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☆ Earnings playbook: Beware of these stocks reporting soon where analysts are slashing their earnings expectations
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-01 | by ( Alex Harring | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

NRG has run up about 40% this year, and is sitting within 2% of the average price target from analysts. This is especially notable given that the average analyst target has risen nearly 75% over the past six months. Match Group also made the list, with the average analyst earnings per share estimate falling more than 16% over the last three months. The average analyst price target for Match has fallen by almost 18% over the past six months given that sell-off. But that average price target still implies upside of around 40%, per FactSet, which underscores the magnitude of its recent slide.

Persons: Gordon, Haskett's Don Bilson, Bilson, FactSet Organizations: CNBC Pro, NRG Energy, NRG Locations: Texas

☆ ‘Should have been done yesterday’: Rural, older Americans could get hurt as affordable internet program runs out of cash
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-29 | by ( Brian Fung | Jason Carroll | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

But in just a few weeks, her internet bills, and those of other Americans like her, could skyrocket by hundreds of dollars a year. The program is heavily used by Americans over age 50, military veterans and low-income working families nationwide, according to FCC data. Amira Karaoud/Reuters/FileRural and older usersThe ACP has quickly gained adoption since Congress created the program in the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. Large swaths of the ACP’s user base trend older; Americans over 65 account for almost 20% of the program. The FCC’s Lifeline program, which dates to the Reagan administration, similarly gives low-income households a monthly discount on phone or internet service.

Persons: Cindy Westman, —, I’ll, ”, Westman, ’, Westman —, Gigi Sohn, “, Biden, Allison Bailey /, Cynthia George, George, ” George, Marc Veasey, They’re, Geoffrey Starks, “ It’s, ” Starks, Amira Karaoud, Walter Durham, I’m, ” Durham, Michelle McDonough, McDonough, she’ll, doesn’t, “ I’m, ” McDonough, Kamesha Scott, Louis, Megan Janicki, ” Janicki, Reagan, Mike Johnson, Blair Levin, Johnson didn’t, Levin, Jonathan Blaine, ” Blaine, they’re Organizations: CNN, Program, Social, Federal Communications Commission, FCC, Capitol, Getty, MSN, White, ” Texas Democratic, “, Comcast, ACP, Navy, American Library Association, Lifeline, Republicans, Republican, New, Research, ” Bills Locations: Eureka , Illinois, America, Dallas, Las Vegas, Kentucky, San Diego, United States, Maine, St, Vermont

☆ HSBC wealth investor is convinced four secular themes will keep the U.S. economy humming along
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-28 | by ( Alex Harring | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

A handful of drivers will keep the American economy humming along, said Jose Rasco, chief investment officer of the Americas at HSBC's wealth division. On the cyclical front, Rasco expects growth to cool as the effects of higher rates become fully felt. "Those four themes suggest to me that's how we avoid recession," said Rasco, a Lehman Brothers and Merrill Lynch alum. Bonus: Presidential election year While not exactly an investment trend, Rasco also noted that a big part of his short-term optimism toward U.S. stocks stems from the looming presidential election. Data shows U.S. stocks tend to outperform in presidential election years.

Persons: Jose Rasco, Rasco, Merrill Lynch, it's Organizations: Federal Reserve, CNBC Pro, Federal, Lehman Brothers, U.S, U.S . Research, BlackRock, HSBC Asset Management Locations: New York City, Americas, China, Mexico, U.S

☆ Harvard nutritionist: The No. 1 nutrient you need for a healthy brain—and the best way to get it
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-25 | by ( Dr. Uma Naidoo | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Three types of neuroprotective nutrients have received the most interest from experts like myself: antioxidants, B vitamins, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. While supplements can help provide these nutrients, I always tell people to first go to real foods, especially for fatty acids like omega-3s. When you eat a whole food you get additional vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and protein. It's important to underline that we can't out-supplement or exercise our way out of a poor diet. She is also the author of the bestselling "This is Your Brain on Food″ and most recently, "Calm Your Mind with Food."

