Business

Business coverage from Springfield USA Wire.

Business
Young people turned out in near-record numbers for the 2026 midterms, with the economy top of their minds
The economy was the top issue for voters in the November 2026 midterm elections, which saw Democrats win decisive majorities in both houses of Congress.
SyndicatedSara Suzuki, Senior Researcher and Research Assistant Professor at CIRCLE, Tufts UniversityNov 6, 20264 min read
Business
Pennsylvania Democrats now have power to push forward on election reform, marijuana legalization and minimum wage increases
The 2026 midterm elections changed the balance of power in Washington, D.C. It also proved to be a pivotal election in Pennsylvania.
SyndicatedDaniel J. Mallinson, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Penn StateNov 4, 20265 min read
Business
Why a company donating $20,000 a month counts for more than $240,000 once a year in the eyes of customers
People tend to think more highly of companies that give to charity on a monthly or weekly basis rather than donating an annual lump sum worth the same amount.
SyndicatedYanyi Leng, Assistant Professor of Marketing, Colorado State UniversityNov 4, 20263 min read
Business
Allegheny County is reassessing every property – here’s how your tax bill is calculated now
Allegheny County will undergo a countywide reassessment of every property it taxes for the first time since 2012. A county judge ordered the reassessment in August 2026, requiring the work to begin by July 1, 2027, and finish within five ye…
SyndicatedElizabeth Jane Beckett-Camarata, Professor of Public Administration, Penn StateOct 30, 20265 min read
Business
1 in 4 Pennsylvanians say they paid out of pocket for their annual checkup. Why isn’t insurance covering these preventive visits?
I was teaching health economics when a student raised his hand. We were discussing the Affordable Care Act, or ACA, which requires most health plans to cover certain recommended preventive services at no additional cost to patients.
SyndicatedSujeong Park, Assistant Professor of Health Policy and Addiction Studies, Penn StateOct 28, 20265 min read
Business
Many vapes and e-cigarettes are now banned in Pennsylvania – here’s what Philly consumers and businesses need to know
Many popular nicotine vapes are now banned in Pennsylvania, with only six companies approved to sell their products in the state after a legal ban went into effect on Oct. 19, 2026.
SyndicatedAna Santos Rutschman, Professor of Law, Villanova UniversityOct 19, 20264 min read
Business
Religious preschools want public funding, but exemptions from nondiscrimination rules – the Supreme Court will decide if that’s constitutional
When Colorado launched its Universal Preschool Program in 2023, the goal was simple: Give every 4-year-old in the state access to free, publicly funded education.
SyndicatedSuzanne Eckes, Professor of Education Law, Policy and Practice, University of Wisconsin-MadisonOct 14, 20265 min read
Business
Americans are stressed about grocery prices, so why do they toss or overlook so much ‘misfit’ food?
There’s a paradox that drives the shopping decisions of many Americans: Almost three-quarters say they’re feeling stressed out about skyrocketing grocery bills.
SyndicatedJintao Zhang, Assistant Professor of Marketing, Binghamton University, State University of New YorkOct 13, 20265 min read
Business
Hooked on tuna: People have been harvesting these ocean predators for 44,000 years
From a humble mayonnaise-laden sandwich to an expensive piece of sashimi, tuna is a prized source of food for people around the world.
SyndicatedEmma Elliott Smith, Research Associate in Anthropology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian InstitutionOct 12, 20265 min read
Business
The oil market that sets today’s gas prices was invented in western Pennsylvania
The fall of 2026 is a moment of energy centrality, when geopolitics unfolding far away shows up in Americans’ everyday lives.
SyndicatedBrian C. Black, Distinguished Professor of History and Environmental Studies, Penn StateOct 9, 20265 min read
Business
Why your boss matters more than remote or hybrid work when it comes to burnout and job satisfaction
The post-pandemic push to bring workers back to the office has left many nostalgic for more flexible arrangements, such as hybrid or remote work.
SyndicatedChristos Makridis, Associate Research Professor of Information Systems, Arizona State University; Institute for Humane StudiesOct 7, 20266 min read
Business
Missing ambassadors, inexperienced appointees – is Washington dropping the diplomatic ball?
Just before leaving town on Sept. 30, 2026, U.S. senators confirmed 10 new ambassadors. Among those nodded through before Congress closed for an extended midterm recess were new U.S.
SyndicatedDonald Heflin, Executive Director of the Edward R. Murrow Center and Senior Fellow of Diplomatic Practice, The Fletcher School, Tufts UniversityOct 7, 20265 min read