November 25, 1998 - The most recent Surgeon General's report find Native Americans have the highest adult smoking rates of any ethnic or minority group in the country. The report finds tobacco use among Native Americans has soared more than 40-percent at a time when it has levelled off among other racial groups. As a result, more Native Americans are dying of respiratory cancers than ever before. Health officials are alarmed but as Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports, anti-tobacco programs take on new complexities for many Native Americans who've long viewed tobacco as a sacred gift: To get a sense of tobacco's place in indian culture one needs to look no further than a traditional pow wow. (sound of leader talking about of tobacco/creation)
November 26, 1998 - Cuomo, former New York governor, speaking at Adath Jeshurun Congregation in Minnetonka about community involvement. After speech, program presents a report from MPR’s John Rabe on Eric Sevareid, CBS journalist and commentator on CBS Evening News. Sevareid was a North Dakota native and went to University of Minnesota. Program closes out with various individuals “giving thanks” for Thanksgiving.
November 26, 1998 - Starting Monday, anyone planning to purchase a gun - whether it's a handgun, rifle or shotgun - must go through a criminal background check. The new provision of the Brady Law is designed to keep guns out of the hands of criminals, drug addicts, illegal aliens, and the mentally ill. It's creating some confusion among gun buyers and some concern among gun dealers. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports... The new National Instant Criminal Background Check works almost like a credit card verification - stores will call a toll-free number and give the gun buyer's name and date of birth while the buyer waits. The F-B-I does a computer background check and tells the store whether the sale is approved, delayed or denied. This SHOULD only take a minute or so, but some think t
November 26, 1998 - The Saint Paul School District has begun testing all kindergarten and second grade students for possible inclusion in gifted and talented programs. The new system uses classroom observation, rather than a written test, to identify students. District officials say they hope the changes will bring more minority and low income children into the accelerated learning programs. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports... (Sound) In an algebra class at Saint Paul's Capitol Hill Magnet School, 6th and 5th grade students and their teacher are discussing how to use mean, median and mode to ananlyze statistics. These elementary students are already working on material designed for 8th and 9th graders, and they're devouring it. Sixth
November 26, 1998 - On this Midday Thanksgiving Day call-in program, former Star Tribune columnist Jim Klobuchar visits the MPR studios to discuss his book, Pursued By Grace.
November 27, 1998 - Jon Pratt, of the Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, stops by the MPR studios to talk about the concept and history of philanthropy. Pratt also answers listener questions.
November 27, 1998 - Some estimates have Americans racking up nearly 100 billions dollars in credit debt between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Some economists warn consumers not to be lured into accumulating debt now as the economy softens and the likelyhood of continued slowdown in 1999 increases. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
November 27, 1998 - FOR FRIDAY M.E. Retailers are anticipating what one industry group says is an extremely positive picture for holiday sales. Today, of course, is traditionally the busiest shopping day of the year. For retailers it's the start of the all-important christmas shopping season. Minnesota Pubic Radio's Bill Catlin reports. SFX, INTERIOR HUBBUB Just before opening time earlier this week, a crowd of shoppers quickly swells to fill a hallway at one entrance to t
November 27, 1998 - INTRO Just as this time of year is vital for retailers, the holiday season is hugely important for arts organizations. The flurry of ticket buying to holiday shows like A Christmas Carol and the Nutcracker, brings in a significant part of the year's operating budget for Twin Cities arts organizations. Its also a time when may young people get their initial exposure to the arts. Yet Despite an almost-guaranteed holiday audience for some shows, nationwide, audience numbers for cultural events are stagnant. And so, like any business, arts organizations are dreaming up creative new strategies to pack 'em in. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Stucky has more.
November 27, 1998 - MPR’s Eric Jansen reports on the unusually warm temperatures for this time of year, which brought Minnesotans out by the droves into the sunshine, enjoying weather some describe as more like spring than fall. People in Minneapolis were blading, biking, running and strolling around Lake Calhoun.