Climate change, industry, parks, air and water quality are issues that are debated in congress, compete for funding and enpassion many Minnesotans.
August 10, 2001 - MPR's Morning Edition, Friday, Aug 10, 2001 Topic A sultry week of weather Heat and humidity dominated the weather headlines this week as the eastern half of the United States baked under a strong high pressure ridge.
August 14, 2001 - It's easy to forget, given this morning's fine weather, but last week at this time we were sweltering in a thick heat. The miserable weather was in part caused by high dew points. That means there was a high amount of water vapor in the air. Some climatologists have noticed dew points in Minnesota may be on the rise... and if that true, one reason could be our corn fields. Dr. Jeff Basara (ba SAIR --rhymes with bear -- ah) is a scientist at Oklahoma's State Climate Office. He's studied the connection between crops and dew point that's Dr. Jeff Basara (ba SAIR --rhymes with bear -- ah), a scientist at Oklahoma's State Climate Office.
August 15, 2001 - Farmers are mulling over mixed news this week. They are use to battling the weather. But this year has been more of a struggle then most. Spring was marked by excessive rain, delaying planting for small grain crops like wheat and barley. The past few weeks extreme heat and humidity has hung over the Midwest. The weather is moderating now, but new national projections predict the price for some crops, notably corn and soybeans may rise as a result of the weather. Mainstreet Radio's Bob Reha reports.
August 22, 2001 - Boise Cascade and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency are appealing a court ruling that requires an Environmental Impact Statement before Boise can expand its mill in International Falls. Forest industry officials say the ruling puts a cloud over the state's voluntary approach to forest management. Environmentalists say it points up deficiencies in that approach. Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
September 21, 2001 - SHOULD BE A GOOD WEEKEND TO OBSERVE FALL COLORS IN FAR NORTHERN COUNTIES... Topic September 11, 2001 A meteorological perspective The terrorists who flew commercial aircraft into the World Trade Center in New York City back on September 11th may have factored meteorology into their plans. A cold front with associated thundershowers had just passed through the region the previous night, ending shortly after sunset. As forecasted by the National
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.