Business and Economic News

Northern Minn. companies step in to help fill PPE shortage
Hospitals and clinics have struggled to get enough personal protective equipment, or PPE, since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Duluth, and across the state, local companies have retooled to manufacture masks, face shields, and other equipment to help meet that shortfall.
Duluth projecting 'absolutely catastrophic' budget shortfall
The city’s coronavirus response and an expected drop in tax revenue could put the city $38 million in the red. That represents about 40 percent of its general fund.
Trump order keeping meat packing plants open worries unions
Unions in the U.S. meat packing industry say President Trump is jeopardizing lives and prioritizing cold cuts over workers' health. Trump on Tuesday signed an executive order to classify meat processing as critical infrastructure during the coronavirus outbreak. 
Loopholes in small business relief program allowed thriving companies to cash in
The Paycheck Protection Program, designed to help small businesses struggling during the pandemic, was vulnerable to loopholes that allowed thriving companies to receive money.
'Tip of the iceberg': Economy shrinks at 4.8 percent pace, but worst to come
The economy contracted at a 4.8 percent rate in the first quarter of 2020 as the coronavirus began to take its toll. It was the first quarterly drop in six years and a precursor to a deep recession.
Poll: Half of Americans financially affected by coronavirus
An NPR/PBS NewsHour/Marist poll finds 50 percent say they or someone in their household has lost hours or a job due to the pandemic. They also say their governors are doing a better job it than Trump.
Polk County sheriff says businesses can open up if they can do it safely
A sheriff in a Wisconsin county that borders Minnesota says he’ll allow nonessential businesses to reopen if they can operate safely. The decision runs counter to Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers’ executive order.