June 10, 1998 - Representatives from Northwest pilots union met face to face with the company for the first time since contract talks broke off at the end of May. A federal mediator ordered both sides to the bargaining table in Washington D.C. today to begin three days of talks. The contract disagreement has become very public of late, with the company taking out ads criticizing the pilots for rejecting their offer. The pilots are asking for forteen percent raises the first year, and five percent annual raises thereafter. Steve Flanagan is a Northwest pilot who wears a union cap as well. He says the negotiations are playing a large role in his personal life.
June 10, 1998 - Tribal elections were held on the White Earth Reservation yesterday, despite efforts by a group of band members to put a stop to the voting. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Robertson reports from Bemidji.... Two days ago it looked doubtful that the scheduled election would take place on White Earth. A group of protesters took control of tribal headquarters Sunday, vowing that they would use any means necessary to stop the election. The group contends that three tribal council members have been holding office illegally since 1996. Those officials, with about 70 supporters, entered and reclaimed control of the building just before sunrise Tuesday.
June 11, 1998 - Kate Trewick of the Department of Children, Families, and Learning, and Joe Nathan, Director of the Center for School Change discuss Third and Fifth grade basic skills test results and the implications. Trewick and Nathan also answer listener questions. Among the topics is levels in tests, public vs private, and role of parents.
June 11, 1998 - Harry Browne, 1996 Libertarian Party Presidential candidate, speaking at 1998 Libertarian Party of Minnesota State Convention.
June 11, 1998 - Minneapolis officials say an environmental impact statement for expansion of the Minneapolis-St Paul International Airport is flawed. They'll work today on the city's official response, incorporating comments from a public hearing last night. As Minnesota Public Radio's Eric Jansen reports, Northwest Airlines' domination of the market was a key topic last night: City council member Dore Mead says among her chief criticisms of the Environmental Impact Statement is that its estimates of future airport usage about 600,000 flights per year by 2010 -- are, in her words, "way off base.": "Were asking them to admit theyre low we all know it.
June 11, 1998 - (Saint Paul) The state will no longer invest new pension money in tobacco and may divest itself of tobacco holdings ALL TOGETHER. The state board of investment passed the resolution on a 4-1 vote. . Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe reports: Secretary of State Joan Growe rejected notions that the proposal was fueled more by politics than sound investment advice. She said that in light of the state's seven Billion dollar settlement with tobacco companies in the recent lawsuit, and a pending national tobacco settlement...tobacco stocks are too risky: Bite:4260 Governor Carlson voted against a similar resolution in September of 1996.
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