July 23, 2001 -
July 24, 2001 - As Albert Lea recovers from a devastating fire that damaged a large portion of the Farmland Foods plant, the town braces for another hit to its economy. Another major employer may be preparing to lay off a few workers. MainStreet Radio's Laurel Druley reports it's an unsettling time for the town's manufacturing employees.
July 24, 2001 - An estimated 1-hundred employees at I-B-M's Rochester plant received pink slips today (TUESDAY) as officials move to scale back the facilities largest hardware division. The I-B-M plant is Rochester's second largest employer, with more than 5-thousand workers. Minnesota Public Radio's Erin Galbally reports industry analysts predict more layoffs to come.
July 24, 2001 -
July 25, 2001 - Last week's announcement that Allina Health System will split its health plan, Medica, from its hospitals and clinics has some state officials calling for a closer look at the state's health care system. In the early nineties, the government began encouraging consolidation of health care services. Some observers say it is time to revive that policy discussion. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports...
July 25, 2001 - Newly released federal government statistics show personal income in Minnesota grew the second fastest of any state in the nation from the beginning of last year to the beginning of THIS YEAR. Economists say the growth reflects the strength of Minnesota's relatively DIVERSE and HEALTHY economy. But they say more recent data will likely show more of an impact from the continuing economic slowdown. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
July 26, 2001 - A Minnesota man will testify later today before the U-S Senate Banking Committee about his experience with predatory lending. Paul Satriano (SAT-tree-ON-oh) says he refinanced his credit card debt with a company called Beneficial, but the company didn't do what it promised, and instead charged hidden fees and added unnecessary costs. Satriano (SAT-tree-ON-oh) is a member of ACORN, an advocacy group that targets predatory lending. He joins us now from Washington, DC. Paul Satriano (SAT-tree-ON-oh) who is in Washington to testify before the U-S Senate Banking Committee today about his experience with predatory lending.
July 27, 2001 - Days after signing an eight-year, 75 million dollar contract, Randy Moss says he's worth every penny. The deal is one of the most lucrative in football history, and included an NFL-high 18 million dollar signing bonus. Moss is 24 years old, and entering his fourth season as a Viking. He holds the NFL record for receiving touchdowns, catches and receiving yards since 1998. Moss says he feels the contract is a reward for hard work and wise decisions.
July 30, 2001 -
July 30, 2001 - The Minnesota Department of Human Services will send out letters this week to familes who could have some of their welfare benefits cut off next summer. The letters will explain possible extensions. The cutoff is part of a Federal Welfare Reform Act passed in 1996 which aims to encourage self-sufficiency, and places a five-year limit on cash assistance. This past session the Minnesota legislature passed some extensions, but not everyone will qualify. Last week, we heard from a woman who is working 25 hours a week and following welfare rules-- and will probably qualify for an extension of her benefits. Today, we talk with Dionne Smith. Dionne needs to find a job before next July or she will lose some of her benefits. She is 33 years old and she says things got tough for her early on.