Business and Economic News

In court, environmental regulators accused of suppressing comments in PolyMet case
In the first day of what’s expected to be a five- to 10-day evidentiary hearing, a former EPA official said Minnesota officials asked the agency to withhold written comments that were critical of the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine. The MPCA says it followed the law.
Top ag banker: Optimism remains, despite tough times in farm country
One regional ag lender says he’s optimistic despite a weakening farm economy in the Upper Midwest. Some key economic factors are helping farmers survive a stretch of several years of low profits.
Chisago Co., Leech Lake, Rosemount among those getting latest broadband help
Thirty projects will share in about $23 million in state broadband aid. State law calls for all homes and businesses to have access to internet with speeds of 25 megabits per second for downloads and three megabits per second for uploads by 2022.
Airport officials consider joining move to $15 minimum wage
The ordinance would cover thousands of workers and bring the airport into line with similar measures in Minneapolis and St. Paul. But business owners tied to the airport are concerned about the costs.
State regulators’ handling of a PolyMet permit is under scrutiny — here’s why it matters
Minnesota awarded the PolyMet mining company the permits it needs to begin construction on what would become the state’s first copper-nickel mine. Since then, the project has been mired in court battles, over the permits themselves, and how the state issued them. Tuesday begins another chapter.
Amtrak to drop $25,000 ticket price for 2 wheelchair users after complaints
NPR reported on Friday that the ticket for a two-hour ride between Chicago and Bloomington-Normal, Ill., stations usually costs $16. Amtrak had based the higher price on adjustments to train cars.
Reading, writing, and agriculture: Minnesota teacher honored for efforts to educate students about farming
“These are the people that are going to be leading our communities someday,” says kindergarten teacher Tiffany Kortbein. “I have that chance starting so young to teach these children, so that way they understand and they have the correct information. Food doesn't just come from the grocery store.”
Best Buy says it is reviewing allegations made against CEO
Best Buy says it is investigating CEO Corie Barry after receiving an anonymous letter making allegations against her. Best Buy declined to disclose the allegations but The Wall Street Journal reported it had seen the letter, which accused Barry of having an inappropriate romantic relationship with another executive.
Why Iran's economy has not collapsed amid U.S. sanctions and 'maximum pressure'
The Trump administration is applying what it calls a "maximum pressure" campaign on Iran. Although the economy has been hit hard, Iranians have managed to live under sanctions for four decades.
Rep. McCollum introduces bill to ban mining near the Boundary Waters
The proposal would mean an end to the Twin Metals Minnesota project, which would establish an underground copper-nickel mine near Ely. But President Trump has been a vocal supporter of new mining projects in northeastern Minnesota.