Mar 27 Trump signs $2.2 trillion stimulus after swift congressional votes By Andrew Taylor, Alan Fram, Laurie Kellman, Darlene Superville, Associated Press Acting with unity and resolve unseen since the 9/11 attacks, Washington moved urgently to stem an economic free fall caused by widespread restrictions meant to slow the spread of the virus that have shuttered schools, closed businesses and brought American… Continue reading
Mar 26 Price-gouging allegation leaves 750,000 face masks in limbo By John L. Mone, Terry Wallace, Associated Press The lawsuit alleges that a Tuesday auction by Auctions Unlimited had bidding on N95 respirator masks reaching as high as $180 for a package of 16 masks. Amazon sold a set of 100 for $4.21 in late January. Continue reading
Mar 26 Watch 9:53 The U.S. now has the most confirmed COVID-19 cases in the world Confirmed coronavirus infections have passed the half-million mark worldwide, with 23,000 deaths. In the U.S., a huge economic relief bill is nearing final approval amid an unprecedented wave of unemployment claims from people who have lost their jobs due to… Continue watching
Mar 26 Fighting COVID-19, can the U.S. save both lives and the economy? By Laura Santhanam More than 1,000 people have died in the U.S. from novel coronavirus, and 3.3 million Americans filed first-time jobless claims in a single week with no end to the pandemic in sight. Continue reading
Mar 26 Watch 3:21 Stories from Americans who have lost their income amid the pandemic Wednesday’s huge rise in unemployment claims dwarfs all historical records in the U.S. Although nearly 3.3 million filed, many economists say the number still doesn’t reflect the full scope of people who have been laid off or furloughed or are… Continue watching
Mar 26 Watch 7:22 Summers: U.S. government should spend 'whatever it takes' to control virus Former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers has deep experience in economic policy. On Wednesday, he was among a bipartisan group of economic experts urging U.S. officials to prioritize resolving the pandemic’s medical emergency before trying to rectify its economic fallout. Summers… Continue watching
Mar 26 In drastic move, Italy shuts most factories to halt virus By Colleen Barry, Associated Press Italy's decision is more in line with draconian measures taken by China than with declarations coming out of other democratic partners, who are at least a week or two behind Italy's rate of virus infections. Continue reading
Mar 26 WATCH: House approves $2.2 trillion virus rescue bill The House approved the sweeping measure by a voice vote, as strong majorities of both parties lined up behind the most colossal economic relief bill in the nation's history. Continue reading
Mar 26 Brazil's governors rise up against Bolsonaro's outbreak stance By Mauricio Savarese, David Biller, Associated Press Bolsonaro contends that the clampdown already ordered by many governors will deeply wound Brazil's already beleaguered economy and spark social unrest. Continue reading
Mar 26 WATCH: White House coronavirus task force holds news briefing By Justin Stabley The White House task force is expected to give an update on the nation's current novel coronavirus situation as the outbreak spreads. Continue reading