Tuesday, November 3, 1998

It's All Over But the Counting...

After months of campaign rhetoric and innuendo and outright attacks, the race for governor is now in the hands of the voters. NewsNight's Mary Lahammer met up with the candidates earlier and takes a look at how they're spending this last day of campaigning.

Our Political Panel For the Evening...

...will consist of Wy Spano, Rep. Dee Long, Peter Bell and Kris Sanda. Not only will they give us a lively discussion on NewsNight, but they'll be with us for the remainder of the evening as we present election updates between 7:30 and 10:00 and a full hour of coverage beginning at 10.

A Home is Not Just a Building

The Sumner Olson housing project has been denigrated, dismissed and, now, dismantled. As the bulldozers began tearing into the abandoned buildings, producers Patty Hegman and Stephanie Mosher spoke with a family who looked back at happier times and fond memories of the place they once called home.

Plus...

Headlines, hunger strikers, the NBA is MIA, Nordic Trak under fire, viewer calls and our never-imitated, never-duplicated weather forecast. NewsNight - TV you can actually admit to watching.

Wednesday, November 4, 1998

Every Underdog Has His Day

In a head-spinning turn of events last night, dark-horse candidate Jesse Ventura beat out Mayor Norm Coleman and native son 'Skip' Humphrey to become Minnesota's next governor. Tonight, we'll have complete coverage of the day after the elections with re action from Ventura, a look at the make-up of the new legislature, analysis from local Capitol reporters and an interview with both the current and upcoming House Speakers.

Plus...

Headlines, other state races, a chat with Norm Coleman, the Reform Party's newly-minted respectability and, as ever, NewsNight's one-of-a-kind weather forecast. NewsNight - election coverage with a little more depth than you may be used to.

Thursday, November 5, 1998

Who's Sorry Now?

The fallout from KQRS's ridicule of the Hmong community may soon settle - today, the station aired a public apology as well as a printed version that appeared in both the Pioneer Press and the Star Tribune. Community Action Against Racism (CAAR) member Va-Megn Thoj will join us this evening to explain how this grass-roots organization managed to get a major media outlet to finally give in to their demands.

A Shot in the Dark?

They're available everywhere - hospitals, medical clinics, even supermarkets and drive-up windows. Getting a flu shot has become easier than ever, but many still choose to skip this ounce of prevention. Tonight, Lou sits down with the Minnesota Department of Health's Diane Peterson to find out just who should be getting a shot and the risks involved in both immunization and the lack thereof.

Greater Minnesota Editors Panel

Sure, Jesse Ventura won the election, but he certainly didn't sweep the state. Most of his support came from the Twin Cities metro area, while the rest of the state seemed less impressed with the governor-elect. Our panel, featuring editors from Mesabi , St. Cloud and Winona, will tell us how the voting went outside of 'Jesseland'.

Plus...

Headlines, a preview of this weekend's "Health Diary", the Reform Party makes plans, Mendota's lucky mayor, the struggle to achieve major party status plus our one-of-a-kind weather forecast. NewsNight - just try to find this stuff anywhere else.

Monday, November 9, 1998

The Ethics of Future Technologies

Ongoing research has discovered a technique of harvesting human embryonic cells capable of remarkable uses. Imagine patients with Parkinson's Disease receiving new brain cells able to produce dopamine, or new heart muscle custom-grown for cardiac patient's, replacement organs on demand or even a potential cure for diabetes. Not science fiction, but a palpable possibility. The problem is in the acquisition of these cells - they are harvested from aborted fetuses and embryos grown in fertility clinics. The ethical questions are difficult now and bound to become more complex, so tonight's bioethics panel - the U of M's Jeff Kahn and Carol Tauer from the College of St. Catherine - will sit down with Ken to give us the lowdown on what may be one of the most dramatic medical breakthroughs of the century.

Land O' Uganda

In the wake of a recent conference on sustainable agriculture in Africa, we've decided to take another look at a report filed by Fred de Sam Lazaro, as he shows us the efforts of the Land O' Lakes company to train Ugandans in modern agricultural techniques.

The Return of Bruce Watson

While regular viewers know we don't spend a lot of time on the weather, Mr. Watson, a local meteorologist, has always been one of our favorite guests. Tonight, he'll give us another of his eerily accurate long-range forecasts - two months from now, you'll be glad you watched.

Plus...

Headlines, Mary Lahammer's report on Jesse's transition team, a look at the North Shore's Split Rock Lighthouse, the timber industry vs. the Lynx, a move to unionize grad students at the 'U', and more. NewsNight - is this eclectic, or what?

