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 19, 2001 - Father John Kyzer died when he was in Kenya. The Kenyan government claimed that it was a suicide, but Wellstone pushes that it was an assassination because there is a lot of proof that supports that case.
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 Michael Khoo reports that a Senate panel approved a campaign finance reform package championed by Governor Jesse Ventura. Some reform activists say the measure doesn't go far enough, while opponents say the bill is unconstitutional.
April 25, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on first public forum of three mayoral candidates. Affordable housing, downtown development and policing issues are among the main topics debated by the three candidates for Minneapolis mayor who are vying for the DFL endorsement. Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton debated challengers Lisa McDonald, Minneapolis City Council member; and R.T. Rybak, community activist/internet consultant.
April 26, 2001 - MPR’s Andrew Haeg reports that the CEOs of twenty companies from Finland are in the Twin Cities to meet with local business leaders, and to explore potential business opportunities. The group attended a two-day workshop at a local law firm where they listened to an address by Governor Ventura, who has often promoted foreign trade and investment to boost the state's economy.
April 26, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio series Broken Trust: Civil Rights in Indian Country, MPR’s Bob Rhea reports on the fight for religious freedom of Native Americans, including those incarcerated.