KING: More evidence today the economy is struggling to find its pandemic footing. Another 870,000 Americans filed for first-time unemployment benefits last week. CNN Chief Business Correspondent Christine Romans breaks down the numbers.</s>CHRISTINE ROMANS, CNN CHIEF BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT: John, it is no wonder that unemployment was the top Google search related to the U.S. election over the past two weeks, the numbers, 870,000 people filed for the first time for state unemployment benefits in the week ending September 19. Weekly jobless claims are four times higher than pre- pandemic, continuing claims. Those are people receiving benefits for two or more weeks, almost 12.6 million people. Look beneath those headlines. And the story is one of chronic unemployment. On top of those state of benefits, in one week, another 630,000 people filed for special pandemic relief programs. These are self-employed people trying to get government aid. Altogether, 26 million people getting some sort of jobless assistance. This data, John, fits into a pattern now. America's recovery from the pandemic crisis is slowing down, it's looking less like a V-shaped recovery by the day. Millions are still out of work. Temporary job losses have turned permanent for many. And there's growing concern the recovery is really a K-shape, worsening inequality with big winners and big losers, especially for people working in retail, restaurants and bars, travel and leisure. John?</s>KING: Top of the hour. Hello, everybody. I'm John King in Washington. To our viewers in the United States and around the world, thank you so much for sharing your day with us, and a very busy news day it is. More anger and frustration on the streets of America.
870,000 Americans Filed for Unemployment Benefits Last Week.