Business and Economic News

Minnesota women applying for unemployment at higher rates than men
State employment officials say more women have applied for unemployment insurance related to the COVID-19 pandemic than men over the past few weeks.
Minnesota’s head of employment answers your unemployment questions
With businesses closing because of the COVID-19 pandemic, unemployment benefit applications have skyrocketed across the country. DEED Commissioner Steve Grove and two economists joined host Angela Davis to talk about the phenomenon and answer listener questions about their own unemployment situations.
Staggering: Record 10 million file for unemployment in 2 weeks
The staggering number of people claiming jobless benefits set a new record for the second week in a row. Much of the country has been ordered to stay at home, bringing the economy to a lurching halt.
Paid sick time advocates say pandemic proves point
Even with provisions in coronavirus emergency measures, advocates of paid sick time say the need exists for broader protections.
State housing help likely on the way as part of pandemic response
Many Minnesotans out of work because of COVID-19 are starting to face their first rent and mortgage payments since the state’s stay-at-home order went into effect. Some are finding relief. Many are wondering what help they may get.
Both federal and state leaders have promised relief for small businesses as the coronavirus crisis drags on, but in most cases, that aid has not yet arrived. Among the business owners now wondering how they’ll navigate the coming weeks is Nancy Ford. She owns Repair Lair, a small consignment and repair shop in Minneapolis specializing in outdoor gear and clothing.
How to make ends meet if you lose your job under COVID-19
With no end to the outbreak in sight, many Minnesotans are left trying to pay bills and living expenses with less income than usual — or none at all. However, there’s some help available now from the state.