Business and Economic News

How to spend less when everything costs more
We’re paying about 90 cents more per gallon of gas compared to a year ago. Inflation hit 7 percent last year overall, affecting everything from food to furniture. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with personal finance experts about how to save money when consumer goods cost more. 
The employment landscape is shifting. Should you look for a new job?
A whole lot of people are calling it quits and leaving their jobs in what some are calling the Great Resignation. Host Cathy Wurzer talked with a career development expert about how you can approach a career transition in these unprecedented times.
State court reverses PolyMet water permit, but sides with company on other issues
The state appeals court has reversed a key permit for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine, sending it back to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for additional analysis of its impacts to groundwater. But in a mixed ruling, the court also sided with PolyMet and the MPCA on several issues.
Extreme weather cost $280 billion globally in 2021
Large insurers are calling for urgent action on climate change after another year of costly catastrophic losses because of extreme weather.
The big picture: A conversation about the future of work
This week, as we step into a new year, we’re looking to the future of big issues in America. Wednesday, host Cathy Wurzer talked with Minneapolis futurist Jack Uldrich about the future of work.
Nationwide study will examine the effects of regenerative agriculture
An ambitious new study aims to track the effects of regenerative agriculture on 1,000 farms across the country. Regenerative agriculture is a set of farming practices focusing on soil health and enhanced biodiversity.
Optum again a big revenue driver for UnitedHealth in 2021
UnitedHealth Group posted strong fourth-quarter earnings led by double-digit growth in its Optum division. The largest U.S. health insurer posted fourth quarter net income Wednesday of $4.07 billion, or $4.26.