The employment sectors that have seen the biggest share of unemployment applications during the COVID-19 crisis
Some areas have seen a third or more of their workforce file for unemployment.
Economy
Self-employed and contract workers are now eligible for unemployment benefits in Minnesota. Here’s what you need to know
States have some discretion to determine who is covered, but essentially, any individual who has exhausted all rights to regular unemployment and is self-employed should qualify.
COVID-19 is a huge story for newspapers across Minnesota. For some, it could also be their undoing.
The massive decline in print advertising brought on by the coronavirus crisis is “going to separate the haves and the have-nots,” said Star Tribune Publisher Michael J. Klingensmith.
Getting by: How businesses in one Greater Minnesota town are dealing with ‘social distancing’ disruptions
“It’s a really tough time right now because of the uncertainty,” said Judy Hulterstrum, executive director of the Litchfield Area Chamber of Commerce, “but we’re staying as positive as we can.”
‘It’s a start’: How the Legislature’s COVID-19 bill aims to help Minnesota child care providers
Under the coronavirus aid package passed by the Minnesota Legislature Thursday, child care providers can apply for a $4,500 monthly grant, with larger centers eligible for an additional monthly grant of up to $15,500, based on capacity.
Asked to stay open during the COVID-19 crisis, Minnesota child care providers are calling for financial aid to help them stay afloat
The longer schools and businesses stay shut, the more uncertain the future is for many providers.
What workers need to know about unemployment benefits during the COVID-19 emergency
Waiting periods are waived; people lacking child care may qualify; caps lifted for business owners; and more.
How Minnesotan is buffalo check?
The red and black square pattern is having a moment nationally, but in Minnesota it never really went away.
Is Duluth in the Rust Belt?
Detroit and Cleveland, sure. Duluth?
Fire problems continue to plague popular models of Polaris off-road vehicles
Medina-based Polaris Industries, a global leader in sales of off-road vehicles, also has the dubious distinction of leading the industry in the number of safety recalls, a new report shows.
Marked by fraud concerns in 2019, Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program may get additional funding in 2020
As a lack of affordable child care has increasingly become a concern around Minnesota, new spending for the CCAP program is one way legislators from both parties are mulling how the government can help families enroll kids in early learning.
Here’s how much Minnesota has paid out for wolf kills of livestock over the last two decades
Endangered species protections means wolves generally can’t be killed unless they are threatening human life.
As hemp production booms, Rep. Collin Peterson works to expand the CBD market
Peterson has a new bill that would allow the FDA to regulate CBD products as supplements, rather than drugs, opening the way for new products.
More and more homeowners are renovating homes to make them ‘net zero’ energy consumers. Here’s how.
Energy-conscious retrofits can dramatically reduce the carbon footprint of housing without the need to start from scratch.
The IRS decided to get tough against Microsoft. Microsoft got tougher.
For years, the company has moved billions in profits to Puerto Rico to avoid taxes. When the IRS pushed it to pay, Microsoft protested that the agency wasn’t being nice. Then it aggressively fought back in court, lobbied Congress and changed the law.
Say hello to a goodbye: How Minnesota towns are trying to fill their empty Shopkos
At tens of thousands of square feet, the closed stores present a redevelopment challenge.
Nail salon workers suffer chemical exposures that can be like working at a garage or a refinery
The technician who gave you that shiny manicure may be inhaling dangerous levels of toxic chemicals on the job.
Wage inequality increased in most U.S. cities in the last 40 years, but the increase in the Twin Cities has been relatively mild
Coastal cities with big tech and finance industries have tended to see bigger increases in inequality.
Why Minnesota agricultural interests are lauding the new USMCA trade deal
The replacement to NAFTA has been estimated to increase U.S. agricultural exports by $2 billion.
Blue Plate Restaurant Group sued over ‘employee wellness surcharge’
Restaurateurs say surcharges are needed to offset growing health care costs and mandatory minimum wage increases.
