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Target to Raise Minimum Wage: Live Business Updates Target to Raise Minimum Wage: Live Business Updates
(32 minutes later)
Target said on Wednesday that it would raise its hourly minimum wage for workers by $2 to $15 starting July 5. It will also offer a one-time “recognition bonus” of $200 to hourly employees in its stores and distribution centers at the end of July.Target said on Wednesday that it would raise its hourly minimum wage for workers by $2 to $15 starting July 5. It will also offer a one-time “recognition bonus” of $200 to hourly employees in its stores and distribution centers at the end of July.
Target, which said in 2017 that it would raise its starting wage to $15 by the end of 2020, had already temporarily increased pay to that amount in March because of the pandemic. The increase, which was scheduled to run through July 4, will now be permanent. The additional pay will affect 275,000 employees at its stores and distribution centers, the company said. Target has nearly 1,900 stores and 41 distribution centers and more than 350,000 employees.Target, which said in 2017 that it would raise its starting wage to $15 by the end of 2020, had already temporarily increased pay to that amount in March because of the pandemic. The increase, which was scheduled to run through July 4, will now be permanent. The additional pay will affect 275,000 employees at its stores and distribution centers, the company said. Target has nearly 1,900 stores and 41 distribution centers and more than 350,000 employees.
The retailer also said that as part of its response to the pandemic, it would offer free virtual doctor visits to workers via the CirrusMD app through the end of the year, and continue extending the option for a 30-day paid leave to employees who are 65 and older, pregnant or have an underlying medical condition. It will also continue to offer free backup care to workers through the end of August.The retailer also said that as part of its response to the pandemic, it would offer free virtual doctor visits to workers via the CirrusMD app through the end of the year, and continue extending the option for a 30-day paid leave to employees who are 65 and older, pregnant or have an underlying medical condition. It will also continue to offer free backup care to workers through the end of August.
The announcement comes as retailers, particularly discount chains and groceries, have come under pressure to compensate low-wage employees for working during the pandemic and putting themselves at risk of contracting the virus. Target, which is based in Minneapolis, said that it would invest nearly $1 billion more this year in the “well-being, health and safety of team members” than in 2019.The announcement comes as retailers, particularly discount chains and groceries, have come under pressure to compensate low-wage employees for working during the pandemic and putting themselves at risk of contracting the virus. Target, which is based in Minneapolis, said that it would invest nearly $1 billion more this year in the “well-being, health and safety of team members” than in 2019.
Online for-profit colleges have seen an opportunity to increase enrollment during the coronavirus pandemic. Their flexible programs may be newly attractive to unemployed workers, to those seeking to change careers, or to college students whose campuses are closed.
But as Sarah Butrymowicz and Meredith Kolodner of The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit newsroom, report in an article for The Times, few of the largest for-profit colleges operating primarily online have track records to justify their optimistic advertising pitches. Some have put students deep in debt while posting dismal graduation rates amid a history of investigations by state and federal agencies, including many that have led to substantial financial settlements.
Eileen Connor, the legal director at the Project on Predatory Student Lending at Harvard Law School, said she was worried by the prospect of a resurgence for such schools. “In times of economic downturn, that’s when the for-profit colleges start to thrive,” she said.
Many companies have emphasized the quality of the education they provide. Karl McDonnell, the chief executive of Strategic Education Inc., told investors in March, “We’re going to continue to focus on maintaining the highest possible academic quality figuring that that’s really the best way to sort of position yourself vis-à-vis any kinds of regulatory or legislative initiatives.”
Amid fears that Chinese firms will exploit the pandemic to buy European companies at bargain prices, the European Commission unveiled proposals on Wednesday intended to prevent foreign investors from using government subsidies to outbid competitors. The measures were clearly aimed at China, which is often accused of providing financial support to key industries.Amid fears that Chinese firms will exploit the pandemic to buy European companies at bargain prices, the European Commission unveiled proposals on Wednesday intended to prevent foreign investors from using government subsidies to outbid competitors. The measures were clearly aimed at China, which is often accused of providing financial support to key industries.
