US
Made in USA gives some small businesses an edge
Some small U.S. clothing manufacturers are catching a tailwind as rising costs for labor and transportation make Asia more expensive. In addition, some small companies also say U.S. manufacturers help them maintain a better grip on the quality of the goods they order. Full article.
Say goodbye to all those passwords
The U.S. Commerce Dept. is spearheading a new online security system that experts say will eliminate the password maze & boost e-commerce. The plan calls for a single sign-in each time a computer or phone is turned on, using a device such as a digital token, a smartcard, or a fingerprint reader. The gov’t is developing the standards for the security and verification plan, but it will be voluntary, and companies that use the system will manage it. Full article.
U.S. economy grows in 2010
The economy gained strength at the end of last year as Americans spent at the fastest pace in four years and U.S. companies sold more overseas. The growth is boosting hopes for a stronger 2011. Commerce Dept reports indicated that growth rose to a rate of 3.2% in the October-December quarter, and it was the best quarterly showing since the start of last year. Full article.
U.S. Factories Buck Decline
U.S. manufacturing, viewed as a lost cause by many Americans, has begun creating more jobs than it eliminates for the first time in more than a decade. Government data show that as the economy recovered and big companies began upgrading old factories or building new ones. Manufacturing should be at least a modest contributor to total employment in the next couple of years, these economists say. Full article.
Higher U.S. airfares loom
Many U.S. airlines may be poised to boost fares with fuel surcharges as crude oil moves closer to $100 a barrel. Airlines grounded hundreds of planes, dropped routes and cut thousands of jobs in 2008 as oil surged to more than $145 a barrel and jet fuel soared to a record $4.36 a gallon. The run-up extended losses at most carriers that began in late 2007 and lasted until earlier this year. Full article.
Android tops IPhone, BlackBerry in U.S.
Nielsen Co reports that Google Inc.’s Android software is the most popular operating system in the U.S. among new smartphone buyers, passing the iPhone and BlackBerry platforms. Android was the top choice for U.S. consumers who bought a smartphone in the past six months with BlackBerry and iPhone tied for second place. Full article.
U.S. Consumer spending rose more than forecast
U.S. Consumer spending rose more than forecast in August as incomes climbed, bolstering the Federal Reserve’s forecast that the world’s largest economy will keep expanding at a “modest” pace. Recent Commerce Department figures indicated that purchases rose 0.4 percent for a second month, and incomes were up 0.5 percent, the biggest advance this year. Full article.
Prosecutors building case against BP in spill
A team of federal prosecutors from the US took over a floor of the Texaco Building on Poydras Street in N.O., just across from the federal courthouse. They are quietly building what is expected to be a complex series of criminal and civil cases stemming from the BP oil spill. Full Article.
U.S. economy: Recession concerns ease
Companies in the U.S. added more jobs than forecast in August, easing concern the world’s largest economy is sliding back into a recession. President Obama said there is “no quick fix” for the economy and urged Congress to pass a package of measures to help small businesses, including tax breaks and aid to ease credit. Full Article.
Avoid Heat-Related Illness in Student Athletes
The United States is in the grip of a record hot summer, and children who play outdoors sports are vulnerable to heat stroke. The danger is very real. Exertional heat stroke is one of the leading causes of sudden death in sports. There are several things athletes and coaches can to do prevent heat stroke that include taking frequent breaks and drinking lots of water. View video.
