Business stories in Raleigh–Durham

The Federal Reserve is anticipated to maintain current interest rates as inflation pressures mount ahead of the midterm elections. Despite a recent rate hike, rising prices may prompt future increases, complicating the economic landscape.

A rare Nanotyrannus skeleton, nicknamed 'Jodi,' sold for $47.3 million at auction, making it one of the most expensive fossils ever. The skeleton, discovered in Montana, is nearly 70% complete and is a significant find in paleontology.

The MV Odyssey, a U.S. cruise ship on a global voyage, has suspended its journey in Cambodia due to skyrocketing fuel costs, leaving 203 passengers stranded. The operator, Villa Vie Residences, is struggling with operational losses and is coordinating disembarkation for its residents.

Small business owners in Cary are opposing an $84 million NCDOT project that could displace them to improve safety at a railroad crossing. The proposal has sparked emotional responses from those whose families have operated businesses in the area for generations.

North Carolina has joined 19 other states and the FTC in a lawsuit against Dollar General for allegedly misleading pricing. The Attorney General claims the company frequently charges customers more than the advertised prices.

Philip Walters, a laid-off data analyst, lost thousands in unemployment benefits due to a one-digit typo in his bank account number. After a lengthy appeals process, he faced further complications when the funds were sent to the wrong account.

Anthropic's IPO filing reveals significant risks associated with its AI technology, including potential threats to humanity. The company emphasizes its commitment to harnessing AI for good while acknowledging the dangers posed by rapid advancements.

The FTC has filed a lawsuit against Dollar General for deceptive pricing, alleging the company charges customers more at checkout than advertised. Twenty states have joined the complaint, highlighting concerns over consumer trust and financial harm.

Microsoft has extended voluntary buyout offers to 60,000 employees, representing 27% of its global workforce, as it increases spending on artificial intelligence. This move comes as the company prepares to release its quarterly financial results and follows previous job cuts earlier this year.

Ladson Brearley and Rakesh Khan of ARtx share insights on their innovative approach to infrastructure engineering through 3D concrete printing. Their work aims to enhance safety and sustainability in construction, targeting a market launch by 2028.

President Trump revealed at a rally in Perry, Georgia, that Audi will establish a new automobile manufacturing plant in the state. This announcement aims to reinforce his commitment to American manufacturing ahead of the midterm elections.

Fabian Hall, known as The Pudding Man, has transformed his banana pudding business from selling out of his car trunk to opening a storefront in Durham. With unique flavors and family involvement, Hall's journey highlights the power of community and passion for food.

A truckers' protest in southern Italy has disrupted the production of buffalo mozzarella, leading to an estimated loss of 3 million euros in just 24 hours. The blockade has prevented the transport of milk to dairies and finished cheese to customers, raising concerns among farmers about the perishable nature of their product.

A critical vulnerability in PHP, a programming language powering 70% of websites, has led to temporary shutdowns of government and company sites worldwide. The PHP Foundation has issued a patch as organizations rush to secure their systems.

Kimberly-Clark Corporation is investing millions into a new alternative to wood for its paper products, using fibers from hesperaloe. This innovative approach could reshape the future of everyday items like toilet paper and diapers.

Airbnb is revising its house rules to limit cleaning chores for guests, effective for reservations made after November 20. The changes aim to simplify expectations and enhance the guest experience.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson's office has received over 470 complaints regarding gas prices since the launch of N.C. Fuel Check. The initiative aims to ensure that gas stations pass on savings from a recent gas tax suspension to consumers.

Pfizer has revealed plans for layoffs at its Rocky Mount and Sanford facilities, leaving local leaders and workers anxious about the impact. The company has not disclosed the number of positions affected or the timeline for the layoffs.

The North Carolina Attorney General's Office has reported over 470 complaints regarding gas stations suspected of not passing tax savings to consumers. This follows the launch of a new website aimed at addressing these concerns.

A New Mexico judge has ordered Meta to pay $25 billion after a jury found the company liable for over 43 million violations of consumer protection laws related to the Cambridge Analytica data breach. The funds are intended for state education initiatives.

The PHP development team has issued an urgent update to fix two critical vulnerabilities that could allow attackers to take over servers. Organizations are strongly urged to patch their systems immediately to mitigate risks.

Recent data reveals that North Carolina has seen the largest increase in lottery spending across the United States. This trend raises questions about gambling habits and economic implications in the state.

SpaceX has announced a significant quarterly profit of $4.4 billion, driven by its satellite and AI businesses. Elon Musk hinted at potential merger discussions with Tesla, although he cautioned against assuming an imminent deal.

Two lawsuits allege that food delivery robots from Coco and Serve Robotics collect biometric data without customer consent. Both companies deny the claims, asserting their technology is designed for navigation, not identification.

Oil prices have surged to a five-month high, driven by escalating conflicts in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran and Houthi militants. The Brent crude price has risen over 55% since the onset of the Iran war, impacting U.S. gas prices significantly.

Elon Musk has pledged to give one share of SpaceX to every child in America, following a similar commitment from AI company Anthropic. This initiative highlights the growing trend of companies balancing profit with social impact.

North Carolina has received over 270 complaints regarding gas prices since the launch of a new complaint form. While some stations have lowered prices following the suspension of the gas tax, others have not yet adjusted their rates.

As Thanksgiving approaches, food prices are expected to increase, with the average family spending around $90 this year. While turkey and cranberry prices are up, some items like butter and cream have seen price drops, offering consumers some relief.

Drivers in North Carolina have filed more than 220 complaints regarding gas stations not passing on savings from the state's gas tax holiday. While some stations have lowered prices, many consumers report minimal changes at the pump.

Food vendors at the North Carolina State Fair are upset over a new 15% revenue fee, which could lead to higher prices for fairgoers. Some vendors, like Oak City Fish and Chips, are opting out due to the increased costs.