Tuesday, November 10, 1998

America's Greatest Architect

Everyone knows about Frank Lloyd Wright's work - Taliesen, Taliesen West, Falling Water and the homes in Oak Park, Illinois to name a few - but not so many are aware that there are Wright works right here in Minnesota. To celebrate tonight's premiere of PBS's new two-part documentary on the famed architect, NewsNight's Patty Hegman and John Clouse have put together a look at the Willey House, one of several landmark Wright buildings here in Minnesota.

Related Link:
Frank Lloyd Wright website on PBS Online

The Ventura Effect

Some businesses in Minnesota are positively giddy with anticipation awaiting the start of Jesse Ventura's stint as Governor. Tonight, our business panel - Duane Benson of the MN Business Partnership, Judy Cook from the MN Retail Merchant's Association and the National Federation of Independent Business' Mike Hickey - will take a look at the rippling "Ventura Effect" and tell us what it will mean for businesses across the state.

Your Education Dollars at Work

Lou Harvin talks with Morris Anderson, Chancellor of MNSCU, about that group's recent billion-dollar budget request.

Plus...

Headlines, Duluth teachers announce intent to strike, honors for the Executive Director of the MN American Indian AIDS Task Force, Cargill merges, Beargrease shortens, teachers in training and our now-you-see-it, now-you-don't weather forecast. NewsNight - the newscast you didn't know you couldn't live without.

Wednesday, November 11, 1998

Mark Andrew Stepping Down

Former Hennepin County Board chairman and long-time Board member Mark Andrew has announced his retirement from the seat he has held since 1982. Tonight, he'll join Lou Harvin on the NewsNight set to talk about his long-rumored decision and what he plans for his future in the private sector.

The Ventura Effect, part II

Governor-elect Jesse Ventura has said he wants to be an education governor, but not everybody in education sees his election as a reason for celebration. Tonight's education panel - Sandra Peterson, Co-president of Education Minnesota and the Humphrey Institute's Joe Nathan - will talk about what changes they foresee in the wake of last week's unexpected election.

Jazz, Anyone?

In addition to helping kids learn how to listen to music as a part of the Harmon music education program, Mark Ledford is one heck of a jazz trumpeter. Tonight, he'll tell us about this innovative program and then give us a few licks from his horn.

Plus...

Headlines, more Frank Lloyd Wright homes in MN, a labor shortage in the state, Veteran's Day observances, U of M women's soccer heats up and more. NewsNight - you'll love what it does for your television.

Thursday, November 12, 1998

And a Child Shall Lead Them...

In February he addressed a global-economy conference in Switzerland, in September he lectured 800 corporate leaders in India on business ethics and in December he will speak at a World Council of Churches meeting in Zimbabwe. This would be a remarkable schedule for anyone, but even more so for Craig Kielburger, the 15-year-old founder of Free The Children, an international organization dedicated to ending the exploitation of child labor. Tonight, he'll join us in the studio to discuss the origin of Free The Children and how its' membership continues to grow world-wide.

Clearing Up a Few Myths

Schizophrenia has long been misunderstood; it doesn't mean a 'split personality', it's not caused by bad parenting or childhood trauma. It is, however, a biologically-based disorder that has affected, or will affect, upwards of 3 million people in this country alone. Tonight, we'll present a sneak preview of this weekend's "Health Diary" episode on the disease, followed by an live interview with Dr. Michael Trangle, an Allina psychiatrist, about schizophrenia as a public health issue.

Everything Old is New Again

The old Sears store on Lake Street. The Schubert Theatre. The proposed Tech Corridor in Duluth. All of these are examples of historic preservation here in Minnesota. Some would argue that saving these old buildings is just a waste of money and time, but others call it an economically viable alternative to new construction. To get more details on this argument, we've invited George Edwards, Executive Director of the Preservation Alliance, to come on the show and explain why preservation is more than just dollar-wise.

Plus...

Headlines, Duluth teachers announce a strike date, the return of the brown trout, a local high school wins a national award, Governor-elect Ventura goes back to school and, as always, our short n' snappy weather segment. NewsNight - for people who expect better from their television set.

Monday, November 16, 1998

Breaking Camel's Back?

A proposed $206 billion tobacco settlement has caused celebrations as well as doubts and questions. Critics say it doesn't go far enough, especially compared to Minnesota's recent settlement that virtually eliminated tobacco advertising throughout the state. Charles Zimmerman, of Minneapolis' Zimmerman/Reed law firm, has been involved with the deliberations since the beginning and will join us this evening to give us an insider's look at this costly settlement.

