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Not So Secure: Data Blunder Left Home Security Cams Open To Outsiders, NY AG Finds Not So Secure: Data Blunder Left Home Security Cams Open To Outsiders, NY AG Finds
Not So Secure: Data Blunder Left Home Security Cams Open To Outsiders, NY AG Finds New Yorkers can feel a little more secure when it comes to their home security systems. Three companies that distribute Eufy home security cameras agreed to a $450,000 settlement for failing to secure consumers’ videos, New York Attorney General Letitia James said Tuesday, Jan. 28. The companies – Fantasia Trading LLC, Power Mobile Life LLC, and Smart Innovation LCC – were plagued with troubling data security vulnerabilities, making them accessible to anyone with the relevant link, even without authentication, the investigation found. The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) began looking …

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
Medicaid Payment Portal Access Down Nationwide Amid Federal Aid Freeze Medicaid Payment Portal Access Down Nationwide Amid Federal Aid Freeze
Medicaid Payment Portal Access Down Nationwide Amid Federal Aid Freeze Health organizations nationwide have been thrown into chaos after Federal financial assistance programs became disrupted following President Donald Trump’s directive to freeze funding across multiple agencies, including Medicaid. This freeze, intended to reassess program priorities, has caused confusion and raised concerns about essential services.  Medicaid payment systems have reportedly gone offline in all 50 states, preventing healthcare providers from accessing funds. "The White House is aware of the Medicaid website portal outage," said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavi…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
'Chopped' Star Chef Bringing Asian Fusion Cuisine To Second Hudson Valley Restaurant 'Chopped' Star Chef Bringing Asian Fusion Cuisine To Second Hudson Valley Restaurant
'Chopped' Star Chef Bringing Asian Fusion Cuisine To Second Hudson Valley Restaurant A chef who's a three-time champion on the TV cooking show "Chopped" is bringing his culinary flair to Nyack with the opening of an Asian-inspired dining experience. Chef Chris Holland is preparing to open Katrina Kita in early spring 2025. Chef Holland has also appeared on other Food Network shows like "Alex vs. America" and "Guy's Grocery Games". The new restaurant promises a menu packed with Holland's signature Asian-inspired small plates and tacos. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @kantinakita_ny The location will be…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
This Spicy, Yet Tropical Seasoning Is 2025's Biggest Flavor, McCormick Says This Spicy, Yet Tropical Seasoning Is 2025's Biggest Flavor, McCormick Says
This Spicy, Yet Tropical Seasoning Is 2025's Biggest Flavor, McCormick Says A South American pepper known for fruity and tropical notes with moderate heat is one spice company's top flavor for 2025. McCormick named aji amarillo as its 2025 Flavor of the Year, the company said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 28. The announcement marks the 25th anniversary of the Hunt Valley, Maryland, company's annual Flavor Forecast, a global culinary report that has shaped food trends for decades. Aji amarillo, which translates to "yellow chile pepper," is popular in many dishes from Peru and grows primarily in South America. The vibrant pepper matures into …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Public Health Alert: Wegmans Chicken Nuggets Sold In NY May Contain Bone Fragments Public Health Alert: Wegmans Chicken Nuggets Sold In NY May Contain Bone Fragments
Public Health Alert: Wegmans Chicken Nuggets Sold In NY May Contain Bone Fragments A public health alert has been issued by the US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for frozen, fully cooked Wegmans chicken nuggets that may be contaminated with bone fragments.  Consumers are urged not to eat this product. While no recall has been requested since the product is no longer available for purchase, FSIS is concerned that packages may still be in consumers’ freezers. Details of the Product: Brand: Wegmans FAMILY PACK FULLY COOKED Breaded Chicken Breast with Rib Meat Click here to view product lebel Size: 46-ounce plastic packages Best …

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Arabica Coffee Prices Spike Amid Colombia-US Tariff Dustup Arabica Coffee Prices Spike Amid Colombia-US Tariff Dustup
Arabica Coffee Prices Spike Amid Colombia-US Tariff Dustup Prices of Arabica coffee hit record highs in the aftermath of threats of tariffs by both the United States and Colombia after a dispute involving migrant deportation flights. Arabica futures hit a record of $3.56 in the Intercontinental Exchange on Monday, Jan. 27, a day after the back-and-forth dustup a day earlier, according to The Wall Street Journal. The previous record of $3.48 was recorded in early December. The US imports about 30 percent of its coffee from Colombia. Colombia agreed to accept the flights after earlier turning back two planes. This prompted President Donald Trump to…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Overnight Fire Closes Restaurant In Region: 'Can't Wait To Serve You Again' Overnight Fire Closes Restaurant In Region: 'Can't Wait To Serve You Again'