Persons: Chia, Uma Naidoo Organizations: Omega, CNBC Locations: U.S, Harvard

☆ Photos shine a light on Taiwan’s ‘betel nut beauties’
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-24 | by ( Emma Russell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

To meet her sales targets, the betel nut “must be delicious.” she told CNN in an email. A betel nut stall in Taipei. “I loved driving there because there were the betel nut girls,” she recalled in a phone interview. One of Han's subjects, Ju Ju, is pictured at a booth in the city of Taoyuan. But Ju Ju has since grown to value the stability of the job.

Persons: Mong Shuan, Mong, Constanze Han, “, ”, we’d, Han, Han “, ’ ”, Susan Meiselas, Xiao Hong, Ju, Ju Ju, —, Constanze Organizations: CNN, Mong, ”, island’s Ministry of Health, Welfare Locations: Taiwan, Asia, Taipei, Kaohsiung, Amsterdam, Hong Kong and New York, America, New England, New Taipei City, Taoyuan, Constanze

☆ A Gen X couple moved from California to Massachusetts to escape high housing costs: 'We still pinch ourselves over how lucky we are.'
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-23 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

AdvertisementSteve Dalton, 56, and his partner Sydney Sauber, 58, were ready to leave the Bay Area of California after nearly two decades. Leaving California for MassachusettsDalton, an IT professional for a university, was born and raised in the Bay Area. While there, she met Dalton, and they moved into a condo in San Pablo two years later in 2010. As they reached retirement age, the couple wanted to purchase a house, though they knew that would be implausible in the Bay Area with their budget. He estimates a similar home in the Bay Area would cost over $2 million.

Persons: Steve Dalton, Sydney, Dalton, —, they've, Worcester, Massachusetts Dalton, Pablo didn't, Sauber, he's, They've Organizations: Sydney Sauber, Sauber, Worcester, Service, Survey, Chevron, Red Sox Locations: California, Massachusetts, Bay, West Coast, Worcester , Massachusetts, Worcester, Marin County, San Francisco, Contra Costa County, Puerto Rico, New York , Texas, Florida, New England, Northampton, Salem , Massachusetts, Dover , New Hampshire, East, San Pablo, Oakland, Pablo, Englanders

☆ A 10-second trick will tell you the cause of your under-eye dark circles — and how to get rid of them
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-22 | by ( Julia Pugachevsky | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

How your skin reacts tells you whether the dark circles are caused by thinner under-eye skin or pigmentation. Related storiesFor thin skin, Zubritsky told BI that products with hyaluronic acid should help hydrate and plump the skin. AdvertisementBoth she and Penzi suggested Neutrogena Hydroboost Eye Gel Cream, and Penzi also recommended First Aid Beauty Hydrating Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid. If you deal with puffiness, "it's important to look for under-eye creams with ingredients like caffeine," Zubritsky said, because caffeine constricts blood vessels and improves circulation. Advanced Eye, Neutrogena Hydro Boost+ Caffeine Eye Gel Cream, and CeraVe Skin Renewing Eye Cream as all options with caffeine in them.

Persons: —, Dr, Lindsey Zubritsky, Zubritsky, Lauren Penzi, Penzi, dermatologists, Bliss Organizations: Service, Business, L'Oreal Paris, Triple, Neutrogena Hydro Locations: Pennsylvania, New York

☆ Trump’s first trial, Ukraine aid and other surprises from a major news week
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Zachary B. Wolf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

House Speaker Mike Johnson arrives to speak with reporters to discuss his proposal of sending aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan on April 17, 2024. Johnson, although a bona fide conservative and a skeptic at times of Ukraine aid, is finally on the cusp of getting the vote done in the House. This week, Iran responded to Israel’s strike on a Syrian diplomatic facility with its own strikes, which Israel responded to on Friday with a strike on Iran. Joe Biden is running hardWith all the Trump trial coverage, you might have missed that President Joe Biden is running a spirited presidential campaign. While Trump is spending most days at his trial, Biden is going all over the map.

