November 2, 2001 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with U.S. Senator Paul Wellstone, who shares his views on numerous political and social topics. Wellstone also answers listener questions.
November 2, 2001 - Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, gives an update on the anthrax threat in the United States.
November 5, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes provides a summary report of Minneapolis mayoral debate at a Minnesota Public Radio forum. Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton forcefully fights for her political career in the final days before the election, squaring off against challenger R.T. Rybak. In debate, Sayles Belton questioned Rybak's promise to shun campaign donations by those with business interests in city hall. She also strongly defended her administration against Rybak's accusation that the city is mismanaged.
November 6, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura joins Midday’s Gary Eichten in the studio to answer MPR listener questions. Jesse Ventura talks about the Twins, stadiums, the end of tax rebates, and the election. During program, Ventura gets into a lively discussion with a caller regarding stadium and tax dollars.
November 6, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Jesse Ventura’s stance against public funding on a new stadium for Minnesota Twins. His view and actions have drawn criticism from some voters and fellow politicians.
November 7, 2001 - Midday presents an update on the future of the Minnesota Twins and professional baseball in Minnesota with a discussion with Jay Weiner, Star Tribune sportswriter and MPR sport analyst; and Bill Lester, executive director of the Sports Facilities Commission; and attorney Michael Ciresi.
November 7, 2001 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interview Wy Spano, co-editor of the newsletter Politics in Minnesota, about recent Minneapolis elections, and the big changes it represents. Minneapolis and St. Paul have both elected a new mayor. State Senator Randy Kelly apparently won the St. Paul mayor's race by about 400 votes. Unofficial results from all 119 precincts show Kelly beating St. Paul City Council member Jay Benanav. In Minneapolis, internet consultant R.T. Rybak overwhelmingly defeated Sayles Belton, even though the incumbent outspent her challenger three-to-one. In a surprise upset, one of Sayles Belton's staunchest allies on the city council, Jackie Cherryhomes, was also defeated. In total, when the city council meets in January, it will have seven new members.
November 7, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on how Minneapolis voters overwhelmingly picked challenger R.T. Rybak for mayor of Minneapolis. Rybak beat two-term incumbent Sharon Sayles Belton in mayoral election with 65 percent of the vote. He leads a pack of new faces on the city council that signals a significant change of direction. Hughes summarizes the two campaigns and outcome.
November 7, 2001 - Minneapolis Mayor-elect R.T. Rybak got started on his move to City Hall, a day after trouncing incumbent Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton. Rybak announced the first two people who will head his administration's transition team, with an initial focus of affordable housing.
November 7, 2001 - MPR’s Dan Olson takes a look at the eight year tenure of Sharon Sayles Belton, outgoing mayor Minneapolis. Highlighted accomplishments include crime reduction campaigns, downtown development, budget challenges, curtailing housing discrimination, community schools, and rise in property values.