Business & Economy

Even with provisions in coronavirus emergency measures, advocates of paid sick time say the need exists for broader protections.

Many Minnesotans out of work because of COVID-19 are starting to face their first rent and mortgage payments since the state’s stay-at-home order went into effect. Some are finding relief. Many are wondering what help they may get.

Over the past several days, shop owners Maly Vu and Morgan Thao and others have sewn 800 masks.

Both federal and state leaders have promised relief for small businesses as the coronavirus crisis drags on, but in most cases, that aid has not yet arrived. Among the business owners now wondering how they’ll navigate the coming weeks is Nancy Ford. She owns Repair Lair, a small consignment and repair shop in Minneapolis specializing in outdoor gear and clothing.

With no end to the outbreak in sight, many Minnesotans are left trying to pay bills and living expenses with less income than usual — or none at all. However, there’s some help available now from the state.

As many of us are slowing down under Minnesota’s stay-at-home order, some businesses are speeding up — paint and hardware stores, for example. For some Minnesotans, staying home means a chance to tackle home improvement projects.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr sold off a large amount of stocks before the coronavirus market crash. The FBI will assess whether he was motivated by nonpublic information.

The IRS and the Treasury Department say Americans will start receiving their economic impact checks in the next three weeks. Most people don't need to do anything to get the money. But some — such as senior citizens and low-income people who might not traditionally file tax returns — do need to take action.

During the first week of Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order, workers are questioning whether their jobs are truly essential and say they fear contracting the coronavirus at work. Others say their employers won’t allow them to work from home.

The final decision to build the project comes after a decade of protests and political reversals in the U.S. Now critics say construction poses a new risk with the coronavirus pandemic.