October 9, 2001 - MPR's Michael Khoo reports that state officials and leaders of the two largest public employee unions are set to resume contract talks, but Governor Jesse Ventura says he doesn't see any way to satisfy the demands of striking workers short of cutting government payrolls. Union leaders, however, say if more money isn't available, there's little chance for movement when talks resume.
October 12, 2001 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that Minnesota Twins manager Tom Kelly says he's stepping down after 15 full seasons. Under Kelly's tenure, the Twins won two World Series championships in 1987 and 1991. This year, the Twins finished second in the American League Central, snapping an eight year run of losing seasons.
October 17, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio's Jeff Horwich reports three professors and a student are filing a lawsuit in federal court against St. Cloud State University and the entire MnSCU system, alleging that the school has done too little to deal with antisemitism on campus. St. Cloud State has been studying the problem for more than a year, but those suing the school say the time for studying is over.
October 18, 2001 - MPR’s Bill Catlin reports on Minnesota Public Radio announcement to expand its headquarters in downtown St. Paul. The non-profit will acquire a building across the street from its current headquarters for nearly $8 million. The package also includes a vacant piece of land, and will be financed by grants and a $3 million city loan.
October 23, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes presents a profile of mayoral candidate R.T. Rybak. R.T. Rybak hopes to become the first challenger to unseat an incumbent Minneapolis mayor since 1977. Backers say the political newcomer has a gift for energizing people toward his causes. Critics, however, say Rybak's vision lacks specifics and his big-tent approach is so big that it includes conflicting ideals that can't be sustained over time. Report includes Rybak’s efforts on fighting jet noise in South Minneapolis, and bringing a Target store to downtown.
October 30, 2001 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that the chairman of the state Senate Finance Committee is calling on state agencies to get tougher with the state's health care providers. The committee held a hearing on Attorney General Mike Hatch's audit of Allina Health Systems.
October 31, 2001 - MPR’s Marisa Helms reports that 10 openly gay candidates are running for office in Minneapolis in 2001. All of them are DFLers. Half are running for City Council seats; the remaining five are spread among the Library Board, Park Board, School Board and the Board of Estimate and Taxation. Political observers say that being gay is apparently not an issue for most Minneapolis voters.
October 31, 2001 - MPR’s Bill Catlin reports on the status of retail environment after the 9/11 terrorist attack. Despite depressed markets in some areas, Halloween sales and interest are strong.
November 5, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes provides a summary report of Minneapolis mayoral debate at a Minnesota Public Radio forum. Minneapolis Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton forcefully fights for her political career in the final days before the election, squaring off against challenger R.T. Rybak. In debate, Sayles Belton questioned Rybak's promise to shun campaign donations by those with business interests in city hall. She also strongly defended her administration against Rybak's accusation that the city is mismanaged.
November 6, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports that while Major League Baseball owners are meeting in Chicago and may be considering folding the Twins along with the Montreal Expos, some in the Twin Cities are promising a fight. The Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission says the team has a binding agreement to play at the Metrodome next season. Governor Ventura says he'd support gambling revenues to pay for a new stadium.