Red Power Ranger among 18 arrested in Texas PPP fraud case
An actor from North Texas best known for his role as the Red Power Ranger in the iconic 1990s TV show was among 18 people indicted Thursday in a federal Paycheck Protection Program fraud case.
Parents scramble as baby formula shortage grows
Parents are scouring store shelves in search of baby formula. A recall and supply chain issues have caused shortages nationwide.
Trump administration accused of approving illegal COVID loan worth $700 million
The Trump administration allegedly approved a multi-million dollar CARES Act loan to a trucking company ineligible for the money and involved in a Department of Justice fraud lawsuit.
Dr. Fauci says the ‘US is out of the pandemic phase’
Dr. Anthony Fauci said COVID-19 infections and deaths are at a lower level in the U.S., but people should still get 'intermittently' vaccinated.
Beijing enforces lockdowns, expands COVID-19 mass testing amid outbreak
Residents lined up for throat swabs across Beijing as mass testing was expanded to 11 city districts. Beijing has a total of 92 virus cases since an outbreak was discovered five days ago.
Democratic, Republican Senate bargainers reach $10B COVID agreement
President Joe Biden settled for much less in the package despite warnings that the government was running out of money to keep pace with the continued spread of COVID-19 in the U.S.
CDC drops COVID-19 health warning for cruise ship travelers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that they will leave it up to vacationers to decide whether they feel safe getting on a ship. The cruise-line industry is happy about the move.
Donors needed: Breast milk in short supply amid COVID-19 surge, winter weather woes
The Human Milk Banking Association of North America said it is in urgent need of donor breast milk which is essential to “saving the most vulnerable babies’ lives.”
US job growth soars past expectations with 467,000 added, shaking off omicron surge
U.S. job growth blew past expectations in January, as the economy brushed off a record-breaking surge in COVID-19 cases nationwide that threatened to sideline millions of workers and kept many consumers at home.
4-day workweek proposal would mean 32 hours vs. 40
How does a four-day workweek sound? The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way many people work, and a California lawmaker has introduced a bill that could eventually make a shorter workweek a reality.
Companies allow people to opt-out of Valentine’s Day emails
As interest in celebrating Valentine’s Day gradually declines, companies are giving consumers a chance to opt-out of those marketing emails that seem to bombard your inbox any time a holiday approaches.
US economy showed 5.7% growth last year, rebounding from 2020 recession
The American economy bounced back last year with resilience from 2020′s brief but devastating coronavirus recession.
Unemployment claims drop for the first time in a month
The Labor Department reported Thursday that jobless claims fell by 30,000 to 260,000 last week, slightly less than the 265,000 analysts were expecting.
Biden administration officially withdraws COVID-19 vaccine rule
The Biden administration has officially withdrawn a rule that would have required workers at big companies to get vaccinated or face regular COVID testing requirements.
Unemployment claims climb to 286,000, the most since October
Jobless claims rose for the third straight week — by 55,000 to 286,000, highest since mid-October, the Labor Department reported Thursday.
86% of restaurants, bars waiting for COVID-19 relief could close, IRC says
The Independent Restaurant Coalition is asking for Congress to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund to help restaurants and bars still struggling to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nearly $100B in COVID-19 relief funds stolen, Secret Service says
Most of that figure comes from unemployment fraud. The Labor Department reported about $87 billion in unemployment benefits could have been paid improperly, with a significant portion attributable to fraud.
Milwaukee food insecurities grow amid COVID, inflation
Governor Tony Evers is investing $30 million to help people in need. The money is going to two organizations that help feed Wisconsinites.
Powell says Federal Reserve may accelerate pullback in economic support
Chair Jerome Powell said that the Federal Reserve will consider acting more quickly to dial back its ultra-low-interest rate policies to counter higher inflation.
More US adults opting to never have children, Pew survey finds
The number of childless adults between 18 and 49 years of age who have chosen to not have children in the future has increased 7% since the Pew Research Center conducted the same survey in 2018.