The The Hello and welcome to Behind the News. My name is Doug Henwood, the usual

two guests today. After I do a little economic update, the Portland-based

journalist Jason Wilson will tell us what's been going on in that city

as Trump's stormtroopers confront a large and persistent crew of protesters.

And at the bottom of the hour, Forest Hilton and Mediene will report on COVID-19 repression, corruption, and gang violence in South America.

A few words in the U.S. economy. The late spring recovery now looks to be hitting a wall

as the coronavirus spreads across the south and west, forcing many states to

shelve or reverse their reopening plans.

According to a new Census Bureau Weekly Household Pulse survey, the number of employed Americans

declined by almost 7 million from mid-June

through mid-July, with the bulk of the decline happening in early July.

Also, applications for unemployment insurance rose 109,000 last week,

the first increase since March 21st.

That brings a number of applications

to almost 53 million since the crisis began.

Many of those applicants look to have been recalled

to work since, but such recalls are looking increasingly scarce.

The total number drawing benefits in both traditional state programs,

and the special pandemic assistance program for people like freelancers who aren't eligible

for traditional benefits is now over 30 million.

The additional $600 a week unemployment benefits that were part of the pandemic stimulus bill

are expiring and it's looking like

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