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☆ People are spending more on groceries. But they’re buying less
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-06 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —The past few months of robust grocery store sales would suggest that shoppers aren’t stretched for cash. Fresh eggs shot up 48.2%, milk rose 5%, bread rose 12.7% and fresh root vegetables went up 14.7. The following month, grocery prices continued to fall. But food inflation is still outpacing inflation overall, and grocery prices are still quite a bit higher than they were last year. We are still seeing prices, month over month, they’re still going up — although much less than they were.”— CNN’s Nathaniel Meyersohn contributed to this report.

Persons: that’s, ”, Alastair Steel, Spencer Platt, they’ve, Steel, “ we’ve, Richard Galanti, Jeff Gennette, “, Brandon Bell, Jeff Owen, Ramon Laguarta, it’s, they’re, —, Nathaniel Meyersohn Organizations: New, New York CNN, Kellogg, PepsiCo, Getty, Steel, Costco, Aldi, ”, Dollar, Assistance, SNAP, Consumers, Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Locations: New York

☆ For companies, the stakes are high this Pride
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-01 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

New York CNN —Companies have long embraced Pride Month in June as an uncomplicated way to market to members of the LGBTQ+ community while telegraphing progressive values. Gavin Newsom called out Target’s CEO for “selling out the LGBTQ+ community to extremists.”The current landscape “is alarming,” Todd said. “That middle ground is going away.”So this year, companies that want to participate in Pride have to be prepared to take a real stance. Some of those lashing out have described a campaign against Pride itself, rather than Bud Light or Target (TGT) specifically. It won’t be worth whatever they think they’ll gain.”It’s no coincidence that the anti-trans assault comes as trans rights are under legal attack across the nation.

Persons: Bud Light, Bud Light’s Instagram, Bud, BUD, Eric Thayer, ”, Daniel Korschun, “, —, Jared Todd, Gavin Newsom, ” Todd, ” Korschun, Sen, J.D, Vance, J, Justin Sullivan, Anna Moneymaker, Matt Walsh, Sarah Kate Ellis, Ellis, Trevor, Seth Wenig, ” Ellis, Todd, It’s, didn’t, Colin Kaepernick, Drexel’s, Korschun, Jared Watson, ” Watson, Watson, Pattie Gonia, ’ ” Watson, ’ Organizations: New, New York CNN — Companies, Target, Bud Light, Anheuser, Busch, National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, Bloomberg, Getty, Drexel University, Wall Street, Foundation, Human Rights, HRC, California Gov, —, Pride, Twitter, HumanRights, UCLA School of Law, GLAAD, Morning, Nike, New York University, “ Locations: New York, Ohio, Target, California, America, New Jersey

☆ An LGBTQ+ creator got death threats after working with Target
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-27 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

New York CNN —When a Target distributor reached out to Erik Carnell last year about possibly placing his brand, Abprallen, in Target stores, he was thrilled. In the following months, Carnell pitched Target and came up with designs that would be appropriate for the big box store, he said. Ultimately, Target started selling three Abprallen items for adults: A sweatshirt, a tote bag and a messenger bag, each emblazoned with a different phrase. By Wednesday, Target had pulled Abprallen items from its US stores and online market, Reuters reported. Pride month merchandise is displayed at the front of a Target store in Hackensack, N.J., Wednesday, May 24, 2023.

☆ Ketchup inflation hits your weekend barbecue
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-27 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

New York CNN —Planning on squirting some ketchup on your hot dog at a barbecue this weekend? Though shoppers have been starting to see some relief in the grocery aisle, food inflation has been consistently outpacing overall inflation. Ketchup prices are piling up. Stefani Reynolds/AFP/Getty ImagesIn the year through April, grocery prices jumped 7.1%, according to the most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Consumer Price Index. NIQ’s own data shows that in the week through April 30, ketchup prices were up about 14% year-over-year.

☆ How companies should prepare for a possible US default
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-22 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“Companies need to have a plan.”Figure out exposure to government fundsSome companies may not be immediately impacted by a default. White recommends companies in those industries, especially, hold regular meetings to figure out a plan in case payments are delayed. JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon told Bloomberg earlier this month that the bank was holding weekly meetings to prepare for a possible default. But until then, companies “need to know, can we last until that point? Companies should also be as efficient as possible so they’re not spending more than they need to, she said.

