Business and Economic News

Get ready for a shortage of iPads and MacBooks
The global shortage of chips could hurt production of iPads and Macs, costing Apple $3 billion to $4 billion in revenue, in what is the latest example of a company being hit by supply constraints.
State aid for Twin Cities businesses uncertain as end of session looms
Nearly a year after unrest that followed the death of George Floyd, businesses damaged in the violence are watching for signs of help from lawmakers in St. Paul. State Rep. Fue Lee, DFL-Minneapolis and chair of the bonding committee in the House, spoke with MPR News host Cathy Wurzer.
'It was just thrilling': 2 NPR founders remember the first days, 50 years ago
All Things Considered debuted on May 3, 1971. ATC creator Bill Siemering and former co-host (then production assistant) Susan Stamberg look back on the iconic first broadcast.
Labor-backed report finds lax safety at St. Paul Park refinery
A new report from a labor-backed group claims lax safety practices at the St. Paul Park refinery are putting plant workers and the surrounding community at risk.
Did emergency PPP loans work? Nearly $800 billion later, we still don't know
The Paycheck Protection Program, which provided emergency loans to small businesses amid the pandemic, will wind down soon. Economists are divided on whether it saved enough jobs to justify its cost.
Biden to establish $15-an-hour minimum wage for federal contractors
The administration also plans to eliminate the tipped minimum wage for federal contractors by 2024, raising it to $15 from the current level of $7.65.