ECONOMICS NEWS

Netflix to acquire Warner Bros. studio and streaming business for $72 billion
The merger, announced Friday, would bring two of the industry’s biggest players in film and TV under one roof.

Source: Tara Lynn Wagner, Associated Press
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Experts say 'buy now, pay later' purchases crossed $1B threshold on Cyber Monday
One USF economics professor is sending out a warning to Gen Zers, who he says are being targeted by these platforms

Source: Andy Cole
Friday, Dec 05 2025

New York Farm Bureau calls for state to test sewage sludge for PFAS
The organization said they will support testing of sewage sludge for PFAS, heavy metals and other toxins prior to landspreading.

Source: Emily Kenny
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Louisville Metro Council gives Churchill Downs a tax break in exchange for renovations
The agreement lets Churchill Downs borrow $1.2 billion through bonds for various projects with no cost to Louisville.

Source: Laya Gilpin
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Rising utility rates in New York have residents concerned over affordability
With National Fuel and National Grid rate hikes already approved, trying to keep the lights on is sometimes easier said than done.

Source: Viktoria Hallikaar
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Wisconsin lawmakers look to help small businesses bounce back
Some small businesses said they are hoping for a do-over day, after Small Business Saturday was a bust last weekend due to winter weather.

Source: Anthony DaBruzzi, Aly Prouty
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Fed's preferred inflation gauge stayed elevated in September as spending weakened
Prices rose 0.3% in September from August, the Commerce Department said Friday.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Kentucky attorney general cracks down on suspected illegal robocalls
The Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force — a bipartisan effort — is tracking Inteliquent, Bandwidth, Lumen and Peerless, his office said.

Source: Connor N. Smith
Friday, Dec 05 2025

SpaceX receives lawsuit over Freeport valve explosion in machine shop
A lawsuit has been filed against SpaceX and New Gen Products regarding injuries sustained from an explosion of a Freeport valve in a machine shop.

Source: Rhett Brady
Friday, Dec 05 2025

New Smyrna Beach leaders looking to make the city a golf destination
The New Smyrna Beach Golf Club was designed by famous golf architect Donald Ross.

Source: Asher Wildman
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Inglewood businesses brace for World Cup boom as 2026 tournament nears
FIFA says nearly 2 million tickets have already been sold worldwide.

Source: Taylor Schaub
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Study: Texas petrochemical expansion could impact the well-being of lower income communities
Texas is expanding its petrochemical industry, but that could impact the health of the lower income communities where the plants will be located.

Source: Rhett Brady
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Portland Museum of Art to buy MaineHealth building
The museum is looking to expand parking and offer space to art-related nonprofits.

Source: Sean Murphy
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Cloudflare says service restored after outage that brought down sites including Zoom, LinkedIn
Cloudflare said the issue had been resolved and was not due to an attack.

Source: Associated Press
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Venues for Bowl Games and Florida Classic loom as Camping World Stadium renovations begin
As renovations are set to begin at Camping World Stadium, back-up venues and local businesses prepare for Bowl Games and the Florida Classic in 2026.

Source: Brandon Spencer
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Online holiday sales surge as local malls create new ways to draw foot traffic
Online spending surged to more than $14 billion on Cyber Monday, a 7% increase over last year.

Source: Jason Lanning
Friday, Dec 05 2025

New grocery store opens in Mineral Point after 3 years without one
Owners Kassi and Brian Blanchette opened Staple and Fancy on High Street in downtown Mineral Point in October.

Source: Natalie Sopyla
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Businesses seek normalcy one month after deadly UPS crash
Many businesses are still closed while some have returned to only partial operations after the Nov. 4 crash and fire.

Source: Khyati Patel
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Local businesses hustle through the holiday season
Nationally, shoppers spent an average of $225 on gifts during Thanksgiving weekend shopping.

Source: Nathan Phelps
Friday, Dec 05 2025

Short North shops prepare for Holiday Hop crowds
Holiday Hop turns a normal Saturday at Rowe Boutique into one of their busiest days of the year.

