February 2, 2001 - Analysts say General Electric is gearing up to cut 10s of thousands of jobs ... many of those cuts may come from Honeywell, which employs roughly eight thousand people in Minnesota. General Electric agreed to acquire Honeywell International in October. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
February 1, 2001 - The National Mediation Board adjourned talks between Northwest Airlines and its mechanics union on Wednesday, but the Airline Mechanics Fraternal Association made a last ditch contract offer in an effort to avert a possible strike. The board's next step may be to release the mechanics from negotiations. That would set off a 30-day cooling off period before either side could initiate a job action. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
January 30, 2001 - The Federal Aviation Administration has revoked the pilots license of a Northwest Airlines pilot for flying under the influence of alcohol. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
January 18, 2001 - Northwest Airlines is reporting rising profits and revenues in the fourth quarter and the full year -- despite labor problems, higher fuel costs and severe winter weather. But the coming year brings additional challenges, including the slowing economy AND the possibility it could get swept up in the trend toward airline mergers. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
January 17, 2001 - MPR's Andrew Haeg presents various local viewpoints on the telecommunication regulations debate. The Ventura administration wants to dramatically change the way the state regulates telecommunications. The goal is to foster competition for telephone and cable customers throughout the state, and, by doing so affordable and advanced services to all Minnesotans.
December 22, 2000 - As evidence of an economic slowdown mounts, consumers are cutting back on spending. Retailers are reporting weak profits, and warning of difficult times ahead. But despite the downturn and the harsh winter weather, holiday shoppers are still flocking to stores and malls. Whether they spend enough to boost Minnesota retailers flagging prospects is another question altogether. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
December 15, 2000 - The Minneapolis Federal Reserve Office says the state's economy should continue to grow, but not as fast as it did in the last year. The Fed's Forecast for 2001 predicts the economy will create more jobs and higher income levels, but says overall growth will fall well short of previous years'. But others say the Fed's predictions are too optimistic, and consumers and investors should be prepared for a downturn and maybe a recession. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
December 12, 2000 - The State Department of Commerce predicts demand for electricity in Minnesota will outstrip supply in five years. Now business leaders and others are urging state regulators to prevent a shortfall ... without permitting big price hikes. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce held a forum today to examine the choices Minnesota faces in deciding how to restructure its power sector. The chamber also brought in officials from other states to relate their triumphs, and failures. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
December 8, 2000 - General Mills shareholders overwhelmingly approved the company's plans to buy Pillsbury from London-based Diageo (dee-AHZH-ee-oh). Combining the two oldline Minneapolis firms will produce the nation's third largest food company, with combined revenues of roughly 13 billion dollars. While most analysts think the merger makes sense, some are still worried General Mills is making a risky bet. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.
December 6, 2000 - retires. McNerney's challenge will be to apply General Electric's decisive, profit-centered management philosophy to 3M's culture of innovation. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.