Climate change, industry, parks, air and water quality are issues that are debated in congress, compete for funding and enpassion many Minnesotans.
April 19, 2001 - The Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers have crested in the Twin Cities area -- a bit earlier and lower than had been predicted. The Minnesota River crested southwest of the Twin Cities in Savage this afternoon at seventeen feet above flood stage. The Mississippi River crested in St. Paul this afternoon at 23.45 feet, nearly 9 and a half feet over flood stage. Ted Vanderbeek of the St. Paul Fire Department says the city was well prepared for the high water this year. But he says it will be a while before things return to normal.
April 19, 2001 - Communities along the Mississippi, Minnesota and St. Croix Rivers are waiting out crests as rain is forecast for much of Minnesota. Officials in Breckenridge, on the Red River, are seeing water levels drop slightly, but won't remove dikes because of the rain. Joining us on the line is Rich Naistat (NIE-stad), science and operations officer for the National Weather Service in Chanhassen. Rich Naistat (NIE-stad), science and operations officer for the National Weather Service in Chanhassen. Rich and University of Minnesota meteorologist Mark Seeley will be on Midday today to discuss preparing for severe weather.
April 20, 2001 - State safety officials say this weekend will be critical for communities living along the mid and lower Mississippi River valleys. With up to four inches of rain forecast, they're warning those communities to not yet tear down temporary dikes and levees. Minnesota Public Radio's Helms reports.
April 20, 2001 - This weekend, people around the world will ponder the condition of forests, fields, lakes and rivers in observation of Earth Day. Many local Earth Day events will focus on the Mississippi River. Bruce Johnson, executive director of the Rivers Council of Minnesota says the river is cleaner since the Clean Water Act was enacted in 1972, but there is still a lot of waste making its way into the basin.
April 23, 2001 - A snowstorm dumped close to a foot of heavy wet snow across parts of northern Minnesota this morning, causing school closings and treacherous driving conditions. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Robertson reports...
April 23, 2001 - There was a soupy mixture of rain, sleet, and snow.
April 23, 2001 - Discussion about Duluth's weather and the effects it has on the town.
April 23, 2001 - The Minnesota Council of Churches and clergy and laypeople created the Minnesota Interfaith Climate Change Campaign to educate about global warming through the pious perspective.
April 24, 2001 - State safety officials say the extra rain that has drenched Minnesota the last few days will force rivers to crest again. These second crests are expected to be even higher than last week in the metro area and southern Minnesota. The good news is second crests in the hard hit areas like Montevideo and Granite Falls will probably not reach previous crest levels. Minnesota Public Radio's Helms reports.
April 24, 2001 - Here in Minnesota, the weekend's heavy rains are adding increasing pressure to the stability of dikes and levees. The National Weather Service has predicted some Minnesota's rivers will crest a second time, although it could take another few days for that to happen. When the St. Croix crested in Stillwater three days ago, the river crept perilously close to the Dock Cafe. Owner Mike McGuire says right now the water is lapping over his restaurant's patio deck: