Business News Digest

DAVID McHUGH

February 24, 2025

AP Business Digest

Here are the AP's top business stories that have moved or are planned to move today. All times U.S. Eastern. For up-to-the minute information on AP's coverage, visit AP Newsroom's Coverage Plan.

--------------------

UPCOMING

--------------------

MEDIA-TRUMP-AP

DESCRIPTION: Arguments in U.S. District Court on AP's suit against three White House officials for restricting the agency from presidential events. UPCOMING: 700 words and photos, video. By Matt Sedensky.

UPCOMING: By 02/24/2025 3:00 p.m. EST, Photo, Audio, Video, Text

___

--------------------

NEW AND DEVELOPING

--------------------

FINANCIAL MARKETS

Stock market today: Wall Street drifts following last week's tumble

SUMMARY: U.S. stock indexes are drifting following their sharp losses from last week. The S&P 500 slipped 0.4% Monday after losing an early gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average dipped 30 points, and the Nasdaq composite dropped 1%. Berkshire Hathaway climbed after Warren Buffett's company reported a jumped in operating profits for the latest quarter, but it also indicated it's not seeing many stocks priced well enough to buy. This upcoming week will feature a profit report from Nvidia, one of Wall Street's most influential stocks, as well as updates on consumer confidence and inflation.

WORDS: 729 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 10:21 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:52a03f169e5264863783dff442c2acab&mediaType=text

___

US--ROBINHOOD-SEC

Robinhood says SEC has closed its investigation into the company

SUMMARY: Lawsuits filed against cryptocurrency platforms during President Joe Biden's administration continue to fall away as the administration of President Donald Trump has projected a much more lenient stance on cryptocurrency markets. Robinhood is just the latest company in the mix, announcing on Monday that the Securities and Exchange Commission has closed its investigation into the company and will not pursue an enforcement action. The SEC declined to comment on the matter.

WORDS: 325 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 9:45 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:d16d788760c6d38e0e4dd3c9e6620a22&mediaType=text

___

SOC--WOMEN'S EUROS-BRITISH PUBS

More wins, more drinks: Opening hours in pubs could extend in England and Wales during Women's Euros

SUMMARY: Soccer fans in England and Wales might be allowed to spend more time in pubs if their teams go far at the Women's European Championship being held in Switzerland in July. The British government is launching a four-week consultation to discuss whether pubs can extend their licensing hours from 11pm to 1am should England and/or Wales reach the semifinals or final of Euro 2025. The government says Britain's home secretary has the power to extend licensing hours for occasions of "exceptional international, national or local significance." England's women's team, whose players are nicknamed the Lionesses, will be defending the title won on home soil in 2022.

WORDS: 305 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 9:44 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c7c0c3ef61e50d2446774a1df04cdf6c&mediaType=text

___

GERMANY-ELECTION-BUSINESS-QUOTES

German business leaders say new government must act quickly to rescue stagnant economy

SUMMARY: Germany's businesses have been frustrated by government inaction on the stagnating economy. Sunday's national election raises hopes of a stable two-party coalition of conservatives and center-left Social Democrats, with center-right leader Friedrich Merz as likely chancellor. But will it take the swift action business leaders are calling for? Leading economists and business figures are offering their views on the way forward.

WORDS: 477 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 9:37 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:69c0773bceb01ddb9361adb84dce3dfa&mediaType=text

___

US-MED--WEIGHT-LOSS DRUGS-COVERAGE

Patients struggle with lack of consistent coverage for popular weight-loss drugs

SUMMARY: Supplies of high-demand obesity treatments are improving, but that doesn't mean they're easier to get. Many employers and health insurers are scaling back coverage of Wegovy or Zepbound and a key government program, Medicare, doesn't cover the drugs for obesity. Clouding the picture even further, some big employers are adding coverage. But their commitment isn't guaranteed. Treatment prices that can top hundreds of dollars monthly even after discounts make it hard for many to afford these drugs on their own. That makes the life-changing weight-loss that patients seek largely dependent on the coverage they have and how long it lasts.

WORDS: 909 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 9:34 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:4d2be2052f1df71dbded96628028159b&mediaType=text

___

STARBUCKS-LAYOFFS

Starbucks lays off 1,100 corporate employees as coffee chain streamlines

SUMMARY: Starbucks plans to lay off 1,100 corporate employees globally as new Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol streamlines operations. In a letter to employees released Monday, Niccol said the company will inform employees who are being laid off by mid-day Tuesday. Niccol said Starbucks is also eliminating several hundred open and unfilled positions. Niccol said the Seattle coffee giant needs to operate more efficiently and reduce complexity. Baristas in Starbucks' stores aren't impacted by the layoffs.

