These Party City Stores To Shut Down In Maryland, Virginia Amid Massive Closure These Party City Stores To Shut Down In Maryland, Virginia Amid Massive Closure
These Party City Stores To Shut Down In Maryland, Virginia Amid Massive Closure Dozens of Party City locations in the DMV region are among the hundreds set to be closed as the company announced it is going out of business. Both Maryland and Virginia were hit hard by the reported closure, which will impact approximately 800 stores across the country. Party City was founded in 1986 and is the largest retailer of party goods in North America. In Maryland, there are 19 stores among those set to be shut down in these locations, according to the company's website:  Annapolis; Baltimore; Bel Air; Catonsville; Cockeysville; Columbia; Forestville; Frederick; Gaithersb…
Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger
Nissan, Honda Eye Potential Merger Two of the world's biggest automakers may soon become one. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to discuss a potential merger aimed at revolutionizing the future of mobility and electrification.  Announced on Monday, Dec. 23, the goal is to establish a joint holding company that could significantly impact the automotive landscape, and potentially make the combined corporation the world's third-largest auto manufacturer. The merger aims to accelerate initiatives for carbon neutrality and zero traffic fatalities by pooling reso…
Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States
Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States A Starbucks workers' strike, which began in select stores, has expanded to nine states as employees push for better wages and working conditions during the holiday rush. The strike, led by Starbucks Workers United, demands higher pay and improved staffing to address what employees describe as chronic understaffing during peak hours.  Workers at dozens of stores in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania joined the strike over the weekend. Starbucks has a total of about 16,000 stores in the US and around 35,000 worldwide. Over the weekend, picket lines formed at high-traffic stores in N…
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores The party is over for a popular chain store that's been in business for decades. Party City is “winding down” operations immediately at its approximately 800 locations, CEO Barry Litwin told corporate employees  in a video call on Friday, Dec. 20, CNN reports. Workers were told they will not receive severance pay, and that their benefits would end as the company goes out of business, CNN says. The company, headquartered in in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, is running low on cash and unable to pay rent in some locations, according to an earlier Bloomberg report. Party City was foun…
Grease Grab Gone Wrong: Duo Busted Stealing Used Cooking Oil In Maryland: Police Grease Grab Gone Wrong: Duo Busted Stealing Used Cooking Oil In Maryland: Police
Grease Grab Gone Wrong: Duo Busted Stealing Used Cooking Oil In Maryland: Police A late-night crime turned greasy when two men were caught red-handed siphoning used cooking oil from downtown Silver Spring restaurants, police said. Michael Cordones-Lopez, 24, and Patricio Cardones-Molina, 61, were arrested this week after officers spotted them breaking into grease dumpsters behind local eateries, including the Filmore Silver Spring and Amina Thai, according to the Montgomery County Police Department. The investigation determined that at around 2:20 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 17, officers were conducting an overnight criminal enforcement detail in downtown Silver Spring w…
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures
Drugstore Deserts On Rise Amid Nationwide Pharmacy Closures Nearly 30 percent of US pharmacies closed between 2010 and 2021, according to a new study in the health-policy publication Health Affairs. The research, led by University of California Berkeley assistant professor Jenny S. Guadamuz and colleagues, analyzed data from the National Council for Prescription Drug Programs, county health statistics, and ZIP Code demographic surveys.  Of the 88,930 retail pharmacies operating in 2010, almost one-third shuttered by 2021, with those in predominantly Black and Latino neighborhoods disproportionately affected, Independent pharmacies were hit ha…
Jackpot To-Go: $50K Powerball Win Shakes Up Maryland Woman's Dinner Plans Jackpot To-Go: $50K Powerball Win Shakes Up Maryland Woman's Dinner Plans
