TPT Productions: NewsNight Minnesota Archive

Today is, of course, the day that Jesse Ventura changes from 'The Body' to 'The Governor' and the whole world, it seems, has been watching. Channels 4, 5, 9, 11, The New York Times, ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, CNBC, Reuters, The Washington Post, USA Today, CNN, you name it, they had someone at the State Capitol covering our new Governor's inauguration. Mary Lahammer was part of the throng this morning and will bring us a report on who was there and what they thought about it.

One-on-One with Judi Dutcher

Returning State Auditor Judi Dutcher will join us live in the studio to talk about her upcoming term and what she expects from the incoming Ventura administration.

Plus...

We'll have headlines, a chat with a national reporter about the rest of the country's coverage of the Ventura phenomenon and then we'll talk about the weather but not do anything about it. NewsNight - it's more than just another local newscast.

Tuesday, January 5, 1999

Here We Go Again...: Today marks the start of the 1999 Minnesota Legislative session. NewsNight's capitol reporter Mary Lahammer has been there all day and will give us a live report from the gallery.
Hatch One-on-One: Newly sworn in, MN Attorney General Mike Hatch will join Lou Harvin for a live, on-set interview about his new position, his thoughts on the duties of the office and what it's like to follow in former AG 'Skip' Humphrey's footsteps.
That Darn Media Panel...: ...is joining us for yet another round of introspective navel-gazing. This time, however, the focus is more of a whole-"Body" sort of experience as our panel takes a look at national coverage of our new Governor as well as a recent ranking of newscasts that puts KARE at the top of the national heap, another local station at the very bottom and doesn't even mention NewsNight. Hmmph.
Plus...: Headlines, a look at the settlement in the long-running Eveleth mines sexual harassment suit, Duluth's Mayor Doty speaks, the business community gives its' thoughts on the new administration and more. NewsNight - the newscast for picky, discerning viewers...and people like you, too.

Wednesday, January 6, 1999

Lake of the What?: We drive around it all the time, on our way to someplace else, but how many of us actually stop and enjoy this most underrated of urban lakes? NewsNight producer Patty Hegman brings us the story of one local photographer who knows and shares the sometimes hidden beauty of Minneapolis' Lake of the Isles.
Minnesota Schools Get Their Own Report Card: The recently-released Minnesota Education Yearbook 1998 grades the states' schools on a variety of criteria and compares them to comparable ones around the nation. Tonight, we'll feature a live, three-way discussion on the state of the state's educators and even take a look at the question of whether charter schools are really succeeding in teaching the basics.
Plus...: The latest from the capitol, Hawaiian prisoners arrive in Appleton, Duluth's Bayfront Park readies for development, the NBA lockout ends and an update on this weekend's head-to-head confrontation between the Vikings and...the DFL? NewsNight - you won't find this kind of stuff anywhere else.

Thursday, January 7, 1999

Treasuring the Moment

In the last election, voters elected to eliminate the position of MN State Treasurer, no doubt to the chagrin of Carol Johnson, the MN State Treasurer. Tonight, Ms. Johnson joins us for a live discussion of her job and what she thinks will happen with the elimination of it.

There's More to it Than Mothra...

If you think giant monster movies were the sum total of Japanese filmmaking in the sixties, you never heard about the Japanese New Wave in that decade. The Walker Art Center's Bruce Jacobs chats with arts producer Patty Hegman about the New Wave series being presented there this month.

Related Link:
Walker Art Center

A Modified Version of a North Shore Tradition

This Sunday marks the start of this year's version of the Beargrease sled dog race. NewsNight's Jim Neumann has filed a report on the race's trail boss - his preparations for Sunday and his thoughts on this year's new, shorter route.

Plus...

Headlines, college students taking their time, an update on goings-on at the state capitol, a live discussion on today's impeachment proceedings, a T-wolves press conference, Vikings kickers and more. NewsNight - a really different kind of newscast, but people seem to like it anyway.

Thursday, January 7, 1999

Treasuring the Moment

There's More to it Than Mothra...

Related Link:
Walker Art Center

A Modified Version of a North Shore Tradition

Plus...

Monday, January 11, 1999

Minnesota's Leaders Face the People: As part of KTCA's ongoing "Citizens Forum" partnership with the Star Tribune and Minnesota Public Radio, NewsNight is going to be a little different tonight. For this special one-hour show, we'll have Governor Ventura, Majority Leader Roger Moe and Speaker of the House Steve Sviggum live in our studio, answering questions via videophone from citizens in Mankato, Bemidji and the Star Tribune offices in Minneapolis. This is your chance to see the state's new leadership respond to the concerns and questions of average Minnesotans.
Plus...: Headlines, Wellstone drops out, the Vikings are in, Beargrease has begun and Hennepin County and the NAACP are trying to fill vacancies. NewsNight - if we don't do it, who will?

