Average US long-term mortgage rate falls to 6.19%, near its low for the year

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/4 5:38A Associated Press

By ALEX VEIGA, AP Business Writer The average rate on a 30-year U.S. mortgage fell again this week, slipping close to its low point so far this year. Related Articles DeSantis proposes plan for AI regulation in Florida Tourist tax revenue surges...

Tourist tax revenue surges again in Orange County

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/4 5:32A Stephen Hudak

The tourism industry, as measured by tourist tax collections, continues its boom in Orange County. On the heels of a record-setting 2024-25, the Tourist Development Tax (TDT) raked in $33.9 million in October, the start of the new fiscal year,...

WhatsApp faces European antitrust investigation over artificial intelligence

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/4 5:23A Associated Press

LONDON (AP) — WhatsApp faces an antitrust investigation in the European Union, where regulators said Thursday that they’re looking into the messaging service’s artificial intelligence policy. Related Articles A single hostage remains in Gaza...

This $12.5M Lake Maitland mansion is built for parties. Big parties.

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/4 4:30A Tiffani Sherman

A place built for entertaining needs new hosts. The mansion, dubbed Maison du Lac, at 570 Manor Rd. in Maitland, is listed for $12.5 million, according to a report in GrowthSpotter. At a time when...

With ‘Trump Accounts,’ your baby could qualify for $1,000. Here’s what to know

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/4 3:10A Associated Press

By MORIAH BALINGIT WASHINGTON (AP) — When the children of wealthy households leave the nest, they often benefit from their parents’ largesse in the form of a trust fund. Less affluent peers may receive nothing at all — or even be expected to...

Wall Street hangs near its all-time high as calm continues to hold

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/4 3:01A Associated Press

By STAN CHOE, AP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market is holding near its records on Thursday, continuing its  relatively calm run  following  weeks  of  sharp and scary swings . The S&P 500 rose 0.1% in afternoon trading and...

Credit card perks that make parenting easier (and cheaper)

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/4 3:00A Nerdwallet

It’s a good thing kids are adorable, because they take a lot of effort to keep happy, healthy and fed. They’ll also drain your savings, to the tune of more than $230,000 by the time they turn 17 (that’s according to the U.S. Department of...

US filings for jobless benefits fall to 191,000, lowest since September of 2022

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/4 1:50A Associated Press

By MATT OTT, AP Business Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. applications for unemployment benefits fell to their lowest level in more than three years during Thanksgiving week, potentially complicating the Federal Reserve’s upcoming decision on...

Thursday is dry but weekend weather could see rain and storms

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 12/4 12:49A Garfield Hylton

Thursday is sunny with a high near the high 70s. The day will be mostly dry, according to NWS Melbourne. There is a moderate risk of rip currents at all Atlantic beaches. Dry conditions are expected across the area through Friday, but the weekend...

Swim with Florida’s sea cows in Crystal River, the ‘Manatee Capital of the World’

Local News : Orlando Sentinel 12/3 10:00P Patrick Connolly

It s one thing to visit an aquarium and gaze in awe at a 1,000-pound manatee swimming just behind the glass. It s another thing to share the same water with Florida s sea cows, encountering them in an...

Bessent says White House may ‘veto’ Federal Reserve presidents

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/3 5:25A Associated Press

By CHRISTOPHER RUGABER, AP Economics Writer WASHINGTON (AP) — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday he would push a new requirement that the Federal Reserve’s regional bank presidents live in their districts for at least three years...

Science center demos to show how skateboarding, math mix

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/3 4:36A Dewayne Bevil

Orlando Science Center will exhibit the science of skateboarding during a one-day event featuring demonstrations by Skate Bud and Galactic G Skateshop on Saturday. Their problem-solving and mental tricks will work in tandem with the Loch Haven...

Wall Street drifts near its all-time high as most stocks rise

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/3 3:14A Associated Press

By STAN CHOE, AP Business Writer NEW YORK (AP) — The U.S. stock market is drifting near its record levels on Wednesday following mixed reactions to profit reports from  Macy s , Marvell Technologies and other companies. Related Articles Bessent...

The Nerds share tips for memorable, budget-friendly gifts

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/3 3:00A Nerdwallet

Growing up, my parents taught me a basic concept around gifts: The more creativity you put into the gift, the more the recipient will appreciate it — regardless of the cost. Related Articles Bessent says White House may ‘veto’ Federal Reserve...

Disney World shares schedule for 2026 ride reopenings

Orlando Sentinel (Brinkmann On Business) 12/3 2:05A Dewayne Bevil

Walt Disney World has rolled out timeframes for its theme park attractions in 2026, including the return of two popular Magic Kingdom rides and changes at Disney s Hollywood Studios , including for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster . The list lacks...