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The Current: Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 17, 2022

On the evening of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Monday, January 17, The Current will air “MLK Remembered” from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. CT, hosted by Derrick Stevens.  The show features inspirational music that embodies the spirit of Dr. King’s calls for change, and portions of conversations with community leaders discussing the civil rights leader’s ongoing impact. Listen to The Current

APM Reports Feature: King's Last March

January 16, 2022

Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Half a century later, King remains one of the most vivid symbols of hope for racial unity in America. But that's not the way he was viewed in the last year of his life. Archive audio available online: King’s Last March

YourClassical MPR: Xavier Foley brings 'For Justice and Peace' to the SPCO

January 15, 2022

Join YourClassical MPR for our next live broadcast of the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra at 8 p.m. Saturday, with host Steve Seel. Composer and bassist Xavier Foley makes his SPCO debut with two works that showcase his dynamism and virtuosity on the double bass, as well as his musical friendship with SPCO violinist Eunice Kim, with whom he has toured throughout the country. Foley’s composition, a double concerto for violin and bass, was written in 2019 to mark 400 years since the arrival of the White Lion, the first ship that brought enslaved Africans to Jamestown, Virginia. Also on the program, principal violin Kyu-Young Kim solos with the SPCO strings in a grand work from Ludwig van Beethoven’s middle period.

MPR Archive Portal: Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 15, 2022

Listen to this audio from the MPR Archive Portal, and explore our archives for history as heard on Minnesota Public Radio. Josie Johnson reflects on MLK “I Have A Dream” speech, and Barack Obama’s words 45 years later August 28, 2008 - MPR’s Curtis Gilbert talks with civil rights activist Josie Johnson about the speeches of Martin Luther King Jr. and Barack Obama. MLK Day speeches and interviews January 16, 1995 - MPR presents a special program in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Program presents a collection of various MLK Day speeches including Paul Wellstone, Sharon Sayles Belton, and Joe Kingman on behalf of Arne Carlson, at Concordia College. Also included is a Harry Belafonte speech at the MLK Holiday Breakfast, an interview with Yusef Mgeni, and Martin Luther King, Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. tribute by Studs Terkel January 15, 1976 - Studs Terkel has put together a tribute to the late Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with both music and interview with Dr. King.

Public fiercely divided on proposed mining ban near BWCA

January 14, 2022

The federal government held the first of three public meetings Wednesday to get feedback on a proposed copper-nickel mining ban near the Boundary Waters. - October 2021 Feds propose 20-year mining moratorium in BWCA - Reaction Federal plan to study environmental impacts draws praise, scorn

Ten events for getting active outdoors in Minnesota this winter

January 13, 2022

Instead of hunkering down until March or May, try stepping into the thick of it and letting the sun hit your face. Attempt a new way of getting around, see art, hang out (safely) with some strangers, and bundle up! Here are ten ideas for pursuing outdoor fun from The Current.

Minnesota Sounds and Voices: Clyde Bellecourt

January 12, 2022

From the MPR Archive, May 19, 2015: In this edition of Minnesota Sounds and Voices, MPR’s Dan Olson profiles Native American activist and White Earth band member Clyde Bellecourt. Bellecourt recalls his life and the ongoing struggle of Native Americans. More from the MPR Archive

Native American activist, leader Clyde Bellecourt dies at 85

January 12, 2022

Clyde Bellecourt was a co-founder in 1968 of the American Indian Movement, which began as a local organization in Minneapolis that sought to grapple with issues of police brutality and discrimination against Native Americans. - No sign of slowing down Activist marches on for American Indian rights - Minnesota Sounds and Voices from MPR Clyde Bellecourt - MPR Archive Collection Clyde Bellecourt

Longtime MPCA employee alleges retaliation over petroleum complaints

January 12, 2022

Mark Toso alleges that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency penalized him for raising concerns that its program for handling leaking petroleum tanks was failing to protect groundwater. - Ground Level Minnesota's pending groundwater challenge - 2014 As pipeline production soars, critics urge focus on safety - 2013 Paynesville wants state to speed up pollution cleanup