March 30, 2000 - On this Midday, Minnesota Governor Arne Carlson talks about charges his administration was improperly involved in the threat to move the Twins and gain a new ballpark. Program also includes a talk with Twins President Jerry Bell.
April 19, 2000 - The recent exposure of a multi-state prostitution ring based in the Twin Cities focused the political spotlight on preventing exploitation of homeless and vulnerable teenagers. The Minnesota legislature is considering several measures this year to enhance the safety net for at-risk kids. But at the county level, the situation is getting worse instead of better. Financially strapped counties can offer few options for homeless teens, and youth shelters are struggling to keep their doors open.
May 24, 2000 - Randy Johnson, Hennepin County board chairman; and Rick Kruger, CEO of "is.com", discuss results of the first annual "Regional Opportunity Forecast.” Report was put together by a group of business, education and civic leaders called The Great North Alliance. Johnson and Kruger are members of the group, and answer listener questions. Program begins with news from MPR’s Greta Cunningham.
May 24, 2000 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Walter Mondale, former U.S. ambassador to Japan and former vice-president, on congressional bill that would allow China permit normal trade status. Following Mondale interview, David Foster, director of the NW quadrant of states for the United Steelworkers of America, shares his view on the bill and its impact.
May 26, 2000 - In the 1970s the City of Minneapolis blocked off Nicollet Avenue at Lake Street to make room for a K-mart store. It seemed like a good idea at the time as a way of getting rid of an area full of what many considered sleazy businesses. Now city officials and neighborhood activists want to stitch Nicollet back together so the entire avenue can share in urban renewal.
November 30, 2000 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Minnesota House Majority Leader Tim Pawlenty, a Republican from Eagan, about his thoughts about state surplus and what should happen going forward. Pawlenty is concerned about Governor Ventura’s idea of lowering state sales tax, but raising in other areas.
January 24, 2001 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews John Brandl, dean of the Humphrey Institute, about his take on Governor Ventura's two year budget plan. It has been drawing mixed reaction from citizens and lawmakers. Many Democrats are concerned about Ventura's minimal spending increase, and some Republicans have echoed similar concerns. Brandl says Ventura's desire to hold the line on spending is flawed.
January 24, 2001 - MPR’s Michael Khoo reports on reaction to Governor Ventura’s released budget plan which tightens the fiscal reins. When Governor Jesse Ventura took his first stab at the budgeting process two years ago, he acknowledged many of his proposals were based on former-Governor Arne Carlson's work, but Ventura is describing his latest effort as entirely his own. The plan calls for more than a billion dollars in tax relief and holds spending to about the level of inflation.
January 24, 2001 - MPR's Patty Marsicano reports that Governor Ventura's proposed budget for higher education has stunned the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities Systems. They say they won't even be able to keep up with inflation, let alone proceed with their plans for vital growth.
January 24, 2001 - Corina Eckl, policy director for fiscal affairs at the National Conference of State Legislatures, states that Minnesota is one of many states to have extra money in recent years. The NCSL conducts an annual survey of year-end balances or surpluses. Right now the state's surplus is projected at three billion dollars over the next two-and-a-half years.