
A listeria food poisoning outbreak is linked to newly recalled heat-and-eat chicken fettucine alfredo products sold at Walmart and other stores.
Market Brief
Daily market recaps with key events, stock movements, and global influences
FTC urges Amazon, Walmart to halt deceptive 'Made in USA' claims; Prime Day sparks rival sales blitz; Walmart settles $10M FTC money transfer fraud case.
FTC urges crackdown on deceptive "Made in USA" claims; new rules ease online subscription cancellationsFTC Urges Amazon and Walmart to Crack Down on Third-Party Sellers’ Deceptive Made in USA Claims, Highlights Subscription Cancellation Rules
Price war intensifies on Apple AirPods and other electronics, with record-low pricing at major retailersAmazon, Walmart Spark Fourth-of-July Tech Price War Ahead of Prime DayAmazon, Walmart Spark Price War on Apple AirPods Ahead of Prime Day
Walmart pilots "dark stores" for online order fulfillment, mirroring Amazon's logistics approachWalmart Tests Warehouse-Style 'Dark Stores' Closed to Public, Mirroring Amazon's Online Fulfillment Strategy
Sam’s Club Fort Worth fulfillment center to close, with operations shifting to Lancaster facilityWalmart Shuts Sam’s Club Fort Worth Fulfillment Center, Shifting Work to Lancaster
Early access to Nintendo Switch 2 restocks limited to paid Walmart+ membersNintendo Switch 2 Consoles and Mario Kart Bundles Released With Walmart+ Early Access at 6 PM PT Starting $609Walmart Locks Nintendo Switch 2 Restock Behind Paid Plus Membership
Walmart settles FTC allegations over in-store money transfer fraud for $10 million, with new compliance measuresWalmart to Pay $10 Million to Settle 2022 FTC Allegations Over In-Store Money Transfer Fraud Costing Consumers Hundreds of MillionsWalmart to Pay $10 Million to Settle FTC Fraud Allegations Over In-Store Wire Transfers; Faces Lawsuit from Black Employees
Class-action lawsuit filed by Black employees alleges discriminatory background checksWalmart to Pay $10 Million to Settle FTC Fraud Allegations Over In-Store Wire Transfers; Faces Lawsuit from Black Employees
Walmart-backed PhonePe targets $1.5 billion India IPO at $15 billion valuation, draft filing by AugustWalmart-Backed PhonePe Prepares $1.5 Billion India IPO at $15 Billion Valuation, Draft Filing by August
Recalls issued for Bell Sports bike helmets and ready-to-eat meals sold at Walmart due to safety concernsBell Sports Recalls 31,000 Children’s and Adult Bike Helmets Sold at Walmart, Amazon, Target Over Federal Impact Safety ConcernsReady-to-Eat Meals Sold at Walmart, Kroger Recalled Nationwide After Fatal Listeria Outbreak
Amazon Prime Day triggers rival sales events; Walmart launches six-day Deals Week with deep tech discountsAmazon Expands Prime Day 2025 to Four Days Amid Walmart, Target Competing Sales and India Three-Day EventAmazon Prime Day Sparks Rival Sales Blitz From Walmart, Target and Best Buy
Walmart and Amazon explore US dollar-backed stablecoins to cut payment fees; await GENIUS Act progressWalmart, Amazon Explore US Dollar-Backed Stablecoins as GENIUS Act Advances; Coinbase Stock Rises Amid Payment Industry ImpactWalmart, Amazon Weigh Dollar-Backed Stablecoins to Save Up to $14 Billion in Fees
US-Vietnam trade talks ongoing; Vietnam seeks support from Walmart and others to oppose 10% tariffUS Seeks Hanoi Curbs on Chinese Tech as Vietnam Courts Nike, Walmart to Avert 10% TariffVietnam’s Trade Minister Meets Nike, Walmart, Gap to Rally Support Against 10% Tariff Ahead of US Trade Talks
The July retail landscape is marked by aggressive discounting as Amazon’s expanded Prime Day prompts Walmart and peers to extend their own sales events. The resulting price competition, especially on high-demand tech like Apple AirPods, is aimed at capturing cautious consumer spending amid softening retail sales. This environment is likely to pressure margins, and traders should monitor for any guidance on promotional impacts as Q2 earnings approach.
Walmart’s operational focus remains on e-commerce efficiency and digital engagement. The rollout of "dark stores" and paid membership perks for early access to in-demand products signals a continued shift toward online fulfillment and customer lock-in. The closure of the Fort Worth Sam’s Club fulfillment center in favor of more automated sites further highlights ongoing cost optimization efforts.
