Author: Paul Davidson, USA TODAY

The economy added 1.8M jobs in July, unemployment fell to 10.2% as some states reopen economies, others pull back

With some states reopening and others closing again, forecasting whether the U.S. gained or lost lots of jobs in July has become a guessing game

Many businesses are hiring temporary workers and contractors because they can be easily let go if the economy turns south again

Another 1.4 million workers likely filed initial unemployment claims, indicating layoffs have persisted as states pause or roll back reopening plans.

U.S. gross domestic product fell at annual rate of 32.9% in second quarter as states shut down nonessential businesses and consumers largely stayed home.

With COVID-19 resurgent across much of U.S., the Fed held interest rates near zero and vowed more support for economy. It noted pickup in jobs and economy.

U.S. economic output likely fell at record 35% annual rate in the second quarter. The rebound is threatened by COVID-19 spikes, state reclosings.

Amid coronavirus spikes, the Fed Wednesday could signal it intends to keep interest rates near zero even longer and juice its bond buying stimulus

Retailers everywhere are fighting to survive the challenges of COVID-19. But few merchants are under fire like those in America’s beach towns.

More companies are seeking out job candidates across the U.S. and letting them work remotely. The trend is creating bigger pools of top applicants.