Minnesota

The move brings state-chartered banks and credit unions in sync with their federal counterparts by enabling them to open checking accounts for consumers who have had accounts closed for writing bad checks.

The Minnesota credit union's deal for Brainerd Savings & Loan comes about 11 months after it bought Neighborhood National Bank in Minnesota.

The deal is a sign of further consolidation among Twin Cities-area credit unions, following another combination announced in May.

The credit union now has a community charter to serve seven counties in addition to several select employee groups.

The Minnesota-based institution is allowing children of some employees to attend school virtually in their branches in order to make it easier for parents to work during the pandemic.

Steve Ewers, who has held several positions in information technology, will replace retiring President and CEO Tammy Heikkinen, who has led the Duluth, Minn.-based institution for 12 years.

A new initiative from the Minnesota Credit Union Network to help deepen share of wallet is believed to be the first of its kind and could be a model for credit union leagues in other states.

Mesaba, which is also based in Minnesota, is the parent of American Bank of the North and Lake Bank.

Some credit unions have closed branches as demonstrations continue following the death of George Floyd last week.

TruStone Financial and Firefly Credit Union have announced plans to merge, pending regulatory approval and charter changes.