Business and Economic News

NW Minnesota's wet cycle persists, putting crops again in peril
Minnesota’s northwest corner can’t catch a break from excessive rain. After a soggy last fall and spring flooding, heavy rains are damaging crops and roads.
Minneapolis limits bar service as people crowd too close together in some establishments
With COVID-19 cases on the rise in Minneapolis, Mayor Jacob Frey is imposing new restrictions on bars. The emergency order takes effect Saturday evening. It does not close the establishments entirely, but they’ll be table service only. Patrons will no longer be able to sit at the counter.
Heads of Amazon, Apple, Facebook and Google testify on Big Tech's power
The CEOs tell Congress that the giant American tech companies do not stifle competition, saying the concern that too much power is concentrated in too few companies is unfounded.
GOP's jobless benefit plan could mean delays, states warn
State officials across the U.S. say Senate Republicans' proposed slashing of a federally funded boost in unemployment benefits could delay payments for weeks or even months.
 Minnesota farmers anticipate strong harvest
The latest crop report shows more than 80 percent of corn and soybeans in the state are in good to excellent condition — a big jump from this time last year. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer checks in with a farmer in southwestern Minnesota about her crop and financial outlook.
Did you get mystery seeds in the mail? Don't plant them
Officials are warning recipients not to plant the seeds and introduce potentially invasive plants to the state. The Agriculture Department isn’t sure what plants the seeds are from, but warn they could pose a risk to farm crops or natural landscapes.
Should we shield businesses from COVID-19 lawsuits?
We've come to expect legal waivers at places like ski resorts and bungee-jumping facilities, but colleges and all sorts of typically safe businesses — from hair salons to dentists' offices — are using them to try to escape legal accountability for injuries and deaths as they reopen during the pandemic.