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.

Biden: Coronavirus relief package during lame-duck period likely 'just a start'

President-elect Joe Biden added that his transition team was “already working” on additional relief measures to be proposed in the next session of Congress.

Statewide mask mandates stimulate the economy, study suggests

A study from the University of Utah found that when statewide mask mandates were implemented, as opposed to mandates issued and enforced at the local level, COVID-19 cases decreased and economic activity increased.

Chicago shoppers embrace Small Business Saturday

It's Small Business Saturday, a time to celebrate and support local stores in our communities, especially those that closed down during the shutdown earlier this year.

Black Friday online sales hit record amid COVID-19 pandemic

Black Friday online sales hit a new record this year as pandemic-wary Americans filled virtual carts instead of real ones.

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.

US jobless claims rise to 778,000 as 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.

RadioShack gets another shot, this time with e-commerce

RadioShack has been pulled from the brink of death, again. Entrepreneur investors Alex Mehr and Tai Lopez scooped up the brand this year and plan to make RadioShack competitive again — this time online.

Illinois: Fraudulent jobless claims soar during pandemic

More than 212,000 fraudulent claims for unemployment benefits have been filed since March 1, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security.

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.

Shipping containers in South Los Angeles becoming homes for the homeless

The economic fallout from the coronavirus pandemic has led to an increasingly desperate situation for thousands of homeless people living on the streets. One organization believes it can be part of the solution — by turning shipping containers into homes.

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.