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:
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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....
November 9, 2001 - Sun Country Airlines is up for sale. The Twin Cities-based airline announced yesterday that it is in immediate need of cash. Sun Country is the biggest local competitor to Northwest Airlines, but it has not made a profit since it came under new ownership in 1998. The sole owner of Sun Country, Milwaukee-based entrepreneur Bill La Macchia, has personally been underwriting the losses. Now La Macchia has removed himself from the board of directors and given full decision-making power to presdient and CEO David Banmiller. Mr. Banmiller is on the line now.
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November 12, 2001 - Members of Minnesota's two largest state employee unions are voting on a contract deal reached last month. The state and the unions reached the tentative deal after union members had been on strike for two weeks. Many workers are upset about the proposed package of wages and benefits, and say they'll vote against it. The leader of one union says the vote is too close to call, while the head of the other is predicting members will ratify the contract. Minnesota Public Radio's Laura McCallum reports...