Business & Economy
Business & Economy
Inland Northwest Farmers Markets Hit By Coronavirus Closures Adapt To New Rules
While some elements of a farmers market are allowed — selling food and soap — other parts are not considered an “essential business” under Washington and Idaho’s orders. That means no more live music. No more kids’ activities. No seats. No touching the produce.
Economic Deluge Continues With 26 Million Jobs Lost In Just 5 Weeks
The number of people forced out of work during the coronavirus lockdown keeps soaring. Last week, 4.4 million people filed for jobless benefits, boosting the total since last month to 26 million.
Harvard And Other Universities Turn Down Relief Funds Amid Swell Of Criticism
President Trump and others criticized “elite, wealthy institutions” for money allocated to them by a federal package.
Washington Builds Contact Tracing ‘Fire Brigade’ As State Looks Toward Gradual Reopening
Public health experts say finding and isolating coronavirus patients will be key to re-opening public life. That’s going to take a lot of work.
Secret Recording Reveals NRA’s Legal Troubles Have Cost The Organization $100 Million
The CEO of the National Rifle Association says legal troubles have cost the powerful gun rights group $100 million, according to a recording of the group’s board meeting obtained by NPR.
From Olympia To Richland To Moscow, Protesters Demonstrate Against Coronavirus Safety Measures
Demonstrations from Olympia to Richland in Washington, to Sandpoint to Moscow to Boise in Idaho, have been organized by people flouting social distancing measures put in place for public health and to slow the spread of coronavirus.
‘Illegal To Essential’: How The Coronavirus Is Boosting The Legal Cannabis Industry
More than 20 states designated marijuana businesses essential during the coronavirus shutdown. Cannabis activists say it’s a remarkable development, given that it remains illegal under federal law.
Jay Inslee Is Running For A 3rd Term. Here’s What His Opponents Think Of His Coronavirus Response
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee has been called “an example of effective crisis leadership.” Not all Washingtonians agree that Inslee has done well — especially the people who want his job.
Surge In Unemployment Continues As Clunky State Systems Await Upgrades
Fresh numbers of initial claims for jobless benefits showed some moderation in the past week in the staggering wave of layoffs across the Northwest caused by the coronavirus pandemic. But the level of unemployment claims continues to hover at record levels, as reported Thursday by the state labor and employment departments of Washington, Idaho and Oregon.
10 Years Of Spectacular U.S. Job Growth Nearly Wiped Out In 4 Weeks
The number of people filing for unemployment climbed by another 5.2 million, as the toll of the nation’s economic dive continues to mount. In the past four weeks, 22 million have filed claims.
In Washington And Beyond, When Will It Start To Get Back To Normal? Experts Weigh In
After weeks of extraordinary efforts to slow the spread of the new coronavirus and prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed, Washington state officials are beginning to talk more openly about easing social distancing restrictions and a sequential unlocking of the economy.
Report: Adding President’s Name To Checks Will Delay Them. IRS Says They’re On Schedule
The IRS said the economic relief payments “are going out on schedule, as planned, without delay.” The Washington Post reported that Trump’s name would be included on the checks, an unprecedented step.
