Artificial intelligence or AI technology can help to protect vulnerable women, give women a voice in male-dominated communities and increase training opportunities in Southeast Asia thanks to innovative approaches by United Nations agencies.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/25/38709 [Collection]When placing an order at the drive-thru for an egg sandwich, one might expect there to be a real egg inside. However, a look at ingredients in popular breakfast items sold at fast food chains shows some restaurants are selling items that might not contain what customers consider "100% real egg."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) notes food manufacturers often use pasteurized egg products because of their convenience and ease in handling and storing.
Egg products are also required to be edible without additional preparation to ensure food safety, according to the FSIS. This makes egg products processed in sanitary facilities that are inspected by the department of agriculture more appealing to fast-food chains, restaurants, and care facilities like hospitals and nursing homes.
BLUE STATE OUTLAWS MOST EGGS UNLESS CAGE-FREE, BEFORE NEW YEAR
Here's a look at five fast food chains that have items containing whole eggs on their menus, and five chains that don't.
McDonald's breakfast menu items are all made with real whole eggs, but each is prepared differently.
The chain's signature round egg, found on an Egg McMuffin, is made with a USDA Grade A egg cracked into an "egg ring."
However, it's scrambled and folded eggs - like the ones on a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit - are made with liquid eggs that are pre-cooked and folded before being flash frozen by its suppliers, according to McDonald's. Once they arrive at a local kitchen, they are prepared on a grill with real butter.
McDonald's sausage burrito eggs are pre-cooked liquid eggs with ingredients including: sausage, tomatoes, green chilies, onions and seasonings, before flash freezing to help maintain their taste, according to the company.
Starbucks lists its breakfast sandwich as containing "whole eggs," but the long list of additives that follow distinguishes the item from something that could be found in a grocery store or household refrigerator.
Some of the additives listed include: water, soybean oil, modified food starch, whey solids, and citric acid, according to nutrition facts.
Other items on the breakfast menu, such as the egg bites, list egg whites alongside other additives.
STARBUCKS WORKERS EXPAND STRIKE, CLOSING NEARLY 60 STORES IN SEVERAL US CITIES
After making a commitment to source real, whole eggs, Taco Bell succeeded in transitioning to carry 100% whole cage-free eggs in all U.S. Taco Bell restaurants.
"We’re proud that our eggs come from hens raised in an open environment where they can feel comfortable and display their natural behaviors," the company wrote in a statement on its website.
Taco Bell expanded its commitment, also serving 100% cage-free egg ingredients across its entire menu in all U.S. and Canada restaurants, including limited-time offerings such as specialty sauces, according to the company.
Chick-fil-A openly admits it does not yet serve 100% cage-free eggs, but claims it is working toward the goal.
The eggs that it serves are made from whole eggs, water and other additives, according to nutrition facts.
"We’re dedicated to prioritizing ingredient transparency and responsible sourcing partnerships, which is why we've made a commitment to source only 100% cage-free eggs by 2026," the company wrote in a statement on its website.
Wendy's only uses fresh-cracked, Grade-A eggs on its breakfast sandwiches, according to its website.
Further, the company's U.S. egg suppliers are required to have independent, third-party audits conducted annually by auditors certified by the Professional Animal Auditor Certification Organization (PAACO).
"We work closely with our suppliers and industry experts as part of our responsible sourcing goal and through the Wendy’s Animal Care Standards Program to drive continuous improvement," according to Wendy's.
WENDY'S TO CLOSE 140 RESTAURANTS BY THE END OF THE YEAR
Since its establishment in 2004, PAACO has been the authority on animal welfare auditing. Prior to its creation, there was no standardization or accreditation for animal welfare auditing.
The organization provides high-quality training and certification credentials for auditors, according to the site.
Some of PAACO's sustaining partners include McDonald's, Tyson Foods, The U.S. Poultry and Egg Association and the National Pork Producers Council.
Dunkin' offers egg patties on various breakfast items, but whether they should be classified as "real whole eggs" is in the eye of the beholder.
The patties include "real" egg, but a number of additives are also mixed in.
Additional ingredients include water, modified corn starch, xanthan gum and citric acid, according to nutrition facts.
Whataburger has proved it is "committed to freshness," offering North American farm-fresh tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, eggs, poultry and bacon at its locations.
It also serves 100% fresh American beef, fresh vegetables that are chopped in-house daily, cheese made with milk sourced from American dairy farms, and clean-label sucrose ketchups.
All of its suppliers are compliant with local legislation and are committed to certified humane practices, according to the company.
While Subway uses eggs in its breakfast sandwiches, they contain a number of additives including dextrose, guae gum, propylene glycol, and glycerin.
The company committed to transitioning to eggs from cage-free hens in North America, but has not yet done so.
"Due to the limited supply at present, 10% of the eggs served in the U.S. and 6% in Canada are from cage-free hens," according to Subway. "We will continue to increase our percentage of eggs from cage free hens annually with a goal is to transition North America and Latin America to 100% eggs from cage free hens by 2025."
Panera offers an egg sandwich made with a freshly cracked egg, which rolled out at the same time as the company petitioned the FDA to clearly define what an "egg" actually is.
The company claimed in 2018 that FDA regulations did not establish a definition or standard for eggs, and many chains offered egg products with more than a dozen additives.
However, it appears not all of Panera's breakfast items are made with freshly cracked eggs, as some still contain pasteurized egg or liquid whole eggs.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
The eggs used in Burger King's breakfast sandwiches are a "liquid egg-pasteurized mixture" containing a number of additives.
FOX Business observed that nutrition facts for the breakfast sandwiches were pulled from the company's website.
Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Dunkin', Subway and Burger King did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday from FOX Business.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/wheres-egg-5-fast-food-restaurants-use-real-whole-eggs-5-dontThe heiress who runs California's beloved In-N-Out burger chain cited crime in Oakland as the reason she shuttered a profitable location in the city.
The company closed the location in January because of crime issues that impacted customers and employees, the company said at the time.
"I mean, there was a lot," Lynsi Snyder told the PragerU video network on Monday, SFGate reported. "There was actually — gunshots went through the store, there was a stabbing, there was a lot."
BURGER CHAIN NAMED AS AMERICA'S MOST EXPENSIVE FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT: ‘OVERPRICED’
"For the safety of our associates, we just felt like, this is not OK," she added.
At the time of the closing, In-N-Out’s chief operating officer Denny Warnick told SFGate that the area around the location had ongoing crime issues.
"Despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our Customers and Associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies," he said.
Snyder also said police response times were "alarming."
DELTA BRINGS SHAKE SHACK TO FLIGHT PASSENGERS, BUT WILL THE MEAL HAVE A SMOOTH TAKEOFF?
Oakland has been grappling with a surge in crime. In July, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of 120 California Highway Patrol officers to the city to address the problem and to assist local authorities.
"As crime rates across California decrease — including right across the Bay in San Francisco — Oakland is seeing the opposite trend," Newsom said at the time. "What’s happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable. I’m sending the California Highway Patrol to assist local efforts to restore a sense of safety that the hardworking people of Oakland and the East Bay demand and deserve."
At the time, crime in Oakland had risen at a disproportionate levels compared to other urban centers in California, officials said. They noted increases in violent crime, robbery and vehicle theft by 21%, 38% and 45%, respectively, in 2023.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
The Denny's restaurant chain also closed its only location in Oakland in January because of high crime.
