Business and Economic News

MPR News host Cathy Wurzer spoke with Dylan Thomas, a reporter at Minneapolis – St. Paul Business Journal who has been following worker efforts to unionize at several Twin Cities establishments.
Gyms beckon a cautious public back
Gyms are reopening with fewer people and more protocols, and they want to rehabilitate their pandemic-battered image. Although there's not much evidence, they say the science is on their side.
COVID-19 and climate change: Implications for our food system
From the Commonwealth Club’s Climate One series, “COVID-19 and climate change: Implications for our food system.”
State aims for quick turnaround on $300 unemployment boost
After securing federal approval for enhanced benefits over the weekend, Minnesota’s unemployment officials hope to quickly dispatch the extra $300 in weekly aid to qualified recipients.
Judge allows Minnesota wineries to use out-of-state grapes
A federal judge has struck down a Minnesota law that required wineries in the state to use mostly Minnesota-grown grapes, in a ruling that could have implications for other states.
The rural economy in Middle America showed improvement in August, despite the effects of a global pandemic and a rare devastating wind storm earlier in the month, according to a monthly survey of nine Midwest and Plains states released Tuesday.
How the pandemic is squeezing women out of their jobs — maybe for good
In most recessions, it’s the men who lose the jobs. Not so with the COVID-19 pandemic. Unemployment is highest among women, and it could take decades for women to make up what was lost.
The payroll tax delay is here, but so is confusion about it
Some employees will soon see a boost in take-home pay. The Trump administration has given employers the option to stop collecting payroll taxes. But workers may have to repay the money next year.
As commercial real estate continues to lie vacant around the U.S., it may contribute to a vicious economic cycle that reshapes New York and other cities.
United, Delta, American dropping change fees for domestic flights
United's CEO says the change was a top request from customers. Delta and American followed suit after United's announcement. Airlines are trying to coax wary customers to return amid the pandemic.