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.
April 30, 2007 -
May 12, 2007 - Minnesota is set to become the twentieth state in the nation to have a statewide smoking ban. Early this morning, the Minnesota House passed a bill that would ban smoking in all bars and restaurants across the state. Governor Pawlenty says he'll sign it. The bill's passage comes after a day of doubt about whether there were enough votes to get it to Governor Pawlenty's desk. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports..
May 30, 2007 - St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman is criticizing Governor Tim Pawlenty's plans to veto a tax bill that includes millions of dollars in funding for St. Paul and many other Minnesota cities. Coleman says the governor won't have to face any of the tough decisions his veto will force city officials to confront, such as laying off police officers. But the Governor has not waivered from his pledge to veto the bill. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
June 18, 2007 - MPR’s Curtis Gilbert share a bizarre adventure which starts with having his car stolen…and ends at a do-it-yourself slaughterhouse. Gilbert investigates the police discovery of live chickens found in the trunk of his stolen car, and how they got there.
July 9, 2007 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports on lead poisoning concerns in toys from China. Minnesota's Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar says the federal agency in charge of protecting consumers needs to get tougher on toy manufacturers. And to do that, it needs tougher laws and more money to hire inspectors. Klobuchar held a forum this morning in Minnetonka on unsafe toys imported from China.
August 2, 2007 - When it comes to commerce, three modes of travel are affected by this bridge collapse - truck, barge and train. Minnesota Public Radio's Michael Caputo took a look at how the shipment of goods and services will slow down - and whether it will slow down the economy.
August 3, 2007 - *For Fri M.E.* Gov. Tim Pawlenty has ordered an immediate inspection of all Minnesota bridges that have a design like the one that collapsed. Federal officials have also alerted states to immediately inspect all bridges similar to the I-35W bridge. Meanwhile, National Transportation Safety Board investigators say they have a strong chance of determining why Minnesota's busiest bridge fell. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports:
August 4, 2007 - Officials with the National Transportation Safety Board say the investigation into the collapse of the I-35W bridge has taken a step forward. Investigators have discovered that the southern end of the bridge shifted 50 feet to the east while the rest of it fell in place. Officials say that fact appears significant, but they're also cautioning that there is still much work left before they know the cause of the collapse. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
August 4, 2007 - Divers continued searching the Mississippi River today for victims of Wedneday's bridge collapse. The divers' work took place in treacherous conditions amid the rubble of the former bridge. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Steil has the latest on the search.