Business and Economic News

Looted and smoldering, ‘Lake Street, the great street’ braces for more
As anger over the death of George Floyd led to violence and looting, a commercial corridor known for its mix of mom-and-pop businesses starts to pick up the pieces. 
40.8 million out of work in the past 10 weeks, 26% of labor force
More than 1 in 4 U.S. workers have lost their jobs since coronavirus shutdowns began. Last week, an additional 2.1 million people filed for unemployment benefits.
Why the small business rescue program has slowed way down
The first round of Paycheck Protection Program funding ran out in days, but the second pot of money has more than $140 billion left after a month. Some business owners decided the PPP wasn't for them.
Pandemic disruptions taking a toll on farmers' mental health
Plant backlogs caused by the pandemic are forcing farmers to destroy their products instead of shipping them to market. The situation is heaping more stress on farmers.
Trump threatens social media after Twitter fact-checks him
Claiming tech giants "silence conservative voices," the president tweeted Wednesday that, "We will strongly regulate, or close them down, before we can ever allow this to happen." President Trump can't unilaterally regulate or close social media companies, as that would require action by Congress or the Federal Communications Commission.
Is it a farm or a sculpture park? Both
Fresh produce meets the arts in a planned north Minneapolis installation.
As lockdown orders lift, can cities prevent a traffic catastrophe?
As businesses reopen, many city dwellers worry about the risks of public transit. Cities are trying to figure out how to safeguard public health, keep people moving and avoid a gridlock nightmare.
Pandemic pushes more people into insurance market
People who lose health insurance have options to continue health care coverage, but the choices are often confusing and differ greatly in cost and coverage.
Some businesses thrive despite pandemic
Through skill or luck, they found ways to avoid the coronavirus crushing sales.