Monday, September 17

Around 35,000 people came to the Minnesota State Capitol yesterday to remember the victims of Tuesday's attacks. They sang songs, heard from political and religious leaders and listened to people affected by the tragedies. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson talked to one woman about why she was there.

The stock market reopens today for the first time since last Tuesday's terror attacks in New York and Washington. The six-day closure is the longest since the market crash of 1929. Twin Cities financial firms are ironing out daunting logistical problems, and preparing their clients and employees for what promises to be a busy and perhaps volatile trading day. Market experts say despite the scope of the destruction, they expect the stock market will be able to handle the resumption of trading. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg reports.

Tens of thousands of people came to the State Capitol Mall in St. Paul Sunday to take part in a memorial service for the victims of Tuesday's terrorist attacks in New York and Washington. While those who attended were saddened, there was also a sense of determination and patriotism that left many people feeling a sense of community. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.

As trading resumes today on Wall Street, MPR's Chris Farrell discusses the impact last week's terrorist attacks will have on the airline industry and the economy in general.

As Chris mentioned, the airline industry is having severe financial trouble; even before the terrorist attacks, business travel was sagging because of a weak economy. The attacks mean even more problems for airlines that are losing millions every day. Airline executives plan to meet with government officials this week to talk about shoring up the industry. Rep. Jim Oberstar - D. Minn., is the ranking Democrat on the house transportation and public infrastructure committee and he's been working on possible legislation for the airline industry.

With patriotic fervor stirred by last week's terrorist attacks, thousands of people gathered in South Dakota's capitol city to dedicate a memorial to its World War II veterans. While some remembered the war to end all wars, many people's thoughts were on a new war, against an elusive enemy. Mainstreet radio's Cara Hetland reports.

Joining us now with his perspective on what is happening with the stock market is Irv Weiser, CEO of the Dain Rauscher Investment firm which is based in Minneapolis.

At the University of Minnesota, some Arab and Muslim students have reported verbal attacks and harassing phone calls since last week's terrorist attacks. While students say they are getting support from their fellow students and from university administrators, some have become more cautious to protect their safety. Minnesota Public Radio's Patty Marsicano reports.

Afghanistan's Taliban rulers discussed conditions for possibly extraditing Osama bin Laden to a country other than the United States, a Pakistan government source said today, hours after the Taliban urged Afghans to prepare for a holy war. The Pakistan delegation is in the Afghan capital of Kabul at the urging of the United States. Robert Packer, a professor of international security at Carleton College says the United States and Pakistan have worked together before. Our two countries had a close relationship in the '70s and '80s.

Emergency room physicians say hospitals throughout the state are reexamining their emergency plans after last week's terrorist attacks. Doctors say a large patient load like those seen on the East Coast could stretch their resources. Hospital officials also say they need to increase their planning to prepare for other types of disasters, especially a bio terrorist attack. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.

Last week's terrorist attacks and a downturn in air travel are taking a toll at Minneapolis-St. Paul airport. Officials say they'll delay construction on some expansion projects. They're also coping with the prospect of a sharp decline in revenue because of new Federal Aviation Administration rules restricting parking and access to shops in the terminal. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.

Airline stocks fell dramatically yesterday, in the first day of trading for the U.S. stock markets since last week's terrorist attacks. Airlines were hit with a nationwide grounding of all aircraft, and travelers still seem to be skittish about returning to the skies. Big airlines have announced furloughs or layoffs. US Airways announced that it will scale back their workforce by 11,000 people. Northwest airlines says they'll announce their plans later this week. While the big airlines cut staff, the smaller carriers are suffering too. Joining us on the line is David Banmiller, CEO of Sun Country airlines.

The prospect of increased military spending in the wake of last week's terrorist attacks has prompted a dramatic rise in the stock prices of some defense contractors---including Edina-based Alliant Techsystems. The company makes ammunition and precision guided munitions that may be needed as the nation goes to a war footing. Minnesota Public Radio's Mary Losure reports.

Northwest Airlines and the nation's other airlines are in Washington D.C. pushing hard for a multi-billion dollar government assistance package they say is needed to save the industry. Northwest CEO Richard Anderson will testify before the House Transportation Committee today. Yesterday Anderson joined other airline executives in meetings with Bush administration officials. As the industry scrambles for relief, layoff announcements at other carriers continued and unions at Twin Cities-based Northwest Airlines are bracing for major workforce reductions. Minnesota Public Radio's Mark Zdechlik reports.

Military response to last week's terrorist attacks is affecting businesses, local governments and farmers in the Red River Valley. Minnesota Public Radios Dan Gunderson reports.

