Several food recalls and safety alerts have been issued this month due to concerns about salmonella contamination. Many affected products share a common ingredient that may be contaminated.
Key Facts
Multiple food recalls have happened this month.
The recalls are because of possible salmonella bacteria.
Salmonella can cause illness if ingested.
Many recalled products contain the same ingredient.
Authorities are tracking and alerting consumers to stay safe.
People are advised to check their food and follow recall instructions.
The source of contamination is under investigation.
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Alex Cooper, host of the popular "Call Her Daddy" podcast, announced she is pregnant with her first child. She shared the news on Instagram, showing a photo with her husband, Matt Kaplan, whom she married in April 2024.
Key Facts
Alex Cooper hosts the widely listened-to "Call Her Daddy" podcast.
She announced her pregnancy in an Instagram post on Sunday.
Cooper married producer Matt Kaplan in April 2024.
Cooper shared photos with Kaplan, including one where she showed her baby bump.
She did not provide details about her due date or other pregnancy specifics.
"Call Her Daddy" has more than 2.1 million YouTube subscribers.
Cooper has over 7.2 million followers on Instagram.
The podcast often features celebrity guests and discusses topics like relationships and pop culture.
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The Special 301 report this year criticized both friendly countries and competitors for activities that harm American workers. It aims to address unfair practices no matter where they happen.
Key Facts
The Special 301 report is an annual review by the U.S. government.
It identifies countries that violate intellectual property rights or engage in unfair trade practices.
This year, the report calls out not only adversaries but also allies when they harm U.S. workers.
The focus is on holding all countries accountable for actions impacting American jobs.
The report supports efforts to protect U.S. economic interests globally.
It encourages fair trade and respect for U.S. intellectual property rights.
The report influences U.S. trade policy and negotiations with other countries.
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Simone Stolzoff, a journalist and author, explores how people struggle with uncertainty in life and work. His new book, *How to Not Know*, discusses ways to better accept not knowing the future, especially in today's rapidly changing world.
Key Facts
Simone Stolzoff is a journalist who experienced anxiety when choosing between two career paths.
Stolzoff’s book, *How to Not Know*, focuses on embracing uncertainty rather than trying to be certain all the time.
Humans evolved to seek certainty to stay safe, but this can cause stress in unpredictable times.
Exposure to uncertainty can help people become more comfortable with not knowing answers right away.
The rise of smartphones and the internet increases the expectation of immediate answers and reduces tolerance for uncertainty.
Stanford economist Nicholas Bloom found global uncertainty has been very high in the last five years.
Stolzoff’s research shows that avoiding uncertainty may increase anxiety instead of reducing it.
Learning to accept what we don’t know may improve how we deal with changes in careers and life.
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Target will remove all cereals containing artificial colors from its shelves and online stores by the end of May 2026. The company will replace these cereals with new versions and products that use natural colors from fruits, vegetables, and spices, responding to growing consumer demand and regulatory pressure.
Key Facts
Target plans to stop selling cereals with artificial colors like Red 40, Yellow 5, and Blue 1 by May 2026.
The company is working with major brands to reformulate popular cereals such as Trix and Lucky Charms without synthetic dyes.
New cereals under Target’s Good & Gather Kids line will also be free of artificial colors.
Target’s change aims to meet consumer demand for healthier food options and more transparent ingredients.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has banned Red No. 3 and is pushing to phase out petroleum-based food dyes by 2027.
Artificial food dyes have been linked to behavioral issues in children and possible allergic reactions.
Some studies have raised concerns about cancer risks related to certain artificial dyes.
Target will maintain a variety of cereals that fit different price ranges and dietary needs during the transition.
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Swatch stores in the UK closed for a second day because large crowds came to buy a new pocket watch priced at £335. The company asked people not to rush stores since the watch will be available for months, and police were called to several locations due to safety concerns.
Key Facts
Swatch stores in Manchester and Liverpool closed for two days due to crowd safety.
The new watch, called the "Royal Pop," costs about £335 but is reselling online for up to £16,000.
Police were called to stores in the UK, France, Switzerland, and an event was canceled in Dubai.
