April 26, 2002 - Mainstreet Radio’s Tom Robertson reports on a bill heading to Governor Ventura that restricts all-terrain vehicle use in some state forests. Legislators approved a ban on cross country ATV travel on some state land. That means ATV riders can't go off established trails and roadways, but there are other changes ahead for Minnesotans who ride all-terrain vehicles.
April 29, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on potential closing of governor's mansion. Many are upset, including Olivia Irvine Dodge and her sister. They donated their father's mansion on Summit Avenue to the state in 1965.
April 30, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on Mike Hatch and others view that Governor Ventura cannot close the mansion even if the legislature will not give him enough money. If Ventura does not live in it, then staff needs to be hired to live there in order to prevent vandalism and to keep it clean.
April 30, 2002 - Governor Ventura says he would not oppose legislation that would require all state politicians to disclose their outside income, but he says lawmakers are unfairly singling him out. The Legislature is preparing to take up a bill that would require members on the State Board of investment to disclose their income. Ventura is a member of the board, along with Minnesota's other constitutional officers.
May 2, 2002 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson talks with Midori Gotō, one of the world's most accomplished violinists. She says she is looking forward to performing Barber's violin concerto with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra.
May 2, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Minnesota House bill passage that would require disclosure by the governor and the state's other top elected officials on all money that comes from non-state employment. The bill is not aimed at Ventura, but some think it could be due to his employment with the XFL, his two books, and his role in a movie during his governorship.
May 3, 2002 - Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports that Governor Ventura has promised to veto a bill targeting his outside income. The bill would require all members on the state board of investment to disclose any money earned outside of office. The governor also threatened to file a lawsuit if lawmakers override his veto and the bill become law.
May 8, 2002 - As part of MPR’s Changing Current series, reporter Stephanie Hemphill looks at the return of a native species to The French River, which flows into Lake Superior about 15 miles north of Duluth. The coaster brook trout has been struggling to survive in Lake Superior and its tributaries for more than a hundred years. Some people are turning their attention to bringing them back.
May 8, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura and his staff are preparing for the worst. If the government doesn't figure out a budget, then he will do it himself and call the legislature into a special session. He can also call a special session in September, during election months, which some see as a way to make the candidates look bad.
May 9, 2002 - Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports that Governor Ventura re-entered budget negotiations as the legislative session heads into its final stages. Ventura called legislative leaders to his office to tell them what he expected in the proposed budget balancing plan, transportation financing package and bonding bill.