Business

Applications for state U.S. unemployment benefits decreased last week following an unexpected jump, indicating the labor market’s gradual recovery is back on track as COVID-19 infections ease from a surge in the prior two months.

One of the strongest hurricanes ever to strike the U.S. pounded the Gulf Coast on Aug. 27, shearing off roofs and killing at least four people, as Laura barreled across Louisiana and maintained ferocious strength while carving a destructive path hundreds of miles inland.

Three of the world’s richest people have achieved staggering new levels of personal wealth, including Tesla’s Elon Musk.

The nation’s ports are seeing some improvement in business even as the U.S. economy continues to struggle amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Walmart Inc. has cut 230 million metric tons of greenhouse gases out of its supply chain in the past three years, putting the world’s largest retailer on track to achieve its 2030 emissions goal.

Wall Street’s optimistic view on Tesla Inc. further solidified Aug. 26 after a Jefferies analyst more than doubled his price target on the stock, saying the company will continue to broaden its competitive edge in multiple dimensions, including battery capacity and industrial efficiency.

The trucking industry could soon see a jump in contract rates if the current environment holds steady, experts said.

White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows said the Trump administration is examining executive actions to help airlines avoid employee furloughs should Congress fail to provide assistance in a new round of stimulus.

Roadrunner Transportation Systems said it consists solely of its less-than-truckload operations, having finished its multiyear restructuring plan earlier this year.

CLEVELAND — Youngstown, Ohio, trucker Geno DiFabio received prime time billing at this week’s Republican National Convention, appearing in a video Aug. 25 with Vice President Mike Pence praising President Donald Trump’s handling of the Lordstown General Motors assembly plant closure.