January 1, 2002 - Shoppers in Minnesota and across the nation bought slightly more this holiday season than they did last year. Topping their lists were electronics and other home-related products. Analysts say the impulse to buy such goods gained strength after September 11, when many people appeared to feel that staying close to home was a good idea. The trend was good news for Twin Cities based retailers Target and Best Buy. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
January 1, 2002 - Jon Gordon looks at what's ahead for the internet.
January 2, 2002 - **For Wed 1/2 M.E.** Beginning next week, an unusual appeals panel sets up shop in Minnesota; it'll be the first of its kind in the country. The panel, comprised of three former Twin Cities judges, will act as a kind of appeals court when health insurer Blue Cross Blue Shield denies mental health coverage to a subscriber. Minnesota Public Radio's Elizabeth Stawicki reports:
January 2, 2002 - A new study suggests the worst of the recession may be behind us. The Mid-American Survey of Business Conditions in nine states, including Minnesota, shows purchase managers and business leaders are somewhat more upbeat about the region's economic outlook. Creighton University economist Ernie Goss helped conduct the survey. He says Minnesota has lost about 30-thousand jobs since the recession began last March, and is not doing AS WELL as the rest of the states surveyed....BUT, Goss says 2002 should bring fewer Minnesota job losses and the possibility of some gains.
January 2, 2002 - Medicare payment disparities are hurting rural Minnesota. That's according to a new report written by former Minnesota DFL congressman David Minge, and sponsored by the Blandin Foundation. The study is the first of its kind for putting a dollar figure on the difference between rural and urban rates in Medicare, which is the federal government's biggest health care program for seniors. Joining us on the line is David Minge. -- What are the main findings of the study? -- Why the disparities between rural and urban areas? -- How is this study different?
January 2, 2002 -
January 3, 2002 - Saint Paul Mayor Randy Kelly's full schedule of inauguration week events continues tonight (Thurs) with a benefit to raise money for a "Mayor's Scholarship for the Performing Arts." Kelly met with some of the leaders of the Saint Paul arts scene this afternoon. Earlier, he led a roundtable discussion of economic development issues in a forum with some of the city's most prominent business people. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
January 4, 2002 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that the Minnesota Twins may not be a team next year but at least they have a new manager. The team announced third base coach Ron Gardenhire will receive a two year guaranteed contract to replace Tom Kelly, contraction or not.
January 4, 2002 - Saint Paul welcomed its new mayor today (Fri). A full roster of Saint Paul political leaders was on hand as Randy Kelly was sworn in as the city's first mayor to hail from its East Side. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports...
January 4, 2002 - In today's edition of the Minneapolis-based business journal CityBusiness, William George will be named Executive of the Year. George is the Chairman of Medtronic. He was chosen for his contributions to the company and his commitment to the community. George has increased Medtronic's market worth by more than 170 percent since he joined the company in 1989. He left his position as CEO last summer, and will retire as chairman this May. Sam Black wrote the article about George for CityBusiness. He says George has an interesting approach to leadership.