Business & Economy
Business & Economy
Inflation Is Surging. The Price Of A Toyota Pickup Truck Helps Explain Why
BY SCOTT HORSLEY Prices for a lot of things are surging across the U.S., and John McConnell’s recent car-shopping experience helps explain why. McConnell, from Colorado Springs, Colo., was recently
Amazon Will Stop Testing Job Seekers For Marijuana And Now Backs Legalizing Weed
Amazon will no longer test most job applicants for marijuana use in the latest sign of America’s changing relationship with pot. Amazon, the second-largest private employer in the U.S., also says it now backs legalizing marijuana nationwide.
Senate Republicans Release $928 Billion Infrastructure Counteroffer
A group of Senate Republicans on Thursday unveiled a $928 billion infrastructure proposal to counter President Biden’s plan for a nearly $2 trillion bill.
Some Washington Agriculture Groups Upset With Governor Over Farmworker Rules
Some top agriculture groups are upset with Washington Gov. Inslee because farm workers were not covered in last week’s announcement that fully vaccinated employees do not have to wear a mask or socially distance at work.
Hundreds Of PPP Loans For Pandemic Business Relief Went To Fake Farms In Absurd Places
An online lending platform called Kabbage sent 378 pandemic loans worth $7 million to fake companies (mostly farms) with names like “Deely Nuts” and “Beefy King.”
‘Nobody Does A Comeback Like The Movies’: Beating Drums For The Blockbuster’s Return
With just two weeks to go before A Quiet Place Part II makes your local multiplex a less quiet place, Hollywood has started the back-to-cinemas drumroll.
Modern Pipeline Panic Recalls Perils Of Gas Lines For Past Presidents
Federal safety officials found it necessary this past week to remind Americans not to put gasoline in plastic bags. Hey folks, that’s dangerous. Remember?
Colonial Pipeline Restarts: There’s No Need To Panic-Buy Gas (And Never Was)
The Colonial Pipeline shutdown sent motorists across the Southeast scrambling for gas, even as state and federal officials warn against panic-buying and price gouging.
Americans Will Lose Unemployment Benefits If They Turn Down Jobs, Biden Says
Those collecting unemployment benefits under the American Rescue Plan must accept “suitable” employment when offered, President Biden said Monday, responding to last week’s underwhelming April jobs report.
Governor Says All Washington Counties Will Stay In Their Current Reopening Phase…For Now
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Tuesday said all of the state’s counties will remain in their current phase of the state’s economic reopening plan and won’t face more restrictions because new COVID cases are levelling off after a recent spike.
Washington House Passes Capital Gains Tax Following Lengthy Debate
The Washington House has approved a bill to institute a seven percent tax on capital gains over $250,000 from the sale of such things as stocks and bonds. The 52 to 46 vote followed an hours-long debate that spanned two days.
Signs Of Economic Boom Emerge As Retail Sales Surge, Jobless Claims Hit Pandemic Low
Signs of an economic boom are emerging as Americans open up their wallets to spend freely. Retail sales soared 9.8% in March, according to a report Thursday from the Commerce Department. The increase follows a 2.7% slump in February, which analysts blamed partly on severe winter weather.