Business and Economic News

USDA rejects request for faster pork slaughterhouse speeds
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has declined a request by the pork industry to increase the speed at which pigs can be processed into meat, delivering a victory to slaughterhouse workers who had raised safety concerns about the plan.
Can employers make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory?
Experts say employers can make COVID-19 vaccination mandatory, with some exceptions. Employers generally have wide scope to make rules for the workplace, including safety measures. That doesn't necessarily mean you would get fired if you refuse, but you might need to sign a waiver or agree to work under specific conditions to limit any risk you might pose to yourself or others.
Minnesota farmer wins appeal in Pineland Sands irrigation dispute case
The Minnesota Court of Appeals rejected arguments that Sebeka farmer Tim Nolte was acting as a front for R.D. Offutt Co. in seeking irrigation permits for 300 acres he bought from the giant potato-growing company. The court upheld the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources decision not to require an extensive environmental review for the irrigation project.
After last year's unrest, some businesses rebuilt. But many have not recovered
Minneapolis business advocates say rebuilding, especially for properties that were leveled by fire, will take five to 10 years. City officials and fundraising groups have calculated the total cost at around $500 million to be shared by 1,500 businesses. But fundraisers have only secured a fraction of what they say they need.
Tenants worry and landlords fume over eviction ban
One of Gov. Tim Walz’s last remaining COVID-19 restrictions is a ban on rental property evictions. Legislators have been looking for a way to end the ban that is fair to both landlords and tenants. And rental assistance money has been slow to flow to those who need it. 
What the rise of Amazon has to do with the rise of Trump
The new book “Fulfillment,” by Alec MacGillis, looks at America's economic history — as well as its future — through the lens of Amazon.
Internet Explorer, the love-to-hate-it web browser, will die next year
Microsoft is officially pulling the plug on perhaps the most-hated web browser that once dominated the competition. Internet Explorer will be put to rest in the summer of 2022.