Wednesday, June 2

Sen. Grams Live on the Set

Minnesota senator Rod Grams will join us this evening for a live discussion of such diverse topics as the war in Bosnia, gun control in the wake of the Littleton massacre and land use and transfer issues.

One Size Does Not Fit All

That's the theme of this week's conference hosted by The Institute on Domestic Violence in the African American Community. The Institute argues that prevention programs need to be tailored to specific communities to be effective, asking why rates of domestic abuse are higher in black communities than in white and why black men drop out of domestic abuse programs at a higher rate than whites. Tonight, we'll present a live discussion on the subject, featuring Oliver Williams of the Institute on Domestic Violence and Antonia Vann from Milwaukee's Asha Family Services.

A Taste of Bluegrass

This weekend features the 7th annual Minnesota Homegrown Kickoff, a celebration of acoustic music presented by the Minnesota Bluegrass & Old-Time Music Association. Joining us will be the MBOTMO's Leo Rosenstein to talk about the festival and the Pretty Good Bluegrass Band to share a few licks.

Plus...

Headlines, Lou Harvin's report on the high cost of prescription medicines for senior citizens, evolution vs. creationism in Faribault, St. Louis County to subsidize nursing homes, our funky weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - where else are you gonna find stuff like this?

Thursday, June 3

A World Away, But Close As Home

Today is a most significant day in the brief history of the war in Yugoslavia. Not only is a well-regarded peace proposal on the negotiating table, but Minnesota will be welcoming the first of a wave of Kosovo refugees. Join us as Ken Stone talks with Rep. David Minge about the regional and national impact of the day's developments.

Now What?

Last night's St. Paul City Council meeting on the Seventh Place preservation question ended up with a split decision - Coney Island was saved, but other properties didn't fare as well. Tonight, we'll present a live discussion of the results, featuring historian Jim Sazevich and, from Mayor Coleman's office, Eric Mische.

Plus...

Headlines, Greater Minnesota correspondent Jim Neumann's report on 'Cold Art' in Duluth, school funding in Rochester and Roseau moving in opposite directions, the latest on Northwest Airlines, a visit from Bryant-Lake Bowl storyteller Jim Stowell, our itsy-bitsy weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - the best thing to happen to your TV since the remote...

Monday, June 7

The Honeywell Sale

New Jersey-based AlliedSignal's $15 billion purchase of Honeywell Inc. is the talk of the Twin Cities today and, this evening, we'll be devoting a good chunk of the show to this story and its impact on Minnesota. First, we'll feature Mary Lahammer's report on the history of the newly-purchased corporation, to be followed by a one-on-one with activist Marv Davidov, founder & director of the Honeywell Project. Then, Lou Harvin will take a look at the fallout from, and reaction to, today's announcement. This will be followed by a live discussion featuring Dave Beal, business columnist for the Pioneer Press and Minneapolis City Council's Brian Herron as they talk about the Twin Cities' apparent decline as a business powerhouse.

Here's to the Lynx!

This Saturday, the WNBA season officially begins, so we've invited the Minnesota Lynx broadcast team - play-by-play commentator Michelle Tafoya and color analyst Lea B. Olsen - to discuss the upcoming season.

Plus...

Headlines, Norway's Crown Prince pays a visit, our mini-weather and more!

NewsNight - this ain't your father's newscast.

Tuesday, June 8

Our Political Panel Returns

This seemed as good a time as any to convene a political panel discussion, what with the end of the state legislative session, Governor Ventura's subsequent vetoes and the extraordinarily early start to the presidential campaign season. Political scientists Chris Gilbert of Gustavus Adolphus College and Steven Schier from Carleton College will join us on the set for a live, free-wheeling discussion of all things political.

Financial Forecast

Dr. Sung Won Sohn, Vice-president and Chief Economist for Wells Fargo (and frequent NewsNight guest), will offer his thoughts on housing prices, the Honeywell deal and a potential increase in interest rates.

Comedy Tonight!

This evening's NewsNight Spotlight will be shining on the humor of the musically comedic trio known as Triple Espresso.

Plus...

Headlines, the Governor celebrates with Habitat for Humanity, the latest peace plan for Kosovo, some setbacks for light rail, our one-of-a-kind weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - your one-stop-shop for news, arts, information and... comedy?

Wednesday, June 9

A Breach of Confidentiality?

This morning, Minnesota Attorney General Mike Hatch announced a lawsuit against US Bank for allegedly selling confidential customer information to a telemarketing firm. The information released included Social Security numbers, account and credit card balances, names, addresses and occupations. Attorney General Hatch will join us this evening to discuss the implications of this kind of corporate violation of privacy.

The Ethics of Human Science

Professor of Philosophy Carol Tauer at the College of St. Catherine and University of Minnesota bioethicist Jeff Kahn will be the members of our bioethics panel tonight as we talk about such topics as embryo research, a proposed ban on sperm donations from gay men, a controversial proposal to pay drug addicts to not become pregnant and an update on the deterioration of cloned genes.

Plus...

Headlines, reporter Jim Neumann's profile of an Ortonville farmer who moonlights as a published essayist, the Gopher scandal widens even more, picketing flight attendants, our little weather forecast that could and more!

NewsNight - you won't find a show like this on one of those other channels.

Thursday, June 10

Brainstorm Central

Need something created? A new kind of golf tee? A different way to tie a balloon, perhaps? How about a redesigned catheter? Join Lou Harvin as he travels to the Minnesota Inventors Congress in Redwood Falls and meets up with folks who can conjure up new ideas upon request.

Satchmo Revisited

Tonight's Spotlight segment features a live performance by trumpeter Byron Stipling, whose interpretations of the late Louis Armstrong will be featured in concert with the Minnesota Orchestra.

Plus...

Headlines, a look at the upcoming Juneteenth Film Festival, a discussion of contract law and how it pertains to the Clem Haskins buyout, Northwest flight attendants may have struck a deal, more underwear than our governor knows what to do with, a preview of Monday's special hour-long show, our short-as-it-needs-to-be weather and more!

NewsNight - your news, our way.

Monday, June 14

A Special One-hour NewsNight

Tonight, Governor Jesse Ventura will be live in our studio, fielding state agriculture questions from both our live studio audience and citizens in Crookston and Worthington, MN. Joining the Governor will be Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson and Tracy Beckman of the Farm Service Agency.

Related Links:

www.mpr.org
www.startribune.com

Plus...

Headlines, the latest on the potential US West takeover, Mary Lahammer's report on today's verdict from the Campaign Finance Board regarding the Jesse doll and more!

NewsNight - let's face it; you just won't find a show like this on any other channel in the state.

Tuesday, June 15

Taxing Inheritance

Last night on NewsNight... Gov. Ventura said he'd look into repealing the inheritance tax. Today, state officials said that is not an easy or effective way to cut taxes. Capitol reporter Mary Lahammer finds out why... she spoke today with MN Revenue Commissioner Matt Smith.

Don't open...

... an unexpected e-mail attachment from an acquaintance! It could be a computer "worm" - which will quickly begin destroying files and could ruin your hard drive. Robert Stephens, Chief Inspector of the Geek Squad, will join us tonight with tips on how to avoid the "worm".

Related Link:

Computer Incident Advisory Capability

More in-depth news...

A business, labor & technology discussion. The focus: the future of tv, digital tv and HDTV. Will we all have to buy new tv sets? Plus... Girl Scout art, headlines from around the state and the weather forecast. NewsNight MN... please join us tonight.

Related Links:
PBS Digital TV
Digital TV: A Cringely Crash Course

Wednesday, June 16

Grading the School Year

Now that school's out for summer, we were interested to hear education professionals' thoughts on what worked, what didn't, the still-controversial Profiles and the like. To that end, we've invited the principals of three schools - St. Cloud North, Edison and Benilde-St. Margaret's - to join us for a live, on-set discussion.

