Florida's jobless claims continue to rise

First-time unemployment claims continue to increase in Florida, with an estimated 71,046 new applications coming in last week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Jobless claims fall to 779,000; layoffs grind on

The number of Americans seeking unemployment benefits fell to 779,000 last week, a historically high total that shows that a sizable number of people are still losing jobs to the viral pandemic.

1st-time unemployment claims increase by 13 percent in Florida

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has paid $21.5 billion in state and federal unemployment benefits to 2.22 million claimants.

Democrats urge Biden to cancel up to $50k in student loan debt by executive action

The resolution called on President Biden to take executive action to "administratively cancel up to $50,000 in Federal student loan debt for Federal student loan borrowers" using "existing legal authorities" under the Higher Education Act of 1965.

Who will receive a third stimulus check? What we know so far

Congressional Democrats are barreling ahead on passing a sprawling coronavirus relief plan without any Republican support, likely ensuring that most Americans will receive a third stimulus check.

'I am optimistic now': Post-pandemic hiring could rebound quickly

A hopeful view is gaining steam that as vaccinations reach a critical mass, perhaps around midyear, and the government provides further stimulus, the economy and the job market will strengthen much faster than they did after previous recessions.

Biden, Harris hear GOP pitch for smaller COVID-19 relief package

President Joe Biden has met with a group of Republican senators who have proposed a slimmed down $618 billion coronavirus aid package, about a third of what he's seeking.

Some Redditors call #silversqueeze campaign a 'trap,' claim hedge funds behind surge

The rush into silver futures Monday created confusion amid Wall Street chaos, with some retail traders on Reddit calling the surge in commodity prices a “false flag.”

Robinhood tells customers it will allow ‘limited buys’ amid GameStop, AMC trading frenzy

Robinhood, the online trading platform at the center of a speculative frenzy involving shares of GameStop, AMC and other flailing companies, told its customers Thursday that it would be allowing “limited buys” of these companies starting Friday.

GameStop stock explained: Here’s what short selling is and why it’s shaking up Wall Street

Amid the recent astronomical surge in value of shares of struggling companies like GameStop and AMC, trading strategies like short selling and short squeezing have been trending all over social media, leaving many scrambling to keep up. Here’s what you need to know to understand what’s going on.

Lawmaker proposes change to $15 minimum wage

Residents across Central Florida have some strong opinions about a proposed amendment to change the $15 minimum wage which voters passed into law in November.

Gov. DeSantis rolls out $96.6 billion budget

During a news conference at the Capitol, DeSantis said his proposal would increase funding for public schools, continue funneling money into environmental issues such as Everglades restoration and direct dollars to initiatives like helping address sea-level rise.

US economy shrank 3.5% in last year after growing 4% last quarter

Stuck in the grip of a viral pandemic, the U.S. economy grew at a 4% annual rate in the final three months of 2020 and shrank last year by the largest amount in 74 years.

Unemployment claims drop; still at 847,000 as pandemic rages on

The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits fell to a historically high 847,000 last week, a sign that layoffs remain high as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage.