Business Briefs – July 3, 2018

Iran Issues Oil Warning as UAE Says Production Can Rise

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) – Iran has issued a new warning over Mideast oil supplies. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said on Tuesday that it could increase its own production. These are the latest remarks to follow President Donald Trump’s demand for lower global energy prices from OPEC. U.S. benchmark crude is now trading around $75 a barrel.

Trump Courting Other Motorcycle Companies After Harley

WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump says the administration is in talks with motorcycle companies that want to move to the U.S. after Harley-Davidson said it will move some assembly overseas. Harley-Davidson drew Trump’s wrath after it announced the move and blamed it on tariffs imposed by the European Union to retaliate for tariffs imposed by Trump.

Need a Loan? Advice? Many Business Owners Give Staffers Help

NEW YORK (AP) – When staffers need loans or personal advice, many business owners willingly will lend money or give emotional support. These owners want a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, unlike the ambience of a big corporation. They also want staffers to feel validated and appreciated; owners are aware that employees are less likely to leave when they’re being treated well. But labor lawyers warn there can be legal consequences when a boss is generous and staffers who didn’t benefit feel discriminated against.

Report: Federal Facebook Probe Now Includes FBI, SEC

WASHINGTON (AP) – The Washington Post reports that a federal probe into Facebook’s sharing of user data with Cambridge Analytica now involves the FBI, the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Justice Department. The Post report said representatives from those agencies have joined the Federal Trade Commission in examining the actions and statements of Facebook and its executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg. It cited five unnamed people familiar with the matter. Facebook says it is cooperating.

What’s New for Amazon’s Prime Day? Deals at Whole Foods

NEW YORK (AP) – Amazon’s Prime Day deals are coming to the aisles of Whole Foods as the online retailer seeks to lure more people to its Prime membership after recently hiking up the price. This year’s sales event, which starts July 16, will be six hours longer than last year’s and offer new products that can’t yet be bought elsewhere. Amazon is hoping it can keep Prime attractive for current and would-be subscribers after raising the annual membership fee by 20 percent to $119.