Stadium, Stadium - Who's Got the Stadium?

Today, the Metropolitan Sports Facilities Commission unveiled their ideas for the conversion of the Metrodome into a single-use facility. Mary Lahammer was at the presentation and will bring us a report on this latest chapter in the still-not-dead-yet stadium story.

After the Bombing...

...comes accountability and the restoration of a beleaguered and battered nation. Tony Kozlowski, President & CEO of the American Refugee Committee, will be with us this evening to offer some answers to the "what now?" question.

Plus...

Headlines, Alonzo Newby and the Gophers, the latest on Duluth schools and the IRRRB, viewer calls, our adorably low-tech forecast and more!

NewsNight - hey, if not us, who?

Thursday, June 17

Let the Battle Begin!

It's only the middle of June and yet the box-office wars are already in at full tilt, what with the Star Wars and Austin Powers sequels slugging it out at your neighborhood multiplex. Tonight, City Pages critic Rob Nelson will join us to talk about some of the most anticipated movies of the summer, and to share some clips from upcoming hotties like Kubrick's valedictory Eyes Wide Shut, Spike Lee's Summer of Sam and the word-of-mouth hit The Blair Witch Project.

Plus...

Headlines, a preview of this weekend's John Schroeder Days festival, a live one-on-one with new Macalester athletic director Irv Cross, bald eagle numbers are going up, the captured SLA fugitive is going down, our weather forecast that has it all going on and more!

NewsNight - your one-stop-shop for news, arts & information

How Ya Gonna Keep 'em Down on the Farm...?

How's this for ironic? A gentleman who finally quit farming last year is now the president of the Minnesota Farmers Union. The state has been losing an average of one thousand farmers annually and, with the current dismal crop prices, that number is likely to increase. Join us tonight for Ken Stone's in-depth report on the troubling state of agriculture here in Minnesota.

The Story Behind the Firing

Friday, the U of M announced the firing of men's basketball academic counselor Alonzo Newby after he again refused to answer questions about cheating and academic fraud within the team. This evening, we'll have a live discussion featuring U of M General Counsel Mark Rotenberg and Ron Rosenbaum, attorney for Alonzo Newby.

Plus...

Headlines, Mary Lahammer's report on the Metropolitan Airports Commission, last weekend's solar car race, some famous local award winners, our famed weather in a nutshell and more!

NewsNight - wishing a Happy Solstice to all, and to all a good NewsNight.

Tuesday, June 22

Food for Thought

The controversy surrounding the irradiation of food has been a national issue for years now, but it's only recently that products treated in this manner have been available in Minnesota stores. This week, the Minnesota Department of Health has been holding a conference to explain the process and allay public concern, so we thought it'd be a good opportunity to hold a discussion on the subject. Join us tonight as Buddy Ferguson of the MN Department of Health and Nancy Christensen, Executive Director of the Minnesota Grocers Association talk about the irradiation procedure and why it should mean safer food for everyone.

Minnesota Man to Head National Jaycees

John Prosinski of Brainerd was recently elected president of the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce (the Jaycees) and will be with us on the set this evening to discuss his upcoming duties and the impact the Jaycees have on local communities.

Jazzing it Up

Tonight's Spotlight segment features a live performance from jazz pianist extraordinaire Mary Louise Knutson.

Plus...

Headlines, Mary Lahammer's report on Gov. Ventura's new video, a preview of tonight's special broadcast of the controversial "It's Elementary: Talking About Gay Issues in School", the latest on the U.S. West/Global Crossings deal, the WCCO defamation suit, our short 'n sassy weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - this ain't your father's newscast.

Wednesday, June 23

He's On the Move Again

Governor Ventura's hit the road again, this time to Washington D.C, where he's trying to drum up support for Minnesota's beleaguered farmers. Tonight, Mary Lahammer brings us a report on his efforts, including a look at the governor's visit to the White House this afternoon.

