Breaking News

Local Business

China rolls out version of the H-1B tech visa

HONG KONG — Vaishnavi Srinivasagopalan, a skilled Indian IT professional who has worked in both India and the U.S., has been looking for work in China. Beijing’s new K-visa program targeting science and technology workers could turn that dream into a reality. The K-visa rolled out by Beijing last month is part of China’s widening effort to catch up with the U.S. in the race for global talent and cutting edge technology. It coincides with uncertainties over the U.S.’s H-1B program under tightened immigrations policies implemented by President Donald Trump. “(The) K-visa for ...

Party fowl: Families expected to shell out more for turkeys

If you’re still looking to purchase your Thanksgiving turkey, don’t worry, there should be plenty to choose from, but you may be paying more for your dinner centerpiece than last year. The higher prices are due to economic factors as well as disease challenges, according to the ...

Holiday shopping expected to top $1T

NEW YORK — American shoppers are expected to spend more during this holiday shopping season than last year despite economic uncertainty and rising prices. The 2025 forecast from the National Retail Federation on Thursday estimates that shoppers will collectively spend between $1.01 trillion and $1.02 trillion in November and December, an increase of 3.7% to 4.2% compared with last year. Retailers rung up $976 billion in holiday sales last year, or a 4.3% increase from the prior year, the group said. “We’re seeing really positive behavior and engagement from consumers,” NRF ...

Consumer sentiment tumbles close to record low in new survey

NEW YORK — Consumer sentiment dropped to a three-year low and close to the lowest point ever recorded by the University of Michigan one month into the government shutdown, with pessimism over personal finances and anticipated business conditions weighing on Americans. The November survey showed the index of consumer sentiment at 50.4, down a startling 6.2% from last month and it plunged nearly 30% from a year ago. Economists were caught off guard. Those polled had expected a slight month-to-month increase for a reading of 54.2. “With the federal government shutdown dragging on ...

Peloton recalls nearly 878,000 exercise bikes

Peloton is recalling nearly 878,000 exercise bikes in the U.S. and Canada — due to seat posts that can break during use and pose fall hazards. Notices from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada on Thursday say the recall affects certain “Peloton Original Series ...

MCA acquires ComPros Inc.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. MCA acquires ComPros Inc. Mobile Communications America Inc., a national leader in integrated communication, connectivity and security solutions, has acquired ComPros Inc., a distinguished Motorola Elite Service Provider. This partnership marks MCA’s strategic expansion into Pennsylvania, adding two new solution centers in Altoona and Chambersburg. For more than 70 years, ComPros Inc. has built a legacy of excellence in voice communications, earning the trust of communities and public safety organizations across more than 20 counties. Restaurants honor ...