ARTICLES BY CHRISTOPHER RUGABER AP ECONOMICS WRITER

Some economists say the nation's unemployment rate could approach 13% by May

WASHINGTON — Nearly 3.3 million Americans applied for unemployment benefits last week — almost five times the previous record set in 1982 — amid a widespread economic shutdown caused by the coronavirus.

COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO

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Fed to buy unlimited government debt and lend to businesses

WASHINGTON — In its boldest effort to protect the U.S. economy from the coronavirus, the Federal Reserve says it will buy as much government debt as it deems necessary and will begin lending to small and large businesses and local governments to help them weather the crisis.

COEUR D'ALENE PRESS | UPDATED 4 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO