May 19, 2003 - It's been three days since Minnesota Senate Democrats abandoned their fight to raise taxes. But that wasn't enough to provide for a smooth end to the legislative session, as weekend negotiations over final details have proven. Steven Schier is a political science professor at Carleton College. He says the D-F-L had no chance of getting its way and no choice but to concede. Schier says although Democrats may have lost this battle, they shouldn't be written off yet.
May 19, 2003 - Author Bill Bryson has made a name for himself as a travel writer. He's examined the culture of Kenya, trekked across Australia, and wandered the backwoods of the United States. But in "A Short History of Nearly Everything," Bryson sets out to explore the great mysteries of the universe. The book investigates everything from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization. Bryson spent three years pestering scientific experts to find answers to life's most profound questions. Bryson says his grade-school textbooks convinced him science was boring and incomprehensible. But he says while hiking the Appalachian Trail a few years ago, he became embarrassed by just how little he knew about the planet he calls home.
May 16, 2003 - This weekend, Norwegian-Americans across Minnesota will celebrate Syttende Mai or the 17th of May. On that date in 1814, Norway announced its independence from Denmark and Sweden, and established its own constitution. Inge Lonning is vice president of Norway's Parliament. He's in the Twin Cities to speak at tomorrow night's annual Syttende Mai banquet. Lonning says even though Norway formally declared its independence in 1814, it took many years for it to become a reality.
May 12, 2003 - The Children's Theatre Company in Minneapolis has won a Tony Award for excellence in regional theater. And more recognition could be on the way. The company's show "A Year With Frog and Toad" was nominated today for three Tonys, including best musical. In April, "Frog and Toad" became Minnesota's first original production to open on Broadway. Dominic Papatola is the theater critic for the Pioneer Press. Papatola says each year, one theater company outside of New York is given a Tony to honor its overall body of work. He says the C-T-C is the first children's theater company to ever win the award.
May 8, 2003 - All Thing’s Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews Democratic Senator David Tomassoni about the K-12 education funding bills that have passed in the state House and Senate. Both would allow school districts to sell naming rights to corporate sponsors to raise extra revenue.
May 8, 2003 - MPR’s Lorna Benson sits down with American singer-songwriter Suzanne Vega to discuss her music career. Vega also talks about hosting Minnesota Public Radio's American Mavericks Series. The 13-part program features the life stories and music of the tradition-breaking composers that helped shape American classical music.
May 8, 2003 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson chats with MPR’s William Wilcoxen about the Minnesota Wild as they prepare for game seven of the second round playoff series with the Vancouver Canucks. If they win game seven in Vancouver, the Wild would become the first team ever to come back from a three games to one deficit in two straight playoff series.
April 28, 2003 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews Dr. Michael Maddus about "minimally invasive" surgery. The University of Minnesota opened a new center today dedicated to that type of operation.
April 25, 2003 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews Jim Crotty about The Boys and Girls Clubs of America announcement of deep cuts to its Twin Cities programs. The organization is facing a budget shortfall of nearly $300,000, after a reduction in the amount of individual and corporate contributions. The seven clubs in the Twin Cities will operate four days a week instead of five and every employee will take a 20% pay cut.
April 21, 2003 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson checks in with MPR’s William Wilcoxen about the Minnesota Wild and Minnesota Timberwolves during their respective playoff runs. Basketball's Timberwolves lost the opening game of their series with the Los Angeles Lakers. In hockey, the Wild surprised the favored Colorado Avalanche in game five and will host game six in that best of seven series in Saint Paul.