Joe Biden walks back threat to shut down US economy

Democratic nominee Joe Biden is clarifying his threat to shut down the U.S. economy as president if COVID-19 rages on.

Budget deficit to hit record $3.3T, putting US debt on track to exceed GDP next year

The federal budget deficit is projected to hit a record $3.3 trillion as huge government expenditures to fight the coronavirus and to prop up the economy have added more than $2 trillion to the federal ledger.

Coronavirus pandemic brings hard times for farmers, worsening hunger

The coronavirus pandemic has brought hard times for many farmers and has imperiled food security for many millions both in the cities and the countryside.

In college towns, smaller businesses struggle without students

Small business owners in college towns across the U.S. are hoping for the best when students return — and bracing for the worst.

More than 1 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits

Just over 1 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, a sign that the coronavirus outbreak continues to threaten jobs even as the housing market, auto sales and other segments of the economy rebound from a springtime collapse.

Could Americans still receive a second stimulus check? Everything we know

With White House officials and top Democrats at a weeks-long impasse over another coronavirus relief package, Senate Republicans are preparing to unveil their own new proposal — a pared-down version of a previous bill that notably does not include a fresh round of stimulus checks.

US unemployment claims jump back above 1 million in face of coronavirus

The coronavirus recession struck swiftly and violently. Now, with the economy still in the grip of the pandemic five months later, the recovery looks fitful and uneven — and painfully slow.

Amazon to add 3,500 jobs within these US tech hubs

Amazon Inc. announced plans Tuesday to expand operations and add thousands of jobs within six major U.S. tech hubs across the country.

US retail sales rise for 3rd month amid COVID-19 pandemic but slowdown expected

The gains of the past three months have now restored retail purchases to their levels before they plunged in March and April when the pandemic shuttered businesses and paralyzed the economy.

US budget deficit climbs to record $2.81 trillion

The Treasury Department says the U.S. budget deficit climbed to $2.81 trillion in the first 10 months of the budget year.

Consumer prices in the US rose 0.6% in July, matching June uptick

The uptick was about twice what economists expected. But inflation remains in check: Consumer prices are up just 1% over the past year.

Summer jobs for young people are vanishing amid the COVID-19 pandemic

The iconic summer job for high school and college students has been on the wane for nearly 20 years. But the pandemic is squeezing even more young people out of the workforce.

Will Americans get a second $1,200 stimulus check? What we know

The fate of a second stimulus check was thrown into uncertainty last week when White House officials and Democratic leaders missed a self-imposed deadline to cut a deal on another round of emergency coronavirus aid.

Amazon reportedly looking to transform shuttered JCPenney, Sears stores into fulfillment centers

Amazon, celebrating the boom in e-commerce, is in discussions with Simon Property Group, the largest U.S. mall owner by number of malls with 204 properties, the Journal reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

US adds 1.8 million jobs in July, a dip from previous months

The United States added 1.8 million jobs in July, a pullback from the gains of May and June and evidence that the resurgent coronavirus is stalling hiring and slowing an economic rebound.

Laid-off workers endure loss of $600 federal aid amid COVID-19 pandemic

Around the country, across industries and occupations, millions of Americans thrown out of work because of the coronavirus are straining to afford the basics now that an extra $600 a week in federal unemployment benefits has expired.