Spring & Mulberry has expanded its recall of chocolate bars nationwide due to possible contamination with salmonella bacteria. The recall focuses on products made with one specific batch of dates, which were identified as the likely source after investigation with the FDA and food safety experts.
Key Facts
The recall includes multiple Spring & Mulberry chocolate bar flavors sold online and in some stores across the U.S.
The contamination concern comes from salmonella, a bacteria that can cause serious food poisoning.
Investigation showed the likely cause was one lot of date ingredient used in the bars.
All recalled finished products tested negative for salmonella, and no illnesses have been confirmed.
The recalled products have specific lot codes, flavor names, and box colors to help consumers identify them.
Salmonella infection can be serious for young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems.
Consumers who bought affected chocolate bars are advised to stop eating them, take a photo of the packaging, email the company, and then dispose of the product.
The recall affects various flavors including Blood Orange, Coffee, Earl Grey, Lavender Rose, and others sold since August 2025.
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Companies in the U.S. are naming artificial intelligence (AI) as the main reason for cutting jobs for the second month in a row. In April, employers announced 83,387 job cuts, which is 38% more than in March, although overall layoffs are still lower than last year.
Key Facts
U.S. employers announced 83,387 job cuts in April.
This number is 38% higher than layoffs reported in March.
Artificial intelligence was the top reason companies gave for layoffs.
Despite the increase, April’s layoffs are 21% lower than the same time last year.
The data comes from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, a job market analysis firm.
Companies are worried about how AI may change the workforce and reduce the need for some jobs.
Job cuts linked to AI show a trend of technology affecting employment decisions.
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A recent study identifies the best metropolitan areas for college graduates looking for jobs in 2026. The research considers factors like salary, cost of living, and job opportunities to rank these cities.
Key Facts
The study focuses on metros that offer good pay for new graduates.
It also looks at how affordable it is to live in these cities.
Job opportunities and availability are key parts of the ranking.
The goal is to find places where graduates can both earn and live well.
Cities were compared based on a balance of salary, expenses, and work options.
This information helps new graduates decide where to start their careers.
The research provides clear data to guide job-seeking graduates.
The list highlights metros that are expected to perform well in the job market by 2026.
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Palm Beach International Airport has been renamed President Donald J Trump International Airport through a deal that allows President Trump’s company to manage the airport’s branding and merchandise rights. The agreement gives the Trump family control over the airport’s name, image, and related products, creating new profit opportunities for them.
Key Facts
Palm Beach International Airport is now named President Donald J Trump International Airport.
The name change is less than five miles from President Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
The Palm Beach county commission approved the deal with a bipartisan vote.
The agreement gives Trump’s company, DTTM Operations LLC, exclusive control over the airport’s branding and merchandise rights.
Trump cannot receive direct payment from goods sold at the airport but can earn profits from merchandise sold elsewhere, including online.
Trump has final approval on how his name and image are used at the airport.
Trademark experts note that this arrangement is unusual because the Trump family keeps non-exclusive rights to use the trademarks, allowing broader use beyond the airport.
The deal may allow the Trump organization to influence which vendors sell products bearing the airport’s name and direct business in ways that could benefit the family.
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Spirit Airlines shut down suddenly due to rising costs and heavy debt, leaving many travelers stranded. The airline’s struggles were worsened by high jet fuel prices caused by conflicts affecting oil supplies, leading to more expensive and uncomfortable air travel for passengers.
Key Facts
Spirit Airlines closed unexpectedly last Saturday because of financial problems.
The airline had billions of dollars in debt and faced higher operating costs.
Rising jet fuel prices were caused by the war in Iran and issues in the Strait of Hormuz.
Spirit was known for charging fees for many basic services during flights.
Other airlines have started charging extra for things like baggage, food, and seat choices.
Travel comfort is decreasing while the cost of flying is going up.
The current oil crisis is likely to keep increasing travel costs.
Passengers may face more fees and fewer amenities on flights in the future.
