JCPenney shutting down 154 stores after coronavirus-driven bankruptcy

Nearly three weeks after JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the company has announced it will close down 154 stores nationwide in 38 states as a first step in reorganizing the business.

1.9 million seek jobless aid even as reopenings slow layoffs

Nearly 1.9 million people applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, evidence that many employers are still cutting jobs even as the gradual reopening of businesses has slowed the pace of layoffs.

US private sector lost 2.7M jobs in May

Private employers slashed 2.7 million jobs in May as the coronavirus-induced lockdown devastated the U.S. economy and labor market, according to the ADP National Employment Report released Wednesday.

Small business owners can now apply for PPP loan forgiveness: Everything to know

Two months after the federal government rolled out the Paycheck Protection Program, small business owners that tapped the coronavirus aid can officially have their loans forgiven.

41 million have lost jobs since virus hit, but layoffs slow

About 41 million people have now applied for aid since the virus outbreak intensified in March, though not all of them are still unemployed.

NJ jobless claims drop off, but record 1.1M getting help

New Jersey saw the lowest weekly total of people seeking unemployment benefits since the coronavirus outbreak struck, the state Labor Department said Thursday.

Stocks pare gains fueled by America's reopening

U.S. equity markets were mixed Wednesday as U.S. states continued with their plans to reopen America.

Pennsylvania unemployment rate hits 15.1% as payrolls collapse

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate more than doubled to 15.1% in April, up from 5.8% in March, the state Department of Labor and Industry said Friday.

Nearly 39 million have sought US jobless aid since virus hit

Roughly 38.6 million people have now filed for jobless aid since the coronavirus forced millions of businesses to close their doors and shrink their workforces, the Labor Department said Thursday.

Stocks rally as more states reopen economies

U.S. equity markets maintained gains Wednesday even though the Federal Reserve, in the April minutes, warned the coronavirus may carry 'considerable risk' for the U.S. economy.

Change.org petition urges Joe Biden to endorse $2K monthly stimulus income amid COVID-19

A Change.org petition aimed at getting 2020 presidential candidate and former Vice President Joe Biden to publicly endorse a “universal basic income” of $2,000 per month for every U.S. resident.

Stocks reverse course as investors take profits

U.S. equity markets closed lower across the board giving up earlier gains as investors took profits and reassessed the progress of a potential coronavirus treatment.

IRS to issue coronavirus stimulus payments on prepaid debit card

The IRS and the U.S. Treasury Department will begin sending economic stimulus payments on preloaded debit cards this week, the Trump administration said on Monday.

Office Depot closing stores, laying off 13,000 workers

Office Depot announced a restructuring plan that includes closing stores and laying off about 13,100 employees by 2023.

JCPenney files for bankruptcy as coronavirus pushes retailer over edge

Retailer JCPenney filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after the coronavirus pandemic forced stores to shut, the company announced Friday evening, joining J. Crew and Neiman Marcus.

Industrial production plunges unprecedented 11.2% in April

Industry was running at 64.9% of capacity last month, shattering the previous record low set in the Great Recession year 2009. Factory capacity utilization also hit a record low 61.1%.