December 2022

Former Twitter employees have filed a lawsuit against the social media company alleging wrongful termination after Elon Musk took over and issued mass layoffs.  Last week, a group of employees decided to speak out, claiming that the layoffs have “triggered multiple labor rights violations,” according to CNN.  All four lawsuits that were filed against Twitter are seeking class-action status and allege that “Twitter reneged on promises to...

Rivian announced on Monday that it would be halting the plans to manufacture electric vans and would “no longer pursue” its previous agreement made with Mercedes.  The two companies signed their original agreement in September and Rivian stated it would still be open to working with Mercedes in the future “at a more appropriate time.”  As for a reason why Rivian decided to pull out of the...

Amazon has added another task to Alexa’s capabilities. The device can now tip your Amazon delivery driver with just one simple command! Amazon introduced “Alexa, thank my driver” as a simple and easy way to show appreciation to delivery drivers during the busy holiday season.  Amazon will be tipping each driver $5 per thank-you received. This driver appreciation project started on Dec. 7 and the company will...

Even though inflation has shot prices through the roof, that is not going to stop people from spending this holiday season.  According to the National Retail Federation, holiday retail sales are predicted to be an astounding $960 billion. That price is significantly higher than last year’s total of $889 billion.  The latest Holiday Retail Study done by Deloitte, predicts that the average American is expected to spend...

On Thursday, Airbnb announced plans to cut down on rowdy parties this New Year’s Eve by implementing “heightened rules and technologies aimed at helping to stop unauthorized parties over New Year’s Eve in 11 countries.”  The rental company is forbidding certain users from booking entire properties for one night in an attempt to cut down on unwarranted celebrations this year. According to the company’s statement, “These restrictions...

Disney has officially launched its ad-supported tier, Disney+ Basic, just one month after Netflix launched a similar program.  The new tier costs $7.99 monthly compared to the ad-free version of Disney+ which costs $10.99. Disney’s ad-supported tier has been in the works for months after first being announced in March. President of Direct to Consumer, Michael Paull, said in a statement “Today’s launch marks a milestone moment...

This year, McDonald’s is giving people the chance to win free food for life.  Starting on Monday, every order placed through the McDonald’s app for at least $1 will enter the customer in a contest to win a special card, called the McGold Card, that grants them free McDonald’s for life.  McDonald’s is awarding three lucky customers with the special cards. Each winner will get an additional...

Apple introduced the AirTag tracking device in 2021 as a way for users to keep track of their belongings. Bluetooth connections are able to locate AirTags using the Find My app on Apple devices.  However, Apple addressed “unwanted tracking” in a statement back in February, noting “incidents of AirTag misuse are rare; however, each instance is one too many.”  Now, two women have filed a class-action lawsuit...

The Laundress has issued a recall for roughly 8 million units of its laundry and household cleaners due to the possible presence of harmful bacteria.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “The recalled products can contain bacteria, including Burkholderia cepacia complex, Klebsiella aerogenes and multiple different species of Pseudomonas, many of which are environmental organisms found widely in soil and water, and some may...

Starbucks has implemented a new digital tipping system that encourages customers to tip when they pay by card. This change has angered many customers, who now feel “forced” to tip. According to Entrepeneur, “The coffee chain's new system will prompt users who pay by card to leave a tip in the amount of $1, $2, $5, or a custom amount. In order to not leave a...