One man was arrested in Cardiff, and threats were reported outside a Liverpool store.
The watch is a collaboration between Swatch and luxury brand Audemars Piguet.
The design is inspired by 1950s-60s Pop Art and combines styles from both brands.
Swatch advised customers not to form large queues and said sales might pause if too many people gather.
In New York, people camped in Times Square for a week to buy the watch, with some getting sick.
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This article highlights three popular foods in Philadelphia: cheesesteaks, soft pretzels, and hoagies. It shares details from local business owners about what makes these foods special and their significance in Philadelphia culture.
Key Facts
The cheesesteak is a sandwich with thinly sliced ribeye steak, onions, and cheese, served on an Italian roll.
Pat’s King of Steaks in Philadelphia is a famous cheesesteak shop owned by Frankie Olivieri, who emphasizes not chopping the meat.
Soft pretzels have been a popular Philly food since at least 1861 and are known for their figure-eight shape.
Center City Soft Pretzel Co. produces tens of thousands of pretzels each week and sells them for 90 cents each.
Pretzels are considered a convenient, on-the-go food and a staple of Philadelphia’s blue-collar culture.
Liberty Kitchen offers 25 kinds of hoagies, another popular Philadelphia sandwich.
Philadelphia-style pretzels are thick, crusty, salty, and traditionally eaten with mustard.
Both cheesesteaks and pretzels hold cultural significance and are cherished by many Philadelphians.
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Marimekko is a Finnish company known for its bold designs on fabrics, home goods, and clothes. The company has been creating colorful and unique designs for 75 years.
Key Facts
Marimekko is based in Finland.
The company specializes in fabrics, housewares, and fashion.
Its designs are known for being bright and bold.
Marimekko has a 75-year history.
The company’s style is widely recognized around the world.
The article was reported by CBS News correspondent Seth Doane.
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Soft pretzels are a traditional and popular food in Philadelphia. The Center City Soft Pretzel Company produces tens of thousands of pretzels every week to meet local demand.
Key Facts
Soft pretzels are an important food tradition in Philadelphia.
The Center City Soft Pretzel Company is a major producer of soft pretzels in the city.
This company makes tens of thousands of pretzels each week.
Soft pretzels have a twisted shape, a crunchy outside, and a doughy inside.
The pretzels are known for their salty taste.
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Louis Vuitton is a well-known French luxury brand founded in 1821 that revolutionized travel with its flat, stackable trunks. Today, designer Nicolas Ghesquière blends the brand’s rich history with new ideas, creating collections that honor craftsmanship while looking to the future.
Key Facts
Louis Vuitton was started by a French trunk maker in 1821.
The brand's original innovation was a flat, stackable trunk that changed how people travel.
Louis Vuitton trunks are made to last a lifetime and are crafted using traditional methods.
Nicolas Ghesquière is the current designer shaping Louis Vuitton’s style.
Ghesquière draws inspiration from the original trunks for each new fashion collection.
The Petite Malle is a small handbag design inspired by the classic trunk.
Louis Vuitton is the world’s largest luxury brand with a globally recognized "LV" logo.
Upcoming collections include a collaboration with the late artist Keith Haring’s estate.
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After the 2020 Almeda Fire in Southern Oregon destroyed many homes, there was a housing shortage. Some people like Jacob and Elize Fry built small rental homes called Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) in their backyards to help people who lost housing. California has made it easier and cheaper to build these units, which helps provide affordable long-term rentals.
Key Facts
The 2020 Almeda Fire in Oregon destroyed thousands of homes, worsening the housing crisis.
Jacob and Elize Fry built two small rental homes (ADUs) in their backyard to help displaced people.
ADUs are small, separate houses built on the same property as a main house, also known as granny flats or mother-in-law suites.
California laws now allow multiple ADUs on single-family lots, but only for long-term renters, not short-term like Airbnb.
There are currently 82,000 ADU building permits in California, showing strong growth in this housing option.
UCLA professor Dana Cuff helped pass the California ADU law and lives in an ADU herself.
Some neighbors worry ADUs strain local infrastructure such as parking, sewers, and waste services.
