WASHINGTON (AP) — About 1.5 million laid-off workers applied for U.S. unemployment benefits last week, a historically high number, even as the economy increasingly reopens and employers bring some people back to work. The total number of people receiving unemployment aid also fell slightly, reflecting the return of many to their old jobs. Furniture store sales nearly doubled, and clothing sales nearly tripled, though both remain far below their levels before the coronavirus struck. One key reason why consumer spending has rebounded is that government aid programs, from one-time $1,200 stimulus checks to $600-a-week in supplemental federal unemployment aid, have helped offset the loss of income for laid-off Americans. She is grateful, though, for the extra $600 in federal unemployment benefits, which have allowed her to pay off some bills.

Source: Huffington Post June 18, 2020 12:33 UTC