Business and Economic News

World Bank: Recession is the deepest in decades
The World Bank issues a report this week detailing the extent of the recession, the first caused solely by a pandemic. Its findings are sobering — but do offer a glimmer of hope.
Market meltdown: Dow dives 1,800 points on worries of 2nd coronavirus wave
Stocks plunged Thursday amid reports of a second wave of coronavirus cases, as well as a warning from Fed officials that the economy may take longer than first thought to recover.
Thousands of workers say their jobs are unsafe as economy reopens
In places ranging from chicken processing plants to hair salons, workers say employers aren't doing enough to protect them from getting sick. Advocates blame a lack of mandatory federal safety rules.
The Fed helped companies borrow money. Some laid off thousands anyway
Companies can borrow money from the Federal Reserve under its new lending programs. It's been good for the stock market, but the central bank's effort to help the economy has had lopsided results.
Walz calls special session on police accountability, bonding
On the eve of the start of a special legislative session, Gov. Tim Walz and fellow Democrats in the state Legislature proposed a wide-ranging set of measures designed to overhaul policing in the wake of killing of George Floyd.
Mall of America reopens with limited number of shoppers
The nation’s largest shopping mall reopens Wednesday after being closed for three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials say the vast shopping and entertainment complex is ready to start a new era of socially distant shopping.
Long Prairie beef processor among latest swept by COVID-19, despite significant prevention
The sharp rise in cases demonstrates how difficult it is to prevent the spread of a highly contagious disease amid the crowded quarters of a meatpacking plant — and in the wider community.