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  • Trump budget chief Vought to tell GOP senators 5B for border security needed ‘immediately’

    Trump budget chief Vought to tell GOP senators $175B for border security needed ‘immediately’

    FIRST ON FOX: President Trump’s newly sworn in Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Director Russ Vought will emphasize to Republican senators the urgent need for border security funding on Tuesday, telling them an immediate $175 billion is necessary. 

    At a weekly Senate GOP lunch, Trump’s budget chief will speak to lawmakers, stressing that more money and resources are needed to secure the border and to continue undoing Biden-era immigration policies, a senior administration official told Fox News Digital exclusively. 

    NOEM, HEGSETH, BONDI PLEAD WITH CONGRESS FOR MORE BORDER FUNDING AMID LARGE-SCALE DEPORTATIONS

    Vought will tell GOP senators there is a pressing need for $175 billion in border funding.  (Getty Images)

    In his presentation, Vought will detail what the administration requires for “robust and sustained” border security and immigration enforcement, according to the official. 

    Vought will explain that given Trump’s significant actions to address illegal immigration, money is running out. And for the administration to keep enforcing the new policies and conducting operations across the country, those resources must be renewed. 

    LORI CHAVEZ-DEREMER: THE LITTLE-KNOWN TRUMP NOMINEE WHO MAY NEED TO RELY ON DEMS

    Migrants storm the gate at the border in El Paso

    A group of over 100 migrants attempting to enter the US illegally rush a border wall Thursday, March 21, 2024. In the process, the migrants knock down Texas National Guardsmen before they are halted  by the border wall. (James Breeden for New York Post / Mega)

    The funding being sought would go toward ramping up personnel across agencies, expanding detention capacity and reinstituting the “Remain in Mexico” program. 

    It would also include border wall construction and building border infrastructure, deploying innovative surveillance technology to the border, deporting migrants, military support for deportation operations, enhancing the Coast Guard’s role in border enforcement and giving state and local governments the financial and operational resources to deal with the effects of large-scale illegal immigration, per the official. 

    TRUMP NOMINEE TULSI GABBARD CLEARS LAST HURDLE, HEADS FOR FINAL CONFIRMATION VOTE

    John Thune

    Senate Majority Leader John Thune (Getty Images)

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    This will be relayed to the Republican senators by Vought during the GOP lunch. 

    The $175 billion topline request has already been factored into Senate Committee on the Budget Chairman Lindsey Graham’s reconciliation bill, which is slated to go through the key committee this week. 

  • Cause of ride closures at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Monday night revealed

    Cause of ride closures at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom Monday night revealed

    Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom is back to normal operations after a power outage caused numerous ride closures Monday evening, a spokesperson told FOX Business.

    The cause of the power outage is not being disclosed, but at one point on Monday evening, 18 rides were shown as closed on the My Disney Experience app. That is nearly half the attractions offered at the resort’s most-visited park, according to USA TODAY.

    The high temperature reached 84 degrees in the Orlando area on Monday, data from the National Weather Service shows.

    A Disney spokesperson said many people were watching fireworks later in the day when the power outage occurred. Anyone who was on a ride when it went down was safely escorted off, and the park’s after-hours event went on as planned.

    NATIONAL PLAN FOR VACATION DAY ENCOURAGES AMERICANS TO ARRANGE TRAVEL PLANS

    A statue of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse stands in a garden in front of Cinderella’s Castle at the Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World on May 31, 2024, in Orlando, Florida.  (Gary Hershorn/Getty Images / Fox News)

    At 10 p.m., which was listed as the park’s closing time for those without an after-hours ticket, only three rides remained shut down: Space Mountain, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure and “It’s a Small World,” local FOX 35 reported. 

    The special ticketed event allowed guests to be in the park until 1 a.m. Tuesday.

    DISNEY’S MAGIC KINGDOM HONORS 100-YEAR-OLD WWII VETERAN DURING FLAG RETREAT CEREMONY

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    DIS THE WALT DISNEY CO. 109.28 -1.58 -1.43%

    CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS

    Guests whose visit was impacted by the power outage may reach out to Disney’s guest relations to see if any accommodations could be made. Walt Disney World’s single day, single park tickets are date based, starting at $119 a day, when purchased directly from Disney online. 

    On Monday, Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts led a celebratory parade at Magic Kingdom the day after his team defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, FOX 35 reported. 

    Currently, Astro Orbiter, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and The Hall of Presidents in Magic Kingdom are closed for refurbishment. 

