Home sales down 41% in October in Twin Cities: Home sales in the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area declined 40.7 percent in October, compared with the same month a year ago, according to statistics released today by area Realtor groups. The median sales price for Twin Cities homes sold was $170,000, up 0.6 percent, compared with last year. The slight increase in median sales price reversed a two-month trend of slight price drops, according to a news release from the Minneapolis Area Association of Realtors. Read full story

Study: MRI program could cut $28M in Minnesota health care costs: A Bloomington-based health care improvement nonprofit is launching a statewide initiative that it claims could save the Minnesota health care community more than $28 million annually. The Institute for Clinical Systems Improvement’s computer program allows doctors to use patient information to determine if a CT scan or MRI is better for their patient. The institute estimated the savings based on a year-long pilot program that involved roughly 4,000 physicians from five Minnesota medical groups. Read full story

Target selling fresh Christmas trees online: For the first time, Target.com is selling fresh Christmas trees, wreathes and garlands. The fresh trees can be pre-ordered now, and free shipping begins Nov. 15. Prices for the trees range from $79.99 to $159.99. Read full story