Business and Economic News

Gas prices are down. We could be headed for lows not seen since 2021
Pump prices having been falling all summer, and as Labor Day approaches, they're 47 cents lower than this time last year. Some analysts see $3 gasoline in our future.
After feedback, Xcel changes plan to charge more for electricity during peak hours
Xcel Energy proposed charging variable rates to better reflect the actual cost of delivering electricity during times of peak demand. The utility now says the program will be voluntary for customers who choose to opt in, and the peak rates won’t be as high.
Minneapolis community safety group asks city council for more money
The Unity Community Mediation Team — which has formally worked with the Minneapolis Police Department on reform since 2003 — asked the city council Wednesday for $937,900 to help cover costs. 
What's Zyn? And why there was a shortage this summer
Zyn pouches are the latest nicotine craze in the world of cigarette substitutes, with over 130 million containers sold in the first quarter of this year. Health experts and lawmakers are concerned.
Federal judge throws out U.S. ban on noncompetes
A federal judge in Texas has struck down the government's ban on noncompetes. An estimated 30 million U.S. workers are subject to the employment agreements.
Target's focus on lower prices in the grocery aisle start to pay off as comparable store sales rise
Target’s comparable sales rose for the first time in a year as grocery aisle deals for cash-strapped customers began to pay off. Sales at stores open for a year rose 2 percent in the second quarter reversing months of declines.
Hennepin County commissioners plan vote on smaller pay bump
They are now voting to increase their salaries by 5 percent at the beginning of 2025 and another 5 percent on Jan. 1, 2026. This would bring commissioner pay from $122,225 to $134,753.51 annually.