September 8, 1999 - Eleven Saint Paul schools have begun a new school year on academic probation. School board members last night approved a district accountability plan that turns up the heat on under-performing schools. Superintendent Pat Harvey is pushing tough new rules aimed at improving student test scores, and more reforms are on the way.
September 9, 1999 - MPR’s Michael Choo reports on a new Hmong-language radio program that premiered on WMIN Radio Rey in St. Paul. The variety show features Hmong music and news from both Laos and the Twin Cities region. Backers of the show say the estimated 75-thousand Hmong living in the metro area represent an under-served market with significant economic potential.
September 9, 1999 - A national organization opposed to racial preferences in colleges admissions is taking on the University of Minnesota. The Washington, D-C-based, Center for Equal Opportunity released a report today, charging the university unfairly admits minority students at the expense of white students. U of M officials are defending their admissions policies and call the report misleading.
September 10, 1999 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from KNBJ studios in Bemidji. In this first hour of program, host Rachel Reabe discusses education in Minnesota and the MnSCU merger in higher education with Senator Roger Moe, MnSCU chancellor Morrie Anderson, Bemidji State professor Tom Fauchald, and a few students.
September 10, 1999 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from KNBJ studios in Bemidji. In this second hour of program, host Rachel Reabe discusses education in Minnesota and the supply of teachers for Minnesota schools with guests Joe Nathan, of the Humphrey Institute's Center for School Change; Dr. Rollie Morud, superintendent of the Bemidji School District; and Dave Larkin, Dean of the Education Department at Bemidji State University.
September 10, 1999 - Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports on teacher raiding, which is becoming a common practice as the nation faces a teacher shortage. In Minnesota, competition between districts means the best staff is often going to the highest bidder.
September 13, 1999 - Sports commentator Howard Sinker describes the experience of watching/listening to Minnesota Twins pitcher Eric Milton throw a no-hitter on September 11th, 1999 against the Anaheim Angels.
September 14, 1999 - Twin Cities based Best Buy company, the nation's leading consumer electronics retailer.. releases its second quarter earnings today. The company's share price has fallen percent since hitting a high of 79 last July. The drop reflected fears in some quarters that higher interest rates and other factors could hurt consumers's buying sentiment. If the company's earnings report falls short of Wall Street's expectations, the stock could plunge further. But several analysts say the company's prospects remain good.
September 15, 1999 - Students in Minnesota and throughout the nation gathered early this morning around the flagpoles at their schools to proclaim their religious faith. The student-led prayer service, known as "See You at the Pole," began in Texas in 1990 and has grown every year. Students say they feel a growing need these days to talk about God, even at school.
September 16, 1999 - A new report says rainfall in the upper midwest is loaded with mercury, which is polluting the region's lakes and streams. The National Wildlife Federation report says rainfall in the Duluth area holds about six times the amount of mercury considered safe for people. Readings in some urban areas like Detroit are about 65-times the safe level. Bill Grant is Director of the Midwest Energy Program at the Isaac Walton League. He says mercury is a naturally occurring metal, but in this case the problem is the result of human action.