Articles

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Ethanol subsidies: A uniter among Midwest rivals?

Senate Democrats and Republicans agree on little these days, save for the fact that the sun rises and sets. (Although where it rises and sets still might be up for debate.) However, a group of Midwest senators agree on one thing: Subsidies for ethanol should be extended.

By Molly Priesmeyer . 15 June 2011
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Prototype delivers cooling and electricity from exhaust

One of the leading problems in energy use around the world today? Emissions that contribute to climate change? Nope. The waste of half or more of the energy produced by cars, factories and power plants.

By Jeff Kart . 14 June 2011
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For the ethanol industry, a delicate political balance

While the ethanol industry is moving toward a position that seems to accept an inevitable end to direct tax credits, its leaders continue to make the case for strong government support in other forms.

By Ken Paulman . 14 June 2011
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Signed, fracked over in the Midwest

It's not easy being sand these days--or a riverbed or prairie land or a forest. That's because new oil-sand processing and natural-gas fracking facilities are popping up like weeds in Canada and the Midwest, resulting in destruction of the land and serious environmental concerns.

By Molly Priesmeyer . 13 June 2011
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Oil sands on The Daily Show

The oil sands isn't a common topic in American media, so it came as a bit of a surprise to me that The Daily Show sent Wyatt Cenac to Alberta to do a segment on Canadian oil production.

By Ken Paulman . 10 June 2011
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A brief changing of the guard

A team of actual competent writers will be taking over the Highwire blog while your humble host is on vacation.

By Ken Paulman . 10 June 2011
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Does harvesting corn residue hurt soil health?

How is soil health affected by harvesting corn stover (leftover cobs, leaves, husks, and stalks) instead of leaving it on the field? The answer, it seems, depends on how much you harvest.

By Andy Pearson . 9 June 2011
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Those blasted bulbs

If you're at all like me, you've been searching for a smartphone app that will delight small children and enrage Tea Partiers all at the same time.

By Ken Paulman . 8 June 2011
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Oh, there's also the bus

A story on construction-related freeway traffic in the Twin Cities doesn't even consider that there are ways to get around besides driving.

By Ken Paulman . 7 June 2011
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Charging stations pop up at Midwest convenience stores

A convenience store chain is installing free electric vehicle charging stations at stores in three Midwest states. But will the stations – essentially standard household outlets with a sign attached – really make a difference?

By Kari Lydersen . 7 June 2011