Source: Aliah Keller
Friday, Dec 05 2025

'I was in deep shock,' former employee says after abrupt closure of K&W Cafeterias
All eight locations of the cafeteria in North Carolina closed Monday without warning.

Source: Jatrissa Wooten
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

Supply and demand: Why do groceries cost so much?
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, supply shortages are making it hard to meet consumer demand, driving up costs.

Source: Natalie Mooney
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

Anna Maria Island businesses, dealing with low tourism season, hope for holiday help
One business, "The Fudge Factory," hosts its annual candy cane making presentation — this year hoping to bring in more money.

Source: Julia Hazel
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

Funds secured to help Covington businesses during bridge construction
The funding will be distributed over the next five years. It aligns with the city’s Bridging the Gap initiative.

Source: Laya Gilpin
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

211 hotline opens to allow reports of child sex abuse by LA County workforce
The hotline comes after settlements of thousands of childhood sexual abuse claims under state law AB 218.

Source: City News Service, Spectrum News Staff
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

City of Rochester announces next steps in plan to redevelop former Vacuum Oil refinery site
According to city officials, the next phase of remediation will focus on properties next to the Genesee Riverway Trail.

Source: Keegan Trunick
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

U.S. prioritizes visas for fans traveling for the World Cup, Olympics and other events
The State Department has dispatched more than 400 additional consular officers around the world to handle the demand for visas for the World Cup.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

U.S. filings for jobless benefits fall to 191,000, lowest since September of 2022
Applications for unemployment aid are viewed as a proxy for layoffs.

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

Austin ISD asks Waymo to stop service during drop-off and pickup hours
The self-driving vehicles have been shown to sometimes drive around school buses in operation.

Source: Lauren Rangel
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

Pasadena business owner reacts to tension between Venezuela and U.S.
A local business owner is reacting to tension between Venezuela and the U.S., as President Donald Trump demands that President Nicolas Maduro leave.

Source: Lydia Pantazes
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

Russia restricts FaceTime, its latest step in controlling online communications
Russian authorities say they have imposed restrictions on Apple's video calling service FaceTime, alleging it was being used for organizing what it called “terrorist activities.”

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

US stocks hold near records as company profit reports come in mixed
Stocks are holding near their records on Wall Street following mixed profit reports from companies, as Dollar General and Salesforce climb but Kroger falls

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

How to find Spotify Wrapped, YouTube Recap and more as 2025 comes to a close
The end of 2025 is near

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

Businesses close in The Flats in downtown Cleveland
Inferno and Rum Runners announced they're closing permanently due to the economy.

Source: Lydia Taylor
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

US filings for jobless benefits fall to 191,000, lowest since September of 2022
U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in more than three years last week, potentially complicating the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on interest rates

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

Longtime Lexington industrial site becomes mixed-use housing
Work is underway for the Railyard at 1006 Delaware Ave. Site construction is expected to be complete in a year.

Source: Sabriel Metcalf
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

UK and Norway will mount joint naval patrols to protect undersea cables and hunt Russian submarines
Britain and Norway have announced joint naval patrols to protect undersea cables from Russia

Source: Associated Press
Thursday, Dec 04 2025

USC report: SoCal rents expected to keep rising over next 2 years
The forecast noted that rent rose by just 0.5% in Los Angeles County this year, settling at an average of $2,336 as of October.

Source: City News Service
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Hoarding of pennies in jars adding to nationwide shortage
Some businesses are struggling to find pennies for customers who prefer to deal in cash.

Source: Jamie Kennedy
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Local businesses, volunteers work to keep Wisconsinites warm during cold snaps
One Madison nonprofit made sure its heat held up when it mattered most.

