Unless you’re a true novice to the new-car market, you may have some preconceived notions about Korean-made products, and they may not be all that kind. But if you’re looking for a midsize sedan, you might want to erase your memory banks and start all over. The 2011 Hyundai Sonata should finally put to rest all those bad jokes and nasty reviews the Korean maker earned – often deservedly – during its early years in the U.S. market.

HD radio is off the endangered-species list but still takes patience. It’s worth the effort.

Knowing how to ask tech questions is the key to getting useful answers. It could be a query to a support line or a conversation over your backyard fence. The requirements are the same.

Before the term “financial planner” was coined in 1969, brokers, bankers, accountants, attorneys and insurance agents scattered the landscape of advice givers. I'd like to debunk a few myths that are perpetuated by mainstream media and others who know little about this profession.

Erik Piantedosi, owner of Piantedosi Butcher Shop in Plymouth, says shoppers are “better off going to an independently owned (shop), so you can see the meat when we cut it.”

I have spring fever like nobody’s business. That’s too bad for me though, because this year there’s no traveling wiggle room. Beyond dreaming of our coveted summer trip to visit family in North Carolina, we are bound to late winter in Chicago. We’ll survive though, because as spring break week approaches and “everyone” is going south, we’re making plans for a staycation. We’ll get creative and put our frugal minds to the test, go out on the town when we can and find ways to transform our gray days. 

Weekly auto rail, with tips for increasing your truck's gas mileage, Car Q&A with Junior Damato and more.

An unsustainable Minnesota budget suggests that the services provided by the state will have to change – the Association of Minnesota Counties (AMC) is taking a proactive approach to ensure that it has a say in the matter.
Extraordinary circumstances call for extraordinary measures and the AMC: Redesign project is hailing its 10-point PACT plan as an audacious out-of-the-box approach.

The Sixth Annual Project Turnabout "Appetite for Life" Gala was held Friday, February 12, at the Metropolitan Ballroom & Clubroom in Minneapolis. This interactive, all-star cooking class, silent auction and culinary event raises funds for the Another Chance for Life Fund, which provides scholarships to individuals and families seeking treatment, recovery and a better quality of life from their gambling addiction. 100 percent of the event proceeds solely benefit patient and family aid.

The Upper Sioux Community will receive financing for the proposed expansion for the Prairie’s Edge Casino Resort from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Prior Lake, according to a press release issued by the Shakopee Mdewakanton tribe.
The $9 million loan and $1 million grant is expected go towards the addition of approximately 80 additional hotel rooms, 15,000 square feet of adjunct meeting and gaming space, plus renovations to existing areas such as the buffet and bar.

John Napolitano, CEO of U.S. Wealth Management in Braintree, Mass., has been working to help clients manage their finances for almost 20 years.

Bootlegger’s Supper Club owner John Berends has seen a lot of musician’s in his day, so when he refers to a musician as a savant, it’s probably good reason to take notice.
A few weeks ago, Luther Cole traveled from his home in Pipestone and made his Bootlegger’s musical debut during a mid-February performance as a part of Berends popular local musician Fridays. He will make his much anticipated return this Friday when he again claims the stage from 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Weekly business rail, with tax tips, BBB warning about Olympic memorabilia and more.

In the male-dominated world of motorcycles in the 1960s, Kay Moneghan didn’t just sit back and let the men work on Harleys. She did it herself – becoming the first woman ever to become a Harley-Davidson certified mechanic, her employees said.

Weekly financial Q&A, with questions on debt and children and the right time to buy a home.