Tuesday, January 12, 1999

So How's He Gonna Do It?: Gov. Ventura campaigned in part by promising a rebate of the state's budget surplus. The issue was featured prominently during last night's "Citizens Forum" and was a topic of discussion during today's Minnesota House Committee hearings. Mary Lahammer has filed a report that looks at what our legislators are saying about a rebate and some proposals to make this campaign promise a reality.
Kiffmeyer One-on-One: As the final entry in our series of interviews with Minnesota's Constitutional officers, Lou Harvin sits down with MN Secretary of State Mary Kiffmeyer for a chat about her role in the Ventura administration.
Where Did You Blow in From?: Once upon a time, there was this young girl named Dorothy Gale who lived in Kansas and there was a tornado... well, you know how the story goes. Tonight, we're pleased to bring you a live performance from Jessica Grove, the young actress who portrays Dorothy in a new stage production of "The Wizard of Oz", opening this week at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.
Plus...: Headlines, one Michael Jordan gets a new job, another one announces retirement from his old one, the State Patrol thinks the Governor needs more security and a live business panel talks about the "Jesse Effect" on Minnesota businesses. NewsNight - your news, our way.

Wednesday, January 13, 1999

Stud Tussle: The issue has occupied the state legislature. Sportsmen & women, environmentalists and outdoor enthusiasts all have their opinions on the subject. Who's right? Who's wrong? And what's all the fuss about, anyway? Capitol Reporter Mary Lahammer has been following this brouhaha over snowmobile studs and will bring us a report from the Capitol to be followed by a live, in-studio discussion featuring proponents of both sides of the story.
The Arts of Learning: Arts producer Patty Hegman takes a look at the nationally renowned Interact Center for the Arts' efforts to offer arts instruction to developmentally disabled Minnesotans.
Plus...: Headlines, the Beargrease finish, state commissioners named today, MN nursing homes ordered to pay a half-million in fines, a live performance by Seattle's '33 Fainting Spells' dance troupe and more. NewsNight - this ain't your father's newscast.

Thursday, January 14, 1999

Cast-offs of a Booming Economy: Medelia isn't the largest of towns - its' population hovers around 2300 - and the announcement of a food plant shutdown has had a major impact on the community. Ken Stone was recently in Madelia and brought back a report on how the town is coping with 10% of its' workforce suddenly unemployed.
Vikings Fever Pitched: Tonight we'll be joined by Larry Fitzgerald, host of "The Dennis Green Radio Show", for a discussion of this weekend's playoff game with the Falcons.
Plus...: Headlines, a tribute to Dr. King, Gov. Ventura's plan for a sales tax rebate, a rare meningitis outbreak in northern Minnesota, a local company pulls up stakes and more. NewsNight - tastes good and is good for you.

Monday, January 18, 1999

In Honor of Dr. Martin Luther King...: ...we present a show that looks at matters of race in Minnesota, beginning with what we call the "Councils of Color". This features the Executive Directors of the Council on Black Minnesotans, the Council on Asian-Pacific Minnesotans and the Chicano Latino Affairs Council in a discussion of Dr. King's legacy and the impact of Governor Ventura's administration on communities of color in Minnesota.
Plus...: Lou Harvin's report on the long-gone, but fondly remembered, Negro Baseball League and a performance by the Metropolitan Male Chorus. NewsNight - the news, arts and information program for thoughtful Minnesotans.

Tuesday, January 19, 1999

The Mess Over at the DNR: Gov. Ventura's embattled appointee for Department of Natural Resources Commissioner, Alan Horner, today resigned from his post after his record of violations of DNR law caused two departmental resignations and a firestorm of controversy. First, capitol reporter Mary Lahammer will bring us a report on the Governor's contentious press conference this morning and then we'll have a live discussion with members of both the press and Gov. Ventura's administration to see if the Governor's media honeymoon is over.
Y2K? Why Not?: There's been a lot of talk recently about the "Millenium Bug", that built-in computer glitch that has the potential to bring modern civilization to a standstill. Most reportage on the subject has focused on major corporations, the government, public utilities and the like. But what about small businesses; will they be able to keep running at 12 AM 1-1-00? Mike Lyons of the U.S. Small Business Administration will join us this evening to offer his thoughts on Y2K's impact on businesses large and small.
Plus...: Headlines, tax rebates, rural banks, business immersion schooling and a live performance by members of the cast of "Green Eggs and Ham". NewsNight - you just won't find this stuff anywhere else.

Wednesday, January 20, 1999

School Desegregation Revisited: Concordia University today hosted an all-day forum on school desegregation, including a speech from the director of the Harvard (University) Project on School Desgregation. Tonight, we'll be holding our own discussion on the subject, featuring, among others, Carlos Mariani, the executive director of the MN Minority Education Partnership.
Putting the Lakes to Bed: It happens every winter; close down the cabin, put the boat up for the season, mulch the gardens and shut down shipping on the Great Lakes. Greater Minnesota correspondent Jim Neumann files a report from Duluth about preparations for the end of the shipping season in one busy Great Lakes port.
What's All This About Too Much Violins On Television? Oh. Never Mind....: World-renowned violinist Cho Liang Li will help us close out tonight's show with a live performance of some wonderful music.
Plus...: Headlines, Duluth School Board budget cut by $700,000, an update on the fatal Holidazzle accident, license tabs debated at the capitol and more. NewsNight - one-stop shopping for news, arts and information.

