Money


Coinbase said cyber crooks stole customer information and demanded $20 million ransom payment
Coinbase, the largest cryptocurrency exchange based in the U.S., said Thursday that criminals had improperly obtained personal data on the exchange’s customers for use in crypto-stealing scams and were demanding a $20 million payment not to publicly release the info.
‘Smashing our dreams’: NEA terminates grants for many Minnesota arts organizations
Several Minnesota arts organizations, including Penumbra Theatre and the Lakes Area Music Festival, have had their 2025 NEA grants abruptly terminated as the agency shifts its funding priorities to align with new federal directives restricting support for projects promoting diversity, equity and inclusion.
Bemidji school board slashes $1.5 million from next year’s budget
The Bemidji School Board last week cut more than $1.5 million from next school year’s budget, and officials say those steep cuts will be felt in the classroom. Bemidji’s superintendent says state aid hasn’t kept up with inflation, forcing the district to make the cuts.
Microsoft hikes Xbox prices worldwide as gaming industry faces tariff uncertainty
As new tariffs continue to strain global supply chains, some gamers are already feeling price hikes. Microsoft raised recommended retailer pricing for its Xbox consoles and controllers around the world this week.
Home sales just posted their biggest monthly fall since 2022
More inventory hitting the market was expected to drive sales. Instead, existing home sales suggest a continued slump in the housing market, with mortgage rates hurting affordability.
Retail sales jump as people rush to buy cars ahead of tariffs
The key driver of the economy saw the biggest increase in over two years in March, as car buyers tried to get ahead of President Donald Trump's tariffs on imported autos and auto parts.
Trump administration says it will exclude some electronics from 'reciprocal' tariffs
The Trump administration says it will exclude electronics like smartphones and laptops from ‘reciprocal’ tariffs, a move that could help keep the prices down for popular consumer electronics that aren’t usually made in the U.S.