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☆ US job openings grew in December
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-30 | by ( Alicia Wallace | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

However, despite the uptick, the labor market remains in the throes of a cooldown amid the Federal Reserve’s aggressive actions to curb inflation. The United States had an estimated 9.026 million job openings in December, according to seasonally adjusted data released as part of the BLS’ monthly Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey (JOLTS) report. Economists had expected December job openings to drop for a fourth consecutive month and land at 8.714 million. Outside of the initial stages of the pandemic, that was the lowest hires rate since 2014. At one point in early 2022, job openings soared north of 12 million.

Persons: “, ” Jennifer Lee, that’s, Jerome Powell Organizations: New, New York CNN, of Labor Statistics, United, Labor, BMO Capital Markets, Fed, BLS, Federal Reserve Locations: New York, United States

☆ Feeling Down About Politics? The Hospitality of This Iowan Will Give You a Lift.
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-14 | by ( John Mccormick | Jennifer Levitz | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

DES MOINES, Iowa—Sharon McNutt is planning on as many as 50 guests piling into her home on Monday evening and doesn’t care if they snack in her kitchen or settle into one of her favorite recliners. And she certainly doesn’t care if they bicker about politics. 245) in southwest Iowa appears to be the last practitioner of a disappearing tradition: hosting precinct meetings in a private home for the Iowa presidential caucuses, which this year will kick off the 2024 Republican nominating process. But a review of the locations where the 1,657 GOP precinct meetings are to be held revealed McNutt’s residence as a one-of-a-kind venue, something a state GOP spokesman confirmed. The rest of the Republican caucuses will be held in schools, libraries, churches and other public places.

Persons: Sharon McNutt, Rice Organizations: DES, Silver City, GOP, Republican Locations: DES MOINES, Iowa

☆ The Last Living-Room Caucus: a 77-Year-Old Mayor Keeps Iowa’s Homey Tradition Alive
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-13 | by ( John Mccormick | Jennifer Levitz | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

Persons: Sharon McNutt, Rice Organizations: DES, Silver City, GOP, Republican Locations: DES MOINES, Iowa

Neither of the weekend’s top new releases — “Wish” and Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” — could keep up with Lionsgate's “Hunger Games” prequel. With an estimated budget of $200 million, “Napoleon” may still have a long road to reach profitability for Apple, which partnered with Sony to distribute “Napoleon” theatrically. “Wish," at least, is faring better than Disney’s Thanksgiving release last year: 2022's “Strange World" bombed with a five-day $18.9 million opening. Alexander Payne's film starring Paul Giamatti as a boarding school instructor made $3.8 million over the five-day weekend. Ticket sales overall reached $172 million in U.S. and Canada theaters over the five-day holiday weekend, according to Comscore.

Persons: ”, Ridley Scott’s “ Napoleon ” —, Lionsgate's, Panem, Napoleon ”, Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Joséphine de Beauharnais, Napoleon, Martin Scorsese’s, “ Napoleon ”, “ Ralph, Coco ”, Chris Buck, Jennifer Lee, Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Critics weren't, ’, Paul Dergarabedian, We're, “, Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Bradley Cooper's, Maestro ”, Alexander Payne's, Paul Giamatti, Comscore, “ Napoleon, “ Taylor Swift Organizations: Walt Disney Co, Rotten, Apple Studios, Apple, Sony, Disney, Marvel, DreamWorks, Universal Pictures, Amazon, MGM, Netflix, it's, “ Locations: Waterloo, Oxford, Canada

☆ ‘Wish’ review: Disney tries to thaw out its ‘Frozen’ magic with Ariana DeBose
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Brian Lowry | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

CNN —More than 70 years after Disney had a cricket sing about wishing upon a star, “Wish” picks up that theme, in an animated movie that desperately wants to thaw out some of the studio’s “Frozen” magic. Hailing from members of that movie’s creative team, “Wish” doesn’t quite reach the stars, but it does shine intermittently while introducing another plucky teenage female heroine, gamely voiced by Ariana DeBose. The movie does however celebrate the power of wishes, and in the process, decades of Disney history. By that measure, “Wish” mostly delivers – a credible addition to Disney’s long filmography, even if it’s not exactly a dream come true. “Wish” will offer early-access screenings on November 18 and open wide in US theaters on November 22.