In a report, the European Union’s executive branch outlined legislation that would compel foreign investors to disclose whether they receive state support. European officials could also investigate companies suspected of receiving subsidies and impose conditions on subsidized investors or block them altogether.In a report, the European Union’s executive branch outlined legislation that would compel foreign investors to disclose whether they receive state support. European officials could also investigate companies suspected of receiving subsidies and impose conditions on subsidized investors or block them altogether.
There isn’t yet much evidence that Chinese companies are on a buying spree in Europe; Chinese investment in Europe has been declining steeply. But analysts say that Chinese investors, often backed by the government, still covet European companies as a source of technological expertise, access to international markets and political leverage.There isn’t yet much evidence that Chinese companies are on a buying spree in Europe; Chinese investment in Europe has been declining steeply. But analysts say that Chinese investors, often backed by the government, still covet European companies as a source of technological expertise, access to international markets and political leverage.
“The worry is not the volume of investment,” said Agatha Kratz, a specialist in Europe-China relations at Rhodium Group, a research organization. “The worry is about one or two or three acquisitions that could affect European competitiveness.”“The worry is not the volume of investment,” said Agatha Kratz, a specialist in Europe-China relations at Rhodium Group, a research organization. “The worry is about one or two or three acquisitions that could affect European competitiveness.”
A growing number of start-ups have moved quickly to go public as the initial shock of the coronavirus pandemic has worn off. The stock market, which plummeted when the outbreak swept the United States, has rallied strongly in recent weeks. Since its nadir in late March, the S&P 500 index has climbed 40 percent.A growing number of start-ups have moved quickly to go public as the initial shock of the coronavirus pandemic has worn off. The stock market, which plummeted when the outbreak swept the United States, has rallied strongly in recent weeks. Since its nadir in late March, the S&P 500 index has climbed 40 percent.
As the market has bounced back, several companies have gone public, including SelectQuote, an online insurance provider; ZoomInfo, a sales software data provider; Warner Music Group, a record label; and Vroom, a start-up that sells used vehicles online. And more initial public offerings are on the way.As the market has bounced back, several companies have gone public, including SelectQuote, an online insurance provider; ZoomInfo, a sales software data provider; Warner Music Group, a record label; and Vroom, a start-up that sells used vehicles online. And more initial public offerings are on the way.
Some of the biggest Silicon Valley start-ups are also taking steps toward an I.P.O. Airbnb, the home rental start-up valued at $31 billion, said it had not ruled out going public this year. Palantir, a digital surveillance company valued at $20 billion, is preparing to file for an I.P.O. in the coming weeks, said a person briefed on the start-up’s plans, who declined to be identified because the talks were private.Some of the biggest Silicon Valley start-ups are also taking steps toward an I.P.O. Airbnb, the home rental start-up valued at $31 billion, said it had not ruled out going public this year. Palantir, a digital surveillance company valued at $20 billion, is preparing to file for an I.P.O. in the coming weeks, said a person briefed on the start-up’s plans, who declined to be identified because the talks were private.
“The window is open,” said Previn Waas, a partner focused on I.P.O.s at the accounting firm Deloitte. “Everyone has figured out that a virtual I.P.O. is possible. There’s an appetite for companies to go public.”“The window is open,” said Previn Waas, a partner focused on I.P.O.s at the accounting firm Deloitte. “Everyone has figured out that a virtual I.P.O. is possible. There’s an appetite for companies to go public.”
Stocks drifted on Wednesday, as investors regrouped after a week of turbulent trading fueled by a cascade of news about the coronavirus and its impact on the global economy.Stocks drifted on Wednesday, as investors regrouped after a week of turbulent trading fueled by a cascade of news about the coronavirus and its impact on the global economy.
The S&P 500 wavered between positive and negative territory in early trading, while European stocks were also slightly higher.The S&P 500 wavered between positive and negative territory in early trading, while European stocks were also slightly higher.
