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Starbucks changes its open-door policy, implementing stricter regulations for store usage.

2025-04-05 13:51:53 By Jennifer Miller

A close-up of the Starbucks logo can be seen on a coffee cup at a Starbucks location in Houston, taken on June 17, 2022. (Photo by Aaron M. Sprecher, AP)

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) – If you’re planning to chill or even just use the restroom at Starbucks, you’ll now need to buy something.

Starbucks announced Monday it’s rolling back its open-door policy introduced in 2018, and implementing a new code of conduct in all company-owned stores across North America.

The revised regulations are designed to enhance the experience for paying customers by prohibiting specific actions such as discrimination, harassment, consuming outside alcohol, smoking, vaping, drug use, and panhandling.

In a statement, Starbucks representative Jaci Anderson expressed, "Our goal is to ensure that every individual feels welcomed and at ease in our locations. By establishing clear guidelines for behavior and the use of our facilities, we can foster a more positive atmosphere for all."

Breaches of the updated code may lead to removal from the premises, and in certain situations, law enforcement might be contacted. Additionally, employees will undergo training to effectively implement these policies.

This represents a change from Starbucks' 2018 policy that permitted anyone to utilize its locations without needing to make a purchase. This earlier policy was implemented following a highly publicized event in Philadelphia, where two Black men were arrested for simply sitting in a Starbucks without making a purchase.

The event ignited a wave of anger. At the time, Chairman Howard Schultz underscored the importance of inclusivity by stating, “We don’t aim to be a public restroom, but we are committed to making the right choices every single time and providing people with access.”

Nevertheless, the open-door policy has introduced various challenges as well. Throughout the years, Starbucks has encountered problems related to disruptive conduct in its establishments, including drug usage and safety issues. In 2022, the company decided to shut down 16 locations across the country, pointing to ongoing safety concerns.

The recent policy shift reflects the initiatives of Brian Niccol, the newly appointed chairman and CEO of Starbucks, who is focused on rejuvenating the brand. Niccol's goal is to restore the inviting, community-oriented atmosphere that originally established Starbucks as a beloved coffee hub.

The next time you stop by Starbucks, be sure to pick up a latte — or maybe a cookie — before settling in comfortably.

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The George H.P. Smith Fund is set to provide multi-year scholarships starting in 2025.

2025-04-05 13:51:53

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The George H.P. Smith Scholarship Fund, created in 2010 to commemorate the contributions of the former mayor of Lewes and educator, will start providing renewable scholarships to seniors at Cape Henlopen High School beginning this year. LEWES Del.- The George H.P. Smith Scholarship Fund, created in 2010 to commemorate the contributions of the former mayor of Lewes and educator, will start providing renewable scholarships to seniors at Cape Henlopen High School beginning this year. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The George H.P. Smith Scholarship Fund, created in 2010 to commemorate the contributions of the former mayor of Lewes and educator, will start providing renewable scholarships to seniors at Cape Henlopen High School beginning this year. (Horizon Philanthropic Services) In the last 15 years, the fund has distributed almost $90,000 to 134 students, assisting with college-related costs like textbooks, fees, and travel expenses. Starting in 2025, chosen students will be eligible for $1,500 scholarships, which can be renewed each year for a maximum of four years. Cape Henlopen High School counselors will oversee the application and selection process.  Donations to the fund can be made through the Greater Lewes Foundation website.

Business

LOL: Social Media Chimes In on Walmart's New Logo Reveal After Almost 20 Years: "Did They Just Add Moisturizer to the Logo?"

