Unemployment claims rise to 778,000 as COVID-19 pandemic worsens

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose last week to 778,000, evidence that the U.S. economy and job market remain under strain as coronavirus cases surge and colder weather heighten the risks.

Dow crests 30,000 points on vaccine hopes, Biden transition

The Dow Jones Industrial Average traded above 30,000 points for the first time on Nov. 24 as investors were encouraged by the latest progress on developing coronavirus vaccines and news that the transition of power in the U.S. to President-elect Joe Biden will finally begin.

Economists urge Congress to send out second round of $1,200 stimulus checks

A group of more than 125 economists is calling on Congress to send out more direct cash payments to American families to help them weather the coronavirus pandemic and subsequent economic downturn.

UK signs trade deal with Canada to prepare for Brexit

The U.K. has signed an interim trade deal with Canada to give the government more time to negotiate future trading rules as it prepares the country for business life outside the European Union.

Millions put toward initiative combating homelessness in Atlanta

The CEO of Partners for Home told us their goal is to lease 800 apartments for people living on the streets or at encampment sites.

Georgia jobless rate plunges in October as more find jobs

Many more people found jobs in Georgia in October as the state’s unemployment rate decreased sharply.

Report: 12M Americans to lose jobless benefits day after Christmas

According to findings by The Century Foundation, a policy research institute, 12 million workers will be on one of two main CARES Act programs — Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) and Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC) — when funding expires on Dec. 26.

Unemployment claims increase to 742,000 as COVID-19 cases surge

The number of Americans seeking unemployment aid rose last week to 742,000, the first increase in five weeks and a sign that the resurgent viral outbreak is likely slowing the economy and forcing more companies to cut jobs.

Battery plant suffers fatal accident despite safety complaints from workers

A construction worker at the SK Battery plant in Jackson County was declared dead Monday morning following a three-story fall that also seriously injured a second worker.

Biden vows to strengthen economy despite exploding COVID-19 pandemic

President-elect Joe Biden on Monday outlined his plans to boost the U.S. economy but said any structural reforms depend first on reining in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Post-election warfare clouds chances for COVID relief bill

President-elect Joe Biden’s top allies on Capitol Hill adopted a combative posture on COVID-19 relief on Thursday, accusing Washington Republicans of dragging their feet in acknowledging Biden’s victory while doubling down on a $2 trillion-plus relief bill that’s a nonstarter with congressional Republicans.

709,000 seek unemployment aid as pandemic escalates

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 709,000, the fourth straight drop and a sign that the job market is slowly healing.

U.S. bankruptcy court approves sale of J.C. Penney

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Texas approved a purchase agreement that has substantially all of J.C. Penney’s retail and operating assets acquired by Brookfield Asset Management Inc. and Simon Property Group through a combination of cash and new term loan debt.

Wall Street rallies again as stocks ride post-2020 election wave

Markets are banking on Tuesday's election leading to split control of Congress, which could mean low tax rates, lighter regulation on businesses and other policies that investors like remain the status quo.

751,000 seek unemployment benefits as pandemic hobbles US economy

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell slightly last week to 751,000, a still-historically high level that shows that many employers keep cutting jobs in the face of the accelerating pandemic.

McConnell promises COVID-19 stimulus as he maintains seat

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., promised that approval of a new coronavirus relief package by the end of the year can be reached as lawmakers are set to return to work following Tuesday’s elections.

Stocks shake off 2020 election night wobbles to rally

Much of Wednesday's strength for Wall Street was due to big gains for technology stocks. Investors have increasingly seen these stocks as some of the safer bets in the market, able to grow their profits even in a pandemic as more of daily life shifts online.

Georgia Department of Labor offers online appointment scheduling

For those of you who’ve been waiting to hear from the Department of Labor over unemployment questions, two things of note. There’s a new pilot program for better customer service options. And a customer service hoax, too.