Business and Economic News

Estes Enterprises: A Minnesota family business thriving for 50 years
Have you ever wondered about life behind the scenes in a family business? What is it like to work for mom and dad? MPR News host Angela Davis talks with the second generation of Estes Enterprises, a Minnesota family business that just celebrated 50 years. 
Thousands of authors urge AI companies to stop using work without permission
Nora Roberts, Viet Thanh Nguyen, Michael Chabon and Margaret Atwood are among those signing an Authors Guild letter asking artificial intelligence companies to get permission or offer compensation.
Rising interest rates challenge Minnesota home buyers, sellers
Rising interest rates have reshaped the housing market in Minnesota. There are still many more buyers than sellers, but bidding wars are rarer and prices are more stable.  
Droughts, wildfire smoke clouds outlook for agriculture - and concern for farmers’ health
The increasing drought and smoke from Canadian wildfires are adding to Minnesota farmers’ challenges this summer. But there’s a debate over whether the smoke may actually help as it shields already drought-stressed crops.
Powerball jackpot climbs to $875 million, the third-largest on record
The new jackpot for the next drawing is the third-largest in the history of the game, coming behind the world record $2.04 billion jackpot won last year and the $1.586 billion jackpot won in 2016.
Minnesota's new health system merger law: Key questions, answered
A new Minnesota law banning anti-competitive health care mergers could affect several proposed deals involving state health systems. The law’s author, DFL Rep. Robert Bierman, spoke to MPR News Thursday about the future of health care in Minnesota.