Source: Kathryn Larson
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

OpenAI awards $40.5M to a wide range of nonprofits under new foundation structure
OpenAI has awarded $40.5 million to more than 200 nonprofits in the first round of grants it has made since it rebranded its nonprofit as the OpenAI Foundation in October

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

New UCLA forecast signals economic softening ahead for California
The latest UCLA Anderson Forecast shows the state has lost more than 21,000 jobs this year, pushing California’s unemployment rate to 5.5%.

Source: Taylor Schaub
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Wall Street pulls near its all-time high
U.S. stocks rose near their record levels

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Americans gave $4B on GivingTuesday 2025 as donations and volunteering gain big over last year
Americans gave $4 billion to nonprofits on GivingTuesday in 2025, an increase from the $3.6 billion they gave in 2024

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Rep. Anna Paulina Luna follows through on discharge petition to force vote on Congress stock trading ban
The move marks a significant development on an issue that has long lingered around Capitol Hill, but the petition needs 218 signatures.

Source: Maddie Gannon
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Campaign pushes shopping at East Charlotte businesses in wake of Border Patrol sweep
The Fuerza del Este campaign is going on through December.

Source: Chloe Salsameda
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

UPS put profits over safety before plane crash that killed 14, lawyer alleges
A lawyer who filed two wrongful death lawsuits over a fiery UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky says the company put profits over safety by continuing to fly older planes

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Portland partnership to focus on making a sustainable waterfront
The city plans to use the Gulf of Maine Research Institute as a resource on future sustainability initiatives.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Port Canaveral edges out Miami to become world's busiest cruise port
Port Canaveral officials say more than 8.6 million passengers moved through the port in fiscal year 2025, compared to Port of Miami's 8.56 million.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Instacart sues NYC to overturn minimum wage for grocery delivery workers
Laws passed by the City Council over the summer provide protections and establish a minimum pay rate for app-based grocery delivery workers.

Source: Erica Brosnan, Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

PSTA approves latest step in bringing back rebranded 'Tampa Bay Ferry' service
The latest step in the return of the ferry service connecting downtown St. Petersburg and Downtown Tampa has happened.

Source: Angie Angers
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Two more New York towns take action against the spreading of biosolids
These two local laws add to the patchwork of other municipalities across the state that have adopted resolutions against sewage sludge on farmlands.

Source: Emily Kenny
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Texas comptroller removes women, minorities from program for historically underserved businesses
A program designed to help women and minority-owned businesses gain state contracts will now only serve disabled veterans.

Source: Christine Sanchez
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Strawberry season starting on a high note with record-breaking acreage planted, UF/IFAS Extension says
The extension office said a season that started dry with no hurricanes created a good environment for the berries.

Source: Lizbeth Gutierrez
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

UCLA Anderson Forecast: Economy to slow through early 2026
According to the 2025 UCLA Anderson Forecast, it’s a tale of two economies for the United States and California.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Macy's posts surprise profit with overhaul under new CEO resonating with shoppers
Macy’s posted a surprise third-quarter profit and its strongest comparable sales in more than three years as an extensive overhaul of the 167-year-old New York department store begins to resonate with shoppers

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Edmunds SUV comparison: New Toyota RAV4 vs Honda CR-V
Compact SUVs have become an extremely popular choice for folks who need a vehicle that can do it all without compromising everyday usability

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

As Treasure Bay improvements continue, neighbors say they hope a restored golf course is in its future
City leaders have said a golf feature could be in the recreation complex's future, but residents say they want to see the nine-hole course rebuilt.

Source: Sarah Blazonis
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Kentucky housing numbers show steady market
Investments from Toyota, GE Appliances and other major corporations are also welcomed by realtors.

Source: Austin Schick
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Belgium rejects EU plan to use frozen Russian assets for Ukraine, saying the move is too risky
Belgium is rejecting a plan to use frozen Russian assets to support Ukraine's economy and war effort

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Airbus cuts 2025 delivery target due to A320 fuselage panel issue
Airbus is expecting to deliver fewer planes this year due to an issue with fuselage panels on some A320 planes

Source: Associated Press
Wednesday, Dec 03 2025

Deadly fire raises fears about safety elsewhere in Hong Kong's high-rise skyline
Uncomfortable questions are being raised over who is to blame for Hong Kong’s deadliest blaze in decades

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

Austin’s Coffee & Film to relocate as Winter Park moves forward with long-planned road project
Austin’s Coffee has left its longtime Fairbanks Avenue home.

