The Container Store, once invigorated by the popularity of Marie Kondo's Netflix series "Tidying Up," is now grappling with a precarious future. The show, which premiered in 2019, sparked a surge in demand for storage solutions, with customers flocking to The Container Store for bins, organizers, and shelving to declutter their homes. This trend boosted the company's sales significantly. In 2021, the company capitalized on this momentum by partnering with Kondo to create exclusive products. However, the initial enthusiasm has faded, and The Container Store now confronts a challenging outlook, with a struggling housing market and fierce competition taking a toll on its business.

The prospective Trump administration is poised to bring significant shifts in the government's interaction with technology corporations, potentially impacting users in various aspects, from the online content they access to the possibility of encountering biased AI systems. President-elect Donald Trump and his supporters have often clashed with major tech firms, accusing them of wielding excessive influence and sometimes using it adversely against him.

Kraft Mac & Cheese, a brand with a rich history spanning 87 years, is embracing a novel marketing strategy inspired by the trendy streetwear industry. In a departure from its traditional approach of launching products in grocery stores across the nation, Kraft is now mimicking the "drop" culture prevalent in the sneaker market. This involves releasing a limited quantity of its innovative everything bagel-flavored mac and cheese to generate excitement and potentially gain viral attention on platforms like TikTok. On Friday, exclusively through Walmart's online platform, Kraft will offer a mere 15,000 boxes of this special edition flavor, a figure that constitutes less than 2% of the daily sales of its classic version, as per the company's data. Kraft's rendition of everything bagel seasoning includes garlic and onion powder along with poppy seeds, but notably omits sesame seeds, which are a common ingredient in other variations of this flavor profile.

While the specifics of President-elect Donald Trump's tariff strategies remain largely unknown, one thing seems certain: tariffs are set to increase. Drawing from historical precedent, this could lead to a rise in prices. Trump has already indicated his intention to impose a 25% tariff on all imports from Mexico and Canada on his first day in office, as well as an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports. During his campaign, he also promised a 60% tariff on all goods imported from China and a 10% to 20% tariff on goods from all other countries.

American appetites for Lunchables appear to be waning. According to Circana's data, during the quarter that concluded on November 3rd, the sales of these pre-packaged, compartmentalized meals, which are marketed towards children and their busy parents, experienced a 12% decline. This downturn is significantly impacting Kraft Heinz, the parent company of Lunchables, as their overall sales dipped by 2.2% in the last quarter, with nearly half of this decrease attributed to the struggling Lunchables brand. Kraft Heinz is now in a race to salvage its nearly $2 billion brand. Diana Frost, Kraft Heinz’s global chief growth officer, emphasized in an interview, "Lunchables is a top priority for us, and we are dedicated to ensuring its long-term growth."

While it may not be widely advertised, the act of urinating in the shower is a common practice among many individuals. Some are indifferent to the idea, viewing it as a matter of convenience since all waste ultimately flows to the same place. Others, however, consider it unhygienic. Regardless of personal opinions, urologists generally concur that this practice poses no significant health risks for individuals of any gender. Dr. Karyn Eilber, a urology professor at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles, remarks, "There's no harm in it, and for some, it's simply a matter of convenience. It's a matter of personal preference not to connect the place where you cleanse yourself with the act of elimination."

As the temperatures begin to drop across many regions of the Northern Hemisphere, it's essential to remember that the onset of cold weather doesn't have to signal the end of your fitness journey. I had the opportunity to discuss with wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen on how to maintain an active lifestyle during the winter months. We delved into the best types of exercises for cold weather, as well as how individuals can safely and enjoyably engage in outdoor physical activities when the mercury plummets. Dr. Wen, an emergency physician and a clinical associate professor at George Washington University, has also served as Baltimore's health commissioner. She provided insights on the recommended weekly exercise regimen and how to stay active outdoors in the chill.

Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk throughout the day may heighten the risk of cardiovascular diseases, regardless of whether one engages in physical activity during their leisure time, as per recent studies. Dr. Ezim Ajufo, a cardiology fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston and the lead author of the study, emphasized, "Our results underscore the significance of minimizing prolonged sitting, irrespective of one's physical activity levels." Although it is widely acknowledged that excessive sitting is detrimental to health, Dr. Keith Diaz, an associate professor of behavioral medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, who was not part of the study, noted the necessity for further research to clarify the precise risks and to establish guidelines on what constitutes excessive sitting time. He praised this particular study for its large sample size and the methods it used to investigate the effects of sitting.

In the annals of medical history, a momentous policy shift has been etched, as the United States announces a groundbreaking change in its organ transplant regulations. This new federal rule, a beacon of hope for those living with HIV, allows individuals with the virus to receive kidney and liver transplants from donors who also have HIV, without the previous requirement of being part of a research study. This change, anticipated to significantly reduce waiting times and increase the availability of organ transplants for those with HIV, is a testament to the Biden administration's commitment to health equity and reducing barriers to care.

In the realm of global health, the appointment of an individual to a position of power can send ripples across the international community, affecting the lives and well-being of millions. The potential selection of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. by President-elect Donald Trump as the head of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is no exception. This appointment, if confirmed, would place Kennedy at the helm of an agency with a $1.7 trillion budget and a far-reaching influence over the health and well-being of not just Americans, but people around the globe .

Three decades have passed since I made the decision to abstain from meat during a Thanksgiving feast. Reflecting on that moment, I cringe at the self-righteous declaration I made at the table, which left my father shaking his head in disapproval as I toasted, "As George Bernard Shaw once said, 'Animals are my friends, and I don't eat my friends.'" My family, already aware of my college course on nonviolence, was not taken aback by my announcement. However, my roommates bore the brunt of my newfound moral fervor. I would interrogate my friends, "Do you know the suffering that cow endured before it became your burger?" My confrontational approach did little to sway opinions, and they pointed out the irony of my sudden change, given my carnivorous habits just the day before. Today, I remain a vegetarian, but my journey has led to unexpected insights about myself, others, and our world.

As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, with an anticipated 80 million Americans hitting the roads, it's a timely reminder that foodborne illnesses are increasing. Fortunately, these illnesses are largely preventable with proper precautions. To ensure the safety of the meals and leftovers we prepare for our family, I sought advice from wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Dr. Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, has extensive experience in food safety from her tenure as Baltimore's health commissioner.

The holiday season, a time traditionally synonymous with joyous gatherings and festive cheer, has taken on a new dimension in recent years—a dimension of crowded airports and bulging boarding passes. This year, the skies are set to be more congested than ever, with a record-breaking 31 million passengers expected to embark on their journeys with US airlines within a single week. This staggering figure, as reported by Airlines for America, the industry's leading trade organization, paints a picture of an aviation sector pushed to its limits.

Upon initial observation, Daisy might easily be mistaken for the quintessential grandmother: she adores knitting, enjoys reminiscing about her family, owns a feline companion named Fluffy, struggles with modern technology, and has ample time for leisurely conversations. However, a closer look reveals her to be a technological marvel, equipped with a suite of ingenious strategies. This is because Daisy is an AI-powered conversational chatbot devised by the UK-based mobile telecommunications company O2, designed to counteract fraud by deceiving phone scammers into believing they are in conversation with a genuine human. Her recent introduction underscores the dual-edged role of AI in the realm of online scams.

As the Senate considers confirming Scott Turner for the role of Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), he is poised to assume leadership of the nation's premier housing agency amidst a period of heightened scrutiny on housing affordability. President Donald Trump's campaign promise of substantial government budget reductions has raised concerns among some industry insiders that funding allocated to HUD might be significantly reduced. The agency is tasked with providing rental support for low-income families, overseeing mortgage insurance for potential homebuyers, and enforcing fair housing laws. Bob Greenstein, a visiting fellow in economic studies at the Brookings Institution, expressed his concerns, stating, "Given the budgetary pressures and the push to make significant cuts, I am worried about the potential shortage of affordable housing and the impact of rising rents on lower-income households that are living from paycheck to paycheck."