Tenants living in ADUs often include young families or newlyweds looking for affordable housing options.
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Investors in Thames Water warn that temporarily nationalizing the company would slow its recovery. Thames Water is close to agreeing on a rescue deal with creditors and the water regulator, Ofwat, to avoid running out of money by November.
Key Facts
Thames Water faces a financial crisis and needs £10 billion to stabilize and improve services.
The company risks running out of money by November without new investment.
Creditors and Thames Water are working on a rescue plan that involves no government funding.
A “special administration regime,” a form of temporary nationalization, could happen if no deal is reached.
Investors say temporary nationalization would cause delays, increase uncertainty, and hinder improvements.
Labour politician Andy Burnham supports renationalizing utilities like water and energy.
Thames Water has a £17.6 billion debt accumulated since it was privatized.
Share prices of other water companies fell after Burnham’s renationalization comments.
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Swatch’s release of a special edition watch made with Audemars Piguet caused very large crowds and some fights in several cities in Europe and New York. Stores in multiple locations closed temporarily due to safety concerns and crowd control issues.
Key Facts
The limited-edition Royal Pop watch was launched by Swatch in collaboration with luxury brand Audemars Piguet.
Crowds in Paris reached about 300 people; police used teargas to control the situation.
Stores in Milan, Amsterdam, Utrecht, London, and six other UK cities also closed because of crowd problems.
In the Netherlands, police had to stop people near The Hague after quarrels broke out.
In New York’s Times Square, people pushed and shoved while waiting in line for days.
The watch sells for about $400 in stores but is being resold for up to $4,000.
Some buyers waited several days in line or paid high prices to get the watch.
Swatch has not given a public response about the incidents or store closures.
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Recent outbreaks of hantavirus and norovirus on cruise ships have caused passenger illness and deaths, but the cruise industry expects more people to travel by cruise this year than before. Experts and travelers say these outbreaks have not reduced enthusiasm for cruises, which remain popular worldwide.
Key Facts
Three passengers died from hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius after it stopped in Argentina.
A norovirus outbreak occurred on the British cruise ship Ambition, docked in Bordeaux, France.
Despite these outbreaks, the Cruise Lines International Association forecasts 38.3 million cruise passengers worldwide in 2026, up 4% from last year's 37.2 million.
Major cruise companies like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival did not comment on how outbreaks affect bookings.
The company owning MV Hondius, Oceanwide Expeditions, plans to continue normal operations and has a cruise scheduled from Iceland on May 29.
Some experienced cruise travelers say they are not changing their plans and believe cruising is as safe as other holidays if health advice is followed.
Industry experts say travelers see outbreaks as isolated and not unique to cruises.
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Some U.S. states are challenging utility companies about rising electricity bills and growing profits. Officials and lawmakers in states like Arizona, Maryland, and Pennsylvania are trying to stop rate hikes and want utilities to change how they pay for big upgrades.
Key Facts
States including Arizona, Indiana, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania are pushing back against utility companies raising rates.
Rising electricity bills are linked partly to the growing power use of AI data centers.
Utility profits increased from about $39 billion in 2021 to over $52 billion in 2024.
Consumer advocates say utility companies are making higher returns than reasonable, contributing to high bills.
Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes is actively challenging rate increase requests.
Utilities have traditionally been seen as safe investments with steady returns.
The current energy demand and growth have led to record-high utility profits.
Some suggest utilities should seek the cheapest financing like borrowers shopping for low interest rates.
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Severe flooding hit farms on Oahu’s North Shore, Hawaii, causing widespread crop and equipment damage. Many small farms lost a large portion of their produce, leading to financial struggles and a reduced supply of local vegetables at markets.
Key Facts
Hawaii’s North Shore experienced the worst flooding in 20 years due to storms in March.
More than 600 farms reported about $40 million in damage, with estimates rising to $50 million affecting nearly 2,000 farms.
Flooding destroyed crops such as lemongrass, cucumber, okra, choy sum, bitter melon, tomato, banana, coconut, and mango.
Small farms dominate Hawaii’s agriculture, often under a few acres and focused on diverse crops for local markets.
