Tuesday, March 2, 1999

Stating the State of the State

Governor Ventura's first State of the State address, in addition to being an accounting of Minnesota's current situation, also became an opportunity for the Governor to rankle not only the attending former governors but virtually every lawmaker in the state as well. Mary Lahammer was there and will bring us a tape report, followed by a live discussion featuring three political analysts' views on what he said and what the fallout will be.

Citizens Speak Up at Lucille's

As part of our continuing collaboration with MPR, KMOJ, Insight News and the Star Tribune, North Minneapolis restaurant Lucille's Kitchen hosted another "Citizen's Forum", an opportunity for community leaders and the public to discuss issues and air opinions. Today's videoconference brought together residents of the rural community of Crookston, MN with folks from urban North Minneapolis to talk about not only their differences, but their similarities as well.

Plus...

Headlines, our one-of-a-kind weather forecast, a live performance by cast members of Steppingstone Theatre's "Young MLK" and more!

NewsNight - face it, nobody does it the way we do.

Wednesday, March 03, 1999

Guns for Sale

Otter Tail County Sheriff Gary Nelson wants to sell the guns that his office confiscates... but a '94 state law will not let him. So he has enlisted the help of his local House members to introduce a bill that would let police enter the gun business. Rep. Bud Nornes, one of the co - sponsors of that bill is here tonight, along with Washington County Sheriff Jim Frank, who does not think police should be re - selling guns.

Plus...

NewsNight brings you... a welfare rally at the capitol... a sneak preview of the Guthrie's "Julius Caesar"... bluegrass music courtesy of True Blue... and the weather forecast. NewsNight MN, please join us.

Thursday, March 4, 1999

America Mourns a Legendary Jurist

Retired Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun passed away this morning at the age of ninety, and we've pored over our tape archives to put together a look at the life and career of one of the century's most influential Justices.

Racial Lawsuit Announced

The MN Department of Corrections today faced charges of racism with the announcement of a lawsuit against the organization as current and former employees claim racist treatment and policies within the department. One of the plaintiffs, Michael Dugar, and attorney Jeffrey Anderson will join us this evening to discuss the suit's origin and the possibility that it will soon be categorized as a class action suit.

A Little Song, A Little Dance...

Don't miss tonight's live performance from jazz trumpeter Lester Bowie and dancer Dianne McIntyre as they perform "Invincible Flower", a work specially commissioned by the Walker Art Center.

Plus...

Headlines, prayers for a 1% housing budget, DFL reform, our inimitable weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - your news, our way.

Monday, March 8, 1999

Singing the Praises of Hemp

Today at the Capitol, observers were treated to the unlikely sight of Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe championing a bill to allow the cultivation of hemp for industrial uses. Mary Lahammer presents a report that takes a look at today's discussions on this controversial new proposal.

Gov. Ventura's Newest Target

The Governor has proposed disbanding the Voyageurs Citizens Council, an International Falls-based panel of Minnesotans intended to oversee government management of Voyageurs National Park. NewsNight's Jim Neumann has been looking into this latest gubernatorial idea and will bring us reaction to it from folks closest to the issue.

Lewinsky, Huisentruit and Ratings

It happens several times each year; suddenly all your favorite shows are having special episodes or big guest stars. Local newscasts begin featuring "sexy" or controversial stories and all the good shows are on opposite each other. It's called 'sweeps' weeks, and they're used to determine advertising prices for the upcoming months. Most TV insiders agree it's a flawed system at best, but it still continues year after year. Tonight, we'll be joined by the Star Tribune's Noel Holston and Brian Lambert of the Pioneer Press as they talk about this most recent sweep period and how local news comported itself for the duration.

Plus...

Headlines, Elizabeth Dole comes to town and a discussion of last week's arson at a N.E. Minneapolis mosque.

NewsNight - the news, arts and information program for thoughtful Minnesotans.

Tuesday, March 9, 1999

Live From the Capitol

Political reporter Mary Lahammer tonight reports live on the latest goings-on in the state legislature, including updates on tax rebates and the proposed "Marriage Covenant".

What's Up With This Weather?

Bitterly cold in January, a snow drought and then a foot-and-a-half of snow where 6 inches was predicted. Do forecasters ever get these things right? Well, our favorite meteorologist, Bruce Watson, will join us (if he can get his car out of the driveway) to talk about how meteorologists get it wrong sometimes and what we can expect for the remainder of this snowiest of months.

