Scott Horsley

As businesses begin to reopen, some employers want a guarantee they won't face lawsuits, if their workers get sick with COVID-19. Workers also want reassurance that their health will be protected.

NPR's chief economics correspondent takes listener questions about the state of the U.S. economy during the pandemic.

In a single quarter, the government will borrow more than twice as much as it did all of last year, as the cost of the coronavirus pandemic dwarfs previous deficits.

Tens of millions of Americans have already received their $1200 relief checks from the federal government. But millions more are still waiting.

Some businesses and employee advocates say they're not getting much help from the federal government to ensure workers' safety from the coronavirus pandemic.

More than 30 million Americans have applied for unemployment in just six weeks. NPR's economics and science correspondents update on the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis.

Another 3.8 million people filed claims for unemployment last week, as the coronavirus pandemic continues to weigh on the U.S. job market. That brought the total for the past 6 weeks to 30.3 million.

The coronavirus is putting a big dent in the U.S. economy. The Commerce Department says the country's GDP has shrunk at an annual pace in the first quarter — and the second quarter will be worse.

New figures show the economy saw its worst slow down in growth since 2008. And, a NPR poll finds 50% of people surveyed say they or someone in their household lost hours or a job due to the pandemic.

The economy contracted in the first quarter of 2020 as the coronavirus began to take its toll and spending dived. It's the first quarterly drop in six years and a likely precursor to a deep recession.

NPR's chief economics correspondent updates the situation with federal small business loans and answers listener questions about what to expect after the pandemic is over.

Restrictions at local hospitals meant Will Thompson hasn't been able to accompany his wife to her prenatal doctor's visits, including one where they expected to learn their baby's gender.

Maxwell Kirsner built sets for big events. Then he, his fiancée and their coworkers were laid off. Kirsner says he's optimistic the city will make it back, but he's worried how long that will take.

Edward Barry and his team worked hard to give their customers a head start. The Small Business Administration is resuming its emergency loan program for small businesses with an extra $320 billion.

Businesses desperate for financial aid have exhausted a $349 billion federal loan program. Banks and businesses will now vie for a second round of funding before the money runs out.

Two weeks after Perla Pimentel was laid off, her father lost his job as a transportation contractor for Disney World. The warehouse where her mom works has also begun to furlough employees.

NPR's global economics correspondent talks about the new relief package passed by the Senate, updates the latest unemployment numbers and answers listener questions about the economy.

In the last month, the coronavirus pandemic has claimed the jobs of one in six workers in the United States. NPR economic, science and congressional correspondents discuss the latest coronavirus news.

David Roode's musical career went abruptly on hold when stay-at-home orders took effect. He predicts that when the crisis passes, people will want to enjoy the experience of attending concerts again.

Angelita Wynn was driving kids back home on her afternoon run one day in March when she got word she was losing her job. With her savings dwindling, "it has led to sleepless nights and anxious days."