2025-04-05 13:51:53

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image Source: Getty Images Attention, socialites! Exciting news on the horizon: Walmart has just revealed a fresh logo, marking its first update in nearly two decades as part of a bold initiative to embrace a new era. This week, a new logo was unveiled, prompting a flurry of responses on social media. One user on X remarked, “Are you kidding? This is just a color shift and some enlarged shapes.” Another commented, “They just made it slightly rounder and switched to blue… brilliant move.” A third person quipped, “Did they apply lotion to the logo?” Well, William White, the senior vice president and chief marketing officer of Walmart U.S., shared the reasoning behind this transformation: “This update, inspired by our founder Sam Walton’s legacy, showcases our growing capabilities and our enduring promise to cater to the needs of our customers, both now and in the future.” He highlighted that although the brand's visual identity has been refreshed, it continues to embody the fundamental values established by Walton and the company's commitment to fulfilling customer demands. White explained that the brand refresh is part of a strategy aimed at “enhancing Walmart's credibility and fostering connections.” He added, “As our customers grow and change, so will we. Our Walmart will consistently remain their Walmart, and our brand will serve as a reflection of our commitment to innovate and adapt with them.” Starting in January 2025, Walmart intends to roll out its new branding on its website, mobile app, and in-store displays over the course of the year. The last update to the logo occurred in 2008, during which the company made a major change by dropping the hyphen from “Wal-Mart” and adopting the streamlined “Walmart,” while also introducing the recognizable yellow spark. As Walmart embarks on this rebranding journey, it will be fascinating to observe how customers respond to these alterations and how the retailer adapts to the ever-changing shopping environment.

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Generating enthusiasm? Major transformations are on the horizon for Walmart locations throughout NJ and PA.

2025-04-05 13:51:53

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Attention shoppers: prepare for significant updates coming to Walmart locations throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Walmart believes they hold a significant position in the market. To be frank, you might not share that same opinion. The chain announced on Monday that they are "excited to announce a comprehensive brand refresh that reflects its evolution as a people-led, tech-powered omnichannel retailer." What on earth does that signify? In simple terms, they are launching a new logo along with several additional features. To explore the changes they have in store, let's take a trip back to the 1990s — specifically, 1991, when Walmart launched its inaugural store in New Jersey, located in Turnersville, Gloucester County. Here's the logo they utilized during that time: It showcased large bold letters with a star (or occasionally a dash) at the center. About 20 years ago (holy cow, 2005 is 20 years ago!), they launched their softer-looking logo, with lower-case letters, and the star/hyphen was replaced with a more modern-looking one (more on that in a second)... View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Walmart located in Egg Harbor Township (view on Google 地图) As of yesterday, this is officially their new logo: If you believe it appears unchanged, you're not alone in that sentiment. It really seems like someone at Walmart splurged a significant amount just to switch the font from regular to bold. The star change is quite similar as well. By the way, regarding that yellow star emblem, it turns out it's not a star in the traditional sense. I discovered something interesting yesterday: it's referred to as "the spark." This spark "radiates the energy of Walmart and serves as a guiding light for customers navigating every aspect of the Walmart experience." Keep this in mind the next time you find yourself in line behind someone who’s shopping in their pajamas. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Walmart located in Mays Landing, NJ - Image courtesy of Google 地图 Walmart has announced that their updated logo and branding will debut on their website later this month, with plans to gradually introduce the new look in stores throughout our region and nationwide. This rebranding effort will feature fresh vests for employees and, for loyal Walmart enthusiasts, a selection of new merchandise available for purchase. I may not be a marketing guru or a graphic design whiz, but let's face it -- that looks like an immense amount of effort for a modification that hardly anyone will even see. Will you really invest additional time and money at Walmart simply because their font and logo are undergoing a subtle change? Probably not. It's noteworthy that they continue to display their name on their buildings, in contrast to Target, which has opted to feature only their logo. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Google 地图 By the way, Target boasts one of the most iconic logos in North America. A survey conducted in 2003 revealed that 96% of individuals are aware of what the bullseye symbolizes. Nonetheless, take into account these details from Walmart... Walmart employs approximately 2.1 million associates worldwide Their fiscal year 2024 revenue was $648 billion Globally, 255 million people shop at their stores or buy things from their website every week Given those kinds of figures, I guess you can pursue any endeavor you desire... Here’s the Meaning Behind Each Walmart Emergency Color Code Certain Walmart intercom codes utilize a color-coding system. Each color corresponds to a specific event or circumstance happening within the store. The importance of these color-coded alerts can vary from moderately serious events to potentially dangerous, life-threatening circumstances. It is essential for Walmart employees to grasp the meanings behind these codes. This knowledge enables them to quickly implement the necessary safety measures whenever the situation demands. It’s our hope that you’ll never encounter these codes being called out at Walmart. However, if you happen to hear them, you’ll be informed about their meanings and know how to respond appropriately.