Persons: ”, gamely, Ariana DeBose, Julia Michaels, Benjamin Rice, Bruno, Asha, –, King Magnifico, Chris Pine, Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn, “ Raya, Jennifer Lee, Allison Moore, “, Alan Tudyk’s, Valentino, it’s, Indiana Jones Organizations: CNN, Disney, “ Locations: Rosas, “, Magnifico

REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni Acquire Licensing RightsLOS ANGELES, Nov 20 (Reuters) - "Wish," the new animated musical movie marking Walt Disney Co's (DIS.N) 100th anniversary, reaches back to its modest beginnings to inspire future generations. Walt Disney Studios was founded in 1923 in Hollywood, California, by brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney, making it the world's oldest running animation studio. Disney movies are usually based on classic fairy or folk tales, mixing romance, humor, sadness, high-stakes action and self-discovery. "Not just to wish, but usually sing to their heart's desire, and so I think it's important to this movie obviously. I think it will be important to many Disney movies in the future too."

Persons: Ariana DeBose, Asha, Chris Pine, Roy, Mario Anzuoni, Walt Disney, Walt, Jennifer Lee, Lee, King Magnifico, Roy O, Danielle Broadway, Rollo Ross, Mary Milliken, Richard Chang Organizations: Disney Animation, REUTERS, Walt Disney Co's, Walt Disney Animation, Disney, Walt Disney Studios, Thomson Locations: Burbank , California, U.S, Kingdom of Rosas, Hollywood , California

☆ A Decongestant in Many Cold Medicines Is Ineffective
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-12 | by ( Dani Blum | More About Dani Blum | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Pseudoephedrine, which is found in behind-the-counter products like Sudafed, is effective at clearing congestion, Dr. Dykewicz said; just keep in mind that it can come with side effects. After that, you run the risk of rebound congestion: when the mucosal surfaces in your nose swell, making you feel even more clogged up than before. There are some sprays that you can use for longer stretches, without the rebound risk, namely steroid sprays that contain ingredients like fluticasone (Flonase) or triamcinolone (Nasacort), which are available over-the-counter. Can I treat congestion without medication? In many cases, you can treat a stuffed-up nose by standing in a steamy shower or using a humidifier to help clear your nasal passages, Dr.

Persons: ”, Jennifer Le, Dykewicz, Allegra, Mark Aronica, Le, Andrew Lane, Johns Organizations: Skaggs School of Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Cleveland Clinic, Sinus Locations: San Diego

☆ 'Barbie' is about to pass 'Super Mario Bros.' and become the world's biggest movie of 2023
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-26 | by ( Ryan Hogg | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

"Barbie" is poised to overtake Super Mario globally after becoming the biggest US movie this year. "Barbie" is Warner Bros.' most successful US release and is about to become its biggest film ever. The Greta Gerwig-directed film about Mattel's plastic doll surpassed "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" domestically with a $575.4 million gross, according to data seen by The Hollywood Reporter and Deadline . Warner Bros./Universal"Barbie" is now Warner Bros'. Nolan's latest three-hour epic has performed very well at the box office, taking almost $725 million, per Box Office Mojo.

Persons: Greta Gerwig, Mario, Barbie, pip Mario, execs, Margot Robbie, Ryan Gosling, Gerwig, Oppenheimer, Christopher Nolan's, Harry Potter, Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck, Noah Baumbach, Matt Winkelmeyer, Robbie, Gosling Organizations: Super Mario, Warner Bros, Mario Bros, Hollywood, Mojo, Variety, Staff, Getty, Australian

☆ 'Barbie' to top $1 billion at the global box office Sunday
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-06 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Discovery and Mattel will top $1 billion in global ticket sales, before the end of the weekend, according to estimates from the studio. Gerwig joins Anna Boden, co-director of Disney's "Captain Marvel," as the only two women to helm a live-action billion-dollar film. Universal's "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" has topped $1.3 billion since its April debut. Each film tallied less than $200 million in domestic box office receipts. "The box office powerhouse isn't done yet as the coming weeks offer little in the way of direct competition, giving 'Barbie' plenty of runway to continue building on this success," Robbins said.

Persons: Barbie, Shawn Robbins, Greta Gerwig, Gerwig, Anna Boden, Marvel, Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck, Mario, Paul Dergarabedian, Indiana Jones, Robbins Organizations: Warner Bros . Discovery, Mattel, Disney, Warner Bros, Mario Bros, Comscore, Furious, Comcast, CNBC Locations: Comscore, NBCUniversal

☆ 'Barbie' is less than $100 million away from a billion-dollar box office heading into third weekend
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-04 | by ( Sarah Whitten | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

"Barbie" is less than $100 million away from topping $1 billion at the global box office. "Joining the billion-dollar box office club is a watershed moment for 'Barbie' and Greta Gerwig as the latter will become the first solo female director to achieve that feat," said Shawn Robbins, chief analyst at BoxOffice.com. Anna Boden, co-director of Disney's "Captain Marvel," was the first female director to be attached to a billion-dollar live-action film. When "Barbie" tops this mark, it will become the first billion-dollar film to do so for the newly minted Warner Bros. Box office analysts don't expect "Barbie" ticket sales to stall after this weekend, either.