Thursday, January 21, 1999

Commissioners Come, Commissioners Go: The first weeks of Gov. Ventura's new administration have been marked by some controversial appointments of, and defections by, state commissioners. Tonight, we'll be joined by two newly appointed commissioners; Michael O'Keefe from the Department of Human Services and the Department of Corrections' Sheryl Ramstad Hvass to talk about their plans for these new positions.
Smoking Out a New Video Release: Winner of multiple 1998 Sundance Festival trophies, "Smoke Signals" is arguably the first motion picture about Native Americans to actually have been created and produced by Native Americans. Sherman Alexie, the film's producer and co-writer, will sit down with Lou Harvin to discuss the genesis of "Smoke Signals" and the wider audience it can reach after its' release this week on video.
Plus...: Headlines, an unearthly hole in Atwater, MFIP goes on the defensive, an interview with the host of KTCA's new series, "Right on the Money" and a live performance by blues/folk great Geoff Muldaur. NewsNight - you'll love what it does for your TV.

Monday, January 25, 1999

Embryonic Ethics: Embryonic brain stem cells have been touted as the basis for several potential medical miracles, including customized replacement organs and cures for ailments ranging from cancer to Alzheimer's disease. The methodology for gathering and processing these cells, however, is suspended in a shadowy ethical "grey area" that has prompted debate throughout the medical community and beyond. Tonight, U of M bioethicist Jeff Kahn and the College of St. Catherine's Carol Tauer will join us for a live discussion of the moral and ethical issues surrounding the use of fetal tissue in medical research.
Everybody Talks About the Weather, But Not Like This Guy: Three months ago, meteorologist Bruce Watson sat on the NewsNight set and predicted a major winter storm would hit the Twin Cities this last weekend. Okay, so it slid a little south - he was still pretty close. So, this evening, we've invited our favorite weather guy to come back and explain how he got so close - and why he still missed the mark.
Live Music and Dance!: Tonight, we'll close out our show with a live performance from the "Women of Substance" series at O'Shaughnessy Auditorium entitled 'Wildfire'. Dancing, drumming on the floor, beautiful costumes - what more could you ask?
Plus...: Headlines, the Guthrie faces a strike threat, Oberstar opines on steel imports, residency requirements for county jobs and more. NewsNight - if we don't do it, who will?

Tuesday, January 26, 1999

Profiling the Profiles: The state's controversial Profiles of Learning program was the subject of hearings in St. Paul today. Capitol reporter Mary Lahammer will bring us a report on those talks, as well as a look at proposals to change, reform or scrap the entire thing.
Mondale to Head Met Council: This morning, Gov. Ventura appointed former DFL senator and gubernatorial candidate Ted Mondale to head the Twin Cities' Metropolitan Council. Tonight, we'll speak live with the new chairman about his plans for the often-controversial agency.
Plus...: Headlines, the pork truck rolls into Bloomington, a new homeless shelter in Maplewood, rating the news report card and more. NewsNight - the best thing to happen to your TV since the remote.

Wednesday, January 27, 1999

Another Ventura Commissioner: Last week, Gov. Ventura appointed former Minnesota politico David Jennings to be his new Department of Commerce commissioner. Tonight, Commissioner Jennings will sit down with Lou to talk about his new position.
Meet the Stars of: This week, arts producer Patty Hegman had the opportunity to have an intimate chat with legendary performers Charles Durning and Julie Harris, the stars of "The Gin Game", now playing at Minneapolis' State Theatre. The actors discussed researching their roles as nursing home residents and how their own aging has influenced their craft.
Plus...: Headlines, the ramp meter controversy heats up at the Capitol, 3M opens a plant in New Ulm, a live, three-way discussion of the Telecom Act, a live performance by Russian throat singers (you'll just have to see it) and more. NewsNight - just try to find this stuff on another station.

Thursday, January 28, 1999

NewsNight Passes a Milestone!: Believe it or not, the NewsNight crew tonight celebrates our 1,000th show. We'll share with you some highlights from previous years and a look forward to the future. Well, make that the state's future - we'll be presenting Gov. Ventura's budget tonight, accompanied by an live discussion with MN Finance Commissioner Pam Wheelock.
Live Bluegrass Tunes to Help Us Celebrate: Named for a native Minnesota field grass, Woodrush performs blues, rock and country tunes with their own distinctive twist. Join us tonight as they help NewsNight celebrate its' own millenial anniversary.
Plus...: Headlines, our political science panel takes on the impeachment trial, a live discussion on the IRRRB and more. NewsNight - come join the party!

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NewsNight Minnesota RealVideo Archive January 1999

NewsNight Minnesota RealVideo Archive
January 1999