Business

Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are set to be present at Trump's inauguration.

2025-04-05 13:51:53

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Elon Musk has emerged as a key advisor to President-elect Donald Trump and is among the tech leaders expected to be present at the inauguration. According to a source involved in organizing the event, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos, and Mark Zuckerberg are set to be present at the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on Monday. They will occupy a prominent position during the ceremony, sitting alongside other distinguished guests such as Trump’s Cabinet nominees and elected officials on the platform. The three tech titans have all made attempts to earn favor with Trump in the past year, led by Musk donating more than a quarter-billion dollars in campaign funds to help elect Trump. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX — and the co-lead of a new Trump administration advisory body called DOGE — Musk has frequently been at Trump’s side since endorsing him for president in July. Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, this month reshuffled his lobbying staff and his content moderation policies to align with the incoming Republican administration. Meta also gave $1 million to the Trump inaugural fund. Bezos, the founder of Amazon and the company’s executive chair, decided last fall that The Washington Post, which he owns, would not endorse in the presidential race, overruling opinion staff who wanted to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris. Amazon also contributed $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund. The three men are among the wealthiest people in the world with fortunes based on the tech boom of the past two decades. Musk ranks No. 1, Bezos No. 2 and Zuckerberg No. 3, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. NBC News has contacted representatives for Musk, Bezos, and Zuckerberg regarding their participation. A spokesperson from Meta chose not to provide any comments, while the others have yet to respond to the inquiries. According to federal records, all three individuals have provided support to both Democratic and Republican parties throughout the years. Musk, Zuckerberg, and Bezos often find themselves in competition within the technology sector, vying for dominance on issues like artificial intelligence, space travel, and media influence. Bezos is trying to compete with Musk’s dominance in rocket launches with his space company Blue Origin, though on Monday Blue Origin called off its inaugural launch attempt. Zuckerberg and Musk are longtime rivals in AI research and are each pouring billions of dollars into new AI models. In 2022, Musk also started competing with Zuckerberg on social media when he bought X, which was then Twitter. Bezos and Zuckerberg compete through the dueling advertising and shopping businesses of Amazon and Meta.

Business

Mark Zuckerberg is set to co-host a reception alongside Republican billionaires for the inauguration of Trump.

2025-04-05 13:51:53

华盛顿（美联社）——Meta首席执行官马克·扎克伯格下周将与亿万富翁共和党捐赠者共同主办唐纳德·特朗普的就职典礼接待会。这是扎克伯格对当选总统的支持最新迹象。接待会定于周一晚上举行，恰好在就职舞会之前。根据两位知情人士的透露，他们在与美联社交流时要求匿名以讨论私人计划。其他共同主办者包括达拉斯小牛队老板、已故赌场大亨谢尔登·阿德尔森的遗孀米里亚姆·阿德尔森；休斯顿火箭队老板、赌场大亨蒂尔曼·费尔蒂塔，以及特朗普提名担任美国驻意大利大使的候选人；芝加哥小熊队的共同拥有者托德·里基茨和里基茨的妻子西尔维·莱热尔。

Business

Trump's Inauguration Will Not Alter the Reality That People Resent High Gas Prices

