Business and Economic News

Xcel Energy customers to see higher bills in 2025
In December, the state Public Utilities Commission approved a 5.2 percent interim rate increase for Minnesota’s largest electric utility. That amounts to an extra $5.39 a month for a typical household.
Turo-rented cars were involved in 2 deadly incidents this New Year’s. Here’s what we know
Two deadly incidents on New Year’s Day — an attack being investigated as an act of terrorism in New Orleans and an explosion of a Tesla Cybertruck in Las Vegas — both involved vehicles that were rented on Turo, a peer-to-peer car sharing company.
Apple to pay $95 million to settle lawsuit accusing Siri of eavesdropping
Apple isn't acknowledging wrongdoing in the settlement, which still must be approved by a U.S. District judge. Lawyers in the case have proposed scheduling a Feb. 14 court hearing to review the terms.
Biden rejects Nippon Steel’s proposed deal to acquire U.S. Steel
President Joe Biden has rejected the nearly $15 billion proposed deal for Nippon Steel of Japan to purchase Pittsburgh-based U.S. Steel. U.S. Steel employs hundreds of people at its taconite operations on Minnesota’s Iron Range.
Monticello nuclear plant gets federal approval to keep operating until 2050
Xcel Energy has said continuing to operate its two Minnesota nuclear plants, at Prairie Island and Monticello, is critical to its transition to carbon-free electricity. But some critics have raised safety concerns about the aging plant.
An overview of Minnesota’s cannabis industry in 2024 and what to expect in 2025
Ahead of the new year and the start of another legislative session, MPR News reporters Dana Ferguson, Hannah Yang and Melissa Olson joined Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer with updates on the budding enterprise.
Minneapolis land trust homeowners shocked by big property tax increases
Many homeowners across Minnesota are facing an increase in their property taxes next year. But owners of land trust houses in Minneapolis are facing whopping tax increases of more than 40 percent after a change in state law. Low-income owners in the program say it puts them in a tough spot.
Packers fans defeat Minnesota Vikings fans at tug-of-war contest in Stillwater
Business owners in Stillwater and Hudson, Wis., organized the friendly competition ahead of the NFL game between the Vikings and Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Wisconsin side won 3-2 over Minnesota.