Business and Economic News

UnitedHealth shares dive after report of U.S. investigation into Medicare billing
UnitedHealth Group shares tumbled early Friday on a report that the U.S. Department of Justice has started an investigation into the health care giant’s Medicare billing practices. 
Senate Republicans approve budget framework, pushing past Democratic objections after all-night vote
The early Friday vote was a key step toward providing money the Trump administration says it needs funds for mass deportations and security measures that top the Republican agenda.
‘It’s completely draining’: Rising food prices causing continued stress in Minnesota, nationwide
Food prices continue to rise in Minnesota and nationwide — though at a slower rate than dramatic spikes during the pandemic. The high price of eggs is top of mind right now for many grocery shoppers.
IRS cuts over 6,000 jobs in the middle of tax season
The IRS is cutting more than 6,000 jobs this week, as part of the Trump administration's downsizing of the overall federal workforce. The job cuts at the IRS come in the middle of the tax-filing season.
New Duluth nonprofit aims to address economic inequality in northeast Minnesota
The Duluth NAACP is hosting its annual Freedom Fund Dinner on Saturday. Donations from the dinner will go to the Duluth NAACP as well as a newer organization called Ignite Empower Transform.
A military vet and a scientist were securing America’s food system. Trump fired them
More than 10,000 federal employees who had yet to complete their probationary periods have been fired by the Trump administration, including those who work to protect American agriculture.
Black farmers among those left in limbo amid federal funding freeze
The federal government has historically discriminated against Black farmers. The recent funding halt from the Trump administration presents yet another hurdle to those who have spent decades fighting for equity in farming.
Latino business owners say customers are staying away in wake of deportation threats
Some Latino business owners say customers have been staying away out of fear of being detained and deported. Twin Cities business and city leaders are encouraging people to buy from Latino-owned shops this Saturday.
Minnesota’s U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is promoting bipartisan legislation that would provide federal funding for domestic violence awareness training for cosmetologists and beauty professionals.