Business & Economy
Business & Economy

Apple Is Worth $2 Trillion — 1st American Company To Hit Milestone
Apple first crossed the $1 trillion mark just two years ago. The iPhone maker and a handful of other tech giants propelled the S&P 500 index to a new record this week.

She Followed Rules And Took COVID Seriously. But Now An Olympia Gym Owner Is ‘Freaking Pissed’
On Aug. 3, Gov. Inslee announced new rules for indoor fitness studios and gyms that nearly tripled the required spacing between class participants from six feet to 17 feet. Krueger expressed her frustration in a 4-minute video she posted to Instagram. “I have to say that I am freaking pissed,” she said in the video. “We’re unable to pay our bills with these mandates; that is the reality.”

Payroll Tax Delay To Boost Take-Home Pay, But Don’t Spend It Yet
President Trump has directed the Treasury Department to stop collecting payroll taxes this fall in an effort to boost workers’ paychecks. But the move is temporary, and could spark headaches in 2021.

In Executive Actions, Trump Extends Unemployment Benefits, Defers Payroll Taxes
President Trump signed four executive actions to provide economic relief amid the coronavirus pandemic. They amount to a stopgap measure after not reaching a deal with Congress.

Foreign Workers Living Overseas Mistakenly Received $1,200 U.S. Stimulus Checks
Thousands of foreign workers who entered the U.S. on temporary work visas received $1,200 pandemic stimulus checks in error, and many of them are spending the money in their home countries.

Unsuitable For A Pandemic? Add Men’s Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank To Bankruptcy List
The parent company Tailored Brands earlier said it would close up to 500 stores and cut 20% of corporate jobs. It’s joined in pandemic bankruptcy by rival Brooks Brothers and a growing list of others.

Pandemic Hasn’t Interrupted Alaska’s Resupply Lifeline From The Northwest, And Woe If It Does
The coronavirus pandemic has served to remind many of us how much we count on strangers staying healthy so we can restock our cupboards and go about daily life. That’s especially true for Alaskans who depend on a marine cargo lifeline from the Pacific Northwest for the majority of their goods.

U.S. Economy Drops 32.9% In Worst GDP Report Ever
The coronavirus triggered the sharpest economic contraction in modern history in the second quarter as the pandemic hammered the economy, the Commerce Department said Thursday.

Tri-Cities And Yakima County Get Additional Business And Recreational Openings Within Their Phase 1
Benton, Franklin and Yakima counties have been approved for more business and recreational activities beginning this Saturday. The approval means additional operations within the counties’ current modified Phase 1 – not moving to a full Phase 2.

After Delays, Republicans Rolled Out A New Pandemic Relief Bill. Democrats Balked
After days of delays, congressional Republicans unveiled their $1 trillion proposal for a fifth wave of pandemic relief. Democrats are not on board — signaling tough negotiations ahead.

Lawmakers Are Far Apart On A New Coronavirus Relief Bill. Here Are 5 Sticking Points
State governments face a precipitous drop in revenue, parents and teachers are debating how kids will return to school in the fall, and millions of unemployed workers face the prospect of their pandemic assistance running out at the end of the month.

Oil Industry, Accustomed To Booms And Busts, Is Rocked By Pandemic
When the price of oil crashes, oil companies often merge and big oil gets even bigger. So this crisis could be an opportunity for companies, but it comes with a tremendous amount of uncertainty.