July 15, 2005 - Mainstreet Radio’s Dan Gunderson reports that many farmers in northwest Minnesota aren't sure how much longer they can hang on after several years of crop failure. Minnesota Farm Service Agency officials are adding up the damage from wet fields in northern and western Minnesota. A report will go to Governor Pawlenty in preparation for seeking a federal disaster declaration.
July 15, 2005 - MPR's Brandt Williams reports on the Minnesota Twins loss in the first game of the second half of the season, falling to the Los Angeles Angels 3-2 at the Metrodome. The loss puts the Twins 10 games behind the division leading Chicago White Sox.
July 18, 2005 - Governor Pawlenty says he's willing to consider legislation that would prevent another government shutdown. Minnesota was not alone in failing to make a July first budget deadline. But other states that went into overtime have a safety net that keeps government from shutting down, even if the lawmakers can't get their work done on time. That safety net is starting to look good to the governor and some Minnesota legislators. Minnesota Public Radio's Annie Baxter has more.{
July 19, 2005 - The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra concertmaster Steven Copes usually turns on the CD player in the car or when he's cooking a meal for friends at home. He's drawn to music that has a lot of rhythm, and artists with very distinctive voices, including blues artist Sun House.
July 19, 2005 - MPR’s Tom Scheck reports on brewing battle in Minneapolis mayoral race. The Minneapolis mayor's race has sparked what has already become an intense intra-party feud. R.T. Rybak, current Mayor of Minneapolis; and Peter McLaughlin, Hennepin County Commissioner, have both filed the official paperwork for mayor. The two democrats say public safety and city finances are the top issues in the race for mayor of the state's largest city. The potential influence of unions is highlighted in report.
July 20, 2005 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill reports on a recent discovery 400ft below the surface of Lake Superior…the Benjamin Noble, a ship lost with all 20 crewmen, back in 1914. It disappeared into the depths of the lake during an April storm, and it's been the target of numerous unsuccessful searches over the years.
July 20, 2005 - Dr. Jon Hallberg is a physician in family practice at the University of Minnesota. His article "11 books that might make a difference," appears in the July edition of Minnesota Medicine. Y
July 27, 2005 - Wendy Lewis, lead singer and songwriter for the band Redstart, comes from a musical family. Both her parents are gifted musicians. Her brother Greg and Greg's son Mike are members of Redstart. So it's not surprising Lewis' favorite piece of classical music, "Adagio For Strings" by Samuel Barber, has a familial connection.
July 29, 2005 - Minnesota Orchestra Music Director Osmo Vanska played the clarinet for many years until a busy life as a conductor made it difficult for him to continue. Now after after several years away from the instrument, Vanska makes his Orchestra Hall debut as a clarinetist.
July 29, 2005 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann talks with baseball analyst Gordon Wittenmyer about what is, and IS NOT, working for the Twins when they take the field. The team finds themselves far back in pennant race, now hoping for a chance at wild card.