Confirmed: layoffs to come with Cliffs production cutbacks

Several news organizations are reporting on Cliffs Natural Resources' decision to slow production at two of its northern Minnesota taconite plants. Today, we have confirmation that this will involve immediate layoffs at United Taconite and Northshore. Though these kinds of layoffs are common and usually temporary at Iron Range mines, this will make the Iron Range -- which had been enjoying recent economic improvement -- more aware of the economic situation facing the country at large.