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.
August 15, 2007 - The long bridges between Duluth and Superior, Wisconsin are getting safety inspections. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.
August 15, 2007 - Two high profile bridges span the St. Louis River and the Duluth harbor; connecting that city with Superior, Wisconsin. Each year one of those bridges gets a routine safety examination. But in the wake of the I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis two weeks ago, both get a look this summer. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher joined a Wisconsin inspector on a nearby bridge in Superior to learn what the experts look for. Every bridge has a personality, and this one is pretty tame. It's an overpass bridge, built in 1962, to carry Highway 53 over a city street. It's called a deck girder bridge, considered a strong and reliable design, with redundant support if something should fail. Inspector Allan Bjorklund looked for problems during an unofficial inspection. He shows how a routine inspection works.
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.
March 1, 2007 - MPR’s Bob Kelleher details the weather in Duluth as a second storm in week begins to pound the city. The storm is predicted to be particularly intense inland from Lake Superior, where the lake is expected to enhance both winds and snowfall.
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 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.
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.
November 10, 2006 - If you've been to a Vikings game, you've heard it. Before every Vikings kick off, "Welcome to the Jungle," by Guns 'n Roses echoes throughout the Metrodome. A resident of Duluth says there's a far more appropriate song. He says "Immigrant Song," by Led Zeppelin, which is about Vikings, should replace the current anthem.
February 13, 2006 - Governor Tim Pawlenty has changed his mind and says he's now ready to support plans to expand Duluth's convention center. Pawlenty had rejected the project from his initial bonding bill recommendations, saying he was concerned about Duluth's financial health, because of its outstanding retiree health care obligations. Minnesota Public Radio's Bob Kelleher reports.