In 2018, Bobby Djavaheri, the head of Yedi Houseware Appliances, was deeply concerned about the potential impact of the Trump administration's tariffs on Chinese-made air fryers on his family's appliance business. Faced with a 25% tariff on these imports, Djavaheri sought legal counsel and pursued a tariff exemption from the United States Trade Representative (USTR). Unfortunately, his request, like many others, was quickly turned down without any explanation. This led to layoffs at his Los Angeles-based company and the cancellation of expansion plans. Djavaheri's experience reflects the broader challenges faced by numerous U.S. businesses in mitigating the financial burden of tariffs imposed on Chinese goods, highlighting the frustrations with a tariff exemption process that is often seen as opaque and disorganized.

Chinese technology conglomerate Huawei has recently introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the Mate 70, which is a significant milestone in the company's quest for technological independence. This new device, priced at a starting point of 5,499 yuan (equivalent to approximately $760), is equipped with the HarmonyOS Next operating system, marking a departure from Android-based applications and showcasing Huawei's commitment to自主研发 software. Richard Yu, the head of Huawei's consumer division, proclaimed the Mate 70 as the "most powerful phone" in the Mate series during its launch event on Tuesday, emphasizing the company's innovative spirit with the statement, "We have always been copied but never surpassed." He also revealed plans for all forthcoming Huawei smartphones and tablets to be powered by their proprietary operating system starting from the next year.

Elon Musk, the world's wealthiest individual and a prominent supporter of former President Donald Trump, has recently taken to social media to criticize MSNBC, referring to it as "the scum of the Earth" and accusing the network of spreading "puerile propaganda." Musk's recent comments, including a declaration that "MSNBC is going down," have been followed by a series of memes suggesting he might be interested in purchasing the channel. While many dismiss these posts as mere jests, they have contributed to a growing sense of unease among MSNBC employees, particularly in light of Trump's re-election prospects and the recent announcement of Comcast's cable channel spinoff.

Kohl's has declared that its Chief Executive Officer, Tom Kingsbury, will relinquish his position on January 15, 2025. He will be succeeded by Ashley Buchanan, who currently holds the CEO role at the arts and crafts retail giant, Michaels. Buchanan has been at the helm of Michaels since 2020 and boasts an impressive 13-year tenure as a senior executive within Walmart and its subsidiary, Sam's Club. Kingsbury initially assumed the role of interim CEO in 2022 and later committed to serving as the permanent CEO until May 2025, as stated by board chair Michael Bender on Monday. His appointment followed the departure of former Kohl's CEO Michelle Gass, who transitioned to become the CEO at Levi's (LEVI). During her time at Walmart, the world's leading retailer, Buchanan held the positions of Chief Merchandising Officer and Chief Operating Officer for Walmart US e-Commerce. Upon his departure, Kingsbury will continue to offer counsel to Buchanan and maintain his seat on the Kohl's Board of Directors until his retirement in May 2025.

Wolverine Packing Company has initiated a recall of over 167,000 pounds of ground beef products distributed to eateries due to potential E. coli contamination. The United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced on Wednesday that fifteen cases of illness have been reported in Minnesota, with the onset of symptoms ranging from November 2nd to November 10th. The fresh products have a recommended consumption date of November 14th, while the frozen items are marked with a production date of October 22nd. All affected products bear the establishment number EST. 2574B within the USDA's inspection mark. The FSIS has indicated that these items were shipped across the United States to various dining establishments and there is a concern that some may still be stored in restaurant refrigerators or freezers. It is advised that all such products be discarded or returned and not consumed.

Engaging in increased aerobic activity during middle and later years of life may significantly mitigate the risk of developing dementia, including Alzheimer's disease, as indicated by recent research. "Our findings highlight the pivotal role that cardiovascular fitness plays in lowering the risk of dementia, even among individuals who are genetically susceptible to Alzheimer's," remarked Weili Xu, a professor at the Aging Research Center of Karolinska Institute in Stockholm. Xu, the lead author of the study, emphasized in a communication, "Promoting gradual enhancements in physical fitness offers a practical and significant approach to bolstering brain health across various demographics."