ECONOMY

Discussions Drag On For Another Coronavirus Relief Bill

7:27am December 11, 2020

by Kelsey Snell

Top leaders say they won't go home for the holidays before they pass a relief bill, but negotiations are stalled over money for state/local governments and liability protections.

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News Brief: Pfizer Vaccine Vote, COVID-19 Relief Package, Georgia Election Lawsuits

5:01am December 11, 2020

An FDA advisory committee voted in favor of granting emergency use authorization of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine. Talks for another relief package drag on. And, an update on Georgia's election lawsuits.

Unemployment Claims Spike Amid Countrywide Coronavirus Surges

4:00pm December 10, 2020

by Scott Horsley

New unemployment claims jumped sharply last week, as a surge in coronavirus cases put new stress on the U.S. economy. The rise in unemployment comes as various relief programs are about to expire.

Economy

Jobless Claims Jump To More Than 850,000

11:49am December 10, 2020

A new sign of economic woes for Americans during the pandemic: Unemployment claims reported Thursday morning by the government jump just as many federal relief programs are set to expire.

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Former Secretary of State, John Kerry poses on Martha's Vineyard in Vineyard Haven, Mass., on Sept. 18, 2020.

As Climate Envoy, Kerry To Seek 'Ambition' With 'Humility'

11:49am December 10, 2020

by Steve Inskeep

One challenge facing John Kerry in his new role as climate envoy to President-elect Joe Biden will be to convince other governments the U.S. will abide by its commitments.

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The White House is shown as the sun sets on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

What Joe Biden Can (And Can't) Do To Stimulate This Pandemic Economy On His Own

11:28am December 10, 2020

by Asma Khalid

With a closely divided Congress, President-elect Joe Biden's economic agenda may depend on what his incoming administration can do on its own.

As the number coronavirus cases rises across the country, so too does the number of consumers reluctant to head out.

Unemployment Claims Jump Just Before Critical Aid Programs Are Set To Expire

10:50am December 10, 2020

by Scott Horsley

Jobless claims rose sharply last week as critical relief programs, including expanded jobless benefits, are due to expire the day after Christmas.

Economy

Many Would Like Direct Payments Included In Next Relief Package

7:29am December 10, 2020

by Scott Horsley

As Congress argues over what should go in the next coronavirus relief aid, cash from the government is popular with many. But economists say it's not the best way to prop up a sagging economy.

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Have You Skipped Rent Or Mortgage Payments During the Pandemic?

5:08pm December 09, 2020

by Chris Arnold

NPR wants to hear from you if you have lost income and needed a mortgage forbearance or if you tried to get help from your landlord.

Soaring Stock Market Creates A Club Of Centibillionaires

4:17pm December 09, 2020

by Jim Zarroli

This year, five people have achieved the status of centibillionaires, i.e., people worth more than $100 billion. Among them is Tesla founder Elon Musk.

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