Who might get $1,400 stimulus checks with next COVID relief package?

Feb 9, 2021
The income threshold for stimulus checks remains the same at $75,000 per person and $150,000 per couple.
LPETTET via Getty Images

Arts venues welcome COVID grant program to get through 2021

Jan 22, 2021
Hard-hit venues such as concert halls and theaters are preparing to apply for $15 billion in grants included in the latest relief bill.
Between April and July last year, the fine- and performing-arts industries lost about $42 billion in revenue, according to one estimate.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

How are people spending their $600 checks?

Jan 13, 2021
The federal relief payments are going for things like tattoos and electricity bills, paying down debt and helping others.
A woman pays for a to-go order at a New York restaurant. Some people are splurging a bit and others are putting the relief payment into necessities.
Stephanie Keith/Getty Images

The latest pandemic relief measure increases SNAP benefits

Jan 5, 2021
Advocates say the food assistance increase should help reduce food insecurity for households that qualify.
The increase in SNAP benefits, plus an additional $300 a month in federal unemployment benefits, should help reduce food insecurity.
Scott Heins/Getty Images

Will the relief package boost consumer spending in 2021?

Dec 31, 2020
Ultimately, this money is a bridge until the virus is under control.
Women carry shopping bags while walking in Georgetown on Dec. 23, 2020, in Washington, D.C.
Alex Edelman/AFP via Getty Images

Millions will get their relief payment via debit card. That's good ... and bad

Dec 30, 2020
Cards are usually cheaper than checks. Unless there's a dispute.
President Donald Trump holds one of the prepaid debit cards being issued by the IRS, during a Cabinet meeting in May.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

How Americans are likely to spend the second round of relief checks

Dec 29, 2020
Back in March, many people didn't spend all of their relief money right away. That may be more difficult this time around.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked Democrats' move for $2,000 relief checks. Above, McConnell arrives on Capitol Hill on Dec. 20.
Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Trump's relief delay causes unemployment confusion

Dec 28, 2020
Two pandemic programs briefly expired. It could have meant billions in lost relief for one week — but it didn't.
President Donald Trump has signed the COVID-19 relief bill after refusing to do so for several days. Above, the president and first lady Melania Trump depart the White House for Mar-a-Lago last week.
Samuel Corum/AFP via Getty Images

Consumer confidence lackluster as the pandemic continues

Dec 23, 2020
Even with the rollout of vaccinations and federal action on a relief package, many consumers are wary about the future.
Even with positive news about vaccinations, most of the news about the economy and COVID-spread has been downbeat lately.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Will the latest stimulus last long enough?

Dec 22, 2020
The $900 billion in relief was a compromise that may not compensate for the prolonged economic hardship.
Empty tables stand outside of a restaurant in Manhattan on Dec. 11, 2020, in New York City.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images