US lost 140,000 jobs in December; first monthly loss since spring

U.S. employers shed jobs last month for the first time since April, cutting 140,000 positions, clear evidence that the economy is faltering as the viral pandemic tightens its grip on consumers and businesses.

Jobless claims slip to still-high 787,000 in the US

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid fell slightly to 787,000, evidence of a job market stumbling in the face of the viral pandemic and the damage it has inflicted on the economy for nearly 10 months.

Federal checks salvage otherwise dreadful 2020 for US farms

Farmers faced challenges throughout the year, including the impact of trade disputes, weather difficulties and low prices that drove down cash receipts.

Unemployment benefit claims unexpectedly fall as coronavirus lockdowns widen

The number of Americans filing for first-time unemployment benefits fell last week amid a rise in COVID-19 infections and new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of the disease.

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.

McConnell praises Trump for signing COVID-19, government funding bills

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell praised President Trump late Sunday for signing a $900 billion pandemic package and a $1.4 trillion government funding bill to avert a government shutdown.

'It does break my heart a little bit': A bleak Christmas for America's unemployed

Millions of Americans have been jobless since the viral pandemic ripped through the U.S. economy in March, triggering a deep recession and causing widespread unemployment.

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.

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.

COVID-19 relief: What's on the table as Congress seeks deal

Providing a second round of “paycheck protection” subsidies, and funding to distribute vaccines are sure bets to be included in any deal.

Employers add a modest 245,000 jobs in November as coronavirus pandemic intensifies

America’s employers scaled back their hiring last month as the viral pandemic accelerated across the country, adding 245,000 jobs, the fewest since April and the fifth straight monthly slowdown.

Unemployment claims remain high at 712,000 as COVID-19 pandemic escalates

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to a still-high 712,000, the latest sign that the U.S. economy and job market remain under stress from the intensified viral outbreak.

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.