster public trust in the Minneapolis Police Department. Rybak will need the City Council's approval to buy out the remainder of the chief's contract. However, the council appears split on the issue, with some council members saying constituents don't believe a new chief will necessarily bring better relations between police and the community. Reports includes comments from Keith Ellison, attorney and community activist; Mathea Little-Smith, DFL activist; and Robert Lilligren, Minneapolis city council member.
April 3, 2002 - MPR's Brandt Williams looks at the life of Minnesota civil rights pioneer Nellie Stone Johnson, who passed away on April 2nd, 2002. Johnson spent the majority of her life fighting for social causes, especially those focused on the rights of labor unions, African Americans, and women. Those who knew her say that her activism was a testament to her passion for equality.
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March 12, 2002 - Somali community leaders in Minneapolis are appealing to the African American community to join them in protesting the police shooting and killing of a mentally ill Somali man last weekend. Minneapolis officials say the officers acted in accordance with police regulations. But the Somali leaders told a predominantly African American crowd this morning Tuesday the death of Abu Kassim Jelani is a case of police brutality. Some members of the African American community said they can sympathize with the Somalis. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.