Business and Economic News

Xi says China to lower trade barriers as Beijing files WTO complaint against U.S.
The Chinese president told a group of investors and regional leaders gathered in Hainan that his country would "significantly" lower tariffs on imported automobiles and other products.
Will the late ice-out hurt walleye fishing this year?
Minnesota's walleye and northern pike fishing opener is May 12, and for many it signals the traditional turning point from snow shovels to sunscreen. But a month out some lakes in central Minnesota are still covered with more than 2 feet of ice, and there's no sign of letting up.
A grass-roots movement for healthy soil spreads among farmers
America's farmers are digging soil like never before. A movement for "regenerative agriculture" is dedicated to building healthier soil and could even lead to a new eco-label on food.
Is China targeting Trump country with tariffs?
What are the economic and political implications of a trade war with China?
US and China both omit key products from tariff threats
The U.S. and China are both threatening tariffs over billions of dollars' worth of products in their escalating conflict over trade. In both cases, what's not on their lists also says a lot.
Minnesota firm tries an ancient solution to heavy metal pollution
Cleaning polluted water can be difficult and expensive. But a northern Minnesota company says it's developed a natural, cheap technology to filter heavy metal contamination, and it's literally homegrown.
When robots milk cows, farm families taste freedom
On a growing number of dairy farms, cows, not people, decide when they need to be milked. Robots can do the job day or night. For some farm families, the robots free them from rigid milking schedules.
Ex-Best Buy CEO quits Mayo board; donated to group that placed anti-Islam ads
Brad Anderson has stepped down from the Mayo Clinic board after he confirmed he contributed $25,000 in 2016 to a right-wing group that distributed inflammatory anti-Muslim videos. He remains on Minnesota Public Radio's board.