WORDS: 297 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 8:47 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:ac4110200335139836c6b370d864313c&mediaType=text

___

US--TRUMP-DOGE-JOB SEARCH

Fired federal workers hunt for new jobs but struggle to replace their old ones

SUMMARY: Job searches can be tough for anyone, but some of the federal workers flooding the market after widespread layoffs are finding it particularly tough. Park ranger? Nuclear submarine engineer? Diplomat? Some jobs are almost exclusively the realm of government, making the search even harder. President Donald Trump and his cost-cutting czar, billionaire Elon Musk, have presided over thousands of federal job cuts touching nearly every part of the country. Those workers are now on the hunt for replacement work and are likely to be joined by others. The White House and its Musk-headed Department of Government Efficiency are telling agency leaders to plan for "large-scale reductions in force" and the freezing of trillions of dollars in federal grant funds.

WORDS: 1047 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 8:38 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:57671a76f22d5398a3c794e29e350082&mediaType=text

___

US--INSIDER-Q&A-ALLEN INSTITUTE

AI nonprofit CEO says 'closed nature' of most artificial intelligence research hinders innovation.

WORDS: 553 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 6:00 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b20122deab3924ac4a6cf82d97327fae&mediaType=text

___

US--GREENPEACE LAWSUIT-NORTH DAKOTA

Greenpeace says a pipeline company's lawsuit threatens the organization's future

SUMMARY: A Texas pipeline company has sued Greenpeace accusing the organization of defamation, disruptions and attacks during protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline. The environmental advocacy group says the lawsuit, which goes to trial in North Dakota on Monday, threatens free speech rights and its very future. Dallas-based Energy Transfer filed the lawsuit in 2019 over the protests of the Dakota Access Pipeline in 2016 and 2017 near the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's reservation in North Dakota. Energy Transfer alleges trespass, nuisance, defamation and other offenses by Netherlands-based Greenpeace International and the organization's U.S.-based entity, Greenpeace USA, as well as funding arm Greenpeace Fund Inc.

WORDS: 633 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 5:59 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:a449e34e61f7114e97b132fdd27815e8&mediaType=text

___

ML--EMIRATES-EARNS-FLYDUBAI

Low-cost carrier FlyDubai sees record $611 million profit in 2024.

WORDS: 186 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 5:48 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:c5851618a4412c277fab929e105641eb&mediaType=text

___

EU--EUROPE-SYRIA-SANCTIONS

EU begins easing Syria energy, transport and banking sanctions to help revive its economy.

WORDS: 352 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 5:42 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:7d8133be1a67ef06e91d4785c69e2306&mediaType=text

___

US--FINANCIAL WELLNESS-ABLE ACCOUNTS

These little-known bank accounts allow Americans with disabilities to save and invest

SUMMARY: If you're an American with a disability who receives government assistance, you likely qualify for an ABLE account, or you may starting next year. These little-known accounts allow Americans with disabilities to save and invest money without the risk of losing benefits like Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid. Beginning in 2026, they'll become available to people diagnosed with a disability before the age of 46, up from the current threshold of 26, increasing access to the accounts by 6 million people. But state treasurers and experts say raising awareness of the accounts is a challenge.

WORDS: 1028 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 5:01 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:439fe21204ff443a1c0d907a112b99a0&mediaType=text

___

US--HOSPITAL VIOLENCE

Pennsylvania hostage-taking and shootout highlight rising violence against US hospital workers

SUMMARY: Violence against healthcare workers is on the rise as seen by an attack at a Pennsylvania hospital. A gunman took hostages before exchanges of gunfire that killed a police officer and wounded five other people at a York County, Pennsylvania, intensive care unit on Saturday. The shooting killed the man, identified as 49-year-old Diogenes Archangel-Ortiz. His motives remain unclear but he had been in contact with the hospital about a medical issue involving someone else. Security consultant Dick Sem says hospital shooters tend not to kill at random but often are angry about something that has happened and target specific victims.

