Emma Nelson
Reporter
EconomyEmma Nelson has been a Minnesota Star Tribune journalist for over a decade, with coverage ranging from Minneapolis and St. Paul city halls to state politics to the economy.
Latest from Emma Nelson
U.S. Treasury’s Bessent slams Minnesota leaders, calls state ‘ground zero’ for fraud
The member of President Donald Trump’s Cabinet also touted the administration’s economic policy, saying “Minnesota could lead the way” on economic renewal.
January 8, 2026
A quarter of Twin Cities middle-class families can’t afford the necessities
A new report shows the metro outperforms most of the U.S. on middle-class affordability, but many are still struggling to make ends meet.
December 31, 2025
With launch day nearing, all eyes on Minnesota’s new paid leave program
Political stakes are high for success of the program, which mandates 12 weeks of paid family and medical leave.
December 30, 2025
Editor's Pick
For this year’s roughly 10,000 laid-off Minnesotans, holidays are bittersweet
More than a million Americans have lost jobs in 2025 as the labor market continues to show signs of weakness, including many staying unemployed for longer.
December 29, 2025
Minnesota advocates react to Trump’s plan to federally defund gender-affirming care for minors
Under the administration’s proposal, hospitals that provide such care would lose vital Medicare and Medicaid dollars.
December 19, 2025
Editor's Pick
No degree, no job? Tighter labor market leaves many with fewer options
More than 60% of Americans don’t have a college diploma, a liability as hiring slows.
December 11, 2025
The economy is dragging, but the stock market is thriving. Why?
There are seven answers in the form of tech companies like Nvidia, Apple and Microsoft. But their outsized impact could spell disaster if the AI bubble bursts.
December 4, 2025
In face of slowing economy, Minnesota business leaders rally to kickstart growth
The state Chamber of Commerce is zeroing in on slowing productivity, labor force growth and migration.
November 19, 2025
Share your story: Were you recently laid off?
Share your experience to help inform our reporting on Minnesota’s economy.
November 13, 2025
More Minnesotans file for bankruptcy than U.S. average, a recession red flag
As high prices persist and wages fail to keep up, consumers are dealing with mounting debt in an already slowing economy.
November 7, 2025
Editor's Pick
In Minnesota, it now takes a six-figure income to buy a home
House prices in the state are rising faster than incomes, making homeownership — long a marker of middle class status — out of reach for many.
November 3, 2025
Itasca Project leadership ends the business-led regional development group
After more than 20 years, the coalition is passing the torch to other organizations, including economic-geared Greater MSP.
October 20, 2025
