State of Minnesota: Fall coronavirus case spike fueled December job losses
Minnesota’s unemployment rate dropped one tenth of a percentage point from 4.5 to 4.4 percent, the state announced Thursday, with the leisure and hospitality industry bearing the brunt of the 42,900 private sector job losses last month.
Unemployment claims fall to a still-high 900,000
Fewer Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, lowering claims to 900,000, still a historically high level that points to further job cuts in a raging pandemic.
Week after restart, Minnesota bars glad to see customers return
Cheers during Sunday afternoon’s football game is a sound that Park Tavern staff haven’t heard in nearly two months.
BIPOC-owned businesses get an early shot at third round of PPP loans
With the latest federal stimulus package, small businesses are trying to receive the funding they need to keep their doors open.
'American Rescue Plan': Here's what's in Biden's COVID-19 relief plan
President-elect Joe Biden is proposing a $1.9 trillion plan to expand coronavirus vaccinations, help individuals and jump-start the economy.
$15 an hour minimum wage: Biden pushes for urgent increase amid COVID-19 pandemic
During his announcement of the “American Rescue Plan,” President-elect Joe Biden pushed for the minimum wage in the United States to be raised to at least $15 an hour.
Jobless claims jump to 965,000 as COVID-19 pandemic takes toll
The number of people seeking unemployment aid soared last week to 965,000, the most since late August and evidence that the resurgent virus has caused a spike in layoffs.
Remote work could be here to stay for some workers after pandemic
The pandemic has altered life for everyone. It's also forced most companies to re-adjust how they do business.
Minneapolis bars lose out as restriction to bar top service is extended
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey announced restrictions prohibiting service across a bar top, to someone sitting or standing on the other side, will be extended as Governor Walz lifts restrictions on indoor dining at bars and restaurants statewide.
Unemployment continues to hurt low-income workers amid pandemic
Ten months into America’s viral outbreak, low-income workers are still bearing the brunt of job losses — an unusual and harsh feature of the pandemic recession that flattened the economy last spring.
Albert Lea, Minn. restaurant fined $3K per day for violating COVID-19 order
A judge has found an Albert Lea, Minnesota bar in contempt of court and has issued a fine against the establishment for remaining open to indoor service, in defiance of an executive order from Governor Walz.
US lost 140,000 jobs in December; first monthly loss since spring
U.S. employers shed jobs last month for the first time since April, cutting 140,000 positions, clear evidence that the economy is faltering as the viral pandemic tightens its grip on consumers and businesses.
Online glitches, new distribution methods could be why you haven't received your second stimulus check
While the IRS and Treasury have distributed the bulk of the anticipated $164 million in second-round of relief payments for Americans faster than the first time, millions have not gotten payments yet or found hiccups in the distribution.
Minnesota H&R Block customers could see delays in stimulus check deliveries
Like millions of Americans, Rose Lucia of Inver Grove Heights has been waiting patiently for her second stimulus payment, so she was shocked when the IRS’ Get My Payment portal showed her economic impact payment went to a bank account she didn’t recognize.
St. Louis Park woman says stimulus check was put in wrong account
Dream Benson of St. Louis Park doesn't know if it was a mistake by the IRS or some sort of fraud. All she knows is her second stimulus payment hasn't shown up in her bank account, and she needs that money to make ends meet.
Twin Cities chefs sell calendar cookbook as fundraiser for laid-off hospitality workers
With restaurants closed and staff laid off, this past year has been a difficult one for the hospitality industry. However, a group of chefs are stepping up to help their colleagues.
Liquor stores are busy, restaurants get creative on New Year's Eve in Minnesota
With an executive order from Governor Tim Walz forcing Minnesota bars and restaurants to stay closed for indoor service during New Year’s Eve, liquor stores are busy with customers and businesses are getting creative on what’s usually a big night for the bar business.
Court orders Winnebago, Minn. event center to cancel 'New Years Eve Bash'
An events center in southern Minnesota has been ordered by a court not to go forward with its plans for a New Year's Eve party, after a lawsuit brought by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison.
Unemployment benefit claims unexpectedly fall as coronavirus lockdowns widen
The number of Americans filing for first-time unemployment benefits fell last week amid a rise in COVID-19 infections and new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the disease.
GOP lawmakers call on Governor Walz for timeline on reopening restaurants in Minnesota
Two Republican Minnesota state senators are calling on Governor Walz to layout a plan to reopen businesses in Minnesota, as a COVID-19 pause remains in effect.