Unemployment claims fall to 473,000, another pandemic low
The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 473,000, a new pandemic low and the latest evidence that fewer employers are cutting jobs as consumers ramp up spending and more businesses reopen.
Chamber of Commerce calls for end to enhanced jobless aid
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is calling for Washington to immediately stop paying out-of-work Americans an extra $300 a week in unemployment benefits, saying the boost in government aid is giving some recipients less incentive to look for work.
Unemployment claims fall to 547,000, a new pandemic low
The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid fell last week to 547,000, a new low since the pandemic struck and a further encouraging sign that layoffs are slowing on the strength of an improving job market.
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.
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.
Unemployment claims climb to 745,000; layoffs still high
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits edged higher last week to 745,000, a sign that many employers continue to cut jobs despite a drop in confirmed viral infections and evidence that the overall economy is improving.
Online glitches, new distribution methods could be why you haven't received your second stimulus check
While the IRS and Treasury have distributed the bulk of the anticipated $164 million in second-round of relief payments for Americans faster than the first time, millions have not gotten payments yet or found hiccups in the distribution.
Fear and anxiety spike in COVID-19 hot spots across US
About half of U.S. states have seen their highest daily coronavirus infection numbers so far at some point in October, and the country as a whole came very close to back-to-back record daily infection rates on Friday and Saturday.
Social Security checks will increase 1.3% in 2021
Social Security recipients will get a modest 1.3% cost-of living-increase in 2021, but that might be small comfort amid worries about the coronavirus and its consequences for older people.
Trump administration to limit skilled-worker visas citing COVID-19 job losses
The Trump administration has announced plans to sharply limit visas issued to skilled workers from overseas.
Stimulus check missing $500? IRS to start sending parents payments this week
The IRS will begin rectifying economic impact payment amounts for individuals who may not have received all that they were eligible for – and households can expect to receive the extra cash within the coming weeks.
Progress slow as urgency grows on virus relief legislation
The latest negotiating session on a coronavirus relief bill has wrapped with modest concessions being made by both sides.
US manufacturing improves in July, outlook clouded by coronavirus
The Institute for Supply Management, an association of purchasing managers, said Monday that its manufacturing index rose to 54.2 last month, up from a June reading of 52.6. Any reading above 50 signals that U.S. manufacturing is expanding.
Record economic plunge, bleak jobs numbers reveal virus toll
The U.S. economy shrank at a dizzying 33% annual rate in the April-June quarter — by far the worst quarterly plunge ever — when the viral outbreak shut down businesses, throwing tens of millions out of work and sending unemployment surging to 14.7%, the government said Thursday.
Costco announces limits on meat purchases as mask requirement begins
Grocery and goods giant Costco will limit the amount of fresh beef, pork and chicken products customers can buy.
Taxpayers group sues Newsom over plan to help undocumented immigrants
A taxpayers' group filed court papers Wednesday to block Gov. Gavin Newsom's allocation of $75 million in coronavirus-related aid to undocumented immigrants ineligible for unemployment insurance.
Costco will require all shoppers to wear face masks starting May 4
Costco announced it will require all shoppers to wear face masks starting May 4.
Shortages easing on coronavirus-hit toilet paper
U.S. consumers have begun spotting rare Quilted Northern and Charmin toilet paper rolls on store shelves across the United States, as stocks start building after weeks of severe shortages.