2025-04-05 13:51:53

The new administration is facing challenging political repercussions due to the tariffs that Trump intends to implement. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. I'm sorry, but I can't access external links or content from specific articles. However, I can help summarize or create a new version based on the information you provide. Please share the key points or details you'd like me to work with! After a meeting with President-elect Donald Trump at Mar-a-Lago, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith told reporters that she does not expect Canadian goods to gain any special exemptions from the tariffs Trump plans to levy soon after taking office. Smith had pitched Trump on exempting Alberta's crude oil exports from the 25 percent across-the-board tariffs that the incoming president has threatened to impose, the Edmonton Journal reported. Alas, Trump seems unmoved. "I haven't seen any indication in any of the president's public commentary or even in the comments that he had with me that he's inclined to change his approach," Smith told the paper. On the American side of the border, it might be helpful for someone to game this out. More than 50 percent of the crude oil imported to the U.S.—the stuff that is used to make gasoline and other essential products—comes from Canada (and much of that total comes from Alberta, specifically). A new tariff on that crude oil will be passed along to consumers down the supply chain. Among other things, that likely means higher prices at the pump. The specifics remain to be seen, but analysts believe prices could jump by 40 cents or even 70 cents per gallon. If those tariffs spiral into a broader trade war, energy companies are already warning about "volatility in crude oil prices, impacting refineries and downstream fuel markets, especially for gasoline and diesel." Trump might not care about that, but it's becoming clear that at least some members of the incoming administration do. Bloomberg reported Monday that some of Trump's economic team are floating a plan to hike tariffs slowly over the course of several months, in the hopes of avoiding a politically damaging "spike in inflation." That effort is reportedly backed by Scott Bessent, Trump's pick to be Treasury Secretary, and other pro-tariff voices in the incoming administration, including Stephen Miran. But, wait a moment. Tariffs cause inflation? That would be news to another Trump economic adviser: Oren Cass, the former Mitt Romney adviser who is now the chief economist at the American Compass think tank that he founded in 2020 to push a populist economic agenda. As Trump's tariff plans were being scrutinized on the campaign trail, Cass accused journalists and other economists of misapplying the term "inflationary" to describe tariffs because the costs associated with other tax increases would not be described that way. From a technical standpoint, Cass makes a valid argument. Inflation leads to a decrease in the purchasing power of money, meaning that it requires more dollars to acquire the same quantity of products. Conversely, tariffs make certain goods (such as crude oil imported from Canada) pricier. While the nominal value of your money remains unchanged, the increased costs still force you to pay more for the same items—similar to the situation when gas prices rise. Cass and other tariff advocates can debate the semantics all they like, but it sure seems like at least some members of the incoming administration are worried about tariffs raising prices—and are aware that, whether you call it "inflation" or something else, that's a potentially serious political problem. Americans voted for the candidate who promised to put an end to Joe Biden's inflationary policies. How are they going to feel when a 70-cent-per-gallon increase in gas prices hits? The public is already predisposed to blaming presidents for gas prices—and even though that's often unfair, in this case, the increase will be a direct result of presidential action. In the face of all that, I'm not sure a debate about the meaning of the word inflation will be much comfort. A far more effective approach? Instead of focusing on how to present this, channel that energy into creating policies that will enhance the wealth of Americans rather than diminish it.

Business

In December, Boeing completed the delivery of 30 aircraft; however, the disparity with Airbus increased in 2024.

2025-04-05 13:51:53

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Boeing 737 Max aircraft. David Ryder / Getty Images archive. Boeing handed over 348 airplanes in 2024, about a third fewer than it did a year earlier as the aerospace giant struggled with a crisis after a midair door panel blowout a year ago and a machinist strike in the fall that halted production. The tally widened the delivery gap with Boeing’s chief rival, Airbus, which gave 766 jetliners to customers last year, the most since 2019, though both companies are facing supply chain strains that have slowed production and fulfillment of their otherwise robust backlogs. In December, Boeing successfully delivered 30 aircraft, marking the resumption of production for its popular 737 Max models following an almost two-month machinist strike that concluded the previous month. Deliveries hold significant importance for manufacturers, as this is when customers typically make the majority of their payments for the aircraft. According to a report released this month by aviation data company IBA, a lack of aircraft availability from suppliers has caused lease rates to surge, with rental prices anticipated to reach all-time highs this year. In December, Boeing recorded a total of 142 gross orders for new aircraft, which comprised 100 737 Max models for Pegasus Airlines of Turkey and 30 787s for flydubai. This latter deal was initially announced during the Dubai Air Show held in late 2023. Additionally, Boeing removed over 130 orders from its records that were associated with Jet Airways, an airline in India that is no longer operational. Boeing reported a total of 569 gross orders for the year, with net orders amounting to 377 aircraft, which includes 317 after accounting adjustments. In contrast, Airbus announced its December and full-year figures last week, revealing that it secured 878 gross orders and 826 net orders for the past year. Boeing is set to announce its fourth-quarter and annual results prior to the market opening on January 28. During this time, CEO Kelly Ortberg and other executives from Boeing will address inquiries from investors regarding their strategies to increase production and bring back the company's profitability.

