Business and Economic News

Minnesota farmers tap technology to conserve water in drought
It's been a tough year to be a Minnesota farmer trying to keep crops alive during the worst drought in decades. But many are using new tools and research to be smarter and more efficient about how much water they use, and when.
The 1st all-civilian crew is about to orbit the Earth
Marking the latest step in the commercialization of space, the SpaceX mission set to launch Wednesday will carry four civilians, including a billionaire CEO, a physician assistant and a geoscientist.
Census: Relief payments staved off hardship in COVID crash
The share of Americans living in poverty rose slightly as the COVID-19 pandemic shook the economy last year, but massive relief payments pumped out by Congress eased hardship for many, the Census Bureau reported Tuesday.
What our shoes say about us — and the economy
Shoes can be functional, high fashion or a collectors item. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about the economics of shoes and what our favorite pairs say about us.
Surfers are trading natural waves for artificial ones in Waco, Texas
The surf is always up in Waco, Texas, thanks to an artificial wave so good it's attracting top professionals and casual riders. It's a sign of just how far the technology of wave making has come.
What's stopping weed growers from going greener?
The legal cannabis industry is booming. So are greenhouse gas emissions from growers.
Are mobile home parks the answer to Minnesota's affordable housing shortage?
As pressure continues to mount for the creation of affordable housing, some worry that lower-cost options are vanishing. Manufactured housing parks are less common than decades ago, and some that remain face financial challenges.
Thinking about switching jobs? You’re not alone
The pandemic has shifted our priorities and made us reassess what we truly want. For some people, that means radically rethinking how they make a living. Approximately one in five American workers considered changing careers during the pandemic. MPR News host Angela Davis talks about what’s behind the trend and what it’s like to start a new career path.