House passes $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, Biden expected to sign on Friday

The House passed the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, which includes $1,400 stimulus checks for many Americans. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law in his first major legislative win.

House poised to vote on COVID-19 relief plan, $1,400 stimulus checks this week

The House is moving toward a final vote on the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief plan this week, which could send the bill to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law before unemployment benefits expire.

Salvation Army launches 2 million pound food drive in Twin Cities

The Twin Cities Salvation Army announced it is holding a two million pound food drive from March 1-26 in an effort to aid families still struggling from the economic impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Senate approves $1.9T COVID-19 relief bill after all-night session

Senators worked through the night on the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 aid bill and have approved the package with a 50-49 vote. The bill is on track to pass in the House next week.

COVID-19 relief bill: Democrats strike deal on jobless benefits after logjam

Senate leaders and moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin have struck a deal over emergency jobless benefits, breaking a nine-hour logjam that had stalled the party’s showpiece $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill.

In hopeful sign for economy, US adds 379,000 jobs in February

U.S. employers added a robust 379,000 jobs last month, the most since October and a sign that the economy is strengthening as confirmed viral cases drop, consumers spend more and states and cities ease business restrictions.

Unemployment claims climb to 745,000; layoffs still high

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits edged higher last week to 745,000, a sign that many employers continue to cut jobs despite a drop in confirmed viral infections and evidence that the overall economy is improving.

Amid pandemic setbacks, Minnesota women strive to reenter workforce

Top state officials led a virtual roundtable discussion Tuesday regarding the impact of the COVID-19 crisis on women in the workforce, addressing job loss, unequal pay, childcare challenges and more.

'Ultra-hot' Twin Cities housing market sends buyers on wild ride

Industry experts say low interest rates and low housing inventory is creating a Twin Cities housing market where a lot of eager buyers are competing with one another for few properties. 

House passes $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill on near party-line vote, sends it to Senate

The House approved a $1.9 trillion pandemic relief bill early Saturday in a win for President Joe Biden, even as top Democrats tried assuring agitated progressives that they'd revive their derailed drive to boost the minimum wage.

Unemployment claims drop to 730,000; pandemic keeps layoffs high

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week but remained high by historical standards.

COVID-19 relief: House Budget Committee OKs $1.9T bill containing $1,400 checks

Democrats’ $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief package includes one-time $1,400 direct payments for individuals and an incremental minimum wage hike to $15 an hour.

Biden temporarily targets PPP loans to smallest and minority-owned businesses

The Biden administration is readying changes to the PPP aimed at targeting assistance to businesses that employ 20 or fewer workers and those that are minority-owned.