Agriculture secretary outlines plan to lower egg prices

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins outlined a five-point plan to lower egg prices, citing avian flu as a key factor. The USDA will invest up to $1 billion, including $500 million for poultry biosecurity and $100 million for vaccine research. Other measures include importing eggs, reviewing regulations like California’s Proposition 12, and funding farmers affected by avian flu, The Hill has reported. Rollins expects the plan … Continue reading Agriculture secretary outlines plan to lower egg prices

Denny’s reportedly adds egg surcharge amid rising prices

Denny’s has added a temporary surcharge to its egg-based meals at some locations due to the ongoing egg shortage caused by a bird flu outbreak that began in 2022. The shortage has led to higher egg prices, with the average dozen costing $4.15 in December, up from $3.65 in November. Denny’s, which has over 1,500 restaurants, is adjusting prices on a market-by-market basis. Other chains, … Continue reading Denny’s reportedly adds egg surcharge amid rising prices

Joann to shutter all 800 fabric stores after failing to find a buyer to save its locations

Joann, the fabric retailer with around 800 locations, will close all its stores after failing to find a buyer. The company, which filed for bankruptcy in January 2024, will begin nationwide going-out-of-business sales as part of its asset auction. Despite efforts to secure a better outcome, Joann announced the closure, acknowledging the support of employees, customers, and communities over its 80-year history, NBC News has … Continue reading Joann to shutter all 800 fabric stores after failing to find a buyer to save its locations

February consumer confidence posts biggest drop since 2021

Consumer confidence dropped in February, with the Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index falling to 98.3, its lowest since June 2024. This decline, the largest since August 2021, reflects growing concerns about a slowing economy, rising inflation, and uncertainties over President Trump’s planned tariffs. Consumer pessimism grew about labor market conditions and future business prospects, with inflation expectations rising to 6%. Economists fear the tariffs could … Continue reading February consumer confidence posts biggest drop since 2021

Elon Musk to be let inside Fort Knox depository to inspect gold reserves

President Donald Trump announced that Elon Musk will inspect Fort Knox, the U.S. gold reserve depository, to ensure the gold is still present. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed that an annual audit is conducted, and all gold is accounted for. Fort Knox, which has stored U.S. gold since 1937, also serves as the Army’s human resources command center and hosts its largest annual training event, … Continue reading Elon Musk to be let inside Fort Knox depository to inspect gold reserves

UnitedHealth Stock Falls on Report DOJ Is Probing Its Medicare Billing Practices

UnitedHealth Group’s stock dropped 7.3% after reports revealed a Justice Department investigation into the company’s Medicare billing practices, focusing on how it documents diagnoses that trigger extra payments for its Medicare Advantage plans. UnitedHealth denied the allegations, calling them “outrageous and false,” and emphasized its compliance with government reviews. The probe follows scrutiny from the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Department of Health … Continue reading UnitedHealth Stock Falls on Report DOJ Is Probing Its Medicare Billing Practices

Palantir CEO Alex Karp made nearly $2 billion from selling company stock last year

Palantir, a defense contractor, has seen its stock surge over 600% since the start of 2024, making CEO Alex Karp a major beneficiary. Karp sold 38 million shares, worth $1.88 billion, including 25 million shares around the 2024 presidential election. He plans to sell up to 9.98 million more shares this year, potentially netting over $1 billion. These sales are part of a pre-planned trading … Continue reading Palantir CEO Alex Karp made nearly $2 billion from selling company stock last year

Korean Hackers Steal $1.5 Billion From Cryptocurrency Exchange

Bybit, a major cryptocurrency exchange based in Dubai, was recently hacked, losing $1.5 billion worth of Ethereum in the largest crypto theft to date. The North Korean hacking group Lazarus is suspected to be behind the attack. The group exploited a masked UI and URL to deceive wallet signers into approving a malicious transaction, gaining control of Bybit’s Ethereum cold wallet. The stolen funds were … Continue reading Korean Hackers Steal $1.5 Billion From Cryptocurrency Exchange

