August 24, 2000 - Minnesota-based motorcycle maker Excelsior Henderson has a new plan to emerge from bankruptcy. The reorganization plan has received confirmation from a bankruptcy court but has not yet taken effect. The company filed for bankruptcy last winter after defaulting on a $7-million state economic development loan. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
August 21, 2000 - The University of Minnesota is launching an effort to commercialize promising University technologies by bridging the gap between entrepreneurs and academia. Amid worries that Minnesota has fallen behind in the high tech, information based economy, many observers say the University must play a central role in keeping Minnesota competitive. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
August 7, 2000 - Merger talks between Northwest Airlines and American airlines have apparently stalled, with the two sides far apart on the issue of price. Talks occurred after United Airlines announced its plan to buy US Airways. If they're unable to agree on a deal, some analysts think Northwest and American may consider a marketing alliance instead. Minnesota Pubic Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
July 28, 2000 - Conseco has taken its St. Paul based Conseco Finance division off the selling block. The Indiana based company announced yesterday it would eliminate 2,000 jobs at the former Green Tree Financial, 400 of them in the Twin Cities. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
July 26, 2000 -
July 17, 2000 - The fate of Northwest Airlines may not be known for weeks or months. But a number of observers say Northwest holds considerable leverage over American Airlines in merger negotiations. The two airlines began talks days after United Airlines stunning announcement in May that the nation's biggest air carrier had reached an agreement to buy US Airways. That deal has shaken up the airline industry, and may yet be rejected by federal regulators. Any sale of Northwest would probably mean a huge payday for the company's two most prominent investors, Al Checchi and chairman Gary Wilson. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
July 12, 2000 - Governor Jesse Ventura says he's concerned about the impact of a sale of Northwest airlines on Minnesota's economy and the company's employees. The governor has taken a low profile on the issue, but he issued a statement today saying it appears American Airline's bid to take over Northwest is no longer speculation. The Washington Post reported today that American has made a 3 point 7 billion dollar offer to buy Northwest, but that both sides remain far apart on the question of a price. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
July 10, 2000 -
July 10, 2000 - The possibility that American Airlines might buy Northwest Airlines has raised questions about the future level of air service for the Twin Cities. A merger would leave American with 3 hubs in the Great Lakes region. When news of merger talks between Northwest and American came out last month..... many observers assumed the Minneapolis-St. Paul hub might have to go. But experts point to a number of factors suggesting the Twin Cities' would remain a hub and keep high levels of non-stop and frequent service. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
July 3, 2000 -