January 11, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Governor Ventura’s response to critics over his budget plan. According to governor, sacrifice needs to be made by all parts of the budget and he invites suggestions to improve it. Republicans debate higher tax on gasoline and tobacco, while Democrats want more money for education.
January 14, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Jim Nepstad, a member of the National Park Service, about taking public comment on the proposed wilderness designation for the Apostle Islands.
January 14, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Gene Merriam, a former DFL state senator, and long-time chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, about the concept of bonding bills.
January 15, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that Governor Ventura is inclined to run for governor again to continue his fight for “unicameralism.” The push to combining the two bodies of legislature into one has been a personal drive for the governor. He believes that if the two bodies are one, or unicameral, the government would run more efficiently.
January 16, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Jim Miller, the executive director of the League of Minnesota Cities, about how Ventura's budget proposal would affect city budgets. Governor Ventura released his plans for closing a nearly two billion dollar projected shortfall last week, and they included cuts in local government aid.
January 16, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer interviews Mee Moua, who won a DFL primary for the District 67 state Senate seat last night, beating state Representative Tim Mahoney and three other DFL candidates. Moua discusses education and housing.
January 16, 2002 - Mee Moua comments on her who hope to become the first Hmong person ever elected to a Minnesota state legislature.
January 18, 2002 - Ralph Nader, activist and former Green Party presidential candidate, is Gary Eichten's studio guest for this Midday program. Nader discusses his book Crashing the Party: How to Tell the Truth and Still Run for President. He also answer questions from MPR listeners.
January 21, 2002 - On Martin Luther King Day, former Vice President Walter Mondale joins MPR’s Gary Eichten to talk about the civil rights movement, yesterday and today. Mondale also discusses a wide range of current events.
January 23, 2002 - Word of Mouth host Chris Roberts talks with members of the local band Kangaroo. The group boasts three teachers and one playwright in its ranks. They discuss the desire to create happiness in their music. Segment includes music clips.