Musk Mulls Sending All Americans $5,000 Checks Using DOGE Savings

Elon Musk recently responded to a proposal for a “DOGE Dividend” on X (formerly Twitter), suggesting he would discuss it with President Donald Trump. The proposal, pitched by James Fishback, CEO of Azoria, suggests a $5,000 tax refund for households funded by savings from DOGE’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The plan aims to return 20% of DOGE’s targeted $2 trillion savings to taxpayers, benefiting … Continue reading Musk Mulls Sending All Americans $5,000 Checks Using DOGE Savings

Southwest Airlines to slash 15% of corporate jobs in ‘unprecedented’ move to cut costs

Southwest Airlines announced it is cutting 15% of its corporate jobs, about 1,750 positions, to reduce costs. CEO Bob Jordan described the layoffs as “unprecedented” in the company’s 53-year history, aiming for $210 million in savings this year and $300 million in 2026. The cuts, which include senior leadership roles, are expected to be completed by the end of Q2. This follows a settlement with … Continue reading Southwest Airlines to slash 15% of corporate jobs in ‘unprecedented’ move to cut costs

Argentine judge investigates fraud case against President Milei over crypto promotion

A judge in Argentina has been appointed to investigate fraud allegations against President Javier Milei for promoting the $LIBRA cryptocurrency, which collapsed within hours of its launch last week. Milei distanced himself from the project, stating he acted in good faith, and denied involvement with its creators. While he initially supported the cryptocurrency as an entrepreneurial project, he later retracted his endorsement as its value … Continue reading Argentine judge investigates fraud case against President Milei over crypto promotion

Stock market little changed but near record highs

U.S. stocks began the shortened holiday week mostly higher, with investors awaiting more insights on President Trump’s tariff plans and the release of minutes from the Federal Reserve’s last meeting. Despite concerns over tariffs and rising inflation, stocks have been nearing record highs. As of early Tuesday, the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq were close to their peaks. Investors are focused on the Fed’s stance … Continue reading Stock market little changed but near record highs

OpenAI board unanimously rejects Elon Musk’s takeover offer

OpenAI’s board unanimously rejected Elon Musk’s $97.4 billion takeover offer, with chairman Bret Taylor calling it an attempt to disrupt competition. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman had previously stated the company wasn’t for sale, and the board’s decision reinforces this stance. Musk’s offer, which came from a consortium of entities, included conditions that OpenAI deemed not in its best interest. OpenAI is currently separating its nonprofit … Continue reading OpenAI board unanimously rejects Elon Musk’s takeover offer

Judge temporarily blocks mass terminations at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

A judge ruled on Friday that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) cannot fire employees without cause, blocking President Trump’s efforts to dismantle the agency. This decision followed a lawsuit by several unions challenging actions by the CFPB and its acting director, Russell Vought. The ruling prevents mass layoffs and mandates that any firings must be based on employee performance. Vought had sought to cut … Continue reading Judge temporarily blocks mass terminations at Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season

The IRS plans to lay off thousands of probationary workers during tax season, with cuts potentially starting as soon as next week. This move is part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to reduce the federal workforce by eliminating probationary employees without civil service protection. While the exact number of IRS workers affected is unclear, the agency previously restricted buyout offers for employees working … Continue reading IRS will lay off thousands of probationary workers in the middle of tax season

Canned tuna at Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Costco recalled over botulism risk

Tri-Union Seafoods has issued a voluntary recall for select canned tuna products sold at Trader Joe’s, Walmart, Costco, and other retailers due to a pull-tab defect that could lead to botulism. The recall affects Genova, Van Camp’s, Trader Joe’s, and H-E-B brand tuna, with compromised seals that may cause leakage or contamination. No illnesses have been reported, but consumers are advised not to eat the … Continue reading Canned tuna at Trader Joe’s, Walmart and Costco recalled over botulism risk

Costco, Trader Joe’s Impose Egg Rationing As Avian Flu Hits Supply

An egg shortage caused by avian flu has led grocery stores like Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Sprouts Farmers Market to limit egg purchases. Trader Joe’s allows only one dozen eggs per customer daily, while Costco has set a three-package limit in stores and a five-dozen cap for online orders. Signs warn of continued shortages, with some stores restricting purchases to four dozen eggs per visit. … Continue reading Costco, Trader Joe’s Impose Egg Rationing As Avian Flu Hits Supply

