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.

How much will you spend this holiday season? COVID has some shoppers thinking twice

"Shopping was an outlet to relieve stress -- it was an escape from life," one person said. "Now, it's a source of stress because the process of it is so cumbersome.

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.

Student loan payments set to resume Jan. 1, 2021 — here’s what you need to know

For millions of student loan borrowers who have benefited from payment relief during the coronavirus pandemic, the payments will resume beginning Jan. 1, 2021.

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.

Belgian racing pigeon fetches record price of $1.9 million

For about a pound of pigeon, a wealthy racing fan put down a record 1.6 million euros ($1.9 million) for the Belgian-bred bird.

Costco selling $17.5K private jet membership that lasts 1 year

Although the $17,499.99 membership is quite a hefty fee, it also comes with a $3,500 Costco Shop Card and $4,000 worth of flight credit.

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.

Stocks surge on Wall Street amid vaccine news, US election outcome

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,500 points, or 5.4%, in early trading Monday and the S&P 500 jumped 3.7% after drugmaker Pfizer said early data show its coronavirus vaccine looks highly effective.

Trader Joe's discloses coronavirus infection rates after report highlights grocer risk

Trader Joe's has disclosed the COVID-19 infection rate among its employees, addressing rising concern over a recent survey that revealed a number of grocery store workers at a Boston market had the disease without showing symptoms.

Working in an office instead of remotely may double COVID-19 risk, CDC reports

Researchers found that workers who reported exclusively going into an office in the two weeks prior to getting sick were nearly twice as likely to test positive for the virus.

Medicare's Part B monthly premium will go up by almost $4 to $148.50 next year

Medicare also announced that the Part B deductible next year will be $203, an increase of $5. The deductible is the amount patients pay each year before their insurance kicks in. The inpatient deductible will be $1,484, an increase of $76.

As Biden wins, Business groups turn focus to coronavirus relief

After losing about 22 million jobs due to the pandemic, the economy picked up an additional 638,000 in October as the unemployment rate fell to 6.9%.