The theft of more than $44 million in federal funds meant for unemployed Pennsylvanians was thwarted by government agencies and banking institutions, the U.S. Attorney’s office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania announced on Tuesday.

While many businesses began reopening in June as COVID-19 restrictions were lifted, Pennsylvania’s unemployment rate remained at a high 13%.

A closely watched gauge of layoffs across the U.S. held steady at a historically high level last week, pushing the total during the coronavirus-induced economic crisis to a mind-boggling 51.3 million. 

1.3 million workers filed first time claims for unemployment insurance last week, the Labor Department said Thursday. That latest round of applications means roughly 50 million Americans have made initial jobless benefits claims in just 16 weeks.

Pennsylvania State Police are giving written warnings to Pennsylvanians who don’t comply with Gov. Tom Wolf’s order to wear a mask, but state officials are mostly relying on Pennsylvanians to “self enforcing” the directive.

Area hair salon owners, forced to shutter their doors due to the coronavirus crisis, discuss how they are managing, both financially and emotionally.

The state Department of Labor has reported that nearly 649,967 unemployment claims have been filed since March 16.

The Pennsylvania Office of Unemployment Compensation is now saying that those unable to work because of efforts to curb COVID-19 may be eligible for unemployment or workers’ compensation benefits.

LVB takes a look at how for a growing cadre of people over the age of 50, it is getting easier to find employment.