August 10, 2007 - St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman says there are encouraging signs that state government will spend what's needed to replace two aging bridges in the city. The Cayuga (ky-YOO-gah) bridge is still in daily use even though it was supposed to be replaced three years ago. St. Paul's Lafayette Bridge is scheduled for replacement in 2011. But, Coleman says that's too long to wait. The 39-year-old bridge has a history of structural problems similar to those found in inspections of the now collapsed I-35W bridge. Coleman says he's been in touch with Governor Pawlenty about the timetable for replacing the bridges...
August 10, 2007 - The French hold the playwright Moliere in the high esteem the English-speaking world reserves for Shakespeare. As with the Bard of Avon, there is mystery about Moliere's life. In 1644, when Moliere was a struggling actor, the authorities threw him into debtors prison. On his release, he disappeared for six months. After resurfacing, he led his company on a 13-year tour that made him famous, and earned him a place at the French court. When French film director Laurant Tirard heard this story, it got him thinking.
August 13, 2007 - As part of the series “Songs from Scratch,” MPR’s Nikki Tundel profiles Stephen Burt, a poet turned lyricist. Burt shares thoughts on writing lyrics and how they interact with the music.
August 13, 2007 - MPR’s Tom Crann interviews Art Blakey, chief of police at the Minnesota State Fair, about the damage assesment after a storm wreaked havoc on the fairgrounds, knocking down trees, damaging concession booths, and tearing off part of the Grandstand.
August 13, 2007 - Cultural change begins in small ways. Some Hmong women in St. Paul are starting with themselves. MPR's Roseanne Pereira reports on The Hmong Women Leadership Institute, which works to foster leadership skills in young Hmong women. It’s a small, but impactful, change to centuries' old Hmong social order.
August 14, 2007 - As part of the series “Songs from Scratch,” MPR reporters Sanden Totten, Larissa Anderson, and Chris Roberts get first reactions from three bands as they get the lyrics from writer Stephen Burt, and begin shaping his words into songs.
August 14, 2007 - Former Minnesota transportation commissioner Elwyn Tinklenberg provides analysis of the jockeying around the design of the new 35W bridge. He served under Governor Ventura and now runs a transportation consulting firm.
August 15, 2007 - As part of the series “Songs from Scratch,” MPR reporters Sanden Totten, Larissa Anderson, and Chris Roberts check in with our three bands as they try to turn the words of Stephen Burt into songs.
August 15, 2007 - Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak gives his pre-budget address to the City Council. He had planned to give it earlier, but the I-35W bridge collapse and its aftermath postponed it until now.
August 15, 2007 - MPR’s Brandt Williams reports on preview of the coming budget from Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. The city of Minneapolis will put more money into maintenance and repair of bridges and roads in the coming year, according to Mayor R.T Rybak. Rybak was due to deliver his 2008 budget, but the collapse of the I-35W bridge delayed that plan. The bridge disaster also forced Rybak to shift budget priorities and to plan for more money in public works.