  • Maha Kumbh 2025: ‘Jannat’ Actress Sonal Chauhan Seeks Divine Blessings From Naga Sadhu, Calls It an ‘Enriching and Beautiful Experience’ (See Pics)

    Maha Kumbh 2025: ‘Jannat’ Actress Sonal Chauhan Seeks Divine Blessings From Naga Sadhu, Calls It an ‘Enriching and Beautiful Experience’ (See Pics)

    Bollywood actress Sonal Chauhan, most popular for her role in Jannat (2008), visited Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The 37-year-old actress took a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam and shared glimpses of her spiritual outing on social media. On Tuesday (February 11), the actress shared pictures on her Instagram handle where she could be seen taking blessings from a Naga Sadhu named Sri Digambar Kushal Bharti Maharaj. Sharing the pictures, the actress captioned her post, “Such an enriching and beautiful experience it was to spend time with and seek blessings of Sri Digambar Kushal Bharti ji Maharaj at the Maha Kumbh.” Maha Kumbh 2025: ‘Jannat 2’ Actress Esha Gupta Takes a Holy Dip at Triveni Sangam, Calls It a ‘Divine’ Experience (View Pics).

    Sonal Chauhan at Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

    (SocialLY brings you all the latest breaking news, viral trends and information from social media world, including Twitter (X), Instagram and Youtube. The above post is embeded directly from the user’s social media account and LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body. The views and facts appearing in the social media post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY, also LatestLY does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

  • Tulsi Gabbard slated for confirmation vote after key committee triumph

    Tulsi Gabbard slated for confirmation vote after key committee triumph

    President Donald Trump is on the cusp of seeing his 14th Cabinet member confirmed in former Democratic Rep. Tulsi Gabbard. 

    Gabbard is slated for a final Senate confirmation vote to be Trump’s director of national intelligence (DNI) after midnight in the early morning hours of Wednesday. 

    This is when the 30 hours of post-cloture debate expires on her nomination. Frequently, the debate between the cloture motion and the final vote is minimized in what’s referred to as a “time agreement” between Republicans and Democrats. But with the controversial nature of Gabbard’s nomination and ongoing frustrations with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its government audit, no such agreement is expected. 

    NOEM, HEGSETH, BONDI PLEAD WITH CONGRESS FOR MORE BORDER FUNDING AMID LARGE-SCALE DEPORTATIONS

    Gabbard is expected to be confirmed. (Getty Images)

    Gabbard is expected to be confirmed and has already amassed support from hesitant Republicans who voted against Trump’s Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, requiring Vice President JD Vance to break the tie in the upper chamber. 

    Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, who are often considered the conference’s moderate members, have both already come out in support of Gabbard. Both lawmakers voted against confirming Hegseth. 

    LORI CHAVEZ-DEREMER: THE LITTLE-KNOWN TRUMP NOMINEE WHO MAY NEED TO RELY ON DEMS

    Sen. Lisa Murkowski

    Murkowski said she would back Gabbard after opposing Hegseth. (Jemal Countess/Getty Images for JDRF)

    Collins is a member of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence and voted in favor of the nomination, helping advance it to the full Senate floor. 

    Gabbard also snagged the backing of key Sens. Bill Cassidy, R-La., and Todd Young, R-Ind., despite the latter being uncertain before the committee vote. 

    TRUMP NOMINEE TULSI GABBARD CLEARS LAST HURDLE, HEADS FOR FINAL CONFIRMATION VOTE

    Tulsi Gabbard, Todd Young

    Sen. Young came out in support of Gabbard hours before the committee vote. (Reuters)

    Young is also on the Intel Committee and ultimately voted to advance her to the floor, but only after some prodding and discussions with Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., and Vance, who operated rigorous operations to ensure the nomination got through. 

    SCHUMER REVEALS DEM COUNTER-OFFENSIVE AGAINST TRUMP’S DOGE AUDIT

    Tulsi Gabbard, Edward Snowden

    Tulsi Gabbard, nominee for director of national intelligence, and Edward Snowden (AP/Getty)

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    Some concerns that followed Gabbard through her confirmation hearing were her past meeting with former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, her previous FISA Section 702 stance and her past support for NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden

    But these worries were apparently quelled by her answers and the persuasive support of both Cotton and Vance.

  • Macron says ‘plug, baby, plug’ amid push for nuclear-powered AI

    Macron says ‘plug, baby, plug’ amid push for nuclear-powered AI

    French President Emmanuel Macron on Monday touted the role of the country’s nuclear energy industry in powering its tech industry while joking about one of President Donald Trump’s favorite slogans.

