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.

1.2 million seek jobless aid after $600 federal check ends

Nearly 1.2 million laid-off Americans applied for state unemployment benefits last week, evidence that the coronavirus keeps forcing companies to slash jobs just as a critical $600 weekly federal jobless payment has expired.

Wave of evictions expected as moratoriums end in many states

Housing advocates fear that they could see a wave of evictions in the coming months, as states end moratoriums put in place during the coronavirus pandemic.

Lord & Taylor seeks bankruptcy protection

Lord & Taylor, America's oldest retailer, is seeking bankruptcy protection, as is the owner of Men’s Wearhouse and Jos. A. Bank, lengthening the list of major retail chains that have faltered in the pandemic.

Lowe's shelling out $100M in coronavirus bonuses to hourly workers

Lowe's said the total amount it is spending on this round of bonuses is about $100 million, pushing its total investment in coronavirus relief funding for associates to approximately $500 million.

Record economic plunge, bleak jobs numbers reveal virus toll

The U.S. economy shrank at a dizzying 33% annual rate in the April-June quarter — by far the worst quarterly plunge ever — when the viral outbreak shut down businesses, throwing tens of millions out of work and sending unemployment surging to 14.7%, the government said Thursday.

US is expected to report a record-breaking economic plunge

Having endured what was surely a record-shattering slump last quarter, the U.S. economy faces a dim outlook as a resurgent coronavirus intensifies doubts about the likelihood of any sustained recovery the rest of the year.

More payments, extended benefits:  Inside the GOP's COVID stimulus proposal

The framework is expected to extend — but reduce substantially — just-expired expanded unemployment benefits, send a fresh round of $1,200 stimulus check to American adults earning less than $75,000 in August and funnel tens of billions of dollars in aid to schools and universities.

Business economists sketch a more hopeful outlook

In the past three months, the outlook for the U.S. economy has improved in the eyes of business economists. However, the optimism is couched somewhat by the resurgence of the coronavirus.

Poll: Nearly half say job lost to coronavirus won't return

Nearly half of Americans whose families experienced a layoff during the coronavirus pandemic believe those jobs are lost forever.

Jobless claims rise as cutoff of extra $600 benefit nears

The number of laid-off Americans seeking unemployment benefits rose last week for the first time since the pandemic struck in March, evidence of the deepening economic pain the outbreak is causing to the economy.

Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant owner files for bankruptcy protection, will close some stores

Ascena Retail Group, the parent company of Lane Bryant, Ann Taylor and Justice, announced Thursday that it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after its business was "severely disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic."

Beloved Wrigleyville bar closing for good due to Chicago's new COVID restrictions

Hundreds of people tried jamming into Guthrie’s Tavern in Wrigleyville Tuesday night after the bar announced it is permanently closing on Thursday because of the city’s new COVID restrictions.