Persons: Trump’s, you’ve, Donald Trump, Trump, Mike Johnson’s, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Thomas Massie of Kentucky, Paul Gosar, Arizona –, Johnson, Mike Johnson, J, Scott Applewhite, he’ll, It’s, Israel, Here’s Tamara Qiblawi, CNN’s Nic Robertson, Read, Joe Biden, Biden, Andrew CAballero, Reynolds, Pierre, Olivier Gourinchas Organizations: CNN, Trump, –, GOP, White, Getty, Monetary Fund, Federal Reserve Locations: Antarctica, New York, Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, Johnson, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Arizona, Iran, Syrian, CNN’s, Damascus, Qiblawi, Philadelphia, Wawa, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, AFP, Europe

☆ I've traveled over 10,000 miles on the open road — after technology failed me, I'll never make these 3 mistakes again
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-20 | by ( Sheryl Stillman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Here are the backup solutions I now put in place before leaving home — and why you might want to try them if you're traveling anytime soon. AdvertisementBut when stopping for fuel 600 miles away from home, with 1,100 miles remaining, "Key battery low, replace soon" appeared on my car's display. I didn't bring my spare smart key fob, let alone a flathead screwdriver or a replacement battery. The smart lock wouldn't let us lock the door. If it's a smart lock, I ask for a contingency plan in case the tech isn't so bright.

Persons: —, I've, I'm Organizations: Service, Apple, Google Locations: —, Fort Myers , Florida, Minneapolis, fobs, Dallas

☆ U.S. economy will see 'more things break' in 2025 if rates stay high, strategist says
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Karen Gilchrist | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell holds a press conference following a two-day meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee on interest rate policy in Washington, U.S., March 20, 2024. The U.S. economy could be headed for stormy waters in 2025 if the Federal Reserve does not take action soon on interest rates, State Street's head of investment strategy in EMEA said Tuesday. "The traditional transmission policy mechanism has broken, or doesn't work as well," Kassam told "Squawk Box Europe." As such, the impact of, for example, sustained higher interest rates may not be felt until further down the line when they come to refinance. "For now, consumers and corporates aren't feeling the pinch of higher interest rates," he added.

Persons: Jerome Powell, Altaf Kassam, Kassam Organizations: Federal, Committee, Federal Reserve, CNBC, Fed Locations: Washington , U.S, U.S

☆ A jury that will decide Trump’s fate begins to take shape as first criminal trial powers ahead
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-16 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

First, the conventions of the criminal trial – like those in thousands of courtrooms every day – mean this case will grind on relentlessly. In previous civil trials, Trump challenged the dignity of the rule of the court and feuded with other judges. But potential jurors appeared to take their obligation deeply seriously. But other potential jurors said they’d be able to put any political feelings about Trump to one side and focus on the evidence and the law. And in another revealing trend that hinted at the ex-president’s political appeal, some potential jurors mentioned that they viewed his rhetorical eruptions as those of someone who speaks his mind, unlike conventional politicians.

Persons: Donald Trump, ”, Biden, Trump, Juan Merchan, — Trump, Attorney Alvin Bragg, Joe Biden, “, Alvin, ” Trump, Stormy Daniels, Daniels, Andrzej Duda, don’t, Duda, Mimi Rocah, CNN’s Erin Burnett, “ You’re, Merchan, he’s, won’t, Barron’s, they’d, Robert Hirschhorn, CNN’s Burnett, Christine Cornell, John Gotti, Bernie Madoff Organizations: CNN, White House, ”, Manhattan, Attorney, New York, Trump, US, Office, Southern, of, Boeing, Republican Locations: Manhattan, bodega, Pennsylvania, Trump, of New York, New York

☆ Stocks are undergoing a needed, and (so far) modest, pullback in a longer-term bull market
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-13 | by ( Michael Santoli | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

The result was a 1.5-percent weekly drop in the S & P 500 , with Friday's setback exacerbated at least somewhat by a collective clenching-up of risk markets on some geopolitical worry. This dynamic hasn't been reversed, but the signal has grown a bit staticky, draining some conviction from the macro bullish case with the S & P 500 still 24% above the October low. Bull market's backdrop First, it's a bull market, and not a particularly mature or excessively generous one yet. Yet both stocks are still outperforming the S & P this year. The S & P 500 closed Friday at exactly the same level of five weeks earlier, on March 8 – which was perhaps the moment of maximum investor confidence in the "we can have it all" thesis.

