May 16, 2000 - Larry Redmond, Minnesota Citizens for the Arts lobbyist; and Joe Dowling, artistic director of the Guthrie Theater, discuss Governor Ventura’s veto on the legislative funding for the Guthrie and an arts center in Lanesboro. Redmond and Dowling also answer listener questions. Program begins with brief interview with John Wodele, Governor Ventura’s press secretary.
May 24, 2000 - Randy Johnson, Hennepin County board chairman; and Rick Kruger, CEO of "is.com", discuss results of the first annual "Regional Opportunity Forecast.” Report was put together by a group of business, education and civic leaders called The Great North Alliance. Johnson and Kruger are members of the group, and answer listener questions. Program begins with news from MPR’s Greta Cunningham.
May 24, 2000 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Walter Mondale, former U.S. ambassador to Japan and former vice-president, on congressional bill that would allow China permit normal trade status. Following Mondale interview, David Foster, director of the NW quadrant of states for the United Steelworkers of America, shares his view on the bill and its impact.
May 25, 2000 - Governor Jesse Ventura stops by MPR to talk with host Midday host Gary Eichten and answer listener call-in questions. Topics include mining, NWA, governmental roles, education, hemp, and trade.
June 7, 2000 - Walter Mondale, former vice-president, speaking at second program of 50 Years: The Mondale Lectures on Public Service. Mondale’s address was titled "Democracy's Challenge: Balancing Personal Liberty and National Security." Following Mondale’s speech, Walter Pincus, Pulitzer-Prize winning journalist, reflects on misuse of FBI file created on him. Final speaker is Andrew Young, civil rights worker and MLK aide, who addresses the proper use of intelligence agencies. Program begins with news from MPR’s Greta Cunningham.
June 7, 2000 - Walter Mondale gives a speech titled "Democracy's Challenge: Balancing Personal Liberty and National Security." This is followed with speeches by James Kallstrom, Taylor Branch, Andrew Young and David Aaron.
June 20, 2000 - Several state groups say they're concerned about the availablilty of long term care for the baby boom generation. They've been holding forums around the state to raise the issues profile. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.
June 26, 2000 - Scientists throughout the state and country are applauding the virtual completion of the Human Genetic Code. The Human Genome Project completes a 10 year race to discover the first "rough draft map" of a human's d-n-a. But medical ethicists fear the discovery may lead to invasions of privacy. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
June 26, 2000 - The city of Saint Cloud is debating whether to join a federally organized coalition designed to force gun manufacturers to add safety features to their weapons. Earlier this year, the nation's oldest and biggest gunmaker Smith and Wesson created a shockwave by announcing it would settle 14 of the lawsuits against the company by agreeing to several restrictions and safety provisions for sale and distribution of Smith and Wesson guns. The U-S Department of Housing and Urban Development brokered that agreement and has stayed involved by creating the "Communities for Safer Guns Coalition." Now requests have gone out to local governments across the country, including Saint Cloud, asking them to join the Coalition. Mainstreet Radio's Marisa (Muh-REE-suh) Helms reports.
June 26, 2000 - Jim Gibson will formally launch his campaign as the Independence Party's endorsed candidate for U.S. Senate today at the state capitol, joining the sizeable group of challengers for Republican incumbant Senator Rod Grams. Gibson won his party's endorsement for U.S. Senate with ease, but faces a daunting race ahead. The Edina-based software developer faces at least two competitors in his party primary, and party officials are hinting others may still enter the race. Minnesota Public Radio's Amy Radil reports.