Jul 29 U.S. economy surpasses pre-pandemic level, but worker shortage persists By Martin Crutsinger, Associated Press Unemployment, at 5.9 percent, is still well above the 3.5 percent rate that prevailed before the pandemic struck. And the economy remains 6.8 million jobs short of its pre-pandemic total. Continue reading
Jul 22 U.S. jobless claims rise to 419,000 from a pandemic low By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press The weekly number of first-time applications for benefits, which generally tracks layoffs, has fallen steadily since topping 900,000 in early January. Economists say the increase is most likely a blip caused by some one-time factors. Continue reading
Jul 12 Watch 9:04 The market controls child care costs in the U.S. Can that be changed? By Cat Wise, Emily Carpeaux, Murrey Jacobson, Kate McMahon During the pandemic, the federal government spent more than $50 billion to shore up the child care industry. But advocates say cost and access are still big hurdles. Over the past several months, special correspondent Cat Wise and producer Kate… Continue watching
Jul 02 Watch 4:53 News wrap: U.S. economy shows signs of rebound with 850,000 jobs added in June In our news wrap Friday, the U.S. Labor Department reported a net gain of 850,000 jobs in June — the most in 10 months. The World Health Organization warned the delta variant of the coronavirus has opened a dangerous new… Continue watching
Jul 02 WATCH: Biden speaks on latest gains in jobs report By Christopher Rugaber, Associated Press The report suggested that American workers are enjoying an upper hand in the job market as companies, desperate to staff up in a surging economy, dangle higher wages. Continue reading
Jul 01 U.S. jobless claims fall to 364,000, a new pandemic low By Paul Wiseman, Associated Press The number of Americans applying for unemployment aid fell again last week to the lowest level since the pandemic struck last year, further evidence that the job market and the broader economy are rebounding rapidly from the coronavirus recession. Continue reading
Jun 17 The pandemic forced millions out of a job. Some say they can't return to the way things were By Courtney Vinopal Many Americans going back to work have been deeply changed by the pandemic, and some say the crisis has prompted them to rethink their careers, either by necessity or opportunity. Continue reading
Jun 11 Jobless claims in U.S. fall to 376,000, marking a sixth straight drop By Associated Press The number of people signing up for benefits exceeded 900,000 in early January and has fallen more or less steadily ever since. Still, claims are high by historic standards. Continue reading
Jun 10 Watch 4:46 News Wrap: U.S. reservoir hits record low, Labor Department gives mixed economic outlook In our news wrap Thursday, a reservoir serving much of the western U.S. has reached a record-low level as the region grapples with extreme drought, unemployment claims fell for a sixth straight week as a May consumer price increase showed… Continue watching
Jun 04 Watch 4:53 News Wrap: Trump suspended from Facebook for two years for inciting Capitol siege In our news wrap Friday, former President Trump will remain suspended from Facebook for two years following his incitement of January's Capitol insurrection, former White House counsel Don McGahn testified before U.S. lawmakers on the Russia investigation and Trump's possible… Continue watching