Business and Economic News

Study: Tipped service workers are more vulnerable amid pandemic harassment spike
More than half of workers surveyed said they were reluctant to enforce COVID-19 safety measures with customers from whom they would receive tips, according to the One Fair Wage study.
More than a week after Sanford Health parted ways with its longtime CEO, the health system announced that it has indefinitely suspended merger talks with Utah-based Intermountain Healthcare.
Job growth slows sharply as pandemic takes toll on economy
U.S. employers added just 245,000 jobs last month, as the runaway pandemic continued to weigh on hiring. The unemployment rate fell to 6.7 percent from 6.9 percent in October.
Spruce top thieves: How demand for a north woods cash crop is sparking an illicit trade
A lot of the raw material that’s used to make holiday decorations — from Christmas wreaths and garlands to potted evergreen arrangements — comes from Minnesota’s north woods, where there's a thriving cottage industry of harvesters and distributors. But as the market has grown, so has the opportunity for spruce thieves looking to make a quick buck. 
As some pandemic aid ends, what's next for hurting Americans
It’s been a tough year and 2021 could get off to a rough start too as multiple pandemic- related programs and protections for millions of Americans come to an end.
Facebook bans debunked claims about COVID-19 vaccines
The new ban is an expansion of the social network's rules against misinformation that could lead to imminent physical harm. It comes as governments prepare to roll out the first vaccinations.
Top Democrats back off demands for larger COVID-19 bill
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer are breaking from their demand for more than $2 trillion in coronavirus relief spending to move toward a compromise.