Wednesday, December 02, 1998

Mosques in Minnesota

The influx of Somali and Bosnian refugees to Minnesota in the last decade has increased the number of Muslims in the state. It is estimated that there are now 40,000 Muslims across Minnesota, often in communities which might surprise you. NewsNight's Ken Stone headed south to visit a mosque in Rochester.

Money for Your Health

Sick of your HMO? A new physician formed health plan will open soon in the metro area. Known as Community Coordinated Health Care, the consortium aims to encourage healthy living and put more responsibility in the hands of the patient. Each patient will have a personal health care account with the freedom to choose where and how to use that money - any money left over at the end of the year is returned to the patient. Sound intriguing? Peter Maddeaux, a consultant with CCHC, joins us live to tell you more.

What will they do next?!

The best of British ads are back. They will be shown at the Walker Art Center beginning tonight... get a sneak peak at the prize winners.

Ear Candy

As part of the Plymouth Music Series... jazz guitarist Joan Griffith and singer Janis Hardy join us live in the KTCA studios with holiday music.

Plus...

NewsNight's Mary Lahammer goes to Kasson, MN to see how the public feels about the D M & E Railroad proposal, Bemidji sizes up a prostitution ring, the Mille Lacs Treaty Case appears before the US Supreme Court and a weather forecast that is sure to please. NewsNight Minnesota... still crazy after all these years.

Thursday, December 03, 1998

The Forecast calls for $$$

The state of Minnesota announced new budget projections today... the numbers forecast - a $1.5 billion dollar surplus next year and another $1.8 billion dollar surplus in 2001. Governor Carlson called for an immediate billion dollar tax cut. NewsNight political reporter Mary Lahammer adds it all up.

Hurry Up and Wait

That is all the parties involved in the Mille Lacs treaty rights case can do now. The US Supreme Court heard the case yesterday, a decision is months away. The suit began eight years ago, controversy over treaty rights go back 150 years. In our studio to night, attorneys from the state and the Mille Lacs Band of Chippewa Indians.

Black Baseball

A travelling exhibit about African Americans in baseball has arrived at the History Center in St Paul. Around the turn of the century blacks were not allowed to play in the major leagues so they started up teams of their own. NewsNight's Lou Harvin checked out the exhibit and interviewed some old timers.

Plus...

Technimar sells out, trouble in the Blue Earth Police Department, weather around the state and composer Paul Patterson joins us in studio to show us the Chanticleer vocal ensemble's version of Little Red Riding Hood... guaranteed to be much different from the childhood fairy tale you remember. NewsNight MN... if we don't do it, who will?

Monday, December 07, 1998

Governor Carlson

The Governor joins us live in the studio. A conversation about his legacy, the financial state of the state and the ups and downs of his 8 years in office.

Plus...

Thunderdrums live in studio - a Japanese drumming performance courtesy of Theater Mu, Governor-elect Ventura unveils his Inauguration plans, the U of Mn Hospital is in poor health financially, competition for the Beargrease and weather in a flash. NewsNight MN... the low - fat alternative.

Tuesday, December 08, 1998

Neighborhood Aid

Today, the Minneapolis Foundation and the Institute on Race and Poverty unveiled a new tool that will help the cities poor neighborhoods. john powell, Director of the Institute on Race and Poverty, joins us to talk about x ray mapping. Intrigued? Wait until you see what it does...

Techie Toys

Scott Stessman from Best Buy will be in the studio to show us this seasons favorite new fangled electronics and toys. He'll bring a DVD player, a mini-disc player, a digital camera, a palm pilot and much, much more. Turn on, tune in and tech out.

The Petersons...

Three generations of Petersons are in the KTCA studios tonight... Jeanne, Patty and Jason Peterson join us to play some holiday music with a jazz twist.

Plus...

Headlines from around the state, all sorts of business news and the weather forecast. NewsNight MN... make us a part of your evening.

Wednesday, December 09, 1998

Don't Forget the Children

Minnesota has more than 1,000 children in the foster care system awaiting placement with a permanent family. About half of those children will never be adopted. Over represented in this population... children of color. Jacquelyn Bailey Kidd joins us tonight, she is the President and CEO of the African American Adoption & Permanency Planning Agency... an organization designed to work closely with the state to help place children of color in permanent homes.

