Business and Economic News

Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Russell Baker dies at 93
Baker made his name as a columnist for The New York Times, where he wrote thousands of columns over more than 30 years. He won one Pulitzer Prize for commentary, and another for his autobiography.
Analysis: Falling home sales not helping middle-class buyers
Mortgage rates are up after years near historic lows. Price increases have been outrunning paychecks. And at a target price that families with a median income could afford, fewer homes are for sale.
Vote on Minneapolis riverfront plan delayed
A key vote on a Minneapolis riverfront development plan has been delayed over concerns about the financial health of one of the development's partners.
UnitedHealthcare alleges price fixing on generic drugs
The big Twin Cities-based health insurer is accusing drug makers of colluding to protect their market shares and profits.
Editor's note: Racial bias in MPR's work? We want to know
An upcoming conference aims to encourage journalists to examine their own racial biases and assumptions. MPR is part of that effort and is taking a deep look now at its own newsroom.
Chain mail factory's needs don't always mesh with realities of rural Minn.
Starting a business in a small, rural town often brings unique challenges. But an unusual business called Weave Got Maille, has outgrown its founders' expectations despite the challenges.
Shutdown makes government websites more vulnerable to hackers, experts say
The longer the federal shutdown lasts, the more likely security breaches of government websites become, cyber specialists say. And it could lead to security problems long after the government reopens.