July 21, 2003 - New Access Communications has drawn customer complaints from Minnesotans similar to complaints in other states which led to regulatory fines. Governor Tim Pawlenty had connections to the Minneapolis-based telephone company while he served in the Legislature. New Access officials say the vast majority of their customers are satisfied despite consumer protection settlements in three states and an ongoing investigation in Minnesota by Attorney General Mike Hatch. But critics say New Access misled customers about pricing and... in some cases... took over people's telephone service without their permission, a process called "slamming." Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
July 21, 2003 - The Minnesota Department of Agriculture predicts a good summer for the state's grains, corn, and soybean growers. State Agricultural Statistician Michael Hunst hunt st says the recent weather has been good for crops.
July 21, 2003 - Friends of the late Ken Dayton remember him as a retailer who believed it was good business to give back to the community. Dayton died this past weekend at age 80. His philanthropic philosophy became a national model. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
July 22, 2003 - The 30-year-old Stillwater bridge controversy is drawing the attention of Congress and the Bush administration. They want the environmental stalemate solved. Traffic tie-ups at the old, two lane bridge are growing. One reason is the explosive growth in Wisconsin's St. Croix County. The Sierra Club says the congestion can be remedied in part by funnelling more Wisconsin drivers to the nearby I-94 bridge. Supporters of a new Stillwater bridge say the Sierra Club plan doesn't deal with population growth in western Wisconsin. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.
July 23, 2003 - Today (WEDS) officials in St. Paul announced what they say is a new method of economic development. They cut the ribbon outside a new office complex that will be co-owned, 50-50, by the St. Paul Port Authority and a private developer. Those involved say this kind of public-private cooperation has never been tried in Minnesota, and may be new to the nation. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
July 24, 2003 - A new economic study paints a picture of a thriving Twin Cities art scene. University of Minnesota researchers say artists - and in particular dancers and writers - comprise more of the workforce here than in other similar-sized metropolitan areas. And the concentration of artists is growing fast. It's on pace with Seattle and Albuquerque and growing faster than Chicago, Atlanta and Dallas. Ann Markeson is director of the Project on Regional and Industrial Economics at the Humphrey Institute. She says that artists are highly enreprenurial and represent a hidden arts dividend for the economy.
July 30, 2003 -
July 30, 2003 - Starting today... you may see train cars rolling down the tracks of the Hiawatha light rail line in Minneapolis... but you wont see any passengers. Metro Transit officials are using the cars to test the infrastructure of the line... which won't open for business until next April. Joining us on the line is Mike Setzer.... General Manager of Metro Transit. That is Mike Setzer, General Manager of Metro Transit.
August 4, 2003 -
August 4, 2003 - In tough financial times, the country's major airlines are saving money by hiring outside companies to repair their airplanes. Eagan-based Northwest Airlines now hires companies both in the U.S. and overseas to do a larger portion of its maintenance than ever before. A recent government report has raised new questions about this trend. Northwest union mechanics say it could mean lower-quality repairs, and put flights at greater risk of terrorist attack. Northwest says outsourcing is not only safe, but critical to the airline's survival. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.