Minnesota is reportedly among the states that have the most victims of Bernie Madoff's massive Ponzi scheme and now some face more bad news: Lawsuits asking them to return money they withdrew from their accounts before the scheme surfaced.

Most sectors experienced gains in late 2010-with consumer spending/tourism and construction/real estate seeing particularly notable increases within Minnesota.

The retailer will pay $1.825 billion in Canadian currency to take over the leases of up to 220 retail sites now operated by Zellers, Inc.

Minnesota's largest private company saw an impressive second quarter, with earnings increases in four of its five business segments.

Linda Kae Tuttle-Olson allegedly took funds from escrow accounts for personal use.

A recent report indicates that Minnesota grant-makers are more optimistic about their giving than they were at this time last year.

The founder of Ridgeway International-a Minnetonka-based event and transportation management business-listed assets of $1 million and liabilities of $4.6 million.

The company lowered its fiscal 2011 earnings guidance following third-quarter sales that were "softer than . . . anticipated"-and Wall Street responded unfavorably as Supervalu stock reportedly reached its lowest levels since late 1984.

The decision means that medical residents are not considered "students" by law and will continue to be required to pay income taxes on their earnings.

First Option Mortgage opened an office this week in Edina, only a couple of months after MetLife Home Loans expanded to Minnesota.

The Minneapolis-based retailer will open new stores in 12 states, including one in Woodbury, which is slated to open in March.

The land sale "is part of the orderly wind-down and liquidation of Opus Northwest's assets for the benefit of its creditors," according to a turnaround professional who's overseeing the liquidation.

According to Forbes, customers buying smartphones at a promotional price-or even free with a two-year agreement-can turn a profit under Best Buy's new buy-back program.

The company's stock dropped nearly 20 percent on Monday as Wall Street displayed concerns about proposed regulations affecting the funding and enrollment of for-profit schools.

With roughly three job seekers per opening, the area's employment is expected to recover fully by mid-2011.

The company is refocusing on data storage technology-but it's still marketing some new electronics products, including a TDK stereo reminiscent of retro boomboxes.