April 11, 2007 - The City of Minneapolis is restructuring its revolving loan fund program to accommodate Muslim business owners. The program offers low-interest loans to small business owners whose ventures would help revitalize targeted areas of the city.
April 16, 2007 - The Metropolitan Airports Commission today beefed up penalties for cab drivers who decline to serve a customer. The Commission was responding to passenger complaints about Muslim cab drivers refusing to serve passengers carrying alcohol. The MAC says there have been nearly 5,000 cases since 2002 in which a cab driver refused to transport a customer who had or was suspected of having alcohol. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
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 - Nick Mancini, founder of St. Paul institution Mancini's Char House and Vegas Lounge, passed away at the age of 80. Over the years, his steaks and hospitality would make the restaurant a popular destination for politicians, athletes, and many loyal customers…one of whom is MPR's own Gary Eichten, who remembers how Mancini had a knack for keeping his customers happy.
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.