Persons: I've, Jerome Powell, Powell, Wall, it's, We're, John Butters, Fastenal, Scott Chronert Organizations: Federal, ICE, Treasury, CPI, Fed, Grainger, Citi

☆ New data shows inflation is still high. Here's how to measure how that affects you
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Lorie Konish | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

That may not be a surprise to consumers who are still feeling the weight of higher prices. Inflation — as measured by the consumer price index — rose 3.5% from a year ago and 0.4% for the month. The consumer price index, or CPI, tracks the average changes in prices over time for consumer certain goods and services. Consequently, if your wages haven't increased by that much over the same period, you're more likely to feel the pinch of higher prices. About 60% of households are living paycheck to paycheck, McBride said.

Persons: Kazuhiro Nogi, Brett House, Eugenio Aleman, Raymond James, Aleman, Greg McBride, McBride Organizations: Afp, Getty Images, Columbia Business School, Consumers, Bankrate Locations: Tokyo

☆ Department stores face another squeeze. This time, with store credit card revenue
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Melissa Repko | In Melissa-Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +6 min

For fiscal year 2023, credit card revenue totaled $619 million for Macy's and approximately $475 million for Nordstrom . The three companies do not break out how much of total credit card revenue comes from late fees. All of that adds up to dwindling credit card revenue for retailers, who can now expect to see it shrink even further. Target's credit card revenue fell to $667 million last year, down from $734 million in the prior fiscal year. Gap does not disclose credit card revenue, but its Chief Financial Officer, Katrina O'Connell, said on an earnings call that losses from late fees will be "largely offset in 2024 by other levers within our credit card program."

Persons: Robert Nickelsberg, it'll, Jane Hali, Kohl's, David Silverman, Silverman, —, Michael Fiddelke, Macy's, Adrian Mitchell, It's, Nordstrom, Katrina O'Connell Organizations: Getty Images Department, Consumer Financial, Bureau, Associates, Nordstrom, Fitch, TD Bank, Shoppers, Adobe Analytics, Citi, Sam's Locations: New York City

☆ 5 desserts for celebrating Eid al-Fitr
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-09 | by ( Jocelyn Solis-Moreira | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Ramadan is coming to an end, which means it’s time to plan to celebrate Eid al-Fitr. A number of desserts make up the table during Eid al-Fitr. Arindam Dey/AFP/Getty ImagesA classic Eid al-Fitr dish is sheer khurma. Helou said these desserts are eaten all year round, but they are ever more present during Ramadan and Eid. iStockphoto/Getty ImagesA popular Eid al-Fitr dish is a sweet milk-based dumpling called rasmalai.

Persons: Ramadan, Eid, Sweets, Anissa Helou, Ma’amoul, ” Helou, Arindam Dey, Helou, Mehmet Akif Parlak, “, ”, it’s, Karolia, James Nielsen, Jocelyn Solis, Moreira Organizations: CNN, Getty, Anadolu Agency, Houston Chronicle Locations: Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestinian, Agartala, India, AFP, Gaziantep, New York

☆ Some people are being given thousands of dollars with no strings attached in universal basic income trials. They mostly spend the cash wisely.
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-03 | by ( Theron Mohamed | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Interest in universal basic income has grown due to the pandemic, Elon Musk, Sam Altman, and economic pain. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. AdvertisementYet a common question and concern about UBI remains how people spend the money. Related storiesThe Guaranteed Income Pilots Dashboard , a joint project from the Stanford Basic Income Lab and the Center for Guaranteed Income Research, pulls together data from more than 30 pilot programs in the US involving nearly 8,300 participants. GiveDirectly, a nonprofit, is providing universal basic income to 20,000 people across 200-odd royal villages in Kenya over 12 years.

