September 12, 2000 - Minnesota Brewing says it's committed to eliminating the odor problem at its plant on West 7th street in St. Paul. Ethanol production at the plant creates a strong odor that neighbors say affects their health and their property values. About 100 area residents rallied outside the plant yesterday to encourage the company to take quicker action to resolve the issue. Jack Lee is President of Minnesota Brewing. He says he is working as fast as he can:
September 12, 2000 -
September 12, 2000 - British Airways has confirmed that it is talking to Northwest Airlines about a possible partnership, or alliance, most likely following the pending merger between BA and Dutch carrier KLM. BA is waiting for federal approval for that deal. Most analysts expect BA will dump its alliance with American and replace it with Northwest, if the merger is approved. Darryl Jenkins is the Executive Director of The Aviation Institute at The George Washington University. He's on the line now.
September 13, 2000 - More than a thousand journalists have converged on Minneapolis for The Radio-Television News Directors Association annual convention which opened this afternoon. Over the next three and a half days, these broadcast journalists will debate the latest trends in their industry from digital television to so-called high speed news and web audiences. In addition to changing the way journalists do their jobs, these high-tech advances have also affected some of the ethical challenges facing reporters. So for the first time in almost two decades, the RTNDA is updating its code of ethics. President Barbara Cochran says the new code is much more specific.
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.