McConnell blocks immediate Democratic push for $2,000 stimulus checks

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on Tuesday blocked Democrats' push to immediately bring President Donald Trump's demand for bigger $2,000 COVID-19 relief checks up for a vote.

House Dems will try to pass $2,000 stimulus checks this week after Trump signals support

House Democrats are planning to force a vote this week on increasing the size of the stimulus checks included in the $900 billion coronavirus relief package after President Trump demanded Congress raise the payments from $600 to $2,000 per adult.

Layoffs remain elevated as 803,000 seek unemployment aid

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell by 89,000 last week to a still-elevated 803,000, evidence that the job market remains under stress nine months after the coronavirus outbreak sent the U.S. economy into recession and caused millions of layoffs.

Trump asks Congress to amend $900B COVID-19 relief bill, increase stimulus checks to $2,000

The bill that was passed by Congress establishes a temporary $300 per week supplemental jobless benefit and a $600 direct stimulus payment to most Americans, but President Donald Trump said he wants lawmakers to increase the check amounts to $2,000 per person or $4,000 for married couples.

US jobless claims rise to 885,000 amid resurgence of coronavirus

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose again last week to 885,000 as a resurgence of coronavirus cases threatens the economy’s recovery.

Unemployment claims jump to 853,000 amid resurgence of COVID-19

The number of people applying for unemployment aid jumped last week to 853,000, the most since September, evidence that some companies are cutting more jobs as new virus cases spiral higher.

US economy will return to pre-pandemic levels by second-half of 2021, experts predict

The U.S. economy's growth is likely slowing as 2020 comes to a close, but a growing number of economists expect it to claw back to its pre-pandemic strength by the second half of next year.

IRS admits to erroneously sending $34M in COVID-19 stimulus funds overseas

The IRS acknowledged that it was responsible for sending $34 million worth of COVID-19 stimulus checks to ineligible people living outside of the United States.

Black Friday crowds thin amid surging COVID-19 pandemic as retailers push online sales

In normal times, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, drawing millions of shoppers eager to get started on their holiday spending. But these are not normal times.

Small Business Saturday more critical this holiday season amid coronavirus pandemic

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, a national initiative to shop local and break away from large box stores. However, this year shoppers will notice a few changes because of COVID-19.

US economy sprints toward normal in 2021 but with coronavirus scars

With the help of COVID-19 vaccines and, possibly, more government relief, the U.S. economy may return to normal by the second half of next year.

Unemployment claims rise to 778,000 as COVID-19 pandemic worsens

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks.

Dow crests 30,000 points on vaccine hopes, Biden transition

The Dow Jones Industrial Average traded above 30,000 points for the first time on Nov. 24 as investors were encouraged by the latest progress on developing coronavirus vaccines and news that the transition of power in the U.S. to President-elect Joe Biden will finally begin.

Economists urge Congress to send out second round of $1,200 stimulus checks

A group of more than 125 economists is calling on Congress to send out more direct cash payments to American families to help them weather the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.

Unemployment claims increase to 742,000 as COVID-19 cases surge

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.

Biden vows to strengthen economy despite exploding COVID-19 pandemic

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday outlined his plans to boost the U.S. economy but said any structural reforms depend first on reining in the COVID-19 pandemic.