January 6, 1999 - This January edition of Voices of Minnesota features MPR’s Dan Olson interviews with Dean Abrahamson, medical doctor and professor at University of Minnesota, and Eville Gorham, recently retired professor of ecology at University of Minnesota. Abrahamson discusses global warming, and its present and future impact on the Minnesota region. Gorham, who discovered the harmful influence of acid rain, discusses the past and current state of this pollution problem on the global environment.
January 6, 1999 -
January 6, 1999 - Experts say farm chemicals are the big source of Mississippi River pollution. But farmers point the finger right back at urban areas and say city dwellers need to do more to clean up their act. Tens of millions of dollars are being spent to upgrade the Twin Cities sewage treatment system to do just that. The goal is to remove phosphorous from sewage. Environmentalists applaud the action as a step in the right direction. But they say the Mississippi's health will improve only when more far reaching steps are taken to restore the river's ecology.
January 8, 1999 - Red McCombs, Minnesota Vikings owner, talks about Vikings highly successful season, the prospects for the Superbowl, and much more. McCombs also answered listener questions. After McCombs interview , MPR’s Michael Coo presents a brief report on the end of NBA labor dispute and lockout, and what the Minnesota Timberwolves are doing to mend relationship with fans. Program closes with Britt Robson, City Pages sports reporter, discussing the NBA settlement and creation of shortened season. Robson also answered listener questions.
January 8, 1999 - A deal reached between NBA players and team owners means the Minnesota Timberwolves should be back in action next month. The next few weeks will be busy ones as the franchise prepares for a season many thought would never materialize.
January 8, 1999 - Nearly fifty mushers and their sled dog teams will hit the trail in Duluth this Sunday, as the Sixteenth Annual Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon gets underway. The Beargrease has long been Minnesota's main mushing event, but this year the racing season has expanded. New races in Grand Portage and Hinckley attest to the sport's growing popularity, but also mean more competition for the Beargrease.
January 8, 1999 - Snow fall has done a lot to lift the spirits of Minnesota businesses dependent on winter activites like snowmobiling and skiing. Resorts, restaurants and service stations are welcoming back thousands of ski and snowmobile enthusiasts who had little chance to enjoy winter sports since the Spring of 1997. But for some businesses, snow may be too late.
January 11, 1999 - MPR's Mark Zdechlik interviews John Dasburg, Northwest Airline's CEO, who looks back on the company's labor problems in 1998 and looks ahead to some of the issues facing the airline in the future. After Dasburg interview, Jon Austin, NWA spokesman, talks with MPR’s Gary Eichten on issues affecting NWA, and answers listener questions.
January 11, 1999 - The snowmobile-stud ban enacted by the 98 legislature is likely to be repealed in 1999. The measure was meant to protect asphalt trails and roadways, which are damaged by carbide-tipped studs on some machines. Snowmobilers say the studs are important for safety, and moreover if they can't use them here, many will take their sleds and go somewhere else.
January 11, 1999 - As most Minnesotans know by now, The Minnesota Vikings have moved into the NFC title game after dumping the Arizona Cardinals 41-to-21 yesterday at the Metrodome. Randall Cunningham tossed three touchdowns. Robert Smith ran for 124 yards and his cohort Leroy Hoard scored three touchdowns. The Vikings host the Atlanta Falcons Sunday. After the game, the consensus was the Vikings have yet to play their best game, and football analyst Jeff Agrest, associate editor of Pro Football Weekly, says Minnesota's win over the Cardinals certainly wasn't turnover-free.