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The big question hanging over the U.S. economy: Did job growth just take a rest during the harsh winter, or is it shifting to a much slower pace?

For U.S. Workers, The March Of Progress Slows Down

On Friday, economists were left scrambling to explain why last month's employment growth was just half as good as they expected. Many fingers pointed at the harsh weather, along with port disruptions.

Three men water newly planted trees on March 18 in al-Qosh, an ancient Christian village in northern Iraq. The village emptied out last August as Islamic State fighters approached. But the extremists never entered al-Qosh and the village and residents have returned. The men are watering outside a monastery that dates to the 7th century.

Menaced By War, An Ancient Christian Village In Iraq Returns To Life

When the Islamic State threatened al-Qosh last year, the village turned into a ghost town. The residents are now back, but say they remain worried about the future of Christians in the Middle East.

The Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington, D.C. The Fed's next meeting is set for Sept. 16-17.

You're The Judge: Can The Job Market Stand Interest Rate Hikes?

On Friday, the Labor Department said the July unemployment rate held steady at 5.3 percent. If you had to choose, would you take that to mean the economy is too cool or too hot? Weigh the evidence.

A field near harvest time at Meyers Farm in Bethel, Alaska, can now grow crops like cabbage outside in the ground, due to rising temperatures.

Rising Temperatures Kick-Start Subarctic Farming In Alaska

Producers and consumers in southwestern Alaska see one upside to climate change. It's now possible to farm in parts of the tundra where agriculture was unheard of just a few years ago.

Despite High Court Ruling, Kentucky Clerk Denies Marriage Licenses

Kim Davis, the Rowan County clerk in Kentucky, refused to issue any marriage licenses on Tuesday, saying she is waiting for the result of an appeal. Davis cited religious objections for her actions.

Federal Judge Strikes Down Oklahoma Ban On Gay Marriage

U.S. Senior District Judge Terence Kern said the state's constitutional amendment limiting marriage to opposite-sex couples violates the U.S. constitution. Gay marriages are on hold, however, pending an appeal.

Stock and bond markets have been roiled by concerns about trade tensions and the economy.

Dow Drops 799 Points, As Topsy-Turvy Interest Rates Boost Recession Fears

The bond market is worried the trade war, slowing global growth and a drop in oil prices are signs the economy is slowing and may be heading for a recession. Nervousness spilled over into stocks too.

Californians Face Tax Deadlines After Devastating Fires

Property taxes are due in California Monday. In Butte County, people who lost their homes to fire are rushing to defer taxes and get their property reassessed. The towns have lost millions in property tax revenue.

Clarisa Corber at work at a Topeka, Kan., insurance agency. Corber and her husband — who have three kids, a health plan and $15,000 in medical debt — were profiled in a recent <em>Los Angeles Times</em> <a href="https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-na-pol-health-insurance-medical-debt-20190502-story.html">investigation into the effects of high-deductible health plans</a>.

Employees Start To Feel The Squeeze Of High-Deductible Health Plans

The average deductible for employer-sponsored health insurance has quadrupled in the last 12 years. A Los Angeles Times investigation finds even insured workers are going without needed medical care.

Democratic presidential candidate Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during a rally in Fairfield, Iowa, on April 6.

Bernie Sanders Releases A Decade Of Tax Returns

The returns show that in both 2016 and 2017, Sanders and his wife jointly earned more than $1 million in each of those years. On Monday evening, Beto O'Rourke also released a decade of returns.

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