Musk’s political rhetoric raises worries
NEW YORK — As Election Day draws nearer, social media posts by X owner Elon Musk are raising concerns. Musk drew fierce pushback recently when he suggested a “civil war” was brewing during recent anti-Muslim riots in Great Britain. Experts and election officials worry that Musk could influence people to question the legitimacy of voting in the U.S. They also are concerned his words could spur threats or violence against election workers or candidates. Musk did not respond to an email from The Associated Press.
US retail sales ticked up last month
WASHINGTON — Americans spent a bit more at retailers last month, providing a small boost to the economy just as the Federal Reserve considers how much to cut its key interest rate. The Commerce Department reported Tuesday that retail sales ticked up 0.1% from July to August, after jumping the most in 18 months the previous month. Online retailers, sporting goods stores, and home and garden stores reported higher sales. The data indicate that consumers are still able to spend more despite the cumulative impact of three years of excess inflation and higher interest rates.
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Bouillon cubes help fight malnutrition
IBADAN, Nigeria — In Nigeria and other countries in sub-Saharan Africa, many households have limited access to nutrient-rich foods due to rising costs and the impact of climate change on agriculture and food systems. The resulting micronutrient deficiencies have led to a public health crisis, one especially affecting children and women. If public health advocates and the Nigerian government have their way, malnourished households in the West African nation soon will have a simple ingredient available to improve their intake of key vitamins and minerals. Government regulators on Tuesday are launching a code of standards for adding iron, zinc, folic acid and vitamin B12 to bouillon cubes at minimum levels recommended by experts.
How small businesses recover from crimes
Break-ins and thefts can happen at any small business, no matter how tight the security. In the retail sector alone, more than half of small businesses said they had been victims of shoplifting in in the prior year, according to a 2022 survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. And break-ins and thefts occur across all sectors. So it is important for small business owners to prepare in advance and have a plan for dealing with a break-in or theft, in order to minimize damage.
Alaska Arline’s buy OKd with conditions
The Biden administration is letting Alaska Airlines buy Hawaiian Airlines. As a condition, the airlines are promising to maintain some current service, including routes between Hawaii and the mainland U.S. where they don’t have much competition. Alaska and Hawaiian also agreed to some consumer protections, including maintaining the value of frequent-flyer rewards as they combine their loyalty programs.
