Small Business Saturday more critical this holiday season amid coronavirus pandemic

Sandwiched between Black Friday and Cyber Monday is Small Business Saturday, a national initiative to shop local and break away from large box stores. However, this year shoppers will notice a few changes because of COVID-19.

How Black Friday and holiday shopping have changed for 2020

In normal times, Black Friday is the busiest shopping day of the year, drawing millions of shoppers eager to get started on their holiday spending. But these are not normal times.

US economy sprints toward normal in 2021 but with coronavirus scars

With the help of COVID-19 vaccines and, possibly, more government relief, the U.S. economy may return to normal by the second half of next year.

Unemployment claims rise to 778,000 as COVID-19 pandemic worsens

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks.

Economists urge Congress to send out second round of $1,200 stimulus checks

A group of more than 125 economists is calling on Congress to send out more direct cash payments to American families to help them weather the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.

UK signs trade deal with Canada to prepare for Brexit

The U.K. has signed an interim trade deal with Canada to give the government more time to negotiate future trading rules as it prepares the country for business life outside the European Union.

Closing eight California prisons could save $1 billion

There are about 97,700 adults in the state prison system and the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation also handles about 56,500 adult parolees.

Unemployment claims increase to 742,000 as COVID-19 cases surge

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.

Biden vows to strengthen economy despite exploding COVID-19 pandemic

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday outlined his plans to boost the U.S. economy but said any structural reforms depend first on reining in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Georgetown seeking feedback on proposed list for 2021 bond package

Members of the public can use an interactive, online map tool to indicate whether they support the proposed projects, as well as provide comments.

709,000 seek unemployment aid as pandemic escalates

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 709,000, the fourth straight drop and a sign that the job market is slowly healing.

751,000 seek unemployment benefits as pandemic hobbles US economy

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell slightly last week to 751,000, a still-historically high level that shows that many employers keep cutting jobs in the face of the accelerating pandemic.

McConnell promises COVID-19 stimulus as he maintains seat

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., promised that approval of a new coronavirus relief package by the end of the year can be reached as lawmakers are set to return to work following Tuesday’s elections.

COVID-19 pandemic reinvents holiday hiring needs for retailers

The push to hire temporary workers has begun in earnest this holiday season, in some cases weeks earlier than last year. But the pandemic has reshaped the kinds of jobs retailers are recruiting for.

American unemployment claims fall to 751,000; coronavirus resurges

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 751,000, the lowest since March but a figure that remains historically high and indicates the viral pandemic is still forcing many employers to cut jobs.

US economy grew at 33% rate in 3rd quarter but recovery is incomplete

The U.S. economy grew at a 33.1% annual rate in the July-September quarter — by far the largest quarterly gain on record — rebounding from an epic plunge in the spring.