Business and Economic News

Trump proposes $100 billion in new tariffs on Chinese goods
President Donald Trump instructed the U.S. trade representative to consider slapping an additional $100 billion in tariffs on Chinese goods on Thursday in a dramatic escalation of the trade dispute between the two countries.
MPR board member donated to right-wing group that placed anti-Islam ads
Minnesota Public Radio board member and former Best Buy CEO Brad Anderson contributed $25,000 in 2016 to a right-wing anti-Muslim group. Anderson said his discussions with the group's president were primarily about Israel's security. A report by a campaign finance watchdog group first reported the contribution, and one in the same amount by an organization linked to Best Buy Founder Dick Schulze.
Report: MNLARS chief knew of license system's woes, failed to fix them
Paul Meekin knew about numerous defects in Minnesota's vehicle licensing system before launching it last summer, according to an investigator's report obtained by MPR News. The report describes a culture where "decisions could not be questioned."
Orange cone season ahead: MnDOT rolls out $1.1B in roadwork for 2018
The list includes 253 road and bridge projects, many of which are already underway. That includes the Red Wing bridge replacement and resurfacing I-35 in the north metro. Here's a look at some of what's coming.
Hunger and homelessness are widespread among college students, study finds
More than a third of them don't have enough to eat and a similar number lack stable housing, according to a survey published Tuesday by researchers at Temple University and the Wisconsin HOPE Lab.
In January, Electrolux announced that it's closing a manufacturing plant in St. Cloud. In a new economic impact analysis, economists say the plant's closure will send waves through the local economy. Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer talked with St. Cloud mayor Dave Kleis to learn more about the situation, and how St. Cloud is responding.
An escalating trade dispute between the world's two biggest economies heightened fears Wednesday of a global trade war, sent global stock markets tumbling but also left the door open to a negotiated settlement that might prevent any serious damage before it begins
U.S. proposes tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese imports
The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative issued a list targeting 1,300 Chinese products, including industrial robots and telecommunications equipment.