Unemployed workers in New Jersey and elsewhere who are receiving benefits from the federal government will see those benefits expire in a little more than a month, unless Congress passes the latest COVID-19 relief bill. On Thursday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said she expects the bill will be signed into law before the current benefits expire in mid-March. Should that happen, workers would receive added benefits through August.

There’s not much improvement in the weekly claims numbers. Nationally another 793,000 Americans filed for first-time job claims in the latest week, which was higher than expected.

Construction is set to begin next month on Paterson’s Hinchliffe Stadium, which is being renovated into a new sports arena. The New Jersey Economic Development Authority has awarded $67 million in tax credits for the work. Beyond the stadium refurbishment, the project will also include a cultural facility with a museum dedicated to Negro League baseball, a restaurant and affordable housing for seniors.