The state's gas pumps could safely dispense a 15 percent ethanol blend, but no more, according to new tests from Underwriter Laboratories Inc. That's slightly higher than the current 10 percent mandated by Minnesota law -- a mandate that would rise to 20 percent by 2013 under a law passed four years ago. But UL says it's not giving a green light for "E15" gas, which can sometimes contain more than 15 percent ethanol. The state's pumps were originally designed for E10, and the capacity of higher percentages of ethanol to cause additional wear drew concerns.

MATT MCKinney

Rural economy continues to falter A regional survey of bankers suggests the rural economy continues to falter in the face of national economic woes and widespread job losses. The problems are reflected in the February report on a monthly survey of the bank executives in 11 Midwest and Plains states. The survey's overall index dropped this month to 16.9 from January's 24.6. It was the lowest reading since the survey first began in 2005. Creighton University economics professor Ernie Goss and Bill McQuillan, CEO of City National Bank in Greeley, Neb., created the survey.

ASSOCIATED PRESS