December 26, 2002 -
December 26, 2002 - The holidays are an appropriate time to reflect on the role of religion in our world. This week, our series "Finding Faith" looks at a few of the innovative ways Minnesotans approach their spiritual lives. In St. Cloud, one man has big plans to take religion into the world of business. Mainstreet Radio's Jeff Horwich sat down with a new breed of business advisor the corporate spiritual consultant.
December 30, 2002 - Minnesota researchers are developing what could become the state's next cash crop. Russ Gesch is a research plant physiologist at the U-S-D-A Agricultural Research Service in Morris, and one of only a handful of people across the country working to create a domesticated version of the cuphea (coo-fee-ah) plant. The seeds of the cuphea produce a type of oil that's used in hundreds of everyday items, from toothpaste to detergent. Gesch says American companies now import coconut and palm oils to manufacture such household products. He believes the cuphea plant could eliminate the country's foreign dependence and shift business to the Midwest.
December 31, 2002 -
January 1, 2003 - Franklin Avenue in south Minneapolis has survived bouts with booze and drugs and appears to be on a path to recovery. The decades-long renewal picked up speed in 2002 with construction of a new housing project. And there are prospects several new businesses will open their doors this year. However, Franklin avenue's road to recovery is bumpy. A landmark business closed its doors yesterday, and future development is tied to the health of the economy. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
January 1, 2003 - A new Minnesota law that takes effect today requires people selling a home to disclose problems with the property to potential buyers. Some cities already have similar laws, but this is believed to be the first statewide regulation. The law won't apply if the buyer and seller agree to a professional home inspection. Republican state representative Mary Liz Holberg sponsored the bill. She says she supported the bill because she had a family member who bought a house with major hidden problems:
January 2, 2003 -
January 3, 2003 -
January 3, 2003 -
January 9, 2003 - Governor Tim Pawlenty assured a group of business leaders last night that he won't raise taxes to fix the state's four and a half billion dollar deficit. Speaking at a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce dinner, Pawlenty said business owners can't afford another tax increase. He said it's important for lawmakers to hold the line on taxes, lower the cost of health care and introduce tort reform. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports