Scott Horsley

U.S. employers added 559,000 jobs last month, as the unemployment rate fell to 5.8% from 6.1% in April. Employers say they could use even more workers as demand surges and pandemic fears recede.

The Labor Department is set to report jobs data for May amid a political fight over whether extended unemployment benefits are dissuading Americans from rejoining the workforce.

Over two dozen states are ending pandemic unemployment benefits early. Some say the money keeps people from looking for work. Calls to end the payouts got louder after lackluster job gains in April.

As the pandemic retreats and summer travel starts, hotels, airlines and rental car companies are expecting a big jump in business. Travelers also may have to prepare for longer lines, higher prices.

Prices are jumping as the economy rebounds from the pandemic, but the Biden Administration and the Federal Reserve say a return to 1970s-style inflation is unlikely.

President Biden signed an executive order Thursday that aims to safeguard families, businesses, and the government from the financial fallout of a changing climate.

President Biden downplayed complaints that unemployment benefits are discouraging people from looking for work, but stressed that those who turn down suitable job offers may be at risk of losing aid.

April's jobs number failed to meet projections, casting doubt on the country's post-pandemic recovery. But the Biden administration says that the economy is recovering faster than expected.

U.S. employers added far fewer jobs in April than forecasters had expected. Friday's report shows a modest uptick in average hourly wages amid many businesses complaining of a worker shortage.

U.S. employers added 266,000 jobs last month, far fewer than analysts had expected. The unemployment rate rose to 6.1%.

U.S. employers added just 266,000 jobs last month — far below analysts' projections of nearly1 million — and the unemployment rate ticked up to 6.1%.

Newly vaccinated Americans are spending more freely on restaurants, travel and live entertainment. That should give a boost to pandemic-scarred service industries.

Newly vaccinated Americans are eating out, getting haircuts, going to sporting events and traveling again — giving a lift to businesses that have been largely shuttered for over a year.

Personal income jumped by a record 21% last month, largely thanks to those $1,400 relief payments. The extra cash helped fuel a jump in spending that should continue in the months to come.

The U.S. economy grew rapidly in 2021's first months with the distribution of vaccines and relief payments. Biden said in his speech he aims to build on that success, turning "peril into possibility."

The U.S. economy grew at a rapid pace in the first three months of the year as more people got vaccinated and the federal government pumped hundreds of billions of dollars into people's pockets.

The Paycheck Protection Program, which provided emergency loans to small businesses amid the pandemic, will wind down soon. Economists are divided on whether it saved enough jobs to justify its cost.

China, Europe, and the United States have had mixed success in controlling the pandemic, and it's shaping the economic recovery on three continents.

There was lots of good news on the economic front this week. Consumers are spending more money and fewer people are getting laid off.

Retail sales soared in March, as vaccinations and $1,400 relief payments boosted shoppers' outlook. New state unemployment claims also fell to their lowest level since the pandemic took hold.