Economy
![For many people, the lack of affordable child care is a barrier to joining the workforce. For many people, the lack of affordable child care is a barrier to joining the workforce.](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/US-NEWS-CHILDCARE-WORKERS-AID-1-SH.jpg?w=117)
SUBSCRIBER ONLY
For child care workers, state aid for their own kids’ care is ‘life-changing’
For many people, the lack of affordable child care is a barrier to joining the...
![The rate was 3.3 percent in April, after inching up from 3.2 percent in March and 3.1 percent in the three previous months. Florida had a 2.8 percent unemployment rate in May 2023. The rate was 3.3 percent in April, after inching up from 3.2 percent in March and 3.1 percent in the three previous months. Florida had a 2.8 percent unemployment rate in May 2023.](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Unemployment-Benefits-1.jpg?w=132)
Florida unemployment rate remains steady at 3.3% in May
The rate was 3.3 percent in April, after inching up from 3.2 percent in March...
![Travel demand is far from falling off a cliff. But there are signs that our wanderlust is downshifting from never-ending to a more normal pattern. Travel demand is far from falling off a cliff. But there are signs that our wanderlust is downshifting from never-ending to a more normal pattern.](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/TRV-REVENGE-TRAVEL-COMMENTARY-DMT.jpg?w=132)
SUBSCRIBER ONLY
Commentary: Revenge travel not flying so high these days
Travel demand is far from falling off a cliff. But there are signs that our...
![According to a new Bankrate survey on tipping culture, 59% of Americans view tipping negatively, down from 66% in 2023. According to a new Bankrate survey on tipping culture, 59% of Americans view tipping negatively, down from 66% in 2023.](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/LIFE-BANKRATE-TIPPING-SURVEY-DMT.jpg?w=132)
Survey: More than 1 in 3 Americans think tipping culture has gotten out of control
According to a new Bankrate survey on tipping culture, 59% of Americans view tipping negatively,...
![Expert predictions of falling rates have been proved wrong time and time again. Expert predictions of falling rates have been proved wrong time and time again.](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/BIZ-REAL-REFINANCE-STUCK-1-LA.jpg?w=132)
They bought homes with the intention to refinance. Now they’re stuck
Expert predictions of falling rates have been proved wrong time and time again.
![The Walt Disney Co. is gearing up to spend billions of dollars in Central Florida as part of a new development plan, ramping up speculation that the company could be eyeing a major Disney World expansion. The Walt Disney Co. is gearing up to spend billions of dollars in Central Florida as part of a new development plan, ramping up speculation that the company could be eyeing a major Disney World expansion.](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/TOS-L-disney-castle_IMG_9441f-T_f3c7db.jpg?w=126)
SUBSCRIBER ONLY
‘A huge kiss and make up:’ Disney World, Florida leaders plot major expansion
The Walt Disney Co. is gearing up to spend billions of dollars in Central Florida...
![By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO (AP Business Writer) NEW YORK (AP) — The earnings results from Best Buy and Kohl’s, announced Thursday, offer the latest evidence of consumers’ cautious spending amid a challenging economic environment. Best Buy, the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain, reported another quarterly drop in sales as Americans pull back on gadget spending to […] By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO (AP Business Writer) NEW YORK (AP) — The earnings results from Best Buy and Kohl’s, announced Thursday, offer the latest evidence of consumers’ cautious spending amid a challenging economic environment. Best Buy, the nation’s largest consumer electronics chain, reported another quarterly drop in sales as Americans pull back on gadget spending to […]](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Best_Buy_Results_19989.jpg?w=132)
Best Buy and Kohl’s extends streak of quarterly sales slumps as Americans focus on the essentials
By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO (AP Business Writer) NEW YORK (AP) — The earnings results from Best...
![McDonald’s is fighting back against media reports it says have exaggerated its price increases. In a post on the company’s website Wednesday, McDonald’s U.S. president said reports suggesting the price of the average Big Mac has doubled since 2019 were false. McDonald’s says the average Big Mac costs $5.29, or 20.5% more than it did five years ago. Still, the company said prices for some items, like fries, have jumped higher to account for higher costs of labor, paper and food. McDonald's saw a slowdown in traffic early this year as inflation-weary consumers dined out less. It's planning to focus more on deals this summer. McDonald’s is fighting back against media reports it says have exaggerated its price increases. In a post on the company’s website Wednesday, McDonald’s U.S. president said reports suggesting the price of the average Big Mac has doubled since 2019 were false. McDonald’s says the average Big Mac costs $5.29, or 20.5% more than it did five years ago. Still, the company said prices for some items, like fries, have jumped higher to account for higher costs of labor, paper and food. McDonald's saw a slowdown in traffic early this year as inflation-weary consumers dined out less. It's planning to focus more on deals this summer.](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/McDonalds_Prices_18369.jpg?w=132)
McDonald’s says $18 Big Mac meal was an ‘exception’ and news reports overstated its price increases
McDonald’s is fighting back against media reports it says have exaggerated its price increases. In...
![Why the disconnect between economic strength and sentiment matters. Why the disconnect between economic strength and sentiment matters.](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/GettyImages-2154503107.jpg?w=132)
Some people are down on the economy — here’s why we should care
Why the disconnect between economic strength and sentiment matters.
![The household income required to be considered middle class in the United States varies depending on where you live. The household income required to be considered middle class in the United States varies depending on where you live.](https://www.orlandosentinel.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/BIZ-PFP-MIDDLECLASS-INCOME-SA.jpg?w=132)
Here’s how much you have to earn to qualify as middle class, new study says
The household income required to be considered middle class in the United States varies depending...