Business and Economic News

Hiring was a bust in November, even before omicron, with 210,000 jobs added
Hiring slowed sharply last month, even as the unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent. Data from the Labor Department suggest the economy was losing steam even before the appearance of a new COVID-19 variant.
Christmas tree buyers face reduced supplies, higher prices
Even Christmas trees aren't immune to the pandemic-induced shortages and inflation plaguing the economy. Extreme weather and supply chain disruptions have reduced supplies of both real and artificial trees this season. Industry officials say American shoppers should expect to have fewer choices and pay up to 30 percent more for both types this Christmas.
Debt collectors can now text, email and DM you on social media
Officials say the new rules are a necessary update to an outdated law, but consumer advocates worry that borrowers risk missing key information or falling prey to scammers.
CNN suspends Chris Cuomo indefinitely over his role in his brother's defense
CNN said new documents "raise serious questions" about the anchor's role in trying to help his brother, former N.Y. Gov. Andrew Cuomo, respond to sexual misconduct allegations.
As many businesses cut hours, why is this North Shore eatery open in winter for the first time?
As businesses around the country struggle to attract and keep employees, one popular restaurant on the North Shore is changing its business model to keep its staff satisfied and working. Barb LaVigne, co-owner of the Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais, told host Cathy Wurzer why.
Amazon warehouse workers get to redo their union vote in Alabama
A federal labor official has ordered a revote in the biggest Amazon union election in the U.S. The agency found the company's anti-union tactics tainted the original vote that rejected unionizing.
A second life for a small-town newspaper in MN — thanks to a tech company in NJ
This summer, the International Falls Journal, a long-running Minnesota community paper, went dark — only to be brought back to life by a tech company in New Jersey. The CEO of that company and the longtime editor of the International Falls Journal spoke about how and why with host Cathy Wurzer.