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.
June 18, 1998 - William Cooper, Republican Party Chairman and Twin City Federal CEO, previews the state convention and the issues Republicans will be addressing in this year's campaigns. Cooper also answers listener questions. Program begins with a report on the upcoming GOP convention.
June 19, 1998 - Gary Eichten broadcasts from the Republican state convention at Target Center in Minneapolis. Program features interviews with the candidates for Governor, the endorsed candidate for Attorney General, reports from the floor of the convention, and the views of MPR political commentators Bob Meek, Tom Horner, Sarah Stoesz, and Sarah Janacek. Commentators also answer listener questions.
June 19, 1998 - Gary Eichten continues broadcast from the Republican state convention at Target Center in Minneapolis. Program features reports from the floor of the convention, and the views of MPR political commentators Bob Meek, Tom Horner, Sarah Stoesz, and Sarah Janacek. Commentators also answer listener questions. Program ends with official opening of convention, and speech from Minority House Speaker Steve Sviggum.
June 22, 1998 - Rich Naistat of the National Weather Service in Chanhassen talks about the weather. Topics include summer, long days, dew points, global temperatures, and severe weather. Naistat also answers listener questions.