Plus...

Headlines, business and labor news, a discussion of proposed lawsuits against gun manufacturers and more!

NewsNight - stay in and join us. You probably weren't going anywhere tonight, anyway.

Wednesday, March 10, 1999

There is No Joy in Gopherville Tonight

This morning's Pioneer Press carried allegations of academic fraud and possible NCAA violations by the U of M's men's basketball team and coaching staff. Ken Stone has put together a report on this story, including reaction from former Gophers implicate d in the scandal. Meanwhile, Mary Lahammer went to the 'U' for response from the school's officials to these potentially explosive charges. Finally, we'll have a live interview with Pioneer Press editor Walker Lundy, who will discuss the origins of the allegations and the story's evolution from inception to publication.

Plus...

Headlines, a look at art restoration at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and more!

NewsNight - Minnesota's most unusual newscast.

Thursday, March 11, 1999

Gophers: Bloodied but Not Bowed

First, we'll bring you a look at today's developments, including highlights from this afternoon's game in Seattle, then U of M's Vice President of Student Development and Athletics McKinley Boston will sit down with Lou Harvin for a live one-on-one to discuss the allegations of academic fraud and the University's response to them.

Whose Tourists Are They, Anyway?

Greater Minnesota reporter Jim Neumann brings us a report on border disputes and tourism battles in Baudette, MN, followed by a live discussion featuring an attorney representing Minnesota resort owners and a member of Ontario's Ministry of Natural Resources.

Plus...

Headlines, tobacco jurors up in arms, illness at the Governor's mansion, our short 'n snappy weather forecast and more!

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

Monday, March 15, 1999

Drink, Drank, Drunk

A few weeks ago, NewsNight producer Dave Michela went out and got drunk for us, as part of a Minnesota State Patrol program to illustrate just what a .08 blood alcohol level can do to a person. Yes, we have video of the event and, while it may be fun to watch (and it is), we're actually using this illustration as a springboard for tonight's discussion - a three-way conversation on legal blood alcohol limits featuring representatives from the MN Licensed Beverage Association and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

We've Got the 'Fever'

Musical legend Peggy Lee comes to the Twin Cities in the guise of performer Connie Evingson, the singer/actress who portrays her in the Illusion Theatre's production of "Fever: A Tribute to Peggy Lee". For your musical pleasure, Ms. Evingson will join us tonight to talk about the production and sing a few of Lee's old standards.

Plus...

Headlines, political reporter Mary Lahammer's coverage of today's happenings at the Capitol, Irv Cross moves to MacAlester, an update on Rep. Willard Munger, our blink-and-you'll-miss-it weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - we get drunk so you don't have to.

Tuesday, March 16, 1999

East Grand Forks Anticipates its' History

East Grand Forks knows the ravages that Spring can herald. This year, the town is preparing for what may turn out to be another major flood season; there's even talk of having the region declared a disaster area in advance. NewsNight's Jim Neumann has filed a report detailing one town's efforts to hold back the water for one more year.

What the Heck is E-Commerce?

Internet business-to-business services are poised to become major players in the world of modern technology. Just what are these transactions and what will they mean for the future of business? ASI Associates Managing Director Dan Rybeck will join us tonight to profile the emerging technologies that just might change the way the world does business.

A Taste of the Real Ireland

As an antidote to the usual sugary, leprechaun-filled, alcohol-fueled St. Patrick's Day celebrations, The Blackbirds will offer us a live performance of the real music of the Emerald Isle.

Plus...

Headlines, the battle over medicinal marijuana, cabbies file a racism suit against the Metropolitan Airports Commission, Sen. Rod Grams gets some competition, viewer calls, our one-of-a-kind weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - the pot o' news at the end of the pledge break.

Wednesday, March 17, 1999

The Battle for Rod Grams' Seat Begins

Former U.S. Attorney David Lillehaug, after losing last year's MN Attorney General primary to Mike Hatch, announced yesterday his intent to run for Rod Grams' Senate seat. Tonight, Ken Stone will sit down with the candidate for a live interview.

Feeding the Need

This month marks the annual drive held by Minnesota Food Share to fill the shelves of this established food bank. The director of the facility, Rev. Chris Morton, will join us to talk about MN Food Share's programs and the shifting demographics of their clients.