Jackpot To-Go: $50K Powerball Win Shakes Up Maryland Woman's Dinner Plans A quiet dinner out turned into a $50,000 surprise for one lucky Charles County woman, leaving her appetite in the dust and a carryout bag in her hand. The bank employee, who decided to remain anonymous, was enjoying a meal at a restaurant last week when a routine ticket scan changed her evening—and her plans. For the better.  While waiting for her food, she decided to check a pile of Lottery tickets she’d been holding onto, explaining that while she only plays once in awhile, she tends to hang off on checking her tickets until there is "a solid handful."  While waiting for her m…
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores
Big Lots To Begin 'Going Out Of Business' Sales At Nearly 1,000 Remaining Stores Big Lots has announced plans to close all of its remaining 963 stores, initiating "going out of business" sales following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in September. The company says it's started the process of closing stores in 48 states and liquidating inventory under its court-supervised Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings.  The decision comes as the retailer seeks to maximize value for stakeholders while exploring potential going-concern sale opportunities. "We all have worked extremely hard and have taken every step to complete a going concern sale," Big Lots' President and Chie…
Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon
Teamsters Union Launches Strike Against Amazon As the holiday season peaks, the Teamsters Union has initiated a significant strike against Amazon, targeting facilities in four states. This action is described as the largest labor movement in the company’s history. On Thursday morning, December 19, union members began protests at a fulfillment center in Queens, New York, with additional strikes occurring in Atlanta, Southern California, and Skokie, Illinois. The union aims to highlight unacceptable working conditions and Amazon’s refusal to engage in collective bargaining.  Their demands include better wages, hours, and benefits fo…
Two Winning $10K 'Mega Millions' Tickets Sold To Lucky Players In Prince George's County Two Winning $10K 'Mega Millions' Tickets Sold To Lucky Players In Prince George's County
Two Winning $10K 'Mega Millions' Tickets Sold To Lucky Players In Prince George's County Three Marylanders woke up a little richer after the Tuesday night Mega Millions drawing, each claiming five-figure prizes. The Dec. 17 drawing was a fortuitous one for Maryland Lottery players, with three $10,000 wins reported, and with no one claiming the $$689 million, it now jumps to $825 million - with a $382.2 million cash option - for the Friday, Dec. 20 drawing. The winning tickets were sold at: Wawa at 4901 Boston St. in Baltimore City; Google Maps street view Silesia Convenience in the 10900 block of Livingston Road in Fort Washington; Google Maps street view Wawa…
End Of An Era: Here's When Firehook Bakery Plans To Close Its Doors In The DMV End Of An Era: Here's When Firehook Bakery Plans To Close Its Doors In The DMV
End Of An Era: Here's When Firehook Bakery Plans To Close Its Doors In The DMV Soon to be gone, but not forgotten. Firehook Bakery, a staple for DMV foodies, announced that it will be closing all three of its bakeries in the region effective as of Tuesday, Dec. 24, though their presence in the area will live on through their beloved products. "As a result of the store closings, as of Dec. 24, we will no longer be selling the specialty items offered at the bakeries on-line, but will continue to sell our full range of Mediterranean Baked Crackers," officials at the store said. This is what we really mean when we say we’re running to the store for ‘one last thing.’ …
Winning $50K 'Powerball' Ticket Sold At Maryland BP Station Winning $50K 'Powerball' Ticket Sold At Maryland BP Station
Winning $50K 'Powerball' Ticket Sold At Maryland BP Station No one took home the $58 million Powerball jackpot on Monday, but one lucky lotto player in Maryland also cashed in on a five-figure ticket sold at an area gas station. Officials say that a third-tier winning ticket worth a $50,000 prize was sold at the Perry Hall BP station in the 8800 block of Belair Road in Baltimore County, the largest win out of thousands statewide starting at $4.  The winning numbers for the Powerball drawing on Monday, Dec. 16 were 09-30-33-57-61 with a Powerball of 17 and the Power Play multiplier was X3.  It marks the 59th third-tier Powerball&…
