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.

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.

COVID-19 vaccine: Who will get the first doses?

Scientists vary in their recommendations over who should get the first doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

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.

CDC study links restaurants to higher rate of COVID-19 transmission

Dining at restaurants may have a higher rate of COVID-19 transmission than other activities like shopping or riding public transportation, a CDC study concluded.

Delta bans nearly 250 people from flying on its planes for refusing to wear masks

In an internal memo released Thursday, Delta Air Lines has placed more than 240 people on a “no fly list” for failing to comply with its mandatory mask policy.

KFC drops 'finger lickin' good' slogan amid coronavirus pandemic

KFC is cleaning up its act and dropping the iconic "finger-lickin' good" slogan as the coronavirus health crisis continues.

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.

Parents struggle as schools reopen amid coronavirus surge

Parents in some states are getting their first look at a new school year as the coronavirus continues to cause upheaval in school systems around the country.

Fauci optimistic COVID-19 vaccine will be widely available

Dr. Anthony Fauci has told lawmakers that once a coronavirus vaccine is approved as safe and effective, Americans should have widespread access within a reasonable time.

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.