These farms generally earn less than $10,000 a year and often cannot afford crop insurance.
The Hawaii Farm Bureau urges farmers not to give up, emphasizing the importance of local food supply on the island.
Hawaii has increased support for local farms through funding, farm-to-school programs, and loans, especially after supply chain issues during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Many farmers are immigrants who faced financial struggles before the flooding.
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Blackstone Products has recalled certain lots of its Parmesan Ranch seasoning sold at Walmart due to a possible salmonella contamination linked to an ingredient supplier. No illnesses have been reported so far, but consumers are advised to check, discard the affected products, and contact the company for replacements.
Key Facts
The recall involves Parmesan Ranch seasoning in 7.3-ounce containers from specific lot numbers with best-by dates in 2027.
The seasoning was sold nationwide exclusively at Walmart stores and the company’s website.
The recall stems from a dry milk powder supplier, California Dairies, which found possible salmonella contamination in certain lots.
Salmonella is a bacteria that causes food poisoning, leading to symptoms like diarrhea, fever, nausea, and abdominal cramps.
Most healthy people recover without treatment, but young children, older adults, and people with weak immune systems have higher risks.
No confirmed illnesses linked to this product have been reported as of the recall announcement.
Consumers should not eat the recalled seasoning and should discard it immediately.
Blackstone Products offers replacements and has a customer service line for questions and returns at 1-888-879-4610.
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Rising costs of food ingredients and fertilizers are causing serious problems for traders, farmers, and shoppers. Businesses like cheesemakers are paying more than double for key supplies, leading to higher prices and making it harder to sell products. Farmers warn the government needs to do more help, or they may reduce crop production.
Key Facts
Some food ingredient prices, like dried apricots, have nearly tripled in a year.
Fertilizer costs are rising and threatening farmers' ability to grow crops.
A cheesemaker from Northampton says higher costs force price increases, which hurts sales.
Farmers have protested to demand more government support for agriculture.
The government says it is working with farmers and groups to support the farming sector.
The Bank of England expects food prices could rise by 7% before the end of the year.
Consumers report noticing big price hikes on everyday items like salt and meat.
Some shoppers are changing buying habits, choosing cheaper foods like chicken instead of red meat.
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Older homeowners, called baby boomers, own more large family homes than younger families, even though it is younger families who mostly need bigger homes. This difference is making it harder for families with children to find and afford the houses they want. Many boomers keep their homes because they have low mortgage payments and want to stay near family or avoid moving.
Key Facts
Baby boomers who no longer have children at home (empty nesters) own about 28% of homes with three or more bedrooms.
Millennial parents own 16% of large homes, and Gen Z parents own less than 1%.
Cities with the most large homes owned by millennial families include Austin, Columbus, and Minneapolis, each around 19%.
Cities with the fewest large homes owned by millennial families include Los Angeles (11%), Miami (13%), and San Jose (13%).
Boomers own more than 30% of large homes in Memphis, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh.
Many boomers prefer to stay in their homes because they have no mortgage or low mortgage rates.
Younger families face problems like high prices, high mortgage rates, and not enough big homes for sale.
Between 2014 and 2024, millennials increased their share of large home ownership from about 5% to 16%, partly by buying homes from older generations.
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Kate Pasola, a journalist from Northumberland, has edited a book called Bread Alone that highlights the challenges working-class writers face in the creative industry. The book includes essays about how economic and social barriers limit opportunities for people from lower-income backgrounds to succeed as writers.
Key Facts
Kate Pasola experienced difficulties in her writing career due to costs and class barriers.
The number of working-class people in creative roles has dropped by half since the 1970s.
Only about 10% of writers come from working-class backgrounds, according to research.
Pasola’s book Bread Alone contains 33 essays about institutional obstacles for working-class writers.
Many working-class people feel their social class has hurt their career chances.
New Writing North, a charity, supports writers from all backgrounds and launched a magazine focused on working-class stories.
Cost-of-living pressures make it harder for working-class writers to break into the industry.
Increasing working-class voices in culture brings diverse stories and makes art richer.
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