January 27, 2003 - The Saint Paul Companies today (Mon) reported a fourth quarter profit of 244 million dollars. The business insurer reported a LOSS more than triple that amount in the same period the year before. Company officials say efforts to cut costs and get out of unprofitable businesses appear to be paying off. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
January 21, 2003 - Maplewood based 3M closed its 100th year with a profit gain of 38 percent. The maker of 50 thousand products including Post-it notes also posted a 34 percent increase in profits for the fourth quarter of last year. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
January 17, 2003 - The U.S. Government gave conditional approval for Delta airlines to join the marketing alliance between Northwest and Continental Airlines today . Two government agencies imposed several conditions aimed at protecting competition from a trio that represents more than one third of the US airline market. But experts disagree on the impact of the conditions. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
January 9, 2003 - Some mixed results today from Minnesota's retail giants. Minneapolis based Target reported sales in the important month of December fell short of expectations. Eden Prairie based Best Buy said the month's sales were modestly better than expected. But the company is closing about 110 Musicland stores, including 7 in Minnesota. The results come amid a disappointing holiday season for retailers overall. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
December 17, 2002 - The latest economic data for Minnesota indicate the state's job market is stuck in neutral. Minnesota's unemployment rate for November came in at 3.9 percent. That's down slightly from October. A separate survey of businesses indicates Minnesota companies are reluctant to start hiring even though many expect sales to pick up. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
December 17, 2002 - The Metropolitan Airports Commission agreed to a one-time freeze on rents for major airlines at Twin Cities International, but delayed decisions on other major cost-cutting proposals. The commission also decided NOT to delay a flood dike for the St. Paul downtown airport. The decision to finalize a budget for next year came shortly after the commission's biggest tenant, Northwest Airlines, sued over reliever airport costs. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
December 13, 2002 - Northwest Airlines is suing the Metropolitan Airports Commission over subsidies to six Twin Cities reliever airports. The airline says too much money from Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport passengers is subsidizing airports that primarily serve business and general aviation. MAC officials say the lawsuit is a waste of time and money when the airline is pressuring the commission to cut costs. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
December 6, 2002 - Experts say the expected bankruptcy of United Airlines will likely put downward pressure on wages at Twin Cities-based Northwest Airlines. Northwest has one of the state's largest payrolls, with nearly 20 thousand employees. Aviation industry analysts say United's wages will likely drop in bankruptcy, and that payrolls at Northwest and other carriers could follow suit. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
December 2, 2002 - Retail sales got off to a strong start over the weekend nationally and in Minnesota. The results from the traditional start of the holiday shopping season trumped projections of lackluster sales. But skeptics say it's too soon to predict consumers will leave their caution in the parking lot. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.
November 29, 2002 - Today Friday is the traditional start to the holiday shopping season. Retailers are girding for a tough year. This list of reasons includes layoffs, little hiring, sluggish economic growth, and the prospect of war in Iraq. Minnesota Public Radio's Bill Catlin reports.