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Agency ruling delivers big setback to Okefenokee mining plan

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP) — A federal agency has delivered a big setback to a company's controversial plan to mine near the edge of the Okefenokee Swamp and its vast wildlife refuge. A government memo said Friday that the Army Corps of Engineers is reasserting jurisdiction over Twin Pines Minerals' proposal to mine minerals just outside the Okefenokee, home to the largest U.S. wildlife refuge east of the Mississippi River. Scientists have warned that mining close to the swamp's bowl-like rim could damage its ability to hold water. They urged the Army Corps of Engineers to deny the project ...

Foundation offers grants to promote economy of small towns

OWATONNA, Minnesota — Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation is currently accepting applications for its Small Town grant program. Towns with populations of 10,000 or less in SMIF’s 20-county region are eligible. Requests of up to $10,000 for eligible projects will be considered. Nonprofit organizations, public institutions and units or agencies of local, state and federal government are encouraged to apply. The Small Town Grant program seeks to invest in initiatives which improve the way communities work collaboratively to address challenges. SMIF seeks proposals which ...

Climate to conflict, Davos’ post-COVID return has full plate

DAVOS, Switzerland (AP) — Davos — the hub of an elite annual gathering in the Swiss Alps — is back, more than two years after the coronavirus pandemic kept its business gurus, political leaders and high-minded activists away. There's no shortage of urgent issues for the World Economic Forum's annual meeting to tackle. With their lofty ambition to help improve the state of the world, forum organizers have their work cut out for them: there are soaring food and fuel prices, Russia's war in Ukraine, climate change, drought and food shortages in Africa, yawning inequality between ...

State has information on recruiting teens in tight labor market

Many employers need teen employees more than ever as they face historically tight labor market conditions heading into summer. But with teen unemployment near a record low, employers must take their recruitment, hiring and retention efforts to the next level to attract the teen talent they need. As of April, the youth unemployment rate in Minnesota, based on a 12-month moving average, was 6.5%, one of the lowest on record dating back to when such data first started being tracked in 2001. Not only is teen unemployment low but the share of teens who are employed is among the highest ...

Farmers markets will be at two locations this year

Farmers market will be at two locations this year. Starting June 23, a farmers market will be at Cash Wise Foods on Thursdays and in downtown New Ulm on Saturdays starting June 25. The chamber is also forming a committee with an objective to help the downtown farmers market be a bigger draw — to attract families and local residents, as well as tourist. The chamber is inviting interested businesses and other organizations to play a role in that by sponsoring music concerts or operating a booth, such as a face-painting booth, for example. The market will be open every Saturday ...

Consumers defy inflation to support economy. For how long?

WASHINGTON (AP) — With prices across the economy — from food, gas and rent to cars, airfares and hotel rooms — soaring at their fastest pace in decades, you might think Americans would tap the brakes on spending. Not so far. Consumers as a whole are showing surprising resilience, not only sustaining their spending but increasing it even after adjusting for inflation. In April, the government said, retail sales outpaced inflation for a fourth straight month. It was a reassuring sign that consumers — the primary drivers of America's economy — are still providing vital support ...