Business and Economic News

Despite a dismal spring travel season, there are signs that demand is beginning to tick up. In analyzing data from multiple sources, NPR found signs that more Americans are not just looking to book future trips, but they're also boarding planes and starting to fly again.
Fear of public restrooms prompts creative solutions as some businesses reopen
Some people are afraid to use potentially germ-filled public restrooms as stay-at-home restrictions begin lifting. That's boosting sales of products that offer creative alternatives.
It was hailed as the 'Minnesota moonshot' — but why hasn’t antibody testing taken off?
One reason state health officials say they have been reticent to suggest widespread testing is reliability. In addition to the Mayo and University of Minnesota tests, private companies have also developed their own antibody testing. State officials say there are tests on the market that don’t produce reliable results.
'We’re all one paycheck away': More Minnesotans flocking to food shelves
As more Minnesotans lose their jobs because of COVID-19, local food shelves are seeing a surge in first-time visitors needing emergency food services — and the demand doesn’t look like it’ll let up anytime soon. About 1 in 3 Minnesotans say they’re worried about affording groceries and healthy food.
Florida theme parks getting ready to reopen with anti-coronavirus measures
Legoland and Universal have local approval for their plans, which involve taking temperatures and encouraging face masks. Disney World and SeaWorld haven't presented their plans yet.
Restaurant, bar owners frustrated and resigned over slow pace of full reopening
Some in the restaurant industry say they were shocked by the governor’s announcement Wednesday that they could serve customers outside only beginning June 1. They were in the middle of other plans.
Climate Cast: How hurricanes impact supply chains
How can hurricanes impact an already stressed supply chain? MPR News chief meteorologist Paul Huttner talks to Yale environmental researcher Chris Shughrue.
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.