Business and Economic News

Highway project threatens Hmong farmland in Dakota County
Land ownership and access is a major barrier for farmers of color in Minnesota. A Hmong farming group in the process of buying its land is already worried about a potential loss to construction.
Journalists from Philippines, Russia get Nobel Peace Prize
Journalists Maria Ressa of the Philippines and Dmitry Muratov of Russia won the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for their fight for freedom of expression in countries where media outlets have faced persistent attacks.
Hiring slows sharply, and it's raising new concerns about the economy
Forecasters say the U.S. added just 194,000 jobs last month, even lower than the lackluster showing in August. The unemployment rate fell to 4.8 percent.
Faced with losing their jobs, even the most hesitant are getting vaccinated
Workplaces with vaccine mandates are seeing vaccination rates of 90 percent or higher. A complex mix of factors, including job security, are driving most workers to get the shots.
DFL lawmakers, unions push for end to pay stalemate
Democrats working on the “hero pay” commission say bonuses should go to a large pool of pandemic workers. Republicans want to limit the number of workers who are eligible so that each one gets a bigger bonus.
St. Paul to introduce some of the strictest tobacco rules in the nation
The City Council on Wednesday will introduce a new ordinance that would set a $10 minimum price on a pack of cigarettes and ban coupons and other discounts at retail outlets, among other things.
Understaffed and at capacity, Minnesota vet clinics are struggling to keep up
Like many industries during the pandemic, veterinary medicine has been hit hard by staff shortages and increased demand for services. Some vets are advising pet owners to book appointments far in advance and to be patient if they encounter stressed-out staff members.