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Chris Spiker

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cspiker@dailyvoice.com

Chris Spiker's Contributions

Business
PayPal Launches AI Chat Shopping: Here's How The New Feature Works PayPal Launches AI Chat Shopping: Here's How The New Feature Works
PayPal Launches AI Chat Shopping: Here's How The New Feature Works An artificial intelligence search engine will soon help Americans buy products, book trips, and check out with PayPal or Venmo in online chats. Perplexity is teaming up with the financial technology giant for the new chat-based shopping experience, PayPal announced on Wednesday, May 14. The service is expected to be available in the US in the summer. Shoppers can make purchases within chat prompts on Perplexity Pro. "This partnership unlocks new possibilities, where conversations now drive commerce," said PayPal president and CEO Alex Chriss. "We're making it easy and secure…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Airbnb Expands With Private Cooking Experiences, Beauty Services In Major Update Airbnb Expands With Private Cooking Experiences, Beauty Services In Major Update
Airbnb Expands With Private Cooking Experiences, Beauty Services In Major Update Travelers can now book massages, makeup sessions, and chef-prepared meals in Airbnb rentals – or even at home. Airbnb launched its services and experiences features on Tuesday, May 13. The short-term vacation rental platform also unveiled a redesigned app in time for the summer. The new features are available in 260 cities for services and 650 cities for experiences. The features allow users to book professional offerings from within the app, even if that person isn't staying at an Airbnb. Airbnb Services allows guests to book things like spa treatments, photography sessions, professi…

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by Chris Spiker
Real Estate
Spring Housing Market Slumps Under Trump's Tariffs, Builders Warn Spring Housing Market Slumps Under Trump's Tariffs, Builders Warn
Spring Housing Market Slumps Under Trump's Tariffs, Builders Warn Homebuilders are warning about a slow spring due to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs and high interest rates, according to a new survey. Builder confidence dropped sharply in May, falling to 34 on the National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index released on Thursday, May 15. That's down six points from April, matching the low from November 2023 and marking the worst reading since December 2022. In the Northeast, sentiment slipped three points to 44 on a three-month moving average. A score above 50 means more builders see conditions as good than p…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Hershey's Unveils Sweet New Flavor To Improve Your S'mores This Summer Hershey's Unveils Sweet New Flavor To Improve Your S'mores This Summer
Hershey's Unveils Sweet New Flavor To Improve Your S'mores This Summer Hershey's is getting ready for s'mores around summer bonfires with a new flavor of its classic chocolate bar. The new milk chocolate bar filled with caramel was officially released by Hershey's on Tuesday, May 13. The limited-edition candy will be available in six-packs only for the summer. Hershey's said the new bar is perfect for melting with marshmallows by campfires, backyard fire pits, and lakeside nights. "The combination of our signature milk chocolate with golden caramel transforms the classic Hershey's bar into something extraordinary – it's tradition reimagined with just the righ…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Starbucks Baristas Strike Nationwide Over New Dress Code, Demand Workplace Improvements Starbucks Baristas Strike Nationwide Over New Dress Code, Demand Workplace Improvements
Starbucks Baristas Strike Nationwide Over New Dress Code, Demand Workplace Improvements Hundreds of Starbucks baristas are on strike, protesting new dress code rules they say distract from bigger issues like low pay, understaffing, and delayed union contracts. The strike has been led by Starbucks Workers United, the union representing about 11,000 employees at more than 570 stores. The movement opposes Starbucks' new policy requiring North American employees to wear solid black shirts with khaki, black, or blue denim bottoms. The dress code officially went into effect on Monday, May 12. "We're not just walking out over a shirt color," the union said in a Facebook po…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Walmart Raising Prices Due To Trump's Tariffs, CEO Says: Here's What's More Expensive Walmart Raising Prices Due To Trump's Tariffs, CEO Says: Here's What's More Expensive
Walmart Raising Prices Due To Trump's Tariffs, CEO Says: Here's What's More Expensive Executives at Walmart are warning that the retail giant will raise prices on many everyday items due to President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. Walmart will hike the costs of many grocery items and general merchandise, CEO Doug McMillon said during an earnings call on Thursday, May 15. The announcement comes as Walmart's revenue rose 2.5% in the first quarter of 2025. McMillon said the chain can't swallow the greater costs caused by Trump's tariffs. "We're positioned to manage the cost pressure from tariffs as well or better than anyone, but even at the reduced levels, the hig…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Dick's Sporting Goods Buying Foot Locker In $2.5B Deal: Here's Why Dick's Sporting Goods Buying Foot Locker In $2.5B Deal: Here's Why
Dick's Sporting Goods Buying Foot Locker In $2.5B Deal: Here's Why Dick's Sporting Goods is buying Foot Locker in a $2.5 billion deal, as the major sports brands try to cash in on Nike partnerships and sneaker culture. Dick's and Foot Locker announced the acquisition in a joint news release on Thursday, May 15. The deal will allow the Western Pennsylvania-based Dick's to have its first international presence, since the athletics apparel chain only has stores in the US. Foot Locker runs 2,400 stores in 20 countries, including brands like Champs Sports and atmos. "We believe there is meaningful opportunity for growth ahead," said Dick's executive chair…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Retail Sales Stall In April Amid Trump's Tariffs And Slowing Demand, New Data Says Retail Sales Stall In April Amid Trump's Tariffs And Slowing Demand, New Data Says
Retail Sales Stall In April Amid Trump's Tariffs And Slowing Demand, New Data Says April's retail sales flatlined as Americans pulled back on spending, the latest sign that trade tensions under President Donald Trump's tariffs are taking a toll on the US economy. Total retail and food service sales rose just 0.1% in April, compared to March's 1.7% surge, the U.S. Census Bureau said on Thursday, May 15. April's monthly gain was within the margin of error (+/- 0.5%), suggesting no meaningful growth. From February to April, total sales rose 4.8% compared to the same period in 2024. The healthy gains appear to be slowing down after consumers rushed in February and March …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Brake Failures Force Recall Of 273K+ SUVs, Ford Issues 'Do Not Drive' Warning For Some Broncos Brake Failures Force Recall Of 273K+ SUVs, Ford Issues 'Do Not Drive' Warning For Some Broncos
Brake Failures Force Recall Of 273K+ SUVs, Ford Issues 'Do Not Drive' Warning For Some Broncos Ford is recalling more than 273,000 large SUVs because of two significant issues that raise crash risks, federal regulators said. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said Ford has recalled 273,789 Expeditions and Navigators. The recall, which was announced on Friday, May 9, affects the model years 2022 through 2024. In the affected vehicles, the front brake lines may rub against the engine air cleaner outlet pipe, causing a fluid leak that could lead to a loss of front brake function. "A brake line leak may cause a longer-than-expected brake pedal travel and result…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Spirit Adds Extra-Legroom Seats, Joining Airline Industry's Premium Push Spirit Adds Extra-Legroom Seats, Joining Airline Industry's Premium Push
Spirit Adds Extra-Legroom Seats, Joining Airline Industry's Premium Push Another airline is looking to compete for flyers wanting more comfortable travel experiences. Spirit Airlines will offer new extra-legroom seats on its flights, the company said in a news release on Tuesday, May 13. The budget airline also announced upgrades to its Free Spirit loyalty program. The updates mark a major shift for Spirit, which recently exited bankruptcy and is working to win over flyers with added perks and space. "Spirit's new premium options offer travelers exceptional value, and we're creating even more opportunities for guests to experience them with our new extra-legroo…

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by Chris Spiker
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