December 31, 1998 - The sweepstakes for “Biggest Minnesota News Story” of 1998’ is no contest. Jesse Ventura's upset victory in the race for Governor was such a shock, his success caught almost everybody by surprise…the media, the political parties, and especially his opponents. MPR's Martin Kaste looks back on Ventura's rise.
December 31, 1998 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews Karlyn Campbell, a professor of speech communication at the University of Minnesota, about the role of first ladies.
January 1, 1999 - Howard Sinker, MPR sports analyst, and Gary Eichten discuss the year in sports with Joe Kapp, former Vikings quarterback. Topics include the Vikings' Superbowl chances, the Twins retrenchment and stadium flap, the NBA strike, Minnesota's Olympic gold medal winners, and more.
January 1, 1999 - Mainstreet Radio's Kathryn Herzog pays a visit to one small town butcher shop, where business is making for some long days. Business at meat markets and butcher shops across the state is booming during holiday season. With pork prices as low as they've been in more than twenty five years, sales of pork are on the rise.
January 5, 1999 - MPR’s Gary Eichten interviews Governor Jesse Ventura, who discusses officially taking on his new role. Topics include local politics, social programs, taxes, regulations, and Governor’s residence. Ventura also answers listener questions.
January 6, 1999 - Steven Smith, political science professor at University of Minnesota, discusses tomorrow's beginning of the impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate. The topic of what options the Senate has is addressed. Smith also answers listener questions. Program also includes commentary from Ron Meshbesher, attorney at Meshbesher & Spence, and Suzanna Sherry, constitutional law professor at University of Minnesota.
January 6, 1999 - This January edition of Voices of Minnesota features MPR’s Dan Olson interviews with Dean Abrahamson, medical doctor and professor at University of Minnesota, and Eville Gorham, recently retired professor of ecology at University of Minnesota. Abrahamson discusses global warming, and its present and future impact on the Minnesota region. Gorham, who discovered the harmful influence of acid rain, discusses the past and current state of this pollution problem on the global environment.
January 8, 1999 - Red McCombs, Minnesota Vikings owner, talks about Vikings highly successful season, the prospects for the Superbowl, and much more. McCombs also answered listener questions. After McCombs interview , MPR’s Michael Coo presents a brief report on the end of NBA labor dispute and lockout, and what the Minnesota Timberwolves are doing to mend relationship with fans. Program closes with Britt Robson, City Pages sports reporter, discussing the NBA settlement and creation of shortened season. Robson also answered listener questions.
January 11, 1999 - MPR's Mark Zdechlik interviews John Dasburg, Northwest Airline's CEO, who looks back on the company's labor problems in 1998 and looks ahead to some of the issues facing the airline in the future. After Dasburg interview, Jon Austin, NWA spokesman, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten on issues affecting NWA, and answers listener questions.
January 12, 1999 - Paul Wellstone, Minnesota's DFL U.S. senator, discusses his decision not to run for U.S. president and his view of outcome on Senate impeachment trial. Wellstone also answers listener questions.