Jobless claims jump to 965,000 as COVID-19 pandemic takes toll

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.

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.

Minneapolis bars lose out as restriction to bar top service is extended

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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'

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

What does the new COVID relief bill mean for unemployed Minnesotans?

What does the new COVID relief bill mean for unemployed Minnesotans?

The coronavirus relief package the president signed Sunday comes with an 11 week extension of unemployment benefits, as well as an additional $300 a week boost to state payments.

The coronavirus relief package the president signed Sunday comes with an 11 week extension of unemployment benefits, as well as an additional $300 a week boost to state payments.

Booster club seeks return of U of M men’s tennis with help from creative funding solution

Booster club seeks return of U of M men’s tennis with help from creative funding solution

This past fall, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents voted 7-5 to discontinue Gopher men’s tennis, men’s gymnastics, and men’s indoor track and field after the 2020-2021 season, citing financial concerns due to the pandemic.

This past fall, the University of Minnesota Board of Regents voted 7-5 to discontinue Gopher men’s tennis, men’s gymnastics, and men’s indoor track and field after the 2020-2021 season, citing financial concerns due to the pandemic.

McConnell blocks immediate Democratic push for $2,000 stimulus checks

McConnell blocks immediate Democratic push for $2,000 stimulus checks

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday blocked Democrats' push to immediately bring President Donald Trump's demand for bigger $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks up for a vote.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday blocked Democrats' push to immediately bring President Donald Trump's demand for bigger $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks up for a vote.

House OKs $2,000 checks after Trump signs bill containing $600 payments

House OKs $2,000 checks after Trump signs bill containing $600 payments

Democrats led passage, 275-134, their majority favoring additional assistance. They had settled for smaller $600 payments in a compromise with Republicans over the big year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law.

Democrats led passage, 275-134, their majority favoring additional assistance. They had settled for smaller $600 payments in a compromise with Republicans over the big year-end relief bill Trump reluctantly signed into law.