Starbucks Making Menu Changes: Here’s What’s Going, Coming Starbucks Making Menu Changes: Here’s What’s Going, Coming
Starbucks Making Menu Changes: Here’s What’s Going, Coming Starbucks is streamlining its menu by discontinuing select beverages, including several Frappuccino® drinks, the Royal English Breakfast Latte, and White Hot Chocolate. The change takes effect on Tuesday, March 4 as part of the company’s ongoing effort to improve efficiency and focus on customer preferences. Starbucks says the decision is aimed at reducing wait times and improving consistency. The eliminated items are low sellers, difficult to prepare, or redundant in the menu. By narrowing its offerings, the company aims to enhance beverage quality and reinforce its identity as a premier co…
Recall Issued For 60,000 Volkswagen, Audi Vehicles Recall Issued For 60,000 Volkswagen, Audi Vehicles
Recall Issued For 60,000 Volkswagen, Audi Vehicles More than 60,000 Volkswagen and Audi vehicles in the United States are being recalled. The move follows an announcement made by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on Friday, Feb. 28, which highlighted that the recalled electric vehicles fail to display some gear positions.  This oversight poses a significant safety risk, as it could result in the cars rolling away if the parking brake is not engaged. The recall specifically impacts fully electric Volkswagen 2021-2023 ID.4, and 2022-2023 Audi Q4 e-Tron, and Q4 e-Tron Sportback vehicles, the NHTSA said. A safety reca…
McDonald's Serving Up Breakfast Bagels Nationwide As Part Of Egg McMuffin's 50th Anniversary McDonald's Serving Up Breakfast Bagels Nationwide As Part Of Egg McMuffin's 50th Anniversary
McDonald's Serving Up Breakfast Bagels Nationwide As Part Of Egg McMuffin's 50th Anniversary McDonald's breakfast bagel sandwiches are available at its restaurants nationwide for the first time ever. "Whether you love the classic Bacon, Egg & Cheese or the iconic Steak, Egg & Cheese, McDonald’s has you covered, no matter where you are," the company said in announcing several special breakfast deals as part of the 50th anniversary celebration of the Egg McMuffin. The bagel sandwiches became available on Tuesday, Feb. 25. On Egg McMuffin Day on Sunday, March 2, customers can get $1 Egg McMuffins and Sausage McMuffins when purchased through the McDonald's app. You must opt in…
Goodbye, Skype: Microsoft Sets Final Day For Video Chat App That Changed Internet Goodbye, Skype: Microsoft Sets Final Day For Video Chat App That Changed Internet
Goodbye, Skype: Microsoft Sets Final Day For Video Chat App That Changed Internet Microsoft is shutting down Skype, marking the end of the once-dominant video and voice chat service as the tech giant shifts focus to its Teams platform. Skype, which revolutionized online communication after launching in 2003, will be officially retired, Microsoft said in a blog post on Friday, Feb. 28. The final day Skype will be active is Monday, May 5. The company is encouraging users to switch to Microsoft Teams, where they can log in with their Skype credentials to retain chats and contacts. "During the transition period, Teams users can call and chat with Skype users and Skype users…
24-Hour Spending Blackout Targets Major Retailers, Politicians As Economic Anxiety Rises 24-Hour Spending Blackout Targets Major Retailers, Politicians As Economic Anxiety Rises
24-Hour Spending Blackout Targets Major Retailers, Politicians As Economic Anxiety Rises A grassroots movement calling on people across the country to pause all non-essential purchases has begun its first "economic blackout" in a protest against corporate greed and financial inequality. The group called The People's Union USA organized the "24-Hour Economic Blackout" on Friday, Feb. 28. Supporters were asked to avoid all non-essential spending, including purchases from major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, as well as gas and fast food. Supporters of the blackout were asked to only buy "absolutely necessary" items like food, medicine, and eme…
CFPB Drops Capital One Lawsuit As Trump, Musk Target Federal Watchdog CFPB Drops Capital One Lawsuit As Trump, Musk Target Federal Watchdog
Cfpb Drops Capital One Lawsuit As Trump, Musk Target Federal Watchdog The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has dropped a lawsuit against Capital One as concerns grow about the federal agency's future. The CFPB will no longer pursue legal action against Capital One, according to a court filing on Thursday, Feb. 27. The case, filed in January, claimed the banking giant misled customers and withheld more than $2 billion in interest payments. The company based in McLean, Virginia, supported the dismissal. "We welcome the CFPB's decision to dismiss this action, which we strongly disputed," a Capital One spokesperson said in a statement to the Daily Voice…
JetBlue To Add Nonstop Flights From New Hampshire To NYC JetBlue To Add Nonstop Flights From New Hampshire To NYC
JetBlue To Add Nonstop Flights From New Hampshire To NYC An airline will soon offer nonstop flights from New York City to another city in New England. JetBlue is expanding its Northeast service with new daily nonstop flights between Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), the airline said in a news release on Thursday, Feb. 27. The flight will mark the only direct air connection between New Hampshire and New York City. The summer seasonal service begins Thursday, June 12, and will run through Saturday, Oct. 25.  "With this new route, we're making it easier than ever for travelers in New Hamp…
Egg Prices Now Expected To Rise Twice As High As Earlier Projections In 2025 Egg Prices Now Expected To Rise Twice As High As Earlier Projections In 2025
Egg Prices Now Expected To Rise Twice As High As Earlier Projections In 2025 Egg prices are now expected to jump in price in 2025 by more than double earlier projections. Initial estimates by the USDA predicted a 20-percent increase just a month ago. With a nationwide shortage due to bird flu which has reduced egg-layer flocks and egg production, a 41-percent increase is now expected this year, the USDA says. The price of a dozen eggs, at around $5 on average, is up nearly 100 percent from last year. About 18.8 million commercial egg layers were affected by the bird flu in January, the highest monthly total since the outbreak began in 2022, the USDA said.  …
Recession Fears Rise As Consumer Confidence Sees Steepest Drop Since 2021 Recession Fears Rise As Consumer Confidence Sees Steepest Drop Since 2021
Recession Fears Rise As Consumer Confidence Sees Steepest Drop Since 2021 Consumer confidence took its biggest dive in more than three years, adding to growing concerns over inflation, job security, and the broader economy — as Americans grapple with high prices and uncertain financial conditions. The Conference Board's Consumer Confidence Index fell 7.0 points in February to 98.3, the nonprofit business research group said on Tuesday, Feb, 25. That marks the metric's steepest monthly decline since August 2021. The Expectations Index also dropped 9.3 points to 72.9. That number gauges consumers' outlook on jobs, income, and business conditions. Fo…
Joann Going Out of Business After 80+ Years, Closing All Stores Following Bankruptcy Auction Joann Going Out of Business After 80+ Years, Closing All Stores Following Bankruptcy Auction
Joann Going Out of Business After 80+ Years, Closing All Stores Following Bankruptcy Auction Joann will shut down all of its 800 locations, ending more than 80 years of selling fabrics and craft supplies. Joann announced the winning bidders at a bankruptcy auction plan to begin going-out-of-business sales at every store, the company said. At its height, the crafts chain had about 850 stores in every state but Hawaii. Financial services company GA Group, in partnership with the prepetition term loan agent, acquired Joann's assets at the auction. "Joann leadership, our board, advisors and legal partners made every possible effort to pursue a more favorable outcome that wou…
Egg Inflation Hits Denny's: Customers Face New Surcharge At Some Locations Egg Inflation Hits Denny's: Customers Face New Surcharge At Some Locations
Egg Inflation Hits Denny's: Customers Face New Surcharge At Some Locations Soaring egg prices are scrambling the Denny's menu. Denny's is adding a surcharge to meals containing eggs, a company spokesperson confirmed to the Daily Voice on Monday, Feb. 24. The diner chain cited skyrocketing costs fueled by the bird flu outbreak. The company said some locations will temporarily implement the surcharge due to rising egg prices, though the exact amount and which restaurants are affected will vary. "Due to the nationwide egg shortage and increased cost of eggs, some of our restaurant locations will need to temporarily add a surcharge to every meal that includes eg…
Starbucks Slashing 1,100 Corporate Jobs In Major Company Shake-Up Starbucks Slashing 1,100 Corporate Jobs In Major Company Shake-Up
Starbucks Slashing 1,100 Corporate Jobs In Major Company Shake-Up Starbucks is cutting 1,100 corporate jobs as part of a sweeping restructuring plan designed to simplify operations and refocus on its core business. Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol announced the layoffs in a message to employees on Monday, Feb. 24. The job cuts will affect non-retail support employees, as the coffeehouse chain works to streamline leadership and eliminate duplicate roles. Several hundred open but unfilled positions will also be removed. In-store workers and store hours won't be affected Niccol said the decision is part of the company's broader "Back to Starbucks" plan,…
As Egg Prices Soar, Another Breakfast Staple Is Seeing Inflation Reversal As Egg Prices Soar, Another Breakfast Staple Is Seeing Inflation Reversal
As Egg Prices Soar, Another Breakfast Staple Is Seeing Inflation Reversal As egg prices continue to soar with no relief in sight, there's finally some good news for consumers. Another breakfast staple is seeing prices snap, crackle, and drop. For the second straight year, cereal prices have decreased. Analysts attribute the reason to lower demand and increased harvests. According to pattern.com, the follow cereals saw the biggest price declines in 2024: Fruity Peebles Corn Pops Quaker Oats Cap'n Crunch Grape Nuts Rice Krispies Trix Other popular brands, such as Cheerios, Rice Krispies, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Honey Bunches of Oats, Life, a…
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know
Scammers Impersonating IRS With These Texts: Here's What To Know A new scam is making the rounds, with fraudsters posing as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents and sending text messages promising a substantial rebate.  The trap is a phishing attempt designed to steal your personal and financial information. What’s Happening? The fraudulent messages claim recipients are eligible for a $1,400 stimulus check, directing them to click on a fake link to “claim” their payment.  How The Scam Works You receive a text message appearing to be from the IRS, stating that you’re owed an Economic Impact Payment and must provide personal information …
Recall Issued For Popular Snack Brands Sold In 36 States, Including MA Recall Issued For Popular Snack Brands Sold In 36 States, Including MA
Recall Issued For Popular Snack Brands Sold In 36 States, Including MA Consumers in multiple states are being urged to check their snack cabinets after a major recall affecting a popular brand of biscuits, wafers, and snack rolls. ZB Importing LLC is voluntarily recalling certain lots of six varieties of Ulker Brand snack products due to undeclared wheat, egg, and/or milk in the ingredient list and/or "Contains" statement on product labels.  People with allergies or severe sensitivities to these ingredients could experience serious or life-threatening reactions if they consume the affected items. Affected Distribution Areas Products were distributed thr…
Dunkin' Drops This Controversial Charge Dunkin' Drops This Controversial Charge
Dunkin' Drops This Controversial Charge Dunkin’ customers will soon be able to add dairy alternatives to any beverage without paying an extra fee. The coffee giant previously charged an upcharge for almond and oat milk, with costs varying by location. In New York City, the additional fee was 75 cents, while in Chicago, customers ordering through the Dunkin’ app paid one dollar. The new policy, which takes effect Wednesday, March 5, comes in response to customer feedback and aims to provide more flexibility for those with dietary preferences. With over 13,200 locations worldwide, Dunkin’ ranks as the second-largest coffee chain g…
Tesla Recalls 376K+ More Vehicles For Power Steering Issues Amid Stock Slump, Boycotts Tesla Recalls 376K+ More Vehicles For Power Steering Issues Amid Stock Slump, Boycotts
Tesla Recalls 376K+ More Vehicles For Power Steering Issues Amid Stock Slump, Boycotts As Tesla's stock slides and the company faces growing scrutiny over safety issues, another recall has been issued due to more crash risks in its vehicles, officials said. Tesla has recalled 376,241 Model 3 and Model Y vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The Teslas are at risk of losing their power steering assist. A flaw in the printed circuit board of the electronic power steering assist could cause power steering failure when the vehicle stops and then accelerates again. "A loss of power steering assist can require greater steering effort, especially at low…
Stop & Shop Workers Threaten To Strike Over Possible Closure Of MA Distribution Center Stop & Shop Workers Threaten To Strike Over Possible Closure Of MA Distribution Center
Stop & Shop Workers Threaten To Strike Over Possible Closure Of MA Distribution Center Thousands of unionized Stop & Shop workers say they will go on strike if the supermarket chain shuts down a massive distribution center. Teamsters Local 25, which represents nearly 1,000 employees at a warehouse in Freetown, Massachusetts, says the company will close it and outsource operations if workers do not agree to a new health care contract, according to Supermarket News. In a statement released to ABC 6 Providence, “Stop & Shop said it "met with Local 25 to review our proposal, and if they are unwilling to work with us to reach a timely agreement that addresses Freetown’s hi…
Forever 21 Preparing To Close 200 More Stores As Bankruptcy Looms: Reports Forever 21 Preparing To Close 200 More Stores As Bankruptcy Looms: Reports
Forever 21 Preparing To Close 200 More Stores As Bankruptcy Looms: Reports Forever 21 may close at least 200 more stores and could shut down every location during a possible bankruptcy process, according to reports. Forever 21 is considering the closures and its US operator F21 OpCo. may declare bankruptcy as soon as March, Bloomberg News reported. This would be the fast-fashion chain's second bankruptcy filing in about six years. Unless a buyer acquires the remaining locations, the retailer could be forced to liquidate, shutting down its roughly 350 remaining stores. At its height, Forever 21 operated more than 500 US locations and at least 800 worldwid…
Hims & Hers To Launch At-Home Blood Testing With Lab Company Purchase Hims & Hers To Launch At-Home Blood Testing With Lab Company Purchase
Hims & Hers To Launch At-Home Blood Testing With Lab Company Purchase Hims & Hers is introducing at-home laboratory testing, expanding its platform to offer deeper health insights and more precise clinical decision-making.  Hims & Hers Health, Inc. is acquiring Kearny, New Jersey-based Sigmund NJ LLC, marketed as Trybe Labs, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, Feb. 19. The move will allow the telehealth company to support at-home blood draws and comprehensive body testing. The acquisition helps Hims & Hers enhance its personalized treatments, supplements, and medications. "This next generation of healthcare is what we'…
Walmart To Lay Off, Relocate Over 800 Workers, Report Says Walmart To Lay Off, Relocate Over 800 Workers, Report Says
Walmart To Lay Off, Relocate Over 800 Workers, Report Says Over 800 employees across three Walmart regional facilities may face layoffs, according to a new report.  The affected locations include Hoboken, New Jersey, with 481 employees; Charlotte, North Carolina, with 267; and San Bruno, California, with 79, according to Supermarket News, which said some of the workers may choose to relocate in the weeks ahead. While the offices in Hoboken and San Bruno will remain open, the Charlotte office is set to close, the outlet reported. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notices filed with state labor departments in New Jersey, …
Coca-Cola Launches Prebiotic Soda, First Step Into Booming Gut Health-Focused Industry Coca-Cola Launches Prebiotic Soda, First Step Into Booming Gut Health-Focused Industry
Coca-Cola Launches Prebiotic Soda, First Step Into Booming Gut Health-Focused Industry Coca-Cola is entering the fast-growing prebiotic soda market for the first time with fruit drinks promising gut-health benefits. The Coca-Cola Company announced the launch of Simply Pop in a news release on Tuesday, Feb. 18. The prebiotic sodas are the latest product from Simply Beverages, a brand owned by Coca-Cola. Simply Pop will be sold in 12-ounce slim cans with five flavors: strawberry, pineapple mango, fruit punch, lime, and citrus punch. Each can will contain six grams of prebiotic fiber for gut health, plus vitamin C and zinc for immune support. The drinks with …
Martha Stewart Opening New England Restaurant Inspired By Country Farmhouse, Family Recipes Martha Stewart Opening New England Restaurant Inspired By Country Farmhouse, Family Recipes
Martha Stewart Opening New England Restaurant Inspired By Country Farmhouse, Family Recipes Home and lifestyle entrepreneur Martha Stewart is preparing to open her newest restaurant at Foxwoods Resort Casino. The Bedford by Martha Stewart at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Ledyard is expected to open in the fall. The restaurant in the Grand Pequot Tower will be her second location for The Bedford, joining one at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino that opened in 2022. The concept is inspired by Stewart's 1925 country farmhouse in Bedford, New York. "We have worked so hard to perfect this beautiful and inviting space, as well as curate a delicious variety of my most favored food…
Southwest Airlines Laying Off 15% Of Workforce In 'Unprecedented' Corporate Overhaul Southwest Airlines Laying Off 15% Of Workforce In 'Unprecedented' Corporate Overhaul
Southwest Airlines Laying Off 15% Of Workforce In 'Unprecedented' Corporate Overhaul Southwest Airlines is cutting 1,750 jobs as part of a restructuring plan to streamline operations and reduce corporate costs. Southwest announced the layoffs for about 15 percent of the airline's corporate workforce in a news release on Monday, Feb. 17. The job cuts, which will be finalized by mid-2025, primarily affect corporate leadership and support roles. Eleven senior leadership positions, including vice presidents and directors, are also being eliminated. "This decision is unprecedented in our 53-year history, and change requires that we make difficult decisions," said…
Amputated Fingertips, Severe Injuries From Coolers Spark Massive Recall: CPSC Amputated Fingertips, Severe Injuries From Coolers Spark Massive Recall: CPSC
Amputated Fingertips, Severe Injuries From Coolers Spark Massive Recall: Cpsc Igloo is recalling more than one million rolling coolers after reports of severe fingertip injuries, including amputations. Igloo Products Corp. issued the recall for about 1,060,000 of its 90-quart Flip & Tow rolling coolers, the Consumer Product Safety Commission announced on Thursday, Feb. 13. A dangerous defect in the tow handle can pinch users' fingertips, posing risks of crushing injuries. The CPSC said Igloo has received 12 reports of injuries, including fingertip amputations, bone fractures, and lacerations. The recall also includes about 47,000 coolers sold …
MA-Based South Indian Street Food Restaurant Opens NJ Spot, Plans NYC Expansion MA-Based South Indian Street Food Restaurant Opens NJ Spot, Plans NYC Expansion
Ma-based South Indian Street Food Restaurant Opens NJ Spot, Plans NYC Expansion A Boston-based restaurant specializing in South Indian street food is expanding to Central Jersey. Madras Dosa Co. held the grand opening of its newest location in Princeton on Friday, Feb. 14. It's located at 180 Nassau Street near the Princeton University campus. The fast-casual restaurant celebrated its opening by giving away dosas — savory rice and lentil crepes with fillings — to the first 50 customers, along with a complimentary chai or mango lassi with every purchase. "It's the ultimate answer for today's discerning food lover—an artisanal creation that's wh…
CBS, 20+ Channels Stay On YouTube TV Temporarily After Deal With Paramount (UPDATE) CBS, 20+ Channels Stay On YouTube TV Temporarily After Deal With Paramount (UPDATE)
CBS, 20+ Channels Stay On YouTube TV Temporarily After Deal With Paramount (Update) YouTube TV subscribers will keep access to CBS, Nickelodeon, and more than 20 other Paramount-owned channels — for now. Google and Paramount Global have reached a short-term extension to keep Paramount's channels available for YouTube TV users. The sides needed to finalize a deal by Thursday, Feb. 13, at 11 p.m. EST to avoid channels from being lost. Google posted about the temporary deal, while a Paramount spokesperson confirmed it to Variety. "We appreciate your patience as we continued to negotiate on your behalf," Google said on its website. "We also value Paramount's partner…
Retail Spending Slips As Inflation Climbs In January, Adding To Economic Concerns Retail Spending Slips As Inflation Climbs In January, Adding To Economic Concerns
Retail Spending Slips As Inflation Climbs In January, Adding To Economic Concerns After a solid holiday season, US retail sales took a surprising step back to start 2025, snapping a streak of growth and fueling worries about the economy. Retail and food services sales fell 0.9 percent in January, according to Census Bureau data released on Friday, Feb. 14. The decline reversed the trend from December 2024's revised increase of 0.7 percent, signaling that consumers may be feeling the squeeze from rising prices. Economists had predicted only a slight decline, with Dow Jones estimating a 0.2 percent drop, NBC News reported. The sales totals were seasonally adjusted but…
Recall Issued For Nearly 34K Pounds Of Beef Products Recall Issued For Nearly 34K Pounds Of Beef Products
Recall Issued For Nearly 34K Pounds Of Beef Products A major food recall has been issued for nearly 34,000 pounds of a beef products, with federal officials warning consumers to check their pantries. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall by Common Sense Soap, a New Hampshire-based establishment, after determining the beef product was processed , package, and labeled on behalf of Lady May Tallow without federal inspection. What’s Been Recalled? The affected beef tallow products were produced between Oct. 16, 2024, and Feb. 6, 2025, and sold nationwide. They include: 24-fl-oz. glass…
Denny's Closing 30 More Restaurants Than Planned: Here's Why Denny's Closing 30 More Restaurants Than Planned: Here's Why
Denny's Closing 30 More Restaurants Than Planned: Here's Why Denny's will close 30 more restaurants than expected, as the diner chain accelerates its efforts to shutter underperforming locations. Denny's will shut down between 70 and 90 restaurants in 2025, the company said in a news release and earnings call on Wednesday, Feb. 12. The chain closed 88 restaurants in 2024, bringing the total to nearly 180 closings expected by the end of 2025. While Denny's hasn't revealed which restaurants are on the closing list, the already shuttered locations were open for an average of 30 years. "In any mature brand, when restaurants have been opened that lo…
Here Are Nation's Top Hotels, New Rankings Say Here Are Nation's Top Hotels, New Rankings Say
Here Are Nation's Top Hotels, New Rankings Say U.S. News & World Report has released its 2025 Best Hotels Rankings, evaluating thousands of properties across the country to determine the premier destinations for travelers.  The latest list highlights top-tier accommodations that offer exceptional service, world-class amenities, and high guest satisfaction ratings. While luxury resorts in Hawaii and Colorado dominate the top of the rankings, the Northeast is represented with a standout hotel making its mark among the Top 5 in the country—The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. What Is NoMad? NoMad, short for "North of Madison Square…