December 18, 2000 - Lots of people decorate their homes with lights this time of year. Some take this holiday tradition to the extreme. MPR’s Jon Gordon visits a couple of folks who go beyond the usual Christmas decorations, and into the realm of what some people call the purest form of art.
December 19, 2000 - If you're in the midst of a cookie disaster or your fudge isn't looking so good, help is just a phone call away. For the past 11 years, thousands of frenzied cooks have called the Land O'Lakes Holiday Bakeline for tips on how to fix runny frosting, speed-thaw a frozen turkey, or jazz up mashed potatoes.
December 27, 2000 - MPR’s Jae Bryson reports on local Muslims arriving at St. Paul's RiverCentre for Islamic holiday Eid al-Fitr. The prayers and feasts of Eid al-Fitr mark the end of Ramadan, the month-long period of fasting and material deprivation. Organizers say the event, one of two Muslim High Holy Days, attracted more than 10,000 people.
January 3, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Democrat John Hottinger, the assistant majority leader of the senate, and Republican Tim Pawlenty, the majority leader of the house, about the start of Minnesota state legislature. Legislators are expected to tackle some sticky issues, like what to do with a projected three billion dollar surplus, along with campaign finance proposals, and the high price of prescription drugs.
January 9, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that supporters of campaign finance reform say the 2001 session may be the best chance in years to pass significant changes. Governor Jesse Ventura and leaders in both parties say they want to reduce the amount of money flowing into politics.
January 12, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that Governor Jesse Ventura has come under fire from lawmakers for taking vacation time during the legislation session and for agreeing to provide color commentary during broadcasts of the upcoming Xtreme Football League. It now appears he's combined the two by stumping for the XFL while vacationing out of town.
January 17, 2001 - MPR's Andrew Haeg presents various local viewpoints on the telecommunication regulations debate. The Ventura administration wants to dramatically change the way the state regulates telecommunications. The goal is to foster competition for telephone and cable customers throughout the state, and, by doing so affordable and advanced services to all Minnesotans.
January 22, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Laura McCallum, MPR’s capitol bureau chief. McCallum previews Governor Ventura’s budget address and probable abortion topic in legislature.
January 24, 2001 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews John Brandl, dean of the Humphrey Institute, about his take on Governor Ventura's two year budget plan. It has been drawing mixed reaction from citizens and lawmakers. Many Democrats are concerned about Ventura's minimal spending increase, and some Republicans have echoed similar concerns. Brandl says Ventura's desire to hold the line on spending is flawed.
January 24, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on reaction to Governor Ventura’s released budget plan which tightens the fiscal reins. When Governor Jesse Ventura took his first stab at the budgeting process two years ago, he acknowledged many of his proposals were based on former-Governor Arne Carlson's work, but Ventura is describing his latest effort as entirely his own. The plan calls for more than a billion dollars in tax relief and holds spending to about the level of inflation.