Unemployment claims fall to 576,000, lowest since COVID-19 pandemic began
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 576,000, a hopeful sign that layoffs are easing as the economy recovers from the pandemic recession.
Ponzi schemer Bernie Madoff dies in prison at 82
Bernie Madoff, the financier who pleaded guilty to orchestrating the largest Ponzi scheme in history, has died in prison at the age of 82.
Struggling food truck owner finds ally in hungry Plano pizza shop owner
A suburban mom who was really struggling with her new food truck business found an ally that has helped turned things around. It’s a heartwarming story that started with a craving for Jamaican food.
Texas Workforce Commission: Almost $600M in Texas unemployment fraud
Investigators and cyber experts say what’s happening in Texas is happening nationwide and may be part of a massive organized effort.
FEMA will cover up to $9,000 in COVID-19 funeral expenses, application opens next week
The agency announced Wednesday it will cover up to $9,000 per funeral and that the application for reimbursement will open on Monday, April 12, 2021.
IRS has $1.3B in unclaimed tax refunds. Time is running out to collect it
The IRS is holding onto more than $1.3 billion in unclaimed tax refunds for individuals who did not file a return in 2017 — money that will expire if those people don't collect it soon.
Third round of stimulus checks include ‘plus-up’ payments to those eligible for more money, IRS says
The IRS says these "plus-up" payments will continue on a weekly basis going forward, and go to those who recently filed a 2020 tax return and qualify for more stimulus money.
Unemployment claims climb to 719,000; COVID-19 pandemic still forces layoffs
The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose by 61,000 last week to 719,000, signaling that many employers are still cutting jobs even as more businesses reopen, vaccines are increasingly administered and federal aid spreads through the economy.
Student loan forgiveness: Department of Education cancels debt for more than 40,000 with disabilities
The U.S. Education Department is temporarily relaxing the rules of a student loan forgiveness program that's meant to help people with disabilities but that critics say carries overly burdensome rules.
Ban on renter evictions during COVID-19 pandemic extended through June 30
The CDC on Monday moved to continue the pandemic-related protection, which had been scheduled to expire on March 31. Here’s how to be eligible.
Average US price of gas jumps a nickel per gallon to $2.94
The average U.S. price of regular-grade gasoline jumped a nickel per gallon over the past two weeks to $2.94.
Masks, hand sanitizers, PPE are tax-deductible, IRS says
The Internal Revenue Service announced on Friday that personal protective equipment purchased to stop the spread of COVID-19 are considered tax-deductible.
JC Penney delays some store closures until May
Over a dozen JC Penney's closures have been delayed until May.
Fort Worth repair shop targeted in unemployment benefits fraud, owner says
The fraud with Texas unemployment benefits has affected hundreds of thousands of innocent victims in recent months. It is also taking a toll on businesses.
Unemployment claims fall to 684,000, fewest since start of pandemic
The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell sharply last week to 684,000, the fewest since the pandemic erupted a year ago and a sign the economy is improving.
3 tips on making extra student loan payments
With government funding running dry on student loan aid, borrowers may have to fend for themselves. Making extra payments can help.
Man recovers $1M lottery ticket after losing it in parking lot
A man couldn't believe his luck when he looked down and saw he matched every number on a million-dollar ticket. His luck quickly changed when that ticket vanished.
Stimulus checks: IRS says next batch of payments will be disbursed in coming days
Officials from the IRS and U.S. Treasury said Monday the next batch of COVID-19 stimulus payments will start hitting bank accounts later this week. Mailed checks will start going out as well.
'You'd better sit down': Oakland County woman wins $4M in scratch-off
An Oakland County woman won $4 million in a scratch-off ticket last week. “I took my time scratching the numbers and all I could say after seeing the ‘4MIL’ symbol was: ‘Are you kidding me?'"
US unemployment claims rise to 770,000 with layoffs still high
The four-week average of claims, which smooths out weekly variations, dropped to 746,000, the lowest since late November.