Business and Economic News

U.S., European leaders weigh reopening risks without a vaccine
On a weekend when many pandemic-weary people around the world emerged from weeks of lockdown, leaders in the U.S. and Europe weighed the risks and rewards of lifting COVID-19 restrictions knowing that a vaccine could take years to develop.
'We're like a lifeline': Postal workers fight fear to work during pandemic
Mail carriers Craig Boddie and Evette Jourdain say there’s a lot of fear while working amid the pandemic. But they take the responsibility of delivering essentials to residents seriously. “We're like a lifeline," Boddie said. "Getting these people their medicines, their supplies.”
More Minnesota restaurants announce permanent closures
While restaurants across Minnesota await the chance to resume some dine-in operations, a growing list of restaurants in the state say they won't reopen, even after COVID-19 business restrictions are lifted.
'A lot to be hopeful for': Crisis seen as historic, not another Great Depression
The speed and scale of the economic crash have drawn comparisons to the Great Depression. But this downturn should be shorter, former Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke and other economic historians say.
J.C. Penney files for bankruptcy as lockdowns take their toll
J.C. Penney began 2020 with hopes of yet another turnaround. Instead, the coronavirus shutdowns across the country have forced the department store and mall mainstay into bankruptcy.
Democrats push new $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through House
Democrats have powered a massive $3 trillion coronavirus relief bill through the House, aimed at bracing the struggling U.S. economy and health care system. Republicans mocked the bill as a bloated Democratic wish-list that was dead on arrival in the GOP-led Senate.
USDA secretary says despite plant closures, he does not anticipate food shortages
Sonny Perdue says he expects "85-90 percent production in probably a very few days or weeks." He also says the government is stepping up efforts to buy food from farmers and distribute it to families.
Some Hudson businesses and shoppers welcome Wisconsin's 'soft' opening
Many small businesses in Wisconsin began opening their doors to customers after Gov. Tony Evers unexpectedly gave them the go-ahead this week. Yet others still worry about keeping staff and customers safe.