>>Rep Fischbach Applauds Trump’s Move to Ease China Tariffs
(Washington, D.C.) — Republican Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach is welcoming news that President Donald Trump plans to lower tariffs on China, a move she says could bring relief to Minnesota soybean farmers hit hard by the trade war. “I’m very excited about it and prices are already starting to reflect that,” Fischbach said. “We’ll learn more of the details later, but I’m really happy the president is taking care of these things. Farmers have been struggling.” Minnesota soybean producers lost their top export market when tariffs escalated between the U.S. and China. President Trump told reporters a new trade deal with China could be reached “pretty soon.”
>>Minnesota Company Raises Concerns Over U.S./China Trade Deal
(Sartell, MN) — Sartell-based Niron Magnetics is responding to the U.S.-China trade agreement, which includes rare earth export discussions. The company warns that despite U.S. claims of progress, China’s vague stance suggests its April 4th restrictions remain in place, posing serious risks to the industry. Niron says a temporary reprieve isn’t a real solution. Last month, Niron broke ground on its first full-scale manufacturing facility in Sartell. Once complete, the 1,500-ton plant will be among the largest magnet production sites in the U.S. Rare earth materials, largely controlled by China, are critical for technologies like EVs, wind turbines, semiconductors, and defense systems.
>>Still No Deal Between Doctors, Allina Health
(Minneapolis) – After another bargaining session on Wednesday, still no deal between doctors, physicians’ assistants, and nurse practitioners and Allina Health. The doctors and their union, SEIU, gave Allina Health a 10-day strike notice last week. The union is planning a one-day Unfair Labor Practice strike to take place on November 5th. With 600 doctors threatening to strike, this is believed to be the largest strike of its kind in U.S. history. The union says the main sticking points continue to be pay and safety on the job. The two sides have been bargaining for nearly 20 months.
>>Congresswoman Craig Pushes For SNAP Funding Release
(Washington, D.C.) — A group of 26 attorneys general is suing the U.S. Department of Agriculture, accusing it of illegally withholding money meant for food assistance. Democratic Congresswoman Angie Craig says the USDA has the funds and the authority to pay SNAP benefits in November. “The Trump administration has the appropriated funds and the legal authority to pay SNAP benefits in November. Plain and simple. Refusing to use the appropriated funds is against the law.” But Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins says the department doesn’t have the $9.2 billion needed to cover next month’s payments.
The lawsuit aims to force the USDA to release the funds and keep food assistance flowing during the government shutdown.
>>Invasive Algae found in Buffalo Lake in Wright County
(Buffalo, MN) — The Minnesota DNR confirms starry stonewort near the south public access of Buffalo Lake in Buffalo. City staff alerted the agency after a contractor spotted the algae. Starry stonewort can form dense mats that crowd out native plants and block recreation. It spreads easily when watercraft aren’t properly cleaned. The DNR plans a full lake survey and will work with Wright County partners on next steps. This marks the 38th waterbody in Minnesota where starry stonewort has been confirmed.
