Australian opal miners fear for industry as land converted to national park Posted November 6, 2024 Opal miners in Queensland, Australia are concerned about the future of their industry as the land they source the gemstones from is being converted into a nationa…
Thousands of shipping containers have been lost at sea. What happens when they burst open? Posted November 2, 2024 Most of the world’s raw materials and everyday goods that are moved over long distances—from T-shirts to televisions, cellphones to hospital beds—are packed in large metal boxes t…
Ballot measure takes aim at large-scale animal farms in California county Posted October 30, 2024 In a stretch of Northern California known for scenic shorelines and celebrated vineyards, a battle is brewing over the future of the region’s animal farms. Res…
Australia’s small town stores battle for survival in online shopping age Posted October 29, 2024 For decades, Australia's country towns have relied on independently owned general stores. But some are now at risk of disappearing because of increased competition and economic pr…
Diners are skipping restaurants and making more meals at home as inflation trend inverts Posted October 24, 2024 Eating in is in and eating out is out. That's the message that inflation-squeezed consumers have been sending to fast-food companies and other restaurants. Mea…
Tupperware lifts the lid on its financial problems with bankruptcy filing Posted October 20, 2024 Tupperware Brands Corp., the Orlando, Florida-based consumer goods company that produces the iconic line of containers, said it was seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after …
Alcohol-free beer is gaining popularity, even at Oktoberfest Posted October 17, 2024 The head brewmaster for Weihenstephan, the world's oldest brewery, has a secret: He really likes alcohol-free beer. Even though he's quick to say he obviously …
Starbucks’s new CEO wants to recapture the coffeehouse vibe Posted October 14, 2024 Starbucks’s new chairman and CEO said that he plans to focus on improving service—particularly during the morning rush—and reestablishing stores as gathering plac…
A plan to extract gold from mining waste worries Colorado town Posted October 11, 2024 Rust-colored piles of mine waste and sun-bleached wooden derricks loom above the historic Colorado mountain town of Leadville—a legacy of gold and silver mines po…
Will smart homes and AI appliances tempt consumers at Berlin tech show? Posted October 9, 2024 Smart homes and AI-powered kitchen appliances were the hot topics at this year’s IFA consumer electronics show in Berlin. But do consumers want to spend their hard-earned money…