Fed sees soft landing as silver lining of temp jobs decline

The drop in temp workers is being viewed as an indication that the Fed is making progress in its bid to ease a taut jobs market just enough to head off inflationary wage increases without triggering widespread layoffs. 3:56 p.m.

US inflation and consumer spending cooled in December

The pullback in consumer spending will likely be welcomed by Fed officials, who are seeking to cool the economy by making lending increasingly expensive. 3:54 p.m.

New York veterinary clinic Small Door expands to Newton

Small Door offers an app that gives pet owners continuous access to its medical team, allows customers to book appointments online, and provides electronic access to health records. 11:18 a.m.

Innovation economy

Robots in the kitchen? Local engineers are making it a reality.

Two separate teams of engineers are chasing the holy grail of complete order accuracy, while also trying to surpass the speed of a human worker. 10:14 a.m.

HOUSING

The uphill battle to solve R.I.’s housing crisis

When Stefan Pryor becomes Rhode Island’s second housing secretary he’ll face NIMBY-ism, a department lacking infrastructure, and advocates who have been sounding the alarm for decades. 6:00 a.m.

Boston Metal gets $120 million boost to make ‘green steel’

Boston Metal, which has a pilot plant in Woburn, uses renewable electricity to convert iron ore into steel. 11:52 p.m.

BUSINESS

Hasbro to cut 15 percent of workforce after weak holiday sales

The Pawtucket, Rhode Island-based company also projected it would fall short of fourth-quarter adjusted profit estimates, making $1.29 to $1.31 a share compared to the $1.49 analysts were expecting. 7:13 p.m.