June 11, 1998 - The Juneteenth Film Festival, celebrating the Emancipation and African-American history, opens tonight in the Twin Cities with the first of six films. "Melvin Van Pebbles: Classified X", about the portrayal of blacks in film, will show at the Minnesota History Center at 7 o'clock. A lesser-known bit of African-American history, the rise of black newspapers is the subject of Director Stanley Nelson's film "Soldiers Without Swords: The Black Press." Nelson will present his documentary next Tuesday evening at the Weisman Art Museum. Nelson says even he was surprised at the power of the black press which grew out of a bitter relationship with the mainstream media.
June 11, 1998 - About forty percent of Minnesota's third and fifth graders are on track to pass the state's new graduation requirements. The Department of Children, Families and Learning today announced test scores for elementary students as part of Minnesotasota's graduation rule that requires periodic testing to ensure students will possess the skills to graduate. Third graders were tested on reading and math, and fifth graders had an additional section on writing. Kate Trewick, the assistant Commissioner for teaching and learning at CFL says the test results will be used as a starting point to chart progress.
June 12, 1998 - Doug Cogan, director of IRRC's Tobacco Information Service; Joan Growe, Minnesota Secretary of State; and Judi Dutcher, Minnesota State Auditor, discuss tobacco stocks and the State of Minnesota’s decision to end investing pension money in companies that are related to tobacco. The debate over investing based on reasons beyond financial performance is highlighted. Guests also answer listener questions.
June 12, 1998 - This weekend a music festival touted as the nation's largest outdoor vocal music concert makes its premiere in Central Minnesota. BIG SING U.S.A. is a two-day celebration of a capella music featuring national headliners including "The Bobs" and "Rockapella". Minnesota Public Radio's Gretchen Lehmann talked to two local groups showcasing their talent at the festival. The words "a capella" typically conjure images of barbershop quartets or four guys on a street corner, harmonizing 50's hits. But the style has moved far beyond its early roots. 90's Acapella groups blend ethnic rhythms, jazz harmonies and vocal percussion to create a decided
June 12, 1998 - Federal Aviaton Administration officials confirmed today the agency is looking into allegations of deficiencies in Northwest's maintenance of DC-9 aircraft. Airline officials say the agency hasn't told them of any current investigation. The airline says allegations have been made, investigated and settled, and the F-A-A has raised no concerns about safety. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports. The investigation is the focus of a front page story in the Wall Street Journal, which notes that the airline has saved billions of dollars by upgrading elderly DC-9's instead of replacing them with newer aircraft. The article quotes an F.A.A. official saying the agency has received allegations that appear to have some credibility and th
June 12, 1998 - A grain elevator exploded in Plainview, Minnesota this morning, about 20 miles northeast of Rochester. No one was hurt but it knocked out power and phone service to the town's downtown. The Doane (DOAN) Grain Services Incorporated elevator burned for about two hours. Authorities aren't sure what caused the explosion. The Plainview explosion comes just days after a grain elevator explosion in Wichita, Kansas killed five people. One man is still missing. Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration manager and former grain elevator inspector Terry Mueller (Myoo-ler) says most explosions are caused by some sort of friction in the mechnics of the elevator which ignites the grain dust.
June 15, 1998 - On this Midday program: MPR's "Voices of Minnesota" series continues, featuring in-depth interviews with musicians Romuald Tecco, longtime concertmaster of The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra and Dominick Argento, the internationally known Minnesota composer.
June 16, 1998 - Mike Freeman, the DFL-endorsed gubernatorial candidate, joined program from MPR Collegeville/St Cloud bureau for a statewide call-in program on the issues in the gubernatorial campaign. Topics included gun laws, education, urban challenges, and environment.
June 17, 1998 - Allen Quist, republican gubernatorial candidate, joined program for a statewide call-in program on the issues in the gubernatorial campaign. Topics included GOP convention, gay and lesbian rights, abortion, welfare and job policy and discrimination.
June 17, 1998 - Speeches by Gubernatorial candidates Norm Coleman, Joanne Benson and Allen Quist to the Minnesota Young Republicans meeting in Bloomington. They were asked to talk about the reasons they got involved in politics and suggest why young people should also get involved. Program also includes interview with candidate Dick Borrell.