Business and Economic News

38.6 million have filed for unemployment since March
The United States is still losing jobs at an alarming pace two months after the coronavirus pandemic took hold. Another 2.4 million people filed claims for jobless benefits last week.
Meatpacking safety recommendations are largely unenforceable
Extensive guidance issued last month by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls for meatpacking companies to erect physical barriers, enforce social distancing and install more hand-sanitizing stations, among other steps. But the guidance is not mandatory.
About half of U.S. homes lost wages during pandemic, Census Bureau finds
Because of COVID-19, 47 percent of adults say their households have lost employment income and close to 40 percent have delayed getting medical care, according to the first results of a new Census Bureau survey.
Big box rules: Target's online campaign readied it for virus
Target had already transformed its 1,800 stores into distribution hubs, putting it in a better position than even Amazon.com to keep supplies flowing. Target's stores were directly involved in supplying goods for 80 percent of online sales. Same-day services, such as curbside pickup at stores for things ordered online, nearly tripled.
Johnson & Johnson stops selling talc-based baby powder in U.S. and Canada
The company said demand has declined "fueled by misinformation around the safety of the product and a constant barrage of litigation advertising." Lawsuits allege the powder causes cancer.
More Lysol, no more pens in rooms. Hotels adapt to win back guests
Hotels have been devastated by the pandemic. To survive, they are adapting with extra-deep cleaning and contactless interactions. And it may mean rooms with no notepads and pens — and no minibars.
Unemployment claims up — way up — among Asian Minnesotans
At a time when Asian Americans are reporting experiences with bigoted abuse because of COVID-19, they’re also reporting a surge in unemployment. The trend has created uncertainty about how Asian-owned businesses will survive. 
What is the future of cities?
As COVID-19 makes density a danger, we look at what's in store for cities.
Minnesota’s horse racing tracks are gearing up for an unusual season this year. They will have to pare back operations and try to reach fans remotely but are still hoping to run dozens of races.
MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Minnesota Dept. of Labor and Industry Commissioner Nancy Leppink for more on workplace protections in the pandemic.