ECONOMICS NEWS

Workers' strike at one of the largest US meatpacking plants will continue for a 3rd week
Thousands of striking workers at one of the nation’s largest meatpacking plants are extending their walkout to a third week

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Mar 27 2026

Yahoo turns to AI-powered answer engine Scout to lead it back to its roots in online search
Internet trailblazer Yahoo is exploring technology’s next frontier with Scout, an answer engine powered by artificial intelligence

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Mar 27 2026

Amazon buys Fauna Robotics, maker of the Sprout humanoid robot
Amazon has acquired Fauna Robotics, just under two months after the startup introduced a humanoid robot called Sprout designed for social spaces like homes and schools

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Mar 27 2026

Ontario's Heintzelman's Barbecue Pit to close April 4
Their owners cite utility and food costs are the main reasons behind this decision.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Friday, Mar 27 2026

Report: California women making earnings gains in workforce, but improvements needed
Women in California earn about 63 cents for every dollar earned by white men, according to the report.

Source: City News Service
Friday, Mar 27 2026

Onondaga County used unlicensed medical provider in jails, three people died, AG’s office says
From 2020 to 2022, the county used an Alabama-based company that was not licensed to practice medicine in New York.

Source: Emily Kenny
Friday, Mar 27 2026

Cuba's president expresses concern over 2 missing aid sailboats headed to island
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has expressed concern for two missing sailboats carrying nine people that were bound for Cuba with humanitarian aid

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Mar 27 2026

Durham small business deals with new USPS surcharge
The new fee will raise costs for services like Priority Mail, Priority Mail Express, USPS Ground Advantage and Parcel Select.

Source: Jatrissa Wooten
Friday, Mar 27 2026

New LA grants help small businesses hurt by ICE raids
Small businesses in Los Angeles say ongoing immigration enforcement operations are driving customers away

Source: Ryan Thompson
Friday, Mar 27 2026

Cedarville University highlights graduates' success
The First Destination Survey found 98.36% of 2025 graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation

Source: Madison MacArthur
Friday, Mar 27 2026

Women find support and success in business ventures after divorce
Kierra Anderson and Krystin Rogers partnered and put Rogers' childrenswear into Anderson's kids spa to grow their businesses and friendship.

Source: Julie Gargotta
Friday, Mar 27 2026

U.S. Treasury plans to put Trump's signature on new paper currency in first for sitting president
Traditionally, U.S. paper currency carries the signatures of the Treasury Secretary and the Treasurer, not the president.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Mar 27 2026

SDF bets $1B in upgrades will keep travelers flying from Louisville
Two $45 million projects will expand the security checkpoint and upgrade concourses.

Source: D'Quan Lee
Friday, Mar 27 2026

In the wake of US social media verdicts, a look at what limits other countries have imposed for kids
Dual jury verdicts this week have validated longstanding concerns about the dangers of social media for young people

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Mar 27 2026

A nonprofit in France is fighting fast-fashion waste, one sneaker at a time
Hundreds of used sneakers arrive each week at a workshop east of Paris, where workers inspect them for resale, redistribution or rejection

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Mar 27 2026

Businesses connect during storm outage 
Small businesses find lifeline in community after outage

Source: Saima Khan
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Uber presents its case for auto insurance reform in New York
New York does indeed have some of the highest insurance premium costs in the nation.

Source: Susan Arbetter
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Better Home & Finance, Coinbase to offer mortgage backed by cryptocurrencies
Prospective homebuyers who have invested in certain cryptocurrencies will be able to use their holdings as collateral to fund their down payment on a home as part of a new mortgage offering

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Wall Street has its worst day since the war with Iran started and crude oil prices rise
The S&P 500 fell 1.7% Thursday.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Verdicts against Meta, YouTube validate concerns long raised by parents, child safety advocates
It’s too soon to tell if this week’s jury decisions will lead to fundamental changes in how social media treats its young users

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Driving services in Sarasota County watching gas prices, weighing decisions
According to AAA, Sarasota’s average gas price sits at $3.86, a significant increase from last month when prices were under $3.

