The West Central Tribune reports the Commerce Department is ordering a debt collection company to revamp its hiring process after an investigation found the firm was employing felons. NCO Financial Systems operates 49 debt agencies nationwide.

The Minnesota Department of Commerce says the violations include hiring felons, harassing costumers who owe money and stealing personal information. The companies face more than $900,000 in fines collectively.

The state's Republican Party on Friday disclosed new financial information, including $415,211 in debt that had never been reported. Party officials say they've found no evidence that anything illegal occurred, though, as the Star Tribune reports, the undisclosed debt could result in new fines. The party's outstanding obligations now total $2 million, including $700,000 owed to lawyers involved in the recount.

Politics In Minnesota quotes sources saying the Minnesota Republican Party's debts reach to about $2 million. That's almost double a previous estimate. The debt comes from unpaid legal fees, an FEC fine and recent invoices that have ballooned the party's financial woes. The revelation comes on the eve of the state GOP electing a new chairman.

Spectro Alloys Corporation admits that it violated air pollution standards in 2007 and then filed false reports with state and federal regulators. In addition to a $500,000 fine, the company must come up with ways to ensure that future reports are accurate. Spectro makes recycled aluminum.