The stock market had a great 2024. What will next year bring? Investors are watching the Fed, the AI boom, and President-elect Donald Trump's promised economic policies. Maria Aspan
Washington state gets NY bank to pay $10 million for role in pandemic unemployment fraud Metropolitan Commercial Bank will reimburse Washington state $10 million in unemployment funds that were stolen and processed through the bank during the pandemic, the state Attorney General’s office announced this week. KUOW Staff
Looking back on the U.S. economy in 2024 2024 is drawing to a close with the US economy in good shape. Many people are still frustrated by high prices, but attitudes of Republicans and Democrats have moved in opposite directions since the election. Scott Horsley
Return to office and real clothes came just in time for this Seattle startup Armoire founder Ambika Singh is standing in a sprawling new SoDo warehouse. Aisles of sequined dresses, holiday sweaters, and workwear stretch out in every direction. Her business is booming, but she’s remembering a not-so-distant past when she wasn’t sure the clothing rental startup would make it. Monica Nickelsburg
A million taxpayers will soon receive up to $1,400 from the IRS People who missed one of the COVID stimulus payments or had received less than the full amount were able to claim the credit. The Associated Press
Starbucks workers strike in Seattle, LA, and Chicago as negotiations stall Unionized Starbucks workers in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Chicago hit the picket lines Friday. It’s the start of a five-day strike aimed at disrupting Starbucks during the busy days leading up to Christmas, when many customers stop by for seasonal drinks. Monica Nickelsburg
Trump is all about tariffs as he leads a party that used to be all about free trade Once upon a time, Republicans spoke of free trade in glowing terms. With his constant threats of tariffs and a history of implementing them, President-elect Donald Trump has flipped that on its head. Danielle Kurtzleben
With Trump proposing new tariffs, we look at a cautionary tale from U.S. history With broad new tariffs promised, we look back at the most infamous case of broad tariffs in U.S. history — the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act. It did not end well. Kenny Malone
The Federal Reserve lowers interest rates again -- but hints at fewer cuts next year The Fed lowered interest rates by a quarter percentage point — but policymakers are projecting fewer rate cuts next year as inflation remains elevated. Scott Horsley
How the holidays could be affecting your medical care A new study suggests that holidays can affect your provider's decision making. Greg Rosalsky