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News
Amazon Recall Scam Targets Shoppers With Fake Texts: What To Know
A message warning that a recent purchase is unsafe might sound helpful. It could also be a scam. Cybersecurity experts are warning about a phishing scheme targeting Amazon customers with fake product recall alerts designed to create urgency and panic. The scam typically arrives as a text or email claiming an item you bought is dangerous and has been recalled. The message urges you to click a link to request a refund or view details. But instead of sending you to a legitimate Amazon page, the link leads to a fake website built to steal your login credentials, personal information, or bankin…
Business
New Dunkin’ ‘Next Generation’ Store Opens In Virginia With High-Tech Coffee Experience
A redesigned Dunkin’ restaurant is giving customers in Virginia a look at what the brand says is the future of its stores. That new concept is now on display in Manassas, where the Dunkin’ & Baskin-Robbins at 7421 Sudley Road has reopened following a full remodel into the company’s “Next Generation” restaurant design. The updated location features a modernized layout, upgraded ordering technology, and a redesigned interior meant to make visits faster and more convenient for customers. Among the biggest changes is a mobile pickup area designed for customers who order ahead using the Dun…
Business
Wawa Recalls Milk Sold Across MD Over Plastic Pieces: What To Know
Wawa is recalling several types of milk across the Mid-Atlantic because they could contain bits of plastic. The convenience store chain announced the recall of four 16-ounce Wawa milk products on Wednesday, Feb. 18. The recalled milk was sold at Wawa locations in Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Wawa said the beverages could have soft plastic pieces, posing a choking risk. "While we have received no confirmed reports of any of the soft plastic pieces being present in these products, they are being recalled out of an abundance of caution," the company said. "Addit…
Business
Starbucks Rewrites Barista Script To Stem Sales Slide; ‘Make Eye Contact’
Starbucks is rewriting its barista playbook to prioritize eye contact, warmer greetings, and a customer‑care script dubbed L.A.T.T.E. This hospitality push is aimed at reversing six straight quarters of same‑store sales declines, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal. The effort is unfolding under Chief Executive Brian Niccol, who took over in August 2024 after leading Taco Bell and Chipotle. Niccol is moving to choreograph how baristas greet customers, speak and hand off drinks, down to tone and word choice. CEO Brian Niccol Wikipedia/Phi Delta Theta New training …
Business
Office Depot Fires Employee After Video Shows Dispute Over Charlie Kirk Poster
A brief but heated exchange at an Office Depot store over a Charlie Kirk prayer vigil poster has led to an employee’s firing and ignited a national conversation about workplace conduct and free speech. A now-viral video, posted Friday, Sept. 12, on X, shows a customer at the Office Depot in Portage, Michigan, near Kalamazoo, asking about a poster order featuring conservative influencer Charlie Kirk, two days after Kirk was shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University. In the footage, the store manager responds, “Yeah, so we don’t print propaganda,” after the customer inquires about…
Business
Amazon Adds Fresh Groceries To Same-Day Delivery: What To Know
Amazon is expanding its same-day deliveries to include fresh produce, meat, dairy, and other grocery staples. Thousands of perishable items have been added to Amazon's Same-Day Delivery service, the company announced in a news release on Wednesday, Aug. 13. The rollout covers more than 1,000 US cities and towns, with a target of more than 2,300 by the end of 2025. Amazon Prime members will get quick access to fresh foods like fruit, vegetables, meat, and baked goods. “We're continuously innovating to make grocery shopping simpler, faster, and more affordable for our customers, es…
Business
Southwest Airlines Ending Open Seating Policy: Here's When
Say goodbye to setting an alarm to get your best possible spot in a Southwest Airlines boarding line. Southwest's open seating will officially end on Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, the Dallas-based airline said in a news release on Monday, July 21. Customers can start picking their seats for those flights when booking online starting on Tuesday, July 29. The move marks a major shift for Southwest, which is known for its policy of A-B-C groups marked off by large stanchions near gates. "Our customers want more choice and greater control over their travel experience," said Tony Roach, executiv…
Business
Starbucks Spills Early On Pumpkin Spice Latte's Return: When You Can Buy One
Starbucks isn't waiting for the summer heat to cool down before bringing back a wildly popular fall beverage. The coffeehouse chain will start selling its iconic Pumpkin Spice Latte again on Tuesday, Aug. 26. Starbucks made the earliest-ever announcement for the autumn favorite in a news release on Monday, July 21. This will be the Pumpkin Spice Latte's latest return since 2022, CNN reported. Starbucks said Google searches for "pumpkin spice" spiked in mid-June, a full month earlier than in 2024, motivating the chain to issue the release date early and avoid potential online …
Business
OJ Outrage: McDonald's Juice Upcharge Leaves Customer Irked: 'Trying To Nickel And Dime Us!'