Source: Claire Alfree
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Gig workers across California call for more regulations around robotaxis
Uber and Lyft drivers from the California Gig Workers Union rallied this week.

Source: Tara Lynn Wagner
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

EU targets Snapchat over child safety and accuses porn sites of failing to block minors
EU regulators are investigating Snapchat over fears it's not doing enough to protect children from online harm

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Gelson’s plans to rebuild Pacific Palisades store after fire
New signage posted outside the property reads, "The Palisades is home to us. We're proud to be a part of this community."

Source: City News Service
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Pasadena's 'Dodger mom' and bakery owner details her love for team
While the bakery is a Pasadena staple, it is also synonymous with Dodgers fans.

Source: Taylor Schaub
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Gov. Beshear unveils $1.76B nuclear fuel project in Paducah
The project is the largest private investment ever in western Kentucky, according to the governor's office.

Source: Connor N. Smith
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Owner bemoans endangered downtown donkey
Jorge the stuffed burro who has been a fixture on Olvera Street for years, is facing eviction along with his owner, Richard Hernandez.

Source: City News Service
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Nob Hill tenants say code enforcement issues continue despite fatal fire
About a month after a fire killed two people, tenants of Nob Hill Apartments say the issues still haven't been resolved.

Source: Emily Kenny
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Farmers say recent cold snaps in N.C. could raise costs for consumers
Wild temperature swings are damaging crops and livestock feed, forcing farmers to spend more and potentially pass those costs on to shoppers.

Source: Arin Cotel-Altman
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Average U.S. long-term mortgage rate leaps to 6.38%, the highest level in more than 6 months
The last time the average rate was higher was Sept. 4, when it was at 6.5%.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Elon Musk's The Boring Company eyes Dallas tunnel project for development
The future of public transit across Dallas could soon be taken underground.

Source: Nicolette Perdomo
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Public Espresso + Coffee to cease operations, close on April 4
This impacts their locations on Elmwood Avenue, Seneca Street and inside the Lafayette Hotel, a location they called home for 13 years.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

US filings for jobless aid tick up last week to 210,000 but remain at historically healthy levels
The number of Americans applying for jobless aid inched up last week as employers continue to retain workers despite a labor market that has weakened considerably in the past year

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Women’s Equal Pay Day highlights challenges women face to build wealth
Women’s Equal Pay Day highlights how far into the year women must work to match what men earned the year before.

Source: Aliah Keller
Thursday, Mar 26 2026

Polk County restaurants react to new restriction amid water shortage
The restrictions will be in place from April 3 through July 1.

Source: Alexis Jones
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Jury finds Instagram and YouTube liable in a landmark social media addiction trial
A jury has found Meta and YouTube liable in a first-of-its-kind lawsuit that aimed to hold social media platforms responsible for harm to children using their services

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Jury finds Meta and YouTube liable in landmark social media addiction trial
The plaintiff testified at trial that she became addicted to social media as a child and that this addiction exacerbated her mental health struggles.

Source: Nathalie Basha, Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Wisconsin farmers face uncertain economic picture in early 2026
Soft prices and some higher input costs create mixed outlook for Wisconsin farmers.

Source: Nathan Phelps
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Mamdani names pick to lead new Office of Street Vendor Services
Carina Kaufman-Gutierrez previously served as co-director of the Street Vendor Project.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

TSA officers share how they're scraping by without pay
Tens of thousands Transportation Security Administration officers are set to receive another $0 paycheck this week

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Maine’s first Aldi opening in Portland on Thursday
The Portland store is one of more than 180 stores that the chain is opening this year.

