Payback Time: NY Delivery Drivers Will Get Cut Of $4M Settlement Over Withheld Tips Payback Time: NY Delivery Drivers Will Get Cut Of $4M Settlement Over Withheld Tips
Payback Time: NY Delivery Drivers Will Get Cut Of $4M Settlement Over Withheld Tips Thousands of local delivery drivers are in for a much-deserved payday. Drizly, a now-defunct alcohol delivery platform, reached a $4 million settlement with the State of New York on Tuesday, Dec. 17, for failing to ensure that delivery workers received their rightful tips. According to New York Attorney General Leitita James, Drizly encouraged customers to tip delivery workers but sent the funds to liquor store owners instead. Store owners were responsible for distributing the tips, but in many cases, workers did not receive the money they earned. The investigation also revealed that Driz…
NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement
NY Baby Formula Suppliers Accused Of Price Gouging Agree To $675K Settlement Thousands of cans of baby formula are being distributed to families in need across New York after a settlement was reached with two companies accused of illegal price gouging. New York Attorney General Letitia James announced on Monday, Dec. 18, that her office had secured $675,000 worth of baby formula from Marine Park Distribution Inc. and its affiliate, Formula Depot Inc., following an investigation into price gouging during the nationwide formula shortage in 2022. The companies allegedly raised formula prices by more than 60 percent in some cases, with costs doubling for certain product…
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, …
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…
Luxury French Department Store Set To Open First US Location in NY Luxury French Department Store Set To Open First US Location in NY
Luxury French Department Store Set To Open First US Location in NY A touch of Parisian luxury will soon be arriving in America. Printemps, the iconic French department store, is prepares to open its first US location in the spring of 2025.  The new store, which will be located in Manhattan, will occupy 55,000 square feet within the historic One Wall Street building in the Financial District, blending classic architecture with modern elegance. Founded in 1865, Printemps is celebrated for its high-end fashion, beauty, and lifestyle offerings.  The Manhattan location aims to capture the spirit of its flagship Paris store, showcasing a carefully cu…
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 …
Ousted NY CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say Ousted NY CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say
Ousted NY CEO Dodges $12K In Losses Trading On Insider Info, Feds Say The former CEO of a New York telecommunications company is accused of engaging in insider trading just hours after he was fired, dodging thousands in losses. Ken Peterman, 67, was arrested Wednesday, Dec. 11, on federal charges of insider trading and securities fraud. Prosecutors said Peterman exploited non-public information about Melville-based Comtech Telecommunications’ poor financial performance and his impending termination to sell company shares, avoiding significant financial losses. According to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), he violated two trading blackouts whe…
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…
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…
NY Medical Practice Fined Thousands Over Alleged Discrimination Against HIV-Positive Patient NY Medical Practice Fined Thousands Over Alleged Discrimination Against HIV-Positive Patient
NY Medical Practice Fined Thousands Over Alleged Discrimination Against Hiv-positive Patient A New York-based dermatology practice will pay thousands of dollars after allegations that it refused treatment to an HIV-positive patient. Under a settlement with the US Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday, Dec. 3, Advanced Dermatology, P.C. – headquartered on Long Island in New Hyde Park – resolved allegations that one of its doctors violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (the ADA) by refusing timely care to a male patient. The patient, who is HIV-positive, filed a complaint with the US Department of Justice alleging that a dermatologist refused to perform a scheduled Mohn micrograp…
Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's What's Inside Debut NY Location Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's What's Inside Debut NY Location
Whole Foods Opens First 'Daily Shop' Store: Here's What's Inside Debut NY Location 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…
McRib Mania: McDonald's Cult Favorite Sparks Food Fight Among NYers (Poll) McRib Mania: McDonald's Cult Favorite Sparks Food Fight Among NYers (Poll)
McRib Mania: McDonald's Cult Favorite Sparks Food Fight Among NYers (Poll) It’s back – and people have some thoughts. Just in time for the holidays, McDonald’s has brought back its notoriously elusive McRib. The much loved – and loathed – saucy sandwich returned for a limited time Tuesday, Dec. 3, at participating restaurants across the country. The McRib consists of seasoned boneless pork dipped in a tangy barbecue sauce and topped with slivered onions and pickles, all served on a toasted homestyle bun. It’ll set you back 520 calories. “When everything combines, you have BBQ pork sandwich perfection,” McDonald’s said in a statement. wow lots of excitement ov…
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,…
NYers To Receive Cut Of $4.8M Settlement With SmileDirectClub Over Improper Billing NYers To Receive Cut Of $4.8M Settlement With SmileDirectClub Over Improper Billing
NYers To Receive Cut Of $4.8M Settlement With SmileDirectClub Over Improper Billing Thousands of New Yorkers will benefit from a $4.8 million settlement with the now-defunct SmileDirectClub over improper billing practices. The former Nashville, Tennessee-based teledentistry company agreed to the move after it continued to charge more than 28,000 consumers despite filing for bankruptcy and stopping services in September 2023. Multiple complaints were filed with the New York State Office of the Attorney General (OAG) after consumers were told to keep making monthly installment payments despite no longer receiving aligner treatment. In December 2023, OAG sent a cease-and-de…
Hearst Lays Off Around 200 Employees From Magazine Division, With Most Jobs In NY Hearst Lays Off Around 200 Employees From Magazine Division, With Most Jobs In NY
Hearst Lays Off Around 200 Employees From Magazine Division, With Most Jobs In NY 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.
Fink's BBQ In Rockland County To Close, Owner Hints At Comeback Fink's BBQ In Rockland County To Close, Owner Hints At Comeback
Fink's BBQ In Rockland County To Close, Owner Hints At Comeback Rockland County staple Fink's BBQ Roadhouse, a community favorite in Suffern, is closing after eight years in business.  Owner Dave "Fink" Finkelstein announced that the restaurant’s last full day of operation will be Monday, Dec. 2, citing ongoing challenges that have become insurmountable. Finkelstein tells Daily Voice: "The location is tough — half of the compass is trees, and trees don't eat BBQ. We're a destination spot, Saturdays are insane and Tuesdays it's a ghost town. It's hard to balance business." Fink’s BBQ opened its Suffern location in 2016 after running a successful sp…
Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In NY Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In NY Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination
Recall Issued For Ready-To-Eat Produce Sold In NY Stores Over Potential Listeria Contamination Ready-to-eat fruit and vegetable products sold in the parts of the Northeast are being recalled. Connecticut-based Gracie’s Kitchens Inc., located in New Haven, has issued the recall due to potential contamination with Listeria, a bacteria that can cause serious health risks, according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The recall involves products manufactured between Monday, Nov. 4 and Wednesday, Nov. 13, and sold under the Gracie’s Kitchens, King Kullen, and Wild By Nature brands.   The products were distributed to grocery stores in New York and Connecticut. Items …
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…
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 NY, Along East Coast Locations Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts In NY, Along East Coast Locations
Supermarket Game Changer? ShopRite Rolling Out Smart Carts In NY, Along East Coast Locations 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…