A 3M executive says the $50 million investment is part of a "five-year strategy for China to increase annual sales 15 to 20 percent." The Maplewood-based manufacturer plans to develop new technology and products for the China market -- 3M's biggest overseas market.

A federal appeals court has ruled that Minnesota businessman Tom Petters received a fair trial. He was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison for orchestrating a multi-billion-dollar Ponzi scheme.

Administrators at St. Luke's Hospital in Duluth have decided to stop selling sugary drinks at its main campus and all of its clinics. The director of hospitality told the News Tribune, “What we’re learning from data that’s out there is that sugar-sweetened beverages are a significant contributor to obesity." St. Luke's is reportedly the first hospital in Minnesota to ban the beverages. The hospital will offer diet sodas, flavored water and juices with no added sugar.

Is everyone out buying a snowblower right now? The Business Journal says Toro smashed the Street's expectations with record sales. The company's profits are up 55 percent for the fourth quarter.

A federal bankruptcy judge overseeing the case of Maryland-based Ritz Camera & Image has approved the company's plan to liquidate its assets after failing to find a buyer for the specialty camera shops, Bloomberg reports.