☆ Anheuser-Busch loses top LGBTQ+ rating over its Bud Light response
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-19 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

New York CNN —Last year, the Human Rights Campaign Foundation gave Bud Light parent company Anheuser-Busch a top rating for LGBTQ+ equality. Bud Light sales dropped in the ensuing weeks. Bud Light has been embroiled in controversy since April. But Bud Light hasn’t gotten the benefit of support for its initial deal with Mulvaney because of its subsequent reaction. During the discussion, he mentioned that Bud Light is just one brand within the company’s broad portfolio, which has not changed its full-year outlook.

☆ Oscar Mayer says goodbye to the historic Weinermobile. Next up: the Frankmobile.
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-18 | by ( Will Gendron | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

This week Oscar Mayer renamed its Weinermobile. "This month, we are introducing a tasty new recipe with a more balanced flavor profile and iconic beefy taste that is more flavorful than ever," an Oscar Mayer spokesperson told Insider. The original model was 13 feet long and was designed by the General Body Company of Chicago, Oscar Mayer says. A view of the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile 75th anniversary at West 75th street in Manhattan. Photo by Rob Kim/Getty ImagesIn its current state, the Oscar Mayer initiative offers jobs to new college graduates to drive around the country and promote the brand.

☆ Kraft Heinz wants you to mix flavors in your ketchup
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Now, Kraft Heinz wants to do the same for dipping sauces. Kraft Heinz (KHC) plans to start running pilot programs with the product in restaurants from late 2023 into early next year. The Kraft Heinz CompanyThe base options could change over time, a relief for those already worried about the lack of mayo. Through 2027, Kraft Heinz has a goal of an additional $2 billion in North American retail revenue from innovation. “We’re really excited to put consumers in control of that and what we can learn from it.”Lately, Kraft Heinz is all about letting customers mix and match.

☆ Egg prices are crashing. Here’s why
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

One reason: Shoppers responded to high egg prices by buying less. When prices were shooting up, “everybody and their brother had a story about what egg prices were doing,” said Amy Smith, vice president at Advanced Economic Solutions, a consulting firm. Retail egg prices have been declining at a more moderate clip. (On an annual basis, prices are still high: In the year through April, egg prices were 21.4% higher.) That’s because supermarkets and grocery stores set retail egg prices, and they don’t want customers to be scared away by wild swings.

☆ ‘Antigone in the Amazon’ Review: The Drama Is Brazil’s Land War
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-15 | by ( Laura Cappelle | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

Arriving after so much political action, the play feels like an afterthought. In “Antigone in the Amazon,” two Flemish actors from NTGent, Sara De Bosschere and Arne De Tremerie, address the audience at regular intervals, explaining the tricky process of making the show and the ethical issues it raised. At one point, they are shown onscreen performing a scene from “Antigone” for the residents of a remote Amazonian village, who sit in a circle around them. I occasionally wondered the same thing about “Antigone in the Amazon.” Still, it is a more balanced, effective production than “Orestes.” Two Brazilian performers, Frederico Araujo and Pablo Casella, join the Flemish cast onstage. A third, the Indigenous activist Kay Sara, was supposed to join them and play Antigone, but we are told early in the show that she had “decided to go back home, with her people.”

☆ McDonald’s found liable after child suffers burns from ‘hot’ chicken nuggets, Florida jury finds
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-12 | by ( Ramishah Maruf | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

The suit was filed in 2019 against McDonald’s and Upchurch Foods. The Fort Lauderdale jury said both were at some fault for the burns sustained by Philana Holmes and Humberto Caraballo Estevez’s daughter when the hot nuggets fell on to her lap, WPLG reported. A jury agreed with her contention that the coffee was unreasonably hot. “This is not the infamous Hot Coffee case; this is Olivia’s case,” the law firm said in a statement to WPLG. “She’s an adorable, innocent child who was severely burned through no fault of her own.”In a statement, McDonald’s called it an “unfortunate incident” but that they “respectfully disagree with the verdict.” McDonald’s defense said it had no control over the injuries and damages.

