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.

Steven Leach says that Denny Hecker should pay "most" of the restitution that he owes to Chrysler Financial, but prosecutors argue that Leach "played a crucial role" in defrauding Chrysler and should be held responsible.

The company has reportedly phased out its Magnitude product line, which was produced in Eden Prairie, prompting the move.

Media reports indicate that the electronics retailer has landed deals with both Ford and General Motors.

Larry Barenbaum, who has served as interim CEO for the company since October, will now officially assume the permanent position.

Pamela Marie Dellis, a former auditor with the Minnesota Department of Revenue, allegedly created false tax refunds to embezzle $1.9 million from the state.

An initiative called 1,000 Supporters includes legal professionals from across the state who seek funding for the financially strained judicial system.

Just before the October crash, which killed Luke Bucklin and three of his sons, the Minnesota businessman told ground controllers that the small plane he was piloting might not reach the proper altitude, according to a recording obtained by the Associated Press.

In a push that aims to cut costs and start the next fiscal year on a stronger note, Supervalu is closing 20 unprofitable stores and offering unpaid time off to some employees.

The retailer's 0.9 percent increase in monthly same-store sales fell dramatically short of the expectations of Wall Street analysts, who had predicted a 4 percent jump.