Musk, DOGE descend on consumer bureau

The Trump administration is rapidly dismantling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), halting its operations, cutting funding, and closing its headquarters. This move mirrors earlier efforts to weaken the agency, but with Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aggressively slashing government programs, concerns are mounting over the extent of the damage. Acting CFPB Director Russell Vought has ordered staff to stop work, rejected new … Continue reading Musk, DOGE descend on consumer bureau

GM, Pepsi, Disney, others scrub some DEI references from investor reports

Many major U.S. companies are quietly scaling back or removing references to “diversity, equity, and inclusion” (DEI) in their annual reports, a trend linked to growing political pressure. Companies like Google, Disney, Pepsi, and Intel have reduced or eliminated DEI language, often citing reassessments of their programs amid changing political climates, including executive orders from President Trump. Some companies have even cut specific diversity hiring … Continue reading GM, Pepsi, Disney, others scrub some DEI references from investor reports

Consumer inflation fears spike in February as tariff worries hit sentiment

Consumers grew more concerned about inflation in February, with the University of Michigan’s survey showing expectations for inflation a year from now rising to 4.3%, the highest since November 2023. This jump in inflation concerns followed President Trump’s aggressive tariff actions, including against China, despite delaying tariffs on Canada and Mexico. The survey also revealed a decline in consumer sentiment, with the overall index dropping … Continue reading Consumer inflation fears spike in February as tariff worries hit sentiment

US employers added 143,000 jobs in solid January hiring, jobless rate fell to 4%

U.S. employers added 143,000 jobs in January, with the unemployment rate falling to 4%. The job growth was slower compared to previous months, and economists had expected 170,000 new jobs. Despite the solid job market, wage growth slightly exceeded expectations, raising concerns about inflation. Trump’s administration is expected to make significant economic changes, including cutting federal jobs, imposing tariffs, and deporting undocumented workers, which could … Continue reading US employers added 143,000 jobs in solid January hiring, jobless rate fell to 4%

Chipotle earnings beat estimates, but stock falls on weak same-store sales forecast

Chipotle Mexican Grill exceeded analysts’ earnings expectations with a 13.1% rise in net sales to $2.85 billion, driven by a 5.4% increase in same-store sales. However, the company disappointed investors with a lower-than-expected sales forecast for 2025, citing weaker traffic in January and challenges from weather events like wildfires. Despite a strong performance in 2024, Chipotle anticipates modest same-store sales growth for 2025, with a … Continue reading Chipotle earnings beat estimates, but stock falls on weak same-store sales forecast

Mattel says Barbies and Hot Wheels could soon get more expensive

Mattel may raise prices on toys like Barbie and Hot Wheels due to new tariffs imposed by President Trump.  The company, which manufactures about 40% of its toys in China, is considering price hikes while also exploring ways to adjust its supply chain to mitigate tariff impacts. Trump recently imposed a 10% tariff on Chinese goods, with a temporary pause on 25% tariffs for Mexico … Continue reading Mattel says Barbies and Hot Wheels could soon get more expensive

Waffle House is placing a surcharge on every egg it sells

Waffle House has introduced a 50-cent surcharge per egg on customer orders due to a nationwide egg price increase caused by an ongoing avian flu outbreak. The chain, which serves 272 million eggs annually, stated that the bird flu has significantly reduced egg supply and caused prices to rise by nearly 40% over the past year. The surcharge will remain until market conditions improve, CNN … Continue reading Waffle House is placing a surcharge on every egg it sells

Pfizer tops earnings estimates as Covid product sales beat expectations

Pfizer reported fourth-quarter earnings and revenue that beat expectations, driven by stronger-than-expected Covid product sales and cost-cutting efforts. The company posted adjusted earnings per share of 63 cents, surpassing the expected 46 cents, with revenue reaching $17.76 billion, higher than the $17.36 billion forecasted. Shares of Pfizer rose 2% in premarket trading. The company has been cutting costs to recover from the decline of its … Continue reading Pfizer tops earnings estimates as Covid product sales beat expectations