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This section offers business news briefs in the U.S. as of August 28, 2021 including the issuance of a special citation for Afghan journalists and grant to provide emergency relief for them and their families by the Pulitzer Prize board, issuance of a subpoena for information on injuries associated with the exercise equipment of Peloton, and a deal between Amazon and buy now, pay later payment provider Affirm.

The article reports on the response of experts to the plan of Republicans to replace a weekly bonus check for the unemployed with a system that offers 70 percent of the wages workers were earning before they were laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics mentioned include the number of states that have fully updated jobless insurance systems, requirement for states to implement a new way to calculate past wages, and Senator Chuck Grassley's proposed unemployment benefit.

The article reports that scammers have caused delays to payment of thousands of unemployment claims during the coronavirus pandemic in the U.S. Topics covered include the decision by some states to dial up their scrutiny and deploy systems that mark potentially suspicious claims, and the damage caused by these delays to families.

The article addresses association between an imbalance of societal power and cradle-to-grave economic inequality, especially those being experienced by black Americans. Topics discussed include median household income of Black families with a new baby, according to an analysis of 2018 census data by the Center on Poverty & Social Policy, and six-year completion rate of Black American students through June 2017 for students starting at a four-year institution.

The article reports on concerns over the mortgage relief options of borrowers in the U.S. affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Topics mentioned include thoughts from National Consumer Law Center lawyer Diane Thompson about the issue, percentage of homeowners with mortgages that have loans supported by the federal government, and clarification by a house regulator in late April 2020 about lump-sum payment required at the end of a borrower's forbearance period.

This section provides information on the economic relief programs launched by the U.S. government under the federal stimulus bills enacted in response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. Topics discussed include the eligibility of businesses and nonprofit groups for stimulus relief, the limited budget allotted for these programs, and the economic industry disaster loan application requirements and process.

The article reports the Senate unanimously passed several trillion dollar economic rescue plan on Wednesday that offer assistance to tens of millions of American households affected by the coronavirus and its components include stimulus payments to individuals, expanded unemployment cover, age, student loan changes, different retirement account rules and more.

The article reports on an increase in claims for jobless benefits by 33 percent in March 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Topics mentioned include a stimulus bill signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump on March 18, 2020, the decision of Ohio's division of unemployment insurance to extend its call center hours, and outdated systems that most unemployment offices use.

The article focuses on officials trying to fill positions processing jobless claims in Washington State where coronavirus outbreak was found and mentions that closure of businesses anticipating need for additional staffing. Topics discussed include layoffs in industries from restaurants to retail due to coronavirus pandemic, claims for jobless benefits and digital divide to prevent people from streaming movies.

The article presents answer to question concerning human resources using to calculate tax withholdings, minimum withdrawals from retirement accounts and tax breaks that have been extended.

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The article discusses ways on how taxpayers can avoid tax penalty. Topics mentioned include the need for taxpayers to update their W-4 form with their employers, the advantage of direct payment of tax to the Internal Revenue Services (IRS), and the benefit of having savings account and installment agreement with the IRS.

The article discusses the planned acquisition of financial services firm TD Ameritrade by investment firm Charles Schwab. Topics explored include the potential impact of the merger on the position of Charles Schwab in the stock brokerage industry, outlook for the combined assets of both companies, and the statement issued by Charles Schwab President Walt Bettinger on the merger deal.

The article examines the problems that middle class families in the U.S. face caused by the use of colleges of expected family contribution (EFC) to determine a student's financial need. Topics covered include how the EFC can be misleading and unable to accurately reflect a student and their family's ability to pay for college, and the tendency of students to pay more that what the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) estimates amidst the rise in college prices.

The article discusses problems with income-driven repayment plans for student loans in the U.S. Topics discussed include an increase in enrollment in income-driven plans, problems with the payment calculation, suggestions from borrower advocates on how to address these problems and proposals from several Democratic presidential candidates on student debt.