Amazon Dismissed Warnings On High Rates Of Worker Injuries, Report Says Amazon Dismissed Warnings On High Rates Of Worker Injuries, Report Says
Amazon Dismissed Warnings On High Rates Of Worker Injuries, Report Says ityAmazon is under fire following a US Senate report accusing the company of prioritizing speed over worker safety.  Released by the majority staff of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee late Sunday night, Dec. 15, the report claims Amazon’s intense focus on productivity has led to unsafe working conditions. The Senate report outlines how Amazon’s warehouse workers face high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and other injuries caused by repetitive tasks and demanding quotas.  It accuses Amazon of knowingly exposing employees to these risks, …
Big Dogs’ Paradise Has License Revoked After Repeated Alcohol Violations in Maryland: Sheriff Big Dogs’ Paradise Has License Revoked After Repeated Alcohol Violations in Maryland: Sheriff
Big Dogs’ Paradise Has License Revoked After Repeated Alcohol Violations in Maryland: Sheriff A popular spot in St. Mary's County was hit with a setback after multiple alcohol sales violations, according to the sheriff's office. Big Dogs’ Paradise Bar & Liquor, located in the 28000 block of Three Notch Road in Mechanicsville, had its license suspended for 30 days on Thursday, Dec. 12, following a ruling by the Alcohol Beverage Board (ABB) of St. Mary’s County.  The license is revoked on the 31st day following the suspension, officials said.  Notices of the suspension have been posted at the premises and will remain for the full 30-day suspension. Notices of the revoca…
Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion Shake Shack Offers Free Burgers With Purchase During Holiday Promotion
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. …
Cyberattack Hits Krispy Kreme As Hackers Find Hole In Online Ordering System Cyberattack Hits Krispy Kreme As Hackers Find Hole In Online Ordering System
Cyberattack Hits Krispy Kreme As Hackers Find Hole In Online Ordering System Hackers have found a hole in Krispy Kreme's online ordering system, leaving some customers temporarily unable to place digital orders for their favorite donuts.  The company has confirmed the incident and stated that its technical team is actively working to resolve the issue. Krispy Kreme reported that the breach influenced its web-based platforms but did not affect in-store operations or the safety of customers' personal data.  The attack was first discovered at the end of November, the company said in a filing with Securities Exchange Commission (SEC). Krispy Kreme said it "i…
GM Axes Robotaxis, Refocuses On Personal Cars GM Axes Robotaxis, Refocuses On Personal Cars
GM Axes Robotaxis, Refocuses On Personal Cars General Motors (GM) has announced a major shift in its autonomous vehicle strategy, discontinuing the development of robotaxis through its subsidiary Cruise LLC.  The company will instead focus on integrating autonomous and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) into personal vehicles. The decision, announced this week, comes as GM evaluates the time, costs, and competitive challenges associated with scaling a robotaxi business.  “GM is committed to delivering the best driving experiences to our customers in a disciplined and capital-efficient manner,” said Mary Barra, GM Chai…
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items
Shoplifting Costs Retailers Billions: These Are Most Frequently Stolen Items Shoplifting in the US is a costly epidemic, with retailers losing over $120 billion last year. The trend focuses on easily concealed, high-demand products at major retailers like Walmart and Target, posing a nationwide challenge for store owners and law enforcement. Electronics, health and beauty products, and food items are among the most commonly stolen goods, Capital One Shopping reports.  Small gadgets such as headphones and phone chargers, alongside over-the-counter medications and cosmetics, are frequent targets.  Alcohol, baby formula, and packaged meats are also popular …
Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads
Just Released New iOS Update Brings AI, Custom Emoji Access To iPhones, iPads Apple has unveiled new updates that bring advanced AI and emoji tools to its iPhone and iPad devices.  Released on Wednesday, Dec. 11, iOS 18.2, iPadOS 18.2, and macOS Sequoia 15.2 expand Apple Intelligence with features like ChatGPT integration, custom emoji creation, and visual design tools. Key Updates ChatGPT Integration: Siri and Writing Tools now support ChatGPT for generating content, solving problems, and enhancing productivity. Privacy settings ensure user control over data. Image Playground: This tool allows users to design custom visuals by inputting text descriptions, wit…
