Monday, July 21

It's been a rough July for dozens of Minneapolis residents who's homes and property have been damaged by three major storms this month. Residents had a chance to tell their story to city officials last night at a public meeting in north Minneapolis, and officials plan to approach the state for help. And, just like residents in other parts of the state struck by floods this spring, some Minneapolitans are learning lessons about flood insurance. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts reports.

More than 600 pre-school children are attending Learning Readiness classes this summer in Saint Paul, twice the enrollment of last summer. Learning Readiness is a statewide initiative to help prepare four and five year old children for kindergarten. The Saint Paul district expanded its program this summer, targeting low-income children who have not been in other early childhood programs and those with limited English skills. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports. Mark Stutrud, President and head brewer of the Summit Brewing Company, discusses today's groundbreaking on a new brewery in St. Paul. The 9-million-dollar building will nearly double the company's brewing capacity.

Naturalist Kathy Heidel leads us back into the woods to see some duckweed.

Chris Farrell previews the week ahead on Wall Street.

Tuesday, July 22

Homeowners around Devils Lake in North Dakota are anxiously watching the water rise, threatening their lakeside homes. In the past four years, Devils Lake, which has no natural outlet, has risen 17 feet. It has already forced a hundred residents to literally move house, or in some cases, burn their homes to the ground. Minnesota public radio's Hope Deutscher reports.

A memorial service for former Olympic hockey coach Dave Peterson will be held at one o'clock this afternoon in Minneapolis. Peterson died Thursday in Colorado Springs of complications from heart surgery. He is survived by his wife Janice and four daughters. Peterson coached the United States in the 1988 and 1992 Winter Olympics. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Wareham reports on Peterson's career.

Forecaster Dan Efferts of the National Weather Service discusses the heavy rain and potential for flooding.

MNDOT Spokesman Vic Bremer discusses traffic problems being caused by the flooding. The biggest problem is 494 at 169 which is closed.

Wednesday, July 23

Emily's List founder and President, Ellen Malcolm chats with MPR's Karen Louise Boothe about the organization's past, present and future.

Barry Wendt, CEO of Edina-based SAC Technologies, discusses his company's digital fingerprint ID technology that could replace passwords and access cards as the preferred method of personal identification.

Vergil Peterson, a senior investigator with the Minnesota Department of Commerce, discusses what flood damage is covered (not much) and what isn't (a lot) by home owners policies and even federal flood insurance.

Thursday, July 24

A new record label in Minneapolis is hoping to become the home of traditional Scandanavian music in North America. Founders of Northside Records say the traditional folk music and fiddle tunes of Sweden, Norway and Finland are becoming the hottest thing going in world music circles. The resurgence is being fueled by young Scandanavian musicians. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Roberts reports.

Chisago County Attorney Jim Reuter discusses the death of Andrew Cunanan.

Friday, July 25

NWS forecaster Dan Efferts discusses the latest bout of rain and flooding and how much more we can expect.

Meteorologist Mark Seeley on rain, El Nino, record chillines, etc.

Tom Griffin of the Minnesota Institute of Public Health is Project Director of the evaluation of the DARE program. He discusses the results of the study.

Woody Love is on the board of the Minnehaha Creek Watershed district which covers 181 square miles including Minneapolis. He discusses flooding.

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