July 5, 2000 - When Qwest's buyout of US West was finalized last week, the new company agreed to give up long-distance service customers in the 14 states formerly served by US West. The federal government will not allow so-called baby bells, such as US West, to offer long distance service until they have competition to provide local service. The buyout gives Qwest a monopoly on local service in the 14 US West states, but the company wants to surrender that advantage so it can re-enter the long distance market. Lew Wilks, President of Internet and Multi-media markets at Qwest, says moving into the extremely competitive long distance market makes business sense.
July 6, 2000 -
July 10, 2000 - MPR's Chief Economics Correspondent Chris Farrell previews what we can expect this week on Wall Street.
July 10, 2000 - it is eliminating six thousand positions. A Honeywell spokeswoman says its unlikely any of those cuts will come from the company's Minneapolis divisions. That's because the company is reportedly targeting poor performing units, and the divisions based here in the Twin Cities are doing well. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
July 10, 2000 - The possibility that American Airlines might buy Northwest Airlines has raised questions about the future level of air service for the Twin Cities. A merger would leave American with 3 hubs in the Great Lakes region. When news of merger talks between Northwest and American came out last month..... many observers assumed the Minneapolis-St. Paul hub might have to go. But experts point to a number of factors suggesting the Twin Cities' would remain a hub and keep high levels of non-stop and frequent service. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
July 10, 2000 -
July 11, 2000 - The president of Minnesota Brewing says newly installed equipment has reduced the odor from ethanol production at the Saint Paul plant ... and further steps may eliminate the odor complaints that have plauged the West Seventh neighborhood for the last two months. But residents attending a community meeting last (Mon) night insisted the stench remains a problem. Some say the smell is causing health problems and they hope to stop ehtanol production at the plant. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
July 12, 2000 - Governor Jesse Ventura says he's concerned about the impact of a sale of Northwest airlines on Minnesota's economy and the company's employees. The governor has taken a low profile on the issue, but he issued a statement today saying it appears American Airline's bid to take over Northwest is no longer speculation. The Washington Post reported today that American has made a 3 point 7 billion dollar offer to buy Northwest, but that both sides remain far apart on the question of a price. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
July 12, 2000 - The lasting heat and humidity is making some electricity providers sweat. Power company officials are on the look-out for so-called "peak alerts" when the demand for power exceeds what's readily available. Some places around the country expect short blackouts at times of high demand. In Rochester, the municipal utility company is sending a more potent message. It's warning residents that their electric bills could spike from a normal of three dollars a day to as much as 100 dollars if they don't conserve energy. Minnesota Public Radio's Art Hughes explains.
July 12, 2000 - According to a report in today's Washington Post, merger discussions between American Airlines and Northwest Airlines have picked up significantly in recent days. American has reportedly offered to pay Northwest 3.7 billion dollars or 44 dollars a share to take over the airline. Northwest is reportedly asking for at least 65 dollars a share. The deal would also include Delta Airlines who would buy Northwest's 14 percent share of Continental Airlines. Ernest Arvai (ARE vee) is an airline analyst with the Arvai Group.