August 16, 2007 - The Minneapolis city council is in the process of approving a set of principles they'd like to see incorporated into the planning and building of the new I-35W bridge. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports:
August 16, 2007 - Two more victims of the I-35W bridge collapse were identified today. Searchers recovered the bodies of 50-year-old Vera Peck of St. Anthony and 45-year-old Christina Sacorafas of White Bear Lake from two vehicles pulled out of the Mississippi River. As the recovery continues, the Minneapolis City Council is getting ready to weigh in on the conversation over rebuilding the bridge. The Minneapolis City Council is set to approve a set of principles it hopes will guide the reconstruction of the I-35W bridge. Council members debated the list today and Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams was there.
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.
August 9, 2007 - Minneapolis city officials say the city's emergency preparedness plan helped first responders know what to do and communicate with each other in the critical moments following the bridge collapse. That plan also includes a way for the city to protect itself from financial disaster. This is crucial for a city trying to follow a tight budget. As Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports the biggest expense so far has been for police overtime.
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.
May 15, 2007 - MPR's Brandt Williams reports on construction on the new Minnesota Twins ballpark begins in coming week when crews will begin ripping up asphalt from the old Rapid Park site in downtown Minneapolis. The Twins are scheduled to move in to their new home in 2010, leaving the Metrodome behind.
April 10, 2007 - The Minnesota Twins and Hennepin County took a major step forward towards construction on the new ballpark as the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners approved changes to an agreement between the team and the county, which will give the Twins a larger financial and legal role in the ballpark plan. County officials welcomed the changes and said they will likely set the stage for groundbreaking next month.
April 3, 2007 - MPR’s Brandt Willimas reports on the Minnesota Twins home opener against the Baltimore Orioles, in which the Twins won 7-4. Monday night at the Metrodome was also about honoring the memory of long-time radio announcer Herb Carneal, who died the day prior.
February 5, 2007 - Union janitors and their employers reached a tentative contract averting a possible strike. The 4200 janitors had threatened to walk out unless the new contract included affordable family health care coverage. Union officials say most of their members don't have health insurance because it's too expensive. They say the new contract will make it easier for janitors to obtain healthcare for their families. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.
February 2, 2007 - Talks resume today toward heading off a possible strike by more than 4,000 Twin Cities union janitors. The janitors are demanding their employers provide a more affordable health care option. The service contractors say they are offering the janitors an affordable health care option and a wage increase. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams has more.