Minnesota Public Radio Stories

• Who will pay when the lawsuits begin?
  Some metro area attorneys say families of the I-35W bridge victims have approached them about filing lawsuits. Whether victims can obtain compensation will depend largely on which entity is found to be at fault for the bridge's failure.6:40 a.m.
• Improvements to Twin Cities roadways are underway
  The Minnesota Department of Transportation is making changes to Highway 280, the main detour for Interstate 35W, which is closed near the site of the 35W bridge collapse in Minneapolis.7:20 a.m.
• Drought is straining trees in Minneapolis
  Despite recent rains, trees are still suffering from the drought in the region. MPR's Cathy Wurzer talked with the city forester from Minneapolis about how his department is trying to keep the trees healthy.7:50 a.m.
• Meet the lyricist
  Meet Stephen Burt, our poet turned lyricist, who wrote the words for our Songs from Scratch project.7:55 a.m.

National Public Radio Stories

• Greek Island of Crete Suffers Intense Heat, Drought
  Scorching temperatures plagued Crete this summer, bringing wildfires, water shortages and electricity blackouts. It's a first-hand lesson in how a slight shift in weather patters can cause big problems, turning parts of the island into desert.
• Further Under the Radar: More Books Not to Miss
  In May, Seattle librarian Nancy Pearl pored through her shelves and pulled down several books that she said are read by a few but deserve wider attention. Well, there are more where they came from. Pearl is back with another armload of what she calls "under-the-radar" books.
• A Former Navy SEAL Questions Rules of War
  In June 2005, Marcus Luttrell and three of his fellow Navy SEALs set off on a mission in the mountains of Afghanistan. Luttrell's team was ambushed by the Taliban, leaving him the sole survivor. He says the rules of war often get in the way of success on the battlefield.
• NASA Weighs Fixing Shuttle Endeavour's Tiles
  NASA is trying to decide whether astronauts need to repair a small gash on the belly of space shuttle Endeavour. NASA says a piece of foam that fell off during the launch may be what is responsible for a small but deep cut in the craft's underbelly. Scientists are grappling with whether to repair the gash.
• Utah Mine Rescue Tests Hope
  Rescuers at work for a week since six miners were trapped in a coal mine collapse in Utah still don't know the location or condition of the men. That is challenging the sense of hope in Huntington, Utah. They are set to drill a third hole into the mine.
• Padilla Case Set for Closing Arguments
  Closing arguments begin in the trial of Jose Padilla, who is charged with plotting to set off a radioactive dirty bomb in the U.S. But after the three-month trial, prosecutors have unfolded a case in which Padilla plays a marginal role.
• Pakistan to Celebrate 60 Years of Independence
  Carved out of what was once the "jewel in the crown" of the British Empire, colonial India was partitioned into an independent, Hindu-dominated India and an independent, Muslim-dominated Pakistan. Pakistan is often described as a key ally in America's war against terrorism.
• Political Strategist Karl Rove Resigns
  Karl Rove, President Bush's close friend and chief political strategist, plans to leave the White House at the end of August. A longtime member of Bush's inner circle, Rove was nicknamed "the architect" by the president for designing the strategy that twice won him the White House.
• Merv Griffin Dies at 82
  Entertainer and businessman Merv Griffin, who created two of TV's longest-running game shows — Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune — died Sunday after a recurring bout with cancer. He was 82. He spent decades in front of the camera with the Merv Griffin Show.
• Investors Hope for Interest Rate Cut
  Wall Street starts the week focused on credit problems — there is a fear that credit woes could spread beyond banks to the overall economy. Major U.S. stock indexes ended last week higher, after the Federal Reserve injected $38 billion into the banking system. But investors say that's not enough.

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