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How to fix US politics? Maybe start by seeing it as an 鈥榠ndustrial complex.鈥�America鈥檚 political dysfunction stems from a duopoly structure that鈥檚 been amplified in recent decades, a new report argues. Some states may already be pointing toward solutions that better serve the public interest.
First LookLegally sourced chocolate could help end deforestation in West AfricaThe spread of illegal cocoa plantations, which supply beans to popular candy brands, have caused widespread deforestation across much of the Ivory Coast's protected land reserves. The solution lies in the hands of consumers: buy fair-trade chocolate.聽
First LookDespite Brexit, European economy shows signs of momentumBolstered by consistent economic growth the EU is looking toward a brighter future. Plans for greater security, a halt to new membership, and a revamped approach to the refugee crisis are a few of the items on the new agenda.聽
First LookJapan helps to ready India's first bullet train, edging out ChinaJapan and India are joining forces to compete with China as that nation targets infrastructure investments across Asia. The 311-mile-long high-speed rail will link the financial hub of Mumbai and the industrial city of Ahmedabad in western Gujarat.
US oil industry, stronger than during Katrina, expects rapid recovery from HarveyLast week's hurricane caused gasoline prices to jump 27 cents, only about half the increase Americans saw after the 2005 Katrina storm. Why? Because the energy industry has far more flexibility than it did 12 years ago.
First LookLego rebuilds its business model amid falling salesAfter rebounding from near bankruptcy to achieve record sales by adding new toys, online content, and film franchises, Lego looks to simplify. With a new CEO, the company will eliminate 1,400 jobs in an effort to jumpstart growth.聽
Why 鈥榢iller robots鈥� are becoming a real threat 鈥� and an ethics testDozens of CEOs from firms with a hand in artificial intelligence have issued a joint warning that autonomous weapons pose the risk of warfare that is cheaper, and can occur faster, than ever.聽
Bridging the skills gap, one solar panel at a timeA municipal program in the US capital aims to equip youths from underserved communities with the skills to build a career while bringing the cost savings of rooftop solar to low-income residents.
US wages are rising, maybe faster than you thinkMedian weekly earnings jumped 4.2 percent in the past 12 months, the fastest gain since 2007. And demographic trends suggest the economy鈥檚 鈥榮lice of pie鈥� for workers could keep growing.
First LookFurloughed railroad workers rehired en masse, but is coal really growing?Warren Buffett's BNSF Railway has called back roughly 4,000 of the 5,000 furloughed workers across its system last year, reflecting stronger volumes of coal, grain, and intermodal containers and trailers, a spokesman said.
First LookAmazon's announcement of Whole Foods price cuts sends shares of rival grocers tumblingThe company鈥檚 purchase of Whole Foods has been hanging over a brick-and-mortar retail sector unsure of how to respond to the world鈥檚 biggest online retailer.
Pitch from hometowns to skilled workers: Come homeRecruiters in areas with a dearth of professionals, including Maine, are successfully targeting talent that has local roots, but left for school and careers.
First LookWal-Mart joins with Google to deliver voice-enabled shoppingWal-Mart has announced plans to collaborate with Google's Home device to offer voice shopping. Wal-Mart, the world's largest retailer, seems to be keeping a close eye on Amazon, whose smart speaker, Echo, has met with success nationwide.聽
Trump-era shift: CEOs find a voice for moral outrageCorporate America started the year ready to engage with a controversial but business-minded president. This week CEOs have risen in chorus to denounce Trump's lackluster response to racism.
Can do-good ethos survive public ownership? Etsy is a test.The artisan marketplace says people and profits can coexist. But investors turn up the earnings pressure.
First LookAmazon launches new service to target impulse buyingThe online retail giant has rolled out Instant Pickup on several college campuses throughout the US. The service offers a way for consumers to receive orders in a matter of minutes.
First LookAmazon ramps up research on pre-made meals, but will home cooks buy them?The online retail giant may be hoping to access a market of customers looking for quick-and-easy meals using a technology originally developed for the military to extend the shelf life of foods while retaining flavor, texture, and nutrients.聽
Troubling trend behind sexist memo at GoogleThe internet allows fringe groups to open for 鈥榙ebate鈥� topics that have long been settled, including Silicon Valley鈥檚 need to diversify its workforce. 聽
First LookGoogle VP rejects employee鈥檚 challenge to its diversity programsAn employee's online memo highlights tensions in the workplace over company programs that are implemented to increase employee diversity.聽
America's stores are closing. Why isn't that raising a jobs alarm?America's retail stores, from Sears to Macy's, are shedding jobs at a rate that dwarfs that of manufacturing or coal, but their implosion is happening far more quietly. Here's why.
