Senate negotiators have reached a deal that would end an ethanol tax credit by July 31 and use the money saved to reduce national debt and fund other renewable energy efforts.

The Hutchinson-based disk-drive component maker's preliminary results indicate that its product shipments are up 15 percent and its net sales are up 14 percent for the quarter that ended June 11.

A report from Cassidy Turley indicates that a stagnant economy has prevented any substantial growth from occurring in the Twin Cities retail market, but the introduction of some new retailers and plans for new development are positive signs.

The medical device giant will spend a combined $585 million to acquire two surgical technology companies in which it already has an ownership interest-Peak Surgical and Salient Surgical Technologies.

During the state government shutdown, local companies reportedly have been unable to sign up investors for the state's angel tax credit program.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission alleged that Target Corporation violated the Americans with Disabilities Act by denying a disabled employee "reasonable accommodation" and reducing his work hours because of his disability.

Year-to-date, Target's same-store sales are up 2.7 percent, and its net retail sales are up 3.6 percent to $26.6 billion.

Unlike regular Groupon deals, which are purchased for future use, Groupon Now! deals are redeemed immediately and can only be used during the day in which they are purchased.

A senior analyst with Wells Fargo Securities reported that Medtronic may potentially sell its entire spine business amid scrutiny of its Infuse spinal product.

The acquisition of Calhoun Commons, which is anchored by a 49,471-square-foot Whole Foods Market, gives Regency Centers its fourth shopping center in the Twin Cities market.

The company declined to comment on how the acquisition will impact its 800 employees in St. Paul.

As the Metropolitan Council prepares for a potentially dramatic cut in state funding to local transit operations, it said that possible budget solutions could include a fare increase of up to 50 cents, up to a 25 percent reduction in bus service, and the loss of 500 jobs.

According to Finance and Commerce, the state may try to cut its losses on the $34.3 million Highway 52 interchange project in Pine Island, which was designed to provide access to the Elk Run project.

A Canadian court has ordered The Mosaic Company to continue supplying potash to Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan until the two companies go to trial next January over a contract dispute.

The state earned high scores for quality of life and education, among other categories, which bumped its ranking up from last year.