Business and Economic News

Local governments struggle to distribute their share of billions from opioid settlements
Settlement money to help stem the decades-long opioid addiction and overdose epidemic is rolling out to small towns and big cities across the U.S., but advocates worry that chunks of it may be used in ways that don't make a dent in the crisis.
Otter Tail County proposes restrictions on vacation home rentals
Otter Tail County is considering a new ordinance designed to reduce noise and large gatherings at vacation home rentals. The proposed ordinance is in response to complaints from lake property owners.
Target to reduce number of stores carrying Pride-themed merchandise after last year’s backlash
Target, which operates roughly 2,000 stores, said decisions about where to stock Pride-themed products, including adult apparel, home goods, foods and beverages would be based on “guest insights and consumer research.”
Rideshare drivers find themselves at similar crossroads 1 year after Walz veto
Rideshare drivers have been pushing for urgent action on driver pay and job security protections for the last year and a half. Lawmakers and the governor are facing pressure to strike a statewide deal or risk losing Uber and Lyft service starting in July.
Biden heads to Wisconsin to laud a new Microsoft facility, meet voters — and troll Trump
President Joe Biden is racing into yet another battleground state. Biden on Wednesday is traveling to Racine, Wis., where he’ll highlight a decision by Microsoft to build a $3.3 billion data center that is expected to create roughly 2,000 jobs.
Gov. Tim Walz signs ‘Taylor Swift bill’ into law, requiring more regulation in the ticketing industry
The law requires ticket sellers to list the full price, including fees, up-front on their website. It also bans speculative ticketing, where tickets are sold before they are actually available. And it will prevent ticket companies and resellers from using deceptive practices.
Ahead of Tuesday address, Minneapolis mayor discusses housing and homelessness
Ahead of his State of the City address Tuesday, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey spoke with MPR News host Tom Crann in a wide-ranging interview. On the agenda: a tough 2024 budget year, potentially steep property tax increases, homeless encampments and the city’s housing wins.