February 3, 1999 -
February 3, 1999 - Deal-making in the Internet business has reached dizzying heights. The latest multi-Billion dollar blockbuster has Internet directory service Yahoo! buying the online community GeoCities. Other recent deals include America Online's purchase of Netscape, and high-speed Internet access company At Home's acquisition of Excite, a popular Internet directory. As Minnesota Public Radio's Jon Gordon reports, the consolidation frenzy is likely to affect average Internet users in some very real ways.
February 3, 1999 - There have been many alarming scenarios disscused recently regarding possible computer malfunctions in the year 2000. Perhaps most dramatic is the chance of massive power failures leaving tens of millions of Americans in the dark. Power utilities and rural electric coops in Minnesota have been coordinating their efforts to prepare for possible y2k problems. And power industry analysts say the chances of a widespread power failure due to Y-2-K are remote .
February 3, 1999 - It will now likely be more than three months before the National Mediation Board decides whether to certify a vote by members of a Northwest Airlines union to join another union . The workers voted to leave the International Association of Machinsts for the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association. The IAM complained Northwest and AMFA interfered with last fall's election. After an intital review, the National Mediation Board has decided to conduct a more thorough investigation into the allegations.
February 4, 1999 - A stabbing last weekend at the Mall of America and an unrelated gunshot incident only weeks before have led to increased scrutiny of security at the suburban shopping center.
February 4, 1999 - Governor Ventura and lawmakers from both parties say they want to eliminate the so-called "marriage tax penalty". Nearly everyone agrees taxing married couples at a higher rate than single people is unfair, but some lawmakers worry that lower-income taxpayers and single parents will pay the price.
February 4, 1999 - Folks in Devil's Lake North Dakota read in their morning paper that they'd be part of a space experiment today. The Mir space station was planning to shine a mirror on them at 7:30 tonight and illuminate the town. Space officials hoped the operation would prove it is possible to use to moon to give extra light to sun-starved cities. But the experiment hit a snag when the mirror got caught on the cargo ship's antenna. Fred Bott is the Mayor of Devil's lake. We asked him how it felt to find out he'd be part of an experiment, and then NOT.
February 4, 1999 - A new opinion poll published today shows a majority of Minnesotans polled think Governor Jesse Ventura is doing a good job. Ventura's 72 percent approval rating in the Star Tribune/KMSP-TV Minnesota Poll is the highest ever measured for a new governor in the half century of the poll. Ventura says he's encouraged by the results and predicts it will help him in dealing with the Legislature. Political Scientist Chris Gilbert agrees. Gilbert says lawmakers should try extra hard to appear tri-partisan.
February 4, 1999 - The Senate Tax Committee has approved a version of Governor Ventura's sales tax rebate plan -- setting the stage for a confrontation with the Republican-controlled House.
February 4, 1999 - The Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments today on whether the State can force a man to reimburse his victim for a Hmong spiritual ceremony that includes slaughtering animals. The offender says he should not have to pay for what he calls a religious ceremony he opposes.