With tariffs driving up the price of stainless steel, the precision-part manufacturer Accu-Swiss in Oakdale, Calif., came up with a plan to save money: turn off the lights but keep the machines on.

George Vander Linde tapped a code into the emergency room’s automated medicine cabinet. A drawer slid open and he flipped the lid, but found nothing inside.

Kroger Co. delivered stronger than expected earnings and sales, sending its stock up 9.7 percent as investors welcomed evidence that the grocer is growing even as it overhauls operations to compete with Amazon.com Inc. and discounters.

The new avocados rolling out to Costco stores in the Midwest this week don't look like the future of fresh produce. But they're quietly testing technology that could more than double the shelf life of vegetables and fruits.