"The safety and well-being of Denny's team members and value guests is our top priority," the company said at the time. "Weighing those factors, the decision has been made to close this location."
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/in-n-out-exec-cites-crime-woes-over-oakland-location-closure-gunshots-went-through-storeThe heiress who runs California's beloved In-N-Out burger chain cited crime in Oakland as the reason she shuttered a profitable location in the city.
The company closed the location in January because of crime issues that impacted customers and employees, the company said at the time.
"I mean, there was a lot," Lynsi Snyder told the PragerU video network on Monday, SFGate reported. "There was actually — gunshots went through the store, there was a stabbing, there was a lot."
BURGER CHAIN NAMED AS AMERICA'S MOST EXPENSIVE FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT: ‘OVERPRICED’
"For the safety of our associates, we just felt like, this is not OK," she added.
At the time of the closing, In-N-Out’s chief operating officer Denny Warnick told SFGate that the area around the location had ongoing crime issues.
"Despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our Customers and Associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies," he said.
Snyder also said police response times were "alarming."
DELTA BRINGS SHAKE SHACK TO FLIGHT PASSENGERS, BUT WILL THE MEAL HAVE A SMOOTH TAKEOFF?
Oakland has been grappling with a surge in crime. In July, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of 120 California Highway Patrol officers to the city to address the problem and to assist local authorities.
"As crime rates across California decrease — including right across the Bay in San Francisco — Oakland is seeing the opposite trend," Newsom said at the time. "What’s happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable. I’m sending the California Highway Patrol to assist local efforts to restore a sense of safety that the hardworking people of Oakland and the East Bay demand and deserve."
At the time, crime in Oakland had risen at a disproportionate levels compared to other urban centers in California, officials said. They noted increases in violent crime, robbery and vehicle theft by 21%, 38% and 45%, respectively, in 2023.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
The Denny's restaurant chain also closed its only location in Oakland in January because of high crime.
"The safety and well-being of Denny's team members and value guests is our top priority," the company said at the time. "Weighing those factors, the decision has been made to close this location."
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/in-n-out-exec-cites-crime-woes-over-oakland-location-closure-gunshots-went-through-storeThe heiress who runs California's beloved In-N-Out burger chain cited crime in Oakland as the reason she shuttered a profitable location in the city.
The company closed the location in January because of crime issues that impacted customers and employees, the company said at the time.
"I mean, there was a lot," Lynsi Snyder told the PragerU video network on Monday, SFGate reported. "There was actually — gunshots went through the store, there was a stabbing, there was a lot."
BURGER CHAIN NAMED AS AMERICA'S MOST EXPENSIVE FAST-FOOD RESTAURANT: ‘OVERPRICED’
"For the safety of our associates, we just felt like, this is not OK," she added.
At the time of the closing, In-N-Out’s chief operating officer Denny Warnick told SFGate that the area around the location had ongoing crime issues.
"Despite taking repeated steps to create safer conditions, our Customers and Associates are regularly victimized by car break-ins, property damage, theft, and armed robberies," he said.
Snyder also said police response times were "alarming."
DELTA BRINGS SHAKE SHACK TO FLIGHT PASSENGERS, BUT WILL THE MEAL HAVE A SMOOTH TAKEOFF?
Oakland has been grappling with a surge in crime. In July, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced the deployment of 120 California Highway Patrol officers to the city to address the problem and to assist local authorities.
"As crime rates across California decrease — including right across the Bay in San Francisco — Oakland is seeing the opposite trend," Newsom said at the time. "What’s happening in this beautiful city and surrounding area is alarming and unacceptable. I’m sending the California Highway Patrol to assist local efforts to restore a sense of safety that the hardworking people of Oakland and the East Bay demand and deserve."
At the time, crime in Oakland had risen at a disproportionate levels compared to other urban centers in California, officials said. They noted increases in violent crime, robbery and vehicle theft by 21%, 38% and 45%, respectively, in 2023.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
The Denny's restaurant chain also closed its only location in Oakland in January because of high crime.
"The safety and well-being of Denny's team members and value guests is our top priority," the company said at the time. "Weighing those factors, the decision has been made to close this location."
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/in-n-out-exec-cites-crime-woes-over-oakland-location-closure-gunshots-went-through-storeStarbucks baristas' fast-growing unfair labor practice strike is expected to hit historic levels Tuesday as hundreds of stores nationwide prepare to join walkouts at the coffee giant.
The Starbucks Workers United strike, prompted by failed union contract negotiations, began Friday and is expected to continue to escalate during the holidays - potentially affecting more than 300 stores nationwide, according to Workers United.
Baristas in Boston, Philadelphia, Portland and Tucson walked out Monday and joined their coworkers already on strike in Chicago, Columbus, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Seattle and St. Louis.
"The holiday season should be magical at Starbucks, but for too many of us, there’s a darker side to the peppermint mochas and gingerbread lattes," Arloa Fluhr, a bargaining delegate from Illinois, wrote in a statement. "I’m a mom of three, including my daughter who is diabetic. I know what it’s like to panic because my hours were slashed, and I won’t be able to pay my bills and could lose access to healthcare, including my daughter’s insulin. That’s why we’re steadfast in our demands for Starbucks to invest in baristas like me."
STARBUCKS CEO DOUBLES PARENTAL LEAVE AMID TURNAROUND EFFORT
Workers United reported Starbucks backtracked from prior commitments, proposing an economic package in December without wage increases for union baristas and a guarantee of only 1.5% in future years.
The increase would amount to less than 50 cents an hour for most baristas, according to the union.
Elected officials on Sunday joined workers on the picket line, including Pittsburgh Mayor Ed Gainey and New York City Comptroller Brad Lander.
Sara Kelly, Starbucks executive vice president and chief partner officer, released a statement noting over the course of the strikes, only "a very small number of stores" were temporarily closed.
Only about 170 Starbucks stores did not open as planned, the coffee chain told FOX Business on Tuesday. With more than 10,000 company-operated stores, 98% of stores and over 200,000 employees continued to serve customers.
"The overwhelming majority of Starbucks stores across the country have opened as planned and are busy with customers enjoying the holidays," Kelly wrote in the statement. "Some of the stores that temporarily closed earlier in the weekend have reopened as partners sought to come back to work."
STARBUCKS CEO SAYS BETTER PRICING TRANSPARENCY NECESSARY FOR MOBILE APP
The company said it offers a competitive average pay of over $18 per hour and "best-in-class benefits," including health care, free college tuition, paid family leave and company stock grants.
"No other retailer offers this kind of comprehensive pay and benefits package," Kelly wrote. "Workers United proposals call for an immediate increase in the minimum wage of hourly partners by 64%, and by 77% over the life of a three-year contract. These proposals are not sustainable, especially when the investments we continually make to our total benefits package are the hallmarks of what differentiates us as an employer – and, what makes us proud to work at Starbucks. "
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Starbucks claims it was the union that chose to walk away from bargaining last week.
"We are ready to continue negotiations when the union comes back to the bargaining table," according to the statement.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/starbucks-baristas-strike-grow-300-stores-nationwideAutomakers recalled millions of vehicles over the course of 2024 to address a variety of issues, typically related to the safety of the driver and passengers.
