Business and Economic News

Invasive viburnum leaf beetle found in Minnesota for the first time
For the first time, the viburnum leaf beetle has been confirmed in the state. A resident of Eden Prairie found the insect feeding on arrowwood viburnum leaves in June and contacted the state Department of Agriculture.
Economists say Trump administration is overpaying farmers for trade losses
The Trump administration has released details of a $16 billion plan to compensate farmers who've lost money as a result of the trade dispute with China. Some economists say it's too generous.
Hmong farmers, HealthEast write prescription for better health: Veggie boxes
Eating healthy can be a challenge for people who lack access to fresh produce, or can’t afford it. The Hmong American Farmers Association and HealthEast have been trying to change that, and in turn, transform the doctor-patient relationship.
As climate changes, taxpayers will shoulder larger U.S. payouts to farmers
That's good for farmers but bad for taxpayers, who subsidize government-backed crop insurance. The fate of research that forecasts these costs is in doubt as economists and scientists leave the USDA.
Aspen Ideas Festival: The ZIP code reality — where you live matters
Mary C. Daly speaks about "ZIP Code Economies" where she seeks ideas from communities that overcame disadvantages to create more economic and social opportunity.
Equifax to pay up to $700M in data breach settlement
The breach was one of the largest ever to threaten private information. The consumer reporting agency did not detect the attack for more than six weeks. The compromised data included Social Security numbers, birth dates, addresses, driver license numbers, credit card numbers and in some cases, data from passports.
U.S. hotels caught in fight over housing detained migrants
There's a new target in the clash over immigration: hotels. Advocacy groups and unions are pressuring Marriott, MGM and others not to house migrants who have been arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
Study: Sugar ruins teeth, rules the world
The authors of a new study say dental health is especially bad in low- and middle-income countries — and that Big Sugar works to make sure soda and candy aren't targeted as cavity culprits.
The net worth of black households continues to be much lower than that of white households. Could a proposal to give each newborn a savings bond help change that?
Chasing Palmer: Minnesota tries to stop high-cost invasive weed
The Minnesota Department of Agriculture is taking a zero-tolerance approach to the invasive Palmer amaranth plant, trying to prevent potentially significant financial losses for farmers.