Hundreds Of Jobs On The Table As Wegmans Expands With New Location In Maryland Hundreds Of Jobs On The Table As Wegmans Expands With New Location In Maryland
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…
Popular Baltimore Mexican Restaurant Nacho Mama's Closing After 30 Years Popular Baltimore Mexican Restaurant Nacho Mama's Closing After 30 Years
Popular Baltimore Mexican Restaurant Nacho Mama's Closing After 30 Years Nacho Mama’s, a Baltimore staple famous for its hubcap margaritas, Natty Bohs, and Maryland-Mex fare, will soon close the doors of its Canton and Towson locations after more than 30 years of serving the community. The McCusker family, a cherished part of the region for decades, announced this week that both restaurants will serve their final meals on Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. “Although this decision has not been easy for us, our family is grateful to our community that we have been blessed to serve for over three decades,” they wrote in a letter to the community. Jackie McCusker, wife of the …
Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms
Meta Outages: Thousands Experiencing Issues With Facebook, Instagram, Other Platforms Tens of thousands of Meta users are experiencing outages across its platforms. Just before 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, there were numerous reports of outages on Downdetector.com, including 69,000 on Instagram, over 1,000 on Facebook, and 10,000 on WhatsApp. Meta issued a statement on the outages on X at around 1:45 p.m. "We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some users’ ability to access our apps," the statement said. "We’re working to get things back to normal as quickly as possible and apologize for any inconvenience." We’re aware that a technical issue is impacting some use…
Wawa Jackpot: Maryland Store Serves Up Winning $1M Mega Millions Prize Wawa Jackpot: Maryland Store Serves Up Winning $1M Mega Millions Prize
Wawa Jackpot: Maryland Store Serves Up Winning $1M Mega Millions Prize Someone in Maryland just went from coffee runs to cash runs after buying a $1 million Mega Millions ticket at a local Wawa, Lottery officials announced. The lucky ticket was sold in Harford County at Wawa on Belair Road in Bel Air, making the retailer $2,500 richer with a Lottery bonus, and putting the winner in a new tax bracket.  The Tuesday, Dec. 10 drawing numbers—12-14-26-48-52, and Mega Ball 21—didn’t deliver the $670 million jackpot, but they certainly delivered joy to one Marylander who can come claim a seven-figure prize. This marks the second $1 million Mega Millions winner …
Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only
Krispy Kreme Serves Up $1 Dozens For This One Day Only Krispy Kreme is bringing back its annual “Day of the Dozens” promotion, offering a dozen Original Glazed doughnuts for $1 with the purchase of any dozen doughnuts or a 16-count of Minis at regular price.  The offer is available for in-shop and drive-thru purchases, as well as online orders. The promotion will take place on Thursday, Dec. 12, at participating locations.  Customers can redeem the offer twice in-store or via drive-thru, while online orders are limited to one redemption using the promo code “DOZEN.” The promotion coincides with Krispy Kreme’s “Elf” Holiday Collectio…
Maryland Restaurant Manager Charged After Using Customer’s Forgotten Credit Card, Police Say Maryland Restaurant Manager Charged After Using Customer’s Forgotten Credit Card, Police Say
Maryland Restaurant Manager Charged After Using Customer’s Forgotten Credit Card, Police Say A 30-year-old Montgomery County woman is facing charges after allegedly using a customer's credit card left behind at the restaurant where she worked, according to police.  Rockville resident Brooke Chambers, 30, has been charged with theft and credit card-related offenses following an incident in July at Silo Falls Restaurant in Brookeville, where she was a manager at the time, authorities announced on Tuesday. According to the Montgomery County Department of Police, the victim dined at the restaurant and mistakenly left their credit card behind.  Days later, the victim’s bank f…
Wendy’s Begins Closures Of 140 Locations Nationwide Wendy’s Begins Closures Of 140 Locations Nationwide