A Long Way to Go

A few months ago, a NewsNight crew was in Bangladesh and happened upon a story we felt was worth sharing during this, International Women's Month. It's a look at a woman making her way as a professional chaffeur in a land where few women drive, and even fewer get paid for it.

Plus...

Headlines, election results from Hennepin County and Southern Minnesota, some disturbing test scores from the state's students, the start of the shipping season, the Twin Cities' shortest weather forecast, live music from Secret Garden and more!

Related Link:
Secret Garden website

NewsNight - just try to find this stuff on one of those other channels.

Thursday, March 18, 1999

A Flurry of Stories

State Auditor Judi Dutcher joins us for a live discussion of the Kandyohi County Deputy Sheriff accused of embezzlement, producer Stephanie Mosher's lyrical look at a local couple's attempt to win their 6th consecutive national ballroom dancing champions hip, medical marijuana turns up DOA, Governor Ventura heads for Tinsel Town to drum up movie business for Minnesota (and Mary Lahammer'll be there too), headlines, a live performance from the folk group Rakia, our long-as-it-needs-to-be weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - it's television you don't have to feel guilty about.

Monday, March 22, 1999

Tomorrow's News Tonight

Once in a while, we like to give you folks a preview of stories upcoming in your daily newspaper. Tonight, for example, reporter David Hanners will join us to discuss tomorrow's Pioneer Press article about recent discoveries that show major tobacco companies have, for some time, been investigating the possibility of expanding their product lines to include other smokable materials - specifically, marijuana.

The Greatest Gift

Well, the largest, anyway. The McKnight Foundation has announced a $23 million gift to the Family Housing Fund, the largest single contribution in the foundation's history. Joining us tonight will be the McKnight Foundation's Carol Berde and Alan Arthur of the Central Community Housing Trust to discuss the grant and its' future distribution.

Plus...

Headlines, Governor Ventura attends the Icepack Party, more bad news for the Gophers, Star Tribune reporter Dave Petersen previews tomorrow's Citizens' Forum at Lucille's Kitchen, live poetry from Patrick's Cabaret, our famed mini-weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - you'll love what it does for your television set.

Tuesday, March 23, 1999

The Governor Goes to Hollywood

Mary Lahammer just returned from California where she's been covering Governor Ventura's trip to sell the filmmaking community on the state of Minnesota. During his stay, he visited major studios like Disney & Paramount, handed out a prize at the Independent Spirit Awards and attended big-deal parties like Elton John's Oscar-night bash and the annual Icepack party for expatriate Minnesota filmmakers. Mary's report goes behind the glittery trappings and the "fun, fun, fun" appearance of his trip to look at the very real issues and big-buck economics of bringing major Hollywood productions to Minnesota.

Women in the Director's Chair...

...are still a novelty in the movie business. That's why the Walker Art Center is presenting a series this week that focuses on this very issue. Tonight, we'll be joined by local filmmaker Sayer Frey and Walker curator Cheryl Moseley to talk about the difficulties women face in trying to break into what is still a male-dominated profession.

Related Link:
Walker Art Center

'Zing' Went the Strings

Join us this evening as we welcome violinist Chee-Yun who will talk about her upcoming appearance with the St. Paul Chamber Orchestra and regale us with a live performance.

Related Link:
St. Paul Chamber Orchestra

Plus...

Headlines, the latest on Clem Haskins and the Gophers, a look at this morning's Citizens Forum at Lucille's Kitchen, our one-of-a-kind weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - we strip away the phoney tinsel of Hollywood and show you the real tinsel underneath.

Wednesday, March 24, 1999

News From Around the State and Around the Country

Continuing coverage of today's Supreme Court ruling on Mille Lacs Treaty Rights, including Lou Harvin's report from Mille Lacs; part 2 of Mary Lahammer's look at Governor Ventura's recent trip to Hollywood and his visit to the annual Icepack Party; alive discussion of the state legislature's deliberations on gray wolf management, featuring DFL Rep. Jim Tumheim and the Sierra Club's Ginny Yeungling; headlines, weather and more!

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

Thursday, March 25, 1999

A Gubernatorial Conflict?

Government watchdog group Common Cause today held a press conference charging the Ventura administration with a conflict of interest regarding donors for transition and inaugural expenses. Mary Lahammer was there and she's filed a report on these disturbing new allegations.

