US manufacturing improves in July, outlook clouded by coronavirus

The Institute for Supply Management, an association of purchasing managers, said Monday that its manufacturing index rose to 54.2 last month, up from a June reading of 52.6. Any reading above 50 signals that U.S. manufacturing is expanding.

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.

Trump, GOP suggest temporary fix for $600 jobless benefit

Frustrated congressional negotiators of a massive coronavirus relief bill are facing new pressure with Thursday's brutal economic news and the approaching lapse in a $600 per-week COVID-19 jobless benefit.

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.

Trump says second stimulus checks could be 'way higher' than $1,200

President Trump suggested this week the next coronavirus relief package could include a direct cash payment for American families that's potentially higher than $1,200.

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.

Small Business Administration watchdog report cites ‘serious concerns’ over ‘widespread’ COVID-19 relief fraud

A report from the Office of Inspector General of the U.S. Small Business Administration details complaints of thousands of instances involving suspected fraud from financial institutions apparently receiving economic assistance from Coronavirus relief aid.

Deadline extended for $285 food benefit for school children

Families in Texas who need help feeding their children because of the economic crisis brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic now have more time to apply for benefits.

Florida man arrested for allegedly using COVID-19 small business aid money to buy Lamborghini

A Florida man was arrested on July 27 after federal authorities say he used $3.9 million in Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans to purchase a Lamborghini sports car for himself. 

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.

No virus bill yet: White House, GOP at odds over jobless aid

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent senators home, promising a Republican proposal would be ready on Monday.

Unemployment benefits coming to end, many worried about what to do next

Since early in the coronavirus pandemic, the federal government has added $600 to unemployment checks. The weekly boost in aid that millions of people have received is set to expire July 31, though this is the last week most recipients will get the extra funds.

Landing a job then losing it days later due to pandemic

Many people looking for jobs during the coronavirus pandemic are finding jobs only to be let go just days after starting.

Governor, HHSC encourage Medicaid, CHIP providers to apply for federal COVID-19 relief funds

The deadline is August 3 and the Provider Relief Funds may be used to cover lost revenue due to the coronavirus or health related expenses purchased to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the virus.

Schlumberger slashes 21,000 jobs amid pandemic oil rout

The job cuts announced Friday, about a quarter of its entire workforce, puts the number of people employed by the world’s largest oilfield services company close to where it was at the start of the oil and gas fracking boom that upended global energy markets and put the U.S. on top.