Things To Do In SW Florida

By JOSH FUNK

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Berkshire Hathaway revealed three new investments Thursday in steelmaker Nucor and two of the nation’s biggest homebuilders — Lennar and DR Horton — but none of the investments are big enough to ensure that legendary investor Warren Buffett handled them.

Related Articles

• 
  Wall Street is coasting toward the finish of a record-setting week

• 
  What does it mean to be rich? We asked 3 people

• 
  Retail sales rise 0.5% in July as some shoppers step up purchases ahead of tariffs

• 
  National Roller Coaster Day: Orlando list, first to freshest

• 
  Inflation or jobs: Federal Reserve officials are divided over competing concerns

Buffett, who plans to retire as CEO at the end of the year after six decades of building Berkshire, handles all of the conglomerate’s biggest investments worth $1 billion or more. All three of these new investments disclosed Thursday in a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission are worth less than that, so they could be the ideas of one of Berkshire’s two other investment managers. read more

By Jeff Green and Jessica Nix, Bloomberg News

Costco Wholesale Corp. has decided not to dispense the abortion pill mifepristone at its more than 500 pharmacy locations, a decision hailed by a group of faith-based activists who urged the retailer to avoid selling the drug.

Costco said in a statement that it hasn’t seen consumer demand for the pill, and had no comment on whether the conservative group had any role in its decision. The religious coalition includes Idaho-based Inspire Investing; conservative activist organization Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF); and treasurers and other financial officials from states such as Ohio, Texas, Nevada and Utah. Last year, the group had asked the company to not begin selling the medication.

“It’s a very significant win and it’s one we hope to build on this coming year,” said Michael Ross, legal counsel for the corporate engagement team at ADF.

He said the group will now focus on Walgreens Boots Alliance and CVS Health Corp., which dispense mifepristone in pharmacies in states where abortion is legal. Patients in states where abortion is illegal can also get the pills through the mail in states where the procedure is not outlawed. read more

Architecture

Jesse Neuman has joined Stantec as principal in charge of its Orlando themed entertainment team.

Boards of directors

Kristen Gustafson, director of enterprise initiatives and corporate brand at Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corp., was appointed advisory board chair for Blessings in a Backpack Orlando.

Brynley “Bryn” Thomas, vice president of operations at Cahill Homes, was appointed as an advisory board member for Blessings in a Backpack Orlando.

Education

Leslie Anderson was appointed as the Bruce A. Beal executive director of Rollins Museum of Art at Rollins College, Winter Park.

Public relations read more

Petco, the San Diego-based pet goods and pet care retailer, is turning a new leaf by focusing on the other half of the pet equation: humans.

“For the first time ever, Petco is launching ‘My Human,’ a category for the two-legged customers who boldly embrace the pet-obsessed lifestyle,” the company announced.

Related Articles

• 
  Retail sales rise 0.5% in July as some shoppers step up purchases ahead of tariffs

• 
  Costco forgoes sale of abortion pill, emboldening religious groups

• 
  Amazon expands its perishable delivery service, putting pressure on traditional grocers

• 
  Claire’s, known for piercing millions of teens’ ears, files for Chapter 11, 2nd time since 2018

• 
  Sales tax holidays can save you money on back-to-school shopping — or on new clothes or a laptop for yourself

These hundreds of items include clothing, throw pillows, planters, games and other “cheeky, giftable finds,” a news release said.

The “In My Cat Mom Era” T-shirt pays homage to both Taylor Swift and felinity. A slouchy sloth planter is one easy way to bring a sloth into your home, because those pets are illegal in California without a special permit. read more

By ALEX VEIGA, AP Business Writer

MCLEAN, Va. (AP) — The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell this week to its lowest level in nearly 10 months, giving prospective homebuyers a sorely needed boost in purchasing power that could help inject life into a stagnant housing market.

Related Articles

• 
  Wall Street is coasting toward the finish of a record-setting week

• 
  What does it mean to be rich? We asked 3 people

• 
  Retail sales rise 0.5% in July as some shoppers step up purchases ahead of tariffs

• 
  National Roller Coaster Day: Orlando list, first to freshest

• 
  Inflation or jobs: Federal Reserve officials are divided over competing concerns

The long-term rate fell to 6.58% from 6.63% last week, mortgage buyer Freddie Mac said Thursday. A year ago, the rate averaged 6.49%.

Borrowing costs on 15-year fixed-rate mortgages, popular with homeowners refinancing their home loans, also fell. The average rate dropped to 5.71% from 5.75% last week. A year ago, it was 5.66%, Freddie Mac said. read more