Business and Economic News

Environmental groups sue state to block approval of PolyMet
Environmental groups have gone to court to challenge the state's decision to grant key permits for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota.
Cost projections skyrocket for Fargo-Moorhead flood diversion project
Rising interest rates and design changes made to meet Minnesota permit requirements have jacked up the estimated costs of the massive project by 25 percent — nearly $600 million, officials said Monday.
Economist: Skilled worker shortage hurts Midwestern economy
The economy continued to expand in nine Midwestern and Plains states last month but was hampered by shortages of skilled workers, according to monthly survey results released Monday.
3 key questions as Minneapolis readies homeless camp shelter
Even as the city and its partners rush to open an emergency shelter for people living in tents along Franklin and Hiawatha avenues, questions vital to the effort's success remain unanswered.
U.S., China put brakes on trade dispute with cease-fire
"It's great the two sides took advantage of this opportunity to call a truce," said Andy Rothman, investment strategist at Matthews Asia. "The two sides appear to have had a major change of heart to move away from confrontation toward engagement."
White House adviser: Trump-Xi trade talks went 'very well'
Face-to-face for more than two hours, President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping engaged in dinner diplomacy Saturday aimed at resolving a trade dispute between the world's two biggest economies.
State officials issue permit for Minntac tailings basin
State officials plan to issue a water quality permit Saturday to U.S. Steel for a massive mining waste pit on the Iron Range.
Minnesota DNR says Red River diversion decision at least a month away
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says its decision on issuing permits for the Red River diversion project in the Fargo-Moorhead area should happen in late December or early January.
Trump signs new trade agreement with Mexico and Canada
President Trump signed the new U.S. Mexico Canada Agreement -- or USMCA -- in Buenos Aires Friday, using the backdrop of the G-20 Summit to resolve a trade crisis with America's closest neighbors.