November 7, 2001 - Randy Kelly claimed a narrow victory over Jay Benanav in the Saint Paul mayor's race. Unofficial final returns show Kelly winning by 403 votes out of more than sixty thousand ballots cast. Kelly was endorsed by outgoing Mayor Norm Coleman. He says his win shows Saint Paul residents want a continuation of Coleman's leadership style. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more...
November 7, 2001 - It's unclear how much time local boosters might have to try to save the Twins from elimination. And it's even less clear whether there's a consensus on strategy or even the will to prevent Major League Baseball from folding the Twins. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.
November 7, 2001 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports on results of Major League Baseball owner meeting, where a vote took place to contract teams in the league. Major League Baseball Commissioner Bud Selig says baseball's owners overwhelmingly voted to continue the process of contracting two teams before the 2002 season starts.
November 8, 2001 - MPR's Andrew Haeg reports that Minnesotans continue to ponder life without the Minnesota Twins. The team is a prime candidate for elimination if Major League Baseball carries through its intended plan to contract the league. If the Twins are shut down, businesses will lose customers….and local community organizations will lose an important benefactor.
November 8, 2001 - The smoking ban in Duluth has been kind of like the weather -- just when you get used to it, it changes. The city council passed a ban a year ago, but then kept changing the rules. Now it looks like the debate over smoking in Duluth's restaurants is finally settled. Voters reaffirmed the ban this week, and even made it a little tougher. Minnesota Public Radio's Chris Julin reports.
November 8, 2001 - Twin Cities based Sun Country Airlines today announced it's for sale. Sun Country says it needs an immediate cash infusion. The airline has lost tens millions of dollars since it launched scheduled services more than two years ago. Management says despite its financial woes customers need not worry about flying Sun Country. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
November 8, 2001 - As part of Mainstreet Radio’s “Harvest of Frustration” series, Dan Gunderson reports on how sugar beet farmers in Minnesota and North Dakota are hopeful the 2001 harvest marks a turn for the better. In the past couple of years, sugar prices fell to 20 year lows, turning what was once seen as guaranteed big money into just another break even crop.
November 8, 2001 - Blue Cross Blue Shield outlined a new plan for its tobacco settlement proceeds which includes 60-million dollars in subscriber rebates. The idea of refunds has been a point of contention for State regulators, who rejected an earlier Blue Cross plan that earmarked the money for anti-smoking and heart health programs. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports:
November 8, 2001 -
November 9, 2001 - As Sun Country Airlines seeks outside investors, it's also looking for help from the state of Minnesota. The airline announced today it will lay off 100 employees ... that's about ten percent of its staff. Sun Country's CEO also called on state lawmakers for support. He's asking the governor to call a special legislative session with the hope it will give Sun Country millions of dollars in low interest loans. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports....