The NPR Politics Podcast

17 Million Americans Have Filed For Unemployment In The Last 3 Weeks

Apr 9, 2020
Unemployment claims in the U.S. have surged dramatically, with 6.6 million new filings in just one week, raising alarms about the labor market. Personal stories highlight the struggles of those affected, showcasing the human impact behind the statistics. Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve introduces new lending programs, aiming to inject $2.3 trillion into the battered economy. Additionally, challenges with outdated state unemployment systems and the urgency for small business relief measures further underline the complexities of recovery during this crisis.
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ANECDOTE

Century-Old Store

  • A family-owned clothing store in Michigan has been operating for 101 years.
  • They started during the Spanish flu pandemic and hope to survive this one too.
INSIGHT

Unemployment Surge

  • Nearly 17 million Americans filed for unemployment in three weeks.
  • Approximately 10% of the US labor force filed, exceeding Great Recession levels.
ANECDOTE

Overloaded Systems

  • David Rood, a trombone player, struggled with long wait times when applying for unemployment.
  • State systems are overwhelmed, with some implementing alphabetical scheduling.
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