    Macron was speaking in Paris at the AI Action Summit and said that France, which has the largest share of electricity generated by nuclear power in the world, is well-positioned to power energy-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) projects.

    “I have a good friend in the other part of the ocean saying ‘drill, baby, drill.’ Here, there is no need to drill. It’s just ‘plug, baby, plug,'” Macron said.

    “Electricity is available, you can plug, it’s ready,” he added. “And I can tell you, we will go fast and very fast.”

    VANCE TELLS WORLD LEADERS AI MUST BE ‘FREE FROM IDEOLOGICAL BIAS,’ AMERICAN TECH WON’T BE CENSORSHIP TOOL

    French President Emmanuel Macron touted the country’s energy infrastructure amid its AI push. ((Photo by FRANCOIS MORI/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) / Getty Images)

    France recently announced a more than $100 billion investment to boost AI development in France “in the coming years” with funds coming from foreign and private investors.

    Trump campaigned on expanding U.S. oil and gas production and has often said that the industry will be able to “drill, baby, drill” under his leadership.

    In his address at the Republican National Convention last summer as the presidential election was ramping up, Trump said that increased U.S. oil and gas drilling would “lead to a large-scale decline in prices.”

    BUSINESS, ENERGY GROUPS PRAISE TRUMP’S DAY 1 ACTIONS

    Donald Trump and Emmanuel Macron

    French President Emmanuel Macron joked about President Donald Trump’s “drill, baby, drill” catchphrase. (Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

    Trump’s calls for expanded fossil fuel production come after former President Joe Biden’s administration implemented new restrictions on energy production on federal lands. 

    On Inauguration Day, Trump signed executive orders that declared a national energy emergency that aimed to expedite the development of energy infrastructure, as well as an order “unleashing American energy” that revoked executive orders he viewed as impeding energy development.

    Last week, the House passed a bill known as the Protecting American Energy Production Act that would block future presidential administrations from enacting bans on oil and gas drilling using hydraulic fracturing (commonly known as “fracking”) without congressional approval. 

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    The bill passed on a 210-188 vote, with 16 Democrats joining all Republicans who voted in support of the legislation. It’s unclear whether the Senate will consider the bill or if it will have enough support to overcome the upper chamber’s 60-vote threshold for the legislative filibuster.

  • DOGE slashes over 0M in DEI funding at Education Department: ‘Win for every student’

    DOGE slashes over $100M in DEI funding at Education Department: ‘Win for every student’

    The Department of Education (DOE) is canceling more than $100 million in grants to fund diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training as part of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) sweep of “wasteful” spending. 

    DOGE, the department led by Elon Musk to cut costs within the federal government, announced the termination of 89 DOE contracts totaling $881 million in a post on X Monday night.

    Of the nearly $1 billion, DOGE identified $101 million that was being used for DEI training, including teaching educators to “help students understand/interrogate the complex histories involved in oppression, and help students recognize areas of privilege and power on an individual and collective basis.”

    “Your tax dollars were spent on this,” Musk wrote of the DOE spending.

    TRUMP PUTS HIGHER EDUCATION ON NOTICE FOR ‘DANGEROUS, DEMEANING, AND IMMORAL’ DEI TEACHINGS

    Elon Musk heads the Department of Government Efficiency. (Andrew Harnik)

    According to DOGE, the education department spent another $1.5 million on a contractor to “observe mailing and clerical operations” at a mail center, which was also terminated in the recent spending sweep.

    “DEI was never about ‘equity’—it was about enforcing ideological conformity and institutionalizing discrimination. Shutting down these wasteful, divisive programs is a win for every student,” Nicki Neily, founder and president of Parents Defending Education, said in response to the spending cut. 

    “More states need to follow suit,” Neily said.

    TRUMP EDUCATION DEPT LAUNCHES PROBE INTO ‘EXPLOSION OF ANTISEMITISM’ AT 5 UNIVERSITIES

    Erika Donalds, wife of Republican Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida, also wrote in response that “the kids can’t read.”

    US Department of Education

    The Department of Education building is seen on Aug. 21, 2024 in Washington, D.C. (Tierney L. Cross)

    DOGE has been leading efforts to vacuum spending within the DOE, announcing in early February the termination of three grants including one funding an institution that had reportedly “previously hosted faculty workshops entitled ‘Decolonizing the Curriculum.'”

    In his first slew of executive orders, President Donald Trump launched a federal review of DEI teachings and practices in educational institutions receiving federal funding.

    Trump and the RNC announce a $76 million fundraising haul in April

    President Donald Trump launched a federal review of DEI teachings and practices in educational institutions receiving federal funding. (Donald Trump 2024 campaign)

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    Amid the Trump-Vance crackdown on certain teachings, several colleges, such as Missouri State University and West Virginia University, have begun closing their DEI offices.

    Fox News’ Charles Creitz contributed to this report.

  • Anna Paulina Luna to lead task force on declassification of JFK assassination records, Epstein client list

    Anna Paulina Luna to lead task force on declassification of JFK assassination records, Epstein client list

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    EXCLUSIVE: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., will lead a new task force focused on the declassification of federal secrets — including records related to the assassinations of former President John F. Kennedy Jr., Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, and other documents in the public interest, Fox News Digital has learned. 

    House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., appointed Luna to chair the task force, titled the “Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets.”

    Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., will lead a new task force focused on the declassification of federal secrets.  (Getty Images)

    FBI UNCOVERS THOUSANDS OF UNDISCLOSED RECORDS CONNECTED TO JFK’S ASSASSINATION

    Luna is expected to focus on examining the declassification of materials in the public interest — including the client list of Jeffrey Epstein, files relating to Sept. 11, 2001, COVID-19 origins, UFOs and more. 

    Fox News Digital has learned that Comer and Luna are sending letters to necessary agencies to kick off the declassification investigations. 

    JFK assassination and Trump executive order

    President Donald Trump, left, signed an executive order Feb. 6 aimed at declassifying government documents on the assassinations of President John F. K Kennedy Jr., right, his brother and presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, and civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr. (The Associated Press)

    Sources told Fox News Digital that Comer and Luna sent letters to the State Department, Department of Energy and the CIA for documents relating to the origins of COVID-19; the National Security Agency and CIA for records relating to JFK, MLK Jr., and RFK assassinations; the Department of Defense and the CIA for 9/11 files; and to the Justice Department for documents relating to Jeffrey Epstein. 

    MLK and JFK

    President Donald Trump on Feb. 6 signed an order to declassify files related to the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, and civil rights icon Martin Luther King Jr.  (Getty Images)

    The creation of the task force comes after President Donald Trump signed an executive order directing the director of National Intelligence and other appropriate officials to present a plan for the full and complete release of all JFK assassination records within 15 days. 

    He also ordered that officials immediately review the records relating to RFK and MLK Jr.’s assassinations and present a plan for their full and complete release within 45 days. 

    TRUMP SIGNS ORDER TO DECLASSIFY FILES ON JFK, RFK AND MLK ASSASSINATIONS

    “For too long, the federal government has kept information of public interest classified and the American people are demanding greater transparency. This secrecy has sowed distrust in our institutions,” Comer told Fox News Digital, noting that the task force will “build on the Trump Administration’s efforts to declassify records of national importance and ensure Americans get the answers they deserve.” 

    “Representative Luna is committed to shining a light on the truth and ending the era of secrecy,” Comer said. “It’s time to let the sunlight in and finally provide answers the American public has long demanded.”

    The façade of the Wuhan Institute of Virology

    The task force will also investigate “UAPs/USOs, the Epstein client list, COVID-19 origins, and the 9/11 files.” Here, security personnel stand guard outside the Wuhan Institute of Virology in Wuhan, China.  (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images)

    Luna told Fox News Digital that the federal government “has been hiding information from Americans for decades.” 

    “We have spent years seeking information on the assassinations of President Kennedy, Senator Kennedy, Reverend King, and other government secrets without success,” Luna told Fox News Digital. “It is time to give Americans the answers they deserve, which is why I am honored to lead this bipartisan task force that seeks truth and transparency.” 

    Luna told Fox News Digital that the task force will also investigate “UAPs/USOs, the Epstein client list, COVID-19 origins, and the 9/11 files.”

    UFO

    A UFO is seen in the sky. (Courtesy of Netflix)

    “We will work alongside President Trump and his cabinet members to deliver truth to the American people,” she said. “From this moment forward, we will restore trust through transparency.” 

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    Sources said Luna’s task force is authorized for six months.

    Fox News Digital is told that members of the task force will be announced in the coming weeks. 

  • Neil deGrasse Tyson catches flak on social media over ‘curious’ post about athletes praising God

    Neil deGrasse Tyson catches flak on social media over ‘curious’ post about athletes praising God

    Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson took flak on social media over a post about professional athletes thanking God when they win a major sporting event.

