May 2, 2002 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on Minnesota House bill passage that would require disclosure by the governor and the state's other top elected officials on all money that comes from non-state employment. The bill is not aimed at Ventura, but some think it could be due to his employment with the XFL, his two books, and his role in a movie during his governorship.
May 3, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on local Cinco de Mayo celebrations. What began as a Mexican national holiday to commemorate an important battle is now a way to share ethnic pride with Minnesota's exploding population of Latinos from many different countries.
May 3, 2002 - Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports that Governor Ventura has promised to veto a bill targeting his outside income. The bill would require all members on the state board of investment to disclose any money earned outside of office. The governor also threatened to file a lawsuit if lawmakers override his veto and the bill become law.
May 8, 2002 - As part of MPR’s Changing Current series, reporter Stephanie Hemphill looks at the return of a native species to The French River, which flows into Lake Superior about 15 miles north of Duluth. The coaster brook trout has been struggling to survive in Lake Superior and its tributaries for more than a hundred years. Some people are turning their attention to bringing them back.
May 8, 2002 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports that Governor Ventura and his staff are preparing for the worst. If the government doesn't figure out a budget, then he will do it himself and call the legislature into a special session. He can also call a special session in September, during election months, which some see as a way to make the candidates look bad.
May 8, 2002 - The long-time publisher of the Daily Globe in Worthington, James Vance died yesterday. Considered an industry innovator, He left his mark on the paper as reporter, photographer and later publisher. In the early sixties, Vance introduced a new form of publishing. "Cold type" was the precursor to today's computer typesetting. Vance hired a young photographer named Jim Brandenburg. Brandenburg later went on to become an award-winning National Geographic photographer. Brandenburg was head of the photography department at the Globe for many years. He says Vance left a profound impression on him.
May 9, 2002 - Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports that Governor Ventura re-entered budget negotiations as the legislative session heads into its final stages. Ventura called legislative leaders to his office to tell them what he expected in the proposed budget balancing plan, transportation financing package and bonding bill.
May 16, 2002 - Children's book author Mary Casanova was inspired to write her new book after spending time with eagle researchers on Minnesota's Rainy Lake. "When Eagles Fall" introduces young-adult readers to 13-year -old Alex. She's an angry girl sent to live with her father in Minnesota's north woods. Alex is dealing with the death of her younger brother, her parent's separation and typical teenage growing pains. Alex's emotions get the best of her as she defies her father and sets out on an adventure to save a baby eagle.
May 17, 2002 - Ann Bancroft talks with MPR’s Cathy Wurzer about her six-week trip paddling across the Great Lakes.
May 20, 2002 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer interviews R.T. Rybak, Mayor of Minneapolis, on state capital stadium bill. Governor Jesse Ventura has 14 days to decided what to do with a Twins stadium financing plan that lawmakers sent him late Saturday night. The deal for a 330-million-dollar ballpark, requires a 120 million private contribution (facilitated by the Twins) prior to any bond sale. In addition, the team would pay ten million dollars a year in rent. Proponents of a new ballpark in Minneapolis were hoping the bill would allow a county to finance the local portion of the cost, but that did not happen. Rybak says because of that Minneapolis appears to be out of the running as a location for a new ballpark.