Mar 03 ‘The system was never created for us.’ Business owners of color still struggle to get enough COVID aid By Courtney Vinopal Black and Hispanic business owners said they feel disparities in PPP distribution highlight longstanding systemic inequities in the U.S. that have kept entrepreneurs who are not white from accessing capital. Continue reading
Mar 03 Watch 7:44 Millions of Americans saddled with student debt as debate continues over relief By Paul Solman, Diane Lincoln Estes As Washington debates how to provide economic aid during the pandemic, many say one critical component should be part of future deals: forgiving student debt. But determining how much could or should be forgiven is a complicated question. Paul Solman… Continue watching
Mar 03 Democrats tighten eligibility limits for COVID-19 relief benefits By Alan Fram, Associated Press President Joe Biden and Democrats have agreed to tighten eligibility limits for stimulus checks. This is a concession to party moderates, and it comes as leaders prepare to move their $1.9 trillion COVID-relief bill through the Senate. Continue reading
Mar 03 Employment rose among those in free money experiment, study shows By Adam Beam, Associated Press After getting $500 per month for two years without rules on how to spend it, 125 people in California paid off debt, got full-time jobs and had “statistically significant improvements" in emotional health, according to a study released Wednesday. Continue reading
Mar 03 Senate COVID-19 relief bill won’t include transportation projects GOP used to voice opposition By Kevin Freking, Associated Press A spokesperson for Speaker Nancy Pelosi says it's “unclear how Republicans will justify their opposition" to the bill now. Continue reading
Mar 03 Pandemic puts more than one-third of nonprofits in financial jeopardy By Glenn Gamboa, Associated Press More than one-third of U.S. nonprofits are in jeopardy of closing within two years because of the financial harm inflicted by the viral pandemic, according to a study being released Wednesday by the philanthropy research group Candid and the Center… Continue reading
Mar 02 Watch 8:55 Lawmakers look at expanding child tax credits to help low-income families By Yamiche Alcindor, Jaywon Choe The U.S. Senate is trying to pass a $1.9 trillion package for COVID and economic-related relief, with one key section providing assistance to families with children by expanding tax credits. Many families could receive a $3,000 credit per child. We… Continue watching
Mar 01 States easing COVID-19 restrictions despite experts’ warnings By Heather Hollingsworth, Tammy Webber, Associated Press The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is urgently warning state officials and ordinary Americans not to let their guard down. Continue reading
Mar 01 Senate Democrats consider changes to House virus relief bill By Alan Fram, Associated Press The chances seem slim that Senate Democrats will find a way to include a minimum wage boost in the massive relief package. Last week, the nonpartisan parliamentarian said it violated the chamber's rules and had to fall from the bill. Continue reading
Mar 01 U.S. manufacturing activity jumps to 3-year high By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press Manufacturers are reportedly benefiting from a shift in spending, with Americans spending money on homes and other projects rather than going out to restaurants or risking shopping indoors. Continue reading