Business and Economic News

Reporter roundtable: The latest from Cook County News Herald, Brainerd Dispatch
To bring you the latest on greater Minnesota, we’re convening reporter roundtables on Minnesota Now. This time, Brian Larson, editor of the Cook County News Herald, and Theresa Bourke, staff writer at the Brainerd Dispatch, stopped by to tell host Cathy Wurzer about their top stories.
As child care costs soar, providers are barely getting by. Is there any fix?
Bloomberg Businessweek journalist Claire Suddath explains why child care is so unaffordable in the U.S. and why attempts to provide federal funding for care keep failing in Congress.
Jobless rate in Minn. hits pre-pandemic level
The unemployment rate is back to where it was prior to the imposition of COVID-19 precautions in Minnesota, but a key official says the pandemic recovery remains “jumpy.”
In the wake of George Floyd’s murder, many corporations promised spending, investment, mentorship and all forms of additional support for BIPOC entrepreneurs, but only a portion of the pledges had materialized.
Target CEO addresses omicron, wages and shopper habits
Target is heading into the final stretch of the holiday season with lots of momentum. CEO Brian Cornell reports that holiday sales have continued to stay strong even amid worries about the new omicron variant. 
Companies scramble to defend against newly discovered 'Log4j' digital flaw
The vulnerability was publicly disclosed last week in an unexpected way — through the popular game Minecraft. Embedded in a common software tool, it could potentially impact billions of devices.
In statewide ad, MN hospital leaders warn COVID is overwhelming health care
The leaders of nine Minnesota health care organizations are calling the situation critical. In a letter published this weekend in newspapers across the state, they said hospitals are overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, and called the current situation heartbreaking.
Here's how you can support Minnesota's minority-owned businesses
As businesses struggle to stay afloat in this second holiday season of COVID-19, what can you do to support entrepreneurs of color and foster a more inclusive local economy? Beyond a one-time purchase or donation, here’s a list of things you can do now to help.