Monday, February 17

The U-S Department of Agriculture will save billions of dollars as millions of acres of land return to production. The Freedom to Farm legislation passed last year requires millions of acres to be removed from the Conservation Reserve program. The program was established in the mid-80's to protect land from wind and water erosion and to help farmers through tough times. As ten year contracts begin to expire farmers are forced to decide if they're eligible to renew for another decade of guaranteed payments or if they'll farm the land and take advantage of higher prices for crops. Minnesota Public Radio's Cara Hetland talked to two Lincoln county farmers about their plans.

It's been anything but smooth sailing for the stadium financing plan the Minnesota Twins announced a month ago. Negative public reaction and a poor political reception at the state capitol have forced stadium supporters to reconsider their proposal to exchange team equity for a publicly financed ballpark. But if a new stadium is down...history suggests the idea definitely isn't out cold. The experience of several other states suggests stadium deals can overcome long odds to survive. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Wareham reports on two such stadium deals.

This time of year one might envy Roseville resident Cindy Herman. Herman is spending her winter in sunny climes aboard a cruise ship, and she's getting paid for it. Herman is the only woman drummer for a cruise line. As part of our Odd Jobs series, Mary Stucky visited with Herman recently while she was spending a few days off here at home. Herman says she got her start in the Roseville school music program.

In today's Future Tense John Gordon looks at the Worldwide Web on TV.

Blue Earth County Educator Kent Theisse discusses the new CRP rules which maintain the number of acres in the Conservation Reserve Program, seemingly reversing the direction of the Freedom to Farm Act.

Lobbyist Barry Tilly discusses the Session to date: Stadium, welfare, LRT...

Tuesday, February 18

On today's Future Tense, Jon Gordon reports on the world telecommunication pact...what it means to you.

On its rail lines across the country, Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railroad plans to increase train speeds through towns to sixty miles an hour. Many towns and cities now have ordinances limiting train speeds, but the Federal Railroad Administration has given Burlington Northern Sante Fe the okay to increase speeds. Some North Dakota communities are trying to put the brakes on the plan. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Gunderson reports.

A reporter for "US News and World Report" discusses the situation with the American Airlines pilots and what the implications are for the airline industry as a whole.

Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher discusses the Voyageurs mediation talks which resume today.

February 19, 1997

Mediators trying to write new a management plan for Voyageurs National Park have again found themselves stuck on an old issue: the use of snowmobiles within the Park. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports from Duluth.

A panel of state lawmakers has recommended schools administrator Dave Metzen join the University of Minnesota's Board of Regents -- DESPITE allegations of sexism in the candidate selection process. Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports.

On today's Future Tense John Gordon reports oninternet 2: the next generation.

MANY PEOPLE ARE PRETTY SICK OF WINTER BY NOW. BUT AT LEAST ONE GROUP WILL BE SORRY TO SEE IT END. THE "COURAGE ALPINE SKI PROGRAM" HAS CHANGED THE LIVES OF MANY DISABLED PEOPLE WHO USED TO DREAD WINTER. MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO'S KATHLEEN HALLINAN TAKES A LOOK AT THE NEARLY 30 YEAR OLD PROGRAM THAT STARTED IN SOUTHEASTERN MINNESOTA.

University of Minnesota Economist Steve Taff discusses his study of farm land prices which have been rising.

University of Minnesota Medical School Professor discusses the U's decision to incorporate alternative medicine into its curriculum.

Thursday, February 20

A huge piece of countryside south of the Twin Cities near Rosemount has been off limits to development for fifty years. The owner - the University of Minnesota - says it may be interested in selling off a portion of the property. Some neighbors worry urban development moving south from the Twin Cities will overrun a portion of the land. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson has more.

On Today's Future Tense John Gordon reports on the future ... and the past ... of the internet.

Former MPR Producer Nancy Cole who now works for China Radio International in Beijing gives us a first hand perspective on the reaction to the death of Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping.

A student and professor from St. Olaf College discuss their recent trip to Cuba as part of one of the first study groups to visit that country.

Friday, February 21

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