Business and Economic News

People are rushing to install solar panels before Trump becomes President
Potential rooftop solar customers and installers worry the incoming Trump administration might try to eliminate a 30 percent federal tax credit. Some customers plan to install sooner because of that and solar companies are changing their business plans.
Milk from Minnesota dairy farms to undergo mandatory testing for bird flu
Avian influenza has been confirmed in dairy cattle in 16 states, including Minnesota, which had nine cases last year. The USDA says the goal of the testing is to gain a clearer picture of the presence of the virus in dairy herds, and help inform response efforts to prevent it from spreading further.
Bomb threats shadowed international reporters who covered Chinese celebrity dissident
Reporters covering a Chinese dissident in Europe were accused of making bomb threats. An NPR investigation now has them wondering if it was the work of the Chinese government or someone else.
Lack of snow has some northern Minnesota businesses struggling
A second consecutive wimpy winter in northern Minnesota is hurting small businesses that rely on snow to drive winter tourism, especially those that cater to snowmobilers.
U.S. stock markets close to honor former President Jimmy Carter
The New York Stock Exchange and the Nasdaq will both observe Thursday's national day of mourning in a Wall Street tradition dating back to 1865.
What this week's winter wallop means for farmers across Minnesota and the U.S.
In parts of Minnesota, farmers were relieved for a real cold snap that goes deeper in the soil to help kill future pests. In other parts of the state where producers have winter crops, the lack of snow is a great concern.
Can Minnesota lawmakers find common ground on energy issues? Some think so
The balance of power remains uncertain, and it’s not clear how climate actions will fare under a divided state government, but some legislators think the two parties may be able to find bipartisan agreement on some energy issues.