Business and Economic News

China's premier appeals for free trade amid tariff battle
China's No. 2 leader appealed Wednesday for support for free trade and promised to improve conditions for foreign companies following tit-for-tat U.S. and Chinese tariff hikes in a battle over Beijing's technology policy.
Tougher laws on pipeline protests face test in Louisiana
A number of states are making it harder to protest the construction of oil and gas pipelines. Recent felony arrests in Louisiana could be a test case for these tougher new laws.
Metro Transit hopes apprenticeships can help ease driver shortage
Amid a tight labor market that has many industries hurting for workers, Metro Transit is launching an apprenticeship program to address a shortage of drivers that has forced service cutbacks.
Businesses in Minnesota offer training and education to attract employees, but there needs to be industry-wide support.
More than 300 people are estimated to be living in tents near Hiawatha and Franklin avenues in Minneapolis. The Wall of Forgotten Natives, as some are calling it, is the largest homeless encampment in recent Minnesota history.
General Mills fiscal 1Q sales fall short
General Mills Inc. reported mixed first-quarter financial results as costs weighed down profit and a sales increase fell short of expectations.
Japanese billionaire books first moonshot aboard SpaceX's 'Big Falcon Rocket'
Yusaku Maezawa would be the first person since 1972 to travel around the moon and the first-ever private citizen to do it. He was introduced at SpaceX headquarters near Los Angeles Monday night.
Twin Cities companies expand perks to attract, keep employees
Economists are stumped at why wages haven't gone up in response. But many organizations are enhancing benefits to help attract and retain employees.