Markets have been on a wild ride in the past week, plunging last week as investors grew concerned about the rising number of coronavirus infections in states like Florida and Texas. A fresh outbreak in Beijing has also raised questions about China’s efforts to contain the outbreak.Markets have been on a wild ride in the past week, plunging last week as investors grew concerned about the rising number of coronavirus infections in states like Florida and Texas. A fresh outbreak in Beijing has also raised questions about China’s efforts to contain the outbreak.
At the same time, investors also reacted positively to reports of efforts by governments to address the economic damage, as well as data signaling improvement. The latest data point came on Tuesday, when stocks were buoyed by a report showing retail sales in the United States jumped 18 percent in May, a stronger-than-expected bounce.At the same time, investors also reacted positively to reports of efforts by governments to address the economic damage, as well as data signaling improvement. The latest data point came on Tuesday, when stocks were buoyed by a report showing retail sales in the United States jumped 18 percent in May, a stronger-than-expected bounce.
A businessman in Evanston, Ill., tried to fraudulently obtain a $440,000 loan through the Paycheck Protection Program, a government relief fund for small companies harmed by the pandemic, by using false tax and payroll records, the Justice Department said on Tuesday.A businessman in Evanston, Ill., tried to fraudulently obtain a $440,000 loan through the Paycheck Protection Program, a government relief fund for small companies harmed by the pandemic, by using false tax and payroll records, the Justice Department said on Tuesday.
Rahul Shah describes himself on LinkedIn as the chief executive of Katalyst Technologies, which says on its website that it makes business software. In late April, he applied for a P.P.P. loan for a different company, N2N Holdings, which does business as Boardshare and lists Mr. Shah on its website as its chief executive.Rahul Shah describes himself on LinkedIn as the chief executive of Katalyst Technologies, which says on its website that it makes business software. In late April, he applied for a P.P.P. loan for a different company, N2N Holdings, which does business as Boardshare and lists Mr. Shah on its website as its chief executive.
Mr. Shah’s loan application claimed that N2N had 10 employees and an average monthly payroll of $176,455, according to a criminal complaint filed against him in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. But it raised alarms at the bank — not named in the complaint — because tax records from the Internal Revenue Service showed a far more modest payroll, with N2N’s employee wages dropping to $0 at the end of last year. The bank declined to make the loan.Mr. Shah’s loan application claimed that N2N had 10 employees and an average monthly payroll of $176,455, according to a criminal complaint filed against him in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. But it raised alarms at the bank — not named in the complaint — because tax records from the Internal Revenue Service showed a far more modest payroll, with N2N’s employee wages dropping to $0 at the end of last year. The bank declined to make the loan.
When federal law enforcement agents interviewed Mr. Shah last month, he acknowledged that there were “errors” in his documentation, the complaint said. He is charged with bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. Mr. Shah did not immediately respond to request for comment.When federal law enforcement agents interviewed Mr. Shah last month, he acknowledged that there were “errors” in his documentation, the complaint said. He is charged with bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. Mr. Shah did not immediately respond to request for comment.
Lawmakers and government officials have said they will seek out and prosecute those trying to bilk the loan program, a rushed and often chaotic effort to distribute $660 billion to needy small companies devastated by coronavirus shutdowns. Last month, two New England men were arrested and charged with using false documents to seek loans totaling more than half a million dollars.Lawmakers and government officials have said they will seek out and prosecute those trying to bilk the loan program, a rushed and often chaotic effort to distribute $660 billion to needy small companies devastated by coronavirus shutdowns. Last month, two New England men were arrested and charged with using false documents to seek loans totaling more than half a million dollars.
As restaurants around the country look to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic, outdoor seating is becoming a survival option, and local governments are helping by cutting red tape.As restaurants around the country look to reopen during the coronavirus pandemic, outdoor seating is becoming a survival option, and local governments are helping by cutting red tape.