Overnight Fire Closes Restaurant In Region: 'Can't Wait To Serve You Again' A Capital Region restaurant is vowing to reopen following an overnight fire. Firefighters in Latham responded to the Metro 7 Diner on Troy-Schenectady Road for an alarm and structure fire at around 10:45 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 26. At least six agencies, including the Albany International Airport Fire Department, worked to extinguish the flames. There were no reports of injuries. The restaurant was temporarily closed due to interior fire and water damage, Metro 7 Diner chef and owner Otto Maier said on Facebook. “We truly appreciate your understanding and support during this time, and we can’t …

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
Love At First Sip: Stewart’s Shops Debuts 'Sweetheart Shake' Ahead Of Valentine's Day Love At First Sip: Stewart’s Shops Debuts 'Sweetheart Shake' Ahead Of Valentine's Day
Love At First Sip: Stewart’s Shops Debuts 'Sweetheart Shake' Ahead Of Valentine's Day Love is in the air – and in your cup– at Stewart’s Shops. New York’s hometown convenience store chain introduced its new Sweetheart Shake in honor of Valentine’s Day. The limited-edition frosted treat combines customer fave Cherry Loves Chocolate ice cream with dark chocolatey flakes, juicy red cherries, and a decadent chocolate drizzle to make every sip a love story in the making. Whether you’re treating a special someone or just treating yourself, this creamy, dreamy shake is only around for a short time. It's love at first sip! 😍🥤 Say hello to your newest crush, the limited editio…

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by Michael Mashburn
Business
Mom Of Three, Entrepreneur Opening Albany-Area Salons: 'The Perfect Fit' Mom Of Three, Entrepreneur Opening Albany-Area Salons: 'The Perfect Fit'
Mom Of Three, Entrepreneur Opening Albany-Area Salons: 'The Perfect Fit' A Saratoga mother who became an entrepreneur is returning to her roots in the beauty industry by opening her own salons. Blo Blow Dry Bar will open its new location in Clifton Park on Friday, Jan. 31, the company said in a news release on Monday, Jan. 27. The chain that started in Canada in 2007 has more than 150 salons across North America. Carrie Faden will own and operate the salon at 22 Clifton Country Road in the Clifton Park Center Mall. She started her career in the beauty industry before stepping away to become a full-time mom to her three daughters. Years later, Faden bu…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Canadian Airline Expands To LGA, Offering Daily Flights To Toronto Without Middle Seats Canadian Airline Expands To LGA, Offering Daily Flights To Toronto Without Middle Seats
Canadian Airline Expands To LGA, Offering Daily Flights To Toronto Without Middle Seats A Canadian airline will soon fly from LaGuardia Airport for the first time. Porter Airlines is expanding its presence in New York City with the launch of year-round service between LGA and Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ), the company said in a news release on Monday, Jan. 27. Porter will fly roundtrip up to three times daily starting on Thursday, May 1. The flights will be on 132-seat Embraer E195-E2 planes, featuring no middle seats, free high-speed WiFi, and complimentary beer and wine. "We have built a strong passenger base over more than 15 years for those travelling b…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Potential Airbag, Seat Belt Failures Prompt Recall Of 80K+ Kia SUVs Potential Airbag, Seat Belt Failures Prompt Recall Of 80K+ Kia SUVs
Potential Airbag, Seat Belt Failures Prompt Recall Of 80K+ Kia SUVs Kia is recalling more than 80,000 hybrid and electric SUVs due to wiring issues that could prevent airbags and seat belts from properly deploying, officials said. Kia issued the recall for about 80,255 Niro EV, Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV), and Hybrid vehicles, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The recalled Niros are from the model years 2023 to 2025. The NHTSA said the recall is due to a defect in the floor wiring assembly beneath the front passenger seat. The issue could increase injury risks in a crash because airbags or seal belts may not work correctly. …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
PA Beats Out NY For Italian Pasta Maker's First U.S. Facility In $12.5M Investment PA Beats Out NY For Italian Pasta Maker's First U.S. Facility In $12.5M Investment
