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☆ Food is getting cheaper. But not for you
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

When food producers started raising prices a few years ago, they blamed their own costs, including higher ingredient prices. Many food companies are forecasting that they might slow down or pause price increases — but not lower them. But ingredients typically make up a small portion of overall food costs. Companies are maintaining elevated prices, or continuing to increase them, at a time when many Americans are already struggling to pay for food, especially as pandemic-era food stamp benefits expire. So people keep buying food at the grocery store, despite higher prices — giving producers an opportunity to convince retailers that those higher prices won’t drive customers away.

☆ A year later, the Fed still has a long way to go in the fight against inflation
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( Jeff Cox | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +9 min

The rate hikes appeared to have quelled some of the inflation surge that inspired the policy tightening. Indeed, Fed officials for months stuck to the narrative that inflation was "transitory" and would abate on its own. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell recently insisted that he and his colleagues are taking "forceful steps" now to bring down inflation. The index most recently showed an annual inflation rate of 6.4%, down from a peak around 9% in the summer of 2022. Citigroup economist Andrew Hollenhorst thinks the Fed could tame key inflation metrics to around 4% by the end of this year.

☆ Tesla is losing its most loyal customers — and that’s bad news for Elon Musk.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Diamond Naga Siu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Plus, it's even more gross, since this generation obsession appears to be a capitalism-fueled strategy to get our money. They stuck with Elon Musk along a bumpy ride: "production hell," multiple federal investigations, and other catastrophes. Meanwhile, the company keeps losing its edge elsewhere. Nora breaks down how Musk keeps Elon-ing, while Tesla keeps getting beat down. It's part of the multi-day Mobile World Congress — the largest mobile telecommunications event in the world — in Barcelona, Spain.

☆ From free meals to massages, here are 8 of the top perks enjoyed by Big Tech workers
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-26 | by ( Beatrice Nolan | Kate Duffy | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

The cost-cutting measures have caused some tech firms to cut back on employee perks. Here are some of the best office perks that employees have enjoyed in recent years. Big Tech companies such as Google and Meta have tried to cut costs by dropping perks and restricting work travel. From lavish lunches to on-site pampering, here are eight of the most indulgent company perks tech workers have received over the years. Google staff could enjoy on-site massagesGoogle is known for having on-site gyms and masseuses on some of its campuses.

☆ As new data shows inflation rose in January, here's what consumers can expect next
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

While the inflation rate is poised to subside this year, "it will not be a straight line," Raymond James chief economist Eugenio Aleman told CNBC.com at the time. The Federal Reserve is tasked with getting inflation under control, while trying to avoid a deep economic recession. What the latest inflation measure showsThe personal consumption expenditures price index, or PCEPI, is the central bank's preferred measure as it seeks to bring inflation down to a 2% target. Based on Friday's data, it's "almost a certainty" the central bank will raise rates by 25 basis points in March, and maybe even higher, Luther said. A period of below 2% inflation would be needed to see prices subside back to where they were, Luther said.

It is the US who is in fact the number one country in terms of surveillance, whose high-altitude balloons illegally flew over China multiple times. Chinese foreign ministry: Wang Yi stressed that on the Ukraine issue, China stands by principles. China is committed to promoting peace talks and has played a constructive role. Chinese foreign ministry: Wang Yi pointed out that to preserve stability across the Taiwan Strait, one must firmly oppose "Taiwan independence" and uphold the one-China principle. On the Taiwan question, the US side should respect historical facts, honor its political commitments and follow through on its statement of "not supporting Taiwan independence".

☆ Live updates: Supreme Court hears Gonzalez v. Google case against Big Tech
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Brian Fung | Tierney Sneed | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

The US Supreme Court is seen in Washington, DC, on January 19. (Stefani Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images)The Supreme Court is set to hear back-to-back oral arguments Tuesday and Wednesday on two cases that could significantly reshape online speech and content moderation. First up Tuesday is the Gonzalez v. Google case. The case involving Google zeroes in on whether it can be sued because of its subsidiary YouTube’s algorithmic promotion of terrorist videos on its platform. Beatrice Gonzalez and Jose Hernandez, the mother and stepfather of Nohemi Gonzalez, who was fatally shot and killed in a 2015 rampage by Islamist militants in Paris, are seen outside the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, on February 16.