With the spread of the coronavirus still a danger, many states are requiring that restaurants reduce their capacity to 25 to 50 percent of normal operations to ensure there is at least six feet between tables. Some, like New Jersey, are prohibiting indoor dining altogether for the time being.With the spread of the coronavirus still a danger, many states are requiring that restaurants reduce their capacity to 25 to 50 percent of normal operations to ensure there is at least six feet between tables. Some, like New Jersey, are prohibiting indoor dining altogether for the time being.
However, local officials are trying to give at least some of that capacity back by allowing eating establishments to expand onto patios and parking lots, and even city sidewalks and streets. And they are reducing or waiving fees and quickly approving plans that previously may have taken months to process.However, local officials are trying to give at least some of that capacity back by allowing eating establishments to expand onto patios and parking lots, and even city sidewalks and streets. And they are reducing or waiving fees and quickly approving plans that previously may have taken months to process.
The effort appears to be paying off. OpenTable, a provider of online restaurant reservations, has counted a tenfold increase in outdoor seating this spring compared with a year ago.The effort appears to be paying off. OpenTable, a provider of online restaurant reservations, has counted a tenfold increase in outdoor seating this spring compared with a year ago.
J.C. Penney, the 118-year-old department store chain that filed for bankruptcy last month, started store-closing sales at 136 locations on Wednesday. The company, which said earlier this month that it would shut 154 stores, said online that “a handful of previously announced store closing locations remain on hold pending further review.” J.C. Penney, which listed the liquidating stores online, previously said the closing sales would take 10 to 16 weeks to complete.J.C. Penney, the 118-year-old department store chain that filed for bankruptcy last month, started store-closing sales at 136 locations on Wednesday. The company, which said earlier this month that it would shut 154 stores, said online that “a handful of previously announced store closing locations remain on hold pending further review.” J.C. Penney, which listed the liquidating stores online, previously said the closing sales would take 10 to 16 weeks to complete.
Cinemark, the nation’s third-largest movie theater chain, said on Wednesday that it would reopen three cinemas in the Dallas area on Friday as a test. The majority of the company’s United States locations will begin showing films again between July 3 and July 17, ahead of the first major release from Hollywood since March, “Mulan,” which is scheduled for July 24. As it tests its coronavirus safety protocols — staggered seating, limited capacity, seat wipes available for customer use, no cash payments at the concession counter — Cinemark will show movies like “Goonies” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” at discounted prices. Attendees will not be required to wear face masks, except in areas where government health officials have mandated it.Cinemark, the nation’s third-largest movie theater chain, said on Wednesday that it would reopen three cinemas in the Dallas area on Friday as a test. The majority of the company’s United States locations will begin showing films again between July 3 and July 17, ahead of the first major release from Hollywood since March, “Mulan,” which is scheduled for July 24. As it tests its coronavirus safety protocols — staggered seating, limited capacity, seat wipes available for customer use, no cash payments at the concession counter — Cinemark will show movies like “Goonies” and “Raiders of the Lost Ark” at discounted prices. Attendees will not be required to wear face masks, except in areas where government health officials have mandated it.
Jerome H. Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, told lawmakers on Tuesday that the path to economic recovery remained uncertain and warned that a prolonged downturn could widen existing inequalities. “Low-income households have experienced, by far, the sharpest drop in employment, while job losses of African-Americans, Hispanics and women have been greater than that of other groups,” he said.Jerome H. Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, told lawmakers on Tuesday that the path to economic recovery remained uncertain and warned that a prolonged downturn could widen existing inequalities. “Low-income households have experienced, by far, the sharpest drop in employment, while job losses of African-Americans, Hispanics and women have been greater than that of other groups,” he said.
Reporting was contributed by Sapna Maheshwari, Brooks Barnes, Erin Griffith, Jack Ewing, Mohammed Hadi, Stacy Cowley, Jane Margolies and Kevin Granville. Reporting was contributed by Sapna Maheshwari, Brooks Barnes, Sarah Butrymowicz, Meredith Kolodner, Erin Griffith, Jack Ewing, Mohammed Hadi, Stacy Cowley, Jane Margolies and Kevin Granville.