Champion for the Poor

Monsignor J. Jerome Boxleitner will step down as head of Catholic Charities in January. The Catholic priest spent 35 years directing the organization. He transformed a small adoption agency into an organization which last year provided emergency services to over 90,000 people and social services to over 70,000 people. He joins us tonight to talk about his legacy and the fate of the poor in Minnesota.

The Blenders

An a cappella group from Fargo, ND... The Blenders are big in New Zealand and had a number one hit in Norway with "(I'm in Love with the) McDonald's Girl"... tonight they will be in the KTCA studios singing some holiday standards.

Related Link:
The Blenders web site

Plus...

The Mpls/St Paul International Airport is considering replacing the red, blue and gold concourses with A, B and C... Shubert Theater is on the move... Richfield and MAC are close to an agreement... Murphy McGinnis Media is buying another paper in northeastern MN and tomorrows weather forecast. All tonight on NewsNight MN. Be there!

Thursday, December 10, 1998

Hmong American New Year '99

Hmong Americans will be heading to the Metrodome this Saturday and Sunday to celebrate the Hmong New Year. The celebration is being held at the Metrodome for the first time because more than 40,000 Hmong Americans from around the midwest are expected to attend. Kou Som, Vice Chair of Hmong American New Year Inc., will be here to tell us about the celebration and cultural aspects of the Hmong New Year.

Let NewsNight Take You To...

...Funkytown. The Movie. It premieres Friday at Suburban World. "Funkytown" follows five local bands as they try to make it big. NewsNight junkies will recognize two of those bands, Greazy Meal and Tina and the B Sides, from their stunning live performances in the KTCA studios. Director Steven Greenberg and Producer Scott Turk join us in studio tonight with a sneak peek.
Related sites:
Funkytown the Motion Picture web site
Greazy Meal stereo RealAudio clip
Greazy Meal RealVideo clip
Tina and the B-Sides RealVideo clip

Plus...

Todays DM&E ruling means the project forges ahead, we'll talk to some people in southern MN who don't view this as good news... live poetry like you've never seen or heard before... news from Duluth... the new Eugene J McCarthy Post Office and a weather forecast guaranteed to make you smile - unless you are an avid snowmobiler, skier, ice fisherperson, etc. NewsNight MN... your first stop for statewide news.

Monday, December 14, 1998

Impeachment 101

Let's talk impeachment! The House will vote later this week on four articles of impeachment... what does all this mean? Mark Rotenberg, Adjunct Professor at the U of MN Law School, has been teaching a course on the constitutional powers of the presidency . He joins us tonight...

Patti Page

The best selling female artist of the 1950's joins us in the studio. Patti Page had sixteen Top 40 hits between 1954 and 1965. She is most often remembered for the song "(How Much Is) That Doggie In The Window" which she recorded for her children's album, "Changing Partners". Patti Page will sit down with Ken Stone and we'll try to convince her to sing a song for us as well.

Plus...

Meteorologist Bruce Watson joins us in the studio... police chases... news from White Earth and NewsNights' Jim Neumann looks in to Park State Bank in Duluth and its' local investment strategies. NewsNight MN...please join us.

Tuesday, December 15, 1998

Fundraising Failings?

Attorney General Skip Humphrey released a report today that questions the extent to which the American Red Cross has distributed funds to the flood victims of '97. The AG said that $4.3 million dollars designated for flood relief by the Red Cross has never been spent. Tonight, we will visit with both sides live on our set and get to the bottom of this...

That's what Governor-elect Ventura called members of the United Steelworkers of America in early December. Ventura made the comment after explaining that he was heckled and roughed up by some members of the Steelworkers when he was campaigning on the Iron Range. David Foster responds to those comments and tells us what he expects of the soon-to-be Ventura administration... Foster is the Director of the United Steelworkers of America, District 11.

Plus...

Rob Hubbard, Executive Vice President of USSB, joins us to talk about the sale of his company... Donna Pena is here live to play some music to help with relief efforts in Central America and the Caribbean... Jim Neumann previews a union vote tomorrow in Duluth... Wilder's "Little House on the Prairie" is reinstated in Granite Falls and weather in a flash. NewsNight MN... please join us.