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Rising oil prices caused by a conflict in Iran have increased fuel costs in the US, leading to higher airline ticket prices and fewer travel options. Spirit Airlines, a budget carrier, shut down due to these high fuel prices and financial troubles, leaving many travelers struggling to find affordable flights.
Key Facts
Spirit Airlines stopped operating on May 2 because of high jet fuel prices and other financial issues.
US oil prices have risen over 30% since the start of the Iran conflict, pushing gas prices to an average of $4.56 per gallon nationwide.
Some states now have gas prices over $6 per gallon.
Budget airlines like Spirit face more challenges from fuel costs since they have less money saved compared to bigger airlines.
Spirit had discussions about a $500 million government bailout, and other budget airlines requested $2.5 billion, but no financial aid was provided by President Trump’s administration.
The closure of Spirit reduces competition, which will likely cause higher flight prices on many routes.
Travelers are paying more for tickets and facing fewer affordable options as airlines pass on the fuel cost increase.
Some passengers, like Chelsea Blackmore, faced big price hikes rebooking flights after Spirit’s shutdown.
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Americans are spending more carefully this Mother's Day due to rising prices, known as "momflation." They are choosing smaller or less expensive gifts and favoring experiences like brunch instead of costly dinners, but overall spending is still expected to reach a record $38 billion.
Key Facts
Mother's Day spending in the U.S. is expected to reach $38 billion in 2024, up from $35.7 billion in 2023.
Flowers remain the top gift, with 75% of shoppers planning to buy them, even though flower prices rose 16% from last year.
Many shoppers plan to use coupons, buy fewer gifts, or choose lower-priced items.
Tariffs and higher shipping costs have increased flower prices and taxes on bouquets.
More people value giving time, help, or a day off over expensive gifts.
Dining out costs for Mother's Day are rising about 4%, with brunch becoming a popular, less costly option.
Beef prices remain high, making beef-heavy dinners more expensive.
Over half of shoppers worry they might spend more than they can afford this year.
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The article explains that current housing policies give people who resist new housing developments too much power. This resistance makes homes more expensive for others, but the reasons behind the opposition are not backed by strong evidence.
Key Facts
Current rules allow homeowners who oppose new housing to block development projects.
This opposition acts like a veto, stopping new homes from being built.
The fears that cause people to oppose new housing do not have strong proof.
These policies have led to higher housing costs for many people.
The housing system was unintentionally designed this way by policymakers.
Changing these rules could help make housing more affordable.
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Texas Roadhouse is testing handheld tablets for servers to take orders directly at the table, aiming to make ordering faster and more accurate. The company is slowly considering expanding this technology across its U.S. restaurants while keeping the casual dining atmosphere.
Key Facts
Texas Roadhouse CEO Jerry Morgan announced a pilot program using handheld tablets for servers in select locations.
The tablets let servers enter orders at the table instead of walking to a central computer.
Using tablets could speed up order delivery to the kitchen and reduce mistakes.
Early feedback from customers and staff has been mostly positive.
The company is also using kitchen display systems and table-based payment options to improve operations.
Servers can choose to use the tablets or stick with traditional methods during the trial.
No firm date has been set for a full rollout across all restaurants.
Texas Roadhouse wants to keep its relaxed dining feel while improving behind-the-scenes efficiency.
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A new tax plan in New York City, including a tax on expensive second homes, has encouraged wealthy New Yorkers to consider moving to or renting luxury properties in Florida. Real estate developers in Florida see growing demand from New Yorkers seeking a lower-tax and more business-friendly environment.
Key Facts
New York City plans to introduce a pied-à-terre tax on second homes worth $5 million or more.
The tax is part of Mayor Mamdani’s agenda to raise income and corporate taxes on the wealthy.
Governor Kathy Hochul agreed to the pied-à-terre tax as part of a compromise amid concerns about rich residents leaving.
Florida luxury rental properties, like Avara Miami Beach, are seeing increased interest from New Yorkers.
