September 5, 2007 - The U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee held hearings today to figure out how to fix the nation's "structurally deficient bridges". After the I-35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis at the beginning of last month, both Congress and the transportation department have been focusing more of their attention on these vital, aging structures. U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Mary Peters provided testimony today. While she does not like the way bridges are getting classified, she says her department has not been neglecting them. Report also includes comments from U.S. Congressman Oberstar and Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak.
September 13, 2007 - Hundreds of people who assisted at the 35-W bridge collapse site are guests of honor at a special ceremony in downtown Minneapolis this evening. Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak, Police Chief Tim Dolan, and Fire Chief James Clack and others will offer their thanks in person this morning to the many first responders who helped during the 35-W Bridge collapse. Hennepin County Sheriff Rich Stanek says today's events are a good-will gesture by the businesses and citizens of the city and state.
September 20, 2007 - Excerpt of U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar speaking at Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing regarding 35W bridge collapse.
September 20, 2007 - Excerpt of U.S. Senator Norm Coleman speaking at Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works hearing regarding 35W bridge collapse. Both of Minnesota's U.S. Senators took part in a hearing on Capitol Hill today to urge quick action on bridges in need of repair or replacement. Republican Norm Coleman and Democrat Amy Klobuchar testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The oversight hearing was called in the wake of the collapse of the 35W bridge in Minneapolis. Coleman says he and Michigan Democrat Carl Levin, have asked the non-partisan Government Accountability Office to do a review of the national bridge program.
October 19, 2007 - On this Midmorning program, MPR’s Kerri Miller talks with Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak about the politics of the funding and design of the I-35W bridge replacement. He also talks about the new settlement on reducing airport noise for some homeowners, one that took years to achieve, and answers listener questions.
May 26, 2008 - MPR’s William Wilcoxen reports from Hugo, where a severe storm struck the city on May 25th. Wilcoxen interviews residents on what they saw and experienced as intense wind and hail battered their homes.
May 30, 2008 - MPR’s Tom Weber provides an intimate perspective while visiting Hugo, Minnesota in the aftermath of a tornado. It's a painful, difficult week for people in the St. Paul suburb.
August 1, 2008 - A Midday MPR Special coverage program of memorial service, one year after I-35W bridge collapse. From the Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis, Tim Pawlenty, governor of Minnesota; R. T. Rybak, mayor of Minneapolis; Sally Dyck, United Methodist Church Bishop and president of the Minnesota Council of Churches; and Father John Bauer, co-pastor of Basilica of St. Mary speak in observance of the one-year anniversary of the I-35W bridge collapse. Hour long service also includes songs, prayers and reflection.
November 27, 2008 - Curt Brown discusses his book “So Terrible a Storm: A Tale of Fury on Lake Superior,” which chronicles The Great Storm of 1905, also known as Mataafa Storm of 1905. The cyclone storm brought death and destruction for those on Lake Superior during the intense weather event.
June 18, 2010 - MPR’s Tim Nelson reports on the damage, death, and havoc left behind after tornadoes struck areas of southern Minnesota. The severe weather knocked out power and devastated a handful of farms near Albert Lea. For some, their livelihoods were all but wiped out by the storm.