Business and Economic News

Stuck at home? Many deciding it's a good time to spruce it up
As many of us are slowing down under Minnesota’s stay-at-home order, some businesses are speeding up — paint and hardware stores, for example. For some Minnesotans, staying home means a chance to tackle home improvement projects.
Justice Department looking into senator's stock sell-off
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Richard Burr sold off a large amount of stocks before the coronavirus market crash. The FBI will assess whether he was motivated by nonpublic information.
What you need to do to get your government stimulus check
The IRS and the Treasury Department say Americans will start receiving their economic impact checks in the next three weeks. Most people don't need to do anything to get the money. But some — such as senior citizens and low-income people who might not traditionally file tax returns — do need to take action.
Essential workers say employers not following work-from-home, safety precautions
During the first week of Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order, workers are questioning whether their jobs are truly essential and say they fear contracting the coronavirus at work. Others say their employers won’t allow them to work from home.
Builder of controversial Keystone XL pipeline says it's moving forward
The final decision to build the project comes after a decade of protests and political reversals in the U.S. Now critics say construction poses a new risk with the coronavirus pandemic.
FAQ: What's behind the N95 mask shortage?
What is an N95 respirator mask and how did we end up so short of those masks? Here we answer some key questions about shortages of N95 masks in the U.S. and across the globe.
Gun sales soar amid coronavirus outbreak
Law enforcement officials and gun sellers say over the last several weeks they’ve seen a spike in gun sales and applications for permits to buy handguns driven in part by first-time owners.