April 12, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer showcases a batch of vintage MPR audio from 1982, as the Metrodome opened to fans and ball games. The 1982 Twins were a terrible team, about to play their first season in the brand new domed sports facility.
April 1, 2002 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer presents audio clips of various commentary from listeners calling in about a new stadium for the Minnesota Twins. Some were supportive, but most were critical.
April 1, 2002 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports that Minnesota Public Radio has announced plans to expand its programming by creating a third statewide network to compliment its existing news and music channels. The new network will be all silent…and in stereo!
April 1, 2002 - American RadioWorks’ John Biewen presents “Corrections, Inc.,” a documentary that examines the business and financial aspects of imprisonment, and how some of those with vested interests help to shape who gets locked up and for how long.
March 22, 2002 - MPR's Cara Hetland reports on The National Symphony Orchestra as it concludes its 10-day residency in South Dakota. The 202 musicians in the orchestra visit one state a year to share their talent and passion for music with teachers, students and fellow musicians. The National Symphony Orchestra crammed nearly 120 events and concerts into a schedule that took the musicians to all parts of the state.
February 19, 2002 - MPR's Tim Pugmire reports that hours after a Minnesota House committee rejected legislation to build a football stadium for Vikings and Gophers, another panel approved two bills Monday to build a new home for the Twins. Both bills would help build a major league ballpark in St. Paul, but they include different approaches to financing the projects. Lawmakers also want to give St. Paul voters the ultimate approval.
February 14, 2002 - MPR’s Marianne Combs profiles acclaimed playwright Lee Blessing's new play Thief River, which portrays two gay men growing up in rural Minnesota who choose very different paths in life. Over the next fifty years they remain in contact; their experiences reflect the changing attitudes toward homosexuality in America.
February 5, 2002 - By letting stand a lower court ruling that binds the Minnesota Twins to the Metrodome for another season, a Minnesota Supreme Court order all but guarantees that plans to eliminate the team will be put on hold for at least the coming year. While the team is disappointed with the court's decision, the team's landlord and fans are embracing the news.
February 4, 2002 - Mee Moua, a Hmong woman in St. Paul, makes history when she's sworn in as the nation's first Hmong legislator. The Southeast Asian hill tribe people started arriving in the U.S. more than 20 years ago. Yet, for many Hmong, their true date of arrival in this country starts with this political moment.
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.