July jobs report, stimulus negotiations, sales tax holidays: 5 things to know Friday

Editors, USA TODAY
Published 4:08 a.m. ET Aug. 7, 2020 | Updated 8:34 a.m. ET Aug. 7, 2020CLOSEEconomists expect 1.5 million job gains in July labor reportAfter two months of record job gains, the July employment tally has become something of a wild card. Out Friday, economists surveyed by Bloomberg estimate the nation added 1.5 million jobs last month. While some economists foresee the possibility of hundreds of thousands of payroll losses, others predict that total employment will be unchanged. The wide disparity reflects a labor market at a crossroads as some states continue to allow businesses to reopen in phases while others, particularly in the South and West, pause or reverse reopening plans amid coronavirus spikes. Layoffs:1.2M workers file for unemployment amid COVID-19 spikes, pushing total in crisis above 55MThe impact will linger: Beyond job losses, Americans face many types of coronavirus financial fallout’Insulin or groceries’: How reduced unemployment affects struggling Americans from California to MississippiCLOSE

The coronavirus (COVID-19) is impacting the global economy and raising fears of a recession. What causes a recession and what are the signs?

USA TODAYPrefer to listen? Check out the 5 things podcast below and subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts:Dems, White House seek agreement by end of week on COVID-19 packageCongressional leaders (House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.,) and lead White House negotiators (Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and White House chief of staff Mark Meadows) have pushed for a compromise on another coronavirus relief package by the end of the week and still hope to reach a deal. But negotiations tumbled into uncertainty Thursday evening with both sides painting a grim picture, even as millions of anxious Americans wait for vital financial relief. After the 10th meeting, both sides reported progress but also described a bleak portrait of the discussions that may stunt future meetings. Republicans and Democrats remain far apart on many issues, most notably the weekly $600 boost to people on unemployment. Democrats want to extend it until at least January, but Republicans argue it is too high and disincentives Americans from going back to work.  $1,200 checks? Money for schools? Breaking down what Republicans and Democrats want in the coronavirus planWill the president step in?Trump weighs executive action as negotiations progress on next stimulus packageAn interactive look: 24 million Americans fear missing next rent payment as benefits dry upCLOSE

Talks on vital COVID-19 rescue money are close to collapse after a meeting in the Capitol generated lots of recriminations but little progress. White House officials say President Trump could take executive action if a deal isn’t reached. (Aug. 7)

AP DomesticMillions of unemployed Americans are currently stuck in a financial limbo after a $600 weekly enhanced unemployment benefit expired last week. Republicans and Democrats remain far apart on many issues at the heart of the next package, one of the biggest being the $600 boost to unemployment. Democrats want to extend it until at least January, but Republicans argue it is too high and disincentives Americans from going back to work. Progress has been slow with disagreements “running into the trillions,” said Mark Meadows, White House chief of staff. Nisha wrote, AC editedLos Angeles to shut off power, water to party houses not social distancingThe city of Los Angeles will cut off power and water to homes and businesses starting Friday night where recurring parties take place without social distancing, Mayor Eric Garcetti said. Earlier this week the county health department banned large gatherings following a much-publicized house party where people crowded together without masks. Violating the order is “punishable by fine, imprisonment, or both,” the department warned. “If LAPD responds and verifies that a large gathering is occurring at a property, and we see these properties offending time and time again, they will provide notice and initiate the process to request that DWP shut off service within the next 48 hours,” Garcetti said. Police party: Los Angeles police officers attended private party inside bar despite statewide shutdownCoronavirus updates:California has undercounted COVID-19 cases, state health official saysIn California newsletter:Young adults party hard in LA and drive COVID-19 surgeCLOSE

Boutique gym owners are asking to see scientific evidence for keeping their doors closed amid the coronavirus pandemic. Some owners say they can operate safely indoors with COVID safety protocols, like wearing masks and social distancing. (Aug. 3)

AP Domestic9 states participate in sales tax holidays beginning FridayNine states will hold sales tax holidays starting Friday — Florida, Iowa, Missouri, New Mexico, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Iowa’s two-day holiday ends Saturday and the other states holidays continue through Sunday. On Sunday, Maryland kicks off its tax-free week. However, not every town and county will participate in the sales tax holidays, nor will every item be tax-free. Due to uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, spending during the back-to-school shopping season is expected to total $33.9 billion. This is up from $26.2 billion last year, breaking the record of $30.3 billion set in 2012. Experts predict college students and their families will spend a total of $67.7 billion, up from $54.5 billion last year. Back to school:Coronavirus pandemic reshapes and reduces back-to-school spendingBack-to-school deals:The 15 best bargains to snag before fallNeed Clorox wipes?Disinfecting wipes shortage could last into 2021 amid coronavirus pandemicCLOSE

Consumers are scared to go out and retailers are floundering. Is there a future for the traditional indoor shopping mall?

WochitLady Gaga, talk-show host? ‘Gaga Radio’ debutsLady Gaga will chat with folks involved in creating her “Chromatica” album in a new weekly series debuting Friday on Apple Music called “Gaga Radio.” Each episode will have an exclusive DJ mix from one of Gaga’s guests, who include DJs, producers and other luminaries in the dance-music space. “The last few weeks I’ve been figuring out different ways at home that I can be of service… ” Gaga said in a statement. “I’m super thrilled, excited to have this show and this opportunity to play an incredible mix of music every week.” The first episode Friday features “Chromatica” executive producer BloodPop, and Gaga tweeted that in future weeks, show guests will include mixes from Burns, Vitaclub and Tchami.’Chromatica’ review: Lady Gaga’s euphoric dance-pop return is her best album in a decade’Please let me put some Neosporin on it!’ Ariana Grande got scratched on the eye by Lady Gaga and her reaction was very relatableLots of nominations:Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga tie for most MTV Video Music Award nodsAutoplayShow ThumbnailsShow CaptionsLast SlideNext SlideRead or Share this story: https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2020/08/07/july-jobs-report-stimulus-negotiations-gaga-radio-5-things-know-friday/3302547001/
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