Business and Economic News

Minnesota considers raising water permit fees
Cities, industries and some livestock farmers could pay more for water quality permit fees under a proposal by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. But some cities and farmers are objecting, saying the money should come from the state's general fund instead.
As regulations roll back, could clean water protection business dry up?
The Trump administration is stripping clean water protections put in place by President Obama, and some in the industry worry that the regulatory changes will threaten their business.
As Xcel moves toward coal-free, will natural gas remain part of energy mix?
Xcel Energy is proposing to replace a coal-fired power plant in Becker with a brand-new plant that would burn natural gas to generate electricity. The company says it needs natural gas as part of its transition to carbon-free electricity. But some climate advocates say building a new fossil fuel plant is unnecessary — and may be unwise.
Delta to launch new uniform program after worker complaints
Delta Air Lines plans to launch a new uniform program for its flight attendants and some airport customer service agents after complaints that uniforms that employees are required to wear are causing serious medical problems.
What are the threats facing rural Minnesota’s community newspapers?
Last year in Minnesota, more than a dozen small newspapers went out of business because of declining ad revenue and a dwindling number of subscribers. Three guests who work in newspapers across the state joined the program and talked about the threats facing rural Minnesota’s community newspapers.
U.S. economic growth slowed in 2019 to 2.3 percent
The Commerce Department says the U.S. economy grew 2.3 percent last year. That's slower than the previous year and well below the Trump administration's forecast.
'It does absolutely pay to complain': Feds help some Minnesota phone scam victims collect
The Federal Trade Commission has mailed about $17 million in checks to 78,000 Minnesotans since July 2018. About half the payments involved a company called AMG Services, which ran a payday lending scheme.
When President Trump signed a revamped trade agreement with Mexico and Canada into law Wednesday, he kept a campaign pledge to improve upon a deal that he had long condemned. Here are some questions and answers about the new deal.
Trump: New trade deal with Canada, Mexico to boost U.S. growth
President Trump on Wednesday signed into law a major rewrite of the rules of trade with Canada and Mexico that he said replaces the “nightmare" of a Clinton-era agreement and will keep jobs, wealth and growth in America.