WORDS: 735 - MOVED: 02/24/2025 12:01 a.m. EST

https://newsroom.ap.org/home/search?query=itemid:b8ef04b728c67aac36024ca22806a6ee&mediaType=text

___

Recommended

Stunning Trump Policy Unlocks Upfront Cash Payouts - Ad

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

WASHINGTON (AP) — President keeps saying that Republicans' mega legislation will eliminate taxes on federal benefits.

Marjorie Taylor Greene: 'Muslim Takeover' Threatens American Women

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) has expressed her fears regarding what she believes to be the most significant threat to the freedom of American women.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

While headlines scream "Tesla is doomed"...Jeff Brown has uncovered a revolutionary AI breakthrough buried inside Tesla's labs. One that is helping AI escape from our computer screens and manifest itself here in the real world all while creating a 25,000% growth market explosion starting as early as July 23rd.

Mystery Seller Behind $105 Million Plot Next to Jeff Bezos Estate Finally Revealed

A plot of land neighboring Jeff Bezos' property in Miami was sold for a staggering $105 million. The undeveloped lot was sold by German investor Mikhail Peleg.

BigBear.ai, AMD, QuantumScape, Coinbase, Tesla: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

U.S. stocks ended the day on a high note, with the Nasdaq gaining over 1.4% on Tuesday to 19,912.53. The Dow also traded up 1.2% to 43,089.02, while the S&P 500 rose by 1.1% to 6,092.18. These are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors throughout the day:

Back This Medical AI Tech

Back This Medical AI Tech - Ad

You don't often find healthcare tech company valued at $4M. HeartSciences is an exception. With $75M invested, including R&D, clinical trials, and product development, their patented AI software is approaching FDA submission, a potential major inflection point.

After Diddy's conviction, here's where his business ventures stand

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Sean “Diddy” Combs has been in his federal sex trafficking trial, but that doesn't mean the once-celebrated music mogul will see his business empire restored.

Mark Cuban Raises Employee Wages After Learning Of Government Aid Dependence

Mark Cuban, owner of the NBA's Dallas Mavericks, expressed his dismay upon learning that some of his employees were reliant on government aid programs.

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you

What's inside Elon's building in Memphis will shock you - Ad

Inside Elon Musk's Memphis site lies a supercomputer built to power the world's first superhuman AI. It could make Elon a trillionaire - and new millionaires, too. With just $500, you could get in before the July 1st funding window closes.

What's in the latest version of Trump's big bill moving through the Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are inching closer to getting their tax and spending cut bill through Congress with a final Senate vote likely late Monday or early Tuesday.

Trump Has 'Already Won' By Dodging Accountability In Fed Showdown, Says Apollo's Jim Zelter

According to Jim Zelter of Apollo Global Management, President Donald Trump has already set the stage for passing the blame.

FDA Submission Expected This Summer - Invest Before It Happens

FDA Submission Expected This Summer - Invest Before It Happens - Ad

This company is making heart disease easier to detect with AI. Their tech has officially been designated a "Breakthrough" by the FDA. You now have an opportunity to get in at a potential inflection point.

Ex-Amazon VP Says Working For A Bad Manager Is Worse Than Worrying About Moving Up The Career Ladder: 'One Of My Biggest Regrets…'

Former Amazon VP warns against working for bad boss. Work for someone who supports growth. Title obsession and poor leadership hurt career.

What to Stream: Ryan Coogler’s 'Sinners,' a Kesha album, 'SharkFest' and John Cena with Idris Elba

Kesha enjoying her freedom on her first new album since she left her old label and Ryan Coogler’s guts-spilling vampire film “Sinners,” are some of the new television, films, music and games near you.

Elon's Greatest Invention... Hidden in South Memphis?

Elon's Greatest Invention... Hidden in South Memphis? - Ad

In South Memphis, I uncovered what could be Elon Musk's biggest invention yet. It's so secretive, rivals are flying drones to spy on it. If you're serious about investing in AI, now's the time to see what's really going on inside those walls.

Dave Ramsey Has Blunt Advice On How Much To Spend To Keep A Pet Dog Alive: 'I've Seen People Spend Tens Of Thousands Of Dollars…'

Dave Ramsey offers tough advice to pet owners facing financial difficulties. He advises against going into debt to keep pets alive.

UnitedHealthcare Group, Gryphon Digital Mining, AMC Entertainment, Centene, And Tesla: Why These 5 Stocks Are On Investors' Radars Today

Major U.S. indices were mixed on Tuesday, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average rising 0.9% to 44,494.94 and the S&P 500 declining 0.1% to 6,198.01. The Nasdaq fell 0.8% to 20,202.89. These are the top stocks that gained the attention of retail traders and investors throughout the day:

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ...

