Pennsylvania sees large drop in jobless rate in August

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate took a steep drop in August, as the labor force shrank and payrolls shot up again in a continuing rebound from the pandemic.

Murphy, lawmakers agree to tax rich, offer $500 rebates to some families

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy says he and fellow Democratic legislative leaders have agreed to raise income taxes on millionaires while also giving about 800,000 families a $500 tax rebate.

Mayor de Blasio will furlough everyone in his office, including himself

The New York City mayor says he is going to require everyone who works in his office to take a 5-day unpaid furlough because of a budget shortfall.

Gas prices dip in New Jersey, across nation

Gas prices have dipped in New Jersey and across the nation, and analysts say they expect the decline to continue.

'Not free money:' Federal payroll tax 'holiday' starting soon

Workers will still be on the hook for the taxes, which they will have to begin repaying in 2021 -- doubling payroll tax until workers pay back what they deferred.

UPS to hire more than 100,000 holiday workers, expects record peak season

The company says it will have full-time and part-time seasonal jobs, mostly package handlers, drivers and driver helpers. The Atlanta-based company touts the seasonal jobs as ones that can lead to year-round employment.

States consider big cuts as Congress deadlocks on more coronavirus aid

With the U.S. Senate returning to session next week, some states are renewing their push for aid. Without it, additional cuts are likely. Some governors also have begun proposing tax and fee increases.

Even as hiring slows, American unemployment rate falls to 8.4%

The U.S. unemployment rate fell sharply in August to 8.4% from 10.2% even as hiring slowed in August as employers added the fewest jobs since the pandemic began.

United plans to furlough 16,000 workers, fewer than expected

United Airlines said Wednesday it plans to furlough 16,370 employees in October, down from an earlier target of 36,000 after thousands of workers took early retirement, buyouts, or long-term leaves of absence with the industry facing a slow recovery from the pandemic.

Coronavirus pandemic brings hard times for farmers, worsening hunger

The coronavirus pandemic has brought hard times for many farmers and has imperiled food security for many millions both in the cities and the countryside.

In college towns, smaller businesses struggle without students

Small business owners in college towns across the U.S. are hoping for the best when students return — and bracing for the worst.

More than 1 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits

Just over 1 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week, a sign that the coronavirus outbreak continues to threaten jobs even as the housing market, auto sales and other segments of the economy rebound from a springtime collapse.

July jobless rate, payrolls rise as Pennsylvania seeks relief

Pennsylvania’s unemployment rose in July to remain well above the national rate, even as payrolls rebounded for another month from pandemic-driven shutdowns, the state reported Friday.