September 17, 1998 - Joan Growe, outgoing Minnesota Secretary of State, talks about her proposals for election reform, and analyzes the low turnout of 20% in Tuesday's primary election. Growe also answered listener questions.
September 17, 1998 - The small family farm is a dying breed, even in Minnesota. But it remains important in our consciousness as a haven from the ills of society and a refuge to raise strong, wonderful children. In a way, there's some truth in that ... at least for author Kent Meyers.
September 18, 1998 - Norm Coleman, St. Paul Mayor and Republican Gubernatorial nominee, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the issues in the campaign for governor. Topics include political ads, opponents in race, tax cuts, education, affordable housing, and abortion. Coleman also answers listener questions.
September 18, 1998 - MPR’s Lynette Nyman reports that some Twin Cities Hmong leaders are calling for a strengthening of their traditional clan-based system of justice. They say this is one way of making sure there are no further tragedies, such as the recent killing of six children. Some others in the community are concerned the clan system lacks enforcement and equality, especially with the growing generation and gender gaps within the Hmong community.
September 21, 1998 - Reminiscences of the late Muriel Humphrey Brown, wife and widow to the late Senator and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. D.J. Leary, Norman Sherman, Jane Freeman, Arvonne Fraser and others share thoughts on Muriel Humphrey Brown’s life. Listeners also share reflections of the Humphrey’s.
September 22, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from Sioux Falls. Program highlights the farm crisis, and the low crop prices. Mark Steil interviews Stan Stevens, University of Minnesota Extension Economist, who shares insights on the factors playing into low prices, including weather and production risk.
September 22, 1998 - A Mainstreet Radio special broadcast from Sioux Falls. Program highlights the controversy over the Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern coal train. The railroad wishes to create large expansion as coal hauler from Wyoming, through South Dakota, and into southern Minnesota. Mark Steil interviews Kevin Schieffer, president of Dakota, Minnesota and Eastern Railroad; and Paul Wilson, co-chair of Olmsted DM&E taskforce.
September 23, 1998 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator, talks about current issues facing congress, including a possible presidential impeachment proceeding, campaign finance reform, government appropriations and tax bills, farm legislation, and more. Wellstone shares his concern that congress has lost focus, and answers listener questions.
September 23, 1998 - South African president Nelson Mandela received the Congressional Gold Medal today, becoming the first African awarded the honor. Lawmakers cited Mandela for having dedicated his entire life to the abolition of apartheid and said he sacrificed his own personal freedom for the good of everyone. Mandela spent 27 years in prison before becoming president. A South African play set on the eve of Mandela's release from prison opens in Minneapolis tomorrow night. "Playland" by Athol Fugard explores the difficulties for blacks and whites of coming to terms with apartheid. The production is being staged by Pangea World Theater at the Hennepin Center for the Arts.
September 24, 1998 - After seeing her image in the media for all these months, and hearing all the intimate details of her life, it can be a shock to remember most of us aren't on a first name basis with Monica. For commentator Debbie Bull, fame creates a surreal sense of familiarity.