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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down
Moderation Mess: Meta Admits Harmless Content Often Gets Taken Down Meta is admitting that harmless content gets taken down amid criticism for its handling of moderation. “Too often, harmless content gets taken down, or restricted, and too many people get penalized unfairly,” the company's president of global affairs, Nick Glegg, told reporters on Monday, Dec. 2, according to a report in The Verge. Meta's platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and WhatsApp. Despite advancements in AI moderation, Clegg acknowledged there is still “work to do” in ensuring fair and accurate enforcement, the report said. Meta has promised to refine its…
Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees
Marriott Plans To Lay Off Over 800 Corporate Employees Global hotel chain Marriott International is planning to lay off hundreds of employees by the start of the new year. According to a Maryland Work Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) filing, the company, based in Bethesda, listed 833 people slated to lose their jobs by Wednesday, Jan. 3. Despite the development, Chief Executive Officer Anthony Capuano said business is solid. "Our business momentum is excellent, and as a company that embraces change, we continue to evolve our business to support our global growth," Capuano said in a third-quarter earnings call late last month,…
Hearst Lays Off Around 200 Employees From Magazine Division Hearst Lays Off Around 200 Employees From Magazine Division
Hearst Lays Off Around 200 Employees From Magazine Division Hearst Magazines has just fired around 200 employees, most of whom were assigned to the company's midtown Manhattan headquarters, according to multiple reports. Cosmopolitan, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Men's Health, Popular Mechanics, Town & Country, and Harper's Bazaar are among the titles the division of Hearts Communications publishes. Affected employees were notified in a private meeting days before Thanksgiving, according to New York Magazine. Some of the Hearst publications :were already run by a skeleton crew" after years of downsizing, the report in New York said.
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination
Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination Cucumbers distributed throughout the US and Canada and organic eggs sold in 25 Costco stores in several states have been recalled due to the risk of Salmonella contamination. Cucumber recall SunFed Produce, LLC (SunFed) is recalling all sizes of whole fresh American cucumbers packaged in bulk cardboard containers labeled with the “SunFed” label or in a generic white box or black plastic crate with a sticker that provides the implicated grower’s name “Agrotato, S.A. de C.V." The recalled cucumbers were sold between Saturday, Oct. 12, through Thursday, Nov. 26, 2024. The whole fresh America…
Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US
Amazon Workers Go On Strike, Protest In 20 Nations, Including US Amid the busiest shopping weekend of the holiday season, workers for Amazon, the world's largest online retailer, have gone on strike. Protesting under the banner of “Make Amazon Pay.” employees have walked off the job across six continents in 20 countries, including the United States. The strike is scheduled to last from Black Friday on Nov. 29 through Cyber Monday, Dec. 2, the UNI Global Union announced, saying protests will be held in majors cities in the US, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, India, Brazil and elsewhere. The strike could cause customers' holiday deliveries …
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving
New Update On Food Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving With Thanksgiving meals just a day away, there are concerns over the nation's food supply after multiple major recalls the last few days. Federal authorities are now saying that all products linked to the outbreaks are off the shelves and products currently being sold are safe to eat. After a deadly E. coli outbreak, a California-based company pulled bagged organic carrots from such popular retailers as Whole Foods, Walmart and Trader Joe's.  For the latest info from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), click here. In a Listeria outbreak linked to meat and poultry pr…
Two NJ Restaurants Make OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 List Two NJ Restaurants Make OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 List
Two NJ Restaurants Make OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 List Two celebrated New Jersey dining destinations have earned spots on OpenTable’s 2024 Top 100 Restaurants list, chosen entirely by diner reviews. Stella Restaurant in Ventnor and The Saddle River Inn in Saddle River represent the Garden State in this year’s rankings, which are driven by insights and reviews from verified OpenTable users. Stella Restaurant carries a rich legacy. Founded by Chef Nicholas LoBianco and his late wife, Stephanie, the Ventnor gem is the latest in a series of acclaimed LoBianco restaurants in South Jersey. Known for exceptional food and personable service, the restau…
Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says
Macy's Employee Hid Up To $154M In Expenses Since 2021, Company Says A Macy’s employee misstated up to $154 million in delivery expenses over several years, the company just said. The development forced the retailer to delay its third-quarter earnings report. The employee, whose name has not been released, has been fired. According to the company, the employee responsible for accounting small package delivery expenses made erroneous accrual entries to conceal the costs from the fourth quarter of 2021 through the most recent quarter. During that time, Macy’s reported a total of $4.36 billion in delivery expenses. The company conducted an independent investi…
McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When
McDonald's Launching Revamped Value Menu In New Year: Here's When McDonald’s will ring in the new year by serving more for less. The fast food giant will unveil its new “McValue” menu nationwide starting on Tuesday, Jan. 7. McValue will include current fan-favorites, like the $5 Meal Deal, and a new “Buy One, Add One for $1” offer, allowing customers to mix and match their order. Breakfast options include classics like the sausage McMuffin and hash browns, while lunch offerings feature the 6-piece chicken McNuggets and double cheeseburger. McDonald’s is also extending through next summer its $5 Meal Deal, a combination of a McDouble or McChicken sandwi…
Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts In NJ, Along East Coast Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts In NJ, Along East Coast
Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts In NJ, Along East Coast Imagine strolling through your local supermarket, scanning items, calculating your total, and then, skipping the checkout line? Thanks to an AI-powered "smart cart," that's now possible. This futuristic shopping experience is now a reality in select ShopRite locations in the East Coast as the supermarket chain introduces technology designed by Instacart to save shoppers time and make grocery runs smoother than ever. The so-called "Caper Carts" are designed to make grocery shopping faster, smarter, and more interactive. To date, about a dozen ShopRite stores have added the carts as another…
Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products
Recall Involving Bagged Carrots Expanded: See List Of Supermarkets, Products An E. coli outbreak linked to bagged organic carrots has prompted an expanded recall as the number of cases grows. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 39 people across 18 states have been sickened.  Click here for a new, updated story - Here's What To Know Now About Food Illness Outbreaks, Recalls Ahead Of Thanksgiving The outbreak has resulted in 15 hospitalizations and one death. The recall initially began earlier this month when reports of illnesses linked to Grimmway Farms’ bagged carrots surfaced. The recall now covers multiple brands of orga…
Apple Issues 'Update Now' Warning To iPhone, iPad Users Apple Issues 'Update Now' Warning To iPhone, iPad Users
Apple Issues 'Update Now' Warning To iPhone, iPad Users Apple has just issued what it calls an urgent update for iPhone and iPad users that it says provides protection two critical security vulnerabilities related to exploits of user data while browsing on these devices. The download to iOS 18.1.1 fixes issues in JavaScriptCore and WebKit that could allow attackers to execute malicious code through crafted web content.  Apple says users should install the update promptly. You can do this by navigating to Settings > General > Software Update on your device. For more information on the updates from Apple, click here.
Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk
Nationwide Ground Beef Recall Issued Over E. Coli Contamination Risk A major, nationwide recall is underway for more than 167,000 pounds of ground beef due to possible contamination with E. coli. Wolverine Packing Co., based in Detroit, issued the recall, the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced late Wednesday night, Nov. 20. The affected products include fresh ground beef with a “use by” date of Nov. 14 and frozen products marked with a production date of Oct. 22. The items, bearing establishment number “EST. 2574B” inside the USDA inspection mark, were shipped to restaurants nationwide. View the full product …
Jersey Mike’s Sells Majority Stake To Blackstone, Chain's Founder Aims For 'Greater Heights' Jersey Mike’s Sells Majority Stake To Blackstone, Chain's Founder Aims For 'Greater Heights'
Jersey Mike’s Sells Majority Stake To Blackstone, Chain's Founder Aims For 'Greater Heights' Jersey Mike’s Subs, a Garden State icon that grew into a national sandwich powerhouse, is set to sell a majority stake to private equity giant Blackstone, officials said. The Manasquan-based restaurant chain has agreed to sell the stake in the company, Blackstone said in a news release on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Jersey Mike’s founder and CEO Peter Cancro will keep a significant equity share and continue leading the business. When he was 14 years old, Cancro began working at the original location in Point Pleasant that opened as Mike's Subs in 1958. At 17, he bought the restaurant in 1975 and…
