Oct 08 U.S. layoffs remain elevated as 840,000 seek jobless aid By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell slightly last week to a still-high 840,000, evidence that job cuts remain elevated seven months into the pandemic recession. Continue reading
Oct 07 WATCH: IRS chief says agency reaching out on pandemic relief payments By Marcy Gordon, Associated Press A congressional watchdog found that millions could miss the payments of up to $1,200 per individual because of incomplete government records. Continue reading
Oct 07 Watch 7:27 Americans need a 'robust' federal aid package, says Fed's Kashkari While parts of the U.S. economy have recovered from the pandemic better and more quickly than expected, there are signs that millions of Americans could be without a job for six months or longer. That prospect -- along with the… Continue watching
Oct 06 Trump administration faulted over breaks for oil companies By Matthew Brown, Associated Press A U.S. government watchdog agency is faulting the Trump administration's handling of a COVID-19 relief effort that awarded energy companies breaks on payments for oil and gas extracted from public lands in Western states in more than 500 cases. Continue reading
Oct 06 Watch 5:06 America's hunger crisis grows more severe amid pandemic recession By Stephanie Sy President Trump’s decision Tuesday to break off talks on a coronavirus relief bill affects millions of Americans who are finding it difficult to afford their basic needs. Nearly half of the 22 million jobs lost during the pandemic have yet… Continue watching
Oct 06 Facebook says it will ban groups that 'represent' QAnon By Barbara Ortutay, Associated Press The move comes less than two months after Facebook said it would stop promoting the group and its adherents — but faltered with spotty enforcement. Continue reading
Oct 06 Stocks drop after President Trump calls off stimulus talks By Stan Choe, Damian J. Troise, Alex Veiga, Associated Press Stocks dropped on Wall Street Tuesday after President Donald Trump ordered a stop to negotiations with Democrats over another round of aid for the economy until after the election. Continue reading
Oct 06 Trump halts COVID-19 relief negotiations until after election By Aamer Madhani, Andrew Taylor, Associated Press President Donald Trump says he has instructed aides to stop negotiating on a coronavirus aid plan until after the election, roiling stock markets hoping for an economic boost for hard-hit industries such as the airlines. Continue reading
Oct 06 Fed Chair Powell says lack of further stimulus 'would lead to a weak recovery' By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press Strong financial support from the government and the Federal Reserve have spurred a solid recovery from the pandemic recession, but the rebound may falter without further aid, Fed Chair Jerome Powell warned Tuesday. Continue reading
Oct 05 Service sector grows for the 4th consecutive month By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press The index had fallen sharply for three months starting in March as shutdowns aimed at containing the virus closed many businesses and put millions of Americans out of work. But starting in June, the index has resumed rising. Continue reading