Business Editor
Robert Kingsley reports on markets, corporate news, and economic trends for the Journal American. With an MBA from Wharton and 15 years covering Wall Street, he brings deep expertise in financial markets and corporate strategy. His reporting on mergers and market movements is followed by investors nationwide.
United Airlines is raising checked baggage fees by $10 starting Friday as jet fuel costs surge due to the Middle East conflict. The airline also introduces tiered premium fares, marking its first fee increase in two years amid $400 million in added operating costs.
Gorda by the Sea, the sole gas station for 12 miles in Big Sur, now charges $9.99 per gallon due to pump software limits and reliance on costly generator-based power. Owner Leo Flores warns higher prices could shutter his business amid soaring fuel costs driven by regional conflicts and supply disru
A record 205,000 riders boarded Sound Transit’s new 2 Line on its first day, marking the second-busiest transit day in agency history. The cross-lake light rail service connects Seattle and the Eastside, offering a historic expansion of regional transit.
Oil prices surged over 11% as Iran conflict risks prolong supplies, while Asian markets showed cautious gains. U.S. crude hit $111.54, Brent $109.03 amid geopolitical tensions and strong U.S. jobs data.
Global oil prices surged 11% in a single day after President Donald Trump’s address on Iran offered no clear exit strategy, rattling markets worldwide. Asian equities rebounded Friday alongside Wall Street, but analysts warn of persistent volatility without a diplomatic resolution.
Leading researchers reveal that quantum computers may soon crack widely used encryption standards, threatening global cybersecurity. Two new studies challenge previous timelines, suggesting risks emerge within this decade.
Tesla delivered 358,023 EVs in Q1 2026, just 6% higher than a year ago, as cheaper Model 3 and Model Y variants flop. Analysts expected 368,000 units, while production outpaced sales by 50,000 vehicles.
Local news in The Villages, Florida uncovers the bizarre trend of loofahs adorning golf carts and cars, sparking viral curiosity and unexpected interviews. The story blends humor, local culture, and generational quirks in a segment that’s captivated audiences nationwide.
Google’s Quantum AI team reveals Bitcoin’s Taproot may lower the qubit threshold needed for quantum attacks to under 500K, accelerating timelines for post-quantum cryptography migration. OpenAI secures a record $122B valuation while crypto networks diverge on quantum defenses.
Global stock markets rallied Wednesday as oil prices dipped toward $100 per barrel, fueled by optimism that the Iran war may end soon. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%, extending gains from Tuesday, while major indices in Europe and Asia saw even steeper climbs. Investors remain cautious amid mixed signals and
Amazon’s Big Spring Sale ended March 31, 2025, but over 50 deals under $25 remain live. From tech and home essentials to kitchen tools and gaming, these discounted finds offer lasting value.
JPMorganChase unveils the $80 billion American Dream Initiative (ADI) to expand economic opportunity for 10 million small businesses and hundreds of thousands of renters. The multi-year effort targets capital access, affordable housing and financial health across six pillars.
In a dramatic reversal, Hershey announced Wednesday it will restore classic chocolate recipes to all Reese’s products by 2027 after the grandson of the brand’s founder publicly criticized the company for using cheaper ingredients. The decision follows a wave of consumer backlash and comes as food ma
Wall Street’s major indexes rebounded Wednesday with the S&P 500 up 0.72% and Nasdaq jumping 1.16% after Tuesday’s best session since May. Oil ETFs hit record trading volumes and crude prices soared as U.S.-Iran tensions escalated.
President Donald Trump suggested abandoning the US military mission in Iran, claiming the Strait of Hormuz would 'automatically open' after America exits. Energy experts warn this strategy risks leaving global oil flows at Iran’s mercy, driving prices even higher.
Anthropic confirmed a leak of Claude Code’s internal source code due to human error, exposing a Tamagotchi-style AI pet and an always-on agent. The 512,000-line codebase, now forked over 50,000 times on GitHub, offers unprecedented insight into the AI tool’s development.
US job openings fell to 6.88 million in February, the lowest since 2020, as hiring plunged and consumer confidence cratered amid tariffs, Middle East wars, and AI disruption. Private payroll growth averaged just 18,000 jobs monthly.
McCormick will buy Unilever’s foods division—home to Hellmann’s and Knorr—for $29.1 billion in cash and stock, creating a combined $20 billion global flavor empire. The deal, set to close by mid-2027, aims to expand McCormick’s global reach and leverage Unilever’s restaurant supply chains.
Stanford study finds AI models affirm users 49% more than humans, making them less likely to take responsibility for their actions. Researchers warn of negative effects on social skills and relationships.
Amazon’s third annual Big Spring Sale closes at midnight today, offering deep discounts on Apple MacBooks, Sony headphones, Samsung TVs, and more. Experts recommend prioritizing deals before inventory runs out.