June 5, 2001 - MPR’s Bill Catlin reports on the “Gay Index.” The vigorous debate over Minnesota's economic future in a high tech world has featured a variety of prescriptions for prosperity -- like using tax dollars to invest in Minnesota start-ups, and more state spending on high tech research. Now, some controversial new research from Carnegie-Mellon University suggests cities that want to promote high tech industry should make themselves attractive to gay men.
August 31, 2001 - In a broadcast from the MPR booth at Minnesota State Fair, Mainstreet Radio’s Rachel Reabe revisits the farmers of Chanarambie Township in Southwestern Minnesota.
September 28, 2001 - MPR's Bill Catlin reports that a federal district court in Minneapolis has appointed a trustee to represent the clients of financially struggling Stockwalk Group. The action comes as the third largest Twin Cities brokerage has had to freeze 190,000 customer accounts and is looking for a partner or buyer.
October 5, 2001 - Midday broadcasts stories from the Minnesota Public Radio series "Economy on the Edge".
October 9, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that state officials and leaders of the two largest public employee unions are set to resume contract talks, but Governor Jesse Ventura says he doesn't see any way to satisfy the demands of striking workers short of cutting government payrolls. Union leaders, however, say if more money isn't available, there's little chance for movement when talks resume.
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 8, 2001 - MPR's Andrew Haeg reports that Minnesotans continue to ponder life without the Minnesota Twins. The team is a prime candidate for elimination if Major League Baseball carries through its intended plan to contract the league. If the Twins are shut down, businesses will lose customers….and local community organizations will lose an important benefactor.
November 20, 2001 - All Things Considered’s Lorna Benson interviews John Wodele, communications director for Governor Ventura, about projected state budget shortfall. Finance Commissioner Pam Wheelock says the projected budget shortfall could be as high as one billion dollars when the revenue forecast is announced. The Ventura administration is asking state agencies to plan for budget cuts of up to 10%.
November 21, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Peter Hutchinson, the former finance commissioner under DFL Governor Rudy Perpich, about the fact that for the first time in years, budget cuts are likely for the state government. The Ventura administration is telling state department heads and others agencies to find spending cuts of up to 10% in their budgets.
November 29, 2001 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that while it is too soon to tell if extending taxes to services will be a major component to Ventura's financial recommendations, he may revive his plan. The response to the idea from Legislature has not been favorable and they are being vocal about it.