Business and Economic News

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.
In grinding manufacturing slump, 3M cuts another 1,500 jobs
The 1,500 job cuts come on top of the 2,000 jobs the company trimmed less than a year ago. CEO Michael Roman said the cuts will occur across all business groups and geographies.
What to know for year two of the Trump tax plan
Last year's filing season was an adjustment for taxpayers and industry professionals alike as it was the first under a massive overhaul of federal tax law. While this year's season is expected to be more sedate, there are a few tweaks to be aware of.
Supporters see worker co-ops as way to spread the wealth
There are more than 1,000 active cooperatives in Minnesota. Proponents say it makes the economy more equitable and democratic as wealth disparities in the United States continue to grow.
The challenges home care workers face
As the number of aging Americans in need of care grows, so does the home health care industry. We dig into the push for better wages and improved training for workers.
Bigleaf maple syrup flows as profits drip from once-maligned Northwest tree
The Pacific Northwest is getting into the lucrative maple syrup industry. Farmers and researchers in Washington state are beginning to tap the sweet potential of the much-maligned bigleaf maple tree.
Locust swarms in Africa are worst in decades
The worst outbreak of desert locusts in Kenya in 70 years has seen hundreds of millions of the bugs swarm into the East African nation from Somalia and Ethiopia. Those two countries have not had an infestation like this in a quarter-century.
As court case continues, MPCA defends handling of PolyMet permit, citing efficiency
In the third day of an unusual court hearing investigating alleged “procedural irregularities” in the way a mine permit was issued, former MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine testified his agency asked the EPA to delay submitting critical comments because his staff was stretched too thin responding to other comments.