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.

Stocks surge on Wall Street amid vaccine news, US election outcome

The Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 1,500 points, or 5.4%, in early trading Monday and the S&P 500 jumped 3.7% after drugmaker Pfizer said early data show its coronavirus vaccine looks highly effective.

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.

Walmart lays off shelf-scanning robots for humans

Walmart is laying off the robots it had deployed in about 500 stores to keep tabs on what’s on and not on the shelves.

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.

Billions in COVID-19 business loans possibly given to scammers, report says

The Office of Small Business Administration (SBA) Inspector General Michael Ware found that it may have distributed billions of dollars to fraudulent businesses claiming financial distress due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a report.

Condiment maker to invest $103M in Georgia, adding 70 jobs

A Massachusetts-based food manufacturer will invest $103 million to expand and consolidate its operations in Georgia.

American unemployment claims fall to 751,000; coronavirus resurges

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 751,000, the lowest since March but a figure that remains historically high and indicates the viral pandemic is still forcing many employers to cut jobs.

US economy grew at 33% rate in 3rd quarter but recovery is incomplete

The U.S. economy grew at a 33.1% annual rate in the July-September quarter — by far the largest quarterly gain on record — rebounding from an epic plunge in the spring.

Pelosi 'remains optimistic' about COVID-19 relief package before Election Day

Despite failing on Monday to come to an agreement on a coronavirus stimulus package, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi "remains optimistic" that a deal with the White House can be reached before Election Day.

Stocks plunge as COVID-19 cases surge in US

The stock market had its worst day in a month as virus cases surge and help for the economy from Washington remains nowhere in sight.

Italy closes gyms, shuts eateries early amid rising COVID-19 cases

Italy’s leader has imposed at least a month of new restrictions to fight rising coronavirus infections, shutting down gyms, pools and movie theaters and putting an early curfew on cafes and restaurants.

Unemployment claims fall to 787,000; layoffs still high

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell last week to 787,000, a sign that job losses may have eased slightly but are still running at historically high levels.