Apple’s New Foldable iPhone Reportedly Cracks Before Setup Is Complete Apple’s first foldable iPhone is facing early durability concerns after some customers reported cracked inner screens just days after the device went on sale. One user claimed the phone’s display cracked before they could even finish setting it up. The device, called the iPhone Duo, launched on October 23, 2026. Reports of damaged screens have since appeared on social media, with some owners describing cra

Thousands of American Restaurants Close as Rising Costs and Falling Sales Pressure Industry Thousands of restaurant locations across the United States have reportedly closed during the first half of 2026, highlighting the growing financial pressures facing the food service industry. Rising operating expenses and declining sales are forcing restaurant owners to make difficult decisions about whether they can afford to remain open. According to the report, more than 7,500 resta

Holiday Hiring Surge: Where to Find Seasonal Jobs Ahead of the Busy Shopping Season As the holiday shopping season approaches, major companies are ramping up hiring to prepare for increased consumer demand. Seasonal positions offer job seekers an opportunity to earn extra income, gain work experience or potentially find a path toward longer-term employment. ABC News correspondent Elizabeth Schulze highlights the seasonal hiring push as retailers and other businesses prepare f

Inside Matouk: The Fall River Luxury Linen Company Serving Customers Around the World A Massachusetts-based luxury linen company is bringing craftsmanship and attention to detail to homes around the world. Matouk, headquartered in Fall River, Massachusetts, recently welcomed WBZ-TV reporter Paula Ebben for a behind-the-scenes tour of its headquarters, offering a closer look at the company and its approach to luxury home textiles. Known for its premium bedding, bath linens and

Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy Addresses Portion Sizes, Prices and Controversy in First TV Interview Chick-fil-A CEO Andrew Cathy is opening up about the decisions shaping one of America’s biggest fast-food chains, addressing everything from rising menu prices and portion sizes to faith, family ownership, and the company’s history of controversy. In his first-ever broadcast interview, Cathy sat down with TODAY’s Craig Melvin for a wide-ranging conversation about the brand’s fut

That luxurious hotel smell might be part of the experience for some guests, but for others, it’s becoming a reason to complain. Major hotel chains increasingly use signature scents in their lobbies and public spaces to create a welcoming atmosphere and make their properties more memorable. From fresh floral fragrances to warm, woody aromas, these carefully selected scents are designed to become part of a hotel's identity. However, the practice is drawing criticism from guests

Starbucks could be preparing for a major expansion beyond coffee, with reports that the company has explored acquiring Chipotle Mexican Grill in a deal that could reshape the restaurant industry. According to the Financial Times, Starbucks has consulted with advisers about a potential takeover of Chipotle, one of the nation's best-known fast-casual restaurant chains. If completed, the acquisition could become one of the largest restaurant deals in history, bringing two major

Chemical peels have become a popular option for people looking to improve the appearance of acne scars, sun damage, uneven skin tone and fine lines. But while the name may sound simple, the treatment can range from a relatively mild surface treatment to a much deeper procedure that requires significant recovery. A chemical peel uses a chemical solution to remove controlled layers of skin. As the treated skin heals, new skin grows back, often leaving the surface looking smooth

McDonald’s is preparing for a major makeover. The fast-food giant has unveiled its new McDonald’s NEXT strategy, a long-term plan that combines artificial intelligence, restaurant upgrades, menu changes and employee training in an effort to bring more customers through its doors. The company plans to provide approximately $8.5 billion in support through 2036 to help franchisees modernize restaurants, deploy new technology and improve operations. About $5 billion of that suppo

Millions of pounds of additional beef are now eligible to enter the United States under a temporary policy from the Trump administration aimed at addressing high beef prices. President Donald Trump signed a proclamation in August increasing the amount of lean beef trimmings that can enter the country at lower, in-quota tariff rates. The measure adds 300,000 metric tons — roughly 661 million pounds — of lean beef trimmings to the 2026 tariff-rate quota. The expanded quota runs

For anyone who grew up wandering the aisles of Toys “R” Us, the iconic toy retailer is bringing back a familiar sight just in time for the holidays. Toys “R” Us has announced plans to open 120 new standalone stores across the United States during the 2026 holiday season, marking its biggest U.S. expansion in nearly a decade. The move will increase the company's standalone U.S. locations from about 40 to 160 stores. The expansion is being carried out in partnership with Go! Re

Amanda Seyfried and Thomas Sadoski are ending their marriage after nine years together. The actors confirmed their separation in a joint statement to PEOPLE, revealing that they have actually been living apart for some time. “We have been separated for a while, and it’s proven to be the right move for us and our family unit,” the couple said. “We’ve got each other forever — and it’s GOOD.” The pair did not provide additional details about what led to their separation. A Priva

For years, generous return policies have been a major selling point for retailers. But as return fraud and abuse continue to cost businesses billions of dollars, some retailers are taking a much tougher approach—including banning customers from making future returns or shopping with them altogether. Retailers are increasingly using technology to analyze customers' return histories and identify patterns that could indicate abuse. Return Fraud Is Costing Retailers Billions The

Target is facing widespread backlash after a children's Halloween costume sold by the retailer was criticized for resembling racist caricatures associated with Blackface and minstrel shows. The costume, marketed as the “Kids’ Glows Under Blacklight Circus Clown Halloween Costume,” featured an orange-and-black outfit, black gloves and a mask with an exaggerated, wide smile and small top hat. A promotional image showed a Black child wearing the costume, which further fueled cri

Chain restaurants across the United States are closing hundreds of locations as consumers increasingly say they are tired of paying higher prices for meals out. The trend is particularly noticeable among value-conscious customers, including New Yorkers who say restaurant meals have become too expensive to justify as frequently as they once did. Recent reporting shows that major chains are scaling back their footprints, while some independent restaurants are also struggling wi

Retail Sales Post Largest Drop in More Than a Year Published: August 18, 2026 Americans pulled back on their spending in July, with retail sales recording their largest decline in more than a year, according to newly released Commerce Department data. The latest numbers point to a noticeable slowdown in consumer spending, an important indicator of the overall health of the U.S. economy. Americans Cut Back on Spending Economists are closely watching the July figures as consume

Who says you can't dance your way to cheaper gas? Customers at the Sunoco Station and Halfmoon Car Wash in Clifton Park, New York, got an unusual opportunity to save money at the pump: show off your best dance move and get 20% off your gas. “Want a discount? Show us your best dance move.” A sign at the station offered customers the deal, and people were more than willing to take the challenge. Videos show customers shaking, shimmying and singing along as they danced inside t

If a vehicle looks like an Amazon delivery van, operates like one and delivers Amazon packages, you might assume it's simply an Amazon delivery operation. But Amazon says the situation is more complicated. What's the issue? The debate centers on who is legally responsible for Amazon's delivery operations and the workers who carry out those deliveries. Amazon relies heavily on independent delivery businesses and contractors to get packages to customers. The company has argued

Buc-ee's has filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit against a convenience store in Beavercreek, Ohio, alleging that the independently owned business is using branding that is too similar to Buc-ee's well-known name and logo. What Buc-ee's claims According to the lawsuit, Buc-ee's argues that the Beavercreek store: Uses a business name that could confuse customers. Displays a logo that is allegedly similar to Buc-ee's trademarked branding. Infringes on the company's fe

Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Masino is stepping down nearly a year after the restaurant chain’s attempted rebrand sparked strong reactions from customers. Leadership change According to reports: Cracker Barrel announced that Masino will leave her role as CEO next month. She will remain with the company in an advisory capacity through October 9 to help with the transition. The rebrand controversy The leadership change comes after the company introduced efforts to modernize its bra