What started as a simple breakfast run ended in a side of sass and a small cup of controversy for a McDonald's customer in New York. Jeffrey Martin took to the Clarkstown Community Facebook group on Wednesday, July 16, to air his beef (or sausage?) with the Golden Arches after he claimed he was charged $2.20 for an orange juice he thought was included in his breakfast meal. “McDonald’s is trying to nickel and dime us!” he wrote, alongside a photo of his receipt from his Tuesday visit to the New City McDonald's. “Ordered the breakfast—2 sausage sandwiches, potato, and juice, as in the photo.…
Business
Stores In East Coast States, Including MD, Hit With Recall Of Wegmans Chocolate Favorite
A chocolate product sold at Wegmans stores has been recalled, federal officials say. The recall, due to the presence of an undeclared milk allergen, affects Wegmans Semi-Sweet Chocolate Nonpareils, which were sold in 18.5-ounce plastic tubs with six affected lot codes. The candies were distributed across stores in: Delaware Maryland Massachusetts, North Carolina, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, DC. According to the FDA, the product’s label did not disclose the presence of milk, which can pose a serious o…
Business
Starbucks Reportedly Tweaks Pricing For Drink Charges: Here's What's New
Starbucks is changing how it charges for some drink add-ons in a move the company claims will simplify pricing and save customers money, according to reports. Customers in the US and Canada will now pay a flat 80 cents for any combination of sauces and syrups, no matter how many pumps or flavors are added, Starbucks said. The news was first reported by Bloomberg. Previously, the cost of modifications varied depending on the drink or specific flavor. The change applies only to company-operated stores. A Starbucks spokesperson told Bloomberg that it'll also be free to add or swap any sy…
Business
Ready-To-Eat Meals Sold At Supermarkets Recalled After Deadly Listeria Outbreak
Several popular ready-to-eat chicken pasta meals sold across the country at a pair of supermarkets are being recalled following a deadly outbreak of listeria. Federal officials say 17 people across 13 states have become sick after eating products linked to a strain of Listeria monocytogenes. Three people have died, and one fetal loss has been reported, according to the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). They products were sold at Walmart and Kroger stores. The recall includes chicken fettuccine alfredo meals under the Marketside and Home Chef labels, produced by FreshRealm establishments…
Business
Brake Failures Force Recall Of 273K+ SUVs, Ford Issues 'Do Not Drive' Warning For Some Broncos
Ford is recalling more than 273,000 large SUVs because of two significant issues that raise crash risks, federal regulators said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Ford has recalled 273,789 Expeditions and Navigators. The recall, which was announced on Friday, May 9, affects the model years 2022 through 2024. In the affected vehicles, the front brake lines may rub against the engine air cleaner outlet pipe, causing a fluid leak that could lead to a loss of front brake function. "A brake line leak may cause a longer-than-expected brake pedal travel and result…
Business
Wayback Burgers Fires Up Gooey ‘Cheeeesy’ Burgers, Loaded Fries At New Virginia Mall Spot
Burgers. Shakes. Fries. Repeat. Wayback Burgers is getting ready to flip its first patties in Newport News as the popular burger chain opens its third Virginia location on Friday, May 9, inside Patrick Henry Mall. The new eatery — located at 12300 Jefferson Ave — brings 25 new jobs to the city and marks another step in the brand’s sizzling expansion along the East Coast. "Featuring a dedicated order counter and access to shared seating, this location is designed for quick, satisfying meals in a vibrant food court environment—perfect for guests on the go or those looking to enjoy a ca…
Business
Sam's Club Releases Biggest Expansion Plan In Decades: Here's What's Changing
Sam's Club is planning its biggest expansion in many years – and shoppers across the country will see the difference. The wholesale retailer said it plans to double its membership and more than double its sales and profits over the next eight to 10 years. Sam's Club outlined its strategy during Walmart's 2025 Investment Community Meeting on Friday, April 11. The $90 billion business expects to open about 15 new stores a year while remodeling all of its nearly 600 current locations. "This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today," president an…
Business
Lowe's Will Close All Locations For 24 Hours: Here's Why
Lowe's will once again close all stores on Easter Sunday. A spokesperson for the home improvement chain confirmed the closings to Daily Voice on Monday, April 7. The Easter holiday falls on Sunday, April 20. The closure applies to all Lowe's stores nationwide. "This day off will give our associates the opportunity to spend some extra time with their loved ones," the spokesperson said. "It's a way to show appreciation to Lowe’s associates for their dedication to serving our customers." This marks the sixth straight year the home improvement chain has given a day off to employees on Ea…
