Business and Economic News

St. Cloud to debate raising legal tobacco age to 21
The St. Cloud City Council set a public hearing on a proposed ordinance that would make it illegal to sell tobacco to anyone under age 21. A move supported by an organization called Crave the Change, but not St. Cloud Mayor Dave Kleis.
Xcel Energy announces plans for new South Dakota wind farm
Xcel says the Dakota Range I and II project puts the company on pace to be the first U.S. utility to surpass 10,000 megawatts of wind on its system, which it says would be more than enough energy to power every home in Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Trump's tax plan: business owners win, deficit hawks lose
President Trump and congressional Republicans are proposing a far-reaching plan to cut taxes for individuals and corporations, simplify the tax system and nearly double the standard deduction used by most Americans.
Booming wolf population puts wildlife experts on notice
With Minnesota's wolf population estimated to be on the rise, some wildlife managers are concerned about these same wolves targeting domestic animals for food.
GOP, White House prepare to roll out tax cuts
The White House and congressional Republicans are finalizing a tax plan that would slash the corporate rate while likely reducing the levy for the wealthiest Americans, with President Trump ready to roll out the policy proposal at midweek.
Equifax CEO steps down in the wake of damaging data breach
The credit reporting agency is ousting CEO Richard Smith in an effort to clean up the mess left by a damaging data breach that exposed highly sensitive information about 143 million Americans.
CSA — with a twist — aims to create 'deeper understanding' of Hmong art, farmers
ArtCrop intends to highlight the importance that agriculture plays in the Hmong culture, while also drawing attention to the parallel challenges that artists and farmers face: That despite value in their work, both often struggle to thrive.
Does Minnesota really need a new oil pipeline?
That's the big question facing state regulators as a new round of public hearings begins Tuesday on whether to allow Enbridge Energy to replace its Line 3 pipeline. The state Commerce Department argues it isn't needed, but Enbridge says the need is so critical it's willing to spend over $7 billion to build it.