Business and Economic News

Trump's economic rescue package could approach $1 trillion
In a massive federal effort, President Trump asked Congress to speed emergency checks to Americans, enlisted the military for MASH-like hospitals and implored ordinary people — particularly socially active millennials — to do their part by staying home to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
Minnesota unemployment office receiving 2,000 applications an hour
An executive order temporarily closing or limiting some Minnesota businesses is expected to trigger the largest unemployment payout in state history. The commissioner handling that effort spoke with MPR News’ All Things Considered host Tom Crann.
Walz gets some legislative pushback on closure order
Some Republican lawmakers are questioning whether Gov. Tim Walz went too far in ordering bars, restaurants and other businesses to close in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.
U.S. stocks jump as White House plans $1 trillion stimulus
In a rebound from its record plunge, the Dow gained more than 1,000 points as the White House planned a massive stimulus package and the Fed set up a new loan program to boost the economy.
Poll: Nearly 1 in 5 households have lost work because of pandemic
Nearly 20% of U.S. households have experienced either a layoff or a reduction in work hours because of the coronavirus, according to a new NPR/PBS Newshour/Marist poll.
Mall of America closes due to COVID-19 concerns
The Mall of America will close temporarily beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday until at least March 31.
White House seeks $850B economic stimulus amid virus crisis
The White House is proposing a roughly $850 billion emergency stimulus to address the economic cost of the new coronavirus. The request will be outlined to Senate Republicans Tuesday and will aim to provide relief for small businesses and the airline industry and include a massive tax cut for wage-earners.
Workers affected by coronavirus can apply for unemployment
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development is encouraging people who’ve lost work because of the novel coronavirus to apply for unemployment benefits promptly.
Stocks go into shock. Dow plunges nearly 3,000
The Dow tumbled nearly 13 percent after the Federal Reserve aggressively cut interest rates to near zero and as the nation imposed more restrictions in an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
Thousands of bottles of hand sanitizer and packs of antibacterial wipes and medical masks have been donated after a failed attempt by two Tennessee brothers to resell them for profit.