Why a massive cargo ship blocking the Suez Canal affects global trade

A skyscraper of a ship wedged across the Suez Canal has blocked hundreds of cargo ships from passing through, causing an economic wave around the world.

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.

Layoffs ease as unemployment claims drop to 712,000

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 712,000, the lowest total since early November.

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.

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.

In hopeful sign for economy, US adds 379,000 jobs in February

U.S. employers added a robust 379,000 jobs last month, the most since October and a sign that the economy is strengthening as confirmed viral cases drop, consumers spend more and states and cities ease business restrictions.

Unemployment claims climb to 745,000; layoffs still high

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits edged higher last week to 745,000, a sign that many employers continue to cut jobs despite a drop in confirmed viral infections and evidence that the overall economy is improving.

Democrats approve tighter income limits for 3rd stimulus check

In a major concession to moderates, the president and Senate Democrats have agreed to tighten the upper income limits at which people could qualify for stimulus checks.

Unemployment claims drop to 730,000; pandemic keeps layoffs high

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week but remained high by historical standards.

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.

Unemployment claims dip to 793,000; layoffs remain high

Fewer Americans sought unemployment benefits last week, lowering jobless claims to 793,000, evidence that job cuts remain high despite a substantial decline in new viral infections.