PA Beats Out NY For Italian Pasta Maker's First U.S. Facility In $12.5M Investment An Italian company has chosen Pennsylvania as its first North American location to make its fettuccine, rigatoni, and other popular types of pasta. Il Pastaio will open a production facility in the Allenwood section of Gregg Township in Union County, Gov. Josh Shapiro announced at a groundbreaking ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 23. The governor said the Keystone State beat out neighboring New York and New Jersey for the $12.5 million project. The 71,300-square-foot center is expected to create at least 74 full-time jobs. "I’m competitive as hell, and from day one, I’ve made clear that I w…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Nationwide Recall: Seasoning Products Pulled Over Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction Threat Nationwide Recall: Seasoning Products Pulled Over Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction Threat
Nationwide Recall: Seasoning Products Pulled Over Life-Threatening Allergic Reaction Threat Two seasoning products have been recalled nationwide because of concerns they could cause life-threatening allergic reactions. TS Food Packaging is recalling its “Rural King” and “Wabash Valley Farms” Bacon Seasoning due to the presence of an undeclared soy ingredient.  "People who have allergies to products containing soy run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume these products," according to a company announcement released through the Food & Drug Administration (FDA). The recalled “Bacon Seasonings” were distributed nationwide via E-comm…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Ford Recalls 272K+ Vehicles For Sudden Battery Failure Linked To Crash Risk Ford Recalls 272K+ Vehicles For Sudden Battery Failure Linked To Crash Risk
Ford Recalls 272K+ Vehicles For Sudden Battery Failure Linked To Crash Risk More than 272,000 Ford vehicles are being recalled because of defective 12-volt batteries that could degrade suddenly, causing power loss and increasing crash risk, officials said. Ford issued the recall for certain Maverick pickups and Bronco Sport SUVs, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said. The recall affects Bronco Sport models from 2021-2023 and Maverick models from 2022-2023. The issue stems from a manufacturing defect in 12-volt batteries made by Camel, according to Ford. Internal weld and cast-on-strap failures could cause the battery to degrade…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
NY Company Issues Recall For Brand Of Raisins NY Company Issues Recall For Brand Of Raisins
NY Company Issues Recall For Brand Of Raisins A raisin product produced in New York has been recalled due to an undeclared ingredient that poses serious health risks for certain individuals. Apna Wholesale Inc., based on Long Island, in Hicksville, has issued a recall for its “Paras Premium Golden Raisins” due to undeclared sulfites. The product was sold in New York and Massachusetts at Apna Bazar Farmers Market locations. The affected raisins come in clear plastic packages with the following details: 7-ounce package: UPC 818051014811 14-ounce package: UPC 818051014828 Routine testing by New York State food inspectors revealed the ra…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Record-High Egg Prices Likely To See New Increases: What To Know Record-High Egg Prices Likely To See New Increases: What To Know
Record-High Egg Prices Likely To See New Increases: What To Know Across the country, grocery shoppers are facing sticker shock and empty shelves as egg prices continue to skyrocket.  Once an affordable staple, eggs have become increasingly expension -- and sometimes, even difficult to find — and the situation is only expected to worsen. The surge in egg prices is being driven by a combination of inflation and a devastating outbreak of avian influenza, better known as bird flu. The H5N1 virus, which made its way to the United States in 2022, has infected or killed millions of birds and infected many other animals In just the last three months, more…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Revealing Clothes, Offensive Tattoos May Now Get You Kicked Off This Airline's Flights Revealing Clothes, Offensive Tattoos May Now Get You Kicked Off This Airline's Flights
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…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Iconic Pizza Franchise With Hudson Valley Location Brings Back Fan Favorite Special Pie Iconic Pizza Franchise With Hudson Valley Location Brings Back Fan Favorite Special Pie
Iconic Pizza Franchise With Hudson Valley Location Brings Back Fan Favorite Special Pie A nationally recognized pizzeria in Westchester is marking its 100th year with the return of a beloved seasonal favorite pie.  Beginning now and lasting through Sunday, March 30, Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana in Yonkers will offer the Patata Rustica pizza, which the chain says is a "fan favorite."  The Patata Rustica, crafted by the family of Frank Pepe himself, features a decadent blend of creamy sauce, seasoned potatoes, crispy bacon, mozzarella cheese, and a trio of shaved Italian cheeses, including Asiago, Parmesan, and Pecorino. Finished with grated Pecorino Romano…

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by Ben Crnic
Business
Store Closings Surge To Highest Level Since Pandemic: Why 2025 Could Be Worse Store Closings Surge To Highest Level Since Pandemic: Why 2025 Could Be Worse
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…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Recall Issued For Popular Cookie Product: Here's What To Know Recall Issued For Popular Cookie Product: Here's What To Know
