ECONOMY

News Brief: Stimulus Debate, Pollution Study, Cyclone Amphan

6:13am May 20, 2020

How quickly can the economy rebound from the pandemic shutdown? Fewer people are driving but that doesn't mean less air pollution. And, millions of people in India and Bangladesh brace for a cyclone.

Queue Listen Now

What Happened Today: House Passes A New Relief Package, Vaccine Questions

10:44pm May 19, 2020

by Joe Palca

NPR's science correspondent answers listener questions about the latest in the hunt for a coronavirus vaccine.

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How has your financial situation changed since the coronavirus pandemic began? We're listening.

Economy

Are You Ready To Go Back To Work? Share Your Story

6:18pm May 19, 2020

Millions of Americans have lost work and money due to the coronavirus pandemic. Now, some businesses are reopening. Are you ready to go back to normal life? NPR wants to hear your story.

Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin speaks during a virtual hearing of the Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday. Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell spoke about the rescue package passed by the Congress in March.

Treasury's Mnuchin, Fed's Powell Defend Coronavirus Relief Measures

5:25pm May 19, 2020

by Brian Naylor

The Senate Banking Committee took its first look at spending under the massive CARES Act approved in March. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said more should have been done to keep U.S. workers on the payroll.

What Is The Future Of Cities?

4:47pm May 19, 2020

by Greg Rosalsky

As COVID-19 makes density a danger, we look at what's in store for cities.

The Senate Banking Committee on Tuesday heard testimony about coronavirus economic relief efforts from Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell.

Senators Clash Over How Soon To Reopen The Economy

3:18pm May 19, 2020

by Scott Horsley

Lawmakers squabbled over how quickly the economy can rebound from the coronavirus shutdown and whether the government is doing enough to support struggling families and businesses.

Bankrupt Pier 1 could not find a buyer during the coronavirus pandemic. Now it's asking the bankruptcy court to approve a complete liquidation of the chain.

Home-Decor Retailer Pier 1 Looks To Close For Good

2:57pm May 19, 2020

by Alina Selyukh

Three months after filing for bankruptcy, Pier 1 said it plans to liquidate as soon as it can reopen stores that have been closed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Cruise ship berths in Ketchikan, Alaska, sit empty on May 13 — a day when two ships carrying a total of more than 4,500 passengers were originally scheduled to arrive.

Cruise Shutdown Leaves Southeast Alaska Without Its Economic Lifeblood

1:58pm May 19, 2020

by Eric Stone

Cruise lines have canceled voyages to Southeast Alaska through the summer because of COVID-19. The move is devastating to the economies of many small cities that depend on tourist dollars.

A worker passes a sign at a restaurant along San Antonio's River Walk that has reopened. As businesses reopen around the U.S., many workers are worried for their health.

Scared To Return To Work Or Can't With Kids At Home? Here's What You Need To Know

12:05pm May 19, 2020

by Chris Arnold

As businesses reopen, many workers are worried for their health and would rather stay on unemployment. Many parents can't return to a workplace because they have no child care. What are your options?

Queue Listen Now

A Walmart store in Maryland seeks new workers during the coronavirus pandemic. The big retailer says it hired 235,000 new staffers to keep up with demand.

Economy

Walmart Hires Almost A Quarter-Million Workers As Sales Soar

11:44am May 19, 2020

by Alina Selyukh

The retailer says it hired 235,000 staffers to keep up with demand during the coronavirus pandemic. Its online sales jumped 74%. Shoppers visited stores less frequently but spent more on each trip.