The U.S. economy added 245,000 new jobs last month according to new government data. The number was dismally low and was the fifth month in a row of slowed job growth. One reason was the ending of 93,000 temporary U.S. Census bureau jobs in February. There are about 10 million fewer jobs in the U.S. today than in November. Among those who have lost those jobs are many workers who are set to lose unemployment benefits in the face of Congressional inaction driven by the GOP-dominated Senate. 

Republicans in the House on Thursday attempted to adjourn the session without addressing Covid-related economic relief. House Freedom Caucus Chair Rep. Andy Biggs of Arizona introduced the measure and was promptly denounced by his Democratic colleagues. California Democrat Eric Swalwell called the move “batty,” and added, “Americans are in dire need of food and paychecks,” while New York’s Alexandria Ocasio Cortez tweeted, “People are going hungry and they’re treating this like a game.” The motion to adjourn was defeated. Meanwhile a modest compromise bill introduced by conservative Democrats and liberal Republicans to the tune of $908 billion appears to be gaining momentum. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on Thursday spoke with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell on the phone about the bill. Among their differences are corporate liability protections, which McConnell wants, and aid to states which Pelosi wants. President elect Joe Biden has announced his support for the bill saying that it, “would be a good start,” but that, “it’s not enough.”

Covid-19 infections and deaths continue to break records with more than 217,000 new cases of infections reported on Thursday alone. And, more than 2,800 people died on Thursday nationwide, the second day in a row that broke records. The trend ought not to be surprising considering that in October compliance with social distancing guidelines fell to an all-time low as per a new study. And, new data shows Americans traveled during the Thanksgiving break despite warnings against resuming traditional family gatherings. The New York Times on Friday published the results of a survey of 700 epidemiologists and how they had changed their lifestyles during the course of the pandemic. While a majority had resumed errands like grocery shopping, begun treating their mail without precaution, and gathered outdoors with friends, most had not eaten indoors at restaurants, traveled by airplane, or exercised at an indoor gym.  

President elect Joe Biden announced that among his first actions in office would be to call on Americans to adopt universal mask wearing for 100 days. The call was not as strict as the universal mask mandate he had backed ...