December 24, 2003 - Depending on whom you ask, Minnesota's new tax free zones are either strong medicine for the state economy -- or a slow-acting poison. In the coming years, it will fall to state officials and outside economists to measure which prediction comes closer to the truth. Even then, adversaries may never agree on just how much benefit we're getting from the zones -- and what they're costing us. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
December 23, 2003 - When the economy turns sour, charities often suffer twice. Demand for their services goes up, at the same time as the money coming in slows down. Government and corporate grants, investments, and donations all dry up at the same time. 2003 was another lean year for many charities and foundations, but there are signs 2004 will bring economic recovery and a return to better times. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
December 18, 2003 - I'm Jeff Horwich, in St. Paul and alongside the excitement of state officials and communities about to gain a tax-free zone, there are plenty of concerns and unanswered questions. Pawlenty acknowledged his critics as he announced the zone locations.
December 17, 2003 - Governor Pawlenty will travel the state tomorrow to announce the locations of new tax-free enterprise zones. Starting next month, new development on thousands of parcels of land in Greater Minnesota will be free from property, income and sales taxes. Economically stressed rural communities are waiting to see if this will spark the turn-around they need. Critics say Minnesota is about to land the latest blow in a battle nobody wins. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
December 5, 2003 - Pilots and managers at Mesaba Airlines must decide whether to allow an arbitrator to design a new contract. If either party rejects arbitration, it would clear the way for a possible strike. A walkout could disrupt air service to smaller communities in Minnesota and other parts of the country where Mesaba flies. The Minneapolis-based carrier flies connecting routes for Northwest Airlines. This morning the National Mediation Board declared the two sides were at an impasse, and more talks would accomplish nothing. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports. (Three more days at the bargaining table could not solve a contract dispute now well into its third year.
November 26, 2003 - The housing boom of the past few years has left a challenging climate for prospective home-buyers, especially in urban areas like the Twin Cities. Interest rates are low, but rising. The pressure to join the ranks of homeowners is strong. But housing as an investment is looking less brilliant than it has in recent years. Buyers are facing the end of the hot housing market, and experts say it's essential to keep a cool head. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
November 25, 2003 - Even during the recent recession, real estate surged to new heights. Homeowners, especially in the Twin Cities, propped up the struggling state economy with a flurry of buying, selling and refinancing. Experts agree the frantic housing market of the past few years is ending. It's cooling off, but still warm to the touch. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich has the first of two stories on the Twin Cities housing market. Tomorrow we'll look at some advice for homebuyers in the changing housing market.
November 19, 2003 - Yesterday the CEO of the St. Paul Companies, Jay Fishman, held a question-and-answer session with employees to talk about the proposed merger with insurance giant Travelers. The St. Paul underwrites programming on Minnesota Public Radio. Travelers is about twice the size of The St. Paul, and the merger would create the country's second-largest provider of business insurance. Fishman cautioned workers to ignore speculation about job losses and focus on the promise of increased industry clout. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
November 17, 2003 - The St. Paul Companies plans to merge this spring with a rival nearly twice its size. The St. Paul would join with Travelers Property Casualty, a Connecticut-based provider of business and personal insurance. The combined company would be the nation's second-largest commercial insurer. The company will have its headquarters in St. Paul. But the move raises questions about the future in Minnesota of one of the state's oldest companies. Minnesota Public Radio's Jeff Horwich reports.
October 28, 2003 -