Restaurants have hope for future as COVID-19 restrictions ease in Minnesota

Starting Saturday, some COVID-19 restrictions were eased at restaurants, bars, indoor entertainment venues, private events, and gyms in Minnesota.

Employers added 49K jobs last month as US unemployment fell to 6.3%

U.S employers added just 49,000 jobs in January, a sign that that the viral pandemic retains a tight grip on the economy nearly a year after it triggered a painful recession.

Jobless claims fall to 779,000; layoffs grind on

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell to 779,000 last week, a historically high total that shows that a sizable number of people are still losing jobs to the viral pandemic.

Working moms in Minnesota hit especially hard by COVID-19 unemployment

The latest data from the Minnesota Department of Economic (DEED) shows the unemployment rate is dropping in the state, but many moms are finding it difficult to rejoin the workforce.

US economy shrank 3.5% in last year after growing 4% last quarter

Stuck in the grip of a viral pandemic, the U.S. economy grew at a 4% annual rate in the final three months of 2020 and shrank last year by the largest amount in 74 years.

Unemployment claims drop; still at 847,000 as pandemic rages on

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to a historically high 847,000 last week, a sign that layoffs remain high as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage.

‘COVID Bandit’ leaves $1,400 tip, enough to give each bakery employee $200

A generous customer lifted the spirits of an entire Colorado bakery after leaving a tip large enough to send all seven employees home with $200.

Stimulus checks and your 2020 taxes: All of your questions, answered

The federal government has delivered two stimulus checks to tens of millions of Americans as part of an effort to blunt the economic pain triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, but many are wondering how the payments could affect your 2020 taxes as filing season approaches.

St. Paul mayor joins national coalition calling for $600 monthly checks

Nearly three dozen mayors around the country representing 16 million people are calling on the federal government to provide monthly checks to Americans.

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.