September 19, 2000 - For most people, the only election that matters is the one in November. But for farmers, there is an important vote this week which may serve as a referendum on the wrenching changes taking place in agriculture. The ballot question is a simple one: should hog producers continue to pay a mandatory fee to fund various pork promotion efforts, a fee known as a "checkoff". Behind this vote are issues which some say will determine the future of small, independent hog farms. Mainstreet Radio's Mark Steil reports: Southwest Minnesota farmer Paul Sobocinski says pork production has ben hi-jacked from its rightful place on the family farm by corporations, like the nation's largest hog producer Smithfield Foods, but also well known Minnesota companies such as Cargill and Land 'O Lakes. Besides raising hogs, Sobocinski also works for the Land Stewardship Project, which favors ending the checkoff fee. It's collected on every hog sold and raises about 45 million dollars a year. Most of the money goes to the National Pork Producers Council, a group Sobocinski says has lost its way:
September 20, 2000 - The University of Minnesota is sponsoring a summit today to discuss the state's future in a global, technology driven economy. With trade barriers crumbling, Minnesota's businesses are increasingly marketing their products to customers around the world. But just as the number of customers is growing exponentially, so is the number of competitors. . Andrew Haeg has the second and final report on what the state must do to ensure its future economic vitality. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
September 22, 2000 -
September 22, 2000 - Techno-rich lead a new kind of philanthropy. New philanthropists are young, hands-on, and who wants to get involved.
September 25, 2000 - General Mills says shareholders will vote by the end of the year on management's plans to purchase Pillsbury in a ten and a half BILLION dollar deal. Food industry analysts say despite the enormous price tag, the acquisition would be a move in the right direction. But a former General Mills executive is trying to BLOCK the deal saying it's too risky. General Mills held its annual shareholder's meeting today in Minneapolis. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
September 25, 2000 - It's been a century since brewing in La Crosse, Wisconsin was at the top of its game. Since then close to a dozen breweries have folded, and today only one remains. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally reports that sole survivor, "City Brewery", finds itself in money trouble struggling to stay open.
September 25, 2000 - Online radio heads for the mainstream. Listening online is growing to 20%.
September 26, 2000 - Stolen laptops as a form of corporate espionage. Thousands are stolen each year, whether to sell on the black market or to get information of competitors.
September 26, 2000 - Competition for Indian gaming dollars in northwest Minnesota is intensifying, as two Chippewa Indian Bands pump millions into their casino operations. The White Earth Reservation is adding a $31 million dollar hotel and convention center to its Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, while, just 60 miles away, the Red Lake Band is spending $22 million to construct a hotel and a huge indoor water park at Seven Clans Casino near Thief River Falls. Both Bands say there's enough business to go around, but as Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Robertson reports, some are not so sure.
September 27, 2000 - A court victory for Microsoft. Some say the Supreme Court's refusal to hear the Microsoft Anti-Trust case before an appeals court could delay the break up of the company by years.