Dec 04 In face of 'grim' jobs report, Biden backs more COVID-19 relief By Zeke Miller, Alexandra Jaffe, Associated Press Surging cases of the virus have led states and municipalities to roll back their re-opening plans. And more restrictions may be on the way as colder temperatures and holiday travel lead to new records for confirmed cases and deaths. Continue reading
Dec 04 U.S. hiring slows sharply to 245,000 jobs as virus intensifies By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press America’s employers scaled back their hiring last month as the viral pandemic accelerated across the country, adding 245,000 jobs, the fewest since April and the fifth straight monthly slowdown. Continue reading
Dec 03 WATCH: McCarthy expresses optimism over virus relief bill By Associated Press House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy is sounding a more optimistic tone about the chances for an end of the year COVID-19 relief package, telling reporters "there has been some movement this week."… Continue reading
Dec 03 Pelosi, McConnell discuss COVID-19 relief as pressure builds By Andrew Taylor, Associated Press The conversation between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell adds to tentative optimism that a medium-sized aid package might break free after months of Washington toxicity and deadlock. Continue reading
Dec 03 U.S. plans oil, gas lease sale in Alaska's Arctic refuge By Becky Bohrer, Associated Press Conservation groups criticized Thursday's announcement as rushed and based on environmental reviews that are being challenged in court as flawed. Continue reading
Dec 03 As some pandemic aid is expected to end, what's next for hurting Americans By Sarah Skidmore Sell, Associated Press Expanded unemployment benefits, federal eviction protections and a pause in student loan payments all cease at the end of this year. Meanwhile, the pandemic shows no signs of abating. Continue reading
Dec 03 Automakers prep for stronger efficiency standards under Biden By Tom Krisher, Associated Press Experts say there likely will be stronger requirements under Biden. But the new technology will push prices up, and dealers fear that buyers will still prefer SUVs and trucks. Continue reading
Dec 03 U.S. jobless claims remain high at 712,000 as virus escalates By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to a still-high 712,000, the latest sign that the U.S. economy and job market remain under stress from the intensified viral outbreak. Continue reading
Dec 02 Watch 6:05 Democrats shift position on a sized-down economic relief bill Lawmakers are under pressure to reach another economic relief deal as COVID-19 cases and deaths spike across the country. Illinois Sen. Dick Durbin is the second-highest ranking Democrat in the U.S Senate. He joins Judy Woodruff to discuss a new… Continue watching
Dec 02 Watch 7:16 What are the obstacles for Republican support of a bipartisan relief bill? House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement Wednesday that the bipartisan COVID relief bill just unveiled should be the starting point for negotiations going forward. Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana is one… Continue watching