Climate change, industry, parks, air and water quality are issues that are debated in congress, compete for funding and enpassion many Minnesotans.
November 15, 2006 - Duluth has long been known as a union town. A new book tells the story of how and why. It's called "By the Ore Docks...A Working People's History of Duluth." Minnesota Public Radio's Stephanie Hemphill reports.
December 20, 2006 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill reports on a new attraction on the Duluth waterfront…a huge wooden “crib.” It washed ashore after northeaster windstorms. City officials are trying to figure out what to do with it. The giant structure is an impressive reminder of Duluth's industrial past, but it could also present a liability problem.
December 26, 2006 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports that the level of Lake Superior recently hit an all time low - at least in recorded history. That's making trouble for boaters, and especially for the big ore freighters. An extended drought and a warming lake are reasons behind the drop in water level.
February 2, 2007 - Scientists more sure than ever that people cause global warming. A panel of leading scientists have concluded with 90% certainty that people are causing global warming. What can lawmakers and individuals do to about it? Guest Elizabeth Wilson, professor of energy and environmental policy and law at the University of Minnesota's Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs discusses the reports and climate change in general.
February 23, 2007 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports that researchers in Duluth say Lake Superior is quickly warming, even faster than the climate around the lake. They believe decreased lake ice over that last couple decades is behind the warming. With the water temperature change comes concerns over future impact for the local environment and lake species.
March 1, 2007 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher details the weather in Duluth as a second storm in week begins to pound the city. The storm is predicted to be particularly intense inland from Lake Superior, where the lake is expected to enhance both winds and snowfall.
March 2, 2007 - MPR’s Mark Steil talks with a stranded traveler and a state official about the dangers of whiteout conditions during blizzard in southern Minnesota.
March 2, 2007 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on how Twin Cities residents are reacting to the large snowfall to hit the metro. Schools closed, state workers stayed home, businesses hung signs saying they're closed for the day, and the University of Minnesota cancelled classes for the first time since September 11, 2001.
March 2, 2007 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer and Sea Stachura discuss areas in southern Minnesota that are dealing with massive amounts of snow after a storm dumped as much as 30 inches of snow. This was followed by a second storm bringing more snow and wind. The impact in cities of Winona, Albert Lea, and Mankato are highlighted.
April 27, 2007 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher looks at one of the impacts of extreme low water levels of Lake Superior. The lake is about 18 inches below normal, creating a problem for shippers who now must load lighter to avoid hitting bottom. It has also renewed frustration over the Federal Government's harbor dredging program.