Billionaire Ken Griffin supports the view that New York’s tax changes will drive wealthy people to Florida.
The pied-à-terre tax still needs approval as part of the New York state budget.
The Australian government will add $387.4 million in funding to the national science agency CSIRO over four years to support upgrades, research, and ongoing costs. This funding increase follows job cuts and cost-saving measures, aiming to stabilize the workforce and improve the agency's capacity for important science work.
Key Facts
The Albanese government will provide an extra $387.4 million to CSIRO over four years.
The funding will help upgrade facilities and technology and support research.
This is in addition to CSIRO’s current $1 billion yearly funding.
The extra money is not expected to undo recent job cuts but should help prevent more layoffs.
CSIRO’s funding compared to Australia’s GDP has been falling, reaching its lowest point since 1978.
ACT senator David Pocock led a petition signed by tens of thousands demanding better funding for CSIRO.
The government also announced $38 million more yearly funding for the Australian Centre for Disease Preparedness starting 2030-31.
Finance Minister Katy Gallagher said the funding will help CSIRO deliver science that benefits Australians daily.
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General Motors agreed to pay $12.75 million to settle claims that it sold location and driving data of hundreds of thousands of California drivers without their consent. California officials also restricted GM’s use of this data and banned it from selling such data to brokers for five years.
Key Facts
GM sold location and driving data of many California drivers to two data broker companies.
This data included exact locations, names, contacts, and driving habits collected through GM’s OnStar system.
The state’s investigation began in 2023 and included multiple California district attorneys and privacy officials.
California is imposing civil penalties and a five-year ban on GM selling driving data to brokers.
GM earned about $20 million from selling this data between 2020 and 2024.
GM’s privacy policy had stated it would not sell such data, but the company did so without driver consent.
California insurers cannot use this driving data to raise insurance rates.
GM has not publicly responded to the settlement news.
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Travel to the Middle East is disrupted by the war in Iran, leading to higher flight prices and some UK travelers choosing holidays within the country. Booking sites Booking.com and Airbnb report more people searching for UK holiday options, with popular lesser-known destinations gaining attention.
Key Facts
The war in Iran has made travel to the Middle East difficult and expensive.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said some people may change their holiday plans this year.
Booking.com saw a 20% rise in searches for UK holidays during May half-term compared to last year.
Airbnb also reported a 15% increase in UK stay searches for the May bank holidays.
Influencers and travelers highlight places like the Isle of Wight, Alton, Hastings, Folkestone, and Northumberland as attractive holiday spots.
The Isle of Wight is accessible mainly by ferry and hovercraft services.
The UK Foreign Office advises against non-essential travel to the UAE, affecting some holiday plans abroad.
Some travelers who canceled trips abroad are opting for UK destinations offering a mix of beaches, nature, and cultural sites.
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The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics released the jobs report for April, showing better results than expected. The report indicates improvement in the economy based on job growth and other employment measures.
Key Facts
The jobs report was released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday.
April's job numbers were stronger than experts had predicted.
The report provides information about employment growth.
Job growth is an important indicator of the health of the economy.
CBS News correspondent Kelly O'Grady explained the report details.
The information was shared through CBS News platforms, including their app.
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Hojicha is a Japanese green tea that is gaining popularity in the UK, appearing on more café menus mainly as lattes and desserts. Its sales are growing quickly, similar to how matcha tea became popular a few years ago, while matcha itself continues to have a strong and growing market.
Key Facts
Hojicha is made by roasting green tea leaves at high temperatures, giving it a nutty flavor and low bitterness.
It has less caffeine than regular green tea and is traditionally served plain without milk or sugar.
UK cafés are adding hojicha lattes, desserts, and ice cream to their menus, increasing its presence.
Sales of iced hojicha lattes at Jenki cafés in London rose by 55% from January to April compared to the previous year.
The company How Matcha reports hojicha latte sales have grown significantly and now represent about 20% of its matcha latte sales.