The five recalls with the largest potentially affected vehicle populations this year came from four different automakers: Tesla, Ford, Honda and FCA US, per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Each involved upward of 1 million vehicles, with one of the recalls covering over 2 million. According to NHTSA data, they were:
In late January, Tesla recalled 2.19 million vehicles because the font for the brake, park and antilock brake system warning lights shown within their instrument panels was smaller than the size required by federal safety standards.
The electric vehicle maker, run by billionaire Elon Musk, rolled out an over-the-air software update to the recalled 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2023 Model 3, 2012-2023 Model S, 2016-2024 Model X and 2019-2024 Model Y vehicles to make the font bigger and resolve the issue, according to NHTSA. The update was free.
TESLA RECALLS OVER 2 MILLION VEHICLES IN US DUE TO WARNING LIGHTS ISSUE
At the time, Tesla said it was "not aware of any crashes, injuries or deaths that may be related" to the issue.
Ford’s recall of nearly 1.89 million of its 2011-2019 Explorer SUVs in January was prompted by a possible issue with the A-pillar trims that bordered "the right and left side of the windshield," according to the recall report.
The trims on the recalled SUVs "may detach from vehicle," the automaker said at the time. It linked the potential issue to the trim retention clips, which it said may not have been "property engaged due to improper assembly or repair."
FORD RECALLS NEARLY 2 MILLION EXPLORERS OVER TRIM PART THAT COULD DETACH, CREATE ROAD HAZARD
It is estimated that 5% of the recall population was affected, per the report. When the company recalled the SUVs, it said the issue hadn’t resulted in any crashes or injuries.
The fix involved taking the recalled Explorers to a dealership and getting replacement A-pillar exterior trim if needed.
The July recall of roughly 1.85 million Model 3, Model S and Model X vehicles from the model years 2021-2024 and Model Y vehicles from model years 2020-2024 addressed software that could potentially fail to detect an unlatched hood, according to NHTSA.
"Unknowingly driving a vehicle with an unlatched hood may result in the hood fully opening and obstructing the driver’s view, increasing the risk of a collision," the recall report said at the time.
Tesla said it issued an over-the-air software update that "detects the open hood and provides a customer-facing user interface notification of the open hood state" as a remedy beginning in mid-June. It did not require a visit to a dealership.
There weren’t any accidents or injuries caused by the issue.
In October, Honda announced a recall of some 2022-2025 Honda Civic Sedan, 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan, 2022-2025 Honda Civic Hatchback, 2025 Honda Civic Hybrid Hatchback, 2023-2025 Honda Civic Type R, 2023-2025 Honda CR-V, 2023-2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid, 2025 Honda CR-V Fuel Cell, 2023-2025 Honda HR-V, 2023-2025 Acura Integra and 2024-2025 Acura Integra Type S vehicles that potentially had an "improperly produced steering gearbox worm wheel." It encompassed about 1.69 million vehicles.
The worm wheel and the worm gear in the recalled vehicles could potentially experience "increased friction" that could make steering more difficult and require more effort, the automaker said at the time.
The first complaint about the issue occurred in September 2021. However, it did not cause any injuries or deaths, according to the October recall report.
HONDA RECALLS 1.7M VEHICLES FOR DEFECTIVE STEERING GEARBOX COMPONENT
Honda told owners to have dealers "replace the worm gear spring with an improved part and redistribute or add grease" to the recalled vehicles to fix the issue.
FCA US recalled over 1.03 million vehicles across several brands in mid-June due to a radio software issue that could impact the display of the rearview camera.
A rearview camera image "that does not display decreases the driver’s visibility, increasing the risk of a crash," NHTSA said in June, noting rear visibility requirements for vehicles.
Certain 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacificas, 2021-2022 Dodge Durangos, 2022-2023 Jeep Compasses, 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokees, 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Wagoneers and 2022-2023 Jeep Wagoneers were among the recalled vehicles. Some model year 2022 Ram 1500s, 2500s and 3500s as well as model year 2022-2023 Ram Promasters were also part of it, according to the recall report.
The automaker provided a free update to the radio software to fix the potential rearview camera display issue. Owners were notified in early August.
A Stellantis spokesperson told FOX Business in June that the radio software issue hadn’t been linked to any injuries or accidents.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/these-five-auto-recalls-affected-largest-number-vehicles-2024
NAIROBI, Kenya, Dec 24 (IPS) - This year has been a landmark one for climate and environment policy. Starting with the UN’s COP16 biodiversity talks in October, followed by the COP29 climate talks in November, and closing with the desertification COP16 in December, few years have offered such critical moments back-to-back.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/24/38703 [Collection]LONDON / MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay, Dec 24 (IPS) - It's been a tumultuous year, and a tough one for struggles for human rights. Civil society’s work to seek social justice and hold the powerful to account has been tested at every turn. Civil society has kept holding the line, resisting power grabs and regressive legislation, calling out injustice and claiming some victories, often at great cost. And things aren’t about to get any easier, as key challenges identified in 2024 are likely to intensify in 2025.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/24/38702 [Collection]An Amazon delivery driver dumped around 80 packages in a wooded area in Massachusetts just days before the holidays, police say.
The Lakeville Police Department said one of its sergeants discovered the unattended items early Sunday morning while conducting a routine patrol.
"Upon further investigation, Sgt. Shawn Robert determined they were three large totes full of Amazon packages that were spread out several feet into the woods," it said in a statement. "Police officers loaded the totes onto a pickup truck and brought them back to the Lakeville Police Department, where they inventoried about 80 packages."
An Amazon delivery driver then visited the police department the following day and "reported that they left the packages on the side of the road at about 7 p.m. on Saturday because they were stressed," according to authorities.
TEAMSTER DRIVER VOWS TO ‘HIT AMAZON HARD,’ MAKING CASE FOR STRIKE AHEAD OF CHRISTMAS
The packages have since been returned to an Amazon distribution center in Middleborough, in southeastern Massachusetts.
"At this time, we are not seeking criminal charges and are considering this a human resources matter for Amazon," added Lakeville Police Chief Matthew Perkins.
TEAMSTERS UNION LAUNCHES HISTORIC NATIONWIDE STRIKE AGAINST AMAZON
The incident comes as Teamster drivers have expanded their strike against Amazon following the company's "repeated refusal to follow the law and bargain."
The union claims Amazon ignored their Dec. 15 deadline to negotiate new contracts for higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
Amazon has held firm, however, insisting they have no intention of sitting down with the Teamsters because, in their words, they "don't represent any Amazon employees."
FOX Business' Taylor Penley contributed to this report.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/stressed-amazon-delivery-driver-dumps-80-packages-wooded-area-policeMega Millions’ jackpot edged even closer to the billion-dollar mark ahead of its rapidly approaching Christmas Eve drawing.
The lottery said over the weekend that Friday night’s drawing didn’t have any players with tickets matching all the numbers, pushing the jackpot to a level just shy of 10 figures.
It hovered at an annuitized $970 million as of Monday night, the day before Christmas Eve. As a one-time cash payout, it amounts to $439.9 million.
The jackpot is poised to become Mega Millions’ fourth grand-prize win of 2024 if someone lands it before the end of the year, according to the lottery.
ILLINOIS WOMAN WINS $1M FROM FORGOTTEN LOTTERY TICKET SHE LEFT IN HER BAG
The three jackpot wins that Mega Millions has seen so far this year occurred in mid-September, early June and late March. They were worth $810 million, $552 million and $1.128 billion, respectively.
