September 4, 1998 - MPR’s John Rabe talks with neighbors of Khoua Her, who is accused of killing her six children in their home. The neighbors describe being left sad and confused.
September 4, 1998 - MPR’s Tim Pugmire reports that authorities in St. Paul say they were long aware of domestic problems at the apartment where six children were apparently killed by their mother. But Chief William Finney says there was never any indication the three boys and three girls were in danger. Police arrested the 24-year-old mother after responding to her frantic call for help.
September 11, 1998 - MPR’s Lynette Nyman reports that hundreds of people attended the start of a four-day funeral service for six St. Paul children killed, apparently by their mother, in their home. The mourners, mostly from the Hmong community, expressed their grief and disbelief over the tragedy.
September 18, 1998 - MPR’s Lynette Nyman reports that some Twin Cities Hmong leaders are calling for a strengthening of their traditional clan-based system of justice. They say this is one way of making sure there are no further tragedies, such as the recent killing of six children. Some others in the community are concerned the clan system lacks enforcement and equality, especially with the growing generation and gender gaps within the Hmong community.
September 24, 1998 - Mainstreet Radio's Kathryn Herzog reports on what one town is doing to address its own racism. During the Farm Crisis of the 1980's, many people moved away from rural Minnesota to find work in the city, leaving rural companies struggling with a small labor pool. As long time residents moved out, a few people of color, Hispanic and Hmong families moved in, looking for the rural lifestyle.
September 30, 1998 - Robert Olson, Minneapolis police chief, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the decrease in crime in Minneapolis, and the elements of effective police work. Topics include downtown nightlife and higher arrest rates. Olson also answers listener questions.
October 1, 1998 - Tom Emmert, Gustavus Adolphus history professor and Balkan scholar, discusses the background and update on the developments in Kosovo. Emmert also answers listener questions. Emmert is writing a book about the history of Serbia, for a forthcoming Stanford University series.
October 6, 1998 - Rod Grams, Minnesota Republican U.S. Senator, discusses his plan for phasing out social security with IRA style personal retirement accounts and welfare style federal safety net. The proposed bill is called “The Personal Security and Wealth and Retirement Act.” Grams also answers listener questions. Toward end of program, Virginia Reno, Director of Research for National Academy of Social Insurance, shares details on subject of Social Security reform.
October 8, 1998 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports that representatives from several Hmong organizations met with policy makers and elected officials to discuss ways to respond to a wave of violence in the Hmong community. The group hopes to craft a series of legislative proposals to present to lawmakers in next year's session.
October 22, 1998 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports Jesse Ventura's political opponents are criticizing the Reform Party candidate's suggestion that Minnesota should consider legalizing prostitution. Ventura claims some news organizations are misquoting him, saying he supports legalized prostitution and drugs.