October 15, 1998 - Ten years ago, a young Harvard medical student published a book of short stories that became a national bestseller-it was Ethan Canin, whose collection Emperor of the Air earned him comparisons with writers Philip Roth and Robert Penn Warren. Since then, Canin has taken a leave from his medical career and turned to writing full time. He's now out with his second novel, For Kings and Planets, about two friends attending Columbia University in the seventies. The two are unlikely friends, one is an earnest Midwesterner, the other, a worldly, cynical risk-taker from the East Coast. Canin told Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Crann he's writing novels now instead of short stories because they're better for exploring complicated subjects.
October 22, 1998 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports on reaction in Hibbing towards hometown native Bob Dylan, and his October 22nd concert in Duluth. Segment includes commentary from local residents and visiting fans.
October 22, 1998 - MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports Jesse Ventura's political opponents are criticizing the Reform Party candidate's suggestion that Minnesota should consider legalizing prostitution. Ventura claims some news organizations are misquoting him, saying he supports legalized prostitution and drugs.
October 28, 1998 - MPR's Mark Zdechlik caught up with Ventura at a rally at the University of Minnesota. Reform party candidate Jesse Ventura announced plans for a statewide get out the vote blitz in the final days before the election. Zdechlik interviews numerous potential voters.
October 28, 1998 - On this edition of MPR’s Voices of Minnesota series, a profile of two long-time Minnesota political activists; Geri Joseph of the DFL and Republican Kathleen Ridder. The two women have played a major role in shaping politics in Minnesota.
October 29, 1998 - As part of our Meet the Candidates series, David Minge, 2nd District DFL congressman; and Craig Duehrin, his Republican challenger, discuss their campaigns and the issues. Topics include family values, tax cuts, and environment. Minge and Duehrin also answer listener questions.
October 29, 1998 - MPR’s Chris Roberts talks with Neal Hagberg and Leandra Peak, of the folk duo Neal & Leandra. The two share their thoughts about CD “Stranger to My Kin,” which takes a strikingly darker lyrical turn from duo’s previous sound.
October 30, 1998 - An MPR Special, presenting various reports on the major issues in this year's Gubernatorial campaign: taxes, education, crime, housing and agriculture. Program includes interviews and speech excerpts.
October 30, 1998 - Midday presents a special "Talk of Minnesota" program, presenting the views of MPR listeners on what they've heard from the candidates so far and what they want to hear in next debate or on the campaign trail in order to make their choice for governor.
October 30, 1998 - Jeff Harrison, associate editor at Llewelyn Publishing, describes his prize winning costume in a company contest…Fate Magazine's alien abduction autopsy, with Harrison as one of the alien abductors. Employees at the downtown St. Paul publishing house take their contest very seriously.