Wendy’s Begins Closures Of 140 Locations Nationwide Wendy’s has started planned closures of 140 restaurants across the US. The closures are part of a strategic effort to streamline operations and focus on more profitable locations amid rising operational costs and stiff competition. Wendy’s CEO Kirk Tanner said the restaurant selected for closure are “outdated and located in underperforming areas,” according to CEO Today. The closures are expected to end by year's end. Two Ohio locations were among the first to close, according to the Dayton Daily News. Other locations of scheduled closures have not been released. Customers voiced frustr…
Wawa Outranks Sheetz On Forbes' Top Private Companies List Wawa Outranks Sheetz On Forbes' Top Private Companies List
Wawa Outranks Sheetz On Forbes' Top Private Companies List Pennsylvania's favorite convenience store rivalry has tipped in Wawa's favor, according to Forbes' latest rankings of the top private companies. Wawa snagged a higher spot than Sheetz on Forbes' 2024 list of America’s largest private companies, underscoring its dominance in the convenience store industry. The list, released earlier this week, evaluates companies based on revenue, employee numbers, and other metrics. Wawa operates over 1,000 stores and employs about 47,000 people across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington, D.C., and Florida. Known for its iconi…
Healthcare Companies Boost Executive Security After CEO's Manhattan Slaying Healthcare Companies Boost Executive Security After CEO's Manhattan Slaying
Healthcare Companies Boost Executive Security After CEO's Manhattan Slaying Healthcare companies are intensifying security measures for their executives following the targeted fatal shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in midtown Manhattan this week. The incident prompted security officials at major companies to hold a conference call on Wednesday, Dec. 4, the day of the shooting, to assess risks for their senior leadership teams, according to the Financial Times. “Could this happen to us? What are we not doing today that we could be doing?" Dave Komendat, founder of a risk management service told the outlet. "These were the questions chief sec…
McComeback! Elusive Snack Wrap Returning To McDonald's Menu After Nearly Decade McComeback! Elusive Snack Wrap Returning To McDonald's Menu After Nearly Decade
McComeback! Elusive Snack Wrap Returning To McDonald's Menu After Nearly Decade Get your dipping sauces ready. McDonald’s is bringing back its elusive Snack Wrap nearly a decade after the cult-favorite menu item flew the coop. “The Snack Wrap will be back in 2025,” McDonald’s USA President Joe Erlinger teased during an appearance on ABC’s “Good Morning America” Thursday, Dec. 5. “This has a cult following," he added. "I get so many emails into my inbox about this product.” When pressed for an exact date by host George Stephanopoulos, Erlinger opted to keep things under wraps, citing “competitive reasons.” The original Snack Wrap debuted in 2006, featuring a tender p…
Prime Coffee & Bakery To Celebrate Grand Opening In Montgomery County Prime Coffee & Bakery To Celebrate Grand Opening In Montgomery County
Prime Coffee & Bakery To Celebrate Grand Opening In Montgomery County A long-awaited bakery and coffee shop in downtown Silver Spring is set to open its doors this week, much to the delight of Montgomery County residents. Prime Coffee & Bakery will be hosting a grand opening celebration beginning at 11 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 6 at its new location on Thayer Avenue, where they will serve freshly roasted beverages, pastries, sandwiches, soups, and salads. "At Prime Coffee & Bakery, we believe in making a difference beyond the coffee cup," the owners stated. "We are deeply committed to fostering community connections, creating local job opportunities, and s…
Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's Where, What's Inside Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's Where, What's Inside
Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's Where, What's Inside Whole Foods Market has unveiled its first-ever 'Daily Shop,' a smaller-format store designed for urban convenience. The debut location is in New York City, in Manhattan’s Lenox Hill neighborhood. The 9,101-square-foot store at 1175 Third Avenue is tailored to meet the fast-paced needs of Upper East side residents with its compact size and curated offerings. “New York City has been home to Whole Foods for over 20 years, and we’re excited to expand our presence with this innovative new format,” said Christina Minardi, executive vice president of growth and development at Whole Food…