Source: Jules Walkup
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

One of the largest salt mines in the world exists under Lake Erie
The Whiskey Island salt mine in Cleveland is critically important to providing enough road salt to keep streets safe during the harsh winters of the Northeast and Great Lakes states

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

2026 sports events in Cleveland expected to generate over $95M in economic impact
The lineup includes 20 major sporting events, which include youth, collegiate and professional levels.

Source: Lydia Taylor
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

OpenAI pulls the plug on Sora, the viral AI video app that sparked deepfake concerns
OpenAI said in a brief social media message Tuesday that it was "saying goodbye to the Sora app."

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Be Well: Medicaid 'spend down' strategy can cover high long-term care costs. But do not go it alone
Many older Americans end up relying on Medicaid for long-term care because Medicare rarely covers daily help like bathing or eating

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Pop Mart shares sink despite revenue surge, as analysts say Labubu reliance worries investors
Labubu doll maker Pop Mart’s shares have plunged nearly 23% despite robust revenue, with analysts pointing to investor concerns over the company’s ability to grow beyond its heavy reliance on Labubu-related income

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Merck buying Terns in $6.7B deal to bolster its cancer portfolio before key Keytruda patent expires
Merck is buying oncology company Terns Pharmaceuticals in a deal valued at approximately $6.7 billion as the pharmaceutical giant works on beefing up its cancer portfolio before a key patent on its cancer drug Keytruda expires in two years

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Why some students are choosing alternative pathways over 4-year degrees
More students are going to college, which could be attributed to a weak labor market.

Source: Maryssa Rillo
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

The seafood industry bets Americans will finally eat more fish if it looks more like meat
Will Americans finally eat more seafood if it looks more like meat

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Netflix swings into MLB with Yankees-Giants opening night, betting on 3 marquee events
The opener is part of a three-event package for Netflix that also includes the Home Run Derby and Field of Dreams game.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

New Mexico jury says Meta harms children's mental health and safety, violating state law
The jury announced its verdict Tuesday after nearly seven weeks of trial.

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

The better family SUV. Edmunds compares the Ford Explorer and Nissan Pathfinder
For families who need three rows, usable cargo space, and enough capability for a weekend adventure, the midsize SUV remains the default answer

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

Kenya’s flower industry loses millions of dollars weekly due to the Iran war
Kenya’s flower industry is losing up to $1.4 million a week as the Iran war cuts demand and disrupts shipping

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Mar 25 2026

N.Y. lawmakers once again make push to allow selling wine in grocery stores
The state’s more than 3,500 wine and spirits package stores are passionately against these proposals.

Source: Susan Arbetter
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

OpenAI pulls the plug on Sora, the viral AI video app that sparked deepfake concerns
OpenAI is shutting down its social media app Sora, which went viral last fall as a place to share short-form videos generated by artificial intelligence but also raised alarms in Hollywood and elsewhere

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

'It's not sustainable': Wisconsin farmers worry about rising fertilizer, fuel prices ahead of growing season
The war in Iran has lead to sharp increases in fuel and fertilizer prices worldwide.

Source: Blake Dietz
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

Dover nursery feeling the impacts on fertilizer prices increasing
Experts say the conflict in the Middle East can shake global fertilizer markets, especially when shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is disrupted.

Source: Lizbeth Gutierrez
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

Sarasota's Siesta Inn staying open year round thanks to spring break travelers
While spring break is only a short season, the profits it provides keeps businesses like the Siesta Inn open all year round.

Source: Claire Alfree
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

City of Austin launches hub to financially support small business owners
A new funding resource for small business owners has been announced by the City of Austin.

Source: Laurel Pinchback
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

Epic Games lays off more than 1,000 amid slowing Fortnite engagement
Fortnite publisher Epic Games said Tuesday it is laying off 1,000 employees to save money as it grapples with industry-wide and company-specific challenges

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

U.S. stocks swing between losses and gains on uncertainty about how long the war with Iran will last
Airstrikes battered Iran's capital and Iranian missiles and drones targeted Israel's Tel Aviv and sites across the Mideast on Tuesday.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

Anthropic and Pentagon head to court as AI firm seeks end to 'stigmatizing' supply chain risk label
Anthropic also seeks to undo the order directing all federal employees, not just those in the military, to stop using its AI chatbot Claude.