☆ Here’s what’s getting cheaper at the grocery store
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Those menu prices went up by 0.6%. Shoppers started seeing relief in the grocery store in March, when grocery prices fell for the first time since September 2020. In the year through April, food prices went up by 7.7%, with grocery prices jumping 7.1% and menu prices increasing 8.6%. Ham got 6.5% more expensive, poultry prices rose 5%, and fish and seafood rose 2%. Prices in AprilEven though prices food prices overall have been high this year, April was an easier month for shoppers.

☆ What the debt ceiling standoff means for money market funds
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-10 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

But some investors worry about increased risk as the debt ceiling debate intensifies. Money market funds — which are different than money market deposit accounts — typically invest in lower-risk, short-term debt, such as Treasury bills, and may make sense for short-term investing goals. As a result, some of the biggest money market funds are paying nearly 5% or more as of May 9, according to Crane data. Investors worry funds may 'break the buck'As default concerns rise, investors fear money market funds may "break the buck," which happens when a fund's so-called net asset value, or total assets minus liabilities, falls below $1. Money market funds may provide an 'opportunity'Despite the looming debt ceiling, advisors are still recommending money market funds for cash.

☆ Born of Grief, a Couple’s Off Broadway Incubator Marks 20 Years
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-08 | by ( Robin Pogrebin | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

In 2002, Jenny and Jon Steingart founded the Off Broadway incubator Ars Nova as a way of honoring Jenny’s brother, Gabriel Wiener, who in 1997 died of a brain aneurysm at the age of 26. Now, as the nonprofit theater is marking its 20th anniversary, the couple is facing another wrenching struggle: Jon has A.L.S., the severe neurological disorder also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. “Every painful experience in my life — if I have to live through it, I am going to come out on the other side with a lesson and a way to give back in some way,” Jenny Steingart said in a recent interview at their home on the Upper West Side. “Because a loss without some meaning behind it is really hard to live with.”So this anniversary, to be celebrated with a gala on Monday, also finds the Steingarts feeling great satisfaction, having created an institution that — in the wake of the 9/11 attacks — has played a crucial role in the professional development of so many artists. Among those who have worked at Ars Nova are Lin-Manuel Miranda, Thomas Kail, Christopher Jackson and Phillipa Soo of “Hamilton” fame; Bridget Everett, the actress and cabaret performer of the acclaimed HBO series “Somebody Somewhere”; and Dave Malloy, who created “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812” at Ars Nova.

☆ The Coronation of King Charles: Order of Service
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-06 | by ( ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +46 min

The Archbishop saysI here present unto you King Charles, your undoubted King: Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service, are you willing to do the same? Christopher Finney GC saysI here present unto you King Charles, your undoubted King: Wherefore all you who are come this day to do your homage and service, are you willing to do the same? We praise thee, we bless thee,we worship thee, we glorify thee,we give thanks to thee for thy great glory,O Lord God, heavenly King, God the Father Almighty. O clap your hands together, all ye people;O sing unto God with the voice of melody. The King touches the Ring and the Archbishop saysReceive this Ring, symbol of kingly dignity and a sign of the covenant sworn this day, between God and King, King and people.

☆ Kraft wants to remake the TV dinner
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-03 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

On Wednesday, Kraft Heinz officially introduced Homebake 425°/:30, the company’s new line of frozen meals. Kraft HeinzFor Kraft, the new brand is part of an effort to increase the company’s net sales by $2 billion through 2027. As part of its earlier turnaround efforts, Kraft Heinz has been trying to reinvigorate decades-old brands like Velveeta and Oscar Mayer. In that time, frozen food prices jumped 16.3%, well above recent annual trends for grocery prices as a whole. In 2020, Kraft Heinz announced that it was divesting its natural cheese business.

☆ Starbucks’ new CEO lays out improvement plan
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-02 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —During his first earnings call as the new Starbucks CEO, Laxman Narasimhan praised the company for its financial performance. In the quarter ending on April 2, sales at company-operated Starbucks stores open at least 13 months jumped 11% globally, including a 12% increase in North America. Before officially becoming CEO in March, Narasimhan spent about six months shadowing former interim CEO Howard Schultz in an incoming CEO capacity. Since December 2021, about 300 Starbucks stores have voted to unionize and been certified by the NLRB. It’s a relatively small number compared to the roughly 9,300 company-operated Starbucks stores in the United States.

