Unemployment claims jump to 744,000 as layoffs persist amid pandemic

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 744,000, signaling that many employers are still cutting jobs.

156 million coronavirus relief payments issued, Treasury says

The Treasury Department says it has issued more than 156 million payments as part of President Joe Biden’s coronavirus relief plan.

Hiring ramps up as US adds 916K jobs in March

America’s employers unleashed a burst of hiring in March, adding 916,000 jobs in a sign that a sustained recovery from the pandemic recession is taking hold.

Unemployment claims climb to 719,000; COVID-19 pandemic still forces layoffs

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose by 61,000 last week to 719,000, signaling that many employers are still cutting jobs even as more businesses reopen, vaccines are increasingly administered and federal aid spreads through the economy.

Unemployment claims fall to 684,000, fewest since start of pandemic

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 684,000, the fewest since the pandemic erupted a year ago and a sign the economy is improving.

Washington lawmakers get good news on state revenues

Washington’s economy continues to improve, with the latest state revenue forecast showing that lawmakers will have more than $3 billion more to work with as they prepare to unveil budget plans next week, plus money the state will receive from the latest federal stimulus package.

How Biden's 'American Rescue Plan' will impact Washingtonians

President Joe Biden signed the $1.9 trillion coronavirus relief plan - the American Rescue Plan - in an effort to provide some aid to struggling families. 

Biden reportedly planning first major tax hike since 1993 in next economic package

The next spending initiative — which is expected to be even bigger, costing as much as $4 trillion — won't rely on just government debt as a funding source.

House passes $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, Biden expected to sign on Friday

The House passed the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill, which includes $1,400 stimulus checks for many Americans. The bill now goes to President Joe Biden’s desk to be signed into law in his first major legislative win.

Washington families say $1,400 from new stimulus would make huge impact

It’s possible you could have an extra $1,400 in your bank account by the end of the month, depending on final approval of a new stimulus package.

Senate approves $1.9T COVID-19 relief bill after all-night session

Senators worked through the night on the $1.9 trillion COVID-19 aid bill and have approved the package with a 50-49 vote. The bill is on track to pass in the House next week.

COVID-19 relief bill: Democrats strike deal on jobless benefits after logjam

Senate leaders and moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin have struck a deal over emergency jobless benefits, breaking a nine-hour logjam that had stalled the party’s showpiece $1.9 trillion COVID-19 relief bill.

AOC pushes back after Biden dismisses progressives' plan to cancel $50,000 in student loan debt

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez criticized President Biden after he shot down a proposal from progressive Democrats to eliminate $50,000 in student loan debt, saying the president's arguments against acting unilaterally on the matter "just don't hold water."

Did you get the right stimulus check amount? Why you need to know before filing your tax return

Americans who have not received their coronavirus stimulus check payments, or who received the incorrect amount, have an opportunity to claim the missing money now that the 2020 tax season is officially underway.

Employers added 49K jobs last month as US unemployment fell to 6.3%

U.S employers added just 49,000 jobs in January, a sign that that the viral pandemic retains a tight grip on the economy nearly a year after it triggered a painful recession.