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

Intoxicating hemp ban in effect in Ohio — what you won't see on shelves anymore
The division explained that many of these products were untested and sold outside of Ohio's regulated cannabis market.

Source: Lydia Taylor
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

Harley-Davidson makes global workforce layoffs
A company spokesperson did not share the number of people that were affected.

Source: Rachel Ryan
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

Before Trump axed clean energy sector, report shows it was a boon for jobs in Maine
The state’s clean energy economy contributed $3 billion in 2024, making up roughly 3% of Maine’s total output.

Source: Kaitlyn Budion
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

Florida gas prices increase more than $1 in three weeks as drivers adjust spending
Drivers say they’re already changing how they travel and spend.

Source: Bryanna Howard
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

BIW strike comes weeks after Defense Secretary Hegseth touted need to boost defense manufacturing at shipyard
Hundreds go on strike at major Navy shipbuilder in Maine over wages and benefits.

Source: Patrick Whittle
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

AEP Ohio announces partnership to bring electric infrastructure to Appalachian Ohio
SB Energy said it will pay for the $4.2 billion in new transmission investments to help avoid an increase in transmission rates for Ohio residents.

Source: Lydia Taylor
Tuesday, Mar 24 2026

Jury begins deliberations in landmark New Mexico trial over children's safety risks on Meta
Jury deliberations have begun in a landmark trial where New Mexico prosecutors are accusing social media conglomerate Meta of misleading people about the safety of its platforms for children

Source: Associated Press
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Cheapest gas prices in Central Florida
With each gallon draining your wallet, cheaper is better. Here are the lowest-priced stations in the Orlando area.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Daytona Beach visitors and businesses react to busy Spring Break season
Between Friday and Saturday, Volusia Sheriff's Office deputies made at least 60 arrests after a curfew and special event zone took effect

Source: Devin Martin
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Sanford Marina rebuild faces funding gap years after Hurricane Ian destruction
The $18 million project aims to rebuild Sanford’s downtown marina after Hurricane Ian.

Source: Randy Rauch
Monday, Mar 23 2026

New tariff dispute leaves Kentucky small businesses in limbo
The U.S. Supreme Court struck down the president's sweeping tariffs imposed in 2025; however, new 10% global tariffs have sparked more uncertainty.

Source: Khyati Patel
Monday, Mar 23 2026

As markets drop, local retirees feel hard impact of Iran conflict
The S&P 500 has dropped more than 6% from its early February high.

Source: Ryan Thompson
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Musk announces plans for 'largest chip manufacturing facility ever'
Musk announced the plans for the Terafab project during a livestream on Saturday.

Source: Katharine Finnerty
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Hundreds of Bath Iron Works employees strike, demand higher wages
Workers say the company’s proposed cost-of-living increases will not cover rising costs of health care.

Source: Sean Murphy
Monday, Mar 23 2026

USDA policies threaten funding for farmers, wildfire prevention and more, N.Y. AG James argues
Attorney General Letitia James sued the Trump administration on Monday to block funding conditions set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Source: Emily Kenny
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Abbott finalizes purchase of Madison-based Exact Sciences
It had been announced last November that Abbott would acquire the company.

Source: Rachel Ryan
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Impact of Ohio's intoxicating hemp ban on farmers, dispensaries
The new Ohio law bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products

Source: Rose Todd
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Tully's Good Times to open new location in town of Greece
The Syracuse-based business already has a location in Henrietta. This would be the second location in the region.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Mar 23 2026

'Food Truck Rodeo' returns for fourth year in Cleveland
The event begins on Tuesday, March 24 and runs through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day on East Mall Drive.

