House Republicans are forming a new committee to investigate the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, focusing on events leading up to and after the assault. Led by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-Ga.), the subcommittee under House Judiciary aims to uncover new information and challenge the narratives surrounding the attack. Republicans hope to work with soon-to-be-confirmed allies in the Justice Department and FBI to further their investigation. … Continue reading Netflix raises prices for all US plans

A Treasury Department report has revealed that insurance costs for homeowners in areas affected by natural disasters are rising due to increased damages from severe events. Between 2018-2022, 84 disasters caused $609 billion in damages, leading to premiums in high-risk areas averaging 82% more than in low-risk areas. Insurance premiums have increased 8.7% faster than inflation, with nonrenewal rates and claims also higher in these … Continue reading Home insurance costs soaring as climate-related events surge, Treasury Department says

The U.S. wine industry is facing significant challenges, with wine sales dropping about 6% in 2023, marking a continuation of a long-term decline. This decrease is attributed to changing generational trends, with younger consumers drinking less wine and opting for premixed, ready-to-drink beverages. The rise of nonalcoholic drinks, legal marijuana, and the increasing cost of wine have further eroded demand, NBC News has reported. Despite … Continue reading Wine sales drying up as Americans turn elsewhere

Bitcoin surged more than 4% on Friday, reaching $104,672.37, following reports that President-elect Donald Trump may soon issue an executive order making crypto a national priority. The broader crypto market rose by 3%, with exchange operators Coinbase and Robinhood gaining over 4%. The potential executive order could include creating a crypto advisory council and a national bitcoin stockpile.  Investors are optimistic that supportive policies under … Continue reading Bitcoin gains as Trump reportedly plans crypto executive order

Vanguard has agreed to pay over $100 million to settle charges related to improper disclosures about its target date investment funds. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) found that Vanguard failed to properly disclose the tax implications when it lowered the minimum investment requirement for its institutional target date funds in 2020. This led to redemptions that triggered taxable distributions for remaining shareholders, impacting their … Continue reading Vanguard to pay more than $100 million to SEC over violations

The U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit accusing Walgreens of filling millions of prescriptions, including dangerous amounts of opioids, without legitimate purpose over the last decade. The lawsuit claims Walgreens pharmacists filled prescriptions with red flags indicating they were likely unlawful and that the company pressured them to do so without verifying their validity. Walgreens is accused of violating the federal Controlled Substances Act … Continue reading US accuses Walgreens of filling millions of illegitimate prescriptions, including for opioids

John Deere is facing a federal lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the states of Illinois and Minnesota, accusing the company of forcing farmers to use only authorized dealers for repairs, thereby boosting profits. The lawsuit stems from complaints that Deere restricts access to its software and repair tools, making it difficult for farmers to fix their own equipment or use independent … Continue reading John Deere faces U.S. lawsuit over farmers’ ability to repair tractors

U.S. regulators have banned the dye Red 3 from food products due to its cancer risk, nearly 35 years after it was prohibited in cosmetics. The FDA’s decision follows a petition from health advocates, citing studies that showed the dye caused cancer in lab rats. The ban applies to food, dietary supplements, and oral medicines but not to external products like cosmetics. Manufacturers have until … Continue reading FDA bans red dye No. 3 from foods

US stocks surged on Wednesday following a positive inflation report and strong bank earnings. The Dow rose 703 points, or 1.65%, with the S&P 500 up 1.83% and the Nasdaq climbing 2.45%. Inflation data showed a slowdown in core consumer prices, easing concerns about rising inflation and interest rates. Robust fourth-quarter profits from major banks, including JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs, Citi, Wells Fargo, and BlackRock, … Continue reading Wall Street soars on record bank profits and cooling inflation

Southwest Airlines is pausing corporate hiring, promotions, and most summer internships, while suspending some employee team-building events to reduce costs and improve margins. CEO Bob Jordan emphasized the importance of financial performance and said the company would evaluate hiring needs as necessary. The airline is also halting its long-standing employee rallies and other activities to focus on profitability. This move comes after pressure from activist … Continue reading Southwest Airlines pauses corporate hiring, most summer internships to cut costs

Starbucks has reversed its 2018 policy of allowing non-customers to use its bathrooms, stating that from January 27, only customers who make a purchase will have access to its restrooms, cafes, and patios in North America. This change is part of a new code of conduct aimed at creating a welcoming environment, while addressing safety concerns. The company is also working to simplify its menu … Continue reading Starbucks says people using its coffee shops must buy something

Wholesale prices in December rose less than expected, with the producer price index (PPI) increasing by just 0.2%, below the 0.4% forecast. Excluding food and energy, the core PPI remained flat, suggesting that inflation pressures eased. On an annual basis, the PPI rose 3.3%, up from 1.1% in 2023. The report indicates a slowdown in inflation, but likely not enough to prompt an immediate Federal … Continue reading Inflation watch: Wholesale prices rose 0.2% in December, less than expected

Apple’s board of directors recommended investors vote against a shareholder proposal to abolish the company’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs. The proposal, submitted by the National Center for Public Policy, argued that DEI programs posed risks to companies, citing recent Supreme Court decisions. Apple responded by emphasizing its strong compliance program and stated the proposal was an unnecessary attempt to micromanage its strategy, CNBC … Continue reading Apple’s board recommends shareholders vote against proposal to eliminate diversity programs

Walmart recently recalled over 12,000 cartons of Great Value chicken broth due to concerns that compromised packaging could affect the product’s sterility, potentially leading to spoilage. The recall, affecting 242 stores across nine states, was initiated on December 11 and announced on January 8. The affected cartons, with a “best used by” date of March 25, 2026, were sold in 48-ounce containers. Walmart has removed … Continue reading Walmart recalls over 12,000 cartons of chicken broth in 9 states

Macy’s has confirmed the closure of 66 stores as part of its “Bold New Chapter” strategy, which aims to drive sustainable growth. The company plans to close about 150 underperforming locations over three years, while focusing on 350 “go-forward” stores. CEO Tony Spring explained that these closures are necessary to prioritize resources for stores showing positive customer response. Since the strategy’s launch, pilot store investments … Continue reading Macy’s confirms closure of 66 stores under revitalisation plan

Kohl’s is closing 27 underperforming stores by April 2025, including one in Dallas at 18224 Preston Road, marking the only Texas closure. California will see the most closures, with 10 stores. CEO Tom Kingsbury emphasized that these decisions are part of their long-term growth strategy. Affected employees have been offered severance packages or the chance to apply for other roles. The closures coincide with Kingsbury’s … Continue reading Kohl’s closing more than 20 stores nationwide

The U.S. economy added 256,000 jobs in December, surpassing expectations, while the unemployment rate dropped to 4.1%. Private sector payrolls rose by 223,000, with significant job gains in healthcare (46,100), retail (43,400), and leisure and hospitality (43,000). However, manufacturing saw a surprising loss of 13,000 jobs. Wage growth was steady, with average earnings increasing 0.3% monthly and 3.9% annually. The labor force participation rate remained … Continue reading US economy added 256K jobs in December, well above expectations

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is stepping back from the idea of a city-run grocery store but is open to considering New York-style congestion pricing for Downtown. Looking ahead to 2025, Johnson aims to expand youth hiring programs, build more affordable housing, and enhance public health resources, including mental health crisis response teams. However, advancing his agenda may prove challenging with a divided City Council, which … Continue reading Chicago ‘Should Explore’ Congestion Tax To Reduce Traffic, Mayor Says

Delta Air Lines and Uber have announced a multi-year partnership launching this spring, allowing Delta SkyMiles members to earn miles on Uber rides and Uber Eats orders. Uber customers will gain perks like improved pickup and drop-off services at Delta hubs and the ability to use SkyMiles for flights, hotel bookings, and shopping. Riders can earn one mile per dollar on UberX airport rides, two … Continue reading Delta Air Lines, Uber announce major partnership

Getty Images will merge with Shutterstock in a $3.7 billion deal aimed at strengthening their position in the AI-driven stock image market. Shutterstock shareholders can choose cash, stock, or a combination as part of the agreement. The combined company, led by Getty CEO Craig Peters, will be named Getty Images Holdings and trade under the ticker “GETY.” The merger aims to enhance content offerings, expand … Continue reading Getty Images to buy Shutterstock as part of $3.7 billion deal

Michael Barr, the Federal Reserve’s top banking regulator, will resign as vice chair for supervision effective February 28, allowing President-elect Donald Trump to appoint a replacement. Barr, who will remain a Fed governor until 2026, said his decision was made to avoid distractions from the Fed’s mission. His resignation comes amid speculation that Trump may seek a more bank-friendly replacement. Bank stocks rose following the … Continue reading Michael Barr to step down as the Fed’s head of banking supervision to avoid clash with Trump

McDonald’s is scaling back its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts following the Supreme Court’s ruling against affirmative action and growing conservative backlash. The company announced it will drop specific diversity goals, including supplier DEI commitments, and cease participation in external diversity surveys. McDonald’s will also rename its diversity team to the Global Inclusion Team, reflecting a shift in focus. Despite these changes, McDonald’s emphasized … Continue reading McDonald’s is ending some of its DEI practices

President Biden signed the Social Security Fairness Act into law on Sunday, expanding benefits for over 2.5 million retired Americans, including firefighters, police officers, and teachers. The law eliminates policies that previously reduced benefits for workers with public pensions and their families. Beneficiaries will see an average monthly increase of $360, along with a lump sum for the 2024 shortfall. This is the first time … Continue reading Social Security Fairness Act signed into law by Biden, enhancing retirement benefits for millions

Costco has issued a recall for its Kirkland Signature Severe Cold & Flu Plus Congestion medicine due to potential contamination with foreign material. The affected product, identified by item number #1729556 and lot code P140082, was sold at select Costco locations in the Midwest and Southeast between October 30 and November 30, 2024. The recall was initiated by LNK International, which explained that the specific … Continue reading Costco cold remedy recalled due to possible ‘contamination’

Sushi restaurateurs in Tokyo paid 207 million yen ($1.3 million) for a 276kg (608lb) bluefin tuna at the annual New Year auction at Toyosu Fish Market. The sale, the second-highest ever, was made by Onodera Group, which plans to serve the tuna at its Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera and Nadaman restaurants across Japan. The tuna, caught off Aomori, is intended to bring good fortune in the … Continue reading Giant tuna fish sold to Tokyo sushi restaurateurs for $1.3m