Do These 4 Things to Your Bank Account Now ... - Ad

A sweeping U.S. policy could soon let the government track-or even freeze-your bank account. But there are 4 simple steps you can take right now to protect your savings before it's potentially too late.

Ahead of Oasis' tour, a look at famous and brief band reunions: Nirvana, Outkast and more

NEW YORK (AP) — “Don't Look Back in Anger” is good advice for who launch this week in Cardiff, Wales.

Canadian Prime Minister Carney says trade talks with US resume after Canada rescinded tech tax

TORONTO (AP) — Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said late Sunday trade talks with U.S. have resumed after Canada rescinded its plan to tax U.S. technology firms.

A 64% Dividend From Gold?

A 64% Dividend From Gold? - Ad

Gold is soaring. But here's what no one's talking about: a way to earn a 64% dividend-paid in real cash every 30 days. No trading. No risky mining stocks. Just one simple move in your brokerage account... and you could start collecting monthly income almost instantly.

Big Banks Pass Fed's 2025 Stress Test With Ease—But Some Say It Was Too Easy

All major U.S. banks passed the Fed's 2025 stress test, but critics say easier assumptions may have padded the results.

President Trump announces trade deal with Vietnam that will let US goods into the country duty-free

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with Vietnam Wednesday that would allow U.S. goods to enter the country duty-free.

Stunning Trump Policy Unlocks Upfront Cash Payouts

Stunning Trump Policy Unlocks Upfront Cash Payouts - Ad

The U.S. has collected $15B from Trump's tariffs - and now, thanks to Title 15, you could claim your own $100-$1,000 instant upfront cash payouts. No stocks needed. Use your phone and this income technique to collect upfront payouts now.

US tariffs on European goods threaten to shake up the world's largest 2-way trade relationship

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — , the European Union, is among the entities awaiting word Monday on will impose punishing tariffs on their goods, a move economists have warned would have repercussions for companies and consumers on both sides of the Atlantic.

What's in the latest version of Trump's big bill that passed the Senate

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans are getting closer to the finish line in getting their tax and spending cut bill through Congress with a final House vote possible on Wednesday.

How to Hack a $1.3T Market

How to Hack a $1.3T Market - Ad

Forget concrete. The new foundation for real estate success is digital, and Pacaso leads the way. Their tech unlocks a $1.3T real estate market. They've already earned $110M+ in gross profits in their operating history and reserved the Nasdaq ticker PCSO.

Disney cruise ship rescue team saves girl and father after overboard fall

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — Crew members from a Disney cruise ship saved a girl who fell overboard and her father who jumped in after her.

Inside The Trump Family's $620 Million Crypto Empire

Since retaking the White House, Donald Trump's reported net worth has remained broadly stable, around $6.5 billion on Election Day to roughly $6.4 billion today.

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling?

Is Elon's Empire Crumbling? - Ad

Jeff Brown - the legend who called Tesla and Nvidia early - says Elon is about to launch a $25T AI revolution. This isn't another chatbot. It's real-world AI that could 14X the impact of ChatGPT. But after July 23rd, it may be too late.

Trump's Approval Ratings, Tariff Deadlines, Schumer's Criticism, And Defense Budget Shifts: This Week In Politics

Trump's approval ratings drop after Iran attack, hints at tariff deadline flexibility. SC limits judges' power, Schumer criticizes GOP budget, defense budget shifts to missiles and drones.

FACT FOCUS: No, weather modification did not cause the deadly flash floods in Texas

As authorities search for victims of the in Texas that killed more than 100 people over the Fourth of July holiday weekend, social media users are spreading false claims that the devastation was caused by weather modification.

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming

The Tesla Shock Nobody Sees Coming - Ad

Raoul Pal Says Robinhood Letting Users Trade OpenAI, SpaceX Through Blockchain Is 'Democratization Of Finance' — End Of Public Vs Private Markets Has Begun

Macro strategist Raoul Pal commended Robinhood Markets' decision to launch tokenized stock offerings on Monday, June 30, describing it as "democratization of finance."

Wildfire kills 2 people in Spain as parts of Europe bake in heat wave

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Two people died in Spain in a wildfire that spread quickly before firefighters brought it under control, authorities said, as a sent thermometers soaring again on Wednesday.

Back This Medical AI Tech