☆ Ukrainian designers 'escape reality' at London Fashion Week
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Sarah Mills | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/3] Models present creations by Ukrainian designer Ivan Frolov during the "Ukraine Fashion Week presents: FROLOV, KSENIASCHNAIDER, PASKAL" show during London Fashion Week in London, Britain, February 21, 2023. REUTERS/Henry NichollsLONDON, Feb 21 (Reuters) - Unable to show in their war-torn homeland, three Ukrainian fashion designers hit the runway at London Fashion Week on Tuesday, delighted to showcase some colour and joy. In the first of back-to-back shows, fashion house KSENIASCHNAIDER mixed denim jeans and dresses with white tops and multicoloured patchwork outfits in an eco-friendly collection. "I just want to say how we appreciate London Fashion Week and The British Fashion Council," he added, saying the support was vital to keep their businesses going. Keen to make sure their talent is seen, Ukrainian designers will also be showing in Berlin and Copenhagen.

☆ Tsitsipas beats gutsy Khachanov to reach first Australian Open final
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-27 | by ( Shrivathsa Sridhar | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +4 min

Tsitsipas, who had crashed three times at the semi-final stage at Melbourne Park, will take on favourite Novak Djokovic or Tommy Paul for the title. Winning his first Grand Slam crown on Sunday would see Tsitsipas take the number one spot from Spain's Carlos Alcaraz, who is absent from the tournament due to injury. "I'd like that number," Tsitsipas said. Tsitsipas regrouped in the fourth set to go 3-0 up and went on to close out the match in style and claim a place in his second Grand Slam final. "Rod Laver Arena has been special in my life and I couldn't think of a better arena to finish my career at a Grand Slam."

☆ Who is Shou Zi Chew? Mounting scrutiny on TikTok could put new spotlight on its CEO
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-20 | by ( Catherine Thorbecke | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

Months later, when TikTok was grilled by Congress over privacy and security concerns, Pappas was the TikTok executive in the hot seat fielding questions. But Chew, who took over as TikTok CEO in April 2021, has largely stayed out of the spotlight at a time when the app he leads can’t seem to avoid it. He eventually went on to become the CFO of Chinese tech giant Xiaomi, which he helped take public in 2018. While Chew is not a Chinese national, Quint noted Chinese tech companies and leaders that have drawn too much attention to themselves have faced tough government crackdowns. Ultimately, Quint said, “I don’t think the CEO of TikTok has much relevance at all” for US lawmakers scrutinizing its ties to China.

In an interview with Allure magazine, Stefani, 53, who is Italian American, cited the influence of Japanese culture in her home when she was growing up. "I said, 'My God, I'm Japanese and I didn't know it,'" Stefani told Allure. She later insisted, "I am, you know," calling herself a "super fan" of Japanese culture. A representative for Stefani told Calaor that she had "misunderstood what Stefani was trying to convey" but declined to provide an on-the-record statement. Even before the interview, Stefani had defended her "Harajuku" era.

The debate comes less than two months after Twitter restored Trump’s account, but Meta’s intention to reevaluate the decision predates Twitter’s reversal. “I can’t think of what that rigorous standard would be that would make this policy be applied fairly, not just to former President Trump, but to any politician.”Is Trump bound to Truth Social? A phone screen displays the Truth Social app in Washington, DC, on February 21, 2022. Trump now has his own rival social media platform, Truth Social, which he launched in February. Despite his desire for a bigger megaphone and aides encouraging him to rejoin Twitter, Trump has said he is committed to Truth Social.

☆ How Anti-Abortion Activists Bought Access to the Supreme Court
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-07 | by ( Katherine Long | Jack Newsham | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +29 min

In exchange for as little as a few thousand dollars in contributions to the nonprofit, these people received easy access to events where Supreme Court justices would be. Supreme Court Historical society trustee Jay Sekulow, center, represented President Trump during the latter's impeachment trial in 2020. Anti-abortion advocates cheer in front of the Supreme Court after the decision in Burwell v. Hobby Lobby Stores was announced in 2014. Alito did not respond to a request for comment on his involvement in the Supreme Court Historical Society. Supreme Court justices, though, aren't even required to stay within those weak guardrails because no code of ethics governs justices' behavior.

