Monday, June 30

On Future Tense, the growing problem of junk email.

The unemployment rate in Minnesota is about three percent. That's lower than its been in decades, and many businesses are finding their biggest challenge is filling job openings. Some say they're having to turn away potential customers because they don't have enough employees to get the job done. Demographers have been warning of the shortage for several years. They say there aren't enough people entering the workforce to replace retiring baby boomers and they say it's a situation that's NOT going to change anytime soon. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.

Naturalist Kathy Heidel leads exploration walks at the Lowry Nature Center. She discusses wrens during a walk through the Carver Park Reserve.

A state fair Midway ride couldn't provide more ups, downs, chills and thrills than the financial markets last week. Mn Public Radio's Chris Farrell has some observations on what caused all the ruckus.

State Hydrologist Gary Mcdevitt discusses potential flooding after a rainy weekend.

Tuesday, July 1

Mark Yudof takes over as president of the University of Minnesota today...replacing Nils Hasselmo, who's held the post since 1989. As Minnesota Public Radio's Martin Kaste reports, the controversy-scarred university is looking forward to a fresh start.

On Future Tense: high-tech corporate espionage.

Susan Haigh, the Chair of the Ramsey County Board of Commissioners, discusses the impact of changes in welfare that take effect today.

Dan Efferts, a forecaster for the National Weather Service, discusses the potential for some very serious weather this afternoon.

Wednesday, July 2

On Future Tense an interview with the new chairman of the Minnesota Software Association.

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.

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. The train ride was one of several demonstration trips travelling between Minneapolis and St. Cloud. As Minnesota Public Radio's Gretchen Lehmann reports, riders are eager to see if commuter rail may be the answer to easier travel in and out of the Twin Cities.

Donna Lindberg, spokesperson for MNDOT talks about roads that were closed after getting washed out by last night's storm.

Blue Earth County Extension Agent Kent Theise discusses the impact of the recent weather on farmers in southern Minnesota.

Thursday, July 3

On Future Tense: big plans for internet kiosks.

Democratic U.S.Senator Paul Wellstone has finished the two day Minnesota leg of his nationwide poverty tour. Earlier this week, he toured poverty stricken neighborhoods of south Minneapolis. Yesterday, he was in 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.

Sharon Gehrman-Driscoll of MADD discusses a new study that shows drunk drivers aren't being fined as much as the Legislature has stipulated.

Larry Buegler, co-chair of the Leroy Nieman Museum organization, reacts to Nieman's decision to withdraw his support of the museum after columnist Katherine Lanpher wrote that his art "stinks."

Friday, July 4

On Future Tense more on internet kiosks.

U of M Food Science prof Ted Labuza explains how you can get cancer from your Weber.

Dr. John Conkling, Executive Director of the American Pyrotechnics Association, discusses the latest in fireworks technology.

Meterologist Mark Seeley talks about Tuesday's storm, the record-setting cold spell and the holiday weekend forecast.

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