Author
Joel Patterson
jpatterson@timesmediaservice.comWrite to Joel →
Joel Patterson is a senior business and finance analyst for Times Media Service, based in the Washington bureau. Patterson covers markets, companies, personal finance and economic policy, along with transportation and its financial and economic impacts. Patterson holds a master's degree in finance and grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Stories by Joel Patterson
32 stories
September 2026
2 stories: 2 explainers
Wed

Explainer · Business and Finance · Chicago
Why The Laughing Cow has stopped smiling on cheese packages
Bel Brands USA launched a packaging campaign on Sept. 22, 2026, altering The Laughing Cow mascot across more than 4,700 U.S. retail stores.
Tue
Explainer · Crime and Justice · Utah
Former Utah postal worker indicted over alleged disposal of about 300 mail-in ballots
August 2026
2 stories: 2 explainers
Thu
Explainer · Crime and Justice · San Francisco
What is known about the Martinez murder case after a pretrial release
Sun
Explainer · Business and Finance · United States
Burger King retakes No. 2 spot among U.S. burger chains as Wendy’s sales slide
Burger King surpassed Wendy's in second-quarter systemwide sales of $3.2 billion, reclaiming the No. 2 spot among U.S. burger chains.

June 2026
2 stories: 2 news stories
Thu
News: Business and Finance · United States
Avoid 401(k) RMD “Tax Bomb”: Strategies for Retirement
Mon
News: Business and Finance · United States
Costco Slashes Kirkland Signature Prices on Key Items
May 2026
2 stories: 2 news stories
Fri
News: Health · United States
Giantex Lounge Chair Recall: Amputation Hazard Prompts Action
Thu
News: Business and Finance · United States
Schlitz Beer Ends After 177 Years: Final Batch Brewed in Milwaukee
March 2026
1 story: 1 news story
Wed
News: Business and Finance · Michigan
Smoothie King Ann Arbor: Employees Fired Over Trump Shirt Refusal
January 2026
5 stories: 5 news stories
Thu
News: Business and Finance · California
Apple Q1 2026: iPhone 17 Drives Record $143.8B Revenue
Apple sets new revenue highs in Q1 2026, reaching $143.8B thanks to robust iPhone 17 sales and strong demand, particularly in Greater China. Discover more in…

Sun
News: Business and Finance · United States
Costco Citi Card: 5% Gas Cash Back at Warehouse Pumps
Fri
News: Business and Finance · United States
Frigidaire Mini-Fridge Recall Expands: Fire Risk, Target Sales
Wed
News: Business and Finance · United States
Macy’s Closing 14 Stores in 2026: See the List & Turnaround Plan
Thu
News: Business and Finance · California
California Billionaire Tax: Page, Ellison Make Moves Ahead of 2026 Act
December 2025
2 stories: 2 news stories
Sun
News: Business and Finance · United States
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros. Assets: Trump Antitrust Review Looms
Tue
News: Business and Finance · United States
Costco Challenges Trump Tariffs in Federal Lawsuit
Costco launches federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, disputing the legality of emergency tariff orders and demanding refunds on import duties. Learn why this legal challenge…

November 2025
5 stories: 5 news stories
Sat
News: Business and Finance · United States
Cracker Barrel DEI Consultant Resigns After Proxy Fight
Wed
News: Real Estate · United States
Hidden Homeownership Costs Hit $21K Annually Nationwide in 2025
Sun
News: Business and Finance · United States
Ackman’s Plan for Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac: US Housing Market Impact
Tue
News: Transportation · United States
FAA Air Traffic Reductions: What Travelers Need to Know
Tue
News: Business and Finance · United States
Denny’s Acquired, Pizza Hut Faces Sale Amid Industry Shake-Up
October 2025
6 stories: 6 news stories
Thu
News: Business and Finance · United States
Target Cuts 1,000 Jobs; Michael Fiddelke Named New CEO
Target is cutting 1,000 jobs and eliminating hundreds of open roles. Current COO Michael Fiddelke will become CEO in 2026 amidst sales decline.

Wed
News: Business and Finance · United States
US Auto Loan Delinquencies Surge: Near Record Highs
Wed
News: Business and Finance · World
Trump Calls China Soybean Cuts “Hostile,” Threatens Retaliation
Thu
News: Business and Finance · Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas Casino Revenue Up in 2025 Amidst Visitation Drop
Thu
News: Business and Finance · California
Amazon Fresh Closures Hit Southern California: 4 Stores Shutter
Sat
News: Business and Finance · United States
OpenAI Becomes World’s Most Valuable Private Company at $500B
September 2025
4 stories: 4 news stories
Sun
News: Business and Finance · United States
Cracker Barrel to Close 14 Maple Street Biscuit Co. Locations
Cracker Barrel announces the closure of 14 Maple Street Biscuit Company stores in fiscal year 2026, citing underperformance and financial reasons.

Thu
News: Energy · California
California Fast-Tracks Oil Wells in Kern County to Halt Exodus
Wed
News: Media · United States
Jimmy Kimmel Live! Preempted by Sinclair, Nexstar ABC Stations
September 2025 continues on page 2 with 1 more story.