September 18, 2000 - The three candidates for US Senate square off today in a Minnesota Chamber of Commerce Debate. Business organizations say on issues important to them Rod Grams stands out the best choice. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
September 13, 2000 - Political analysts say the outcome of the 4th district congressional race is anybody's guess. The seat is open for the first time in more than two decades now that Bruce Vento is stepping down to fight lung cancer. With the primary now over, the field of candidates is defined; a liberal democrat, a conservative republican and a long time St. Paul democrat who's now a member of the Independence party. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
September 8, 2000 - Often when people talk about charitable giving and business, the emphasis is on large corporate-funded foundations. But the vast majority of businesses in Minnesota, as around the country, are SMALL companies. Research suggests, employee-for-employee, small companies are much more generous than their larger counterparts. Small businesses will often pay for projects that benefit the community AND boost their standing with neighbors and customers. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik has the last report in our series, The Changing Face of Philanthropy...
August 24, 2000 - After a major restructuring at one of the nation's largest insurance companies , The St. Paul Companies appears to be on much firmer ground now than it was just a couple of years ago. Analysts say the St. Paul got out of PERSONAL insurance at the right time and that the company is poised to take advantage of the improving commercial insurance market. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
August 17, 2000 - Northern States Power Company's merger with Denver-based New Century Energies is about to be finalized. Today the Securities and Exchange Commission gave its approval to the merger that will create a new company valued at nearly nine BILLION dollars. Company officials say they will close the deal tomorrow . Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
August 16, 2000 - Opponents of a proposed amphitheater in Burnsville are moving in several new directions in hopes of blocking the development. Today citizen groups presented a petition asking the Metropolitan Council to intervene. Later this week the city of Bloomington plans to do the same. Amphitheater opponents also have lawsuits in the works. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
August 7, 2000 - Minnesota Democrats are generally applauding Vice President Al Gore's selection of Conneticut Senator Joseph Lieberman as his running mate. But some say Lieberman won't do much to help the ticket in Minnesota because of his relatively conservative positons on some issues including school vouchers and the privatization of social security. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
July 31, 2000 - Many people frustrated with relatively slow Internet access at home are discarding telephone modems in favor of high speed residential connections. Depending on where you live, you may have no options for high speed Internet access or you may have a couple of services to choose from. Right now just a small percentage of Minnesotans have high speed connections at home, but that's changing rapidly. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports on what's available and how much it costs.
July 25, 2000 - The number of options for people flying in and out of the Twin Cities has increased dramatically over the past year. Minnesota-based Northwest Airlines still dominates the market ...but several LOW FARE carriers are now operating out of the Twin Cities airport -- MOST NOTABLY Sun Country Airlines. US Department of Transportation Statics shows air fares to markets where competition has taken hold have dropped significantly. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports...
July 18, 2000 - Minneapolis based Ceridian Corporation today announced plans to split into two publicly traded companies. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.