End Of An Era: Jersey Shore Bar Closes After 17 Years End Of An Era: Jersey Shore Bar Closes After 17 Years
End Of An Era: Jersey Shore Bar Closes After 17 Years A popular Wildwood staple is saying farewell after nearly two decades. Goodnight Irene’s, the iconic restaurant and bar at Pacific Avenue and East Poplar Avenue, announced that this weekend will be its last after 17 years. "AND THAT’S A WRAP FOLKS!" the owners shared on Facebook. "We appreciate you all more than you know." The final days of service, running through Sunday night, Nov. 17, promise to be filled with goodbyes and nostalgia. "We hope to see as many of you as possible," the Irenes family wrote, signing off with "LOVE." For countless locals and visitors, Goodnight Irene’s has b…
Red Lobster Launches Revamped Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy Red Lobster Launches Revamped Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy
Red Lobster Launches Revamped Menu With 7 New Items After Exiting Bankruptcy Two months after exiting bankruptcy, restaurant chain Red Lobster is unveiling a revamped menu. It features these seven new items: Lobster Pappardelle Pasta Bacon Wrapped Sea Scallops Lobster Bisque Lemon Basil Mahi Simply Prepared Mahi Parmesan-Crusted Chicken Roasted Asparagus In addition, a pair of old fan-favorites that had been discontinued are back:  Popcorn Shrimp, Hush Puppies  Red Lobster is now giving guests the ability to customize their seafood favorites with the launch of "Create your Own Ultimate Feast." Customers can mix and match two premium picks such as …
Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores
Advance Auto Parts To Close Over 700 Stores A nationwide auto parts retailers says it will close over 700 stores as part of “a strategic plan to improve business performance.” Advance Auto Parts, which has about 4,800 total stores, and locations in almost every state, made the announcement on Thursday, Nov. 14. The affected outlets will close by May 2025 and are made up of 523 corporate stores, and 204 independently owned locations. In addition, four distribution centers will also close. Specific locations to be closed have not yet been announced. In announcing the move, President and Chief Executive Officer Shane O’Kelly said…
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports
Massive Hotel Proposed To Replace Shuttered Jersey Shore Amusement Park: Reports A developer is planning to bring a new purpose to a shuttered and iconic amusement park on the Ocean City boardwalk, according to reports. Wonderland Pier owner Eustace Mita said he wants to create a 252-room hotel on the site of the theme park that closed in October, abc6 Action News reported. Mita is also the developer and CEO of ICONA Resorts. The $135 to $155 million proposal would preserve Wonderland's famous Ferris wheel and carousel. "Our thought was we will rehab it, keep it, and actually raise it by 10 feet," Mita told abc6. "That will be a $1.5 million project." A renderi…
Central Jersey Mall To Open First New Store Amid $500M Redevelopment Central Jersey Mall To Open First New Store Amid $500M Redevelopment
Central Jersey Mall To Open First New Store Amid $500M Redevelopment The first store at a revamped Monmouth Mall is about to open, officials said. The new Barnes & Noble location in Eatontown will open on Wednesday, Nov. 20, the bookstore chain said in a news release. The previous store closed about two weeks before the new location's opening. The new space is a few hundred yards away from Macy's. "We are very pleased to be opening this beautiful new bookstore here in Eatontown," Barnes & Noble CEO James Daunt said. "The Eatontown booksellers have gone above and beyond to have this new space ready so soon after closing the previous location, and jus…
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says
Cybersecurity Issue Hits Stop & Shop, Other Supermarkets, Parent Company Says A cybersecurity “issue” has led the parent company of a supermarket chain to disconnect some systems to protect them. Ahold Delhaize USA said it recently detected a cybersecurity issue within its US network. "Immediately upon detecting the issue, our security teams began an investigation with the assistance of external cybersecurity experts," the company said. "We also notified law enforcement." The move affects: Stop & Shop, which has around 400 locations in New England, New York, and New Jersey; Hannaford, with stores in eastern upstate New York and New England; Giant Company, with…
These 10 NJ Stop & Shop Stores Have Closed These 10 NJ Stop & Shop Stores Have Closed
These 10 NJ Stop & Shop Stores Have Closed New Jersey officially has 10 fewer Stop & Shop stores. The 10 underperforming locations closed were among 32 nationwide that the grocer announced would be closing by year's end. Stop & Shop has kept 350 stores open, including 47 in New Jersey. The stores that closed on or before Nov. 2 were: 1083 Inman Ave., Edison 1049 US Highway 1 South, Edison 4861 US Highway 9, Howell 1278 US Highway 22, Phillipsburg 581 Stelton Rd., Piscataway 625 Paterson Ave., Carlstadt 1221 State Route 27, Franklin Township 130 Skyline Dr., Ringwood 505 Richmond Ave, Point Pleasant Beach 2275 West County …