Business and Economic News

Drought stresses Minnesota crops, streams and lawns
Farmers in parts of the state are watching crops shrivel in the heat, and homeowners consider whether to keep their lawns green.
Hot, dry conditions show no sign of letting up in Minnesota
Heat and drought conditions are forecast to continue this week in Minnesota, with temperatures climbing into the 90s across much of the state and little rain — putting additional stress on crops and expanding the threat of wildfires. 
Deepening drought prompts Minnesota to step up response
Minnesota officials have stepped up their drought response as the state grows drier. The drought is threatening water supplies and agriculture, and raising the risk for more wildfires.
A St. Paul postal worker begged for stronger COVID protections. She ended up spending 6 weeks in the hospital
The limited response to postal workers’ repeated appeals for help provides a window into the failures of two federal agencies: the Postal Service, which is one of the country’s largest employers, and OSHA, which is supposed to protect workers.
After a tough year, Minnesota's Black women entrepreneurs look for ways to expand opportunity
For Black women entrepreneurs, the path to success can be filled with more obstacles than for people of other races. This was true before the COVID-19 pandemic and early data emerging shows the problem has worsened.
Canada may open border to fully vaccinated Americans next month
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday that Canada could start allowing fully vaccinated Americans into Canada as of mid-August for non-essential travel, and should be in a position to welcome fully vaccinated travelers from all countries by early September.
Money in the bank: Child tax credit dollars head to parents
The U.S. government is starting to deposit child tax credit money into the accounts of more than 35 million families. President Joe Biden has expanded the credit for one year as part of coronavirus relief. The result is that most families will now qualify for monthly payments of as much as $300 per child beginning Thursday.