Chicago retail receipts rose 16.1% in H1 2025 as shoppers front‑loaded purchases ahead of tariff threats, lifting apparel, home‑goods and online sales.

McKesson closed the sale of its Norwegian retail and distribution businesses to NorgesGruppen, completing its European exit and refocusing on oncology and multispecialty services.

Governor Kathy Hochul introduces plans to integrate AI into SUNY education, fostering partnerships across campuses with support from the Empire AI initiative and related research and ethical AI programs.

Google and Pinterest have announced job cuts in the Bay Area amid tech sector turbulence, with a shift toward AI professions influencing Pinterest's layoffs of 600 employees and Google trimming 77 jobs in Sunnyvale.

A Los Angeles couple was arrested for grand theft of a valuable guitar and other items from a Thousand Oaks music shop; they are also tied to other offenses.

Dolly Parton is partnering to relaunch the Tennessean Travel Stop in Cornersville as Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, promising new dining, regional retail and early-summer 2026 openings.

Escondido’s One Stop Systems sold its German unit and cut staff as it pivots to higher‑margin AI and defense work, citing a one‑time gain and updated guidance.

Nevada County declared 2026 "The Year of the Small Business" to highlight their importance. The county plans to introduce a voluntary business license program to aid growth and resource access.

Entrepreneur Jordan Dice buys Bay City Boat Lines, including the Princess Wenonah and Islander vessels, with plans to integrate them into his existing entertainment business.

WashSmart Laundry in North Arlington offers coinless, energy-efficient machines and promises softer, longer-lasting clothes with various services, including Wash and Go.

Denver-born Birdcall signed a five-unit franchise deal with Littleton partners to bring the chicken chain into Southwest Denver, with the first location expected in about 18 months.

Plug Power cut 74 jobs at its Houston manufacturing site as the company seeks shareholder approval to avoid a reverse stock split.

A Burlington convenience store sold a $1.5 million Megabucks ticket in the Jan. 28 drawing. See the winning numbers, odds and what winners need to know.