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.
First doses of Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrive in Minnesota
Minnesota saw another turning point in the fight to end the COVID-19 pandemic on Wednesday as the first doses of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine arrived in the state.
Walz says Minnesota will 'significantly beat' vaccine timeline
Gov. Tim Walz says Minnesota will "significantly beat" his original timeline for vaccinating seniors as the first Johnson & Johnson doses arrived in the state.
1 in 6 Minnesotans has at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccine
One in six Minnesotans has at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, state health officials reported Wednesday.
Patients get COVID-19 vaccine at Minnesota Hy-Vee again after receiving incorrectly diluted doses
Sixty-two people came into the Hy-Vee on Riverfront Drive in Mankato, Minnesota to receive their Pfizer vaccine, but the doses were mixed with water instead of the saline mix they came with.
Can you choose which COVID-19 vaccine you get?
Minnesota health officials say you can choose not to take a particular COVID-19 vaccine that’s offered to you, but it means you’ll have to get back in line and wait for a different one.
Minnesota could offer shots to 70% of seniors sooner than end of March, MDH says
Minnesota health officials reported Tuesday that 908,590 Minnesotans have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 472,789 are fully vaccinated.
Tax break package for workers, businesses may add summer school funding, Minn. lawmakers say
Minnesota lawmakers say they're approaching a deal on nearly $500 million in tax breaks for struggling workers and businesses, adding that a final agreement will likely include funding for expanded summer school.
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.
Scientists say COVID-19 could become endemic but pose less of societal threat over time
A majority of infectious-disease researchers surveyed said they expect SARS-CoV-2 to become endemic, meaning it could continue to circulate for years like the flu or common cold.
Nearly 100 midshipmen recovering from COVID-19 in Annapolis motel after Academy cases double
Nearly 100 Naval Academy midshipmen are recovering from COVID-19 at a hotel in downtown Annapolis after a surge in cases on campus.
WHO official says it’s ‘premature,’ ‘unrealistic’ to think COVID-19 pandemic will be over by end of year
Dr. Michael Ryan, director of WHO’s emergencies program, said the recent arrival of effective vaccines could at least help dramatically reduce hospitalizations and death.
Disability advocates call for clearer COVID-19 vaccine guidance for caregivers
Disability advocates are calling on state health officials to clarify vaccination guidance for live-in caregivers, who are often parents caring for children with disabilities.
'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.
US states are easing COVID-19 restrictions too early, medical experts say
With the U.S. vaccination drive picking up speed and a third formula on the way, states eager to reopen for business are easing coronavirus restrictions despite warnings from health experts that the outbreak is far from over and that moving too quickly could prolong the misery.
Valleyfair to hire 1,000 ahead of May 22 opening
Valleyfair plans to hire 1,000 new staff members for the 2021 season, the amusement park announced Monday.
Minnesota lawmakers consider wiping away taxes on $600 a week unemployment boost, PPP loans
Minnesota lawmakers are considering whether to use a budget surplus to wipe away surprise tax bills facing some workers and business owners this spring.
4th at-home COVID-19 test gets emergency use authorization from FDA
The FDA gave approval for the QuickVue At-Home COVID-19 Test, allowing certain consumers to rapidly test themselves for the coronavirus.
Nearly 1 in 6 Minnesotans has at least 1st dose of COVID-19 vaccine
Nearly one in six Minnesotans has now received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, the latest data from the state health department shows.
Trader Joe's employee claims he was fired for requesting safer COVID policies
Trader Joe's disputes the former employee's allegations.