November 24, 2000 - When you were growing up did you dream of being a fire fighter? Do "smoke eaters" conjure up romantic images of heroics while battling fires? Some people in Northwestern Minnesota are getting a chance to live the dream. In Moorhead, the local fire department has organized its first citizens fire academy. As Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports, the idea is not to train folks to join the department, but to give them a better awareness of what it is the department does.
November 24, 2000 - On this Midday, a discussion about football with former Star Tribune writer Jim Klobuchar, author of a new book Knights and Knaves of Autumn: 40 Years of Vikings Football.
November 24, 2000 - Nearly 100,000 people are expected in downtown St. Paul for the three day Hmong New Year, two Minnesota Wild games, and other events. The majority of the participants will converge on the city's RiverCentre to celebrate the Hmong New Year. MPR’s Tom Scheck provides a glimpse into the celebration.
November 28, 2000 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Amy Klobuchar, Hennepin County Attorney, whose office is hosting a training conference for police patrol officers from around Hennepin County on training how to handle domestic violence calls. Officers often find it difficult to handle such calls because the family members involved often have conflicting views over what happened, and whether someone should be arrested.
November 30, 2000 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Lee Ronning, director of One Thousand Friends of Minnesota, about the fight against urban sprawl. Urban sprawl will be topic number one at the "Growing Smart in Minnesota" conference taking place later today in St. Paul. Jesse Ventura, governor of Minnesota; and Ted Mondale, Met Council chairman, are expected to attend. So are urban growth experts from other parts of the country. One Thousand Friends of Minnesota is sponsoring the conference.
November 30, 2000 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Minnesota House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty, a Republican from Eagan, about his thoughts about state surplus and what should happen going forward. Pawlenty is concerned about Governor Ventura’s idea of lowering state sales tax, but raising in other areas.
November 30, 2000 - Marisa Helms reports on a survey looking at aspects of Governor Ventura from the public’s view. The results sow ratings are high in all categories. One way he is so popular is through his bold moves, writing books, and connecting with citizens through unusual mediums, such as Playboy interviews.
December 5, 2000 - Minnesota Governor Jesse Ventura talks about his XFL job, the state budget, the upcoming Legislative session, and other caller questions.
December 6, 2000 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Dave Meltzer about new football league, the XFL, which is coming to Minnesota and Governor Jesse Ventura is going to be a sports announcer. The league is considered a raunchy version of the NFL.
December 6, 2000 - Minnesota author Vince Flynn is out with his third political thriller called "The Third Option". Flynn's previous two books "Term Limits" and "Transfer of Power" were both on the New York Times Best-sellers list. "The Third Option" opens with the President trying to battle terrorism in Libya and Iraq. Since diplomacy and military intervention are not working, the President and his security advisors are forced to employ "the third option"- covert action. Flynn's expert CIA spyman Mitch Rapp, known by the code name "Iron Man" reappears to save the day. Flynn says he realizes critics have complained that Rapp is the perfect spy, maybe too perfect, but Flynn says that's all part of his job as an author.