    Athletes have routinely spoken openly about their faith and beliefs in God and Jesus. NFL players like C.J. Stroud, Jayden Daniels, Harrison Butker, Patrick Mahomes, Jalen Hurts and others have credited their abilities and winning ways to their faith.

    CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

    Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, an executive producer for “Shot in the Arm,” poses on the red carpet before the world premiere for “80 For Brady” during the Palm Springs International Film Festival in Palm Springs, California, on Friday, Jan. 6, 2023. (Andy Abeyta/The Desert Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK)

    “Curious that talented athletes frequently credit God when they win, but we rarely see them blame God when they lose,” Tyson wrote on X.

    Tyson’s curiosity drew backlash on social media. One person pointed to Texas Longhorns cornerback Jahdae Barron’s speech about the trust in his faith as a counterpoint to Tyson’s post.

    Hurts, Darius Slay and head coach Nick Sirianni both spoke about faith following their win.

    “God’s blessed us very much,” Sirianni told FOX’s Tom Rinaldi. “He gave us all the talents to be able to get here, so first and foremost, thanks to Him. … Thank God, thank you Jesus.” 

    EAGLES’ JALEN HURTS, NICK SIRIANNI PRAISE GOD AFTER WINNING SUPER BOWL LIX: ‘THANKS TO HIM’

    Neil deGrasse Tyson in 2018

    Neil deGrasse Tyson during the Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony at The Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Jan. 28, 2018. (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY)

    During the trophy presentation, he said to Terry Bradshaw, “All glory to God.” 

    Slay thanked his “Lord and Savior” when speaking with the NFL Network after the game.

    In speaking with Erin Andrews, Jalen Hurts, the game’s MVP, said, “God is good. He’s greater than all the highs and the lows.”

    Stroud, the Houston Texans’ quarterback, revealed his faith-based answer when asked about his goals for 2025.

    “Lock it back in with the Lord. Kinda in the lukewarm season – one foot in, one foot out. The Lord has helped me get outta that,” he said. “So, that’s really my 2025 goal is to be locked in with the Lord as much as possible.

    Steelers and Ravens players pray

    Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers players kneel to pray on the field after an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Jan. 11, 2025. (Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images)

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    “You know, fasting and praying, being part of a church here in Houston. That’s my 2025 goal, being closer to the Lord.”

    Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.

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  • Missouri AG sues Starbucks over ‘race-based’ hiring, DEI initiatives

    Missouri AG sues Starbucks over ‘race-based’ hiring, DEI initiatives

    Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sued Starbucks on Tuesday for using “race-based hiring practices” in alleged violation of anti-discrimination laws.

    Bailey’s lawsuit alleges that Starbucks violates the Missouri Human Rights Act. The lawsuit highlights programs Starbucks offers to promote “BIPOC” employees, referring to Black, indigenous and people of color. It also targets the company for “setting and tracking annual inclusion and diversity goals of achieving BIPOC representation of at least 30 percent at all corporate levels and at least 40 percent of all retail and manufacturing roles by 2025,” according to a draft of the lawsuit obtained by Fox News Digital.

    “With Starbucks’ discriminatory patterns, practices, and policies, Missouri’s consumers are required to pay higher prices and wait longer for goods and services that could be provided for less had Starbucks employed the most qualified workers, regardless of their race, color, sex, or national origin,” Bailey claimed in a statement.

    Starbucks did not respond by press time to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

    TRUMP ADMIN HITS BACK AS ACLU LAUNCHES LAWSUIT ON BIRTHRIGHT CITIZENSHIP: ‘READY TO FACE THEM’

    Starbucks is facing a lawsuit in Missouri over its hiring practices and other programs. (Getty Images)

    “As Attorney General, I have a moral and legal obligation to protect Missourians from a company that actively engages in systemic race and sex discrimination,” Bailey said. “Racism has no place in Missouri. We’re filing suit to halt this blatant violation of the Missouri Human Rights Act in its tracks.”

    Bailey’s lawsuit relies on the Supreme Court ruling that federal law prohibits discrimination based on race in college admissions, arguing that the decision also applies to hiring practices.

    TRUMP DHS REPEALS KEY MAYORKAS MEMO LIMITING ICE AGENTS, ORDERS PAROLE REVIEW

    By allegedly linking its hiring practices to race and gender quotas, Starbucks has “blatantly violated the law,” the lawsuit claims.

