September 29, 1998 - The Federal Reserve cut a key short term interest rate today. The federal funds rate, one of the Fed's two benchmark short-term interest rates, was lowered by a quarter percentage point to 5.25 percent. The Fed calculates the move will cushion the US economy from a worsening global economic situation, and a domestic credit crunch. Jim Paulson, the Chief investment officer of Norwest Investment Management in Minneapolis , says the rate cut is extremely welcome news on many fronts.
September 30, 1998 - Robert Olson, Minneapolis police chief, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten about the decrease in crime in Minneapolis, and the elements of effective police work. Topics include downtown nightlife and higher arrest rates. Olson also answers listener questions.
September 30, 1998 - "The World Turned Upside Down," an American RadioWorks documentary about deflation, with MPR's Steven Smith and Chris Farrell. Contains various interviews and commentary.
October 1, 1998 - Tom Emmert, Gustavus Adolphus history professor and Balkan scholar, discusses the background and update on the developments in Kosovo. Emmert also answers listener questions. Emmert is writing a book about the history of Serbia, for a forthcoming Stanford University series.
October 1, 1998 - Midday presents the first general election gubernatorial debate, sponsored by the League of Women Voters, and broadcast from Brainerd Community College. Norm Coleman, Republican candidate; Skip Humphrey, DFL candidate; and Jesse Ventura, Reform candidate, participated in debate. Topics include state surplus, taxes, healthcare, agriculture, education, and stadium funding.
October 1, 1998 - Leaders of the Hmong community are asking state lawmakers to help stop a pattern of violence in their community. There have been a number of high profile crimes against Hmong women and children recently that have shaken the community of forty-thousand. Yesterday, about 30 Hmong professionals met with lawmakers to see what government support is available to prevent further violence. DFL state representative Andy Dawkins represents the frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul where many Hmong people live. Dawkins says the Hmong are a "hurting community" and yesterday's meeting was a first step.
October 1, 1998 - MPR’s Dan Olson reports on an accordian “jam session” in front of Mahler Music Center on Randolph Avenue in St. Paul.
October 2, 1998 - Father Robert Drinan, former Massachusetts Congressman, and Elizabeth Holtzman, former New York Congresswoman, share insights into the presidential impeachment process. Both were members of the House Judiciary Committee which investigated President Nixon. Drinan and Holtzman also answer listener questions.
October 2, 1998 - Childhood memories can be at times a comfort or sometimes a scourge. However there is no real guarentee they are ever accurate. Canadian author Andre Alexis, who was born in Trinidad, explores how time and circumstances can change how and what we remember. Alexis told Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr his novel Childhood is quite different from more famous literary accounts of childhood.
October 5, 1998 - David and Daniel Kamish, father and son writing team discuss their book "The Night the Scary Beasties Popped Out of My Head." Their work will also be featured in an art exhibit at the Children's Museum, opening October 31st.