Business and Economic News

High school athletes' new sponsorship options kick up debate among coaches
In June, the Minnesota State High School League approved guidance that allows students to sign name, image and likeness deals. While some coaches say the new policy helps young athletes, others are concerned about equity and team play.
Can downtowns come back from COVID-19 better and more inclusive?
Downtowns took a big hit during the COVID-19 pandemic as many people shifted to remote work and embraced new habits. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks about how cities in greater Minnesota are trying to bring the people back and create vibrant and inclusive town centers.
Fed up with poor broadband access, he started his own fiber internet service provider
Over 40 million Americans lack reliable internet access. Jared Mauch is among the ISP "mavericks" taking matters into their own hands. Now, he's getting help from the government to continue his work.
Some bars are playing a major role in fighting monkeypox in the LGBTQ community
Monkeypox is spreading primarily among gay and bisexual men, and owners of bars that serve that community feel well-positioned to share information without adding to stigma against LGBTQ people.
How employee-owned companies address inequities and help workers build wealth
Some companies are allowing their employees to become owners in the company, through models like co-ops or employee stock ownership plans. Guest host Chris Farrell talks with three experts about employee ownership, and what it looks like in Minnesota.
Hennepin Healthcare nurses picket outside Minneapolis hospital
Nurses with Hennepin Healthcare picketed outside Hennepin County Medical Center in Minneapolis on Monday, to draw attention to staffing concerns. Monday's picketing was separate from the strike authorization affecting 15,000 other nurses across the state.
As inflation soars, access to Indigenous foods declines
Traditional Indigenous foods — like wild rice, bison, fresh vegetables and fruit in the Midwest — are often inaccessible for Native families with low incomes in urban areas, and the recent inflation spike has propelled these foods even further out of reach.
From floods to slime: Mobile home residents say landlords make millions, neglect them
Elderly homeowners in Florida are suing the billion dollar company that owns their mobile home park. Big companies are buying up parks around the country, but critics say residents pay the price.