Stimulus payment for 4 million Americans to arrive by prepaid debit card

Instead of direct deposit or even a paper check, four million people will find their stimulus payment arrive in the form of a prepaid debit card.

US existing home sales plunge 17.8% in April

The National Association of Realtors said Thursday that last month's decline pushed sales down to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.33 million units, the slowest pace since September 2011.

Amazon reportedly delays Prime Day event until September

The two-day shopping event is typically held in July, but keeping up with demand amid COVID-19 has led to the delay, according to a report.

Adjusting to a changing landscape: Minnesota realtors take steps to protect buyers, sellers
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You'll likely notice some changes on your next home tour. Minnesota Realtors CEO Chris Galler joined the Morning Buzz to chat about the safety precautions now in place to offer protections to buyers and sellers.

ServeMinnesota looking to hire 500 people to assist organizations in need this summer
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The Minnesota AmeriCorps Emergency Response Initiative, which was just launched by ServeMinnesota, has created 500 positions. Lindsay Dolce with ServeMinnesota joined the Morning Buzz to put out a call for applicants.

Unemployment 'could be' nearing Great Depression levels: Mnuchin

More than a decade of job gains were erased in April; the stunning job losses are more than double what the U.S. saw during the 2008 financial crisis.

Nearly 3.2 million more workers seek jobless aid

Roughly 33.5 million people have now filed for jobless aid in the seven weeks since the coronavirus began forcing millions of companies to close their doors and slash their workforces.

Hy-Vee to limit meat purchases starting Wednesday

Hy-Vee grocery stores will be limiting the amount of meat purchases at all of its locations, according to a company statement. 

Minnesota DEED, Target build online tool to screen employees for COVID-19 symptoms

With employees across the state heading back to work, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development developed a symptom screener to help businesses ensure the safety of their staff and community.

Costco stores will require customers to wear face masks while shopping starting May 4

Costco has updated its policy page regarding its response to the novel coronavirus, saying that all "Costco members and guests must wear a mask or face covering that covers the mouth and nose at all times while at Costco." The policy will go into effect May 4."This requirement does not apply to children under the age of 2 or to individuals who are unable to wear a mask or face covering due to a medical condition," according to Costco's updated page, noting that the use of a face mask or covering should not serve as substitute for social distancing.Costco had previously stated that the face mask policy would only apply to some of its stores before the April 29 update.

Minnesota grocers ask shoppers to wear masks, practice social distancing

The Minnesota Grocers Association released a statement Wednesday asking shoppers to wear masks, practice social distancing and more.

1 in 4 Americans have lost job because of coronavirus; most think they'll return to work

One out of every four American adults say someone in their household has lost a job to the coronavirus pandemic, but the vast majority expect those former jobs will return once the crisis passes

Minnesota Historical Society closes sites & museums through June 30

The Minnesota Historical Society announced it will keep its historic sites, museums and library closed and cancel all in-person events, field trips and rentals through June 30 in response to concerns over COVID-19. 

Lawmakers consider safe ways to allow salons to re-open as stylists go 1 month without pay

Minnesota hairstylists have been unable to work since mid-March. That means no paycheck and many of them are independent contractors, which means no unemployment payments either.

Children’s MN announces pay cuts that go until Christmas

Children’s Minnesota is joining a growing list of Minnesota healthcare companies making cuts to ease financial hits from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Best Buy to furlough 51,000 store employees nationwide amid COVID-19 pandemic

Best Buy announced Wednesday it will furlough approximately 51,000 employees in the U.S. as its stores remain closed nationwide aside from curbside pickup during the COVID-19 pandemic.