Source: Bryanna Howard
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

Costco sues federal government for 'complete refund' of tariffs it has paid
The move comes as the Supreme Court weighs tariffs Trump imposed on a wide range of goods from nearly every U.S. trading partner.

Source: Christina Santucci
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

Exxon Mobile to investigate contamination at former Vacuum Oil refinery in Rochester
The investigation will play a role in the ongoing redevelopment and revitalization along the city’s Genesee River corridor.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

College board votes for second time to approve transfer of land for Trump's Library in Miami
This is the second time the board has approved the plan.

Source: Phillip Stucky
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

Monroe County celebrates completion of $38.1M renovation of Rochester Airport
The $38.1 million upgrades to the airport are seen inside and out.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

Minimalist Prada buys maximalist Versace for $1.4 billion, in bid to relaunch sexier Milan rival
The Prada Group has officially purchased Milan fashion rival Versace for $1.375 billion

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

Central Florida cybersecurity company works to train workforce, help companies of all sizes stay protected
Leaders at AKYLADE say they have a mindset of "prepare, protect and preserve" as they focus on cybersecurity in Central Florida.

Source: Sarah Winkelmann
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

Inside Amazon's fulfillment center in Garner as holiday rush kicks off
Leaders at Amazon’s newest robotics fulfillment center are giving a behind-the-scenes look at how thousands of workers get you your packages on time.

Source: Ryan Hayes-Owens
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

US stocks hold steady as bond yields and bitcoin stabilize
The U.S. stock market is holding relatively steady as both bond yields and bitcoin stabilize

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

Edmunds compares the new Cadillac Optiq and Audi Q4 E-tron
With the federal EV tax incentives gone, you might not have the budget for the luxury electric SUV you wanted

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

Starbucks to pay $35M to NYC workers in settlement as ongoing strike draws pols to picket line
New York City officials say Starbucks will pay about $35 million to more than 15,000 New York City workers to settle claims it denied them stable schedules and arbitrarily cut their hours

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

India mandates pre-installation of government cyber safety app on all smartphones
India’s telecoms ministry has ordered smartphone manufacturers to install a government-run cybersecurity app on all new devices

Source: Associated Press
Tuesday, Dec 02 2025

A Cleveland business owner gets ready for Cyber Monday at Amazon delivery station
Richard Brown the Founder and CEO of Proof Culture sets up his business table at the Amazon delivery station in Cleveland.

Source: Rose Todd
Monday, Dec 01 2025

US air travelers without REAL IDs will be charged a $45 fee
The Transportation Security Administration has announced that U.S. air travelers without a REAL ID will face a $45 fee starting in February

Source: Associated Press
Monday, Dec 01 2025

N.Y. Department of State, FBI warn consumers of Cyber Monday scams
With shopping comes an important consumer alert before you hit the confirm button.

Source: Mark Goshgarian
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Federal review finds 44% of U.S. trucking schools don't comply with government rules
The Transportation Department says it plans to revoke the accreditation of nearly 3,000 schools unless they can comply within the next 30 days.

