NYC launching $30 million campaign to revive tourism industry
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a $30 million effort through NYC & Company to bring back tourists.
Uber shares mask enforcement tips for drivers, passengers
Uber says that it is keeping its mask policy in place to follow the federal CDC mandate requiring travelers to wear a mask.
Businesses scramble for workers as job openings go unfilled
It looks like something to celebrate: small businesses posting “Help Wanted” signs as the economy edges toward normalcy. Instead, businesses are having trouble filling the jobs, which in turn hurts their ability to keep up with demand for their products or services.
Connecticut to lift most pandemic mandates on businesses, outdoors
Beginning May 1 in Connecticut, outdoor restrictions will be lifted on businesses, such as mask-wearing when social distancing can't be observed.
Some people may have to return their $1,400 stimulus check
While a lot of people who received the third stimulus check could really use it, unfortunately, some people may have to return the $1,400.
Unemployment claims fall to 576,000, lowest since COVID-19 pandemic began
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 576,000, a hopeful sign that layoffs are easing as the economy recovers from the pandemic recession.
Weddings resume with restrictions but some couples choose to wait
Wedding venues, especially those with outdoor space, are quickly filling up. However, some folks are choosing to wait until 2022 or even 2023.
Japan enacts more coronavirus measures in Tokyo ahead of Summer Olympics
Japan says it will raise the coronavirus alert level in Tokyo to allow tougher measures to curb the rapid spread of a more contagious variant ahead of the Summer Olympics.
Swimwear industry adjusts during pandemic
After a sales dip last year, consumers are diving headfirst into swimwear. The trending styles this year are very nostalgic and something of a throwback.
Unemployment claims jump to 744,000 as layoffs persist amid pandemic
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 744,000, signaling that many employers are still cutting jobs.
Farmlink Project fights rising food insecurity amid pandemic
Before the pandemic, food insecurity affected 1 in 4 U.S. households, according to the USDA. That has likely doubled over the last year. The Farmlink Project stepped in to help.
New York's $212B budget deal includes mobile sports betting, taxing wealthiest
Gov. Andrew Cuomo and state lawmakers reached a new budget deal in Albany to the tune of $212 billion.
156 million coronavirus relief payments issued, Treasury says
The Treasury Department says it has issued more than 156 million payments as part of President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief plan.
New York City millionaires set to face highest tax rate in U.S.
An expected tax hike on the wealthy is a win for the Democratic party's left wing, who say millionaires in Manhattan penthouses have fared far better in the pandemic than struggling New Yorkers.
Harlem's Alibi Lounge stays open; owner, landlord reach deal
Alibi owner Alexi Minko needed to come up with about $15,000 by April. And he did it. He credited the generosity of donors and his landlord.
Shoppers spending money to 'get revenge' against COVID
Consumers are very eager to spend money after a year in pandemic lockdowns, a shopping expert says. That could really help small businesses.
Texas Rangers host sellout crowd for 2021 home opener with no COVID-19 attendance restrictions
The game was declared a sellout, with 38,238 people in the stands, the Texas Rangers announced.
Lincoln Center's Geffen Hall reconstruction is accelerated
The reconstruction of Geffen Hall is ahead of schedule because of the shutdown of performances due to the pandemic. The auditorium is set to open in fall 2022, more than a year earlier than originally planned.
Third round of stimulus checks include ‘plus-up’ payments to those eligible for more money, IRS says
The IRS says these "plus-up" payments will continue on a weekly basis going forward, and go to those who recently filed a 2020 tax return and qualify for more stimulus money.
NYC show venues reopen; some say they can't survive at reduced capacity
Performance venues in New York are allowed to reopen at 33% capacity. But venue owners and operators say they can't make the numbers work at that level.