August 20, 1999 - We'll talk with former Minnesota house speaker Harry Sieben on the ethics involved in Ventura's wrestling ring appearance at Summerslam this weekend.
August 24, 1999 - Minnesota author Steve Thayer's new mystery "Silent Snow" takes readers on a bizzare re-creation of one the century's most notorious crimes--the Lindbergh kidnapping. As "Silent Snow" opens, investigative reporter Rick Beanblossom--the hero of Thayer's previous best-selling book the "Weatherman"--is faced with the kidnapping of his own infant son. Beanblossom tries to solve the crime with the help of his wife--a popular Twin Cities news anchor. Through a series of clues they determine the kidnappers are trying to recreate the Lindbergh kidnapping.
August 24, 1999 - A unique display is planned for the new Gateway alumni visitors center being built at the University of Minnesota. One room will feature a wall of books - 5,000 of them stacked in columns, row upon row, from floor to ceiling. All were written by or about university alumni, students and staff and were donated by current and former members of the University community. The alumni association expects to begin constructing the wall this week. I spoke with Margaret Carlson of the U of M alumni association, at a warehouse where the books are being sorted and catalogued. She says the wall will be part of a 2,600-square-foot room called the Heritage Gallery.
August 24, 1999 - MPR’s Lorna Benson interviews Janet Harvey of Elk River, who has submitted a “Jesse” quilt in the Fine Arts Competition at the Minneosta State Fair. Harvey explains her reason behind the full-size fabric portrait of Governor Ventura.
August 27, 1999 - Research on rape tells us that survivors suffer long after their physical wounds are healed. In her new book "Telling: A Memoir of Rape and Recovery" Minneapolis author Patricia Weaver Francisco shares her struggle to regain her life.
August 30, 1999 - MPR’s Gary Eichten talks with Mike Mulcahy, MPR’s political editor; Sara Janacek, republican analyst; Bob Meek, DFL commentator; and Julie Shortridge, reform party activist, about politics at a live broadcast from the Minnesota State Fair. Topics include Governor Ventura, Minnesota senate race, and 2000 presidential race. Program begins with news from MPR’s Greta Cunningham.
August 30, 1999 - Midday presents a Minnesota Citizens’ Forum on the future of rural Minnesota, held at the Minnesota State Fair. Panelists Paul Wellstone, Minnesota U.S. senator; Bob Ness, Minnesota state representative and chair of the Agriculture and Rural Development Finance committee; and Colleen Landkamer, Blue Earth County commissioner, discuss issues and solutions of the rural farm community.
August 30, 1999 - Among the thousands of Minnesota State Fair workers are senior citizens. MPR’s Mark Zdechlik reports on these older workers and interviews numerous retired individuals about their reasons for taking on roles on the fairgrounds…and it’s not for the money. They reflect a growing number of older Americans choosing so-called post retirement employment.
August 31, 1999 - Minnesota House Speaker Steve Sviggum talks about the House GOP's recently announced priorities. Sviggum also answers listener call-in questions.
September 1, 1999 - Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe will join us to talk about DFL priorities for the next session, and to respond to the Republican tax cut priority. Moe also answers listener call-in questions.