September 25, 2001 - Last summer's special session of the legislature changed the way Minnesotans pay for public schools. The state will now pay almost 80% of the basic public schools costs. The money will come from a new statewide property tax on businesses and cabins as well as from income and sales taxes. The reform was designed to ease the local property tax burden. But many rural school officials say they still aren't getting enough money from the state, and they plan to ask voters to approve additional property taxes to bridge the gap. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports. { Superintendents say they're glad the state is increasing its spending on schools, but they say it's not enough. Most districts will cut budgets, or ask local voters to approve excess levies, or both.
September 28, 2001 - Morning Edition’s Cathy Wurzer talks with climatologist Mark Seeley, who provides insights on the value of warm dirt. Summer severe weather topics are also discussed.
September 28, 2001 -
October 3, 2001 - Minnesota mining is at a crossroads. A slump in the nation's steel industry has hammered the state's taconite producers. One Minnesota mine has closed, others have cut production and jobs. Now, fallout from the terror attacks threatens to push the industry, and the nation into recession. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher has the next installment of the MPR series, Economy On The Edge, a report on how different parts of the state are faring in the slowdown.
October 10, 2001 - People in Duluth have been talking for years about how to keep young people in town. Every year the city's high schools and colleges send thousands of graduates into the world - and for most of them, that means almost anywhere but Duluth. In years gone by, the lure of the big city explained part of the exodus. But these days, many young people say they'd like to live in Duluth, but they can't find good jobs. Now, a group of young Duluthians is working to make the city more attractive to young people. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
October 12, 2001 - Meterologist Mark Seeley forecasts that snow is on the way, but probably will not stay.
October 26, 2001 - A rare October blizzard came to the Red River Valley.
October 30, 2001 - Rochester's four-year fight with the Dakota Minnesota and Eastern Railroad is about to come to a head. Sometime this fall the federal Surface Transportation Board releases its final ruling on the DME's 1-point-4 billion-dollar expansion plan. All indications suggest the rail project will get the go ahead. New track will be laid to haul coal from Wyoming through South Dakota and Minnesota. DME rail lines currently run through Rochester. But city officials insist if the expansion's approved trains should be rerouted around downtown, through farmland and countryside. It's a controversial and expensive proposition. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally has this Mainstreet report.
October 30, 2001 - A new company will bring high-tech science to Sioux Falls. Hematech labs will produce antibodies in cattle aimed at fighting human illnesses. The Connecticut company will employ 20 scientists and technicians beginning early next year. There could be as many as 4-hundred employees within a few years. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports:
October 31, 2001 -