June 9, 1998 - With President Clinton's signature now affixed to the massive transportation bill, two Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness portages become mechanized. Motor vehicles such as trucks will be allowed to pull boats across the narrow forest paths between fishing lakes. Now the US Forest Service will have to determine just how to allow trucks back on the portages and who will get to operate them.
June 10, 1998 - MPR's Lynette Nyman reports from Owatonna, where there are fights breaking out between some of the new and the old residents. That includes clashes against Somali members of the community.
June 10, 1998 - Former Commerce Commissioner Mike Hatch says the state should hold hearings on the Norwest bank merger. Hatch, who is running for attorney general, says state officials should be alarmed with the bank's merger with California-based Wells Fargo but he acknowledges there's little the state can do legally to stop the merger. Losing a major corporate headquarters always hurts a city's pride and loosens the philanthropic bonds between a company and the local community. Hurt feelings aside, the economic question that matters is what does this move mean for Minnesota business? Will it be harder to borrow the money they need to expand? Will job growth suffer? Will entrepreneur dreams go unfunded? Minnesota Public Radios Chris Farrell reports.
June 11, 1998 - About forty percent of Minnesota's third and fifth graders are on track to pass the state's new graduation requirements. The Department of Children, Families and Learning today announced test scores for elementary students as part of Minnesotasota's graduation rule that requires periodic testing to ensure students will possess the skills to graduate. Third graders were tested on reading and math, and fifth graders had an additional section on writing. Kate Trewick, the assistant Commissioner for teaching and learning at CFL says the test results will be used as a starting point to chart progress.
June 19, 1998 - Gary Eichten broadcasts from the Republican state convention at Target Center in Minneapolis. Program features interviews with the candidates for Governor, the endorsed candidate for Attorney General, reports from the floor of the convention, and the views of MPR political commentators Bob Meek, Tom Horner, Sarah Stoesz, and Sarah Janacek. Commentators also answer listener questions.
June 19, 1998 - Gary Eichten continues broadcast from the Republican state convention at Target Center in Minneapolis. Program features reports from the floor of the convention, and the views of MPR political commentators Bob Meek, Tom Horner, Sarah Stoesz, and Sarah Janacek. Commentators also answer listener questions. Program ends with official opening of convention, and speech from Minority House Speaker Steve Sviggum.
June 23, 1998 - Richard Bohr, Professor of Asian History at both the College of St. Benedict and St. John's University, former President of the Midwest China Center, and former Executive Director of the Minnesota World Trade Office, shares his observations from a trip to China to observe the preparations for President Clinton trip. Topics include human rights issues, Taiwan, and Asian economic crisis. Bohr also answers listener questions. Program begins with a report on current Chinese/U.S. relations.
June 29, 1998 - MPR’s Laura McCallum reports on another round of June thunderstorms pounding the Twin Cities. Storms rumbled through the state on June 27th and 28th, damaging homes, trees, and power lines. The Saturday storm brought down trees in St. Paul’s historic Summit neighborhood.
June 29, 1998 - MPR’s Art Hughes reports on multiple storms causing havoc in southeastern Minnesota. An uncommon weather scenario flooded homes and roads in a weekend filled with heavy rains, high winds and rapid-fire lightning in southeast Minnesota.
July 3, 1998 - As part of the country’s 222nd birthday celebration, this program focuses on listener commentary on America, freedom, and what it means. Midday host Gary Eichten talks with callers, many of which are new immigrants.