December 26, 2006 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports that the level of Lake Superior recently hit an all time low - at least in recorded history. That's making trouble for boaters, and especially for the big ore freighters. An extended drought and a warming lake are reasons behind the drop in water level.
January 17, 2007 - All Things Considered’s Tom Crann interviews Dr. Jon Hallberg, a physician in family medicine at the University of Minnesota, about health issues found in orchestral musicians. Hallberg travels with The Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra as the tour physician on their European tour.
February 12, 2007 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports on potential Great Lakes Compact, a binding document between the eight Great Lakes states to adopt uniform state laws regulating water withdrawals. Minnesota laws are already stricter than possible compact.
February 23, 2007 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher reports that researchers in Duluth say Lake Superior is quickly warming, even faster than the climate around the lake. They believe decreased lake ice over that last couple decades is behind the warming. With the water temperature change comes concerns over future impact for the local environment and lake species.
February 26, 2007 - MPR’s Stephanie Hemphill reports that commercial fishermen along the North Shore of Lake Superior could be allowed to bring more lake trout to market. A bill addressing the issue received a first hearing. Commercial trout fishing has been essentially banned on Lake Superior since the 1960s.
April 27, 2007 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher looks at one of the impacts of extreme low water levels of Lake Superior. The lake is about 18 inches below normal, creating a problem for shippers who now must load lighter to avoid hitting bottom. It has also renewed frustration over the Federal Government's harbor dredging program.
May 18, 2007 - MPR's Karl Gehrke reports that the personal stories of several Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity homeowners have been turned into songs for Minnesota Chorale "Sing Me a Home" concert. The performance is part of the chorale's outreach program called "Bridges."
August 1, 2007 - The are certain moments in time that people can reflect exactly where they were when it happened (i.e.- Challenger disaster, 9/11 terrorist attack). For many Minnesotans, the collapse of 35W bridge in Minneapolis is one of those moments.
September 3, 2007 - Lake Superior is known for its pristine water, but one oil spill could ruin all that. U.S. Coast Guard cutters, like the Duluth-based Alder, carry first response equipment in case of a major oil spill. The Alder crew was practicing the system on the big lake and MPR's Bob Kelleher went along to see how it's done.
September 13, 2007 - Ramadan's daylight fasting restrictions can represent a particular sacrifice to Muslims in Minnesota because of our northern latitude.