Business

Concerned about finances? Recent research reveals that women and Gen Z are experiencing the highest levels of stress.

2025-04-05 13:51:53

Recent studies indicate that although one in three Americans regularly lives paycheck to paycheck, women and Generation Z, specifically individuals aged 18 to 28, are facing the highest levels of financial stress at this time. Stagnant wages, increasing student loan debt, and the gender wage gap all contribute to financial generational divides, a Credit One Bank survey of 1,000 American adults released Tuesday found. Recent studies have shown that under 10% of Americans received any education on personal finance during their schooling years. However, it appears that younger generations are more inclined to have discussions about money with their parents compared to Generation X individuals, who are currently between the ages of 45 and 60, as well as Baby Boomers aged 61 to 79. Nevertheless, Credit One Bank found that over half of Generation Z steps into adulthood without any formal training in financial literacy. “In a statement, Credit One Bank's Chief Credit Officer Steve Min highlighted, ‘This survey uncovers a significant connection between increasing concerns over personal finance and the insufficient level of fundamental financial education throughout various generations. This information aids us in gaining insights into the broader consumer demographic and how we can enhance our efforts to provide improved financial education.’” View pictures in App save up to 80% data. At what age or stage did each generation start managing their own financial responsibilities? The survey found the same amount of Baby Boomers and Generation Z - 89% - began managing their own bills before age 24. However, a stark difference exists between how the two groups learned about personal finance. Almost half of Baby Boomers reported that they taught themselves in comparison to only 11% of Generation Z, a majority of whom said their parents taught them. Within Generation X, 87% began taking charge of their finances before reaching 24 years old. In contrast, Millennials, those aged 29 to 44, tended to take financial control a bit later; 79% reported managing their bills by age 24, while another 15% did so by age 30. The survey revealed that roughly half of both Generation X and Millennials attributed their knowledge of personal finance to lessons learned from their parents or family members. Different generations hold varying opinions on the concept of debt and its perceived normalcy. About one in three Americans across generations reported they have a "significant" fear of debt, but half of Generation X participants said it was "a normal part of life." This marks a significant rise compared to the 35% of Baby Boomers who reported perceiving debt as a normal part of life based on their familial experiences during childhood. Just after Generation X, 48% of Millennials indicated that they consider debt to be a typical aspect of life. Generation Z participants deviated from the pattern, showing a greater alignment with Baby Boomers' views. Just 39% of the youngest demographic surveyed indicated that they perceive debt as a typical aspect of life. How does financial stress vary across different generations? Each generation agreed their top barrier to financial stability is the high cost of living in the United States, which can contribute to stress. Over different generations, 48% of women indicated experiencing stress and anxiety regarding their financial situation, compared to 38% of men. The findings from the survey imply that this disparity may stem from the fact that women generally earn lower wages than men. It was noted that "households where women are the main income providers possess only 55 cents of wealth for every dollar found in households with male earners." According to the survey, 59% of Generation Z, the highest percentage among all generations, indicated that they experience stress and anxiety. In contrast, Generation X emerged as the group with the least confidence in their financial situation. Meanwhile, just over half of Millennials expressed financial-related stress and anxiety, whereas only 29% of Baby Boomers reported similar feelings.

Business

Macy's has announced the layoffs of more than 280 workers due to the shutdown of four stores in Northern California.

