October 29, 2001 - A legislative committee holds a hearing tomorrow on Attorney General Mike Hatch's audit of Allina Health System. Hatch's year-long investigation found the health care company overspent millions on administrative costs and wasted millions more on executive perks. But as lawmakers begin their inquiry into Hatch's findings, employers and workers say they are more concerned with rising health insurance rates. The state health department says premiums increased for five consecutive years in 2000. Last year's increase was 16 percent. Some health care experts say if the upward trend continues employers may look for alternatives to managed care or stop offering health insurance altogether. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck has the first installment in our series, "Managing Managed Care."
October 29, 2001 - Postal workers want more help financially and more help physically scanning for anthrax.
October 30, 2001 - The University of Minnesota withdrew from the state workers insurance plan and now offers four different insurance plans.
October 30, 2001 - University of Florida professor and students created the first glow-in-the-dark bikes that can be seen from 600-feet.
October 30, 2001 - A new company will bring high-tech science to Sioux Falls. Hematech labs will produce antibodies in cattle aimed at fighting human illnesses. The Connecticut company will employ 20 scientists and technicians beginning early next year. There could be as many as 4-hundred employees within a few years. Mainstreet Radio's Cara Hetland reports:
October 30, 2001 - Anthrax and postal workers.
October 30, 2001 - MPR's Tom Scheck reports that the chairman of the state Senate Finance Committee is calling on state agencies to get tougher with the state's health care providers. The committee held a hearing on Attorney General Mike Hatch's audit of Allina Health Systems.
November 2, 2001 - Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, gives an update on the anthrax threat in the United States.
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 - 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: