Spirit Halloween opens about 1,400 stores across the U.S. each year. Two student journalists visited a store in New Jersey to learn more about its employees.
Key Facts
Spirit Halloween sets up around 1,400 stores in the U.S. every year.
The stores are temporary, often opening around the Halloween season.
Two student journalists explored the work environment at a New Jersey store.
The article focuses on the experiences of the people working at the store.
Details about the store visit were shared on the platform "All Things Considered."
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Thousands of high chairs sold on Walmart.com have been recalled due to a missing safety part. The recall affects about 4,300 Harppa 5-in-1 Convertible High Chairs, which lack a proper restraint system, posing a risk of falls and injury.
Key Facts
The recall involves Harppa 5-in-1 Convertible High Chairs due to a missing restraint system.
Around 4,300 high chairs were sold from August 2024 to July 2025.
The chairs were priced between $60 and $80 and sold on Walmart.com.
There is a risk of children falling or getting trapped, which can cause serious injury or death.
The recall applies to high chairs with "Model Number BHC001" and "Production Batch Number 202408."
Affected consumers should stop using the chairs and contact Harppa for a replacement.
To get a replacement, consumers need to disassemble the chair and show proof by sending photos to Harppa.
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NPR is suing the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) over claims that CPB backed out of a $36 million contract due to pressure from the White House. The trial will address whether CPB unlawfully broke the contract in response to government influence. A federal judge has allowed the case to go to trial, highlighting the tension between NPR and President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
NPR filed a lawsuit against CPB alleging unlawful contract termination due to White House pressure.
The disputed contract was worth $36 million and related to satellite and distribution services.
U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss expressed skepticism about CPB's reasons for changing its decision.
The legal action is separate from a broader lawsuit about federal funding cuts to NPR and PBS.
CPB had considered a new contract with NPR but reversed its decision after discussions with a White House official.
President Trump directed an executive order to stop federal funds to NPR and PBS, labeling them negatively on social media.
CPB was tasked with distributing federal funds to public media until recent budget cuts by Congress and the president.
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Two health systems have settled lawsuits claiming they shared patients' personal data with companies like Meta and Google without permission. Margaret Mary Community Hospital and the University of Tennessee Medical Center agreed to pay settlements but deny any wrongdoing. These cases are part of a larger trend of legal actions regarding patient data breaches.
Key Facts
Margaret Mary Community Hospital will pay $215,329 to settle claims related to patients who used their portal between 2015 and 2023.
The University of Tennessee Medical Center will pay a settlement for similar claims for the period from January 2025 to September 2025.
Both lawsuits accuse the health systems of sharing patient data with companies like Meta and Google without consent.
The cases were filed due to alleged negligence, invasion of privacy, and violation of consumer protection laws.
Those eligible for the settlements can receive a $25 cash payout or enroll in a privacy protection program.
Final approval hearings for the settlements are scheduled for December 2025.
Class members have deadlines to opt out of the settlements and to file claims.
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Small grocery stores are facing financial challenges as potential cuts to SNAP (food assistance program) might lead to fewer sales. Some customers are spending less and seeking cheaper options elsewhere. SNAP purchases greatly impact these local stores' revenue.
Key Facts
Many small grocery stores rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for a large part of their sales.
The Save A Lot store in Springfield, Massachusetts, gets 65% of its sales from SNAP benefits.
A potential government shutdown might cut off SNAP benefits starting November 1, 2025.
Shop manager Jose Pajares reports fewer customers and reduced sales at Save A Lot.
Customers like Theresa Rios are buying fewer items and seeking cheaper alternatives due to SNAP cuts.
There are 250,000 retailers in the U.S. authorized to accept SNAP benefits.
The manager has reduced inventory and lowered prices to address reduced demand.
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China plans to buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans from the U.S. this year and at least 25 million metric tons per year for the next three years. This decision comes after China stopped purchasing U.S. soybeans earlier due to trade tensions with the U.S.
Key Facts
China will buy 12 million metric tons of soybeans from the U.S. this year.
For the next three years, China promises to purchase at least 25 million metric tons annually.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced these plans.
Earlier this year, China had stopped buying U.S. soybeans due to a trade war.
The planned purchases will match the annual amounts China used to buy in the past.
Last year, China bought $13 billion worth of U.S. soybeans.
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Small businesses in the U.S. are preparing for the holiday season, a critical sales period, amid concerns about inflation and trade policies. A survey by Constant Contact found many small business owners feel pressure due to these economic challenges, though they are confident in their ability to meet sales targets through strategies like social media marketing and discounts.
Key Facts
The holiday season accounts for up to half of annual sales for 60% of small business owners.
37% of U.S. small business owners feel significant pressure this holiday season due to economic challenges.
Inflation is a main concern for 32% of businesses surveyed, while 22% are worried about weak consumer spending.
Tariffs are expected to negatively impact 52% of U.S. businesses during the holiday shopping period.
U.S. consumer sentiment has dropped to a six-month low, especially among those earning less than $75,000 annually.
Small businesses are launching more marketing campaigns, with a strong focus on social media and discounts.
77% of small businesses are confident they will meet their revenue goals this holiday season.
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Kroger is recalling about 3,700 skeleton-shaped wax candles because they can catch fire. These candles were sold in Kroger and affiliated stores across the U.S. Consumers should stop using them and return them for a refund.
Key Facts
Kroger recalled about 3,700 Halloween-themed skeleton wax candles.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission identified a fire risk with these candles.
Decorations on the candles can catch fire while being used.
Carole Accessories Inc. imported these candles, which were made in China.
The candles sold for around $7 in September and October.
Consumers can return the candles to any Kroger store for a full refund.
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Dunkin' has announced its new holiday menu, introducing both new and returning seasonal food and drinks starting November 5. The menu includes festive beverages and snacks, which will be available at its locations across the United States for a limited time. Dunkin' is also running a fundraiser to support children in need during this period.
Key Facts
Dunkin' announced a new holiday menu to launch on November 5.
The menu features five new items and two returning fan-favorites.
New items include the Cookie Butter Cloud Latte and Berry Sangria Refresher.
Returning favorites are the Peppermint Mocha and Toasted White Chocolate Signature Latte.
The menu will be available until the holiday season ends, based on product availability.
Dunkin' is the largest coffee and doughnut chain in the United States with over 14,000 locations worldwide.
Dunkin’ is running the "Joy in Childhood Foundation Give Joy fundraiser" from November 5 to November 30, offering rewards for donations to support children in need.
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Many companies, including Amazon, are laying off employees in large numbers. The Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act requires big companies to give their employees a 60-day notice before mass layoffs. Workers can look for warning signs like hiring freezes and project pauses to anticipate possible layoffs.
Key Facts
Amazon recently laid off 14,000 employees to streamline operations.
The WARN Act requires U.S. companies with 100 or more full-time employees to give a 60-day notice before mass layoffs.
A mass layoff is defined as 500 or more employees, or 50 or more employees if they make up at least 33% of a site’s workforce.
Companies must also give notice if at least 50 employees face a work hours reduction of 50% or more expected to last at least six months.
Employees can check the WARN notice website or WARNTracker for updates on layoffs.
Signs of possible layoffs include hiring freezes, budget cuts, leadership changes, and sudden project pauses.
HR consultant Bryan Driscoll and financial literacy instructor Alex Beene highlight uncertainty in the job market and recommend employees stay informed and prepare for potential layoffs.
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An employee was called into a meeting with human resources (HR) after a coworker claimed they were adding liquor to their coffee, but it turned out to only be vanilla syrup. The incident became popular online, with discussions highlighting the importance of thorough workplace investigations before taking action based on suspicion.
Key Facts
An employee shared their experience on Reddit about being wrongly accused of adding liquor to coffee.
The item in question was actually a bottle of vanilla coffee syrup.
The incident occurred on the employee's day off.
The story went viral online, gaining over 110,000 upvotes.
An HR expert emphasized the need for multiple pieces of evidence before taking action in workplace investigations.
The expert mentioned considering context and the relationships between coworkers when evaluating such claims.
Reddit users shared similar stories of misunderstandings at work involving beverages.
Newsweek could not verify all the details of this specific incident.
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Summa Health CEO Cliff Deveny is stepping down after a merger with health tech company HATCo. Deveny will become a strategic advisor, while HATCo's Daryl Tol will be the acting president and CEO. The change is part of plans to ensure Summa Health's growth and modernization.
Key Facts
Cliff Deveny is leaving his role as CEO of Summa Health after its merger with HATCo.
Deveny will continue as CEO emeritus and strategic advisor starting January 1, 2026.
Daryl Tol, HATCo President, will be the acting CEO of Summa until a new leader is found.
Summa Health operates in Northeast Ohio, serving over 1 million patients in various healthcare settings.
HATCo aims to modernize healthcare through partnerships and technology.
The merger was finalized on October 1, 2025.
Deveny has been associated with Summa Health in various roles since 1997.
The merger seeks to advance Summa Health's capabilities and ensure long-term success.
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Several fast-food restaurants are offering Halloween deals to boost sales. Promotions include discounts and special items from chains like KFC, Auntie Anne's, and Moe's Southwest Grill. These deals are available in the weeks leading up to Halloween.