Matcha tea remains very popular in the UK, with supermarket sales growing over four times in one year, reaching nearly £9 million.
Some consumers feel matcha drinks in cafés often have too many added flavors, reducing the taste of the tea itself.
Hojicha is seen as moving from a niche drink to a more mainstream choice, similar to earlier matcha trends.
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Bank of America now expects the Federal Reserve to wait until the second half of 2027 before cutting interest rates because inflation remains high and the job market is strong. Other economic factors, such as energy prices and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), are making the Fed cautious about lowering borrowing costs soon.
Key Facts
Bank of America changed its forecast and no longer expects interest rate cuts in 2024.
The Fed faces high inflation at 3.3%, above its 2% target.
Strong job growth was reported with 115,000 new jobs added in April, more than expected.
Some Federal Reserve officials want to avoid cutting rates to prevent the economy from overheating.
Inflation has risen partly because of higher energy costs linked to the Iran war.
AI-driven productivity gains and tariffs are adding inflationary pressure.
Market tools show less than a 50% chance of rate cuts before the second half of 2027.
The last Fed rate cut was in December 2025, lowering rates slightly.
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A U.S. trade court ruled that a 10% global tariff imposed by President Trump under a specific law was unlawful and harmful to businesses. This court decision limits the White House’s ability to impose these tariffs, but most businesses still have to pay the tariff while the administration considers its next steps.
Key Facts
The Court of International Trade ruled against tariffs imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974.
The tariffs were a 10% duty on imports, introduced by President Trump in February.
The court found the tariffs unlawful and damaging to businesses, based on a lawsuit from 24 states and companies.
This ruling is narrow and only directly affects some plaintiffs, not all businesses.
Businesses must continue paying the 10% tariff for now, as the ruling does not change the tariff rate immediately.
The Trump administration plans to appeal the court decision.
Importers may track tariffs paid to claim refunds if the ruling expands or changes.
The 10% tariff under Section 122 was meant to be temporary, lasting 150 days, and the administration is using other trade laws to investigate unfair trade practices.
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Mortgage interest rates have changed a lot in early 2026, making it important to pick the right mortgage lender. Different lenders, like banks, credit unions, and online companies, offer various benefits depending on personal finances. The article lists top mortgage lenders, highlighting their strengths and who they best serve.
Key Facts
Mortgage rates dropped below 6% in March, then rose above 6% after the Federal Reserve meeting in April 2026.
Choosing the right lender can save or cost tens of thousands of dollars over a mortgage’s lifetime.
Banks might give discounts to loyal customers; credit unions pass savings to members; digital lenders offer fast service with less overhead.
Rocket Mortgage is noted for easy online processing but may charge higher interest rates.
Guild Mortgage helps self-employed or non-traditional income borrowers with flexible loan options.
Other lenders listed include PenFed Credit Union for competitive rates, loanDepot for lower credit scores, and Better Mortgage for budget-conscious borrowers.
Mortgage lenders offer various loan types such as conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA, and USDA loans.
Understanding your financial situation helps decide which lender and loan terms fit best.
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The IRS requires people with tax-deferred retirement accounts like 401(k)s or traditional IRAs to start withdrawing a certain minimum amount each year after age 73. The required amount depends on their account balance and life expectancy, and it generally increases with age.
Key Facts
Required minimum distributions (RMDs) must begin at age 73 for most tax-deferred retirement accounts.
The RMD is calculated by dividing the account balance by a life expectancy factor from the IRS Uniform Lifetime Table.
For a $300,000 account, the RMDs start at about $11,320 at age 73 and increase to about $14,218 by age 79.
The life expectancy factor decreases as you get older, so the amount you must withdraw goes up.
You must pay taxes on the money you withdraw through RMDs.
Diversifying your retirement portfolio can help manage risks, with gold suggested as one option because it historically holds value during inflation.
Gold should be a small part of your portfolio, typically no more than 10%.
Various types of gold investments are available, including bullion, stocks, and gold IRAs.
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