Minnesota jobs trending better than most states: The jobs picture may seem grim in Minnesota, but it’s actually better than all but 10 other states in the nation, according to a new study. Minnesota ranked 11th in a midyear review of employment trends in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., by Portfolio.com and bizjournals, both part pf American City Business Journals, which is the Charlotte, N.C.-based parent company of the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. That’s a big jump from 2009 rankings, when Minnesota ranked 28th, and even 2005, when the state was 19th. Read full story

Digi says it won't face charges after probe: Digi International said today that it won't face charges after completing an investigation into possible violations of the firm's gifts, travel and entertainment policies at the company. Minnetonka-based Digi said it turned over the results of its investigation to the U.S Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Officials from both agencies told the company they don't plan to begin "enforcement proceedings" or levy fines, Digi said in a press statement. Read full story

Swanson backs corporate election spending limits: Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson has filed a brief arguing against further changes to regulations that govern corporate election spending. Swanson filed the brief as part of a lawsuit that's been filed by Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, the Taxpayers League of Minnesota and New-Brighton-based Coastal Travel Enterprises, which are seeking to further roll back election-spending laws. The groups are challenging state laws that ban corporate general-fund independent expenditures, general fund contributions to independent expenditure committees and expenses to promote or defeat candidates. Read full story

Donaldson hikes dividend: Donaldson Co. will increase its quarterly dividend by 4 percent to 12.5 cents per share. The Bloomington-based company will pay the dividend on Sept. 10 to shareholders of record as of Aug. 20. Donaldson manufactures filtration systems. Read full story