Business and Economic News

Summer drought may pare fall apple season
Farmers across the state were hit hard by the summer drought, and it’s lingering impacts are now showing up at orchards and pumpkin patches across the state. Some orchards are reporting smaller apples and shortened seasons.
For towns along Line 3, pipeline workers brought welcome boom — while it lasted
The construction of the Line 3 oil pipeline brought a flood of workers to communities along its 340-mile route across northern Minnesota. With the pipeline complete, business is returning to normal.
New Mall of America venue aims to make Minnesota the Midwest hub for esports
Project collaborators say they will open an esports venue at the Mall of America in early 2022. The space will include a broadcast studio, seating for a live studio audience, a gaming lounge and a retail shop.
Checking in with essential workers
Nearly two years into the COVID-19 pandemic, essential workers still face challenges. MPR News host Angela Davis checks in with three essential workers.
An attorney for a North Dakota photography business that abruptly went out of business and left many wedding couples in limbo said Wednesday the company is working to release photos and images. It's unclear whether customers who paid in advance for uncompleted work will be refunded.
Big boost for Social Security benefits as inflation rises
Millions of retirees on Social Security will get a 5.9 percent boost in benefits for 2022. The biggest cost-of-living adjustment in 39 years follows a burst in inflation as the economy struggles to shake off the drag of the coronavirus pandemic.