Business and Economic News

Many Midwest farmers have mixed feelings about upcoming USDA payments
Farmers across the country will receive a check at the end of the month to partly compensate for losses experienced last year. Soybean growers in Minnesota and North Dakota say the payments won’t be enough to make them whole.
Minnesota experiences third quarter drop in exports
Minnesota’s exports were down nearly 14 percent or $964 million in the third quarter of 2025 compared to a year prior. That's according to data released by the state Department of Employment and Economic Development or DEED.
Investment fund announced for downtown St. Paul projects
The fund will support projects like office-to-residential conversions and pedestrian-focused street improvements, among other goals.
Uncertainty looms large for Minnesota businesses amid ICE surge
While it’s too early to draw firm, data-driven conclusions, no one is going out on a limb by saying the combination of turbulence and uncertainty seen in Minnesota right now will exact an economic price on the state.
Protesters call on Target to speak out against ICE
Protesters gathered outside Target’s headquarters in Minneapolis on Monday morning, renewing calls for the Minnesota-based company to push back on ICE operations in the state.
Minnesota businesses feeling the strain of immigration enforcement
Small and immigrant-run businesses are feeling the strain of federal immigration enforcement. MPR News guest host Chris Farrell talks about the impact of enforcement on businesses across the state.
New St. Cloud State president aims to attract, retain more students
A few weeks into his new role, Gregory Tomso said he wants the university to be a more vibrant campus that’s more alluring to students and better connected to the larger community and workforce.