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- 1Storms batter Hawaii as insurance premiums surge and growth slowsโผStorms batter Hawaii as insurance premiums surge and economic growth slows to a crawl
Severe storms are hitting Hawaii at the same time the state faces a sharp rise in insurance premiums and economic growth has slowed to a crawl. Business coverage links the weather damage to rising costs for homeowners and companies, warning that expensive coverage could weigh further on an already sluggish island economy.
- 2
Former Solomon Islands politician Wale has called for the abolition of veto powers at the United Nations, according to Islands Business. The proposal would end the ability of the five permanent Security Council members to unilaterally block resolutions. Such calls are often raised by smaller nations who argue the veto stymies action on conflicts and humanitarian crises, and the renewed appeal is drawing attention to long-running debates over UN Security Council reform.
- 3Taiwan foreign minister heads to Belize and Guatemala with business delegationโผForeign minister departs for Belize, Guatemala with business delegation
Taiwan's foreign minister has departed for diplomatic visits to Belize and Guatemala, two of the island's remaining diplomatic allies in Central America, accompanied by a business delegation. The trip combines diplomatic engagement with trade promotion, and coverage from Taiwanese outlets highlights the government's effort to deepen ties with its few remaining partners.
- 4Hawaii Island residents urged to report Hurricane Nolo damageโผHawaii Island residents, businesses urged to report storm damage from Hurricane Nolo
Hawaii Island residents and businesses are being urged to report any damage caused by Hurricane Nolo, according to Hawaii News Now. Officials are asking property owners to come forward so the full extent of the storm's impact can be assessed, a step that typically helps authorities coordinate relief efforts and determine whether disaster assistance can be sought.
- 5Swan Island businesses lose thousands amid I-5 closureโSwan Island businesses lose thousands as I-5 closure cuts into sales
Businesses in Portland's Swan Island industrial area are reporting losses of thousands of dollars as a closure on Interstate 5 disrupts traffic and keeps customers and shipments away. Local companies say the blocked freeway is cutting directly into sales and complicating deliveries, and they are waiting for the road to reopen so business can return to normal.
- 6Stony Brook Launches AI Academy for Long Island Small BusinessesโผStony Brook Brings AI Expertise to Long Island Small Businesses Through LIA-AI Growth Academy
Stony Brook University is extending its artificial intelligence expertise to small businesses across Long Island through the LIA-AI Growth Academy. The program aims to help local companies understand and adopt AI tools to improve operations and competitiveness. The initiative reflects a broader push by universities to make AI training accessible to smaller firms that lack in-house technical resources.
- 7Natural disasters split Big Island businesses between loss and windfallโBusiness Monday: Natural disasters devastated some Big Island business, while boosting income for others
A Business Monday report examines how natural disasters on Hawaii's Big Island have had sharply divergent economic effects. Some businesses were devastated, losing revenue, property or customers, while others saw income rise, reportedly benefiting from recovery and rebuilding activity. The piece highlights how disaster impacts are unevenly distributed across the island's business community.
- 8Collier County targets three Marco Island parcels for conservationโผCollier targets 3 Marco Island parcels for conservation
Collier County is moving to designate three parcels on Marco Island for conservation, according to Gulfshore Business. The move would protect the land from development and preserve habitat and shoreline areas on the barrier island. No further details about the parcels, their size, cost, or the county's timeline were available, and public reaction has not yet been widely reported.
- 9Newport Hospital first in Rhode Island to adopt robotic surgery platformโผNewport Hospital first in R.I. to use new robotic-assisted surgical platform
Newport Hospital has become the first hospital in Rhode Island to use a new robotic-assisted surgical platform, according to Providence Business News. The technology assists surgeons with precision during procedures, and its arrival marks a first for the state's healthcare system. The news is being picked up in regional business and healthcare coverage.
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Long Island Tennis Magazine has published a feature profiling Parsa Samii, tracing how lessons from tennis contributed to his rise to the top of his industry. The piece frames the sport as a training ground for the discipline and competitive mindset behind his professional success.
- 11US Tightens Cuba Travel Rules and Banking RestrictionsโUS Tightens Cuba Travel Rules, Restricts Private-Sector Banking
The United States has announced tighter travel rules for Cuba and new restrictions on banking transactions with the island's private sector. The measures tighten what had been channels of engagement with Cuban entrepreneurs. Observers say the move could hit Cuba's growing private economy and complicate travel and money transfers for Cuban Americans and visitors.
- 12Small businesses complete LIA-AI Growth Academy programโSmall businesses complete LIA-AI Growth Academy
A group of Long Island small businesses has completed the LIA-AI Growth Academy, a program run with the Long Island Association focused on helping local firms adopt artificial intelligence tools. Graduates are expected to apply AI to operations, marketing and customer service as they seek a competitive edge. The completion marks another step in regional efforts to bring AI skills to smaller companies that often lack in-house expertise.
- 13Kauai small businesses urge tourists to return after Hurricane LowellโKauai small businesses ask tourists to return after Hurricane Lowell, with aloha and some patience
Small businesses on Kauai are asking visitors to come back following Hurricane Lowell, saying the island is ready to welcome them with aloha and some patience as recovery continues. The appeal reflects concern that travelers may cancel trips even where damage was limited, hurting shops and restaurants that depend on tourism.