Business and Economic News

University of Minnesota and Essentia announce new health care alliance
The University of Minnesota and Essentia Health are proposing a new nonprofit for academic medicine in Minnesota. The university currently operates under a collaborative agreement with Fairview Health Services. That agreement ends next year. 
Proposed high-voltage powerline gets state regulators’ approval
Minnesota Power and Great River Energy jointly plan to build the 180-mile project, which could cost upwards of $1 billion. The utilities say the new high-voltage line is needed to help maintain a reliable power grid, as they transition away from fossil fuel plants to renewable energy such as solar and wind. 
Netflix raises monthly fees after a record jump in new subscribers
The company says it added 19 million new subscribers during the last quarter of 2024, fueled by live events and new shows. Netflix is also raising subscriptions by $1 to $2 per month in the U.S.
Could winter-hardy crops fuel airline flights of the future? U of M researchers think it’s possible
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have been studying winter oilseed crops that can be turned into sustainable aviation fuel and provide other environmental benefits. Interest in SAF has been on the rise as the airline industry looks to reduce its carbon emissions.
UnitedHealth tops profit forecasts but medical costs linger for health care giant
Shares of the health care giant slid early Thursday after it released its first financial report since the brazen shooting of one of its executives touched a national nerve and brought to the surface American frustration over health care access.
FTC sues Deere & Co. for monopolizing farm-equipment repair market
The Federal Trade Commission is accusing Deere & Co. of unfairly monopolizing the farm-equipment repair market. The attorneys general of Illinois and Minnesota joined the FTC in the lawsuit filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Illinois.