Business and Economic News

Controversy over data centers in Minnesota leads to calls for statewide moratorium, new regulations
Opponents of the massive projects say the measures the Legislature passed last year aren’t enough to protect communities, residents and the environment from potential negative impacts. They’re calling for a two-year moratorium on new data centers and other restrictions.
Minneapolis City Council renews liquor licenses for two hotels allegedly housing ICE agents
The Minneapolis City Council approved liquor license renewals Thursday for two hotels that protesters have targeted for allegedly housing federal agents. Some council members pushed to deny the licenses, pointing to public comment from staff at the hotels who said they felt unsafe.
 Holdingford fire highlights the importance of small-town grain mills as community hubs
The Holdingford Mill, which stood for over a hundred years, burned down on Feb. 15, leaving only a warehouse behind. While the business is not shutting down for good, it will never operate at the same scale it used to.
 Eagan places 1-year pause on new data center developments
The Eagan City Council voted on Tuesday to pause new data center developments for one year to study the impacts of data centers. The moratorium may be the first-of-its-kind in Minnesota.
Federal hemp ban leaves Minnesota THC sellers in limbo
Minnesota already regulates hemp edibles, but it's unclear what Congress’ new cannabis rules mean for the state. That’s creating uncertainty for businesses that sell other hemp-derived beverages and other products.
Farm income is declining in the Upper Midwest
A survey of lenders said farm incomes were down in the fourth quarter of 2025 and will stay down into 2026.
Near record high gold and silver prices make coin and jewelry exchange shops busy
The Olympic Gold and silver medals some Minnesota athletes are pursuing are worth more than ever this winter, thanks to skyrocketing gold and silver prices. While the prices have dropped somewhat from record highs reached in late January, they’re still much higher than a year ago, as uncertainty about the economy drives investors towards more stable options.
House votes to slap back Trump's tariffs on Canada in rare bipartisan rebuke
The House has voted to slap back President Donald Trump’s tariffs on Canada. The tally offered a rare rebuke of the White House agenda, though it wouldn’t actually undo the tariffs without support from Trump himself, which is highly unlikely.