☆ Bud Light wanted to market to all. Now, it's alienating everyone
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-01 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

New York CNN —For years, Bud Light leaned on jokey ad campaigns and its designation as a light beer to push sales. Now, Bud Light finds itself seeking younger drinkers, and stumbling through America’s polarized landscape in the process. There have been calls for a Bud Light boycott. And the stock of Bud Light owner Anheuser-Busch (BUD) has fallen only about 3% in the last month, suggesting Wall Street isn’t too worried. Bud Light, he thinks, could be missing out on that type of support.

☆ Opinion | Democrats: Pay Attention to What’s Happening in California
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-28 | by ( The Ezra Klein Show | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The state is home to staggering wealth, world-remaking tech companies, and some of the world’s boldest climate policy. The dysfunction of our national politics is often attributed to division and gridlock. And in many major cities — Los Angeles and San Francisco, for example — Republicans have little or no political power. If California has long been a bellwether for national liberal politics, Senator Scott Wiener has been something of a bellwether for California politics. Senator Wiener has represented San Francisco in the California Senate since 2016 and, before that, served on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

☆ Burger King’s secret weapon against McDonald’s is the Whopper
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-22 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

The plan is still in early stages: Burger King has invested $40 million as of the end of last year. At US Burger King locations open at least 13 months, sales jumped 5% in the quarter, thanks in part to the burger. “I don’t know what his place might be in the future.”The fast food war heats upFor Burger King, the Whopper is more than just a burger. But even if the Whopper isn’t all that different from other fast food burgers, it’s the one Burger King has got. For Burger King, “the challenge is you’re competing against McDonald’s, and McDonald’s is really good,” said Senatore.

☆ Anheuser-Busch facilities face threats after Bud Light backlash
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-20 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

New York CNN —Several Anheuser-Busch facilities received threats last week, a company spokesperson confirmed, following weeks of backlash against Bud Light because it sponsored two Instagram posts from a transgender woman. Mulvaney’s timeline shows one previous post that is also marked as a Bud Light partnership. Siegfried Anthony/STAR MAX/IPx 2023/APMulvaney is among many social media personalities that Bud Light partners with, Anheuser-Busch said in a statement to CNN last week. “F**k Bud Light, F**k Anheuser-Busch,” he said. Anheuser-Busch (BUD) is set to report its first-quarter financial results, including revenue, on May 4.

☆ McDonald’s is just going to offer the Big Mac sauce by itself now
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-19 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: 1 min

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☆ McDonald’s is upgrading its burgers
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-17 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

New York CNN —McDonald’s, which has been focusing on upgrading its core items to boost sales, is rolling out a series of changes designed to improve its signature burgers. The Big Mac will come with more Big Mac sauce. “In an environment where our customers are looking for the simple and familiar, our core menu items have never been more relevant,” he said. McDonald's USAFocusing on promoting its core menu items, rather than introducing new products, is a way to keep processes simpler and reduce friction in the kitchen. “Throughout 2022, some of our most successful campaign platforms brought our customers closer to the core menu items,” Kempczinski said during the January call.

☆ Behold the stuffed crust bagel
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-13 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +3 min

Now, Philadelphia cream cheese and H&H Bagels, a New York City-based bagel shop, are trying to please the carbohydrate- and dairy-loving communities with a new and dubious spin on the stuffed crust: The bagel stuffed with cream cheese. But unlike stuffed-crust pizzas, the bagel is filled with cheese after it is baked, making it more of a cream cheese bagel donut, if not in spirit then at least in form. What’s so wrong with slicing a bagel and slathering on a healthy amount of cream cheese? New York doesn’t have a specific bagel tax, explained Ryan Cleveland, a representative of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. Philadelphia cream cheese, which struggled with shortages in the past, turned that issue into a marketing opportunity as well.

☆ Bud Light's inclusive ad campaigns are good for business
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-12 | by ( Danielle Wiener-Bronner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

For Bud Light in particular, reaching a new audience is crucial, Alissa Heinerscheid, vice president of marketing at Bud Light, said in a recent Make Yourself at Home podcast interview. Bud Light had “been in decline for a really long time,” she said. From dylanmulvaney/InstagramCurrently, we’re about two weeks into the Bud Light backlash. The performer and TikTok personality, who had partnered with Bud Light previously, has been open about transitioning on Instagram and TikTok. And Texas congressman Dan Crenshaw also weighed in, saying he’s in favor of a Bud Light boycott but doesn’t stock the beer.

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