Christmas Eve Travel Chaos: American Airlines Grounds Flights Nationwide Christmas Eve Travel Chaos: American Airlines Grounds Flights Nationwide
Christmas Eve Travel Chaos: American Airlines Grounds Flights Nationwide Holiday travel was disrupted for many when American Airlines grounded all flights nationwide on Christmas Eve morning due to a technical issue. Thousands of passengers experienced delays, missed connections, and confusion on one of the busiest travel days of the year, Tuesday, Dec. 24. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the ground stop at the airline’s request. By late morning, the FAA lifted the ground stop after the issue was resolved, allowing American Airlines to resume operations. Travelers reported waits exceeding 90 minutes, with some having to deplane. Frustration …
FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns
FDA Elevates Costco Egg Recall Over Salmonella Concerns The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised its recall alert for a brand of eggs to the highest level due to potential Salmonella contamination, which could lead to severe health risks or even death. The brand, Kirkland Signature Organic Pasture Raised 24-Count Eggs, were sold at Costco. This follows a voluntary recall initiated by New York City-based manufacturer Handsome Brook Farms in late November. Earlier Report: Cucumbers, Eggs Recalled Due To Risk Of Salmonella Contamination The affected eggs, bearing UPC 9661910680, Julian code 327, and a use-by date of Jan. 5, 2…
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…
Brewing Tensions: Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States, Including PA Brewing Tensions: Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States, Including PA
Brewing Tensions: Starbucks Strike Expands To 9 States, Including PA 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…
These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When
These 64 PA Big Lots Stores Are Among Nearly 1,000 Closing Nationwide: Here's When Big Lots, the popular discount retailer, is officially going out of business. The company, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September, has announced plans to close all 963 of its remaining stores nationwide, including the remaining 64 locations in Pennsylvania. Big Lots had 73 stores located in the Keystone State when they declared bankruptcy over the summer. More than 6% of all Big Lots were located in the commonwealth, with the most stores located in Texas.  The last day of business is expected to be in mid-February, according to sources familiar with the closures. While offi…
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 25 In PA Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 25 In PA
Party City Going Out Of Business, Closing All 800 Stores, Including 25 In PA 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…
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…
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…
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, …
Philly Staple Bagels & Co. Opens First Suburban Location In Ardmore Philly Staple Bagels & Co. Opens First Suburban Location In Ardmore
Philly Staple Bagels & Co. Opens First Suburban Location In Ardmore A popular bagel Philadelphia-based bagel chain is now making a splash in the suburbs. The Bagels & Co. location in Ardmore opened just under three months ago at 43 Cricket Ave. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., it's known for colorful offerings featuring over 30 types of spreads. Speciality cream cheeses include bacon scallion, birthday cake, gingerbread cookie, jalapeno cheddar, mango, maple bacon, oreo, salmon dill, and sun dried tomato tofu. The eatery also offers a variety of breakfast and made-to-order sandwiches. View this post on Instagram …
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…
ChristianaCare Plans $50M Healthcare Campus In PA ChristianaCare Plans $50M Healthcare Campus In PA
ChristianaCare Plans $50M Healthcare Campus In PA ChristianaCare has just announced plans for a new $50 million healthcare campus in Delaware County. Scheduled to open in late 2026 in Aston, the facility at 700 Turner Industrial Way will feature a neighborhood hospital and outpatient health center, bridging critical gaps in local health care services. ChristianaCare said its decision to establish the location was guided by market analysis, community input, and feedback from local leaders, all pointing to the need for better health care accessibility in the area. “Our goal is to make access to health care easy, convenient, and close to hom…
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…
Hershey Stocks Soar As Rumors Swirl About Possible Mondelez Buy Out Hershey Stocks Soar As Rumors Swirl About Possible Mondelez Buy Out
Hershey Stocks Soar As Rumors Swirl About Possible Mondelez Buy Out Mondelez International, the company behind brands like Oreo and Cadbury, is reportedly considering acquiring The Hershey Company, a move that could create one of the world's largest confectionery firms, according to multiple outlets and first reported by Bloomberg. Preliminary discussions have taken place, but there's no certainty that a deal will be finalized. This news led to a significant surge in Hershey's stock price, which rose approximately 13% to $199.52 on Monday, Benzinga reported. In contrast, Mondelez's shares experienced a decline of about 4%, Reuters explained. It's importa…
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…
Tyson Foods To Close Two Philadelphia Plants, Laying Off 229 Workers Tyson Foods To Close Two Philadelphia Plants, Laying Off 229 Workers
Tyson Foods To Close Two Philadelphia Plants, Laying Off 229 Workers Tyson Foods will permanently close two Philadelphia facilities, affecting 229 employees, according to a WARN notice filed by the company. The closures include the Original Philly Cooked Plant at 4001 North American Street and the Original Philly Raw Plant at 520 East Huntington Park Avenue, both located in Philadelphia. The plants, which employ 110 and 119 workers respectively, will shut down operations effective Jan. 31, 2025. The layoffs come as part of Tyson Foods' restructuring efforts, though further details about the closures have not been disclosed. According to the Worker Adjustmen…
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…
PA Brewing Co. Owes $184K After Tip Investigation: Feds PA Brewing Co. Owes $184K After Tip Investigation: Feds
PA Brewing Co. Owes $184K After Tip Investigation: Feds Sly Fox Brewing Company owes over $184,000 in back wages, damages, and penalties after federal investigators found the company unlawfully withheld tips from employees, the U.S. Department of Labor announced on Wednesday, Nov. 27. The Wage and Hour Division's investigation revealed that managers at Sly Fox’s Pittsburgh Taphouse at the Point and Pittsburgh Brewery at the Highline were allowed to participate in the restaurant’s tip pool—an action prohibited under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). Federal law bans employers or managers from keeping tips for any reason, and such violations nul…