A large crowd gathered last night at the Church of Saint Edward in Bloomington to remember Thomas Burnett Jr. Burnett died along with 45 others after United Flight 93 crashed in Western Pennsylvania last week after his flight was hijacked. Burnett's wife says her husband called from the plane and told her that he and some other passengers were going to "do something" to thwart the attack. That action has prompted many around the nation to call Burnett a hero. Minnesota Public Radio's Tom Scheck reports.

The Burnett family's greiving begins with a realization that someone who was vibrant and alive is now dead, according to Dr. Alan Wolfelt of the Center for Loss and Life Transition based in Colorado. Dr. Wolfelt says that the Burnett family faces special challenges in mourning their loss because no bodies were recovered from the Pennsylvania crash site.

Flight attendants are among the workers at Northwest Airlines anxiously awaiting news on layoffs. That's not all they have to worry about. Many are still concerned for their safety in the air, and while some are satisfied with efforts to improve airline security, others say the company and the industry are acting too slowly. Northwest flight attendants met with union leaders yesterday to discuss these and other issues. Minnesota Public Radio's Andrew Haeg spoke with some of them.

Minnesotans have returned to the national pastime, after taking a week off from baseball to mourn the lives lost on September 11. The Twins turned in a sparkling performance in front of a small crowd at the Metrodome Tuesday night. Several fans and players said it felt good to get back into the swing of life's routine. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen reports.

Last week's terror attacks and subsequent tightening of aviation security measures are boosting the share price of a Minnesota company that specializes in high-tech security products. Minnetonka-based Visionics makes equipment that can instantly identify people based on physical characteristics like fingerprints or facial features -- then match that information with photos in law enforcement databases. Company officials claim that some of last week's tragedies could have been avoided had their devices been in use. But some analysts say concerns over cost and privacy may slow the implementation of such technology. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.

Lee Lynch is Chairman and CEO of Carmichael Lynch Advertising; he's here to discuss what's happening in the advertising industry in the wake of last week's attacks.

The economic ripple-effect of last week's terrorists attacks is taking a heavy toll on the Twin Cities convention business. Officials say concern about safety and the difficulty of flying have caused planners of several large conventions to cancel their events. The result is a sharp downturn for businesses who rely on convention trade. Minnesota Public Radio's Dan Olson reports.

Word should come soon on how many Northwest Airlines workers will be laid off. An official with the mechanics union says the airline is still going over numbers, although the star tribune reports this morning that state officials have been told to expect layoffs of about 5,000 Minnesota Northwest employees. If that happens, that could put a big strain on the state's dislocated worker's program. Paul moe, the program's director, says he's been talking with Northwest, but can't confirm what the final number of layoffs will be.

Now it's time for your comments. With the terrorist attacks a week ago, some of you called on our Morning Edition comment line. This listener named Joe called to say America needs to demonstrate that we don't want to start a war against Islam, and we need to show compassion toward the Afghan people.

One of six Minneapolis schools slated to close next year could now survive intact at a new location, and the fate of another school on the list might be delayed. School board members held a public hearing on the revised school closure plan Wednesday night. Despite the changes, many parents remain upset over the potential impact on their children. Minnesota Public Radio's Tim Pugmire reports.

Northwest Airlines employees are bracing for news of massive layoffs, as the company copes with the aftermath of last week's terror attacks in New York and Washington. Officials from the airline met separately with the leaders of Northwest's four main unions. The company is expected to announce it's laying off as many as 10,000 employees later this morning. Minnesota Public Radio's Marisa Helms reports.

Members of Minnesota's antiwar activist community are gearing up for a heightened campaign of protests following last Tuesday's terrorist attacks and the U.S. government's call for military retaliation against terrorism. Thursday marked a day of antiwar demonstrations scheduled at nearly 150 college campuses across the country. At a demonstration at the University of Minnesota, some local veterans of the movement offered their encouragement and support to a younger generation of protesters. Minnesota Public Radio's Brandt Williams reports.

Mark Seeley is here to talk about the fall-like weather that has dominated Minnesota lately.

In 1991, Democratic Senator Paul Wellstone spoke out against the U.S. involvement in the Gulf War. This time he supports President Bush's war against terrorism, but says we have to proceed very carefully.

Members of Minnesota's congressional delegation are responding to the President's speech as well. Third District Republican Representative Jim Ramstad says President Bush delivered a strong message last night.

Economic uncertainty is among the anxieties facing Americans in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. At the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management Thursday night, a panel of business leaders and scholars met to share views on the economic implications of last week's events. Minnesota Public Radio's William Wilcoxen has more.