August 18, 2017 - The Minneapolis City Council chambers erupted in applause and a standing ovation Friday morning, as Medaria Arradondo was appointed the city's first African American police chief. One of the dozens of supporters in the chamber today was civil rights legend Dr. Josie Johnson. MPR’s Brandt Williams asked Johnson what Arradondo's appointment signals to members of the city's African American community.
August 14, 2017 - In the lead up to the 2017 Minnesota State Fair, MPR’s Brian Bakst visits the fairgrounds before the gates even open, where judging for the fair's various contests is already in progress, with blue ribbons to be awarded for best crop art, cross-stitching, pie baking, pickling, and much more. Bakst gets a flavor of the competition in maple syrup and assorted jams.
August 11, 2017 - MPR’s Dan Gunderson reports on The Minnesota Waterfowl Association's Woodie Camp, a northwestern Minneosta summer camp focused on waterfowl hunting calls, prairie ecology, and outdoor ethics and shooting.
August 8, 2017 - MPR’s Brandt Williams looks back at Janeé Harteau's groundbreaking tenure as the first woman to serve as Minneapolis police chief…and the first openly gay chief.
July 20, 2017 - MPR’s Catharine Richert reports on sexual harrassment accusations against Gregory Stavrou, former Rochester Civic Theatre executive director, and the subsequent fall out to the theatre and it’s board.
July 19, 2017 - MPR’s Marianne Combs profiles artist Joe Sinness and his exhibition at the Minneapolis Institute of Art that explores - and celebrates - facets of gay male sexuality with lovingly detailed drawings. The exhibit is called "The Flowers."
June 16, 2017 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann provides a recap of the murder trial verdict of Jeronimo Yanez, the St. Anthony police officer who shot and killed Philando Castile during a traffic stop in Falcon Heights, a St. Paul suburb.
June 14, 2017 - MPR’s Matt Sepic reports on struggle some mobile home park tenants face in getting a state law required storm shelter on park grounds. Segment includes interviews with tenants, landlord, advocacy group member, and government official.
June 9, 2017 - MPR’s Nancy Yang profiles Sunisa Lee, the 14-year-old St. Paul gymnast who is believed to be the first Hmong American to make the national gymnastics team. Suni, as many people call her, has the goal of making the 2020 Olympic gymnastics team. It’s a goal supported by her parents, coach, and community.
May 18, 2017 - MPR’s Marianne Combs profiles Vietnamese American spoken word artist Bao Phi, who talks of the how racial trauma affects both his poetry and life. Phi also discusses his collection, “Thousand Star Hotel.”