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
4 explainers
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.