The $1.128 billion grand prize, won in March and recently claimed, is the lottery’s largest of the year so far and its only one to break 10-figures in 2024 to date, according to Mega Millions.
The currently up-for-grabs $970 million jackpot "would be the largest prize ever won in December and the seventh largest in Mega Millions history" in the event someone matches all six numbers this month, Mega Millions said. It would also mark the second-ever instance of a Christmas Eve jackpot win if Tuesday's drawing yields a grand-prize winner.
MAN WINS $1M FROM LOTTERY TICKET HE BOUGHT WITH MONEY FOUND IN PARKING LOT
Drawings conducted since September, when the Mega Millions jackpot was most recently won, have produced a multitude of lower-level lottery winners. Fifty-six people have scored windfalls of at least $1 million, and others have received smaller sums, the lottery reported.
Mega Millions plans to conduct its Christmas Eve drawing for the $970 million grand prize at 11 p.m. Eastern. The chances of landing the nine-figure jackpot are 1 in about 302.6 million.
Fellow lottery Powerball held a drawing for a $103 million jackpot on Monday evening.
INDIANA, MISSOURI, PENNSYLVANIA ARE TOP STATES WITH POWERBALL WINNERS
As of Monday, Powerball has seen nine people win its grand prize this year, the largest of which was worth $1.326 billion annuitized.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/mega-millions-jackpot-closes-1-billion-figure-after-latest-drawingThe Walmart of today is a far cry from what customers have seen historically, according to Walmart CFO John David Rainey. It's not an accident, either.
Rainey, who joined the company in 2022 after holding significant positions at PayPal and United Airlines, told FOX Business that the nation's largest retailer has been "upleveling" its brand and enhancing the looks of stores, which are key factors behind its appeal to higher-income shoppers.
"Today's Walmart is very different than the Walmart of several years ago," Rainey said, adding that it has been making changes that "appeal to a much broader demographic than what we have historically."
WALMART ROLLS BACK DEI POLICIES, BECOMING LATEST US FIRM TO JOIN GROWING TREND
Over the past few years, Walmart has consistently reported an increase in higher-income households. In its latest fiscal quarter, the company announced it had continued to "gain market share in the U.S., both in grocery and general merchandise," with households earning more than $100,000 accounting for 75% of its share gains.
The company reported that its third-quarter revenue climbed more than 5% from the prior quarter to $169.6 billion, beating Wall Street's estimate of $167.72 billion. Adjusted earnings per share also beat Wall Street estimates by 5 cents. The company's success has impressed Wall Street, with shares of the company rising over 60% year to date.
Rainey credits part of the company's success in attracting a wider range of shoppers, including more affluent customers, on expanding its product assortment, particularly in its e-commerce business. The addition of higher-end items, like Apple products or Bose headphones, which "are sought after by more affluent customers," are some examples of this strategy, he noted.
Rainey acknowledged that the company isn't able to carry all the brands that will "appeal to a broad representation of consumers in our stores." That's where he said they are leading on its online marketplace. The company reported that it had over 700 million items across its marketplace.
But even with this expansion of its traditional assortment, Rainey reiterated that the company "isn't alienating our more traditional customer cohorts."
One of its main focuses has been on expanding its assortment, bringing in more brands that appeal to "everyone." But as the company added more products, including higher-end items, other suppliers took notice and wanted to join in.
"If you're a supplier or a vendor, you actually want to sell your product where the people are, where the eyeballs are coming. And so that's really helping us right now," he said.
Aside from improving its assortment, Rainey said the company has boosted the investment in its store experience.
The company has been building new modernized stores and remodeling hundreds of others.
Over the past three years, it remodeled about 700 stores each year on average. During the upcoming fiscal year, Rainey said they'll remodel slightly more.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
"When you walk into one of these remodeled stores, it's a very, very different experience from what you've thought about historically," Rainey said.
The newly constructed and remodeled stores boast the company's new store concept with improved layouts, bigger product selection and new technology that will help associates with customer support. The stores have refreshed signs, paint, shopping carts and a new checkout design.
There are also interactive displays in certain areas of the stores and massive merchandise on display, so customers can get a better look at products.
In the U.S., the company operates just over 4,600 stores and employs about 1.6 million associates. That does not include the 599 Sam's Club membership warehouses it also operates in the U.S.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/how-walmart-luring-new-crop-shoppersAmerican Airlines reported a widespread "technical issue" affecting all flights on Tuesday as many Americans begin traveling for the holidays.
"We're currently experiencing a technical issue with all American Airlines flights," the airline wrote on X. "Your safety is our utmost priority, once this is rectified, we'll have you safely on your way to your destination."
"Our team is currently working to get this done," the airline added in a second post. "An estimated timeframe has not been provided, but they're trying to fix it in the shortest possible time."
As of 7:10 a.m., American Airlines had 1,979 outages reported, according to DownDetector, a website that provides an overview of issues and outages with a variety of services.
This is a breaking news story; check back for updates.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/american-airlines-reports-technical-issue-affecting-all-flightsChristmas Eve can be a busy day for many Americans as they get ready to celebrate the holiday.
For some, that means shopping trips for groceries, gifts or other purchases.
The times that consumers will be able to visit stores on Christmas Eve can depend on the company and the location.
That being said, wholesale retailers Costco, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale Club will plan to have their doors open on Christmas Eve.
BJ’s Wholesale Club said its holiday hours will start at 8 a.m. on Tuesday. Meanwhile, for Sam’s Club, members will have until 6 p.m. to shop, the retailer’s website said.
PERSONAL FINANCE GURU DAVE RAMSEY WARNS OVER ‘MIND-BLOWING' CHRISTMAS DEBT
Walmart, which owns Sam’s Club, will similarly run until 6 p.m., according to reports.
The 1,900-plus stores that Target has are welcoming shoppers from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Christmas Eve, the retailer announced in mid-November.
Christmas Eve shoppers also have multiple choices when it comes to grocery store operators.
Kroger customers can largely expect their local stores to offer shopping as they typically do, according to USA Today.
Aldi stores "operate limited hours" on Christmas Eve, the chain said on its website, adding that "specific holiday hours for your local store can be found by using our store locator."
"Albertsons Companies’ banner stores and pharmacies including Safeway, Albertsons, Jewel-Osco, ACME, Randalls, Shaw’s, Vons and Tom Thumb will be open on Christmas Eve at reduced hours," a spokesperson told FOX Business. "Many of those banner stores and pharmacies, including Jewel-Osco, Randalls, Shaw’s and Tom Thumb will be closed on Christmas Day. Select Albertsons, Safeway, ACME and Vons stores that are open, will have adjusted hours. We recommend that customers check with their local store and pharmacy before visiting during the Christmas holiday."
Publix said online its locations "will close at 7 p.m." on Tuesday. Its footprint includes nearly 1,400 supermarkets in eight states.
"Many of our stores open for modified hours on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day," Amazon-owned Whole Foods said on its website. "Check your local store page for details."
HAVING A CHRISTMAS GATHERING THIS YEAR? THE FEAST WILL COST MORE THIS YEAR
Swathes of other retailers are also operating on Christmas Eve.
For instance, Best Buy locations will stay open until 7 p.m. local time on Dec. 24, it said in a recent press release. Hours for most Dick’s Sporting Goods locations will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Consumers have an 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. window to shop at Macy’s stores on Christmas Eve. JCPenney is opening at 9 a.m. and closing at 6 p.m. For Kohl’s, "most" of its locations will have 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. hours on Christmas Eve.