    Missouri AG Andrew Bailey

    Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey sued Starbucks on Tuesday. (Vanessa Abbitt/St. Louis Post-Dispatch/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

    “Additionally, the company discriminates based on race and gender when it comes to board membership. All of these actions are unlawful,” Bailey’s office said in a statement.

    The lawsuit comes just weeks after news that Starbucks CEO Brian Niccol warned the company’s employees about incoming layoffs in March.

    In a message to employees, he highlighted how the company aims to deliver on its “Back to Starbucks” strategy, a series of changes announced last year that aims to enhance customers’ in-store experience, but also said it needs to strive for better efficiency, which will ultimately result in layoffs.

    Starbucks barista working behind the counter

    A Starbucks barista works at one of the company’s stores. (iStock)

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    “We have recently begun the work to define the support organization for the future. We are approaching this work thoughtfully, but it will involve difficult decisions and choices. I expect that, unfortunately, we will have job eliminations and smaller support teams moving forward,” Niccol wrote.

    Read the full Missouri lawsuit below

  • Whole Foods, Costco, Kroger limiting egg purchases as shortages persist

    Whole Foods, Costco, Kroger limiting egg purchases as shortages persist

    Costco, Kroger and Whole Foods are among the growing list of grocers that are putting a purchasing limit on eggs as supply shortages persist. 

    Companies started imposing limits on the product as the shortage caused by outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), or bird flu, persists, causing a frenzy among shoppers. Droves of viral videos have surfaced in recent weeks, showing shoppers stockpiling eggs. One video posted on TikTok claimed that an entire section of eggs at a Costco was gone in less than 10 minutes.

    Amazon-owned Whole Foods posted signs on its shelves notifying customers that customers can only buy three cartons of eggs at one time. 

    “We are currently experiencing difficulty sourcing eggs that meet our strict animal welfare standards,” a sign posted at one of its stores in New York City read.

    TRADER JOE’S PUTS CAP ON HOW MANY EGGS SHOPPERS CAN BUY

    Kroger confirmed to FOX Business that some banner divisions are also limiting egg sales. At stores where limits are in place, the company is asking customers to only buy two dozen eggs per trip, a spokesperson told FOX Business. 

    Trader Joe’s told FOX Business on Monday that it is limiting egg purchases to one dozen per customer, per day. The limit applies to every Trader Joe’s grocery store in the U.S., according to the company. 

    A sign at a Whole Foods store in New York City, telling customers they need to limit their egg purchases. (Fox Business / Fox News)

    Costco also confirmed to CNN that it was limiting customers to three packages of eggs. 

    Experts have warned that egg shortages will continue as bird flu outbreaks continue to impact the U.S. laying hen flock. 

    Bernt Nelson, an economist with the American Farm Bureau Foundation, told FOX Business, estimated that more than 136 million birds have been affected by avian influenza since 2022. In December, there were over 18 million birds affected, which he said led to “bare grocery shelves in some places and widespread higher prices.” 

    Ticker Security Last Change Change %
    AMZN AMAZON.COM INC. 233.14 +3.99 +1.74%
    COST COSTCO WHOLESALE CORP. 1,061.92 +18.11 +1.73%
    KR THE KROGER CO. 65.28 +0.28 +0.43%

    According to the Department of Agriculture (USDA), prices were 36.8% higher in December 2024 than a year earlier, but they were still below peak prices in January 2023.

    In 2025, the USDA predicted that egg prices, which can vary significantly from month to month, will increase by more than 20%. 

    BIRD FLU VACCINE: WHAT TO KNOW

    Shelves normally filled with egg cartons at a Whole Foods store in New York City,  (Fox Business)

    Not only are consumers feeling the effects of high egg prices at the grocery store, but they’re facing surcharges at restaurants.

    Notably, Waffle House, a Southern breakfast food chain, added a temporary 50 cent per egg surcharge to all of its menus last week. The company blamed the ongoing egg shortage for the dramatic increase in egg prices, saying that “consumers and restaurants are being forced to make difficult decisions.” 

    Placards on a store shelf inform customers that cage free eggs are coming back soon.

    Placards on a store shelf inform customers that cage-free eggs are coming back soon. (Fox News Digital / Fox News)

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    Smaller eateries, like New York-based Mexican café and bakery Ursula, are being impacted. Ursula owner and head chef Eric See told FOX Business that the prices of whole eggs have doubled, while the cost of liquid eggs has risen by about 25%.