Business
First 100 Customers At MD Wendy's Grand Opening Get Year Of Free Food: Here's How
Wendy's is opening its newest Maryland restaurant with a deal fast-food fans won't want to miss: free food for a year. The new Wendy's location at 881 East Pulaski Highway in Elkton will hold a grand opening celebration on Saturday, Mar. 22. The first 100 guests in line when the restaurant opens at 10:30 a.m. will win one free sandwich, salad, or breakfast item every week for a year. The restaurant, operated by Flynn Group LP, officially opened on Wednesday, Feb. 19. It features a modern, updated design with open dining areas and a Coca-Cola Freestyle beverage dispenser for customized …
Business
Bags No Longer Fly Free: Southwest Scraps Most Famous Perk, Adds New Fees
Southwest Airlines is grounding one of its most famous perks, marking a major shift in its identity after more than five decades. Southwest will no longer offer free checked bags for all passengers, the company said in a news release on Tuesday, Mar. 11. The new luggage policy will begin for tickets purchased on or after Wednesday, May 28. The airline has had its well-known "Bags Fly Free" perk since it was founded in 1971. "We have tremendous opportunity to meet current and future customer needs, attract new customer segments we don't compete for today, and return to the levels of profita…
Business
Win Free Chicken Salad For Year At Grand Opening Of Chain's First MD Restaurant
A fast-casual chain known for its Southern-style chicken salad is opening its first Maryland location in Westminster. Chicken Salad Chick will open its newest restaurant in the Westminster Station shopping center, the company said in a news release on Tuesday, Feb. 4. The location at 255 Baltimore Boulevard will celebrate its grand opening on Tuesday, Feb 11. The first 100 customers at the grand opening will win free chicken salad for life. The first guest in line will get one large Quick Chick per week for a year, while the next 99 will receive one per month. Franchise owner Paul Weitz sa…
News
Gerber Recalls, Discontinues Teething Sticks Sold In MD After Child Sent To ER
Gerber is recalling and discontinuing all batches of its teething stick due to a potential choking hazard for babies and young children, authorities said. Gerber and the Food and Drug Administration announced the recall for Soothe N Chew Teething Sticks in news releases on Friday, Jan. 31. The recall follows consumer complaints, including one involving a child brought to an emergency room. The affected products were distributed nationwide and in stores across several states, including Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The …
Business
Revealing Clothes, Offensive Tattoos May Now Get You Kicked Off This Airline's Flights
Travelers on Spirit Airlines may not be allowed on flights with offensive clothing or tattoos, according to a new policy. Spirit made the change in its Contract of Carriage, which was updated on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The new rules allow the airline to deny boarding or remove passengers whose attire or body art is deemed "lewd, obscene, or offensive in nature." The changes, outlined in section 4.3 of the contract, could prevent a flyer from boarding or forcing that person to leave a plane for not following the policy. Passengers removed for violating these rules will not be elig…
Business
Store Closings Surge To Highest Level Since Pandemic: Why 2025 Could Be Worse
Retail store closures surged in 2024, reaching their highest levels since the start of the pandemic, a new study said. A total of 7,325 U.S. stores closed in 2024, driven by inflation and an increasing shift toward online shopping, according to retail data firm Coresight Research. The closings marked the steepest decline in brick-and-mortar retail since nearly 10,000 stores closed in 2020. While 5,970 stores opened—the highest yearly number since 2012—closures outpaced openings by a net loss of 1,355 stores. "Retailers that were unable to adapt supply chains and implement t…
Business
No Coffee, No Bathroom: Starbucks Ends Open-Door Policy For Non-Customers
Starbucks is ending its open-door policy, prioritizing access for paying customers and employees. The coffeehouse chain will no longer allow just anyone to hang out in its cafes or use its bathrooms. Starbucks has created a new Coffeehouse Code of Conduct, requiring people to buy something to use the cafe, patio, or restrooms. Starbucks said it hopes the change will improve the overall coffeehouse experience. "We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores," company spokesperson Sam Jefferies said in a statement to Daily Voice. "Implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct i…
Business
AI Workforce Shake-Up: Nearly Half Of Companies Plan Job Cuts Within Years