Holiday meals were also more expensive, and food prices outpaced inflation throughout the year. But while some items saw massive double-digit increases in 2022, others were a deal. In the year through November, several major electronics got cheaper: Smartphone prices plunged 23.4%, TV prices dropped 17% and computers got 4.4% less expensive. Elijah Nouvelage/AFP/Getty ImagesIn the year through November, food got 10.6% more expensive, outpacing overall inflation. Food away from home became 8.5% more expensive in 2022, with many restaurants hiking up menu prices in order to mitigate their own higher input costs.

☆ Gwen Stefani Isn’t Ruling Out a No Doubt Reunion
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-19 | by ( Lane Florsheim | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Gwen Stefani and her husband, country singer Blake Shelton, have been partners in life and work for several years, after meeting as coaches on The Voice in 2014. Now that he’s gearing up for his final season on the NBC singing-competition show, Stefani, 53, is also thinking about what’s next. Right now, the Grammy Award-winning singer is preparing for her New Year’s Eve performances in Las Vegas; working on her makeup line, GXVE Beauty; and gardening with Mr. Shelton. “We’ll do fields of things. We’re just sitting there waiting for it to rain.”

☆ Did That Hit Arrive in 2022 or 1987? This Year, It Was Hard to Tell.
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-14 | by ( Jon Caramanica | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +12 min

Turns out it’s the same sample, a sleight of ear designed to trigger warm nostalgia, and also maybe a little confusion. Even its video is optimized for recognition, with Santana doing the same stomp Beyoncé does in hers, in an almost identical outfit. Throughout 2022, that gambit has been deployed again and again — by pop singers and rappers, established stars and newbies. Here, old songs — hip-hop classics, pop novelties and more — are scrunched and stretched sometimes to the point of absurdity. These songs are concessions that say the quiet part out loud — everyone has always been borrowing voraciously, from everyone else, constantly.

☆ PHOTOS: New York City lights the 50,000 bulbs of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree
▼ + stars: | 2022-12-03 | by ( Jordan Hart | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The famous Rockefeller Center Christmas tree arrived in NYC from an upstate farm 200 miles away. The Rockefeller Center sees about 500,000 tourists during the holiday season. The 82-foot tree arrived in Manhattan from upstate New York in November and it's illumination is the unofficial indication that it's Christmas time in New York City. Onlookers waited patiently Wednesday night to see its estimated 50,000 multi-colored lights and giant Swarovski crystal star light up the Rockefeller Center, but the tree attracted local attention before it was decorated. NBC's "Christmas at Rockefeller Center" special aired on Wednesday night with many celebrity appearances – including a performance by Alicia Keys.

The vote came about after California passed a law last year requiring law enforcement departments to seek approval for use of military-style equipment. We live in a time when unthinkable mass violence is becoming more commonplace," San Francisco Police Chief William Scott said in the statement. "We need the option to be able to save lives in the event we have that type of tragedy in our city.”Police Chief William Scott speaks during a news conference in San Francisco in 2019. “We run a very serious risk of misuse by police of a robot to inflict deadly force,” he said. Preston said he hoped that outrage following the first vote in San Francisco would sway more of his fellow board members to vote against the measure Tuesday.

For Latin Grammy-winning singer Camila Cabello, tapping into "the most authentic version of yourself" is crucial for breaking into the music scene as a new artist. Gwen Stefani, Camila Cabello and Blake Shelton on "The Voice." Cabello had her big break on "The X Factor," another singing competition, a decade ago, when she was just 15. It includes bilingual songs and Latin music influences that speak to Cabello's Hispanic roots. Camila Cabello on "The Voice."

Closely watched state Supreme Court races in which divisive issues such as abortion rights and redistricting fueled political donations and record campaign fundraising ended with mixed results on Election Day. Republican Supreme Court Justice Pat DeWine speaks to supporters at an election watch party on November 8, 2022 in Columbus, Ohio. Andrew Spear / Getty ImagesIn North Carolina, Republicans were victorious, claiming the two open seats on the state Supreme Court and flipping its makeup to a 5-2 Republican majority — clinching power for the first time in six years. The 6th Supreme Court District is comprised of 13 largely Republican-leaning counties, and eight of them rejected the amendment, she added. While the state Legislature is controlled by Republicans, voters may not have been swayed by politics when it came to deciding who sits on the state Supreme Court.

