March 26, 2001 - The state's largest non-profit, which helps children who have autism or mental retardation, wants to shorten its waiting list by expanding. Experts say Minneapolis-based Fraser offers some of the most comprehensive programs in the country for children with mental disabilities, but waits of a year to get Fraser services are common. The organization is raising money to build a center officials say will shorten the delays.
March 27, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo gives a summary report on Governor Jesse Ventura’s appearance on Midday. The governor staked out positions on a host of proposals now under consideration at the state Legislature. Ventura commented on loosening restrictions on carrying a handgun, alcohol sales in grocery stores, and legal sports betting.
March 27, 2001 - MPR's Laura McCallum reports that just days before the first legislative committee deadline, abortion bills are gaining strength at the Capitol. Bills to create a special "Choose Life" license plate and to create a 24-hour waiting period before a woman could get an abortion passed their first legislative hurdles, but Governor Ventura says he'll veto both bills if they land on his desk.
March 29, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on 2000 U.S. Census data that shows people of Asian decent now outnumber African Americans in St. Paul. Nearly nine percent of Ramsey County's population is Asian. Many of the counties surrounding the Twin Cities also had significant growth in Asian populations in the past decade.
March 29, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio’s Chris Julin talks with Lee Murdock, a folk singer who sings about Lake Superior and the Great Lakes. Murdock has made his career singing songs of the Lakes, from 200-year-old sailors' work songs, to his own compositions based on Great Lakes folklore.
March 29, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that the move to build a new Twins stadium with partial state funding cleared a crucial legislative committee. The favorable vote comes just one day before the first deadline for committee action, but the legislation still faces significant obstacles. A number of lawmakers and citizens' groups remain staunchly opposed to public funding for a new ballpark.
March 29, 2001 - MPR's Marisa Helms reports that there's a big test for the Minnesota Twins stadium proposal at the State Capitol, with the final chance for the Senate State and Local Government Operations Committee to vote on the bill before the Legislature's first deadline.
April 3, 2001 - Lavelle Neal, who covers the Minnesota Twins for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, sees a promising season for the team as the 2001 Major League Baseball season begins. Neal says the Twins have a lot of developing ballplayers that are starting to figure out their way around the league.
April 4, 2001 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Lucky Rosenbloom, son of longtime Saint Paul icon Tiger Jack Rosenbloom, who may have a street named after him. The St. Paul city council is expected to approve a measure that would co-name a short stretch of Dale Street "Mr. and Mrs. Tiger Jack Street."
April 5, 2001 - Governor Jesse Ventura says he isn't giving up the fight for campaign finance reform this session. In the previous month, a key House subcommittee dealt Ventura's reform bill a major setback by laying the plan over until the next year. But new legislation has emerged with many of the same provisions and supporters say it's not too late for action.