Wednesday, December 16, 1998

A Word of Caution

"It is clearly time... to sustain the behavioral and social changes that are the surest guarantee against HIV-1 infection." So says Dr Tim Schacker, an Assistant Professor and researcher at the U of MN, in an editorial he coauthored in The New England Journal of Medicine due out tomorrow. The editorial warns that HIV-positive men who are on antiretroviral therapy do not have a green light to have unprotected sex and that efforts to prevent STD's should be renewed. Dr Schacker joins us tonight.

Plus...

A profile of Barton Sutter and his book "Cold Comfort"... Dian Mack of the MN Food Bank Network joins us to give an update on holiday efforts to keep food on the table... vocalist and guitarist Debra Winston is in the KTCA studios... Governor-elect Ventura was in Duluth today and the weather forecast. NewsNight MN... please join us.

Thursday, December 17, 1998

The NBA - Remember Them?

The season still hasn't begun and the clock is ticking. Are these guys ever going to play this year? We'll talk with Minneapolis Star Tribune NBA writer Steve Aschburner about the future of professional basketball.

The SPIRIT of the Season

This weekend, the St. Paul Area Council of Churches' Project SPIRIT will be receiving the Ecumenical/Interfaith Recognition of Service Award from the National Council of Churches in Christ. Tonight, Project SPIRIT Director Rev. Paulette Ajavon joins us to discuss this prestigious award and the work this project does with African-American school-age children and their families.

Stephen Fearing Live!

Canadian singer/songwriter Stephen Fearing will help us close out our show with a live performance of his genre-crossing music which combines elements of folk, country, blues, gospel and jazz.

Plus...

The latest from Iraq, Duluth steelworkers vote, doings at 3M and Honeywell, Internet porn available at your local library, a new prescription for low-income seniors and more. NewsNight - nobody does it like we do.

Monday, December 21, 1998

Teachers Handed Their Own Report Card

According to the results of a recent survey, Minnesota teachers know their subjects, but have difficulty conveying that information to their students. Tonight, we'll have a live discussion featuring Joe Nathan of the Center for School Change (the organization behind the findings) and Claudia Fuentes of the Statewide Task Force.

November 2000 Just Isn't That Far Away...

Last week, Ken Stone presented his one-on-one with Sen. Paul Wellstone and, tonight, he'll bring us a look at the senator's burgeoning presidential campaign as he travels in Iowa to get a feel for the people and his chances for the next election.

Pugh and Pawlenty Parley

With the recent elections, Rep. Tim Pawlenty is the new Speaker of the House and Rep. Thomas Pugh heads the DFL party as Minority Leader. Both of these men will join Ken in the studio to discuss state politics in this, the most unpredictable political year in memory.

Plus...

How your representatives voted in the impeachment hearings, Highway 55 protesters are taken someplace warmer, headlines from around the state and the latest on plans for Gov. Ventura's inaugural. NewsNight - the feisty little newscast on 'that other station.'

Tuesday, December 22, 1998

Maplewood Hollers NIMBY

Now, most people would agree that a shelter for homeless families is a good thing, right? Well, not so fast. Folks in Maplewood are questioning the wisdom of moving one such shelter from downtown St. Paul to White Bear Ave. Ken Stone's report looks to see if this is just another case of "not in my back yard", or whether the city of St. Paul is simply exporting one of its' problems to the suburbs.

That's Not Just Bells You Hear Jingling...

With only two shopping days left until Christmas, we've invited St. Paul Pioneer Press columnist Gail MarksJarvis to sit with us and talk about the local economy and the impact Christmas spending has on its' overall health.

Plus...

A look behind those ubiquitous Gap ads and the local ad agency responsible for them, producer Patty Hegman's report on a local man's research into Bing Crosby's archetypal holiday tune, "White Christmas", Muslims receive a place to worship in Rochester, Marvin Windows ends a holiday tradition, viewer calls and more. NewsNight - the statewide news, arts and information program for thoughtful Minnesotans.

Wednesday, December 23, 1998

A Pre-holiday Potpourri

The new Jesse action figure, Minnesota going hog-wild, winter resorts where the only usable ice is in the drinks, Vikings records and milestones, the new bells of the Basilica, a look at Dayton's "Grinch" exhibition, a musical performance of the Grinch by Trailer Trash and a special surprise for the end of our show. NewsNight - sometimes, we just do it for the fun of it.

