October 24, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes presents a profile on Minneapolis Mayor Sayles Belton, who is in a tough campaign as she runs for a third term. Report includes interviews from numerous individuals on their views of her accomplishments and governance.
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 4, 2001 - The city of Minneapolis has released piles of documents subpoened by the U-S Attorney's office relating to the bribery and extortion scandal of former city councilmember Brian Herron. This first round of documents details the city's dealings with three Minneapolis businessmen involved in the scandal. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 26, 2001 - Since the terrorist attacks in New York, political campaigns for the top offices in the Twin Cities have taken on a more somber and less combative tone. Candidates have to walk a fine line to promote their political agendas while also appearing sensitive to the tragedies. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes reports.
September 20, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on first public forum of Minneapolis mayoral candidates. Mayor Sharon Sayles Belton and challenger R.T. Rybak faced off on various city issues.
September 12, 2001 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on Minneapolis mayoral primary results. Political newcomer and internet consultant R.T. Rybak will face two-term incumbent Sharon Sayles Belton in the Minneapolis mayoral election in November. Rybak was the top vote-getter in a race that included two other viable challengers to Sayles Belton.
September 10, 2001 - Minneapolis mayoral campaigns are telephoning voters, waving signs from roadsides and appearing at events in the remaining few hours before tomorrow's (Tuesday's) primary election. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes looks at the attempt to reach as many potential voters as possible.
August 9, 2001 -
August 6, 2001 - Survey data released by the US Census bureau show the median income for Minnesota households is nearly 49 thousand---which makes us 8th compared to other states. Minnesota is also among the states with the lowest percent of residents below the poverty level. In addition the survey finds more people are driving to work and back alone. Details from Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes.
August 1, 2001 - U.S. Census figures released indicate the state's Hmong population grew almost 150% since the 1990 census, growing to nearly 42,000 residents. Some community leaders, though, think many Hmong people in Minnesota remain uncounted by the census. MPR’s Art Hughes interviews numerous individuals to get their reaction to government numbers.