CVS to shut 900 stores over 3 years to focus more on health care services
CVS Health Corp. said Thursday it will shut about 900 stores in the next three years and focus more on health care.
Made in America: Mazda is back with the ‘Bama-produced, Yankee-inspired CX-50
Mazda is making cars in the U.S. again.
El Salvador to build cryptocurrency-fueled ‘Bitcoin City’
LA LIBERTAD, El Salvador — In a rock concert-like atmosphere, El Salvador President Nayib Bukele announced that his government will build an oceanside “Bitcoin City” at the base of a volcano.
Yellen says quashing COVID-19 is key to lowering inflation
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said controlling the COVID-19 virus in the U.S. is the key to easing inflation.
Partners collaborate in new Mahi‘ai Match-Up to help farmers, food system entrepreneurs grow
Kamehameha Schools is partnering with the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement and The Kohala Center to strengthen Hawaii’s food system through Mahi‘ai Match-Up, a business plan competition that provides food-focused entrepreneurs from across the pae ‘aina with an opportunity to farm agricultural land or develop a business in a commercial space.
Cost of family health insurance tops $22,000 this year
The cost of employer-sponsored insurance plans continues to rise at a relatively steady rate even as a global pandemic has caused dramatic disruptions in how and when people get health care.
BBB announces Hawaii Torch Award winners
Kailua-Kona’s All Kine Pools and Spas LLC was recently named a 2021 Torch Award winner for Hawaii by the Better Business Bureau Great West + Pacific (BBBGWP).
US job growth quickens as gain of 531,000 outstrips estimates
The U.S. labor market got back on track last month with a larger-than-forecast and broad-based payrolls gain, indicating greater progress filling millions of vacancies as the effects of the delta variant faded.
Robots hit the streets as demand for food delivery grows
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Robot food delivery is no longer the stuff of science fiction. But you may not see it in your neighborhood anytime soon.
‘Buy it when you see it’: Retailers dread holiday shortages
NEW YORK — The Perfect Pigg, a gift shop owned by Ginger Pigg, is the go-to place for residents of Cumming, Georgia, to pick up gift items like kids toys and home goods.
US posts weakest growth of pandemic recovery on supply woes
U.S. economic growth slowed more than expected in the third quarter to the softest pace of the pandemic recovery period as snarled supply chains and a surge in COVID-19 cases throttled spending and investment.
UnitedHealthcare pushing online visits with new ‘virtual-first’ health plan
UnitedHealthcare has launched what it calls a “virtual-first” health plan where patients start with online health care providers before moving to in-person visits as needed.
Google takes up to 42% from ads, states claim in lawsuit
Google takes up to 42% of the money paid for digital ads published online, according to a newly unsealed court filing by states that claim the search and advertising giant abuses its monopoly power in online advertising to limit competition and harm consumers.
US budget deficit hits $2.77 trillion in 2021, 2nd highest
WASHINGTON — The U.S. budget deficit totaled $2.77 trillion for 2021, the second highest on record but an improvement from the all-time high of $3.13 trillion reached in 2020. The deficits in both years reflect trillions of dollars in government spending to counteract the devastating effects of a global pandemic.
Vaccine mandates create conflict with defiant workers
BATH, Maine — Josh “Chevy” Chevalier is a third-generation shipbuilder who hasn’t missed a day of work during the pandemic in his job as a welder constructing Navy warships on the Maine coast.
US existing-homes sales rise 7%, the most in a year
Sales of previously owned U.S. homes rose in September by the most in a year, suggesting a slight easing in home-price growth and lower mortgage rates a month earlier provided a tailwind for demand.
Yellen expects high inflation through mid-2022 before easing
WASHINGTON — Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said she expects price increases to remain high through the first half of 2022, but rejected criticism that the U.S. risks losing control of inflation.
BBB Tips: How to instill wellness in your office culture
October is National Depression and Mental Health Screening Awareness Month. Since workplaces are where most of our time and energy are spent, employers have a huge responsibility when it comes to their employee’s health.
Toy makers race to get products on shelves amid supply clogs
NEW YORK — With three months until Christmas, the Basic Fun toy company has made an unprecedented decision: leave one-third of its iconic Tonka Mighty Dump Trucks destined for U.S. store shelves in China.
Top 1% of US earners now hold more wealth than all of the middle class
After years of declines, America’s middle class now holds a smaller share of U.S. wealth than the top 1%.
