Until now, Target required online shoppers to spend $50 before qualifying for free shipping. The Minneapolis retailer is also allowing its debit cards to be used at Target.com.

Now that we are in the fourth year of a dismal economic recovery and more people with significant experience (of all ages) are laid off, I’m getting more requests for advice on how to become a consultant. Lemme give you some advice before you take any serious first steps into this new world...

The consultant says patchwork fixes won't cut it anymore and the 107-year-old building needs an overhaul. Few capitols that age have never had a major renovation. The consultant says the cost will go up if repairs are postponed.

Minnesota's state and local government agencies will contract with more than 20 private-sector consultants tasked with rooting out waste and finding ways to deliver better services more efficiently.

The Bloomington location will begin operating as a Fairview clinic this month. The Minneapolis clinic, which was destroyed by fire earlier this year, will re-open as a Fairview clinic in the spring.

The Rochester clinic has agreed to partner its research efforts with the country in the hopes of speeding up medical breakthroughs. Mayo Clinic already had research agreements with companies in Sweden and the Czech Republic.

The Minneapolis-based discount giant has not taken a stance on the controversial amendment to ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota, but Target stores are now selling greeting cards honoring gay couples. The cards feature phrases like "Mr. & Mr." and "Two very special women, one very special love."

The Mayo Clinic hopes its plan for a new cancer network will bring medical care closer to where patients live. Its first partner is the Coborn Cancer Clinic in St. Cloud, which will have access to Mayo doctors and resources.