Business

Starbucks will award baristas and shift supervisors up to $300 in quarterly bonuses starting this summer, part of a broader effort to improve employee retention and customer service under CEO Brian Niccol’s 'Back to Starbucks' turnaround plan.

U.S. gas prices hit $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022 as rising oil costs from geopolitical tensions push fuel prices higher. Drivers face unpredictable swings at the pump driven by forces far beyond any single station’s control.

Dubai’s tourism sector, which welcomed 19.59 million visitors in 2023, is reeling from a 70-80% drop in revenue after Iran’s strikes on the UAE triggered a regional travel crisis. Restaurants, hotels, and airlines face mass layoffs and closures as air traffic grinds to a halt.

The FDA greenlit Eli Lilly’s oral obesity pill Foundayo on Wednesday, marking a new phase in the GLP-1 drug wars. The approval pits Foundayo against Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy pill in a high-stakes race to dominate the booming $50B weight-loss market as demand for non-injectable treatments surges.

U.S. stocks fell Thursday as geopolitical tensions with Iran escalated, with the Dow Jones down 0.13% while Tesla and Coinbase shares declined amid weak deliveries and regulatory developments. Oil prices surged past $110 per barrel amid supply concerns.

New York City is bringing back roadway outdoor dining in 2026 with fewer than 500 setups, a fraction of the 8,000 during the pandemic. Officials aim to expand the program year-round amid calls to slash red tape and revive struggling small restaurants.

Local news in The Villages, Florida uncovers the bizarre trend of loofahs adorning golf carts and cars, sparking viral curiosity and unexpected interviews. The story blends humor, local culture, and generational quirks in a segment that’s captivated audiences nationwide.

Oracle confirmed layoffs affecting at least 1,021 workers across Washington and Missouri, with internal reports suggesting up to 10,000 cuts. Employees allege AI-driven restructuring is accelerating job losses in tech, while Oracle’s $2.1B cost-cutting plan fuels industry-wide concerns about automat

Google’s Quantum AI team reveals Bitcoin’s Taproot may lower the qubit threshold needed for quantum attacks to under 500K, accelerating timelines for post-quantum cryptography migration. OpenAI secures a record $122B valuation while crypto networks diverge on quantum defenses.

From Fortnite’s rideable llamas to T-Mobile’s phone-scented cologne, major brands in 2026 leaned into AI and surreal humor for April Fools’ Day pranks. These jokes highlight how technology and creativity collide in an era where truth and fiction blur.

Global stock markets rallied Wednesday as oil prices dipped toward $100 per barrel, fueled by optimism that the Iran war may end soon. The S&P 500 rose 0.7%, extending gains from Tuesday, while major indices in Europe and Asia saw even steeper climbs. Investors remain cautious amid mixed signals and

The Hershey Company announced Tuesday it will revert Reese's-branded candies to their original recipes by 2027 following widespread criticism over ingredient substitutions. Citing brand legacy and consumer outrage, Hershey acknowledged the move after Brad Reese, grandson of the Peanut Butter Cups in

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale ended March 31, 2025, but over 50 deals under $25 remain live. From tech and home essentials to kitchen tools and gaming, these discounted finds offer lasting value.

Tesla has officially ended production of its Model S and Model X after 14 years, with only ~600 units left in global inventory. CEO Elon Musk called it an 'honorable discharge,' signaling a strategic pivot toward autonomy and humanoid robots.

Brands unleashed a wave of April Fools’ Day pranks in 2026, blending creativity with cringe. From AI-generated socks to Snapchat’s parody of Instagram Reels, companies tested consumer patience with mixed results.

JPMorganChase unveils the $80 billion American Dream Initiative (ADI) to expand economic opportunity for 10 million small businesses and hundreds of thousands of renters. The multi-year effort targets capital access, affordable housing and financial health across six pillars.

In a dramatic reversal, Hershey announced Wednesday it will restore classic chocolate recipes to all Reese’s products by 2027 after the grandson of the brand’s founder publicly criticized the company for using cheaper ingredients. The decision follows a wave of consumer backlash and comes as food ma

Kia will introduce the US-spec EV3 compact EV later this year, following strong global sales and filling a gap left by Volvo’s canceled EX30. The boxy 169-inch EV offers up to 320 miles of range, starting around $35,500, and features advanced tech like Digital Key 2.0.

U.S. retail sales rose 0.6% in February, defying expectations after three straight monthly declines. The increase, driven by strong spending at department and clothing stores, signals resilient consumer demand despite weak job growth and geopolitical uncertainty.

Anthropic is racing to fix a critical bug in its Claude Code AI tool after users reported hitting usage limits 'way faster than expected.' The issue, first flagged on Reddit, disrupts workflows for developers relying on the platform, with some reporting tasks consuming entire daily budgets in minute

Volkswagen’s new collaboration with Chinese EV maker Xpeng underscores China’s dominance in high-value automotive software and hardware. As VW’s China profits plummet 45% and competitors scramble, the deal highlights a strategic pivot toward Chinese technology—raising questions about the future of W

Wall Street’s major indexes rebounded Wednesday with the S&P 500 up 0.72% and Nasdaq jumping 1.16% after Tuesday’s best session since May. Oil ETFs hit record trading volumes and crude prices soared as U.S.-Iran tensions escalated.

President Donald Trump suggested abandoning the US military mission in Iran, claiming the Strait of Hormuz would 'automatically open' after America exits. Energy experts warn this strategy risks leaving global oil flows at Iran’s mercy, driving prices even higher.

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale ended March 31, but dozens of deals under $25 remain live. From tech gadgets and home essentials to kitchen tools and family entertainment, these discounts offer budget-friendly upgrades still worth grabbing before they vanish.