Shop Here Before You Vote

Next Tuesday, a special election will be held to select a new Hennepin County Commissioner. Tonight, candidates Peter Bell and Gail Dorfman will join us for a live debate on the issues.

Down Mexico Way

Tonight's Spotlight segment features the Tex-Mex-flavored musical stylings of accordionist Santiago Jimenez and his musicians. (Now, now, don't be that way - accordions can be really cool...)

Plus...

Headlines, arts producer Patty Hegman's story on local painter Frank Gaard, the NSP merger, bottling up the Great Lakes, our oh-so-brief weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - you won't see stuff like this on one of those other channels.

Monday, March 29, 1999

The State of the Region

It was an emotionally mercurial morning at the Metropolitan Council today; in one corner, Governor Jesse "The Practical" Ventura unveiled ambitious new transit plans for the region while his opponent, Governor Jesse "The Emotional" Ventura began a new round of media bashing at this morning's event. Mary Lahammer was there and brings us a report on the continuing battle between these different, but oddly similar, men.

Fallout from Kosovo

As NATO strikes in Europe intensify, assaults in the name of "ethnic cleansing" have also been stepped up and a steady stream of refugees are now pouring out of Yugoslavia. Tonight, we'll be joined by Tony Kozlowski, President & CEO of the American Refugee Committee, who'll discuss what may lie in store for these disenfranchised victims.

Plus...

Headlines, discussion of the potential elimination of 4,600 Wells Fargo jobs, arts producer Patty Hegman's profile of local artist Frank Gaard, Jim Neumann's report on Fond du Lac's sturgeon stocking, our never-imitated, never-duplicated weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - you'll love what it does for your television.

Tuesday, March 30, 1999

Can They Do It Again?

The newly-energized Reform Party, still glowing from Ventura's victory last November, faces its first test as a state political entity in today's special elections, which feature several Reform candidates. Reporting live from the State Capitol, political reporter Mary Lahammer will give us a look at one of the more hotly-contested races; District 26's state Senate election. Following her report, Mary will talk live with state Reform Party chair Diane Goldman.

The Trickle-down Begins

The Norwest/Wells Fargo merger has generated lots of speculation about personnel cuts, and, now, there's a proposal to eliminate up to 4,600 jobs in the new company. To keep the facts straight, we've invited Norwest Bank CEO Jim Campbell to come on the show and explain what effect this downsizing would have on employees here in Minnesota.

Brave New World

The telecommunications industry has exploded recently, offering a dizzying array of equipment, services and options to accommodate the world's expanding communication needs. Local phone companies, however, say that they've gotten the short end of the stick; that deregulation favors big-money, corporate customers. Roy Neel, president of the United States Telephone Association, will talk about this disparity and Augsburg College's Milda Hedblom will join us to give her thoughts on the subject

Plus...

Headlines, a preview of the new Bill Moyers special on South Africa, hard times at Diamond Match, our one-of-a-kind weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - your daily requirement of news, arts and information.

The Killer Nobody Talks About

It takes more lives than drunk drivers. In Minnesota alone, it causes 6 times more deaths than AIDS. It leaves a trail of shame and anger in its wake and remains an uncomfortable and stigmatized topic. The killer? Suicide. Tonight, Ken Stone presents the story of a 57-year-old Stillwater grandmother whose suicide prompted her daughters to go public with the story in hopes of educating others about this tragic and preventable syndrome. Then, we'll be joined by Mary Kluesner, president of Suicide Awareness/Voices of Education (SAVE), the organization whose recent billboards are raising awareness of untreated depression, the principal factor behind many suicides.

Saving For a Really Rainy Day

The subject of medical savings accounts has been getting a lot of press recently, so a public discussion of the issue was held this morning at the Center for the American Experiment. Tonight, we'll be featuring excerpts from the event which featured Humphrey Institute fellows Tim Penny and Vin Weber.

Musical Roots

To help us close out tonight's show, we've invited the Swedish folk band Hedningarna to talk about their upcoming headline gig at this week's Nordic Roots Festival and to offer up a few licks as well.

Plus...

Headlines, results from yesterday's special elections, Governor Ventura's trip to East Grand Forks, EVTAC's money mission, our short 'n snappy weather forecast and more!

NewsNight - Minnesota's most unique newscast.

NewsNight Minnesota is a TPT production.

[NewsNight Home] [Local Broadcast Times] [Write us!]