March 27, 2001 - MPR's Laura McCallum reports that just days before the first legislative committee deadline, abortion bills are gaining strength at the Capitol. Bills to create a special "Choose Life" license plate and to create a 24-hour waiting period before a woman could get an abortion passed their first legislative hurdles, but Governor Ventura says he'll veto both bills if they land on his desk.
March 29, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio’s Chris Julin talks with Lee Murdock, a folk singer who sings about Lake Superior and the Great Lakes. Murdock has made his career singing songs of the Lakes, from 200-year-old sailors' work songs, to his own compositions based on Great Lakes folklore.
March 29, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that the move to build a new Twins stadium with partial state funding cleared a crucial legislative committee. The favorable vote comes just one day before the first deadline for committee action, but the legislation still faces significant obstacles. A number of lawmakers and citizens' groups remain staunchly opposed to public funding for a new ballpark.
April 5, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura told the Willmar Chamber of Commerce that he's committed to his plan of property and income tax cuts while expanding the state's sales tax to include services. The governor says he won't bargain with the Legislature, which hasn't been enthusiastic about his plan. He says if lawmakers don't follow his proposals, including on education, he'll be very difficult to deal with.
April 5, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura says he isn't giving up the fight for campaign finance reform this session. In the previous month, a key House subcommittee dealt Ventura's reform bill a major setback by laying the plan over until the next year. But new legislation has emerged with many of the same provisions and supporters say it's not too late for action.
April 13, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio's Dan Gunderson reports that Governor Jesse Ventura wrapped up his two-day flood tour in East Grand Forks. The governor says he's pleased with how the flood fight is going all across the state. The lower flood crests predicted at most locations on the Red, and the Minnesota rivers, are allowing many communities a break for the Easter weekend.
April 17, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Jesse Ventura criticism of Senate Democrats for not passing a tax rebate bill this year, despite an April 15th deadline for taking action. Appearing on MPR's Midday program, Ventura said the failure to act means the Senate will have to accept his proposal, shared by the House, which returns the entire current year surplus. But Senate leaders say they plan to remain at the bargaining table.
April 18, 2001 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews State Patrol Chief Anne Beers about overtime being offered in fulfilling security of the governor. Some of Jesse Ventura's State Patrol security officers are earning nearly as much per year as the governor.
April 23, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Dave Meltzer, the editor of the Wrestling Observer, provides a review of the first XFL season that has ended with the Los Angles Extreme defeating the San Francisco Demons 38 to 6 to win $1,000,000. After disappointing ratings it looks like NBC will drop the league from its schedule next year, but it may continue on UPN.
April 24, 2001 - MPR’s Patty Marsicano reports that a key House committee approved a higher education spending bill; one that proposes more spending than Governor Ventura, but less than the Senate plan. The House Higher Education Finance Committee passed its spending bill after some debate over whether it provided enough money.