Persons: Elon Musk, Sam Altman, —, It's, Karl Widerquist, Fabian Wendt, Rebecca Hasdell, UpTogether, Monique Gonzalez, Stephanie Hendon, Widerqist, Matt Bruenig, Douglas MacKay, Chapel Hill, MacKay Organizations: Service, Georgetown University, Qatar, Stanford, Income, Center, Research, UNC, Chapel Locations: Virginia, Kenya, San Antonio , Texas

☆ How Trump’s greatest policy triumph could derail his bid to win back the White House
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The Florida Supreme Court issued a separate ruling on Monday that could energize Democrats’ efforts to hold Trump to account on abortion. The ex-president has long been wary of taking a definitive stand against abortion rights. But some Republicans are infringing the spirit of the Supreme Court ruling – which sent the issue back to individual states – by pushing for a national ban. And Democrats believe they have an issue, in abortion rights, that could thwart him – despite Biden’s own unpopularity. Democrats are delighted since they have had considerable success in using ballot initiatives to protect abortion rights or reject further restrictions.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Trump, Roe, Wade, Ron DeSantis, ”, it’ll, Joe Biden –, –, he’d, “ What’s, ” Trump, “ You’re, ’, He’s, Biden, we’ve, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, DeSantis, There’s, Florida Republican Sen, Rick Scott, Scott, Democratic Sen, Bill Nelson, he’s, Debbie Mucarsel, Powell Organizations: CNN, Republican, Florida’s, Gov, Biden, Florida Supreme, Trump, GOP, Democratic, Republicans, Sunshine State, Florida Republican Locations: Florida, Trump’s, Kansas, Ohio, Alabama, United States, Michigan , Montana , California, Kentucky, Republican Ohio

☆ Tesla can't outrun the EV slowdown
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Nora Naughton | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

AdvertisementElectric-vehicle leader Tesla is finally starting to feel the pinch of a slowdown in EV sales that is already rocking the rest of the industry. This rough quarter is the first sign that the EV leader is not immune to a slowdown in electric vehicle sales that has dogged its competitors since the latter half of 2023. Related storiesSo far, Tesla has largely been able to keep up with a changing demographic of electric vehicle shoppers by flexing its hefty profit margins to lower prices. Is Tesla ready for the next wave of EV buyers? For the newest electric car shoppers in the market, simply lowering prices may not be enough to win them over.

Persons: —, Tesla, Elon, Deutsche Bank's Emmanuel Rosner Organizations: EV, Service, Boston Consulting Group, Deutsche

☆ What’s it like to dine at Asia’s ‘best’ restaurant?
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Chris Dwyer | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

But his career and trajectory have always been defined by global experience, exposure and a passion for embracing other cultures and cuisines. Back in 2006, Australian Chef Shane Osborn of Hong Kong’s acclaimed Arcane hired Calvert to work at his two Michelin-starred Pied à Terre restaurant in London. The culinary Holy Grail of Paris followed, with a stint at Epicure, which like Per Se is also a three Michelin-starred restaurant. His global culinary journey continued with a move to Hong Kong and the contemporary Parisian bistro Belon, where he earned the restaurant a Michelin star and reached fourth place on the list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants. Calvert is happy to modestly take the considerable accolade of the best restaurant in Asia with a pinch of salt, as it were.

