June 13, 1997 - When President Clinton declared major portions of Minnesota and North Dakota disaster areas two months ago, hundreds of federal disaster assistance employees poured into the flood stricken areas from all over the country. Their job was to help the thousands of flood victims with everything from temporary housing to unemployment to small business loans. Almost a quarter of a billion dollars of federal assistance has already been funneled to flood relief in Minnesota and North Dakota. In addition to writing the checks, disaster assistance employees have served up reassurance and compassion to people who feel like they've lost everything. Rachel Reabe of our Mainstreet Radio team prepared this profile of a federal worker assigned to the flood relief effort in East Grand Forks.
June 14, 1997 - Tomorrow is Father's Day, but TODAY hundreds of dads are gathering near the Minneapolis Stone Arch Bridge to take part in the "Dad's of Destiny Father's Walk for Peace." The 1-point-8 mile walk along the Mississippi starts at 10:00 this morning. Lamarr Scott is the Project Director for the Dad's of Destiny Walk...he's also involved with "Urban Ventures Center for Fathering." Scott says today's walk is a time for father's to get support.
June 14, 1997 - MPR’s Greta Cunningham interviews Phil Gotsch and Scott Wolter, two ‘rockhounds’ who discuss their fascination with Lake Superior agates, which are among the oldest and most colorful agates in the world.
June 15, 1997 - The Minnesota Twins defeated the Astros 8-to-1 in Houston last night. Twins owner Carl Pohlad has the go-ahead to start shopping his team to other cities. This week Baseball owners gave Pohlad their approval to possibly move the team to another city. This move gives the Twins more leverage in their negotiations with state lawmakers over funding for a new stadium. Weekend Edition Sports Commentator Jay Weiner attended the baseball talks in Philidelphia this week.
June 16, 1997 - About 8500 students returned to their classrooms today in the Minneapolis school district. Minneapolis public schools expect up to 10,000 students in this year's summer school, ten times larger than past years. The unprecedented effort is aimed at those students not passing basic skills tests. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.
June 16, 1997 - Nils Hasselmo had to rely on his parents in Sweden for part of his education. They used correspondence courses to teach him at home for a time in junior high because there was no school in the village. This month he finishes his job as president of the University of Minnesota to return to his work as professor. Today on our Voices of Minnesota interview Hasselmo talks about his Swedish roots and his University experiences.
June 17, 1997 - High school students from throughout the nation are in Minnesota this week arguing the merits of abortion, gay marriages and other controversial issues. The National High School Speech and Debate Tournament runs through Friday at sites in Bloomington and Minneapolis. There are 14 events in the tournament including Lincoln-Douglas Debates, Original Oratory and Dramatic Interpretation. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire observed the Student Congress event and filed this report.
June 17, 1997 - The Duluth School Board decides today whether municipal buses should continue transporting some of the district's students.The death last winter of a young girl has raised parents' fears that Duluth Transit Authority buses aren't as safe as conventional school buses. City officials say municipal buses are safe, and the loss of the transportation contract would force a reduction in public bus service in Duluth and nearby Superior, Wisconsin. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports from Duluth.
June 17, 1997 - A solar-powered car using the same amount of power as a hair-dryer, but capable of breaking the speed limit on the open highway, is ready to hit the road. "Aurora 3" is the solar car built by University of Minnesota students to compete against solar cars from other schools in Sunrace '97, the cross-country contest which begins in Indianapolis tomorrow. Minnesota Public Radio's Euan Kerr went along to watch preparations before the team left Minnesota.
June 18, 1997 - Governor Carlson says he's bringing the Legislature back for a special session on funding K-12 education, even though he and the Democrats say they haven't resolved the deadlock left over after the Legislature adjourned last month. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin kaste reports.