Key Facts
Auntie Anne’s offers a “Twist or Treat” bucket with a $5 reward for purchases between October 27 and October 31.
Cinnabon customers can get an OREO Spookies & Cream Chillatta with any CinnaPack purchase during the same period.
Jamba offers a $5 reward for every $25 spent on gift cards from October 24 to October 31.
Moe’s Southwest Grill provides buy one get one free entrees from October 31 to November 1.
McAlister’s Deli sells a special Witch’s Brew Lemonade and a Mini Cookie Tray; Rewards Members earn double points on purchases from October 27 to November 2.
KFC holds "13 Days of Scary Good Deals" with daily offers from October 19 to October 31, such as a free chicken sandwich with a $10 purchase.
These promotions aim to attract customers during the fall season and boost short-term sales.
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China has approved a deal related to TikTok, which could help decide the app's future in the U.S. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced this development after a meeting between President Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping.
Key Facts
China has agreed to a deal concerning the TikTok app.
The U.S. Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, shared this news.
The announcement happened in Kuala Lumpur.
The agreement got Chinese approval.
A resolution about TikTok's future in the U.S. might happen soon.
President Trump discussed the deal with Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
The news was shared on the Fox Business Network.
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Amazon announced it is laying off 14,000 employees, aiming to reduce bureaucracy and invest in future needs. The company highlights the role of AI in transforming jobs and expects workforce restructuring due to efficiency gains from AI. Despite strong financial performance, Amazon aims to become more efficient and adaptable.
Key Facts
Amazon is laying off 14,000 employees to reduce bureaucracy and enhance operations.
The company reported $167 billion in revenue in Q2 2025 and had $637 billion in revenue for 2024.
Amazon has approximately 350,000 corporate employees.
The layoffs are part of adjustments as Amazon adapts to AI technology.
CEO Andy Jassy mentioned that AI would lead to changes in job roles across the company.
The impact of AI on jobs has also been observed at Salesforce, which reduced its workforce due to AI efficiencies.
Gartner noted that many companies struggle to sustain long-term cost reductions after layoffs.
Other companies like Microsoft, Target, and John Deere have also recently laid off employees.
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President Trump announced a one-year trade deal with China after discussions with Chinese President Xi at the APEC summit in South Korea. The agreement includes lowering some U.S. tariffs and stopping Chinese export controls on rare earths. China will also buy significant amounts of U.S. agricultural products.
Key Facts
The trade deal is initially set for one year.
The U.S. will lower a tariff on Chinese goods from 20% to 10%, related to fentanyl flows.
China will not impose export controls on rare earth minerals.
Rare earths are essential for manufacturing items like smartphones and fighter jets.
China agreed to purchase large amounts of U.S. agricultural products, including soybeans.
The average U.S. tariff on Chinese goods will remain about 47%, while China's average tariff on U.S. goods is around 32%.
The agreement is intended to lessen tensions in the U.S.-China trade war, which affects the global economy.
Trump and Xi have not met face-to-face since 2019 before this meeting.
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Virgin Trains received approval to use a rail depot in London, allowing it to start services through the Channel Tunnel. This decision ends Eurostar's exclusive control of passenger services since the tunnel's opening in 1994.
Key Facts
Virgin Trains won the bid to share a rail depot with Eurostar in London.
This approval allows Virgin Trains to operate services through the Channel Tunnel.
Eurostar's monopoly on passenger services in the Channel Tunnel will come to an end.
The Temple Mills depot is the only UK facility for larger continental trains linked to the cross-Channel line.
The UK's rail regulator, the Office of Rail and Road (ORR), approved Virgin’s application.
Martin Jones from the ORR stated the decision supports customer choice and could unlock £700 million in private investment.
Competing applications from Evolyn, Gemini, and Trenitalia were not approved.
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General Motors is laying off workers at its Ohio and Detroit plants due to a decrease in demand for electric vehicles. The layoffs are partly because of recent policy changes that removed consumer tax credits for electric cars. Despite these changes, GM plans to keep a strong presence in the U.S.
Key Facts
General Motors is cutting 550 jobs and temporarily laying off 850 workers at its Lordstown, Ohio battery plant.
GM is also cutting about 1,200 jobs at its assembly plant in Detroit.
The layoffs are due to a drop in demand for electric vehicles.
The drop in demand followed the end of the $7,500 consumer tax credits for electric car buyers.
Electric vehicle sales have decreased by 74% from their high point in 2025.
President Donald Trump had previously supported the Ohio plant, promising to save jobs there.
The plant was initially an auto assembly location but was converted into a battery plant in 2022.
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