economy

Sales of non-chocolate candy are growing faster than those of chocolate. With cocoa in shortage, manufacturers are changing pack sizes, adding fillers and dipping candy in "white creme."

With the government shutdown now in its third week, an Army post in central Kentucky is doing what comes naturally to the military-showing resiliency. But the funding impasse still threatens the livelihoods of active duty service members and civilian employees, as well as the nation's defense readiness.

Rising costs are causing a lot of Americans to think twice before booking a trip. And many who do travel are scaling back their ambitions and staying closer to home.

American distillers have gotten a costly cold shoulder from Canada. A spirits industry group says spirits exports to Canada plunged 85% earlier this year.

President Trump said he will put import taxes of 100% on pharmaceutical drugs, 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, 30% on upholstered furniture and 25% on heavy trucks starting on Oct. 1.

Home prices skyrocketed during the pandemic — and have stayed high. For some Americans, making their budget work means having fewer children than they'd envisioned.

The Department of Agriculture said it will end a longstanding annual food insecurity survey. Experts say the move will obscure the effects of recent changes that will lead to people losing food aid.

Groceries saw their biggest jump in nearly three years last month, a worrisome sign for inflation-weary shoppers. Tariffs are contributing to higher prices for imported staples like bananas and coffee.

Inflation accelerated in August as Americans paid more for gasoline and groceries. Over the last 12 months, consumer prices have risen 2.9%.

The US labor market has slowed in the last few months. Just 22,000 jobs were added nationally in August. A local expert says the picture is similar in Louisville.