Meanwhile, TJ Maxx will offer shopping from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra and Homesense locations. It also noted shoppers "should visit our retail stores’ websites for more details on a specific store."
Millions of Americans are celebrating Christmas this year.
Nearly three quarters of American consumers celebrating Christmas have plans to get together with family and friends, according to a Numerator survey.
Some 70% will hand out presents to loved ones as part of their festivities, the survey found.
Other popular celebrations include decking their residences out in festive decor, cooking and having people over, Numerator reported.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/times-popular-stores-offer-shopping-christmas-eveStarbucks workers have expanded their strike to more cities and closed 59 stores across the U.S. as of Monday, according to the union, which represents more than 10,000 baristas.
The strike began Friday in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, but has since spread to stores nationwide, including in Boston, Dallas, Portland, New York City, Denver, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and St. Louis.
"We respect our partners’ right to engage in lawful strike activity, and we appreciate the thousands of partners across the country who are continuing to support each other and deliver the Starbucks experience for our customers," the company said in a statement.
Workers are protesting a lack of progress in contract negotiations with the company.
STARBUCKS RESPONDS TO UNION DEMANDS AS WORKERS STRIKE
Starbucks Workers United said the company has failed to honor a commitment made 10 months ago to reach a labor agreement this year. Talks between Starbucks and the union have stalled with unresolved issues over wages, staffing and schedules.
"Workers United proposals call for an immediate increase in the minimum wage of hourly partners by 64%, and by 77% over the life of a three-year contract. This is not sustainable," the company said.
Starbucks said the disruptions from the strike do not have a significant impact on operations because only a handful of stores across the country are affected.
UNIONIZED STARBUCKS WORKERS VOTE TO AUTHORIZE A STRIKE
The union warned on Friday that the strike could reach "hundreds of stores" by Christmas Eve. Starbucks operates more than 11,000 stores and employs about 200,000 workers in the United States.
The company and the union have been bargaining since April. Starbucks said it has committed to an annual pay increase of 1.5% or more for unionized workers, even if it gave a lower increase to non-union workers in any given year.
Starbucks baristas make an average of $18 per hour in the U.S., but with benefits included — such as health care, free college tuition and paid family leave — the pay package is worth an average of $30 per hour for baristas who work at least 20 hours per week, the company said.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Workers, however, are not satisfied, noting that Starbucks’ new chairman and CEO Brian Niccol, who started in September, could make more than $100 million in his first year.
The union also wants the company to resolve outstanding legal issues, including hundreds of unfair labor practice allegations that workers have filed with the National Labor Relations Board.
Reuters contributed to this report.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/starbucks-workers-expand-strike-closing-nearly-60-stores-several-us-cities
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 24 (IPS) - Securing new financing for global good has become more challenging than ever. Negotiations at the recently-concluded COP16 on Nature and Biodiversity failed to reach an agreement on establishing a fund to support the implementation of the Framework for Nature agreed in 2022 under the Montreal-Kunming agreement.
Read the full story, “Innovative Financing to Unlock Africa’s Blue Economy”, on globalissues.org →
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/24/38700 [Collection]
SKOPJE, North Macedonia, Dec 24 (IPS) - It’s a bright winter day in Skopje, the capital of North Macedonia in the southern Balkans. By lunchtime, the cafes are full. The atmosphere is busy and social, and it is not difficult to see why the city, home to one-third of the country’s population of 2 million, is the focus of hope for young jobseekers. But, for many, it is not an easy road.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/24/38697 [Collection]CAMBRIDGE, MA., Dec 23 (IPS) - A tribunal of trade arbitrators has ruled in favor of the United States in its complaint that Mexico’s restrictions on genetically modified corn violate the terms of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement (USMCA). The long-awaited ruling in the 16-month trade dispute is unlikely to settle the questions raised by Mexico about the safety of consuming GM corn and its associated herbicide.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/23/38692 [Collection]
MERIDA, Mexico, Dec 23 (IPS) - When he promoted the Maya Train (TM) in 2019, then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who ruled Mexico between 2018 and October this year, stated that the railway line would be an engine of development for the southeastern Yucatan peninsula.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/23/38691 [Collection]Hundreds of thousands of eggs sold at Costcos that were part of a recall issued last month have a "reasonable" likelihood that consumption may cause serious health problems or death, due to being contaminated with salmonella, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
On Friday, the FDA slapped the Handsome Brook Farms eggs sold at Costco stores in the Southeastern United States with the highest risk level of Category 1.
Category 1, the FDA notes on its site, means there is a recall in which there is "a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death."
Last month, over 10,000 cartons of eggs sold under Costco’s Kirkland Signature brand were voluntarily recalled over concerns they could be contaminated with salmonella, though nobody at the time had been sickened by the potentially foul eggs.
THOUSANDS OF CUCUMBERS, EGGS RECALLED OVER SALMONELLA CONCERNS
The eggs were sold in Alabama, North Carolina, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee at 25 Costco stores starting Nov. 22, 2024.
Handsome Brook Farms started the recall after determining eggs "not intended for retail distribution were instead packaged and distributed in retail packaging."
"Additional supply chain controls and retraining are being put in place to prevent recurrence," the company said.
HYUNDAI, KIA RECALL OVER 200,000 EVS OVER POTENTIAL POWER ISSUES
FOX Business has reached out to Handsome Brook Farms for comment on the FDA’s serious categorization of the recall.
The recall only applies to units with the Julian code 327 and a Use By Date of Jan 5, 2025.
TORTILLA STRIPS RECALLED OVER UNDECLARED ALLERGEN
"No other products are impacted by this recall," the FDA said.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Salmonella is a food-borne illness that can cause fever, diarrhea and nausea and can be life-threatening in the very young and old and those who are immunocompromised.
FOX Business’ Brie Stimson contributed to this report.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/fda-raises-costco-egg-recall-highest-risk-level-over-salmonella-fearsThe family that founded Nordstrom and El Puerto de Liverpool are buying Nordstrom, paving the way for the retailer to return to operating as a privately held company.
Nordstrom on Monday announced its agreement for the Nordstrom family and the Mexico-based company to buy out shares they don’t already own.
The planned all-cash transaction, worth $6.25 billion, comes about 10 months after Nordstrom set up a special committee for weighing proposals from the Nordstrom family. The Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool put forward a $23-per-share offer to take the company private in September.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
The Nordstrom family, including CEO Erik Nordstrom, CBO Pete Nordstrom and others, and El Puerto de Liverpool will pay $24.25 per share to acquire the retailer, Nordstrom said Monday.
That price "represents a premium of approximately 42% to the Company’s unaffected closing common stock price on March 18, 2024, the last trading day prior to media speculation regarding a potential transaction," the retailer said.
"The special committee of the Nordstrom Board of Directors reviewed this proposal against the Company’s standalone prospects for growth. Following a rigorous and independent evaluation and consultation with outside financial and legal advisers, the special committee unanimously concluded that this transaction offers greater value for all public shareholders at a significant premium to the unaffected share price," Nordstrom chairman Brad Tilden said.