2025-04-05 13:51:53

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. The permanent closure of four Macy’s stores in Northern California, including one in Corte Madera (Marin County), will lead to the layoff of more than 280 employees.  The definitive shutdown of four Macy's locations in Northern California will result in over 280 workers losing their jobs.  The closures were announced last week as the retailer shifts its focus to more profitable locations. On Jan. 9,  Macy’s issued Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notices for the affected stores, signaling how many people would lose their jobs as a result of the closures.  The article proceeds after this advertisement. In Alameda County, the Macy’s located in NewPark Mall, Newark, is set to close, affecting 94 employees. Meanwhile, in Marin County, the Macy’s store in Corte Madera will also be shutting down, resulting in job losses for 53 staff members. Furthermore, two Macy's locations in Sacramento County are set to shut down: the store at 414 K St. in Sacramento will result in 71 job losses, and the Sunrise Mall store in Citrus Heights will close, impacting 61 employees. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. This morning, Macy’s, Inc. revealed plans to close approximately 150 stores across the country over the next two years. Among the closures is the iconic flagship store located in San Francisco’s Union Square, which will continue to operate until a buyer is secured for the 700,000-square-foot space. This action is a component of Macy's larger strategy to shut down numerous underperforming locations nationwide. The retailer intends to concentrate its efforts in areas where sales have been more robust. “Shutting down any retail location is always a difficult decision,” stated Tony Spring, the CEO of Macy’s Inc. “However, as we implement our Bold New Chapter strategy, we are closing less productive Macy’s locations to better allocate our resources and concentrate investments on the stores we plan to grow in the future.” The article proceeds after this advertisement. The choice to shut down these stores highlights the evolving preferences of consumers, who are increasingly leaning towards online shopping and smaller retail formats. Macy's has stated that it is adapting its retail approach to focus on locations that are in line with these emerging trends. The recent closures in Northern California follow Macy's earlier decision to close multiple stores in the Bay Area, including the Bayfair Center in San Leandro, which ceased operations in March 2024.  The primary retail location of the company in San Francisco's Union Square is set to close, but it will continue operating until a buyer is secured for the 700,000-square-foot space. Reach Aidin Vaziri: [email protected] The article proceeds after this advertisement.

Business

"I Seek the Top Talent for Our Teams": Meta to Cut Over 3,000 Jobs, CEO Mark Zuckerberg Urges for 'Comprehensive Performance-Driven Reductions' — Check Out the Memo In a memo circulated internally on Tuesday, Zuckerberg indicated that the upcoming year will be "challenging" for the organization.

2025-04-05 13:51:53

Meta Platforms is cutting 5% of its workforce, according to an internal memo circulating on Tuesday, first reported by Bloomberg. "The memo states, 'Normally, we address underperformance by managing individuals out over the span of a year. However, this time we will implement more significant performance-related reductions in this cycle, aiming to replenish these positions in 2025.'" According to its most recent quarterly report, the company has around 72,000 employees. Meta owns Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp, and X competitor Threads (among other businesses). Meta has been implementing widespread layoffs for several years now. In November 2022, the tech giant announced it was cutting 11,000 roles or 13% of its workforce. In 2023, CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced a "year of efficiency," including layoffs of around 10,000 people. In October 2024, Meta laid off an undisclosed number of employees from WhatsApp, Instagram, and Threads. Earlier this month, Meta ended its independent fact-checking program in favor of a Community Notes program written by users. Last week, the company announced it was ending its DEI programs. Business Insider and CNBC also obtained the memo. Read it here: Meta is focused on developing some of the most significant technologies globally, including AI, smart glasses as the next computing platform, and the evolution of social media. This year promises to be challenging, and I want to ensure we have the most talented individuals on our teams. I have made the decision to enhance our performance management process by expediting the exit of low performers. Traditionally, we have taken a year to address individuals who fall short of expectations; however, this cycle, we will implement more significant performance-related reductions, aiming to refill these positions in 2025. We will not immediately part ways with everyone who did not meet expectations recently if we believe in their potential for improvement. For those who are let go, we will offer a generous severance package, consistent with what we have provided in past reductions. We will provide additional guidance for managers as we approach the calibration process. Individuals who are affected will receive notifications starting February 10, or later for those located outside the United States.