Business and Economic News

Main Street grants boost many downtown Rochester businesses, but some still struggle
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is doling out a final round of grants that were designed to keep businesses afloat during the retail doldrums of the pandemic. For Rochester recipients, it’s been a matter of surviving messy construction, too.
What to know about data centers in Minnesota
Mega data centers are being proposed across Minnesota. But they use a lot of water and electricity. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert and her guests talk about why these projects are creating so much debate and what you need to know.
Amazon cloud computing outage disrupts Snapchat, Ring and many other online services
A problem at Amazon’s cloud computing service disrupted internet use around the world early Monday, taking down dozens of online services, including social media site Snapchat, the Roblox and Fortnite video games and chat app Signal.
Lawsuit challenges Pine Island’s scrutiny of data center
The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy argues the city’s review lacks basic details, including potential impacts of its water and energy use. MCEA has also recently challenged reviews of data centers in Lakeville, North Mankato and Faribault.
Dinkytown residents look for fresh, affordable grocery options
A survey conducted by the university’s Undergraduate Student Government found that nearly 83 percent of students delayed getting groceries in the last month because they do not have access to a fresh grocery store.  
NPR 'founding mother' Susan Stamberg has died
Susan Stamberg, an original National Public Radio staffer who went on to become the first U.S. woman to anchor a nightly national news program, has died.