Recall Issued For Popular Cookie Product: Here's What To Know A popular cookie product has been recalled due to undeclared almonds, posing a serious risk for individuals with nut allergies. D. Coluccio & Sons is recalling its 300-gram packages of "Colussi Cantuccini Chocolate Drops" cookies. The affected cookies were sold nationwide in blue bags with UPC code 8002590006020. The recall applies to the following lot numbers: 3540152 (Best By Date: 15-01-2025) L354150 (Best By Date: 29-05-2025) The issue was flagged by the product’s Italian manufacturer, citing a temporary packaging error that omitted almonds from the ingredient label. No illnesses …

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Burn Hazards Cost Fitbit $12M+ After Delayed Smartwatch Recall: CPSC Burn Hazards Cost Fitbit $12M+ After Delayed Smartwatch Recall: CPSC
Burn Hazards Cost Fitbit $12M+ After Delayed Smartwatch Recall: Cpsc Fitbit will pay more than $12 million for failing to promptly report that its Ionic smartwatches posed serious burn risks, officials said. Fitbit LLC, which is now owned by Google, has been fined $12.25 million to settle claims by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the federal agency said in a news release on Thursday, Jan. 23. The defect caused the Ionic smartwatches to overheat, leading to second- and third-degree burns for some users. Between 2018 and 2020, Fitbit received multiple reports of its Ionic smartwatches overheating and injuring users, the CPSC said. In ear…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Nationwide Recall Issued For This Corn Puff Product Nationwide Recall Issued For This Corn Puff Product
Nationwide Recall Issued For This Corn Puff Product A nationwide recall has been issued for a popular snack brand. Wismettac Asian Foods, Inc. has issued a nationwide recall of its Shirakiku brand Curvee Puffs Corn Puff Snack Curry Flavor due to undeclared milk. The FDA announced the recall on Monday, Jan. 20 after the company discovered the allergen was not listed on the packaging.  This oversight poses a serious health risk to individuals with milk allergies, potentially leading to life-threatening allergic reactions. The affected product is packaged in 2.46 oz flexible bags and bears the UPC code 07441078512, found on the back right…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
USPS Redesigns Money Orders: How New Security Elements Will Fight Fraud USPS Redesigns Money Orders: How New Security Elements Will Fight Fraud
USPS Redesigns Money Orders: How New Security Elements Will Fight Fraud The U.S. Postal Service is redesigning its money orders to include advanced security elements for combatting counterfeits and fraud, officials said. The USPS will debut the new money orders in February, the agency said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The redesigned orders will be red, white, and blue with an updated bank routing number. To enhance protection, the redesign incorporates watermarks, a security thread, and a QR code directing users to the USPS website. Additional security features remain undisclosed to further deter fraudulent activities. The current "legacy" des…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Cookie Remix: Post Malone, Oreo Create Unique Flavor With Special Designs Cookie Remix: Post Malone, Oreo Create Unique Flavor With Special Designs
Cookie Remix: Post Malone, Oreo Create Unique Flavor With Special Designs Music and snacks collide as music star Post Malone is teaming up with Oreo to release a limited-edition cookie featuring unique flavors, designs, and a personal touch from the chart-topping artist. Oreo announced the partnership with the hip-hop and country musician in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The Limited Edition Post Malone OREO Cookies will have a one-of-a-kind swirled creme and designs inspired by Post Malone's world. The cookies feature a swirled creme combining salted caramel and shortbread flavors, sandwiched between a chocolate cookie and a golden cookie—a firs…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Home Depot Adds DoorDash, Uber Eats For On-Demand Deliveries Home Depot Adds DoorDash, Uber Eats For On-Demand Deliveries
Home Depot Adds DoorDash, Uber Eats For On-Demand Deliveries Forget about only getting dinner delivered, you can now use Uber Eats and DoorDash to order tools, hardware, and other things you need to complete home projects. The Home Depot has expanded its delivery options by teaming up with DoorDash and Uber Eats, the home improvement chain said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 22. The on-demand delivery apps will be able to bring customers some supplies and materials in as little as an hour. The apps join other options for the store like Instacart, same-day deliveries through the Home Depot website, and free next-day delivery. "We've n…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Massive Ground Beef Recall: 167K Pounds Pulled Over E. Coli Risk Massive Ground Beef Recall: 167K Pounds Pulled Over E. Coli Risk
