Washington sees 6.5 percent drop in unemployment claims, but new surge expected in coming weeks
Washington saw a 6.5 percent drop in initial unemployment claims this past week.
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Unemployment claims drop 6 percent in Idaho, more than 77,000 total filed statewide
Idaho Department of Labor reported 30,904 more people filed initial claims for unemployment insurance between March 29 and April 4 in the state.
Idaho panel to oversee $1.25 billion virus rescue package
Gov. Brad Little has ordered the creation of a committee to oversee Idaho's $1.25 billion share of the $2.2 trillion coronavirus economic rescue package approved by Congress last month.
How you can help service industry workers suffering without tips
"This has been a huge upheaval for everyone, but I can't imagine the folks who were hit harder than the folks that work in restaurant and hotels," says Big Table executive director Kevin Finch. "For folks in this industry, because you're living so close to the edge anyway, the day that you don't get to work means you're instantly in crisis."
Alaska Airlines announces updates to policies amid COVID-19
The airline provided updates on their website to the company's policy changes regarding COVID-19.
Mayor Nadine Woodward breaks down what's ahead for Spokane in the fight against COVID-19
Just months after moving into the mayor's office, Nadine Woodward is now facing a crisis no one could have predicted.
Inslee signs legislation removing sales tax from period products
Governor Jay Inslee has signed a bill exempting menstrual products from Washington sales tax.
Jeff Bezos is donating $100 million to American food banks
Jeff Bezos is donating $100 million to US food banks to help them feed a growing number of out-of-work Americans who are losing their jobs during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. The Amazon CEO donated to Feeding America, a Chicago-based nonprofit…
Small business stimulus measures poised for rocky rollout
For days, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has promised Friday would be the day a massive loan program for small businesses kicks into gear. Friday is now here. The program, according to sources in the administration, on Capitol Hill and in…
Corona beer stops production
Production of Corona beer is being temporarily suspended in Mexico because of the coronavirus pandemic. Grupo Modelo, the company that makes the beer, posted the announcement on Twitter, stating that it's halting production and marketing of its beer because the…
The US economy lost 701,000 jobs in March — worst report since 2009
The American economy lost more jobs than it gained for the first time in a decade. In March, the economy shed 701,000 jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. It was the first time the economy lost jobs in…
IRS warns of coronavirus phishing scams
Multiple scams related to coronavirus have beee targeting retirees.
Idaho unemployment insurance claims increase 143 percent
Claims have skyrocketed since Gov. Little's declaration of a state of emergency.
6.6 million Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, a record high as coronavirus takes its toll
Millions more Americans filed for unemployment benefits last week, as businesses continue to lay off and furlough workers amid the coronavirus outbreak. 6.6 million workers filed for their first week of unemployment benefits in the week ending March 28 —…
City of Spokane, Spokane Co. to receive combined $4M in affordable housing funds from COVID-19 funding package
Thirty one cities and counties across Washington state, including the City of Spokane and Spokane County, will receive more than $52 million in affordable housing funds from the COVID-19 funding package.
When will you get your stimulus cash, and how?
The US government is preparing to send out direct payments to help individuals amid the coronavirus pandemic, but those who need the money most may be waiting the longest to see it. The first payments could go out within three…
WSU freezing salaries of executive leadership, issuing dining and housing refunds in wake of coronavirus closure
Washington State University announced new financial plans, including freezing the current salaries for all executive leadership, in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spokane-based online retailer accused of price-gouging hand sanitizer
Attorney General Bob Ferguson has sent a cease and desist letter to a Spokane-based company accused of price-gouging.
Due date for Spokane County property taxes extended to June 15
The Spokane County property tax due date has been extended to June 15, 2020 due to COVID-19.
#happylife: Planning your estate and writing a will, preparing for an uncertain future
Death isn't easy to talk about, but Lilac City Law believes it's important. And it can be easier to talk about it when you're prepared.
Justice Department reviews stock trades by lawmakers after coronavirus briefings
The Justice Department has started to probe a series of stock transactions made by lawmakers ahead of the sharp market downturn stemming from the spread of coronavirus, according to two people familiar with the matter. The inquiry, which is still…
Amazon workers to stage a walkout Monday, demanding closure of Staten Island facility
Amazon employees at the company's Staten Island, New York, facility plan to walk off the job Monday amid allegations the online retail giant has mishandled its response to the coronavirus pandemic. Employees are protesting Amazon's decision to keep the Staten…
Trump signs historic $2 trillion stimulus after Congress passes it Friday
President Donald Trump signed into law Friday afternoon a historic $2 trillion stimulus package as the American public and the US economy fight the devastating spread of Covid-19. The far-reaching legislation stands as the largest emergency aid package in US…
#happylife: How and when you will benefit from the stimulus package
The coronavirus pandemic is probably sending a shockwave through your finances.
