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QVC bankruptcy filing a sign of the times
QVC’s bankruptcy filing looks like a sign of the times for legacy TV shopping and other cable-era retailers under pressure from e-commerce, higher debt, and shifting consumer habits. The company said it plans to restructure more than $5 billion in debt through Chapter 11 while trying to keep operating, which is a strong signal that the old home-shopping model is struggling to adapt. Why it matters QVC has been dealing with falling revenue, widening losses, and a weakening ba

The CONNECT Network
Apr 171 min read


Trader Joe’s agrees to $7.4M settlement
Trader Joe’s has agreed to a $7.4 million settlement over allegations that some receipts printed too much card information, which could have exposed customers to identity-theft risk. Customers who used a credit or debit card at certain Trader Joe’s locations between March and July 2019 may be eligible to file a claim, even if they did not suffer identity theft. What the case says The lawsuit claims some receipts showed more digits of card numbers than allowed by law, while Tr

The CONNECT Network
Apr 171 min read


Dr. Idriss, Shani Darden & Sofie Pavitt Decode Skincare Ingredients at SEPHORiA
At SEPHORiA, Dr. Idriss, Shani Darden, and Sofie Pavitt break down skincare ingredients by focusing on how they actually solve common concerns like dark spots, acne, and texture. The segment is part of Sephora’s pro-founder skincare content, which spotlights expert-led brands and explains what key ingredients do for the skin. What they cover The featured brands and products center on actives like azelaic acid, mandelic acid, and other treatment ingredients used for brightness

The CONNECT Network
Apr 171 min read


How The Iran War Is Hurting California’s Struggling Oil Market
The Iran war is squeezing California’s oil market because the state depends heavily on imported crude and refined fuel, so global supply shocks hit it harder than most places. California also has fewer refineries and limited alternative supply options, which makes price spikes more severe and longer lasting. Why California feels it first Reports say nearly 75% of California’s crude oil is imported, with a significant share tied to overseas supply routes affected by the confli

The CONNECT Network
Apr 151 min read


‘GMA’ Deals & Steals on big savings from small businesses
“GMA” Deals & Steals is spotlighting savings from small businesses, with Tory Johnson offering exclusive discounts on products across categories like beauty, home, accessories, and more. The deals are sold directly by each brand and are often promoted as limited-time offers with savings that can start around 40% to 50% off. What’s included Recent roundups have featured brands such as Drift, LAWLESS Beauty, The Wrap Life, Tarte, Packit, and others. The lineup changes regularly

The CONNECT Network
Apr 151 min read


Air New Zealand Unveils Bunk Bed Sleep Pods for Economy Fliers
Air New Zealand is rolling out its Skynest economy sleep pods, a bunk bed-style setup designed for ultra-long-haul flights. The airline says passengers will still buy a normal economy seat, then pay extra for a four-hour pod booking on select routes like Auckland-New York. How it works Skynest features six lie-flat pods, stacked in a bunk-style layout, with linens, pillows, curtains, and privacy lighting. The airline says the first service windows will be limited, with passe

The CONNECT Network
Apr 151 min read


Dr. Pimple Popper Shares Her Product Picks for Glowy Skin
Dr. Pimple Popper shared her go-to picks for getting glowy skin, including the CeraVe SA cleanser, an oil-controlling sunscreen, and even a silk pillowcase. Her broader skincare advice continues to center on simple, consistent routines built around proven ingredients like salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, retinol, and sunscreen. What she recommends Her TV segment highlights products that help clear pores, keep oil in check, and support a smoother-looking complexion. She’s also

The CONNECT Network
Apr 151 min read


Why Retail Brands Are Racing To Open In-Store Coffee Shops
Retail brands are opening in-store coffee shops because coffee makes stores feel like destinations, not just places to buy something. The café gives shoppers a reason to stay longer, which can increase foot traffic, brand exposure, and the chance of extra purchases. Why it works A coffee shop changes the pace of a store. Instead of rushing in and out, customers linger, relax, and spend more time absorbing the brand’s atmosphere. That matters because retailers are competing no

The CONNECT Network
Apr 141 min read


Latest on alleged attack at OpenAI CEO's home
A Texas man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder after authorities say he threw a Molotov cocktail at OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s San Francisco home. Reports say the suspect also went to OpenAI’s headquarters afterward and allegedly threatened to burn down the building. Latest developments New surveillance images show the 20-year-old suspect holding what investigators say was the incendiary device before the attack. Prosecutors are treating the case as a planned, t

The CONNECT Network
Apr 141 min read


Lululemon under investigation over potential "forever chemicals" in clothing
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has opened an investigation into Lululemon over possible PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” in its activewear. The company says it stopped using PFAS in 2023 and says it is cooperating with the probe. What the probe covers The investigation is looking at whether Lululemon’s clothing contains chemicals that consumers would not expect based on the brand’s wellness-focused marketing. PFAS are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down

