Apr 12 U.S. budget deficit jumps to record $1.7 trillion this year By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press The U.S. government’s budget deficit surged to an all-time high of $1.7 trillion for the first six months of this budget year. Continue reading
Apr 11 Watch 8:02 COVID-19 didn't stop these musicians from performing—here's how By Christopher Booker Over a year of COVID-19 shutdowns continues to be particularly hard for artists who rely on live shows and events to make a living — and despite streaming platforms like Spotify drawing more business than ever, many independent performers have… Continue watching
Apr 11 Biden sees 'win' for U.S. in electric vehicle battery deal By Matthew Daly, Tom Krisher, Associated Press The agreement between LG Energy Solution and SK Innovation ended the need for Biden to intervene in a case closely watched for its implications on Biden's clean-energy agenda, which includes a sharp increase the number of electric vehicles as part… Continue reading
Apr 09 Amazon secures enough votes to block labor union in Alabama By Joseph Pisani, Associated Press Amazon crossed the threshold to secure a majority of votes, with 1,798 warehouse workers rejecting the union and 738 voting in favor, according to the National Labor Relations Board, which is overseeing the process. Continue reading
Apr 08 Watch 5:37 How Biden's infrastructure plan aims to tax corporations that move profits overseas By Amna Nawaz, Courtney Norris One major way that President Joe Biden and his team propose paying for his $2 trillion infrastructure plan is by revamping the way U.S. corporations pay taxes. As Amna Nawaz reports, the plan would both raise tax rates, and go… Continue watching
Apr 08 IMF policy panel endorses $650 billion increase in resources By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press The International Monetary Fund on Thursday authorized a $650 billion expansion of the 190-nation lending institution's resources with the aim of providing more support for vulnerable countries as they battle the coronavirus pandemic. Continue reading
Apr 08 U.S. nears full reopening to 'different economy,' says Fed Chair Powell By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press The U.S. economy, boosted by quickening vaccinations and signs of rapid hiring, is headed toward a strong recovery, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said Thursday. Continue reading
Apr 08 U.S. hits state-owned Myanmar gem firm with coup sanctions By Matthew Lee, Associated Press The penalties freeze any assets the firm holds in the U.S. or in U.S. jurisdictions and bar American citizens from doing business with it. The company is a major exporter of gems and semi-precious stones like jade. Continue reading
Apr 08 Florida sues federal government to allow cruises to sail By Adriana Gomez Licon, Associated Press Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis says the no-sail order is outdated and hurts the state as the industry generates billions for the economy. Continue reading
Apr 08 U.S. jobless claims up to 744,000 as virus continues to force layoffs By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 744,000, signaling that many employers are still cutting jobs even as more people are vaccinated against COVID-19, consumers gain confidence and the government distributes aid throughout the economy. Continue reading