Business and Economic News

Don Wyse remembered as early champion of sustainable agriculture research in Minnesota
University of Minnesota professor Don Wyse, a proponent of sustainable agricultural practices, died Tuesday. Wyse co-founded the Forever Green Initiative, a project to research new, more sustainable crops for Minnesota farmers.
Hundreds of Minneapolis park workers poised to strike for a week beginning July 4
The union representing workers says the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board’s latest contract proposal lacks sufficient wage raises and hazard protections. The park board says negotiations have been reasonable and in good faith. They are prepared to adjust maintenance service around a smaller staff.
The value of vacation in 2024
Are you burned out? MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the value of vacation. Davis’ guests helped us understand the need to unplug from work, how managers can support time off and how you can learn how to rest.
New state law seeks to increase wages, competition for workers
On Monday, a new Minnesota law took effect that bans agreements between companies prohibiting one from hiring the other’s workers. They are known as “shadow noncompete clauses,” and advocates say the new law will help workers find jobs with competitive wages.
Rain and flooding dim Fourth of July spark for businesses, events
Flooding and rainy weather have led to canceled and rescheduled fireworks displays, park closures and financial stress for businesses that rely on a busy Fourth of July.
Coping with more rain and storms in a warming climate
With climate warming, when it rains it really pours. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the Minnesota commerce commissioner and the state climate director about why we’re seeing an increase in intense rain and violent storms and how we can prepare for and prevent damage from floods, wind and hail.
Struggling with falling demand for farm equipment, Deere & Co. announces nearly 600 layoffs
Deere is laying off nearly 600 workers as the farm equipment manufacturer deals with declining demand. Deere said the production positions being cut are concentrated at two factories in Iowa and one at its home base in Moline, Illinois, where 280 employees will be laid off effective Aug. 30.