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.
Biden signs executive orders on $15 minimum wage for federal workers, food aid increases
President Joe Biden plans to take executive action to provide a stopgap measure of financial relief to millions of Americans.
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.
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.