October 9, 2002 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports from the Metrodome as The Minnesota Twins prepare to face the Anaheim Angels in Game Two of the American League Championship Series. The previous night, Twins pitcher Joe Mays helped the team beat the Angels 2-1 to open the series.
October 11, 2002 - On October 15, 1852, the first train of the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad traveled from Chicago to Joliet, Illinois. Two years later it would bring a delegation of East Coast journalists and dignitaries to the Mississippi River as part of the Grand Excursion to Minnesota. Over the next 50 years, as the Rock Island Line grew, it carried passengers and freight through 14 states and became part of the story of the American west. Then it inspired a song that has been passed from generation to generation. Learn the story of the railroad.
October 11, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports it's not just the players and fans who would like to see the Minnesota Twins success in playoffs last another couple of weeks through to the World Series…so would downtown businesses and merchandisers who are profiting themselves from the Twins' success.
October 14, 2002 - MPR's William Wilcoxen presents report on Minnesota Twins and their disappointing finish to a remarkable season. A magical season came to a crashing halt for the Twins as they gave up a playoff-record 10 runs in one inning to the Anaheim Angels, whose 13-5 victory brought baseball's American League pennant to southern California for the first time.
October 15, 2002 - The war on drugs, one police official says, does not appear to be slowing illicit drug sales in some Minneapolis neighborhoods. On Bloomington Avenue in south Minneapolis residents say the drug dealing is the worst they've seen in 20 years. Residents formed a citizens patrol which has caused some of the dealers to move. However, police and neighbors say sellers are arrested and turned lose only to return to the area. They want judges to bar alleged drug sellers from some areas of the city.
October 18, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that former Twins star and Hall of Famer Kirby Puckett has been charged with felony and misdemeanor counts for an alleged sexual assault. The Hennepin County Attorney’s office accuses Puckett of dragging a women into a restaurant bathroom last month and groping her.
October 21, 2002 - As part of a series on special education, MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on impact of Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) on many disabled children and the increasing costs.
October 22, 2002 - As part of a series on special education, MPR’s Tim Pugmire profiles fourth grader Sam Graves, who has cerebral palsy and participant of the IDEA mandate.
October 23, 2002 - As part of a series on special education, MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports on the importance of Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and debate on what changes are needed.
October 25, 2002 - Live off-air audio of developments concerning Paul Wellstone's plane reported missing. Host Gary Eichten and political reporter Mike Mulcahy present coverage from MPR studio as events unfold. Following news agencies declaring Wellstone and others dead in plane crash, a presentation of various interview reactions and call-in commentary from listeners.