Around MN: Chinese spy discovered at Cargill, terror trial continues, send in the jobs
A Cargill scientist, and a spy for China
Cargill thought it was hiring a biotech specialist in 2008 for one of its Twin Cities research labs. Instead, it unknowingly hired a Chinese spy (Pioneer Press).
One battle won in Cargill trade-secrets theft
Ex-worker at Cargill and Dow pleaded guilty to sharing proprietary information. U.S. authorities are pushing harder against such crimes (Star Tribune).
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St. Cloud schools close to deal on Muslim harassment case
St. Cloud school district is close to reaching an agreement with the U.S. Education Department that would end an investigation into alleged religious discrimination, Superintendent Bruce Watkins said (Saint Cloud Times).
IRRRB may reconsider taconite subsidy
At a time when steelmakers and mine operators are notching hefty profits, members of the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board will discuss whether to continue subsidizing the Northland's taconite industry (Duluth News Tribune).
Deliberations go into another day in trial of 2 Minn. women accused of funding terror group
Jurors considering the case of two Minnesota women accused of conspiring to funnel money to a terror group in Somalia have wrapped up their second full day of deliberations without a verdict (AP).
The Big Story blog is focused on employment today. Here's some background reading:
Jobs
Budget pinch could spell job losses for govt. workers
Budgets are pinched these days at all levels of government. And that could spell job losses in the public sector. The state's September jobs report, due out this Thursday, could show more contraction in Minnesota's government sector (MPR News).
Jobs climate difficult for veterans
For Brad Steele, finding a job wasn't just a challenge. It was part of the veteran's recovery process.The 34-year-old Marine struggled with homelessness and addiction before finding help at the St. Cloud VA Health Care System (Saint Cloud Times).
American factories cry need for 600,000 skilled workers
Despite national unemployment that tops 9 percent, American manufacturers insist they cannot fill 600,000 jobs because job applicants lack the high tech skills needed to run the country's factories (Star Tribune).
Editorial: Stimulus dollars creating, saving jobs in state
Contrary to what critics are saying, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Stimulus Funds) is creating and saving jobs in Minnesota.Amid the din and chatter during this toxic political environment, those who say the stimulus funds have not created or saved jobs in Minnesota are wrong (ABC).
Dayton talks jobs, growth with Central Minn. business execs
Energy costs, a lack of commercial air service and a shortage of qualified workers are hampering job growth in Central Minnesota, local business executives told Gov. Mark Dayton on Tuesday morning (Saint Cloud Times).