July 13, 2001 - Ecological economics is a relatively new field combining economics with environmental and social issues. A conference in Duluth this week is bringing together about 200 academics, business people, and government officials. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill visited with some of them to find out what ecological economics is all about.
July 16, 2001 - There's a new round of mineral exploration in Northeastern Minnesota. The region best known for iron-bearing taconite could soon produce precious minerals like gold, silver and platinum - maybe even diamonds. New developments are making the prospects of prospecting more appealing. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports: {A barge, floats on an island studded lake near Ely. It's actually several barges strung together; one equipped with a rotating drill - another stacked with dozens of rusty steel pipe-sections. Dick Backstrom's drilling company is looking for riches under Birch Lake.
July 18, 2001 - People who live in Duluth love this time of year. They think it's fun to get outside where they can look at the big lake -- and watch out-of-towners huddle on street corners, shivering in their shorts and sandals. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Julin reports.
July 19, 2001 - Dead fish are popping up in several southern Minnesota lakes. Department of Natural Resources officials have reported several "summerkills." Minnesota Public Radio's Laurel Druley has this report.
July 19, 2001 - Wild weather has hit eastern North Dakota two days in a row. The National Weather Service in Grand Forks has issued more than 130-weather warnings since Tuesday. Weather spotters reported nine tornadoes in Griggs county in northeast North Dakota. Weather Service forecasters say the severe weather pattern could continue for the next four to five days. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports. The storms have cut a wide path, flooding city streets in Grand Forks and farm fields. To the west in Nelson County, a tornado hit the home of County Sheriff Dale Quam, ripping the roof off his house and destroying his barn. No one was injured, but witnesses said the tornado was half-a-mile wide and was on the ground for about five miles.
July 23, 2001 - For families struggling to make ends meet, summertime can be a real strain on the food budget. Free lunches and breakfasts offered at many schools can provide more than half of the daily nutrition needs of children, and many children lose access to those meals during the summer. In Duluth's Central Hillside neighborhood, several social service agencies are teaming up to offer children not just meals, but activities and education about food. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
July 24, 2001 - When Meteorologist Mark Seeley comes by our studio each Friday with details of just how comfortable or uncomfortable the weather has been that week, he brings the neutral perspective of a scientist. But this week Mark has a very personal stake in how nice the weather is. That's because he's spending the week on his bicycle as a participant in the Ride Across Minnesota, a fund raising event for the Minnesota chapter of the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Mark joins us now by phone.
July 30, 2001 - About two dozen young Japanese business people are spending the summer in Duluth. Every year the University of Minnesota Duluth helps up-and-coming executives adjust to American life before they enroll in top graduate schools. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
August 3, 2001 -
August 6, 2001 - Off highway vehicle fans say it's time the state created trails for all-terrain-vehicles, dirt-bikes, and 4 x 4 trucks. Critics say the DNR should do more to enforce laws and protect the environment before they spend money on new trails. Now the public is being asked for input. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.