May 13 The U.S. birth rate began dropping years before the pandemic. Here's why By Courtney Vinopal Even as the U.S. economy turns a corner, several women told the PBS NewsHour that the pandemic exacerbated already-existing anxieties they had about raising children in America, and they’re not certain when they’ll feel equipped to support a family. Continue reading
May 13 U.S. unemployment claims drop to 473,000, a new pandemic low By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press 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. Continue reading
May 12 Company defies Michigan governor's order to close pipeline By John Flesher, Associated Press Whitmer had set a Wednesday deadline to shut down Line 5, contending it risks a major oil spill in the Straits of Mackinac linking Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. But Enbridge says only the federal government has authority to order… Continue reading
May 11 WATCH: Senate Finance Committee holds hearing on tax fraud By News Desk The Senate Finance Committee held a hearing on tax fraud on Tuesday. Continue reading
May 10 WATCH: Biden announces Treasury will start paying out $350 billion in state and local aid By Josh Boak, Associated Press The president is pushing even more ambitious government spending, proposing a combined $4 trillion of investments in infrastructure, families and education to be funded by higher taxes on corporations and the wealthy. Continue reading
May 08 EU agrees potential 1.8 billion-dose purchase of Pfizer jab By Raf Casert, Barry Hatton, Associated Press The European Union cemented its support for Pfizer-BioNTech and its novel COVID-19 vaccine technology Saturday by agreeing to a massive contract extension for a potential 1.8 billion doses through 2023. Continue reading
May 08 Watch 9:34 Serbia's winning fight against COVID-19 raises questions about 'vaccine diplomacy' By Jorgen Samso Serbia has had considerable success in its COVID-19 vaccination campaign, with the third-highest rate in Europe; supply is mostly from China and Russia. While Serbia's efforts have received high praise, experts are warning about unprecedented, growing Chinese influence in the… Continue watching
May 08 Watch 3:56 The jobs market is slowly recovering, but not so much for women and women of color By PBS NewsHour While the economy is rebounding slowly and the U.S. is gradually adding more jobs 4.5 million women remain out of work compared with 3.7 million men. Valerie Wilson, director of race, ethnicity and economy at the Economic Policy Review joins… Continue watching
May 07 Biden administration allocates $21.6 billion in rental assistance By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press The administration on Friday also announced changes in the rental assistance program aimed at addressing criticism that the emergency support has not reached many renters who need the help. The additional aid is included in the $1.9 trillion relief package… Continue reading
May 07 WATCH: Biden reflects on mediocre April job gains By Josh Boak, Associated Press President Joe Biden's promised economic comeback hit a speed bump Friday with the April jobs report, which found modest job gains of 266,000 that complicated his $4 trillion push on infrastructure, education and children. Continue reading