July 2, 1997 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on the clean-up effort underway in Monticello. A major storm front carved a 15-mile path of destruction through Wright County, downing trees and power lines.
July 2, 1997 - It was a bit of nostalgia and a bit of wide-eyed curiosity for the people who got the chance to try out a commuter train yesterday (TUESDAY). The train ride was one of several demonstration trips travelling between Minneapolis and St. Cloud. As Minnesota Public Radio's Gretchen Lehmann (lay-mun) reports, riders are eager to see if commuter rail may be the answer to easier travel in and out of the Twin Cities.
July 2, 1997 - A private, non-profit group is rebuilding houses on a rundown block in Minneapolis' Phillips neighborhood. The St. Joseph's HOPE Community has rehabilitated 8 buildings, built a playground and a community center. Much of the work is being done by volunteers and most of the financing is from donations. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
July 3, 1997 - Midday’s Gary Eichten talks with Mark Yudof, the new University of Minnesota president. Topics include bringing unity to campus, undergraduate programs, finances, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. He also answers listener call-in questions.
July 3, 1997 - Aitkin Democratic U.S.Senator Paul Wellstone finished the two-day Minnesota leg of his nationwide poverty tour. Earlier this week, he toured poverty stricken neighborhoods of south Minneapolis and then it was off to Aitkin County, where Wellstone says poverty might be more HIDDEN but is no less severe. Minnesota Public Radio's Karen-Louise Boothe travelled with Wellstone, and has this report. In Minnesota, those who live their lives on the social and economic edge can sometimes escape the gaze of community leaders, elected officials...and even neighbors. The invisibility of rural poverty is perhaps partly due to the fact that when SOME think of poverty...the mind's eye is averted to the depression era imagery captured by photographer, dorthea lange. The gaunt faces that haunt her black and white stills are what we of
July 3, 1997 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports that local officials expect cleanup from the July 1st storm to last weeks, as several of the city's schools sustained heavy damage. One of the most damaged was Edison High School in Northeast community of Minneapolis.
July 4, 1997 - State Senate Majority Leader Roger Moe will become the latest white Minnesotan to be adopted by the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians on Saturday. Like several others prominent Minnesota politicians before him, Moe will become an honorary member of the band. Red Lake leaders say they feel a real sense of friendship and kinship with Moe and the other white people who've been adopted by the tribe. Minnesota Public Radio's Christina Koenig (KAY-nig) reports.
July 5, 1997 - It was the bite felt 'round the world. You've probably seen the gruesome video of boxer Mike Tyson taking bites out Evander Holyfield's ears. Mike Tyson is under temporary suspension from the Nevada State Athletic Commission and faces a more permanent ban when the commission meets next week.
July 9, 1997 - Midday discusses the lawsuits against tobacco companies with Minnesota Attorney General Skip Humphrey. Listeners call in with questions.
July 9, 1997 - self-contained In the early 1800's, folk historians swept through the Finnish hinterland. What they collected ended up in the epic Kalevala (KAH-lay-vah-luh). It includes the story of a young girl who evades marriage to a 9-hundred year old magician by turning herself into a salmon. MUSIC UP