Persons: Daniel Calvert, “, ”, It’s, Shane Osborn, Hong Kong’s, Arcane, Calvert, who’ve, ” Osborn, Daniel Calvert's, Chef Thomas Keller’s, Paris, “ I’ve, ” Calvert, Hong, André Fu, morel, SÉZANNE Calvert, Ashley Caley, shima, botan ebi, there’s, sommelier Nobuhide Otsuka, “ I’m, ” Chris Dwyer Organizations: CNN, Champions League, Michelin, Sézanne Locations: Sézanne, “ Tokyo, Marunouchi, Tokyo, London, British, London , New York, Paris, Hong Kong, New York, Epicure, France’s Champagne, Hokkaido, France’s Jura, Yamaguchi Prefecture, morel, bouillon, Asia, @chrismdwyer, Instagram

☆ Grip strength can indicate health and longevity
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-01 | by ( Dana Santas | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

While it may seem like a small part of your body’s total strength, grip strength is a foundational component of physical fitness, linked to injury prevention, as well as a reliable benchmark for many aspects of health and functional independence as we age. Tasks such as carrying groceries, opening doors and jars, and even getting out of a chair all require adequate grip strength. How to assess and track your grip strength at homeIn clinical settings, a hand dynamometer measures grip strength by gauging the force applied when squeezing its handle. To test your grip strength at home without a dynamometer, use a bathroom scale or tennis ball to give you rough, trackable measurements. Exercises to strengthen your gripImproving grip strength involves incorporating specific exercises to address all three aspects of grip strength.

Persons: Dana Santas, it’s, I’ve, you’ll Organizations: Pain, CNN, CNN’s

☆ The world’s best dumplings
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Julia Buckley | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

The best way to sample these dumplings is from a street vendor carting a steamer on his bicycle. KartoffelknoedelCarbtastic kartoffelknoedel ExQuisine/Adobe StockFound across Germany, kartoffelknoedel, or potato dumplings, usually accompany meat dishes. Artit_Wongpradu/iStockphoto/Getty ImagesSome dumpling purists say that the Australian dim sim is merely a bastardized version of Chinese dumplings. Joshua Resnick/500px Plus/Getty ImagesFound on Chinese takeout menus in the United States, crab rangoon are deep-fried dumplings served as a side dish. Shish barakShish barak are lamb dumplings served with yoghurt.

Persons: ., Ravioli, –, chao shou, chao, bryndzové, Lisa Wiltse, dumpling, Edward Wong, there’s, Beata Zawrzel, Mayur, Lord Ganesha, Ganesh Chathurthi, Pelmeni, Dim sims, Peng, Kimchi, Jonathan Wong, manti, speck, you’ll, Deb Lindsey, Uszka, Gyoza, Joshua Resnick, Ihor, it’s, It’s, DiAnna Paulk, Paolo Bernardotti, Shish barak Shish barak, Julia Buckley Organizations: CNN, South China Morning, Adobe, Central Asia, Kazakhstan –, Turks, Adobe Stock, Corbis, China Morning, Getty, Turkish, Fascism, Washington Post Locations: . Cheng, South, Italy, Rome, Sichuan, Central, Turkey, China, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Central Asia, Mongol, Slovakia, Slovakian, Indonesian, Bandung, Hong Kong, Eastern Europe, Maharashtra, Germany, Brazil, Siberia, European, Australia, North America, Europe, Tunisian, Argentina, empanadas, Mendoza, USA, Southern, United States, Central Asian, Korea, Alto Adige, Austrian Tyrol, Kathmandu, Poland, Tokyo, rangoon, Asia, Russia, Georgia, Japan, Pennsylvania, Piedmont, Afghanistan

☆ As cocoa prices soar this Easter, chocolatiers consider alternatives
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( John Towfighi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

CNN —Cocoa prices are surging so high, the Easter Bunny might want to hoard its chocolate. Poor climate and crop diseases in West Africa – home to 70% of global cocoa production – have tightened supply and caused prices to skyrocket. As prices rise, some chocolatiers are exploring cost-cutting alternatives, like diversifying their products to depend less on cocoa. Yet mining often destroys farms and the possibility of a livelihood in cocoa production, Issaka said. “Given the persistently high cocoa prices, it may be necessary for us to make responsible adjustments to pricing in the future,” the spokesperson wrote in an email.

