Business and Economic News

Interim president hopes to help St. Cloud State University find path forward
Larry Dietz, former president of Illinois State University, will lead SCSU for the next two years amid budget challenges. He hopes to help stabilize enrollment and draw students back to a more vibrant campus.
Cargill, U of M team up on oil seed crop expansion effort
University of Minnesota researchers and agri-business Cargill are joining forces in an effort to increase production of biofuel crops in the region.
Sheepish solar symbiosis: Two very different industries work together on the green energy transition
New players are entering the field to help with the green energy transition by literally chowing down on the fields. It’s through the growing collaboration between solar developers and sheep farmers. 
New AI security measure at Mall of America raises concerns for some 
Mall of America officials say the facial recognition system launched in June is accurate, effective and is an important addition to its existing security measures. However, some experts and state lawmakers worry about risks to privacy or possible misuse of the technology.
No clear path forward as Minneapolis park workers remain on strike
A special meeting of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board on Monday produced no clear path forward amid an ongoing contract impasse with park workers. The strike is set to end Thursday — though union officials said workers could extend the walkout if necessary.
ESG investing rule presents early test on limits of U.S. agency powers
A challenge to a Biden administration rule allowing socially conscious investing by employee retirement plans will present an early test of how courts will scrutinize federal regulations after the U.S. Supreme Court said they no longer have to defer to the expertise of the agencies that issued them.
South Dakota Gov. Noem’s official social media accounts seem to disappear without explanation
The accounts on Facebook, Instagram and X, the site formerly known as Twitter, had reached hundreds of thousands of followers. As of Monday, links to them on the governor’s official website led to pages that said the accounts were no longer active.
‘Bob’s Burgers’ actor pleads guilty to interfering with police during Capitol riot
Jay Johnston, 55, of Los Angeles, faces a maximum sentence of five years in prison after pleading guilty to civil disorder, a felony. U.S. District Judge Carl Nichols is scheduled to sentence Johnston on Oct. 7.
Alec Baldwin goes on trial this week, nearly 3 years after fatal ‘Rust’ shooting
Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was killed in 2021 when a prop gun went off on the western film “Rust” set. Alec Baldwin is charged with involuntary manslaughter and faces up to 18 months behind bars.