Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Memorial Service 1 year after I-35W bridge collapse
  Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Mayor R. T. Rybak and local religious leaders speak in observance of the 1 year anniversary of the I-35W bridge collapse. From the Basilica of St. Mary in downtown Minneapolis, an hour of songs, prayers and reflection.4:44 p.m.
• Mother and son recall their response to bridge collapse
  Two people who remember the bridge collapse vividly are Julie Schwartz and her 19-year-old son, Alex. They were among the first of dozens of ordinary people who rushed to the scene of the 35W bridge collapse and started helping the victims. They spoke with MPR's Tom Crann.4:50 p.m.
• NTSB: Minn. crash cockpit recorder in good shape
  The cockpit voice recorder from a business jet crash that killed eight people was recovered in good condition, federal investigators said Friday.5:15 p.m.
• NTSB closer to answering why the bridge went down
  The National Transportation Safety Board grows closer to completing its investigation on the bridge collapse. Under-sized gusset plates and corrosion appear to be two factors.5:21 p.m.
• In the shadow of the new bridge
  When the I-35W bridge fell, it severed a major traffic artery through Minneapolis. The detours and bridge construction have brought noise, spectators and traffic bottlenecks to the immediate area.5:25 p.m.
• Officer: Franco was in drivers' seat after crash
  Testimony in the trial of Olga Franco got underway in Willmar on Thursday.5:50 p.m.
• 1,000 gather in Mpls. to mourn bridge collapse
  Memorial services are being held throughout the day today to remember the 13 people who died and the more than 100 who were injured when the I-35W bridge collapsed into the Mississippi River last year on Aug. 1, 2007.5:53 p.m.
• Slideshow: Remembering Aug 1, 2007
  The I-35W bridge collapsed on Aug. 1, 2007, just after 6 p.m. MPR's Tom Crann led our radio coverage that evening, as dramatic photos and stories of escape and rescue began pouring in.6:04 p.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Obama On Energy Rebates And The 'Race Card'
  Barack Obama proposed a new "emergency economic plan" on Friday that would give consumers $1,000 rebates to help them cover rising energy costs. Obama spoke about this plan — and the recent spate of attacks from his Republican rival, John McCain –- with NPR's Michele Norris.
• States Still Struggle With Bridge Upkeep
  In the year since the Minneapolis I-35W bridge collapsed, states appear to be aggressively inspecting bridges to locate problems. But some experts say not enough is being done to fund the maintenance of the nation's aging and crumbling bridges.
• Nation Beat: American South Vs. South America
  American and Brazilian musicians have been finding common ground ever since jazz artists turned to bossa nova 50 years ago. But the result has never quite sounded like Nation Beat's mash-up of Southern country and northeast Brazilian maracatu.
• Experts Weigh Obama Windfall Profits Proposal
  The Washington Post's E.J. Dionne says Barack Obama's call for a windfall profit tax on oil firms is an answer to the GOP's emphasis on offshore drilling. David Brooks of The New York Times says though a windfall tax may be good politics, it's bad economics.
• Dionne, Brooks Discuss Presidential Politics
  David Brooks of The New York Times says there is no good evidence of whether Barack Obama's race will be a factor in the campaign until Election Day. E.J. Dionne of The Washington Post says John McCain's campaign has turned nasty.
• July Unemployment At Four-Year High
  The Labor Department says the nation's unemployment rate climbed to a four-year high of 5.7 percent in July. Employers cut 51,000 jobs, less than the 72,000 jobs economists had predicted. July's cuts mark the seventh straight month employers slashed jobs.
• The Digital Divide Between McCain And Obama
  Presidential candidates John McCain and Barack Obama use technology in very different ways. Obama is an avid BlackBerry user; McCain favors his Motorola Razr phone and says he rarely uses e-mail or the Internet.
• McCain's Technology Outlook
  John McCain may not use e-mail or the Internet very much, but adviser Michael Powell says he has an understanding of technology from serving as chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Technology. He envisions technology solutions for education, health care, homeland security and other issues.
• Obama's Technology Outlook
  Barack Obama is no stranger to the Internet. He supports the creation of a chief technology officer for the U.S., who would help integrate technological solutions and ideas. Obama also wants to ensure access to technology in rural areas.
• Senators' Plan Would Allow Some Offshore Drilling
  A group of bipartisan senators proposed offshore drilling in some areas if states agree, and a major push over the next 20 years for vehicles to use alternative fuels. It would be paid for by taking away tax breaks from oil companies.

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