Business and Economic News

President Biden extends student loan payment freeze through May 1
President Biden extended relief for federal student loan borrowers for an additional 90 days because borrowers are "still coping with the impacts of the pandemic." Payments now resume May 1.
If you find Lego under the tree this year, they might be worth more than gold one day
Researchers from the Higher School of Economics found that select, unopened, Lego sets on the secondary market saw an average annual return of 11 percent — that's more than gold.
Walmart sued for allegedly dumping hazardous waste in California
Investigators said inspections of trash compactors from Walmart stores over the last six years found dozens of items classified as either hazardous waste or customer records with personal information.
What happened to the economy — and your money — in 2021
Economist Kristine West and MPR senior economics contributor Chris Farrell talk with MPR News host Angela Davis about the big economic stories of 2021, what we learned and what trends they are watching for in 2022.
The White House wants a robust electric vehicle charging network. Here's the plan
The White House has outlined a plan to install more electric vehicle chargers nationwide — a step experts say is vital to reducing America's carbon footprint and improving the accessibility and practicality of nontraditional vehicles.
In a hot market, you can buy a home with cash — even if you don't have a lot of it
A cash offer on a home is hard to beat. It used to be that only wealthy people and investors had the money. But now some lenders are helping the rest of us do it too, even if you don't actually have the cash.
How the government helps investors buy mobile home parks, raise rent and evict people
Investors and companies are swooping in to buy mobile home parks. They raise fees and rents, and evict people who can't pay — using billions of dollars worth of low interest, government-backed loans.
COVID-19 fears dash hopes for the holiday season — again
This year’s holiday season was supposed to be a do-over for last year’s subdued celebrations. Instead it’s turning into a redux of restrictions, cancellations and rising angst over the never-ending pandemic.