U.S. GDP increased by an annual rate of 6.5% in the second quarter of 2021. / AP FILE PHOTO/RICH PEDRONCELLI
WASHINGTON (AP) – Fueled by vaccinations and government aid, the United States economy grew at a solid 6.5% annual rate last quarter in another sign that the nation has achieved a sustained recovery from the pandemic recession. The total size of the economy has now surpassed its pre-pandemic level. Thursday’s report from the Commerce Department…