Business and Economic News

History Forum: The history of fake news in the U.S.
History professor Michelle Nickerson speaks at the Minnesota Historical Society’s “History Forum” about “The History of Fake News in America.”
MPR cuts jobs due to funding crunch amid pandemic
Fourteen employees of Minnesota Public Radio’s parent company, American Public Media Group, are voluntarily leaving the company, as it contends with the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. 
Coronavirus reset: How to get health insurance now
At least 27 million Americans who lost their jobs in recent weeks also lost their health insurance, a new report finds. Others lacked a health plan even before COVID-19 hit. Here's how to find help.
Frustration and uncertainty as workers wait on unemployment pay
As demand for unemployment benefits has skyrocketed, some workers are anxiously awaiting news of whether they’ll receive benefits from the state. 
Fed chief says more relief spending may be 'costly, but worth it'
Jerome Powell said the economy should recover once the coronavirus is under control. But the central bank chief cautioned that without more help, many small businesses may not survive that long.
Feds warn airlines once again to offer customers refunds
The Department of Transportation received some 25,000 consumer complaints in March and April, up from about 1,500 a month. DOT will also allow airlines to stop serving some cities with little demand.
Workplace protections still apply when you work from home
For many Minnesotans, their homes have become their workplaces but the situation raises legal issues that many employers may not have anticipated when they began having legions of people work from home — from privacy and ergonomics to on-the-job injuries and tracking employees' hours.
Restaurants face a staffing problem: Unemployment pays better
State jobless benefits are beefed up, for now, by an extra $600 a week from the federal government. That means many people are making more money unemployed at home than they were making at work.