Maybe Money Doesn't Make the World Go 'Round

In the wake of the recent election campaigns, studded with soft money, bloated ad budgets and PAC donations, the cry for campaign finance reform has once again risen from the public. If Jesse Ventura can win with so little money, says public opinion, so can everybody else. Well, to find out just what kind of reform is wanted (and what will work), we've invited Executive Director of Common Cause MN Todd Paulson to sit down with us and explain his organization's involvement in this.

A Shot of Light at the End of the AIDS Tunnel

Back in June, the FDA gave permission to begin "Phase III" trials of a proposed new AIDS vaccine called AIDSvax. Created by Vax Gen, Inc. of San Francisco, the vaccine is to be tested on 5,000 volunteers in the United States and 2,500 in Thailand, making it the largest AIDS trial yet. Tonight, we'll have a live discussion with those who are trying to recruit the 150 test subjects they'll need here in the Twin Cities.

Plus...

Vietnam Vets return to the site of the war, a Duluth architect creates homes that aren't quite the usual, funeral homes under scrutiny, the Menards Guy calls it quits and more. NewsNight - it's not your father's newscast.

Tuesday, November 17, 1998

Coming Together As a Team

This morning saw the announcement of Governor-elect Ventura's much-anticipated selections for his transition team, including Democrats, Republicans and Reform party members as well as individuals from the private sector. Mary Lahammer was at the announcement this morning and we'll present her report, followed by a live discussion with three of the team members - Minnesota Reform Party chair Dean Barkley, TCF Bank Executive Vice-president Peter Bell and current Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Joanne Benson.

Richfield v. Big MAC

Last Friday, in a letter to Gov. Carlson, Richfield's mayor accused the Metropolitan Airports Commission of "hiding documents, lying and stretching ethics" in a MAC-financed report on the effects of a proposed north/south runway at Twin Cities International. MAC has responded by standing by its' research and demanding an apology from Richfield officials. Where this fight will end is anybody's guess, but the next round will be fought right here on the NewsNight set as we've invited representatives from both sides of the battle to speak up on tonight's show.

Some Show, Eh? Yah, You Betcha!

The long-running play, "How To Talk Minnesotan" has gotten a face-lift for the holidays and tonight we'll be treated to a sample as members of the cast join us for a live, show-closing performance.

Plus...

Headlines, a laptop flap at U of M Duluth, protesters target Hennepin County Commissioners, our one-and-only weather forecast and more. NewsNight - giving those KARE-ing Hometown Eyewitnesses a run for their money...

Wednesday, November 18, 1998

Preparing Students For a Brave New World

Tomorrow afternoon marks the start of the AVCO (Alternative to Violence Coalition) forum, a gathering to investigate ways to change outmoded education methods into something more modern. The model program for this event is the school system in Vancouver , WA whose superintendent, Dr. James Parsley, will visit our show this evening to discuss his city's success in readying educators for the millennium.

The One that Got Away

Former KFAN radio personality Michelle Tafoya doesn't let any grass grow under her feet. After a brief stint in the South, and a relatively short stay here in the Twin Cities, she took a job with CBS Sports to become what's been called "one of the best network sportscasters in the business." Ken Stone recently visited with this meteorically successful woman to talk about her life then and now, and what it's like in the rarefied world of network sports.

Opera Live!

Now, now, don't be scared - opera's good for you, and it tastes better than Brussels Sprouts. Tonight, we'll have cast members of the U of M's Opera Theatre's production of Mozart's 'Cosi Fan Tutti' performing a few selections from this tasty masterwork .

Plus...

Headlines, Jesse & Roger Moe plan for the future, the coin toss heard 'round the world, MAC takes a vote, the Blanchard suit thrown out, the latest from Duluth, the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra celebrates its' 40th and clips from Governor-elect Ventura's TV appearances last night. NewsNight - the Twin Cities' newscast for thoughtful viewers.

Thursday, November 19, 1998

The Shape of Things to Come?

The elimination of the office of Lieutenant Governor is just one of the proposals in the Center of the American Experiment's just-released 18-month study of government. Center President Mitch Pearlstein will sit down with Ken Stone this evening to discuss this document and some of its' controversial suggestions.

When You Wish Upon a Starr...

