Business and Economic News

Minnesota farmers optimistic, realistic as spring planting nears
The state's growers face their fourth straight year of low grain prices as they get ready for spring planting. It's forced some out of business. But most are surviving and looking ahead despite the cloudy future.
Experts debate: Does Walmart help or hurt America's economy?
Walmart is the country's largest private-sector employer. Does the big-box retailer push out small businesses and use cheap foreign labor? Or does it provide lots of American jobs and sell affordable goods to consumers?
Duluth launches coal-cutting energy pilot
The city's switch at its steam plant from coal to natural gas is expected to cut the city's carbon emissions by 10 percent this year.
Mayo Clinic CEO's Big Pharma gig: 4 questions
Dr. John Noseworthy will soon join the board of Merck, a major pharmaceutical company. While common, experts say these kinds of relationships raise conflict of interest concerns and must be carefully navigated. Here's how it works.
Minneapolis changes Surdyk's punishments for Sunday liquor sales
The owner of Surdyk's liquor store has come to a tentative agreement with the city of Minneapolis. As penance for selling liquor on a Sunday, Jim Surdyk will pay a fine and close for a few days.
United CEO 'ashamed' about passenger's removal
"That is not who our family at United (Airlines) is," Oscar Munoz said on "Good Morning America." "This will never happen again on a United flight. That's my promise."
Lieutenant governor makes pitch for more transportation funding
Lt. Gov. Tina Smith voiced support for Gov. Mark Dayton's proposal for a $3 million demonstration project to operate the Northstar commuter rail line to St. Cloud for up to six months.
How U.S. health care became big business
Writer Elisabeth Rosenthal has worked as a physician and says it's far more lucrative in the U.S. health system to provide a lifetime of treatments than a cure. Her new book is An American Sickness.