Apple CEO Cook denies company avoids billions in U.S. taxes

Apple's CEO is disputing assertions by a Senate panel that the company avoids billions of dollars in U.S. taxes by shifting profits to foreign affiliates. Tim Cook testified at a hearing Tuesday by the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which released a report Monday attacking Apple's tax practices.

Yahoo looks to regain its cool with Tumblr deal

After falling woefully out of fashion, Yahoo wants to be cool again while catering to the capitalistic demands of its shareholders. That goal led CEO Marissa Mayer to make a $1.1 billion bet on online blogging forum Tumblr in a risky acquisition that revolves around the vision and instincts of a 26-year-old entrepreneur who dropped out of high school to pursue his dream of bringing more beauty and creativity to the Internet.

KC firm T2 Studios puts digital graphics in high gear for events

In the last few years, the Kansas City-based video production firm T2 Studios and its so-called Experience Lab have gained a growing reputation for creating what are called immersion experiences. In a world of way-too-much stuff passing before our eyes, what all these flashy sights are about is an elevated form of marketing.

Landscapers scramble to catch up

The April rains and first measurable May snow in more than a hundred years have pushed back the outdoor planting season several weeks. Now that nicer weather is becoming the norm, lawn and garden retailers and landscapers are hoping to make their sales goals in a much shorter period and before summer’s soaring temperatures.

Area home construction remains strong

Data released by the Home Builders Association of Greater Kansas City showed 444 permits issued in April for single-family units. That marked the first time monthly permits had climbed above 400 since April 2008, when 441 permits were issued.