November 29, 2000 - Former Vice President Walter Mondale addressed a symposium on US-Japan relations. The event at Macalester College was one of a series of Mondale Lectures on Public Service, a look back at the former Vice President's 50-year career.
November 30, 2000 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Minnesota House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty, a Republican from Eagan, about his thoughts about state surplus and what should happen going forward. Pawlenty is concerned about Governor Ventura’s idea of lowering state sales tax, but raising in other areas.
November 30, 2000 - Marisa Helms reports on a survey looking at aspects of Governor Ventura from the public’s view. The results sow ratings are high in all categories. One way he is so popular is through his bold moves, writing books, and connecting with citizens through unusual mediums, such as Playboy interviews.
December 12, 2000 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Employee Relations says Governor Ventura's new job as an XFL analyst is NOT a conflict of interest. The Governor's office says the decision confirms what Ventura has argued all along, while critics of the Governor's outside earnings say the decision lacks credibility, because it was made by a Ventura appointee.
December 18, 2000 - Walter Mondale, former U.S. vice president, reflects on the 2000 United States presidential election and what lies in store for the leaders of the country and the citizens of the U.S. George W. Bush was elected after nearly-tied vote. U.S. Supreme Court rules on Florida ballot court challenge; results have Al Gore losing election, George W. Bush winning.
December 19, 2000 - Susan Gaertner, Ramsey County attorney; and Ellen Ade, an advocate for victims of domestic violence at the St. Paul Intervention Project, discuss domestic violence, what causes it, and how the system handles domestic violence.
December 29, 2000 - Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen have crossed more than one-third of Antarctica in their attempt to become the first women to traverse the continent under their own power; and they join Lorna Benson to discuss the trip so far.
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.