The article focuses on the challenges faced by retirees like Karen Herzog, who purchased long-term care insurance to avoid burdening her daughter but now grapples with significant premium increases, reflecting a broader issue affecting policyholders nationwide despite regulatory efforts.

The article focuses on the initiatives of expensive, smaller and private colleges in the U.S. in an effort to attract more applicants and increase retention. It includes cutting their published tuition fees by 16 to 57 percent along with increased discounts, increasing their marketing budget and making improvements on campus.

The article discusses that the Education Department erased half a billion dollars in student debt for borrowers defrauded by their schools, the agency said that it would discharge another $55.6 million for students at three other institutions.

The article discusses that the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency - which oversees the loans of 8.5 million student borrowers said that it would not renew its contract with the federal government when it ends this year.

The article presents the auction winner paid more than $28 million for an 11-minute ride into space alongside Jert Bezos, on a reusable rocket launched by his space company, Blue Origin.

The article focuses on the significance of consulting the best adviser before giving out investment advice in the U.S. It is noted that some investment brokers are compelled to follow fiduciary standard at a higher level. Investors are recommended to consider the confusing different credentials of the brokers.

The article offer global news briefs as of April 8, 2021 including delayed payment of lower-income Americans received by them, sales growth of electronic firm Samsung and U.S. return sought by cruise operator Carnival Cruise Line.

This section offers news briefs on business and finance, including the 11.2 percent increase in housing prices in January 2021, the distribution of stimulus payments to vulnerable citizens on April 7, 2021, according to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, and the resignation of "The Texas Tribune" executives Stacy-Marie Ishmael and Millie Tran.

This section offers news briefs pertaining to the U.S., as of March 27, 2021, including the threat of tariffs on several countries, including Austria, India and Italy, over their taxes on digital commerce, how the U.S. Internal Revenue Service is making progress on stimulus payments and the initial public offering of the thrift-store startup ThredUp, a clothing resale website.

This section offers news briefs related to technology and coronavirus, including the plan of Intel to build two factories in Arizona, the reason why taxpayers receive only half of their stimulus payments, and the decision of Cineworld to reopen Regal Cinemas.

The article discusses that the U.S. federal government is sending stimulus payments to millions of Americans; and mentions that the U.S. Congress has left some payments vulnerable to private debt collectors.

The article focuses on House of Representatives has passed the trillion American Rescue Plan is clearing the way for the U.S. President Joe Biden to sign the pandemic relief package into Jaw.

The article discusses the U.S. Internal Revenue Service's announcement about the release of stimulus payments and the process of claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit for 2020.

The article reports on a protocol being tested by phone companies to intercept and stop spam calls. Topics mentioned include the monthly number of robocalls in the U.S. reported in March 2019 according to call-blocking service YouMail, a standard installed by wireless network operator T-Mobile known as Stir/Shaken in January 2019, and collaboration between telecommunications companies AT&T and Comcast to verify calls across their networks.

The article examines the implications of the U.S. tax reform for taxpayers who owe the government a large amount despite the tax cut. Topics covered include the need for taxpayers to adjust their paycheck withholdings in 2020, the difference between the opinions of Republicans and Democrats on the tax cut, and recommendations on using the withholding calculator of the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

The article presents answers to questions concerning mortgage interest, tax deduction and tax filing.

The article reports on the frustrations of American taxpayers who filed their returns early as of February 2019 due to the decline of their tax refunds to an average of 8.4%. Topics include the reasons for the decline like the loss of certain deductions and lower money withheld, the move by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to change its withholding tables, and the effects of the tax reform signed by President Donald Trump.

The article presents a guide for selecting the right flu vaccine. It explores the availability of vaccines for different strains of influenza. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided guidelines on choosing a flu vaccine based on age and other characteristics such as pregnancy and chronic illness. The prevalence of influenza in the U.S. is discussed, as well as the effectiveness of flu vaccines.

