Business and Economic News

DFL, GOP leaders weigh in on 2024 budget forecast, bonding bill and spending cuts
Minnesota is projected to have a $2.4 billion budget surplus in 2024, but that’s far less hefty than the one lawmakers had to work with last year. House Speaker Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, and Senate Minority Leader Mark Johnson, R-East Grand Forks, spoke with Cathy Wurzer about it.
American Crystal Sugar reports a record crop despite drought
Moorhead-based American Crystal Sugar Company is reporting a record crop in 2023 as the sugar beet cooperative marks its 50th anniversary.
Minnesota Twins unveil design for new specialty license plate
The Minnesota Twins on Tuesday unveiled the design for their “This is Twins Territory” specialty license plate, which will be available starting Jan. 1.
Want to qualify for free college? Start with FAFSA, which comes out in December
Minnesotans looking to pursue higher education in 2024 are facing big changes with the rollout of a new FAFSA, expanded access to financial aid, and new, statewide free-tuition programs for some Native Americans and lower-income students. 
Metro Transit starts new fare enforcement program in Twin Cities
As of Monday, riders on the buses and light rail trains in the Twin Cities will start seeing community service officers enforce fares — and issue administrative citations to riders who didn’t purchase a ticket.
Minnesota novelist Brian Duren's new 'Gravity'
Twin Cities writer Brian Duren published two novels in the past six months, his latest, “Gravity of Love.” It’s been kind of a wild ride for Duren, who said he’s learned a lot of unexpected things about the books trade.