Economic slump leads to desperate acts

DOHA, Qatar >> The economic slowdown gripping countries across the Persian Gulf can be seen in layoffs, slowed construction projects and government cutbacks. For the millions of foreign workers drawn by brighter job prospects, it can have a far darker side if they find themselves deep in debt.

Gulf countries like Qatar largely don’t have bankruptcy laws, leaving laid-off workers on the hook for huge outstanding sums while often banned from traveling outside of the country. That leaves many unemployed begging friends and family for help while frantically selling off all their belongings. Others have killed themselves out of desperation.

Consumer confidence index slips again

WASHINGTON >> U.S. consumer confidence fell for a second month in May to the lowest level since November.

The Conference Board said Tuesday that its index of consumer confidence slipped to 92.6 from 94.7 in April. The May reading matched the level in November. Both months were the lowest since July.

Conference Board economists say that consumers remain cautious about the outlook for business and job market conditions, and anticipate little change ahead.

Failed merger costs Staples CEO his job

NEW YORK >> Staples Inc. says Ron Sargent will step down as chief executive after 14 years on the job. His departure follows Staples and rival Office Depot dropping their $6.3 billion merger earlier this month after antitrust regulators opposed it.

Staples director Robert Sulentic said in a statement that the board and Sargent agreed that it was time for new management to help Staples grow after the deal’s collapse.

Cigarette packs to get dramatic makeover

WELLINGTON, New Zealand >> New Zealand on Tuesday announced it will push ahead with plans to force tobacco companies to remove their logos from cigarette packs and enhance graphic health warnings.

Under draft regulations, cigarettes would be required to be sold in packs with plain background colors and with gruesome-looking images covering at least 75 percent of the front of each pack.

The proposal has widespread support among lawmakers and comes just days after the government announced a tax measure that will hike the price of a pack of cigarettes to about $20, one of the highest in the world.

Great Plains Energy to buy Westar for $8.6B

KANSAS CITY, Mo. >> Great Plains Energy announced plans Tuesday to buy rival Westar for about $8.6 billion, creating one large power provider in Kansas and Missouri with more than 1.5 million customers.

The two companies say the combination will lower their costs and help reduce rate increases for customers.

Kansas City, Mo.-based Great Plains Energy owns Kansas City Power & Light, which provides power in Kansas and Missouri, while Westar’s customers are in Kansas.

On the Move

Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa has recognized chef Sven Ullrich as the 2016 Executive Chef of the Year by Hyatt. He works closely with ranchers and farmers to ensure the quality of the food that is served in Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa’s three restaurants: SHOR, Japengo and SWIM.

Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort has appointed Duke Ah Moo as vice president and commercial director in Hawaii. He has sales, marketing, product development and e-commerce experience, including serving as a corporate vice president of product development, partner relations and e-commerce with Pleasant Holidays.

Whitlow Au received a 2016 Annual Gold Medal award from the Worldwide Acoustical Society of America in Salt Lake City on May 25. He is an international expert on the acoustics and sonar of dolphins. Au also was a University of Hawaii professor and is a Navy veteran.