The Ventura Phenomenon

NewsNight takes a look back at the Ventura campaign. Mary Lahammer interviewed First Lady Terry Ventura on election night, Ken Stone talks with Ventura campaign manager Doug Friedline, and Lou Harvin interviews Bill Hillsman, the mastermind behind Ventura's political ads. (repeat broadcast)

Monday, December 28, 1998

Ticket, Ticket - Who Gets the Tickets?

Viking playoff tickets are completely sold out - or are they? NewsNight's Mary Lahammer has discovered a way to pick up a few extra seats...at cost. Tonight, she'll show us how you can do it too.

Titanic Drops Anchor in St. Paul

This Friday, artifacts from the world's most famous shipwreck will go on display at St. Paul's Union Depot as 'Titanic: The Exhibition' opens its' doors for a 4-month run. Lou Harvin got an early look at the collection and will give us a preview of one of the most anticipated events in the Twin Cities, followed by a discussion with one of the organizers of the exhibit.

Circus of the Star

As a preview of St. Paul's Capitol New Year celebration, tonight's live performance will be from 'Circus of the Star', a juggling act you have to see to believe.

Plus...

Headlines, a money crunch in Polk County, a chat with Governor-elect Ventura's new Chief of Staff, Minnesota teaching Russia how to combat domestic abuse and more. NewsNight - the best thing to happen to your television since the remote.

Hog Wild?

Hog prices have plummeted and a conference was held today in Sioux Falls SD to address that very issue. NewsNight's Mary Lahammer will bring us a report to help understand how this happened and what it might mean for the future of farm economies.

Is the Boom Coming to an End?

Last week, noted Wells Fargo economist (and frequent NewsNight guest) Dr. Sung Won Sohn made the rather dramatic prediction that he expects a recession by the end of 1999. Tonight, he'll join us in the studio to discuss his announcement and explain how he came to this discovery.

A Critical Shortage of Priests

For decades, the Catholic Church in the United States has been struggling with an ever-dwindling number of new priests. Ken Stone has put together a story of how one Minnesota town has managed to cope with this shortage by utilizing the innovative concept of Pastoral Administrators - lay persons who take on some of what have been traditional priestly duties.

Plus...

An interview with Viking player-turned-administrator Leo Lewis, Bancorp cards, the fuss over forest drilling, headlines, weather and a live performance by The Battlecats. NewsNight - just try to find this stuff on one of those 'other' newscasts.

Wednesday, December 30, 1998

A NewsNight Potpourri

Reaction to yesterday's Sioux Falls conference about the ongoing hog crisis, a preview of the Gophers' Big 10 season, NSP's plans to thwart the millennium bug, the latest on Governor-elect Ventura and a live performance by Swamp Sextet, a zydeco band scheduled to appear at St. Paul's Capital New Year celebration.

And, Tomorrow Night...

...we decided to get in the holiday spirit by putting together a collection of performances from some of the best artists to appear on NewsNight in the last year, including blues guitarist Kent DuChaine, avant-garde local group Savage Aural Hotbed, local jazz trumpeter Mark Ledford, internationally renowned violinist Gil Shaham, choreographer/dancer Bill T. Jones, pop sensation/harpist Dee Carstensen and flamenco guitarist Oscar Lopez. So, before you go out and party, stay in and check out some of the best acts in town. NewsNight - no fuss, no crowds, no cover, no minimum. What more could you ask from a New Year's Eve?

It's New Years Eve

...and we decided to get in the holiday spirit by putting together a collection of performances from some of the best artists to appear on NewsNight in the last year, including blues guitarist Kent DuChaine, avant-garde local group Savage Aural Hotbed, local jazz trumpeter Mark Ledford, internationally renowned violinist Gil Shaham, choreographer/dancer Bill T. Jones, pop sensation/harpist Dee Carstensen and flamenco guitarist Oscar Lopez. So, before you go out and party, stay in and check out some of the best acts in town. NewsNight - no fuss, no crowds, no cover, no minimum. What more could you ask from a New Year's Eve?

NewsNight Minnesota is a TPT production.

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