Business

National

Maui County tells tourists to come back — just stay out of the burn zone

7:27am August 16, 2023

The devastating wildfires on Maui have tourists wondering whether they should cancel their vacations. The island's economy depends on the travel industry — staying away could harm it even more.

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An analysis of court records by the state treasurer and Duke researchers finds Atrium Health in Charlotte, N.C., accounted for almost a third of the legal actions against North Carolina patients over roughly five years.

Hospitals sued thousands of patients in North Carolina for unpaid bills, report finds

5:00am August 16, 2023

by Noam Levey

The suits pursued patients and their families, sometimes putting liens on homes. "I know my house will never be mine. It is going to be the hospital's," said Donna Lindabury, 70, who lost her case.

National

Ranchers want to take on the top beef sellers by starting their own meat plants

6:20pm August 15, 2023

by Elizabeth Rembert

Just four companies dominate the beef processing market. That means higher prices for consumers and lower prices for ranchers, who — with cattle feeders — are trying to build their own meat plants.

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National

What Ford's CEO says about its electric vehicle plans

5:29pm August 15, 2023

by Camila Domonoske

Ford CEO Jim Farley says he's still committed to building electric vehicles, even though he's pushed forward the timeline. He says the shift reflects technical challenges, not a change in strategy.

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The marquee at The Grove theater in Los Angeles announces the opening of Barbie in July 2023.

Arts

Can movie theaters sustain the 'Barbie boost'?

4:40pm August 15, 2023

by Elizabeth Blair

Going to the movies is hot again thanks to the so-called "Barbie boost." Barbie, Oppenheimer and other movies continue to rev up the summer box office. But can theaters sustain the momentum?

National

Cruise ship companies are still paying for COVID interrupting their business

5:18am August 15, 2023

by Tom Hudson

People are cruising again on big ships following a COVID-19 decline, but it's a tough comeback for the industry.

Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger spends hours on the phone with payment processors like Zelis, fighting their attempts to impose fees on electronic payments.

Health & Safety

Why doctors pay millions in fees that could be spent on care

5:01am August 15, 2023

by Cezary Podkul

The shift to electronic medical payments gave rise to a new kind of health care middlemen, who now charge 1-5% every time insurers pay doctors. Here's how lobbyists convinced regulators this was OK.

The market for elderberries is booming

5:02pm August 14, 2023

by Jonathan Ahl

Sales of elderberries exploded during the COVID-19 pandemic. The fruit is often used as a nutritional supplement. Now, there's a debate among growers over expanding the crop's market even more.

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National

Police raid of a Kansas newsroom raises alarms about violations of press freedom

7:39am August 14, 2023

Police in Marion, Kansas, conducted a raid on a local newspaper Friday — seizing computers, cell phones, and other material.

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National

Work proceeds to build a rancher-led meat processing plant in Nebraska

6:52am August 14, 2023

by Elizabeth Rembert

Just four companies dominate the beef processing market. That means higher prices for consumers and lower prices for ranchers. Now they and cattlefeeders are organizing to build their own meat plants

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