January 17, 2003 - Many state agencies are looking for ways to trim their budgets in light of Governor Tim Pawlenty's proposal for fixing the $356 million shortfall in fiscal year. One of those agencies is the Metropolitan Council, which takes a $2.6 million cut in the governor's plan. Peter Bell, the new chair for the Met Council, talks about future plans and budget priorities.
February 13, 2003 - Hundreds of people, including nursing home residents, their relatives, and nursing home employees, held a rally at the state Capitol Thursday morning to urge lawmakers not to cut state funding for long-term care. That's a big order given the cost of nursing homes -- about $1 billion. How the state cares for the elderly and disabled in nursing homes is a huge issue for those people, their families, those who work in nursing homes and the cities and towns where the nursing homes are located.
February 27, 2003 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with former Major League Baseball pitcher Bert Blyleven about the potential success for the Minnesota Twins in the 2003 MLB season. Program also includes call-in from listeners.
March 11, 2003 - James Fallows, author and international correspondent for The Atlantic Monthly discusses the long-term repercussions of the United State's military and political involvement in Iraq.
April 26, 2003 - A special weekend edition of Midday’s “Ask the President” series, with Minnesota Public Radio President Bill Kling answering listener questions about programming and policies at MPR. Topics include war coverage, new headquarters initiative, archival material, and the web.
June 16, 2003 - Minnesota's Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty joins host Gary Eichten in the MPR studios to discuss current events and answer listener questions. We discuss upcoming trade trip, and other issues facing Minnesota and the nation.
June 24, 2003 - Gov. Pawlenty says Democrats are making reckless allegations that budget considerations have prompted his administration to consider releasing sexual predators. Pawlenty says the allegations are untrue, and he won't allow early release of sexual psychopaths being held for treatment after their prison terms end. He says Minnesota's policy is unchanged. Kevin Goodno, Human Services Commissioner joins to discuss.
June 27, 2003 - With his smallish stature, knobby knees, and slightly crooked forelegs, he looked more like a cow pony than a thoroughbred. But looks aren't everything; his quality, an admirer once wrote, "was mostly in his heart." Gary Eichten talks with Laura Hillenbrand, about the story of the horse who became a cultural icon in Seabiscuit: An American Legend. Program contains pledge drive segments.
June 27, 2003 - We continue to talk with Laura Hillenbrand, author of Seabiscut: An American Legend. Program contains pledge drive segments.
July 24, 2003 - China and the U.S. are likely to hold talks with North Korea on its nuclear program in early September, but Pyongyang must agree to immediately include Japan and South Korea for the negotiations to proceed, Kyodo news agency reported on Thursday. We discuss the North Korean nuclear threat and the broader consequences for Asia and the world with Roy Grow, Carleton College International Relations professor.