October 12, 2001 - On Word of Mouth, MPR’s Chris Roberts provides a radio guide to the local arts. This episode includes "Hush, Hush", John O'Donohue, Bakken Ensemble, “The Rink,” Jazz and Italian modern art, Lea Thomas, and an arts round-up..
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 5, 2001 - At the end of the first week of Minnesota's largest state employee strike, no new talks are scheduled and neither side shows any sign of movement. State officials say state government is weathering the loss of about 23,000 workers, and Governor Ventura says the striking workers should accept the state's offer and come back to work. Ventura says will talk to the strikers, but he will not do it when the media is around.
October 3, 2001 - Governor Ventura and his wife Terry appeared on Good Morning America. He went to deliver cards from Minnesotans and to see the World Trade Center site. Rumors that ABC also paid for his trip to have exclusive access to the site is not verified. Because of the accusation, Ventura now will no longer give interviews to the Minnesota press.
September 28, 2001 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports that visitors to the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport will soon see Minnesota National Guard troops helping with any number of security jobs. President Bush has called on the nation's governor's to deploy national guard troops at airports through the country.
September 26, 2001 - Mainstreet Radio's Laurel Druley reports on the looming government workers strike. State agency officials say they have contingency plans in place to compensate for the void a strike could leave.
September 25, 2001 - MPR’s Dan Olson profiles choral director Dale Warland, a recipient of the McKnight Distinguished Artist Award. The Minnesota-based conductor, arranger, and composer is founder of the Dale Warland Singers. He traces his musical roots to his Iowa childhood and a charismatic church choir director.
September 19, 2001 - MPR's William Wilcoxen reports on Minnesotans returning to the national pastime, after taking a week off from baseball to mourn the lives lost on September 11th, 2001. The Twins turned in a sparkling performance in front of a small crowd at the Metrodome. Several fans and players said it felt good to get back into the swing of life's routine.
September 5, 2001 - Former Minnesota governor Al Quie reflects on the 1981 Minnesota government worker’s strike, which lasted for 22 days. During that time the Minnesota Zoo was closed and state services like drivers licenses were processed by administrators. Quie gives advice for current governor Jesse Ventura.
August 31, 2001 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on Governor Jesse Ventura joining the throngs at the Minnesota State Fair to talk taxes and politics. Ventura promoted the idea of a national sales tax and banning elected officials from campaigning when he says they should be working.