Nordstrom, the Nordstrom family and El Puerto de Liverpool anticipate the completion of the transaction will occur in the first six months of next year. It will require "approval of holders of two-thirds of the Company’s common stock and the holders of a majority of the shares of the Company not owned by the Nordstrom Family or Liverpool or their respective affiliates and the Company’s directors and Section 16 officers" to go through, according to Nordstrom.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
The retailer will officially return to being privately held after that. It has been a publicly traded company for over five decades, since its initial public offering in 1971.
The Nordstrom family will hold 50.1% of the retailer post-transaction, making them the majority owners, according to the company. El Puerto de Liverpool’s stake will be 49.9%.
The company, co-founded by John W. Nordstrom and Carl Wallin, dates back to 1901. It originated in Seattle, the city where the pair opened their first store and where the company has its headquarters to this day.
Erik Nordstrom said the news "marks an exciting new chapter for the business."
As of the end of the third-quarter, the retailer operated 93 Nordstrom stores, six Nordstrom Local sites, 280 Nordstrom Rack stores and two Last Chance clearance stores, according to its third-quarter earnings report.
HOW MACY'S CAN TURN AROUND ITS BUSINESS AS DEPARTMENT STORE STRUGGLES
Nordstrom generated $10.69 billion in revenue over the first three quarters of 2024. Its net earnings, meanwhile, were $128 million in the same timeframe.
In late November, the retailer forecasted "flat to 1.0 percent growth" in annual revenue for the year "versus the 53-week fiscal 2023."
Its market capitalization hovered around $3.99 billion as of Monday mid-morning.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/nordstrom-going-private-6-25b-deal-founding-family-mexican-retailerTeamster drivers have expanded their strike against Amazon mere days before Christmas, and thousands are staying strong, vowing to hold out for as long as it takes to bring the online retail giant to the table.
Teamster driver Christopher Velez is among those marching in the picket line. Standing outside in frigid twelve-degree temperatures early Monday in Maspeth, New York, he spoke with FOX Business' Madison Alworth about the ongoing strike.
"Put yourself in our shoes," he said. "We're out here. We're fighting for something. We're tired of being abused as slaves. Slavery ended a long time ago, so I'm just hoping that everything gets resolved soon and everything goes back to normal."
TEAMSTERS UNION LAUNCHES HISTORIC NATIONWIDE STRIKE AGAINST AMAZON: ‘PAYING THE PRICE’
Velez said he's "not really worried" about the prospect of Amazon never coming to the table because "there's going to be a time that they're going to have to negotiate with us one way or another."
"They don't like that we're Amazon employees, but we're Amazon employees, and we're fighting out here," he continued. "This is global. This is worldwide from Europe to the United States. We're going to hit them. We're going to hit them hard."
Amazon has held firm, however, insisting they have no intention of sitting down with the Teamsters because, in their words, they "don't represent any Amazon employees."
Amazon national spokesperson Kelly Nantel told FOX Business last week that "there is no strike" and branded the movement as a "protest."
"There are no Amazon employees or drivers who are involved in this activity. What we have is a protest that has been created and manufactured by the Teamsters to make a point," she said, adding, "But I think it's really important that viewers understand that the Teamsters don't represent any Amazon employees, and they don't represent any of our third-party drivers either."
Teamsters spokesperson Kara Deniz responded to Amazon's remarks, insisting the company is "gaslighting the American public with their false narratives."
"The truth is, over 20 bargaining units representing nearly 9,000 employees have successfully organized because for many years the company has exploited and abused workers, and these workers are fed up and fighting back," she said.
"No matter how massive Amazon’s corporate PR machine is, they cannot fool the American public into believing drivers delivering Amazon packages in Amazon-branded vans don’t actually work for Amazon," Deniz added. "No one believes this nonsense. Amazon needs to stop avoiding their legal obligation to these workers and get to the bargaining table now."
The strike, which began last week, initially included seven hubs across California, Georgia, Illinois and New York.
Workers in two additional locations – Staten Island and at another location in California – walked off the job over the weekend to join the strike.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Teamsters Union President Sean O'Brien encouraged the expansion.
"Amazon executives are cowards hiding behind lies, threats and intimidation to dodge their responsibilities to workers and the public," he said. "It takes real courage to stand up to a corporate bully, and Amazon Teamsters are doing just that."
The union claims Amazon ignored their Dec. 15 deadline to negotiate new contracts for higher wages, better benefits and safer working conditions.
FOX Business' Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/media/teamster-driver-hit-amazon-hard-case-strike-christmas-tired-abusedThe Container Store filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Sunday in an attempt to save the business and ensure future profitability.
The move had been anticipated by Wall Street analysts as the retailer's financial struggles continued to grow. The Texas-based company with 103 stores across 34 states and the District of Columbia sells storage products and custom closets.
The Container Store said this doesn't mark the end of the retailer. The company said it filed for voluntary protection under Chapter 11 in the bankruptcy court for the Southern District of Texas as it plans to "implement a recapitalization transaction to bolster its financial position, fuel growth initiatives, and drive enhanced long-term profitability."
At least 90% of the company's lenders agreed to support its bankruptcy plan, which would provide the company with $40 million in fresh financing, help it reduce its debt by at least $45 million and ease debt payments as well as extend the time it has to pay off remaining debts.
WHY THE CONTAINER STORE COULD BE NEXT RETAILER TO GO BANKRUPT
The company said it will continue to operate its business as usual and provide products and in-home services to customers "without disruption." Additionally, its stores and its website will "continue to operate as normal." The company also said all the customer deposits and orders will be honored and delivered as normal.
However, a source close to the matter told FOX Business that the process "allows for companies to renegotiate the terms of their leases to align their store footprint with market realities and business needs." If the company fails to "achieve meaningful rent reductions, they may be forced to close a select few locations," the source said.
"The Container Store is here to stay," CEO Satish Malhotra said, adding that the bankruptcy process will help the company advance its business and strengthen its capabilities.
"We are particularly excited about the future of our custom space offerings, which continue to demonstrate strength," Malhotra said. "We intend to maintain our strong workforce and remain committed to delivering an exceptional experience for our customers while we execute this recapitalization and for many years to come."
BED BATH & BEYOND BRAND IS COMING BACK TO PHYSICAL STORES
The retailer known for its organizing solutions had rapidly gained fame through the success of Netflix's "Tidying Up" series, which premiered in 2019.
Today, it's been contending with a weaker housing market and a growing availability of cheaper alternatives. Earlier this month, shares of The Container Store were halted on the New York Stock Exchange as it prepared to delist the stock, which had fallen below the NYSE’s continued listing standard. This standard requires listed companies to maintain an average global market capitalization of at least $15 million over 30 consecutive trading days.
Eric Snyder, partner at New York City-based Wilk Auslander LLP, previously told FOX Business that the housing market conditions and growing competition have "made this brick-and-mortar company… an unnecessary purchase."
The company doesn't benefit from holiday sales because their products are not considered discretionary purchases, which is exacerbating its woes, according to Snyder.
"Because of this, plus the loss of a $40 million lifeline from Beyond, bankruptcy and a quick sale is the only option," Snyder said. Beyond Inc., which owns Bed Bath & Beyond and Overstock.com, backed out of a deal to invest $40 million in the Container Store Group as part of a new partnership.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Beyond originally planned to invest in the company and utilize a section within the Container Store’s real estate locations to showcase its assortment of kitchen, bath and bedroom items, which would be co-branded. But Beyond Inc. Executive Chairman Marcus Lemonis said last month that the company had concerns that The Container Store might not be able to reach an agreement with its lenders on terms that would meet the financial needs of the deal.