Nearly half of companies worldwide are planning to cut jobs within the next few years as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and automates millions of positions, according to a new global report. The World Economic Forum’s "Future of Jobs Report 2025" outlines the seismic shifts AI will bring to the global workforce, revealing both challenges and opportunities: Job Displacement: The report says 41 percent of companies intent to downsize their workforce globally between 2025 and 2030, particularly in industries reliant on routine and manual tasks such as manufacturing, customer …
Business
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC
H&R Block will pay $7 million in federal fines for deceptive practices and must implement sweeping changes to its filing services in time for the 2025 tax season, officials said. H&R Block reached the settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the agency announced in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The order requires the company to revamp its services and pay $7 million to compensate its customers. The settlement stemmed from a February 2024 complaint accusing H&R Block of forcing users to contact customer service to downgrade products. The tax filer was also a…
Business
Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion
Shake Shack is launching a limited-time promotion offering free burgers with a qualifying purchase during the holiday season. The “Holiday Burger Blitz” will run from Monday, Dec. 16, to Tuesday, Dec. 24, providing customers with a free burger each day when they spend a minimum of $10 and use the code BURGERBLITZ at checkout. The promotion features a different burger each day, including popular items like the ShackBurger, SmokeShack, and Avocado Bacon Burger. The schedule for the free offerings is as follows: Monday, Dec. 16: ShackBurger Tuesday, Dec. 17: SmokeShack Wednesday, Dec. …
Business
Hundreds Of Jobs On The Table As Wegmans Expands With New Location In Maryland
Progress is rolling right along in Montgomery County as Wegmans prepares to open its ninth Maryland location next year. Applications are now being accepted for the new Rockville store, which is slated to open in late summer 2025 near Rockville Pike and Halpine Road in the Twinbrook Quarter neighborhood. The 80,000-square-foot grocery store is expected to bring upwards of 500 full- and part-time jobs to the community and will be part of the new Twinbrook Quarter development. For those worried about parking in the area, fear not—Wegmans officials confirmed the location will inclu…
Business
TikTok Influencer Keith Lee Enjoys Tour Of DMV Eateries
Famed foodie Keith Lee, who boasts more than 16 million followers on TikTok has been busy throughout the DMV in recent days as he tastes some of the region's most popular eateries. Lee, who has a cult following on social media, sent out several viral videos while sampling multiple restaurants and food trucks with his family. Stops included: Okonomi Asian Grill in Fairfax; @keith_lee125 Okonomi Asian Grill taste test 💕 would you try it ? 💕 #foodcritic @Okonomi ♬ original sound - Keith Lee The Flavor High Food Truck in Alexandria; @keith_lee125 Flavor Hive…
Business
LL Flooring To Close Three DMV Stores Amid Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Proceedings
LL Flooring, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, is set to close several stores in Maryland and Virginia amid its financial issues. The flooring company - once known as Lumber Liquidators - plans to shutter the doors of two locations in Maryland, and one in Virginia amid its massive reorganization process. In Maryland, stores in Edgewood (Harford County) and Lutherville (Baltimore County), while in Virginia, the Woodbridge (Prince William County) store is on the chopping block. According to CEO Charles Tyson, who wrote a letter to customers, while they plan to close 94 …
Business
Stop & Shop Issues New Guidance To Customers After Massive Boar's Head Deli Meat Recall Expands
Stop & Shop has issued new guidance to customers after a massive recall of Boar's Head deli meats has expanded by seven million pounds due to the threat of Listeria contamination. The US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said the recall expansion includes 71 products produced between Friday, May 10, and Monday, July 29, 2024, under the Boar’s Head and Old Country brand names. The products, all made at Boar's Head's facility in Jarratt, Virginia, have “sell by” dates ranging from 29 July 2024 to 17 Oct. 24. The products shipped to retailers bear the …
News
2,500 Southwest Flight Cancellations Leave Stranded Passengers Seething In Post-Christmas Mess
More than 2,500 Southwest Airlines flights were cancelled and 8,3072 delayed as of Wednesday, Dec. 28 leaving even more passengers across the US stranded and seething. Processes and computer systems that haven't changed since the 1990s are to blame, Captain Casey Murray, the president of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, tells CNN. “It’s phones, it’s computers, it’s processing power, it’s the programs used to connect us to airplanes," he said, "that’s where the problem lies, and it’s systemic throughout the whole airline." The federal government said it plans on investigating. Cu…
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