Persons: Barbie, Greta Gerwig, Shawn Robbins, Anna Boden, Marvel, Jennifer Lee, Chris Buck, Robbins, It's, Paul Dergarabedian Organizations: Warner Bros . Discovery, Mattel, BoxOffice.com, Disney, Warner Bros, Comscore, Screen, – American Federation of Television, Radio Artists Locations: Comscore, Hollywood

☆ ‘Preppy Killer’ Robert Chambers is released again from prison after serving years for unrelated drug crimes
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-29 | by ( Celina Tebor | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Robert Chambers, known as the “Preppy Killer” for murdering a teenager in Central Park in 1986, was released again this week from prison after serving time for unrelated drug crimes. Chambers served a 15-year sentence for first-degree manslaughter and second-degree burglary beginning in 1988 and was released in 2003, according to New York State Department of Corrections records. He was imprisoned again in 2008 on unrelated charges of first-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance and second-degree assault, according to Department of Corrections records. After serving 15 years at New York’s Shawangunk Correctional Facility, Chambers was released on parole Tuesday. Chambers will be under post-release supervision until July 2028, Department of Corrections records say.

Persons: Robert Chambers, Chambers, Jennifer Levin, Levin Organizations: CNN, New York State Department of Corrections, of Corrections Locations: Central Park

☆ The mother-daughter duo behind the thrift store Buffalo Exchange explains how they built a $103 million company from used clothes
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-05 | by ( Jennifer Ortakales Dawkins | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Kerstin and Spencer Block founded the resale chain Buffalo Exchange in 1974. Back then, secondhand clothing carried a stigma as a lower-class necessity, said Kerstin Block, the president and co-owner of Buffalo Exchange. The industry is expected to double in size, reaching $350 billion by 2027, and Buffalo Exchange is at the forefront of resale's emerging appeal. Popularizing the 'buy, sell, trade' modelKerstin (left) and Spencer Block in their first resale store in Tucson, Arizona. "It really is the fun part of the job — being in the store and helping customers," Rebecca said.

Persons: Kerstin, Spencer Block, Rebecca, —, Kerstin Block, Rebecca Block, Tucson , Arizona . Buffalo Exchange Kerstin, Spencer, Jennifer Le Zotte, Le Zotte, Buffalo Exchange Spencer, Buffalo Exchange's Organizations: Buffalo Exchange, Service, Google, Buffalo, Tucson , Arizona . Buffalo Exchange, University of North, tote, Nike Locations: Buffalo, Tucson , Arizona, University of North Carolina, New York, Buffalo Exchange's Ventura , California

☆ US consumer confidence hits nine-month low; housing market bottoming out
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-25 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

Consumers have shown resilience despite high inflation and a rise in interest rates, keeping the economy afloat, thanks to a strong labor market. The Conference Board said its consumer confidence index fell to 101.3, the lowest reading since July 2022, from 104.0 in March. The survey's so-called labor market differential, derived from data on respondents' views on whether jobs are plentiful or hard to get, rose to 37.3 from 36.5 in March, consistent with a tight labor market. "Take consumer purchase plans with a grain of salt," said Tim Quinlan, a senior economist at Wells Fargo in Charlotte, North Carolina. That skepticism also extended to home purchase plans.

☆ US services sector growth slows; price pressures abating
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-05 | by ( Lucia Mutikani | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Despite the pullback in growth in the services sector, Anthony Nieves, chair of the ISM Services Business Survey Committee noted that "the majority of respondents report a positive outlook on business conditions." The services sector is being supported by consumers switching spending from goods, which are typically bought on credit. ISM services PMITRADE DEFICIT WIDENSWhile accommodation and food services businesses reported that "traffic is recovering and nearly flat," they added "we are optimistic about the coming months." With demand cooling, services sector inflation continued to subside, though it remains elevated. Services sector employment growth also moderated.

☆ A popular brand of hoverboard was just recalled, nearly a year after two sisters died in a fire authorities linked to the toy
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-31 | by ( Aidan Pollard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The 42-volt model of Jetson Rogue Hoverboard was recalled this week. Following the fire in April, the Hellertown Borough Fire Marshal determined the Jetson Rogue Hoverboard started the blaze, local station WPVI reported. In a notice posted on its website on Thursday, the CPSC urged customers to immediately stop using the 42-volt version of Jetson Rogue Hoverboard. The recalled Jetson Rogue hoverboards were sold at Target stores nationwide and on the Jetson Rogue website, according to the CPSC. The Kaufman family purchased the hoverboard at Walmart, Lehigh Valley Live reported.