Latham & Watkins LLP served as The Container Store's legal counsel. Investment bank Houlihan Lokey served as its financial adviser. FTI Consulting served as its financial and communications advisor, and A&G Realty served as real estate advisor.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/container-store-files-bankruptcy-claims-its-here-stayTORONTO, Canada, Dec 23 (IPS) - Do you sometimes feel like a hamster on its wheel, or perhaps stuck on a runaway train hurtling towards the abyss? Whatever metaphor one might choose for our world looking back on 2024, rainbows don’t easily spring to mind.
Read the full story, “Trapped on a Runaway Train: Looking Back on 2024”, on globalissues.org →
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/23/38685 [Collection]
BUCHAREST, Romania, Dec 23 (IPS) - The days are short with bitterly cold rain in Bucharest, the capital of Romania, the largest Balkan country located south of the Ukraine. Over the border, temperatures in Kyiv will plummet to a daily average of zero in December as the Ukraine war grinds on.
Read the full story, “Food Crises Intensify in Winter Ravaged War Zones”, on globalissues.org →
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/23/38687 [Collection]
NAIROBI, Dec 23 (IPS) - Climate and environmental activists from Japan have criticized the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for financing the controversial Mozambique Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) project to the tune of USD 3 billion in a loan signed in July.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/23/38686 [Collection]Shoppers are ready to drop some cash this holiday season as total spending this year is expected to be at least $24 billion higher than last year, according to the National Retail Federation.
Online shopping is still the biggest hit, but in-person shopping is making a comeback and the NRF predicts nearly half of all shoppers will head to department and discount stores to knock out their shopping lists.
Store owners at the Galleria at Sunset in Henderson, Nevada, said it just gets busier each year.
CYBER MONDAY SPENDING HITS RECORD $13.3 BILLION
"Black Friday was great. We hit goal. We actually passed goal, so that was good. It's better than last year. So that was good for us. Everybody always likes to try on stuff, too. So I think that's what keeps the malls open," said Bring it Back owner Brandon Nova.
Some spots at the Galleria at Sunset are seeing a flood of visitors, especially during the holiday season. Store owners and employee said the customers want that in-person experience.
SENDING HOLIDAY GIFTS? HERE ARE THE DEADLINES TO GET THEM OUT IN TIME
"Most of the families have the reason to come here and make their kids come here. This is the big reason for them, you know, to come to the mall," said Crazy Bungee owner Duygu Beg.
STOP OVERSPENDING OVER THE HOLIDAYS AND START THE NEW YEAR OFF FINANCIALLY STRONG
The mall's general manager said it hasn’t been this busy since the pandemic.
"I would say since COVID, it's been the first holiday season where … we're feeling the holiday spirit. The customers, you can just feel that they're happy to be out shopping, happy to be out, you know, experiencing the holiday season," said Galleria at Sunset general manager Heather Cox.
There has been a huge rebound in in-person shopping over the last four years as consumers start to enjoy the social aspect of going to the mall again, according to the NRF.
"We, as consumers, don't shop just because we need something," said Mark Mathews, NRF's executive director of research. "One of the main reasons that people go out is for deals, but it's also to be with family and friends and be engaged and a fun activity. And for a lot of people, shopping is a fun activity. So, you know, I don't think we're going to ever see an end of in-store shopping."
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Gift cards are the most popular item on people’s wish lists this year, followed by clothes and accessories, then books and other media, according to the NRF.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/in-person-shopping-makes-comeback-amid-record-spending-holiday-seasonJapanese automakers Nissan and Honda agreed to consider a merger and set up a joint holding company, which would create the world's third-largest automaker.
The two companies said in a statement Monday that they would seek combined sales of $191 billion and an operating profit of more than $19 billion through the potential merger.
The companies hope to wrap up negotiations around June 2025 and set up a holding company by August 2026, when both companies' shares will be delisted.
The merger talks come as both automakers struggle to compete with the largest global electric vehicle makers, including Tesla and Chinese automaker BYD.
WHAT A HONDA-NISSAN MERGER COULD MEAN FOR THE AUTO INDUSTRY AND CONSUMERS
The merger would create the world's third-largest auto group by vehicle sales, behind Toyota and Volkswagen.
Honda, the second-biggest Japanese automaker behind Toyota, has a market capitalization of more than $40 billion, while third-ranked Nissan is valued at about $10 billion.
"Today marks a pivotal moment as we begin discussions on business integration that has the potential to shape our future," Nissan Director, President, CEO and Representative Executive Officer Makoto Uchida said in a statement. "If realized, I believe that by uniting the strengths of both companies, we can deliver unparalleled value to customers worldwide who appreciate our respective brands. Together, we can create a unique way for them to enjoy cars that neither company could achieve alone."
Honda Director and Representative Executive Officer Toshihiro Mibe said: "Creation of new mobility value by bringing together the resources including knowledge, talents, and technologies that Honda and Nissan have been developing over the long years is essential to overcome challenging environmental shifts that the auto industry is facing.
"Honda and Nissan are two companies with distinctive strengths," Mibe added. "We are still at the stage of starting our review, and we have not decided on a business integration yet, but in order to find a direction for the possibility of business integration by the end of January 2025, we strive to be the one and only leading company that creates new mobility value through chemical reaction that can only be driven through synthesis of the two teams."
HONDA, NISSAN ALLEGEDLY PLANNING TO START MERGER TALKS IN LIGHT OF EV COMPETITION: REPORT
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
The majority of the holding company's board will be appointed by Honda.
The companies have been exploring ways to bolster their partnership, including saying in March that they were considering partnering on electrification and vehicle intelligence and announcing in August an agreement to carry out joint research into fundamental technologies in the area of platforms for next-generation software-defined vehicles.
They also agreed to widen the collaboration to Mitsubishi Motors.
Reuters contributed to this report.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/economy/nissan-honda-announce-plans-consider-mergerBANGKOK, Thailand, Dec 23 (IPS) - In December 2024, Vanuatu experienced yet another harrowing reminder of its vulnerability to disasters—a powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Pacific nation’s capital, Port Vila, leaving 14 dead, over 200 injured, and thousands more affected.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/23/38684 [Collection]
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 23 (IPS) - The United States and Western allies have jointly provided a staggering $260 billion in aid, mostly weapons and military assistance, to Ukraine as the long-drawn-out conflict continues following Russia’s invasion in February 2022.
Speaking to reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels early December, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “All told, the United States has provided $102 billion in assistance to Ukraine, and our allies and partners, $158 billion”.
https://www.globalissues.org/news/2024/12/23/38683 [Collection]Billionaire Jeff Bezos on Sunday shot down reports that he is about to drop a staggering $600 million on a star-studded Aspen wedding to his fiancée, Lauren Sanchez.
The nuptial news originated from an exclusive Daily Mail report which cited three anonymous sources saying the Amazon founder's lavish wedding was set for Dec. 28. The report claimed that actor Kevin Costner's Dunbar Ranch and sushi restaurant Matsuhisa would be the venues for the ceremony and reception.
Numerous other sites picked up on the story, citing the Daily Mail. One such report caught the eye of Bezos' fellow billionaire Bill Ackman, who posted on X, that the dollar figure was "not credible."
