COVID-19 and the Economy

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell last week to 860,000, a historically high figure that reflects economic damage from the coronavirus outbreak.

Amazon is on a hiring spree.

Workers will still be on the hook for the taxes, which they will have to begin repaying in 2021 -- doubling payroll tax until workers pay back what they deferred.

The program ended on Sept. 5 and the Texas Workforce Commission says that because funding provided by FEMA was limited, they cannot extend payments beyond that date.

The company says it will have full-time and part-time seasonal jobs, mostly package handlers, drivers and driver helpers. The Atlanta-based company touts the seasonal jobs as ones that can lead to year-round employment.

Hopes are dimming for another coronavirus relief bill from Washington as Congress returns to session. Talks between top Democrats and the Trump administration broke off last month and remain off track. Recent conversations among the key players have led to nothing.

As the number of coronavirus cases fall in the U.S., governors in hard-hit states are rethinking lockdown orders on bars.

About 70% of U.S. movie theaters are currently open.

The investigation found that more than $1 billion in loans went to companies that received more than one.

United Airlines said Wednesday it plans to furlough 16,370 employees in October, down from an earlier target of 36,000 after thousands of workers took early retirement, buyouts, or long-term leaves of absence with the industry facing a slow recovery from the pandemic.

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.

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

In an internal memo released Thursday, Delta Air Lines has placed more than 240 people on a “no fly list” for failing to comply with its mandatory mask policy.