☆ Midterm Elections Are Different This Year. Here’s Why
▼ + stars: | 2022-11-08 | by ( Wall Street Journal | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Watch: Lunar Eclipse Visible on U.S. Election Day for First Time For the first time, a total lunar eclipse, also known as a blood moon, was visible to early risers on a U.S. election day. These eclipses happen when the Earth, sun and moon are in perfect alignment. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/AFP/Getty Images

☆ Analysis: 'The Surreal Life' reboot brings together another wild group of celebrity roommates
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-29 | by ( Lisa Respers France | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

No judgment if Halloween is your thing, but I don’t like to be scared so I don’t indulge. Three things to watch‘The Surreal Life’The new cast of "The Surreal Life" sit down for dinner -- and some heated conversation -- in a scene from the VH1 show. From VH1/YouTubeI should probably start by mentioning that Dennis Rodman likes to walk around the house in which he filmed the new season of “The Surreal Life” naked. ‘The White Lotus’ Season 2(From left) Will Sharpe, Aubrey Plaza, Meghann Fahy and Theo James in a scene from season 2 of "The White Lotus" on HBO. And not to give too much away, but there’s a cool scene in season two which addresses binge-watch culture.

☆ New England Cozy Meets L.A. Chic in a Charming California Home
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-19 | by ( Antonia Van Der Meer | ) www.wsj.com time to read: +1 min

When Jack Donaldson and Julia Bredrup bought a 1920s house in the Mar Vista neighborhood of Los Angeles, it came with a lot of sunlight but not much warmth. In searching for an emotional back story to inform its new décor, Mr. Donaldson, a screenwriter, and his wife couldn’t help but draw from their meet-cute at Middlebury College in Vermont. When they hired local interior designer Stefani Stein, the shared goal was to inject understated New England style into the more refined L.A. life they live now. “It was a great fit,” said Ms. Stein, who happily brought this mashup-design script to life: “I love the juxtaposition of raw and relaxed with elegance.”“Home to me is midcentury Vermont, but I recognize that is not what a Southern California house should be,” said Mr. Donaldson, whose wife grew up in Chicago. He knew not to ask for mudrooms and green plaid, but Ms. Stein indulged his craving for New England by suggesting organic materials, woods that would show use and unique crafted touches designed to remind the couple of being back East.

☆ Blake Shelton announces he's leaving ‘The Voice’ after 23rd season
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-12 | by ( Ariana Brockington | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +4 min

Blake Shelton surprised fans of “The Voice” by announcing that he will be leaving the singing competition show after its upcoming 23rd season. It wouldn’t happen without you!”“The Voice” is currently airing its 22nd season with Camila Cabello, John Legend, Stefani and Shelton as coaches. For the spring season, Shelton will reunite with Kelly Clarkson, who became a coach in Season 14 and won the most recent season with trio Girl Named Tom in December 2021. “I’m excited to be joining this season of ‘The Voice’ as a coach,” Horan said in a statement. Since Season One, Shelton has delighted viewers with his constant jokes and dedication to his team members.

☆ Blake Shelton announces exit from ‘The Voice’ as new coaches join
▼ + stars: | 2022-10-11 | by ( Dan Heching | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +1 min

CNN —Season 23 of “The Voice” will welcome some new faces and say goodbye to the hit show’s longest-tenured coach. Next season will be Blake Shelton’s last on the show, NBC revealed in a statement on Tuesday, and Chance the Rapper and former One Direction member Niall Horan are set to join as first-time coaches. Kelly Clarkson will round out the coach lineup in the new season, set to debut next spring,“I’ve been wrestling with this for a while and I’ve decided that it’s time for me to step away from ‘The Voice,’” Shelton said in a statement via the network. “This show has changed my life in every way for the better and it will always feel like home to me.”Chance the Rapper and Niall Horan. He has also coached 15 artists whose songs have hit #1 on the iTunes Top Songs chart.

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