Business and Economic News

Coronavirus FAQs: Is it safe to dine indoors — or outdoors?
We look at the risks to consider (and precautions to take) before a restaurant meal. Also: How risky is it to fly on fully booked flights?
No federal mandates for masks on planes or empty middle seats
As some airlines try to sell every seat on every flight, the Trump administration urges them to leave some seats empty and wants passengers to wear masks, but neither will be required.
Minnesota banks, credit unions, offer COVID-19 mortgage help
Under the framework announced Thursday, the four participating banks and 27 credit unions have agreed to offer 90-day forbearance periods. Qualifying families won’t have to make lump-sum payments at the end of that period for what they owe.
U.S. adds 4.8 million jobs as unemployment falls to 11.1%
The nation has now recovered roughly one-third of the 22 million jobs it lost to the pandemic recession. And with confirmed coronavirus cases spiking across the Sun Belt states, a range of evidence suggests that a job market recovery may be stalling. Some restaurants, bars and other retailers that had reopened are being forced to close again.
Closing bars to stop coronavirus spread is backed by science
Clusters of cases have been linked to bars, including a Michigan outbreak involving nearly 140 people in 12 counties. The coronavirus spreads more easily in closed, crowded spaces with poor ventilation and where there are close-range conversations. An infectious diseases expert also says alcohol lowers inhibitions, so people forget precautions.
Fox News fires Ed Henry after sexual misconduct charge
The network said it had received a complaint last week from an attorney about the misconduct. An outside investigator was hired and, based on the results of that probe, Fox fired Henry.