The Boeing Co. began turning power onto different sections of its 787 Dreamliner in a process the company intends to complete by the end of June. Spokeswoman Yvonne Leach said Boeing is on track to meet that timeline. By turning on electrical power in the 787, Boeing can verify both its electrical systems and the aircraft’s build, she said.
Local foreclosure rate remains low
The number of home foreclosures in Snohomish County during May was down from a year ago, according to RealtyTrac. Last month, one out of every 936 households in the county received a foreclosure notice, compared to one in every 483 households nationally. That local rate was up nearly 13 percent from April, but down 10 percent from May 2007.
Retail sales take a surprising jump
The stimulus checks are working. The Commerce Department reported Thursday that retail sales soared 1 percent last month, double what had been expected. The report showed that general merchandise stores, which include department stores and discount stores such as Wal-Mart, saw sales rise by 1.2 percent, the best showing since March 2007. Sales were also strong at stores selling appliances and electronics, building materials and sporting goods.
House OKs extra jobless benefits
The House on Thursday approved an extra three months of jobless benefits for all unemployed Americans, knowing the plan’s chances are slight in the Senate and almost nonexistent at the White House. After failing to get a veto-proof two-thirds margin, Democrats said they pushed the legislation through to the Senate anyway, on a 274-137 vote, because Americans need help.
Anheuser-Busch takeover criticized
Belgian brewer InBev is offering a big payday to shareholders of Anheuser-Busch Cos. Inc., but its bid to create the world’s largest beer company faces criticism. InBev, whose brands include Beck’s, delivered an unsolicited bid of $46 billion, or $65 a share, for Anheuser-Busch, which makes Budweiser, Michelob and Bud Light. But politicians say the deal could cost U.S. jobs.
Exxon Mobil selling off service stations
Exxon Mobil Corp. said it’s getting out of the retail gasoline business, following other major oil companies who’ve sold low-margin stations to fuel distributors. Motorists, however, will continue to see Exxon’s Tiger-themed stations and Mobil outlets in their neighborhoods. Distributors already own about 75 percent of Exxon Mobil’s approximately 12,000 U.S. stations.
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