Biden makes an 11th-hour move to block coastal oil drilling President Biden has issued an executive order blocking drilling for oil in more than 625 million acres of U.S. ocean. It's the largest such move in history, but is almost guaranteed to be challenged under the incoming Trump administration. Camila Domonoske
Trump points to Gilded Age to push tariffs. Experts say it's a misreading of history In a New Year's Day post on Truth Social, President-elect Trump touted the benefits of tariffs, pointing to the Gilded Age. But economists found tariffs did not make American manufacturing great. Scott Horsley
What's driving the rise in homelessness among seniors The number of seniors who are homeless has increased dramatically. This "gray wave" is being driven by inflation and a lack of affordable housing, especially for older people with disabilities. Aaron Bolton
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