Building permits are on the rise in the Twin Cities. According to data from the Keystone Report for the Builders Association of the Twin Cities, building permits issued in the Twin Cities this month were up 57 percent over last July, to 403, and the number of units permitted more than doubled, to 783. The data also revealed that 3,953 units have been permitted, up 75 percent over the same time last year.

The survey by Deloitte found people will spend more on 'non-gift' items, like parties and holiday decorations, than on buying presents. Spending on non-gift items increased 22 percent this year compared to last. On average, that equals about $600.

1,400 new construction jobs in the Twin Cities made for a three percent increase compared to a year earlier. While Rochester held steady, Duluth and St. Cloud saw declines of six and two percent, respectively.

Tens of thousands of permits have poured in in just the first week. Wisconsin residents first have to pass a background check and proven they've taken firearms training before they can get a permit.

New housing construction in Plymouth is bucking the national trend. KSTP reports permits for single-family homes there are up 128 percent. City officials credit pent-up demand and the desirable Wayzata school district.

Both the Minnesota Orchestra and the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra are in the middle of negotiating new contracts with musicians. Both face multi-million dollar deficits, and a quick resolution is unlikely. MPR explores issues at the heart of the question: Does the state need two world-class orchestras?

A new survey could mean home prices are starting to stabilize in some parts of the country. Prices also increased -- ever so slightly -- in our own metro from July to August.

There was a big jump in construction activity in the Twin Cities in September, the Business Journal reports, citing figures published by McGraw-Hill Construction. Nonresidential construction in the metro in September totaled $200 million, compared to just $90 million during the same month in 2011. Residential construction totaled $313 million, well above the $123 million in September 2011.