Extra unemployment benefits ending for 440,000 Americans
More than 400,000 out-of-work Americans are poised to lose their unemployment benefits this weekend as eight states prematurely drop out of a pandemic relief program that boosted jobless aid by $300 a week.
Bipartisan legislation would incentivize employment with $180 weekly payments to find work
A bipartisan group of representatives this week introduced legislation to incentivize people returning to work as businesses across the U.S. struggle to find workers for hire.
Sherman Phoenix fully reopens, features some new businesses
It was an exciting day at Milwaukee's Sherman Phoenix as the doors reopened for the first time since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic. A special guest from Madison got a tour: Governor Tony Evers.
Wisconsin schools' federal aid at risk, district heads 'dismayed'
Superintendents of the Milwaukee, Madison, Racine, Kenosha and Green Bay school districts urged lawmakers in a letter to set aside partisan differences and to do what is best for the state's schools.
Milwaukee awaits summer visitors, spending down 37% during COVID
After a devastating year for the tourism and hospitality industries, this summer is expected to bring a welcome rebound! Many in Milwaukee are anxiously awaiting a flood of visitors.
2020 teen summer employment was lowest since Great Recession
The number of teens who were able to get jobs during the summer of 2020 saw its lowest level since the Great Recession in 2008.
Open Record: Downtown dilemma
What happens to downtown Milwaukee businesses as things start to open up again, but remote working stays?
Wisconsin restaurants hiring, worker shortage at 83%
A Waukesha restaurant owner can't find enough cooks for his kitchen even after increasing the wage to $16-$19 per hour and adding a bonus. He blames the $300 per week federal unemployment benefit.
Wisconsin Legislature votes to end extra unemployment
The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature voted Wednesday to eliminate a $300-a-week federal bonus for unemployed people, a measure that Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has made clear he's likely to veto.
Pewaukee man's $1M+ PPP fraud nets prison time
Officials say Thomas Smith fraudulently obtained more than $1 million in loans guaranteed by the Small Businesses Administration under the CARES Act.
US economy shows growth despite lacking enough workers, supplies
Barely more than a year after the coronavirus caused the steepest economic fall and job losses on record, the speed of the rebound has been so unexpectedly swift that many companies can’t fill jobs or acquire enough supplies to meet a pent-up burst of customer demand.
Potawatomi slots at 100% operation amid worker shortage
At Potawatomi Hotel & Casino, all slot machines have reopened, and there are less COVID-19 restrictions. In many ways, the casino is returning to pre-pandemic operations.
Job searches spiked in states cutting unemployment benefits, analysis shows
Job search activity rose by 5% the day each state announced its plan to cut off the sweetened aid, according to Indeed data.
Fewer workers at Wisconsin Dells attractions
One of Wisconsin's major tourist attractions is making due during Memorial Day weekend with fewer workers, hoping that more will arrive during the summer.
Why it's so hard to fill jobs in certain states
The labor-market recovery after the coronavirus pandemic and related shutdowns is playing out unevenly across the U.S., from states where there are five openings for every unemployed worker to several where historically high jobless rates persist.
Bipartisan lawmakers introduce bill to roll back '3-martini lunch' tax break
Former President Donald Trump signed the "three martini-lunch" tax break into temporary law in December, saying it would drum up business for pandemic-stricken restaurants.
Wisconsin may lose school aid, Feds warn
The Department of Education warned Wisconsin's state superintendent of schools it could lose $1.5 billion in federal funding if a Republican education plan becomes law.
PPP loan fraud schemes ran wild as government doled out billions; at least 120 charged
The Justice Department has charged more than 120 defendants with fraud related to PPP loans. Some cases are substantial.
Unemployment work search requirement kicks in
If you're receiving unemployment benefits from the state of Wisconsin, you must now prove you're searching for work. That requirement was waived during the coronavirus pandemic.
‘Bucket list travel’ trend post-COVID
Grab your sunscreen and passport! There are more destinations becoming available for vaccinated travelers by the day, with the European Union expected to welcome travelers again soon.