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Briefcase: Blair Chamber announces tour

The Blair County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Epic Journeys, has added a Canadian Maritimes and Coastal Wonders tour to its 2027 travel options. The tour, scheduled for Aug. 29 through Sept. 8, will include stops in Prince Edward Island, Peggy’s Cove, Cape Breton Island, Mahone Bay, Hopewell Rocks and much more. The itinerary will immerse travelers in ancient cultures while providing opportunities to explore rugged landscapes, quaint fishing villages and bustling waterfronts. An informational meeting will be held at 1 p.m. July 27 at the Devorris Center for Business ...

Heat adds to strains on areas with data centers

LOWELL, Mass. — Eileen Castle’s swimming pool, one of the only ones for blocks around, was once a refuge for neighborhood children on hot summer days. But even as temperatures soared this week, Castle, 82, said she won’t be filling the pool — not with the data center behind her house buzzing with the sound of its industrial air conditioners and its backup diesel generators belching fumes at unexpected times. “I think about the air quality, the water, what effects it has on the kids in the area,” she said on her front stoop as children whirred past on bicycles. Hot weather ...

Employers still reluctant to add jobs

U.S. employers slowed hiring last month and added only 57,000 jobs, less than half the previous month’s total and a sign companies still have a cautious economic outlook. The Labor Department said Thursday that the unemployment rate declined to a low 4.2% from 4.3% in May, though the drop mostly occurred because many people out of work gave up looking and were no longer counted as unemployed. The figures suggest businesses remain wary of the economy’s health, with inflation at a three-year high and consumer confidence near post-pandemic lows. The job market has been stuck in a ...

Ticker: Trump Accounts for newborns launch July 4

President Donald Trump is launching Trump Accounts on July 4, aiming to boost financial independence for children born during his second term. Parents can open accounts for these children, receiving $1,000 from the government and potentially more from billionaires who’ve pledged to provide money. The funds are managed by private firms and are invested in the stock market. Children can access the money at age 18 for specific purposes like education or home buying. The program has faced criticism for not addressing kids’ immediate needs and potentially widening the wealth gap. ...

Kroger to buy Giant Eagle grocery stores for $1.65B

Kroger said Wednesday it plans to buy regional grocer and pharmacy retailer Giant Eagle in a deal valued at $1.65 billion. Giant Eagle, which is privately held, has 197 supermarkets and 11 standalone pharmacies across northern Ohio, western Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana. They would continue to operate under the Giant Eagle name under the terms of the deal. Kroger, which is the largest U.S. supermarket chain, has 2,685 stores in 35 states and the District of Columbia. Its stores operate under various brand names, including Ralphs, King Soopers, Smith’s and Fred ...

Briefcase: Penn Installations recognized

HARRISBURG Penn Installations has been recognized by the Keystone Contractors Association as the safest subcontractor in Pennsylvania among companies reporting more than 100,000 work hours in 2025. Based in Summerhill, Cambria County, Penn Installations provides construction services on projects throughout the Commonwealth and has established a reputation for delivering quality work while maintaining an unwavering commitment to employee safety. The KCA Safety Award recognizes subcontractors that demonstrate exceptional safety performance while completing a significant volume of ...