JEFF BEZOS TELLS ELITE AUDIENCE HE'S 'VERY OPTIMISTIC' ABOUT TRUMP'S ANTI-REGULATORY AGENDA
"Unless you are buying each of your guests a house, you can't spend this much money," Ackman posted.
Bezos, who is worth an estimated $238.5 billion, responded to Ackman's tweet, not only disputing the price tag but appearing to imply there is no wedding in the works next weekend.
"Furthermore, this whole thing is completely false – none of this is happening," Bezos posted to X. "The old adage ‘don’t believe everything you read’ is even more true today than it ever has been."
Bezos continued, paraphrasing a quote often attributed to Mark Twain.
"Now lies can get ALL the way around the world before the truth can get its pants on. So be careful out there folks and don’t be gullible," he wrote.
Bezos said it "will be interesting to see if all the outlets that ‘covered’ and re-reported on this issue a correction when it comes and goes and doesn’t happen."
Bezos, 60, and Sanchez, 55, have been engaged since May 2023. Prior to their engagement, their relationship had spanned nearly five years. Both had prior marriages, with Bezos having split from Mackenzie Scott after two decades.
Bezos' net worth makes him the second-richest man in the world after Elon Musk, according to Forbes.
He currently owns The Washington Post and aerospace company Blue Origin.
"This is an important reminder for you, as an owner of one of the important newspapers in the country, why it is so important that you take whatever steps are necessary to make sure that your reporters get the facts right," Ackman said in response to Bezos shooting down the nuptial rumors.
Sanchez is a New York Times best-selling author, Emmy-award winning journalist and vice president of the Bezos Earth Fund, according to her Instagram bio.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
Blue Origin did not immediately respond to a FOX Business inquiry about whether Bezos and Sanchez will be married the weekend after Christmas.
FOX Business' Aislinn Murphy contributed to this report.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/business-leaders/bezos-shoots-down-600m-wedding-rumors-dont-believe-everything-you-readDisneyland Resort guests looking to stock up on a favorite holiday treat will have to settle for just a few per customer this year, or get creative as some have.
Mickey Mouse-shaped gingerbread cookies are currently selling for $7.49 each, but are limited to "five per person, per transaction," according to the online menus for park eateries, including the Jolly Holiday Bakery Cafe and Market House.
"It’s literally Christmas in a cookie," parkgoer Tiffany Calderon said to SFGATE. She said her family visits Disneyland three times a year, making it their mission to collect 20 Mickey gingerbreads during the holidays in over to freeze at home and eat year-round. "It feels like home," she added. "Just cuddling up on a couch, watching some Christmas movies, getting a gingerbread cookie out and just — small bites, make it last. Make it linger."
This year, however, Disneyland is trying to prevent hoarding – not only by capping the amount people can buy at one time, but also by occasionally suspending mobile sales to keep the items from selling out.
DISNEYLAND GETTING REVAMPED RIDE AHEAD OF THANKSGIVING, MONTHS AFTER DISNEY WORLD
Some guests, however, are going around the park to place orders for the mouse-shaped cookies at multiple storefronts – and even heading over to the Grand Californian Hotel, where they sell for $10 a pop.
DISNEY NAMES NEXT CHAIRMAN, NEW CEO TO BE ANNOUNCED IN 'EARLY 2026'
Many say they don't just love the taste of the snack, noting that it has sentimental value too.
"This is how Christmas started," Jennifer Walker told SFGATE, remembering how she and her parents "would do the Holiday Time at Disneyland Tour, and they would serve that specific cookie."
Walker said she collected 24 cookies during her last visit to the "Happiest Place on Earth," with a total of 35 this year. But they're not all for her.
"One of them went to my parents’ graveside," she told SFGATE. "So my mom still gets her Mickey gingerbread."
She passed out others as work gifts.
"It turned out my coworker had the same tradition with her mom," Walker said. "Christmas would start when they would have their Mickey gingerbread. So when I had it on her desk, she literally cried because she wasn’t going to make it this year. She’s like, ‘Oh my God, you’re going to help us keep a Christmas tradition.’"
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS
Gingerbread is big business at Disney parks, and not just in edible form. There is a lot of merchandise featuring the festive treat, such as clothing and gingerbread house popcorn buckets, which can also be found all the way across the country at Walt Disney World in Orlando, for those who are lucky.
Disneyland did not immediately respond to a Fox Business inquiry.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/disneyland-places-restriction-popular-holiday-item-demand-soarsBing Crosby's former home in the California desert is officially on the market.
The Palm Desert estate in the Coachella Valley sits on two and a half acres of land in the exclusive Ironwood Country Club community, and features many sought-after amenities, as well as decades of Hollywood history.
Originally built in 1955, the home was last purchased in 2012 for $3 million by healthcare executive Randall Burt and his attorney wife, Julia. Per the listing, the couple fully renovated the home.
Spread out over a main house and three guest casitas, the property features five bedrooms and seven baths at 6,100 square feet. The home is currently on the market for $13.5 million, in a listing held by Susan Canavan and Deirdre Coit of Canavan Coit & Associates at Compass.
ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY, DECEMBER 25, 1941, BING CROSBY PERFORMS 'WHITE CHRISTMAS' FOR THE FIRST TIME
According to The Wall Street Journal, the Burts are selling the Spanish ranch-style home due to their desire to downsize.
Following a long gated driveway lined with palm trees is the large curved glass front door, which is found after a tiled pathway under wooden beams.
Once inside the main house, guests are immediately greeted with the home's open floorplan, with the kitchen on one side and the living room on the other.
On the right-hand side is the home's living room, which features tan tiled flooring and a flat-screen TV placed on top of a wood-burning fireplace. The room also includes a wall of windows and glass doors, which not only bring in natural light but also lead to the backyard.
To the left of the foyer is the home's formal dining area and kitchen, with both rooms containing the same tan tiled flooring as the living room. The dining room boasts enough space for a table suitable for eight, which is currently housed under two unique light fixtures.
Just steps away from the dining room is the spacious kitchen, which features two eat-in islands, as well as quartz countertops and light fixtures hanging from the beamed ceiling.
In addition, the room also boasts many appliances, including an ice maker, gas cooktop, microwave and self-cleaning oven, and has tons of storage and counter space.
The main house also includes a bar area, which features a second lounging area with a flat-screen TV, as well as a wine cellar.
Elsewhere in the home is the sizable primary bedroom, which not only has direct access to the outdoor spa area, but also boasts dark hardwood floors, a ceiling fan and a wood-burning fireplace.
GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE
Attached to the primary bedroom is the luxurious en-suite bathroom, which features a large walk-in stand-up shower, as well as a soaking tub, a small flat-screen television, tiled floors with a playful print, and a large storage area for towels and toiletries. The en-suite also has its own private access to the backyard.
The main house also features a guest bedroom.
Also on the property are three guest casitas, each of which has a front patio with views of not only the beautiful estate, but also the surrounding Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountain ranges.
When it comes to the home's outdoor living space, there is a fireplace and a TV, and just steps away is the outdoor dining area with a large table.
One of the main highlights of the home is the beautifully landscaped backyard, which boasts palm trees in every direction, a large open grassy area and a sizable swimming pool with a hot tub attached. The swimming pool area is surrounded by lounge chairs.
In addition, the grounds also house a tennis and bocce ball court, making it the perfect place to entertain guests.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/fox-news-entertainment/bing-crosbys-former-california-desert-oasis-home-market-13-5-million