Source: Associated Press
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Starbucks to pay about $35M to NYC workers to settle claims it violated labor law
The company will also pay $3.4 million in civil penalties under the agreement with the city's Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

Source: Associated Press
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Hong Kong fire probe reveals unsafe netting as public mourns and government stifles dissent
Hong Kong authorities say some of the netting on buildings that caught fire last week did not meet codes for fire resistance

Source: Associated Press
Monday, Dec 01 2025

UK leader Starmer backs Treasury chief over claims she misled the public about the economy
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has defended his Treasury chief Rachel Reeves against claims she misled the public about government finances before last week's tax-hiking budget

Source: Associated Press
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Airbus inspects panels on ubiquitous A320 passenger jets as it wraps up quick software patch
Airbus is inspecting panels on its A320 jets after quality control issues surfaced

Source: Associated Press
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Avoid heartbreak this Giving Tuesday, officials give tips on sharing funds
Ohioans who think they may have been targeted in a scam can report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Source: Madison MacArthur
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Why Cyber Monday could break spending records despite economic uncertainty
Deals promoted as some of the best of the holiday season are expected to keep people across the U.S. glued to their computers and smartphones.

Source: Associated Press
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Paliskates reopens after the fires
Paliskates reopens in Brentwood almost one year after the fires.

Source: Chace Beech
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Avoiding online shopping scams on Cyber Monday
Experts warn that fake websites, phishing emails and too-good-to-be-true offers are popping up everywhere.

Source: Cassidy Wilson
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Now Hiring: BAYCOM seeks field technicians to work with public safety agencies
The employee-owned company provides voice and data communications for first responders, government and business.

Source: Nathan Phelps
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Stooges Bar and Grill owner reflects on deadly UPS plane crash
Debbie Self has watched videos of the crash hundreds of times, yet it still doesn’t feel real.

Source: Julia Narvaez Munguia
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Value City Furniture laying off more than 300 employees, closing Columbus headquarters
The mass layoff will take place at its facility at 4300 East Fifth Ave. in Columbus.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Monday, Dec 01 2025

'They're very expensive': Changes ahead for central Kentucky Habitat for Humanity chapter
For two decades, Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties has used its ReStore to help fund housing projects.

Source: Sabriel Metcalf
Monday, Dec 01 2025

Missouri launches sports betting as recent scandals shine a spotlight on the growing industry
Missouri has become the latest state to launch sports betting

Source: Associated Press
Sunday, Nov 30 2025

Why Cyber Monday could break spending records despite economic uncertainty
Adobe Analytics has estimated that U.S. shoppers will spend $14.2 billion online Monday, or 6.3% more than in 2024.

Source: Associated Press
Sunday, Nov 30 2025

The Mirasol Apartment owners want the building to return to its hotel roots
A decision is expected from the Tampa City Council next year.

Source: Matt Lackritz
Sunday, Nov 30 2025

New York state warns of AI-generated scams amid holiday shopping season
The state Department of State’s Division of Consumer Protection is reminding those shopping online to stay vigilant.

Source: Spectrum News Staff
Sunday, Nov 30 2025

Here's why some LA makers are keeping their manufacturing local
Local companies across Los Angeles are choosing to produce their goods close to home, even as tariffs and global supply issues create new challenges.

Source: Rae Williams
Sunday, Nov 30 2025

After slow year, small biz owners in LA's Fashion District hope for holiday season boost
Businesses say sales have suffered due to ICE activity, protests, fires and tariffs.

Source: Tara Lynn Wagner
Sunday, Nov 30 2025

Fire-ravaged communities seek support during Small Business Saturday
Dozens of Los Angeles-area retailers offered incentives to lure shoppers seeking unique, less commercialized, gifts, meals and entertainment.

Source: City News Service
Sunday, Nov 30 2025

Swiss voters reject mandatory national service for women and new inheritance tax
Swiss voters have decisively rejected a call to require women to do national service in the military, civil protection teams or other forms as men must do already

Source: Associated Press
Sunday, Nov 30 2025

Nonprofit highlights what it means to shop local on Small Business Saturday
The Louisville Independent Business Alliance held the the HoLOUdays Small Biz Saturday event to share the importance of shopping local.

Source: Destinee Flowers
Saturday, Nov 29 2025

Farm Credit of Central Florida releases report on economic impact of the green industry
The report has calculated a $41.9 billion economic impact in Florida.

Source: Lizbeth Gutierrez
Saturday, Nov 29 2025