September 2, 1997 - On the first day of school, Midday features a a back-to-school show with guest Joe Nathan, director of the Center for School Change at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute. Topics includes charter schools and test scores.
September 2, 1997 - Midday offers a special back-to-school "Talk of Minnesota" program to hear from parents of school children and others on what they would like kids to learn this year. Listeners call in with comments and questions.
September 2, 1997 - As the new school year begins, Latino/Chicano parents in St. Paul are pressuring school district officials to do a better job educating their children. Many of those raising concerns are the same parents who sued the district 21 years ago over learning inequities. They claim there's been little improvement for Latino students since the case was settled. School district officials say they remain committed to their court-ordered obligations to Latino students, and the special programs are helping. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
September 2, 1997 - As students and teachers head back to class today, one of the state's best-known teachers will be staying home. Jon Hassler, the author of novels like "The Dean's List" and "Staggerford", has retired after 42 years teaching high school and college. Hassler recently spoke with Mainstreet Radio's Leif Enger about teaching, and being taught.
September 3, 1997 - Minneapolis school officials say the first day of new schedules went smoother than expected. The state's largest school district changed start times for all high schools and middle schools and many elementary schools. Elementary schools are starting earlier than last year and high schools start later. Supporters of the new start times say students will learn better, but some students say they want their old schedule back. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
September 4, 1997 - MPR's Martin Kaste reports that Minnesota Indian tribes are reacting skeptically to suggestions they use their casino revenues to help pay for a new Twins stadium. The co-chairman of the Legislature's special stadium finance task force met with the chief executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in an attempt to get Indian money for a possible stadium financing package... but at least one Indian official in St. Paul says state politicians are "crazy" to think they can convince tribes to pay for the stadium when Minnesota taxpayers won't.
September 4, 1997 - For years the Nautilus Music Theater in Minneapolis, formerly known as The New Music Theater Ensemble, produced and performed only new works perched on the precarious boundary between musicals and opera. Some of the pieces were quite ambitious and experimental, and performers often played to less than a full house. This year, the organization has a new name and an expanded mission, to produce the old, or relatively old, as well as the new. Nautilus has chosen "Into the Woods," a Stephen Sondheim production to inaugurate what it hopes will be a new era in twin cities music theater. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts reports.
September 4, 1997 - **** PRODUCTION NOTE: FOR SHOW USE ONLY, NOT FOR NEWSCASTS ***NOTE SLIGHTLY LOW LEVEL ON CUT One of the stage's most famous voices will appear in this years Guthrie Theater production of "A Christmas Carol". Sir John Geilgud recently recorded the story's narration in London in a day long session with Guthrie Artistic Director Joe Dowling, who says he expects Geilgud's performance to make a dramatic difference in this year's production. The Guthrie today released this short excerpt of the 93 year old actor's reading..... The Guthrie Christmas Carol opens i
September 4, 1997 - Negotiations between Japan and the United States over aviation treaties have pitted most U.S. airlines AGAINST Twin Cities-based Northwest Airlines. Post World War II netted Northwest valuable air routes to Japan. Now as Northwest celebrates the 50th anniversary of its sucessful service to Asia, there's talk about amending the treaties that have greatly benefited Northwest. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports... | D-CART ITEM: 5784 | TIME: 5:21s
September 5, 1997 - Midday presents a report by Dan Olson about the prospects for a Light Rail Transit line in the Twin Cities, followed by a discussion of the transit issue with guests Nacho Diaz, Transportation Planning Director for the Metropolitan Coucil, and Ken Stevens, Director of the Hennepin County Regional Railroad Authority. Listeners call in with questions. (program ends early due to special coverage)