Looking Back Down a Long Road

Thirty years ago this month, New York City police carried out a routine raid on a gay bar called The Stonewall and, for the first time, the patrons didn't go quietly; they fought back, resisted arrest, caused several nights of rioting and effectively began the modern gay rights movement. Tonight at 8 pm, KTCA will be presenting a new film, "After Stonewall", a look at the intervening years and the major figures in the ongoing struggle for equal rights under the law. Recently, Ken Stone sat with John Scagliotti, the film's producer, and we'll be presenting some excerpts from that conversation.

Say Amen, Somebody...

Tonight' Spotlight segment will be presenting a praise-shoutin', hand-clappin', foot-stompin' live performance by the James Grear Gospel Singers.

Plus...

Headlines, Lou Harvin's report on the real numbers behind the current housing crunch, a drop in Ramsey County's welfare numbers, the fastest burger griller you've ever seen, our just-enough weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - your news, our way.

Thursday, June 24

Elayne Donahue One-on-One

A few weeks ago, NewsNight Executive Producer Fred de Sam Lazaro sat down with former head of the U of M's Academic Counseling department to discuss her allegations of cheating, academic fraud and mismanagement in the men's basketball program. With the fate of Clem Haskins on the horizon, we thought it would be worthwhile to hear some comments from one of the program's harshest critics.

Conservative Voices

Join us this evening as we present a live discussion with the Pioneer Press' D.J. Tice and Jason Lewis of KSTP-AM on the state of conservative commentary in media. Topics are likely to include the Gopher scandal, Governor Ventura's administrative policies, senatorial politics and heaven knows what else.

One Potato, Two Potato

Tomorrow marks the start of Big Lake, MN's annual Spud Fest, a celebration of the humble potato in its' many guises. Festival spokesperson Franci Kmiecik will join us tonight to talk about Big Lake's 150th anniversary and some of Spud Fest's highlights, including mashed potato wrestling, Tator Tot eating, peeling contests and the search for the Golden Spud. You won't want to miss this one....

Plus...

Headlines, a live performance by folk artists Dakota Dave Hull & Kari Larson, Sun Country's newest acquisition, the Governor in D.C. (part 2), perfect pictures of a picture-perfect day, more viewer calls than usual, our spunky little weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - the best thing to happen to your television since the remote.

Monday, June 28

Now What?

The U of M Gopher story is far from over, but, with the departure of embattled coach Clem Haskins, one chapter has certainly ended. Tonight, University of Minnesota President Mark Yudof will join us on the set to discuss the future of the U's basketball program, the on-going academic fraud investigation and the steps being taken to procure a new coach.

Plus...

Headlines, Greater Minnesota correspondent Jim Neumann's report on an Ely, MN radio station's successful bid to remain autonomous, a live discussion on the dangerously decreased number of blood donations in recent years, Sen. Wellstone on farm relief, our one-of-a-kind weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - your news, our way.

Tuesday, June 29

Now What?

The U of M Gopher story is far from over, but, with the departure of embattled coach Clem Haskins, one chapter has certainly ended. Tonight, University of Minnesota President Mark Yudof will join us on the set to discuss the future of the U's basketball program, the on-going academic fraud investigation and the steps being taken to procure a new coach.

Plus...

Headlines, Greater Minnesota correspondent Jim Neumann's report on an Ely, MN radio station's successful bid to remain autonomous, a live discussion on the dangerously decreased number of blood donations in recent years, Sen. Wellstone on farm relief, our one-of-a-kind weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - your news, our way.

Wednesday, June 30

NewsNight for Wednesday, June 30, 1999:

Mary Lahammer's report on the symposium of former Washington press secretaries held today at RiverCentre, Don't Believe the Hype's Dan Bergin looks at the National Media Education conference, a discussion of the recent libel suit against WCCO, an unendangered Bald Eagle in the studio, headlines, a live performance from KTCA's very own Jim Pellinger, our long-as-it-needs-to-be weather forecast and more!

Related Links

U of MN Raptor Center
Jim Pellinger's site

NewsNight - if we don't do it, who will?

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