Economy
Even after St. Cloud Electrolux closure, Minnesota’s manufacturing economy isn’t all bad news
Manufacturing employment has actually grown each year since the Great Recession, though the overall employment level has not recovered.
Economy
MNopedia
How taconite became a viable commercial product
Identified in the late 19th century, it took the depletion of natural iron ores in Minnesota for low-iron taconite to come to the fore.
Good Jobs
PolyMet and Twin Metals say they’ll create thousands of Iron Range jobs. Does Minnesota have the workers to fill them?
The implications of the two projects for the area’s workforce could be “crazy,” said Michelle Ufford, executive director of the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training.
MNopedia
How the Twin City Lines bus strike transformed transit in Minneapolis and St. Paul
The strike provided the opportunity for public acquisition of the company and dramatic service improvements.
Good Jobs
Regulatory burden: Are DEED’s accountability measures for job-training programs doing more harm than good?
Minnesota’s economic development agency requires partner nonprofits to report a lot of data, even as agency officials and legislators acknowledge the information isn’t critical for program evaluation.
MNopedia
At its peak, the Oliver Iron Mining Company operated 128 mines across the Iron Range
Oliver mines were originally clustered on the eastern end of the Mesabi.
Metro
Hennepin County weighs cuts to senior services and food shelves
The cuts come amid increase strain on the county’s human services budget.
State Government
How well is Minnesota government prepared to weather the next recession?
A recent assessment gives the state relatively good marks when it comes to Minnesota’s fiscal health, at least compared to other states. But that doesn’t mean the state is immune to serious economic threats.
Economy
Why Minnesota farmers are watching China’s swine fever outbreak closely
In 2018, Minnesota was the number three state for raising pigs in the U.S.
Good Jobs
A federal court just said states can set their own net neutrality rules. What that means for Minnesota
The opinion was a victory for states that have instituted rules to bar internet service providers from throttling web traffic and charging businesses more for faster speeds. It also gives new life to those who want Minnesota to follow suit.
MNopedia
When Gov. Orville Freeman declared martial law in Albert Lea during a packing plant strike, he didn’t just target strikers
Freeman also ordered the plant closed.
National
Suppressed USDA climate research details big impacts for Minnesota farmers
Publication of climate-change related research by the USDA has plummeted under the Trump administration.
Economy
Minnesota income growth slows
In 2018, Minnesota households made a median $70,315 in income. It was $70,405 the previous year.
