Business and Economic News

Suppliers field growing demand for seeds from pandemic gardeners
Many people stuck at home during the pandemic turned to gardening for the first time. The unexpected spike in demand has seed suppliers struggling to keep up.
Amid huge demand, food shelves urge people to seek help
One of the nation’s largest food banks — Minnesota-based Second Harvest Heartland — says it's seeing huge demand for its services amid the pandemic. And it’s urging people in need to go to a food shelf. 
UnitedHealth names former Glaxo CEO Witty to lead company
UnitedHealth Group is promoting former GlaxoSmithKline leader Sir Andrew Witty to become the health insurance provider's next CEO immediately. The company said Thursday that current CEO David Wichmann will retire, more than three years after being promoted from chief financial officer.
'Pouring money from my pocket': Mpls. skyway business owners worried about slow return when COVID relents
By one estimate, 3 out of 5 skyway-level businesses have closed, at least temporarily. Other restaurant and shop owners are hanging on in the hopes that COVID-19 vaccines will spark a rebound.
State regulators push ahead with 'clean car' rules, despite GOP opposition
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency is pushing ahead with proposed “clean car” regulations, despite strong opposition from many Republican legislators. Meanwhile, supporters say it's only a small step toward what's really needed to prevent the worst effects of climate change.
The program, which the county approved in December, has lured filmmakers and film-adjacent businesses to the Duluth area.
Biden, Yellen say GOP virus aid too small, Democrats push on
President Joe Biden panned a Republican alternative to his $1.9 trillion COVID rescue plan as insufficient as Senate Democrats pushed ahead, voting to launch a process that could approve his sweeping rescue package on their own, if Republicans refuse to support it.
Corporations nudge farmers to help the environment
Cargill and General Mills are offering incentives to farmers who adopt the principles of regenerative agriculture. It's a set of farming practices that make growing food more environmentally friendly. And as interest grows, so does the debate over how to define and measure the new system.
Jeff Bezos, Amazon's founder, will step down as CEO
Amazon said Tuesday that Jeff Bezos is stepping down as CEO later this year, a role he’s had since he founded the company nearly 30 years ago.