Business and Economic News

Minnesota's unemployment rate increases slightly, but Minn. officials say hiring is still strong
August’s unemployment rate was 1.9 percent, just up from the state’s record-low 1.8 percent in July. It’s still much lower than the national unemployment rate, which was 3.7 percent in August.
Tribes say North Dakota is tampering with mineral royalties
The Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation is accusing North Dakota officials of tampering with the tribes' efforts to collect royalties from oil and gas production underneath a riverbed on the Fort Berthold Reservation. 
High rents outpace federal disability payments, leaving many homeless
Supplemental Security Income, a federal program meant to be a financial floor for people unable to work, hasn't kept pace with inflation. Many recipients are homeless, unable to save for an apartment.
With strike over, Minnesota nurses hope it helped contract negotiations
Members of the Minnesota Nurses Association at 15 hospitals in the Twin Cities and Twin Ports walked off the job Monday over contract negotiations. Next they will see if the walkout will help at the bargaining table.
Fungal pathogen affecting apple trees found in Minnesota for first time
A fungal pathogen that can cause defoliation of apple and crabapple trees has been found in Minnesota for the first time. Agriculture officials say they’re “cautiously optimistic” that it will not significantly affect apple production in the state.
Minnesota commuters may be affected by possible national railroad strike
Railroads had already started to curtail shipments of hazardous materials and refrigerated products as of Wednesday ahead of Friday's strike deadline. A work stoppage would also affect passenger rail service — including Metro Transit's Northstar Commuter Rail.
A woman walked into a North Dakota bar carrying a raccoon, leading health officials to warn those who had contact with the animal about possible rabies exposure. 
On final day of strike, Minnesota nurses wonder what's next
Thousands of Minnesota nurses are in the third and final day of a strike affecting more than a dozen hospitals in the Twin Cities and Twin Ports. The union and hospital management remain at odds over pay and staffing concerns.
How a freight train strike could throw your plans to travel by train off track
Freight railroads could stop rolling at midnight Friday if negotiators don't stop a looming strike over working conditions. Congress could end a strike quickly, but a brief shutdown hurts the economy.