Business stories in Columbia, SC

Tech company Microsoft has reportedly offered voluntary buyouts to approximately 60,000 employees, which is more than 25% of its workforce.

Recent vulnerabilities in PHP have raised alarms about potential security risks for internet users. Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for protecting personal and organizational data.

Anthropic, a leading artificial intelligence company, has officially filed to sell shares to the public for the first time. This move signals a significant development in the AI sector as companies seek to capitalize on growing interest and investment in technology.

The Trump administration has introduced a voluntary seafood labeling initiative alongside over $5 billion in loan guarantees aimed at bolstering U.S. fish processors and fishermen. This strategy seeks to enhance the domestic seafood market and support local industries.

A Quaker Oats facility in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, experienced an explosion and subsequent fire on Saturday afternoon. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported according to fire officials.

Halloween candy sales are experiencing a downturn as high prices for essentials like housing and food limit consumer spending. Affordability concerns are impacting how much Americans are willing to spend on treats this season.

Major U.S. banks are increasingly alarmed by reports of AI agents accessing customers' online accounts. This raises significant concerns regarding security and the potential for unauthorized activity.

Trader Joe's is set to expand its presence by opening 28 new stores in 15 states. This expansion reflects the grocery chain's growing popularity and demand.

Etsy has introduced new guidelines regarding AI-generated products, clarifying its stance without completely banning AI art. The move reflects ongoing discussions about the role of AI in creative industries.

First-time claims for unemployment benefits have decreased to 194,000, marking a three-month low. Experts suggest this indicates a stable unemployment rate in the U.S.

The average 30-year mortgage rate has decreased from 7.4% to 7.32%, marking the first decline after two months of increases. This drop is the largest in over six months and is attributed to easing in the ten-year treasury yield.

Airbnb is introducing new policies that limit the chores hosts can require from guests before checkout, effective November 20. The changes aim to enhance guest experience by prohibiting time-consuming tasks and ensuring transparency in house rules.

U.S. unemployment claims decreased to 194,000 last week, marking the lowest level in three months. This decline indicates that layoffs remain low across the country.

The highly anticipated iPhone Duo will be available for purchase starting this Friday at select Apple stores across the U.S. A limited number of devices will be sold to walk-in customers, making it essential for fans to arrive early.

The expansion of Westinghouse near Hopkins is set to create approximately 200 jobs, including 50 direct positions and 150 in supporting roles. This development is expected to boost the local economy significantly.

BioWare, a prominent game developer, is shutting down after 30 years, resulting in the cancellation of Mass Effect 5 and the layoff of 400 staff members. This decision comes as parent company EA undergoes restructuring following its transition to private ownership.

Air Canada has implemented a new $30 fee for customers who book flights through phone reservations. This fee applies per ticket and is non-refundable, encouraging travelers to use the airline's website or app instead.

Elon Musk revealed that SpaceX and Tesla have established special committees to consider a potential merger. This marks a significant step in discussions about combining the two companies, although Musk will not participate directly due to his conflicting role.

A New Mexico judge has imposed a record $25 billion fine on Meta for misleading users about privacy on Facebook. This ruling marks the largest penalty ever levied against the tech company.

Three companies, including OpenAI and Google-owned Wiz, have utilized AI to identify critical security vulnerabilities known as PHP2 Shell. A patch is now available to help website operators secure their systems.

Airbnb has introduced new guidelines that restrict hosts from requiring guests to perform certain checkout tasks, such as doing dishes or taking out the trash. This change aims to enhance the guest experience and streamline the rental process.

Westinghouse is expanding its operations in Richland County with a significant investment of nearly $1 billion. This expansion will focus on the production of next-generation nuclear fuel, with construction already underway and operations expected to commence in 2030.

Banks and credit unions are increasingly using AI chatbots for customer service tasks. While these bots can handle simple inquiries, experts warn they may lead to customer frustration.

Carrie Morey, a University of South Carolina alum and owner of Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit, reflects on her college experience and its impact on her life. With a new location opened in Russell House, Morey continues to celebrate her USC heritage and community involvement.

Richland County Council has approved tax incentives to support Westinghouse's nearly $1 billion expansion of its nuclear fuel facility in Hopkins. This significant investment is expected to bolster the local economy and create jobs.

Amazon is set to hire more than 300,000 seasonal employees to prepare for the upcoming holiday season, with average pay around $20 per hour. The hiring initiative includes both full-time and part-time positions.

Amazon is set to hire nearly 2,000 seasonal workers across five locations in the Columbia area this holiday season. The average pay for these positions will be $20 an hour.

Amazon is ramping up its hiring efforts, looking to employ more than 300,000 workers across the United States in preparation for the upcoming holiday season. This move is part of the company's strategy to meet increased demand during this busy shopping period.

President Trump has unveiled an $8 billion aid package aimed at supporting farmers facing increased costs due to the war in Iran. This one-time payment follows a similar $12 billion package from December, highlighting the economic challenges in agricultural states critical to Republican elections.

The housing market is experiencing a surge in deal cancellations, with over 14% of homes under contract in September being called off. This marks the highest cancellation rate since the pandemic began in 2020, raising concerns about the stability of the market.