Frugal I can see your frustration, you are on the front line of a disaster in your city. Regarding the news copters you must realize that last week two copters collided covering a story resulting in 4 deaths (it could have been worse). The bridge sections are not stable nor are the news choppers equipped for rescue. The weight of a helicopter, or the rotor wash would only exacerbate rescue efforts. I think lessons learned from disasters like Katrina and 9-11 have taught emergency services highly valuable lessons. I'm sure that Minneapolis Fire, Police and Medical personnel are more than capable in this situation. By all reports mutual aid from surrounding communities was highly successful, rescue equipment and manpower was in abundance. The image of that Firefighter equipped with only a rope and a pfd searching flooded cars shows the dedication and selflessness prevalent there today. As for the news organizations, they too have a job. The world has now seen what I have just described above. Their footage will also aid in determining the cause and the future prevention of such tragedies.

My friends of the Twin Cities my are with you.