business
Obama trade dilemma: Scant support from Democrats
President Barack Obama is aggressively pushing an ambitious agenda to liberalize global trading. Already, though, political trade wars are forming — and they’re with fellow Democrats, rather than with Republicans, his usual antagonists.
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‘Time to make the doughnuts’ ad is over
Don’t expect to see Dunkin’ Donuts revive its famous “Time to make the doughnuts” ad campaign anytime soon. Paul Carbone, chief financial officer for Dunkin’ Brands Group Inc., said Tuesday that the company gets asked all the time when it’s going to bring back the ad starring the perpetually tired baker who gets up early every morning to make doughnuts. “He’s not coming back,” Carbone said.
Elgin’s Gould Academy changes hands, but new owners say dance tradition will remain
ELGIN — Over the last 30 years, Donna Gould Jessen has taught hundreds, if not thousands, of young people the art of dance. For most of those 30 years, Father’s Day weekend has also included the Gould Academy of Dance Arts student recital at the …
US video game retail sales fall 25% in May
U.S. retail sales of video games, hardware and accessories declined 25 percent in May as demand for aging game consoles continued to fade and fewer new games launched compared with last year, according to market researcher NPD Group.
Starbucks pushes new food items to energize sales
Starbucks wants coffee fans to think of it as a spot to grab lunch or late afternoon bite — not just a place to get a cup of morning joe. The Seattle-based coffee chain is looking to increase its sales in the U.S. by making its food a bigger attraction, particularly in the slower afternoon and evening hours.
Boeing nets orders for 102 stretch 787s
Boeing Co. won major orders from five customers for a stretched-out version of its popular 787 Dreamliner jet at the Paris Air Show Tuesday, further evidence of a strengthening market for more expensive long-haul jets.
Report: Slowdown in health care costs to continue
There’s good news for most companies that provide health benefits for their employees: America’s slowdown in medical costs may be turning into a trend, rather than a mere pause.
Economy looking healthier to small-business owners
A new survey finds more small-business owners believe the economy has improved. Small-business owners are also upbeat about their own companies.
US safety agency investigating Suzuki small SUVs
U.S. safety regulators said Tuesday that they are investigating problems with air bag sensors in the seats of some small Suzuki SUVs. The probe covers 205,000 vehicles including Grand Vitaras from the 2006 through 2011 model years and SX4s from 2007 through 2011.
Wake-up call: Starbucks to post calorie counts
Starbucks has a new way to wake up its customers: showing the calories in its drinks. The Seattle-based coffee chain says it will start posting calorie counts on menu boards nationwide next week, ahead of a federal regulation that would require it to do so.
Waiting for word from Bernanke, stocks move higher
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. stocks moved higher Tuesday, helped by news of a pickup in home building and low inflation. But the Federal Reserve loomed large, with investors trying to guess what the central bank will say Wednesday about how long it plans to keep stimulus programs in place.
US home construction rises 6.8% in May
U.S. builders began construction on 6.8 percent more single-family homes and apartments in May, encouraged by more buyers and a scarcity of houses for sale.
US consumer prices rise just 0.1% in May
U.S. consumer prices rose slightly in May as higher energy costs were partly offset by cheaper food. The small increase of 0.1 percent underscores that inflation is mild.
Businessman tries his luck at building pot brand
For the activists who led the effort to legalize recreational marijuana in Washington state last fall, Jamen Shively was one of their biggest fears: an aspiring pot profiteer whose unabashed dreams of building a cannabis empire might attract unwanted attention from the federal government or a backlash that could slow the marijuana reform movement across the country.
Food companies work to make it look natural
Here’s the latest goal for food makers: Perfect the art of imperfection. Americans love their fast food and packaged snacks, but they’re increasingly turning their noses up at foods that look overly processed. Home-cooked meals — or ones that at least look like they were home-made — are seen as more wholesome and authentic.
US homebuilder confidence soars to 7-year high
For the first time in seven years, most U.S. homebuilders are optimistic about home sales, a sign that construction could help drive stronger economic growth in coming months.