The article deals with several personal finance initiatives that may get support from both Republicans and Democrats despite the low chances of bipartisan cooperation following the 2018 midterm elections. They include developing ways to create better data on college graduate earnings, reasonable accommodations for pregnant workers, and expansion of medical expense deductions.

The article offers tips in decoding changes in the health insurance marketplace in the U.S. under the Health Care Act. Topics include the 1.5% dip on average expected for premiums for a benchmark silver plan, changes in the sector, such as the elimination of the individual mandate penalty, a tax on those who did not carry insurance and the places for consumers to turn for unbiased advice. It also cites the plans available on HealthCare.gov and state exchanges.

The article offers suggestions for getting first job on one's own terms. Recommendations include responding to job postings by making lot of phone calls; asking how to get relevant experience; and avoiding taking first salary offer abruptly. Beth Hendler-Grunt, president of the career counseling firm Next Great Step, teaches applicants about three A's which is action, attitude and answers.

The article discusses the projected shortfall of U.S. Social Security in about 16 years as of 2018, when recipients' benefits would be reduced by roughly 20 percent and offers a Social Security guide in an environment of political rhetoric. Topics covered include the role of demographic shift in the shortfall, social security's effect on the deficit, and potential fixes to close the shortfall. Also noted are the views of Republican and Democrat politicians on the issue.

The article focuses on the growing number of roboadvisers that are getting professional help from human financial planners. It reports the decision of roboadviser Betterment to add human advisers to reduce the costs of its advice packages and services, as well as its partnership with online insurance brokerage PolicyGenius to help sell more of its investment accounts. It provides information on the personal Advisor Services from Vanguard and digital services from Schwab and from Ellevest.

The article explores how Tracey Dewart of Manhattan, New York City discovered discrepancies and unusual activity in the investment account of her 84-year-old mother Aerielle Dewart at J.P. Morgan Securities LLC. Topics discussed include the settlement obtained by Dewart from J.P. Morgan, the customer arbitration considered by Dewart for the settlement, and the provision of consumer protection in the financial services sector.

The article reports on the decade-long bull market that keeps rolling which became the longest such run in U.S. history on August 22, 2018. Topics discussed include the question faced by investors of whether they should be taking some money off the table and ideas for investors such as considering whether their tolerance has changed in terms of what sort of drop they could tolerate and considering how much risk their plans require.

The article reports on the recent introduction by Fidelity of two new index mutual funds that have no fees whatsoever. Topics discussed include a claim by analysts that the promise of no fees puts the company in a position to sell other products and services, the pressure it puts on other index-fund providers to lower fees, and an emerging industry trend toward lower-cost investing.

This article focuses on the increase in bankruptcy among older U.S. citizens, according to a study conducted by a team led by Deborah Thorne, an associate professor of sociology at the University of Idaho. It discusses the problems facing older U.S. citizens, the rate of older people filing bankruptcy in the country, and factors that contributed to the increase in bankruptcy among older people in the country.

This section offers business- and finance-related news briefs in the U.S., including the attempt of the Internal Revenue Service to correct misdirected stimulus payments, the new logo launched by General Motors for its electric vehicles, and the idling of a Ford Motor plant in Kentucky due to a shortage of semiconductors.

The article describes how to find, and get, delayed stimulus payment. Topics include taxpayers can check the status of their stimulus payments with the Internal Revenue Service (I.R.S.)'s Get My Payment tool; and if the payment was sent to an unfamiliar account number, it could be because the I.R.S. sent it to one of those temporary accounts.

The article offers information on how victory of the U.S. president elect, Joe Biden over the U.S. president, Donald Trump impacted the student loan programs in the U.S.

The article discusses the rule implemented by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on June 30, 2020 which requires brokers who sell financial products to act in their customers' best interest.

The article reports on a letter issued by the U.S. Depatment of Labor on June 3, 2020 clarifying how, under existing rules, certain retirement plan sponsors, including 401(k)'s, can put money into private equity investments.