...you can sometimes lose seats in an election. Independent prosecutor Ken Starr took the stand today at the impeachment hearings, giving testimony that sometimes sounded less like a presidential investigation and more like a personal defense. DFL Rep. Bruce Vento will join us tonight to give us an idea of what's next in the ongoing saga of Starr v. Clinton.

Plus...

Headlines, The latest on strike plans in Duluth, Ventura seeks transition money, an update on Northwest Air, a look at the Native Arts Circle, taking a ride on the "Orphan Train", our bite-sized weather forecast and more. NewsNight - the newscast for grown-ups....and other interesting people.

Monday, November 23, 1998

Reform's Party

Hoping to build momentum in the wake of Jesse Ventura's surprise gubernatorial victory, the Reform Party today announced ambitious plans to have a viable candidate in 2000 for all 201 seats in the state legislature. Their fund-raising scheme? A Super Bowl party to end all Super Bowl parties. Mary Lahammer was at the announcement this morning and will bring us her behind-the-scenes report.

Duluth Teachers Pulling Back from the Brink?

Duluth's teachers vote tomorrow on their proposed contract and, while there is a tentative settlement agreement, these kind of things aren't over until the last ballot is counted. Producer Jim Neumann is in Duluth and will bring us a live report on the latest developments.

It happens a few times every year: all of a sudden, TV programming gets interesting. Good movies, big star guest appearances on your favorite shows, sexy and titillating stories on the news; it's known as 'Sweeps Weeks' and it causes no end of competition in the TV business. Tonight, we've invited the news directors of four local stations to talk about sweeps and how they can affect news and scheduling decisions.

Plus...

Headlines, Seaboard is featured in 'Time' for all the wrong reasons, a St. Paul protest against police brutality, school superintendant salaries and a live performance by guitarist Oscar Lopez. NewsNight - your one-stop-shop for news, arts, information and the occasional silliness.

Tuesday, November 24, 1998

Can It Get Any Better Than Than This?

The economy is booming, the stock market has hit a record high and the general public is happy and content with that. But, as any pessimist will tell you, it can't last. Is the clock ticking? Or will we see a still-longer stretch of good times? Economist Sung Won Sohn will join us to give his views of the longevity of today's surging economy.

Rod Grams One-on-One

Ken Stone sits with Minnesota's highest-ranking Republican to talk about a wide range of subjects including the Cargill merger, citizenship for Hmong veterans and the future of Social Security.

The Great Wines of......Minnesota?

That's right, Minnesota. Up north, there's a company called Minnesota Wild (no relation to the new hockey team) that makes wine, as well as jams and jellies, for tourists and locals alike. Producer Jim Neumann visited this growing operation and has brought back a report on an unlikely, but very welcome, addition to the state's business community.

Plus...

Headlines, The latest on Northwest Air and the IRRRB, a trans-gender teacher comes under fire again, a Presidential stay of execution for one lucky Minnesota turkey and a live performance of The Nutcracker. NewsNight - is this eclectic, or what?

Wednesday, November 25, 1998

The Purple Gang Rides Again

Vikings fever is sweeping the state and the team is gaining new fans every day, but long-time followers have different memories than these fair-weather friends. Tonight, NewsNight takes a look back at some other Vikings glory years as we talk with former team members Bill Brown and #54, Fred McNeil.

Plus...

Headlines, machinists v. Northwest Air, public gripes over ATMs, doctors band together to form a new HMO, some recent education news, live music, canned weather and more. NewsNight - you'll gobble it up.

Thanksgiving NewsNight Special

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.

Monday, November 30, 1998

How Ya Gonna Keep 'Em Down on the Farm?

The farming industry is facing problems on all sides: the continuing feedlot controversy, the aging of the farming community and weak overseas markets are but some of the issues that threaten the overall health of Minnesota's farms. Today, Governor-elect Ventura addressed the Minnesota Farm Bureau at a Bloomington hotel where he pleased the crowd, but offered little of substance. NewsNight's Mary Lahammer was there and she'll bring us a report, to be followed by a live, on-set discussion of the future of the farm industry.

The Ethics of Death

By now, just about everyone knows about Dr. Jack Kervorkian's efforts to get himself charged with murder and thereby open a national discussion of euthanasia. Well, we're taking that bait and have invited two bioethicists from the University of Minnesota to come on the show and explain just what's at stake for both the good doctor and the nation as a whole.

Plus...

Headlines, Medtronic buys its fifth company in nearly as many months, a high-tech Cohasset, MN business faces financial woes, an interview with NewsHour's Jim Lehrer and more. NewsNight - your TV will love you for it.

NewsNight Minnesota is a TPT production.

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