September 1, 2003 - MPR News was at the Minnesota State Fair asking people asking people about their jobs. Here's is a short montage of what they told us.
June 6, 2003 - Most Americans have never gone hungry. But it wasn't so long ago when many families struggled to feed themselves. The Great Depression lives on in many families as a period of struggle. Generations later, that experience is still shaping peoples' attitudes toward food and eating. Producer Andrew Haeg has put together this radio diary for the Mainstreet series, "The Fight Against Fat". A common theme emerges: Today's generations may have plenty, but the hardship their parents and grandparents endured persists.
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 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.
October 21, 2002 - 3M reported strong third-quarter earnings today , thanks largely to cost-cutting and stronger sales in the Asia-Pacific region. Company officials say, despite the improved results, they don't yet see any rebound in the global economy. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
October 17, 2002 - Northwest Airlines stock jumped seven percent today after the company reported a third quarter loss that was smaller than Wall Street expected. But company officials cautioned that the airline's future remains uncertain at best. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
October 3, 2002 - All 29 West Coast seaports remain closed as longshoremen and management have failed to end an almost weeklong lockout. Minnesota companies that depend on the ports say they were prepared for the closures. And most businesses say they'll be OK if the lockout ends soon. But a long lock out could present problems. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg has more.
September 16, 2002 - Northwest Airlines has yet to emerge from the perilous downturn in the travel industry, though the airline is performing better than most of its peers. Flights are filling up, but Northwest is flying fewer planes, and making less money off their once all important business travelers. Now analysts say the Eagan-based airline may soon ask its employees to help it avoid sinking any further. But the airline's unions say they don't trust Northwest's management, and they will resist giving back what they call hard-won wages and benefits. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
August 29, 2002 - Major League Baseball owners and players may be close to settling their differences and avoiding a walkout. But, without an 11th hour reprieve, players will strike tomorrow . Those in and around the Metrodome who depend on the Twins for income say a strike would have substantial short and long term effects on their pocketbooks, and on baseball in Minnesota. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
August 27, 2002 - MPR’s Andrew Haeg looks into homeownership among immigrant groups. Real estate experts say immigrants are an increasingly important part of the real estate market and lenders are taking steps to accommodate them.