Source: Madison MacArthur
Monday, Mar 23 2026

National average gas price could climb above $4 this week
As of Monday morning, the national average price is $3.96 — about a dollar more than a month ago.

Source: Susan Carpenter
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Now Hiring: Schneider National seeks people to keep its fleet on the road
There are expected to be about 27,000 open jobs each year for diesel techs nationwide over the next decade.

Source: Nathan Phelps
Monday, Mar 23 2026

Concerns over resources driving data center debate
Data centers use large amounts of electricity and water

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Mar 22 2026

CareerSource Central Florida partners with Rosen Hotels & Resorts for hands-on student lessons
CareerSource Central Florida is introducing high school students to hospitality and tourism careers with visits to companies.

Source: Keith Landry
Sunday, Mar 22 2026

Data centers poised to proliferate in Florida
Centers set to support AI companies

Source: Allison Walker
Sunday, Mar 22 2026

'That always hurts': Wisconsin businesses hoping for bounce back after winter storm closures
The historic winter storm forced many businesses across the state to close for days.

Source: Blake Dietz
Sunday, Mar 22 2026

Nonprofits, unions and airports rally to feed TSA officers as shutdown drags
Nonprofits and airport communities across the country are feeding Transportation Security Administration officers who keep working without full pay during the partial government shutdown

Source: Associated Press
Saturday, Mar 21 2026

Tens of thousands of protesters rally in Prague against new government of Czech prime minister Babiš
A major protest in Prague has targeted Prime Minister Andrej Babiš who the protesters say threatens democracy in the Czech Republic

Source: Associated Press
Saturday, Mar 21 2026

Austin soul food staple Hoover’s Cooking to close after nearly 30 years
While the Manor Road soul food spot is ending its sit down dining service, it will still book private events through the summer.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Saturday, Mar 21 2026

Women business owners in Orlando find support through networking and mentorship
Learn how Sandra Shorter and other women entrepreneurs in Orlando leverage community connections.

Source: Bryanna Howard
Saturday, Mar 21 2026

$560M expansion coming to Orange County Convention Center: Here's what's changing
The multi-million dollar project is funded through the Orange County Tourist Development Tax.

Source: Emma Delamo
Saturday, Mar 21 2026

Cary video game studio says it plans to lay off over 100 workers
Red Storm Entertainment, co-founded by novelist Tom Clancy, says it will stop producing video games.

Source: Michael White
Saturday, Mar 21 2026

Texas Jobs Council aims to fill labor shortage in the trades
The council will advise the governor’s office and the Texas Legislature on their employment needs, which will help Texans on the job hunt.

Source: Lily Celeste
Saturday, Mar 21 2026

Jury finds Elon Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase, absolves him of some fraud claims
Jurors were asked to decide if two tweets and comments Musk made on a podcast in 2022 amounted to him intentionally defrauding Twitter shareholders.

Source: Associated Press
Saturday, Mar 21 2026

Jury finds Elon Musk misled investors during Twitter purchase, absolves him of some fraud claims
A jury has found Elon Musk liable for defrauding investors by deliberately driving down Twitter’s stock price in the tumultuous months leading up to his 2022 acquisition of the social media company for $44 billion

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Mar 20 2026

School, city leaders in Burlington navigate diesel spikes
According to AAA, the price of diesel is up 47% across the state compared to a month ago.

Source: Sasha Strong
Friday, Mar 20 2026

Rising gas prices impact Plant City palm tree nursery
Gas price increase impacting local Palm nursery

Source: Lizbeth Gutierrez
Friday, Mar 20 2026

Airports using private contractors, like Orlando Sanford International, don't face staffing issues
20 airports across the country have private contractors that provide security screening instead of federal workers.

Source: Sarah Winkelmann
Friday, Mar 20 2026

SBA disaster loans available for Florida businesses impacted by cold snap
The SBA is giving applicants until Nov. 4 to apply.

Source: Fadia Patterson
Friday, Mar 20 2026