Persons: Hershey’s, Shaquille O’Neal, Michele Buck, Billy Roberts, Roberts, ” Roberts, Issaka, Will Kletter, Kletter, “, Peng Xu, Christopher Taylor, Li, Taylor, ”, “ We’re, “ It’s, ” Taylor Organizations: CNN, Cadbury, NCA, “ Brands, Industries, International Cocoa Organization, Rabobank, US, ”, Euromonitor Locations: West Africa, North Region, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Silicon, Washington ,, Manhattan

☆ I converted a double-decker bus into a mobile hostel with my twin and best friend. Four years later, our business is thriving.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Saskia Van Leeuwen | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

We dreamed of converting it into a mobile hostel where we could travel and take people with us on our adventures. But now, four years later, the bus is finished, our hostel business is thriving, and we're about to embark on our trip to Iceland this summer. Before we started to renovate the bus, Eileen was a total stranger to me and Lisa was my best friend. I knew I could count on her, but I also had mixed feelings; we were always compared as twin sisters. After renovating, we started our business togetherLisa decided to leave the group to start another project, but the three of us then had to start our hostel business aboard our newly renovated bus.

Persons: —, Lisa, Jolisa, Eileen, van, Freek van, we've, it's, We'll Organizations: Service, Business Locations: Iceland

☆ ACP, a digital lifeline for millions of Americans, is in jeopardy. Here’s why
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-23 | by ( Brian Fung | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +13 min

Cynthia George is one of millions of Americans in jeopardy of losing their home internet access. Yet Congress is nowhere close to approving the $6 billion that President Joe Biden says would renew the ACP and avert calamity for tens of millions of Americans. Courtesy Michelle McDonoughLike George, McDonough also expects she’ll have to cut back on groceries if the ACP goes away. The FCC’s Lifeline program, which dates to the Reagan administration, similarly gives low-income households a monthly discount on phone or internet service. “You’re taking ACP away from the farmers that can check the local produce prices and be able to reasonably negotiate their prices with retailers.

Persons: Cynthia George, Cynthia George George, Joe Biden, Pedro Ugarte, ”, Gigi Sohn, “, George, ” George, Michelle McDonough, McDonough, she’ll, doesn’t, “ I’m, ” McDonough, Mandel Ngan, Gary Johnson, Paul, —, Kamesha Scott, Louis, Scott, Megan Janicki, ” Janicki, Reagan, Biden, ” Blair Levin, Bill Clark, Levin, Jonathan Blaine, ” Blaine, Blaine Organizations: Washington CNN, MSN, Federal Communications Commission, Program, Lawmakers, ACP, FCC, Getty, CNN, ”, White, Comcast, George, Congress, Paul Bunyan Communications, American Library Association, Lifeline, House Republicans, New, Research, Republican, ” Lawmakers Locations: Washington ,, AFP, United States, Maine, Washington , DC, Minnesota, St, “, Lake Havasu City, Ariz, Vermont

☆ Costco sells emergency meal kits that cost up to $6,999 — and it freaked people out. Naturally, we had to try them.
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-17 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

A TikTok about Costco's emergency food kits went viral, sparking some panicked speculations. But emergency meal kits are handy during emergencies and natural disasters, not just the apocalypse. AdvertisementWhen a TikTok showcasing some of the emergency food kits for sale at Costco went viral, people in the comments had questions — and some mild panic. Related storiesReadywise's emergency meal kits can last up to 25 years, while Mountain House says it has a 30-year taste guarantee. Mountain House Breakfast Skillet Kelsey VlamisThe breakfast option from Mountain House was also a winner.

Persons: —, Readywise, Norm Ramos, there's, Mount House, Kelsey Vlamis, Chili, Fettuccine Alfredo, Kelsey, Kraft, Skillet Kelsey, It's, Beef, Alfredo, Chicken Kelsey, I, Alfredo … Organizations: Service, Costco, Mount, House Locations: Readywise, Tabasco

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