☆ Shoppers say secondhand stores like Goodwill are getting too expensive as Gen Z makes thrifting cool
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-21 | by ( Mary Hanbury | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

TikTokers are complaining about high prices in secondhand stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army. The US thrift market has grown substantially in recent years and thrifting has become a popular pursuit of Gen Z shoppers, who have been credited with championing a more sustainable way to shop. But Gen Z shoppers aren't only buying secondhand items for themselves. That is a dubious delineation when it comes to major secondhand clothing corporations," Jennifer Le Zotte, an assistant professor at the University of North Carolina Wilmington told Vox. 23-year-old Stefani Colvin, who has been thrifting since 2016, told Insider that prices have been gradually on the rise in thrift stores.

☆ Rick Singer and Other Notable Figures Who Were Sentenced in the Varsity Blues Scandal
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-09 | by ( Melissa Korn | Jennifer Levitz | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Douglas HodgeThe former chief executive of bond giant Pimco was sentenced to nine months in prison after paying $850,000 to the company and charity of Mr. Singer, as well as to Georgetown’s former tennis coach and a University of Southern California account controlled by an administrator who was also charged in the case. Katherine Taylor/Reuters

☆ Dual citizens abroad say it's worth ballot obstacles to make sure their votes count
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-03 | by ( Sakshi Venkatraman | Sakshi Venkatraman Is A Reporter For Nbc Asian America. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +7 min

When I moved overseas, it wasn’t as easy.”Thousands of dual citizens like Lee are eligible to vote in the coming election, and experts say in a close race, they could be a critical bloc. In 2020, Georgia saw 27,252 votes cast from abroad, which exceeded the 11,779-vote margin of victory that flipped the state blue. But while dual citizens have a constitutional right to cast their ballot, a messy system and a lack of infrastructure often keeps them from doing so, advocates said. Thirteen states — including Texas, Florida and Pennsylvania — prohibit absentee voting for citizens who have never resided in the country. “I think that you can still make a difference with your votes.”Some dual citizens might not call the U.S. home, but Lines said America’s policies have an effect everywhere.

☆ Developer Who Pleaded Guilty in College Admissions Scandal Dies by Suicide
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-27 | by ( Melissa Korn | Jennifer Levitz | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Real-estate developer Robert Flaxman was among dozens of parents charged in the Varsity Blues investigation in 2019. Robert Flaxman , a Southern California real-estate developer who pleaded guilty to a federal fraud conspiracy charge for cheating to get his daughter into college, has died. Mr. Flaxman, 66 years old, died Oct. 20 by suicide, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner-Coroner.

☆ European countries are shelling out huge sums to deal with the energy crunch. Economists fear it could spark a new financial crisis.
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-20 | by ( Jennifer Sor | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

A new debt crisis could be looming as European countries throw huge sums of money at the energy crisis. Already, the energy crisis is estimated to have cost Europe around 700 billion euros. Combined with a high debt load, that spells trouble, Boskin says, because debt itself is also inflationary. Additional spending and debt from the energy crisis could result in more stress being exerted on the financial system. "I think a debt crisis could very likely ensue given the vast amounts that [are] being spent as a percentage of GDP.

☆ A New York man was unwittingly scammed out of his childhood home. For 12 years, he fought to regain control. He's now facing eviction: 'I want my house back'
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-04 | by ( Molly Grace | Yelena Dzhanova | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Since he was a child, the home was a site of cookouts and family gatherings, Jackson told Insider. Since he was a child, the home was the site of cookouts and family gatherings, Jackson told Insider. That's when he drove out to his local district attorney's office. He told the Nassau County district attorney's office what happened, and the office referred it to the US Attorney's Office, his lawyers told Insider. When reached for comment, a spokesperson for the Nassau County district attorney's office said records prior to 2011 have been destroyed.

☆ I've made nearly $13,000 in 3 months using Pinterest's new Creator Rewards program. Here's how I got started and maximized my earnings.
▼ + stars: | 2022-05-27 | by ( Jennifer Leach | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Her account has over 250 followers and met the criteria to access the Creator rewards program. I discovered the Pinterest Creator Hub by accidentThe Pinterest Creator Hub button is on any Pinterest business account's profile eligible to be in the Pinterest Creator Rewards program. To access the Pinterest Creator Rewards, you have to be over 18 and living in the US. What is the Pinterest Creator Rewards program? I started using the Pinterest Creator Rewards program in February 2022 and earned $900 that month.

I am the dance critic on the Culture desk. Here are five things I've been watching, reading and listening to.

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