July 10, 2001 - MPR's Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura has emerged from a bruising legislative session with his approval ratings intact. In the first poll since a special session narrowly averted a government shutdown, Ventura's approval ratings have remained steady, and nearly half of those polled think he should run for a second term next year.
July 10, 2001 - Governor Ventura says the state had to spend more than three million dollars to prepare for a possible government shutdown. Ventura released a preliminary estimate as he again criticized legislators for not finishing a budget until the final days before the new fiscal year. But legislative leaders say the governor can share in the blame.
July 18, 2001 - Joe Dowling, Guthrie Theater artistic director, sits in the studio with Gary Eichten to talk about the future of the venue and answer questions from MPR listeners.
July 27, 2001 - Tom Robertson reports on the people of White Earth in northwestern Minnesota trying to bring back the lake sturgeon. The tribe is working to restore the fish and reclaim its heritage. Officials on the White Earth Indian Reservation say when the sturgeon disappeared, so did an important part of their culture.
August 13, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews the leading candidates for mayor of Minneapolis, R.T. Rybak, DFL candidate; and Mark Stenglein, Independent candidate. Issues discussed are housing crisis, environment, city budget, property taxes, and police.
August 14, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Walter Mondale, former Vice President, U.S. senator and ambassador, about the U.S. role in the world. Topics include the Middle East, globalization, and partnerships. Mondale also answers listener questions.
August 16, 2001 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on Minneapolis mayoral debate hosted by TPT. Report includes audio clips from the debate. Candidates were incumbent Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and challengers R.T. Rybak, Lisa McDonald, and Mark Stenglein.
August 28, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Dave Kinney, a reporter with The Newark Star Ledger, about Governor Ventura’s appearance at a New Jersey political fundraiser. Ventura campaigned for Bill Schulter, a Republican state senator, who is running as a New Jersey gubernatorial candidate as an Independent.
August 29, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum talks with politicians at the State Fair. McCallum interviews Norm Coleman, Bruce Anderson, Paul Wellstone and Mark Dayton.
August 31, 2001 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on Governor Jesse Ventura joining the throngs at the Minnesota State Fair to talk taxes and politics. Ventura promoted the idea of a national sales tax and banning elected officials from campaigning when he says they should be working.