Color Of Money

By Paul Wiseman  ASSOCIATED PRESS  WASHINGTON — The number of Americans applying for unemployment benefits rose for the first time in five weeks even though the economy and job market have been recovering briskly from the coronavirus pandemic. Jobless claims edged up by 4,000 to 353,000 from a pandemic low 349,000 a week earlier, the…

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By Jeff Rowe ASSOCIATED PRESS  “Dirty Work: Essential Jobs and the Hidden Toll of Inequality in America,” by Eyal Press (Farrar, Straus and Giroux) In “Dirty Work,” flying military drones, patrolling a prison, and processing meat emerge as morally suspect occupations that not only carry outsized emotional challenges, but the work disproportionately falls to people…

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BPT The second half of summer brings a welcomed sense of familiarity for families across the country as back-to-school season approaches, and enthusiasm is particularly strong after more than a year of uncertainty upended the education system as we know it. While a widespread return-to-campus is a particularly exciting time at the college level, some…

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By Teresa M. Lundy As a business owner, you always need to be looking for opportunities to grow. Growth requires new customers or more business from existing customers. Access to capital, programs to support business owners, and continued education are all critical. These are important issues to consider when operating a business and putting yourself…

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BPT If you’re thinking about refinancing your mortgage, there’s often a lot to consider. For instance, your decision to refinance may rely on current interest rates or your personal financial situation. Your credit score also plays a role in the mortgage refinancing process. While it can certainly factor into your ability to refinance, the relationship…

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FAMILY FEATURES The spotlight on inequality is driving increased dialogue and inspiring change on social and cultural levels, and the same is true of the business community. According to the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, just 18% of businesses in the U.S. are minority-owned, even though minorities make up almost 40% of…

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By Teresa M. Lundy As a business owner for the past six years, I know how important it is to get your name out there and reach your target market. Marketing is the fuel that drives customers to your business. Here are a few ways to increase the visibility of your business: Refresh your website…

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ABOVE PHOTO: Crystal E. Ashby  (Photo courtesy: Crystal Ashby) Independence Health Group (Independence) announces that Crystal E. Ashby has been appointed executive vice president and chief people officer. In this role, she will lead the company’s Human Resources division following the retirement of Jeanie Heffernan as executive vice president and chief human resources officer at…

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BPT There’s a lot to love about summer. At the same time, the season can run up your electric bill fast, especially for Americans living in places where summer temperatures are reaching record highs. According to recent reports, states like Washington and Oregon have seen recording-breaking temperatures this summer — just recently, Salem, Oregon, reached…

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BPT Many people have reexamined their finances since the pandemic. While some are itching to dine out and travel again, others are looking to invest in their future. According to a recent survey, Americans’ top financial goals include boosting their savings, planning for retirement and paying off debt. To reach these and other goals, people…

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