Business and Economic News

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.
 Work and kids suddenly all home? Be flexible and patient, experts say
With businesses and schools closing their buildings to stop the spread of the coronavirus, many Minnesotans are quickly learning the realities of working from home. Making it work involves planning and some ingenuity, particularly if there are children at home.
U.S. moves nearer to shutdown amid coronavirus fears
Officials across the country curtailed many elements of American life to fight the coronavirus outbreak on Sunday, with health officials recommending that groups of 50 or more don't get together and a government expert saying a 14-day national shutdown may be needed.
Trump calls on Americans to cease hoarding food, supplies
President Trump on Sunday called on Americans to cease hoarding groceries and other supplies, while the government’s top infectious disease expert said he would like to see aggressive measures such as a 14-day national shutdown.
The governor of Illinois on Sunday ordered all bars and restaurants in his state to close amid the threat of the new coronavirus, and officials elsewhere in the country said they were considering similar restrictions after revelers ignored warnings against attending large gatherings.
Fed slashes rates to near zero, eases bank lending rules
The Federal Reserve took emergency action Sunday and slashed its benchmark interest rate by a full percentage point to nearly zero, and also announced it would purchase more Treasury securities to encourage lending to try to offset the impact of the coronavirus outbreak.
Apple temporarily shuts stores worldwide to fight virus
Tech giant Apple is closing its stores outside of China for two weeks and will only sell online as part of efforts to fight the global viral pandemic.