November 27, 2001 - The winter storm that's hit much of the region couldn't be better news for snow-starved children in Minnesota. The fresh white blanket also means a lot to the many businesses that have been anxiously waiting for winter. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
November 21, 2001 - Even with large numbers of holiday travelers and heightened security, operations are running smoothly today at Minneapolis-St.Paul Airport. Northwest Airlines and airport officials say they're hoping that will continue to be the case over the remainder of the Thanksgiving Holiday weekend. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
November 20, 2001 - The Thanksgiving holiday is one of the busiest air travel times of the year and this year will be no exception. Twin Cities based Northwest Airlines, the nation's fourth largest carrier, says its planes will be fuller this year than last. The big difference is airline security: with new rules and more searches, there are a number of things YOU can do to make Thanksgiving air travel easier. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
November 14, 2001 - As Congress struggles to craft an economic stimulus package, the travel industry is pushing for legislation that would encourage Americans to get on planes, stay in hotel and eat out at restaurants. A national industry group says by the end of the year more than 450 THOUSAND people in travel-related businesses will have lost their jobs. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.
November 9, 2001 - As Sun Country Airlines seeks outside investors, it's also looking for help from the state of Minnesota. The airline announced today it will lay off 100 employees ... that's about ten percent of its staff. Sun Country's CEO also called on state lawmakers for support. He's asking the governor to call a special legislative session with the hope it will give Sun Country millions of dollars in low interest loans. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports....
November 8, 2001 - Twin Cities based Sun Country Airlines today announced it's for sale. Sun Country says it needs an immediate cash infusion. The airline has lost tens millions of dollars since it launched scheduled services more than two years ago. Management says despite its financial woes customers need not worry about flying Sun Country. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
October 25, 2001 - Northwest Airlines announced it made a small profit during the third quarter of the year. The period includes the month of September, when the government shut down air travel for four days following the terrorist attacks. Passenger numbers plunged even when the skies reopened. The only reason Northwest ended up in the black for the months of July, August and September was nearly a quarter of a BILLION dollars in emergency government assistance. The aid was its share of the congressional airline industry bailout package. Northwest's third quarter turned out considerably better than Wall Street had anticipated.
October 8, 2001 - Today in Bloomington Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone chaired a US Senate hearing on how the economic slowdown is affecting the state. Wellstone, along with other members of the state's congressional delegation, heard from business and labor leaders, laid-off workers AND economists about what Washington could do to help. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
October 5, 2001 - Minnesota National Guard troops today deployed for duty at the state's three largest airports. The biggest detachment of armed soldiers is watching over security checkpoints at the Minneapolis-St.Paul International Airport. They're also stationed at airports in Duluth and in Rochester. It's the first time the guard has been called up for airport security in Minnesota and so far travelers are welcoming the military presence. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
October 4, 2001 - Beginning early tomorrow morning more than a hundred Minnesota National Guard troops will be on hand to help with security at the Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport and at airports in Rochester and Duluth. Governor Ventura called up the troops at the request of President Bush who's been urging American to return to the skies. At a news conference in Rosemount today some guard members talked about their latest deployment and said they hope that having troops at the nation's airports will ease security concerns among travelers.