J&J to separate orthopedics business
Johnson & Johnson is narrowing its focus again, nearly four years after peeling off its consumer-health business. The health-care giant said this week it will separate its orthopedics business into a standalone company known as DePuy Synthes. The move leaves J&J focused on its pharmaceutical and MedTech segments, which make prescription drugs, contact lenses and [...]
Columbus office vacancy rate falls in 3Q
The vacancy rate for office space in the Columbus region fell to 18.23 percent in the third quarter, down from 19.31 percent in the second quarter, according to a new report from real estate consulting firm Colliers. “The Columbus office market continued to show steady signs of improvement. Tenant demand strengthened in the suburbs, with [...]
Average 30-year mortgage rate declines to 6.3 percent
The average rate on a 30-year mortgage edged lower last week, returning to its lowest level in about a year. The average long-term mortgage rate slipped to 6.3 percent from 6.34 percent the previous week, according to mortgage buyer Freddie Mac. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.32 percent. The drop brings the average rate [...]
Tesla hit with probe after self-driving car crashes
NEW YORK (AP) — Federal regulators have opened another investigation into Tesla’s self-driving feature after dozens of incidents in which the cars ran red lights or drove on the wrong side of the road, sometimes crashing into other vehicles and causing injuries. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said in a filing that it is [...]
United States purchases Argentine pesos, finalizes $20 billion currency swap
WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States directly purchased Argentine pesos last week and finalized a $20 billion currency swap line with Argentina’s central bank, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a social media post, a rare move aimed at stabilizing turbulent financial markets in the cash-strapped Latin American ally. “U.S. Treasury is prepared, immediately, to [...]
China hits U.S. ships with retaliatory fees
HONG KONG (AP) — China has hit American-owned vessels docking in the country with tit-for-tat port fees, in response to the American government’s planned port fees on Chinese ships, expanding a string of retaliatory measures before trade talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Vessels owned or operated by American companies or [...]
Pasta linked to listeria outbreak is recalled
A California company has recalled nearly 245,000 pounds of pre-cooked pasta linked to a deadly listeria outbreak and potential contamination of dozens of products sold at grocery stores nationwide. Nate’s Fine Foods of Roseville, Calif., recalled thousands of cases of linguine, fettucine, penne and other pastas sold to large producers of heat-and-eat meals and pasta [...]
Senate endorses repeal of Iraq war resolution
WASHINGTON (AP) — More than two decades later, Congress is on the verge of writing a closing chapter to the war in Iraq. The Senate last week voted to repeal the resolution that authorized the 2003 United States invasion, following a House vote last month that would return the basic war power to Congress. The [...]
Former GOP election official buys Dominion Voting Systems
DENVER (AP) — Voting equipment company Dominion Voting Systems has been bought by a firm operated by a former Republican elections official, the new company announced. The newly formed company, Liberty Vote, also vowed to follow the executive order President Donald Trump signed last spring seeking sweeping changes to election policies that multiple judges have [...]