Business and Economic News

Sorry, we have to cancel: Minnesota resorts worry about their survival
Many vacationers are canceling resort reservations because of the coronavirus pandemic. Some resorts have chosen not to open at all. Those that do are having to reimagine the summer experience in the era of social distancing.
The IRS sent coronavirus relief payments to dead people
The IRS has delivered more than $207 billion in coronavirus relief payments to individual taxpayers, but some of the recipients of the relief checks are the bank accounts of people who have died.
11 attorneys general seek probe into meatpacking industry
The attorneys general for 11 Midwestern states, including Minnesota, have urged the Justice Department to investigate market concentration and potential price fixing by meatpackers in the cattle industry during the coronavirus pandemic. 
Production shutdowns shrink meat supplies at stores
U.S. meat supplies are dwindling due to coronavirus-related production shutdowns. As a result, some stores like Costco and restaurants like Wendy's are limiting sales. U.S. beef and pork processing capacity is down 40 percent from last year. 
Some Minnesota businesses are doing well during the pandemic
The stay-home orders to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus have had a devastating effect on the economy. Many companies are struggling or have gone out of business, but some have adjusted to the change in consumer demand and are thriving. Allison Kaplan, editor in chief of Twin Cities Business, tells us about some of the Minnesota businesses that are doing well right now.
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Bill George about how the corporate sector is weathering the pandemic — and what changes could come to business in a post-pandemic world.
Coronavirus cuts 'deep scars' through meatpacking cities
Within weeks, the outbreaks around slaughterhouses have turned into full-scale disasters. The virus is killing, sickening and frightening workers and devastating their extended families.
Intelligence Squared debate: Don't eat anything with a face
Under "stay-at-home" requirements, people are buying more groceries for cooking their meals at home and many of us are thinking more often about what we like to eat. The Intelligence Squared series hosted a debate about one thing many people like to eat — meat.
Not-so-small businesses continue to benefit from PPP loans
SBA data show that demand is still very high for the loans, and that smaller amounts are going out this time. But large, multimillion-dollar loans are still eating up a good chunk of the money.