Business and Economic News

What we can learn from basic income pilot programs
Both Minneapolis and St. Paul are among the many cities around the nation that have launched guaranteed income pilot programs. The programs guarantee monthly payments to low-income families. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two experts about what they’re learning through these pilot programs.
Ukraine wants to join the EU. Here's how that would work
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has applied for Ukraine to join the European Union, after appealing to its leaders for immediate entry. Gaining membership is a complex process.
Why Minneapolis and St. Paul educational assistants are ready to strike
Both Minneapolis and St. Paul teachers unions have identified raising educational support professional pay as a major demand as they prepare to strike. Classroom aides in both cities say they’re working harder than ever, but still struggle to pay their bills. “My job description is, ‘We can ask you to do anything we want,’” says one of her grueling work day.
Minnesota budget surplus tops $9.25 billion
A new forecast shows Minnesota’s budget surplus has grown to $9.25 billion, up from the earlier forecast of more than $7.7 billion.
What to say to kids when the news is scary
NPR's Life Kit spoke with a handful of child development experts about what parents, teachers and other caregivers can do to help prepare and protect kids from all the scary news out there, whether it's fighting overseas, a school shooting, devastating wildfire or a global pandemic.
Oil surges past $100 a barrel after Russia invades Ukraine
Oil surged past triple-digit prices for the first time since 2014. The breach of the psychologically significant milestone is bound to reinforce fears about inflation.
World expresses outrage, plans stronger Russia sanctions
World leaders are reacting to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine with raw outrage and vows of unprecedented sanctions that shroud a sense of powerlessness to defend Ukraine militarily without running the risk of a wider war in Europe.