Economy

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U.S. economy surpasses pre-pandemic level, but worker shortage persists

By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press

Unemployment, at 5.9 percent, is still well above the 3.5 percent rate that prevailed before the pandemic struck. And the economy remains 6.8 million jobs short of its pre-pandemic total.

FDA allows automatic ‘generic’ swap for brand-name insulin

By Linda A. Johnson, Associated Press

Wednesday's move by the Food and Drug Administration will allow pharmacists to automatically substitute the cheaper version, just as they do with generic pills for other kinds of drugs.

Senate votes to start work on $1 trillion infrastructure bill

By Lisa Mascaro, Kevin Freking, Alan Fram, Associated Press

The vote came together quickly Wednesday night after President Joe Biden and a bipartisan group of senators reached agreement on the key part of the White House agenda.

Google delays return to office, mandates vaccines

By Michael Liedtke, Associated Press

CEO Sundar Pichai told Google's more than 130,000 employees in a Wednesday email that the company is now aiming to bring them back to its offices Oct. 18, instead of its previous target date of Sept. 1.

WATCH: Federal Reserve chair Powell notes improving economy, a step toward easing support

By Damian J. Troise, Associated Press

The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that the U.S. economy is strengthening and making progress on the Fed's employment and inflation goals, a small step toward dialing back its ultra-low-interest rate policies, perhaps later this year.

Senators, White House in talks to finish infrastructure bill

By Lisa Mascaro, Alexandra Jaffe, Kevin Freking, Associated Press

Senators and the White House are locked in intense negotiations to salvage a bipartisan infrastructure deal. Pressure is mounting on all sides to wrap up talks and show progress on President Joe Biden's top priority.

WATCH: House oversight hearing on defending the U.S. electric grid against cyber threats

By Associated Press

The House Oversight Committee held a hearing on defending the U.S. electric grid against cyber threats on Tuesday.

As drought cuts hay crop, cattle ranchers face culling herds

By Brittany Peterson, Associated Press

As the drought worsens across the West and ushers in an early fire season, cattle ranchers are among those feeling the pain. Their hay yields are down, leading some to make the hard decision to sell off animals.

Yellen outlines to Congress emergency measures on debt limit

By Martin Crutsinger, Alan Fram, Associated Press

In a letter Friday to House and Senate leaders, Yellen said that her actions would buy time until Congress can pass legislation to either raise the debt limit or suspend the limit again for a period of time.

U.S. jobless claims rise to 419,000 from a pandemic low

By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press

The weekly number of first-time applications for benefits, which generally tracks layoffs, has fallen steadily since topping 900,000 in early January. Economists say the increase is most likely a blip caused by some one-time factors.