The CONNECT Network
Apr 141 min read


Orange County coffee shop creates jobs for people with disabilities
A Fullerton coffee shop in Orange County is getting attention for hiring workers with disabilities and giving them a visible role behind the counter. The shop, now known as Chase Coffee Roasters, is part of a growing inclusion-focused trend in coffee retail. What the shop does The café serves specialty drinks while creating paid jobs and training opportunities for people with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. Reports say the goal is not just employment,

The CONNECT Network
Apr 141 min read


Inside The U.S. Navy’s $2.3 Billion Retail Business To Aid Military Servicemembers
The U.S. Navy’s retail arm, the Navy Exchange, is a $2.3 billion business that sells discounted, tax-free goods to service members and their families, and its profits are reinvested into Navy welfare programs. To keep it alive, the Navy is renovating stores, investing about $100 million across the chain, and trying to compete more effectively with Amazon and Walmart. How it works Navy Exchange stores range from small micro-markets to large department stores on bases around th

The CONNECT Network
Apr 131 min read


Impending US Strait of Hormuz blockade sends oil prices soaring
Oil prices are surging because the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz threatens a route that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. Brent crude jumped above $100 a barrel, and analysts warn prices could climb further if the disruption lasts. What’s driving the spike The blockade is aimed at choking off Iranian oil revenue, but it also tightens global supply and raises the risk of wider shipping disruption. With oil and gas flows through the s

The CONNECT Network
Apr 131 min read


Tomato prices rising fast
Tomato prices are rising fast because several pressures are hitting the market at once: tariffs on Mexican imports, higher diesel costs, and supply-chain strain. Fresh tomatoes are now averaging about $2.26 per pound, roughly 23% higher than a year ago, which is the highest level in eight years. What’s driving it Most fresh tomatoes in the U.S. come from Mexico, and tariffs on those imports are adding to costs. At the same time, tomatoes have to travel long distances by truck

The CONNECT Network
Apr 131 min read


How Kodak’s CEO Plans To Keep The Business Alive After Over 100 Years
Kodak’s CEO, Jim Continenza, says the company’s survival plan is to keep shrinking debt, focus on its strongest businesses, and operate more like a disciplined startup than a legacy giant. He’s betting on film’s Hollywood comeback, advanced materials, and chemicals while keeping the Kodak brand alive for the next generation. The turnaround plan Continenza says Kodak has already cut more than $400 million in debt and shifted its focus toward printing, advanced materials, and c

The CONNECT Network
Apr 131 min read


Prices surged in March after oil shock set off by Iran war
Inflation surged in March after the Iran war triggered a major oil shock, with consumer prices up 3.3% from a year earlier and 0.9% from February. The jump was driven largely by energy costs, especially gasoline, which rose about 21% to 25% in March depending on the report cited. What drove the spike The reports say the conflict caused disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments, sending crude and fuel prices sharply higher. That fed

The CONNECT Network
Apr 101 min read


Smash-and-grab robbers raid New Jersey jewelry store with sledgehammers
A smash-and-grab crew reportedly used sledgehammers to hit a New Jersey jewelry store and flee with merchandise, in a fast-moving robbery that’s drawing attention for its boldness. Similar recent cases in the region have involved suspects smashing display cases in broad daylight and escaping with high-value goods in minutes. What the reports say The incident fits a growing pattern of smash-and-grab jewelry heists, where thieves use heavy tools to break in quickly and take lux

The CONNECT Network
Apr 101 min read


The price of bottled water is set to spike in U.S. Here's why
The price of bottled water is expected to rise in the U.S. because higher oil prices are pushing up the cost of plastic packaging, which is a major input for bottled drinks. Analysts also say companies are likely to pass those higher costs on to shoppers, so the increase could show up pretty quickly at stores. Why it’s happening The main driver is the spike in oil tied to the Iran conflict, which has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and lifted energy costs worl

The CONNECT Network
Apr 91 min read


Candy makers quietly change recipes as climate change hits cocoa industry
Candy makers are quietly reformulating products as climate change drives cocoa prices higher and makes supplies less reliable. A recent PBS report says Hershey is now moving some classic brands back to earlier milk and dark chocolate recipes after consumer backlash over changes and substitutes. What’s changing Manufacturers have been using less cocoa, swapping in cheaper fats or partially coating candies in chocolate to cut costs. When recipes fall below the standard for milk

The CONNECT Network
Apr 91 min read


Anthropic says newest AI model is too powerful to release to public
Anthropic says its newest model, Claude Mythos Preview, is too powerful to release publicly because it can find and exploit serious software vulnerabilities with unusual accuracy. Instead of a full launch, Anthropic is giving limited access to a small group of partners for defensive cybersecurity work. Why it matters The company says the model’s capabilities raise concerns that criminals or spies could misuse it, especially for breaking into major operating systems and web br

The CONNECT Network
Apr 91 min read
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