Massive Ground Beef Recall: 167K Pounds Pulled Over E. Coli Risk A recall of over 167,000 pounds of ground beef shipped nationwide is raising concerns about possible E. coli contamination. The recall, issued by Detroit-based Wolverine Packing Co., affects products distributed to restaurants across the US. Health officials have linked the beef to 15 illnesses in one state, with symptoms appearing between Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, and Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024. Key Details  Fresh products: “Use by” date of Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024 Frozen products: Production date of Tuesday, Oct. 22, 2024 Inspection mark: “EST. 2574B” View product list here View product…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Catch 'Em All: Pokémon Cards Return To McDonald's In New Happy Meals Catch 'Em All: Pokémon Cards Return To McDonald's In New Happy Meals
Catch 'Em All: Pokémon Cards Return To McDonald's In New Happy Meals For those who want to be the very best like no one ever was, McDonald's may be the place to go in early 2025. McDonald's officially launched a new Happy Meal partnership with Pokémon on Tuesday, Jan. 21, the fast food chain announced in a news release. The nationwide promotion includes exclusive trading cards, digital rewards, collectibles, and fun activities. Each Happy Meal contains a Pokémon Trading Card Game booster pack featuring four of 15 collectible cards, a Pokémon-themed poster, and a sticker sheet to decorate the poster, The Pokémon Company said. "There's nothing more excit…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Splitting A Flight: Venmo Payments Now Accepted For Bookings On This Airline Splitting A Flight: Venmo Payments Now Accepted For Bookings On This Airline
Splitting A Flight: Venmo Payments Now Accepted For Bookings On This Airline An app used by many to pay back friends for meals or event tickets has another new purpose: booking a flight. JetBlue now accepts payments through Venmo for flights, the airline said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The company also said it's the first airline to accept Venmo payments for airfare. The option is currently only available on JetBlue.com but will be on the mobile app "in the coming months." "We're continually looking for ways to make it easier to book a JetBlue flight on our website and mobile app," said Carol Clements, JetBlue's chief digital and technology officer. "Ad…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
NY Costco Workers Practice Picketing, Union Approves Strike Over Wholesaler's 'Greed' NY Costco Workers Practice Picketing, Union Approves Strike Over Wholesaler's 'Greed'
NY Costco Workers Practice Picketing, Union Approves Strike Over Wholesaler's 'Greed' Workers at America's largest wholesale retailer may soon go on strike as the corporation has seen profits skyrocket in recent years, union officials said. Costco workers nationwide voted by an overwhelming 85-percent margin to authorize a strike, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters said in a news release on Monday, Jan. 20. The Teamsters cited the retail giant's dramatic surge in net profits and refusal to offer a fair contract. More than 18,000 union-member employees are set to strike if a new agreement isn't reached by the time the current one expires on Friday, Jan.…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Rise In Food Prices Goes Beyond Eggs: Here’s Rundown Rise In Food Prices Goes Beyond Eggs: Here’s Rundown
Rise In Food Prices Goes Beyond Eggs: Here’s Rundown Eggs are not the only food product seeing a sharp increase in prices. December grocery prices were nearly 28 percent higher than five years ago, reflecting how much harder families are finding it to manage their everyday expenses, The Wall Street Journal reports.  According to Labor Department data, grocery prices surged 1.8 percent year-over-year in December, marking the fastest increase in over a year, The trend started just after the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2019, mainly due to pandemic-related supply chain issues. According to a Trace One analysis of US Bureau of Labo…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Walgreens Knowingly Filled Millions Of Prescriptions Lacking Legit Medical Purpose, DOJ Says Walgreens Knowingly Filled Millions Of Prescriptions Lacking Legit Medical Purpose, DOJ Says
Walgreens Knowingly Filled Millions Of Prescriptions Lacking Legit Medical Purpose, DOJ Says The Justice Department has filed a nationwide lawsuit against Walgreens, alleging the pharmacy chain filled millions of prescriptions without legitimate medical purposes, particularly involving dangerous opioid combinations, over more than a decade. Filed in the US District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, the civil complaint contends Walgreens violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) and False Claims Act (FCA) by dispensing prescriptions despite clear red flags and seeking federal reimbursements for these drugs. “This lawsuit seeks to hold Walgreens accountable for the many…

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by Joe Lombardi