October 21, 2002 - Minnesota regulators say Qwest, the state's largest phone company, is guilty of sweetheart deals and collusion which violate state and federal laws. The deals, regulators say, were designed to help Qwest enter Minnesota's lucrative long distance phone business. The net effect of Qwest's dealing is some consumers got better phone service deals while the vast majority paid more. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
October 23, 2002 -
November 12, 2002 - 3M is making its largest acquisition ever, as measured by price. The Maplewood-based manufacturer has agreed to pay 850 million dollars in cash to buy a lens-making operation from the glass and fiber optics-maker Corning. Analysts say the deal marks a departure for a company not known for big acquisitions. They also say 3M is taking advantage of its financial strength to get a bargain. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
November 12, 2002 - When the new Congress returns to Washington in January, members are expected to resume work on energy legislation that would be a giant boost for the corn-based fuel, ethanol. The energy bill would more than double the nation's use of ethanol over the next ten years. Ethanol supporters, such the nation's corn farmers, say it's a way to reduce this country's dependence on foreign oil and benefit the environment at the same time. Ethanol opponents doubt those arguments, but they're fighting a losing battle. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure has the latest in our occasional series on ethanol.
November 18, 2002 - Northwest Airlines is awaiting a ruling from the federal government on its proposed ticketing alliance with Delta and Continental Airlines. If the federal government approves the alliance, the three airlines will coordinate flights and frequent flyer programs, but will not merge any parts of their businesses. The three airlines also plan to link up with the worldwide Skyteam alliance, which includes Air France and Alitalia. Northwest says its proposed alliance with Delta and Continental will help it endure difficult times. But smaller airlines and consumer advocates say the alliance could mean less competition and higher air fares. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
November 20, 2002 -
November 25, 2002 -
November 25, 2002 - Minnesota's high-paying manufacturing sector created nearly 50 thousand jobs during the 1990's, but now most of them are gone. From 1991 to 2000, the number of manufacturing jobs in Minnesota grew 12 percent, and helped fuel a big jump in the state's prosperity. Nationally, manufacturing was virtually stagnant over the same period. But the recession and its aftermath have wiped 80 percent of the jobs Minnesota gained. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
November 28, 2002 - Today is the twentieth anniversary of what was then the costliest office building fire in U.S. history. It was Thanksgiving Day, 1982, when a fire destroyed the Northwestern National Bank in downtown Minneapolis. The bank would later change its name to Norwest, and then again to Wells Fargo. Despite the fire, banking customers were able to do their business the next day through branch offices. Joining us on the line is Bob Seeger, the Chief Architect for Wells Fargo Bank, who worked for the bank that night 20 years ago.
November 29, 2002 - Today Friday is the traditional start to the holiday shopping season. Retailers are girding for a tough year. This list of reasons includes layoffs, little hiring, sluggish economic growth, and the prospect of war in Iraq. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.