On the regulatory front, Walmart faces increased scrutiny. The $10 million FTC settlement over in-store money transfer fraud requires enhanced compliance, while new FTC directives on product labeling and subscription practices may add operational complexity. Product recalls—spanning bike helmets and ready-to-eat meals—pose additional near-term reputational and logistical risks. The class-action lawsuit regarding background checks could become a further headline risk.
Strategically, the potential launch of a dollar-backed stablecoin, pending regulatory clarity, could significantly reduce payment processing costs if implemented. Internationally, the planned $1.5 billion PhonePe IPO could unlock value and reinforce Walmart’s position in India’s fintech sector. However, unresolved US-Vietnam trade tensions and the risk of new tariffs remain a watchpoint for supply chain costs.
Key items for traders: monitor margin commentary, regulatory developments, recall fallout, and signals on e-commerce performance versus in-store trends. Execution on digital initiatives and cost controls will be critical for Walmart’s near-term outlook.
FTC urges Amazon, Walmart to halt deceptive 'Made in USA' claims; Prime Day sparks rival sales blitz; Walmart settles $10M FTC money transfer fraud case.
FTC urges crackdown on deceptive "Made in USA" claims; new rules ease online subscription cancellationsFTC Urges Amazon and Walmart to Crack Down on Third-Party Sellers’ Deceptive Made in USA Claims, Highlights Subscription Cancellation Rules
Price war intensifies on Apple AirPods and other electronics, with record-low pricing at major retailersAmazon, Walmart Spark Fourth-of-July Tech Price War Ahead of Prime DayAmazon, Walmart Spark Price War on Apple AirPods Ahead of Prime Day
Walmart pilots "dark stores" for online order fulfillment, mirroring Amazon's logistics approachWalmart Tests Warehouse-Style 'Dark Stores' Closed to Public, Mirroring Amazon's Online Fulfillment Strategy
Sam’s Club Fort Worth fulfillment center to close, with operations shifting to Lancaster facilityWalmart Shuts Sam’s Club Fort Worth Fulfillment Center, Shifting Work to Lancaster
Early access to Nintendo Switch 2 restocks limited to paid Walmart+ membersNintendo Switch 2 Consoles and Mario Kart Bundles Released With Walmart+ Early Access at 6 PM PT Starting $609Walmart Locks Nintendo Switch 2 Restock Behind Paid Plus Membership
Walmart settles FTC allegations over in-store money transfer fraud for $10 million, with new compliance measuresWalmart to Pay $10 Million to Settle 2022 FTC Allegations Over In-Store Money Transfer Fraud Costing Consumers Hundreds of MillionsWalmart to Pay $10 Million to Settle FTC Fraud Allegations Over In-Store Wire Transfers; Faces Lawsuit from Black Employees
Class-action lawsuit filed by Black employees alleges discriminatory background checksWalmart to Pay $10 Million to Settle FTC Fraud Allegations Over In-Store Wire Transfers; Faces Lawsuit from Black Employees
Walmart-backed PhonePe targets $1.5 billion India IPO at $15 billion valuation, draft filing by AugustWalmart-Backed PhonePe Prepares $1.5 Billion India IPO at $15 Billion Valuation, Draft Filing by August
Recalls issued for Bell Sports bike helmets and ready-to-eat meals sold at Walmart due to safety concernsBell Sports Recalls 31,000 Children’s and Adult Bike Helmets Sold at Walmart, Amazon, Target Over Federal Impact Safety ConcernsReady-to-Eat Meals Sold at Walmart, Kroger Recalled Nationwide After Fatal Listeria Outbreak
Amazon Prime Day triggers rival sales events; Walmart launches six-day Deals Week with deep tech discountsAmazon Expands Prime Day 2025 to Four Days Amid Walmart, Target Competing Sales and India Three-Day EventAmazon Prime Day Sparks Rival Sales Blitz From Walmart, Target and Best Buy
Walmart and Amazon explore US dollar-backed stablecoins to cut payment fees; await GENIUS Act progressWalmart, Amazon Explore US Dollar-Backed Stablecoins as GENIUS Act Advances; Coinbase Stock Rises Amid Payment Industry ImpactWalmart, Amazon Weigh Dollar-Backed Stablecoins to Save Up to $14 Billion in Fees
US-Vietnam trade talks ongoing; Vietnam seeks support from Walmart and others to oppose 10% tariffUS Seeks Hanoi Curbs on Chinese Tech as Vietnam Courts Nike, Walmart to Avert 10% TariffVietnam’s Trade Minister Meets Nike, Walmart, Gap to Rally Support Against 10% Tariff Ahead of US Trade Talks
The July retail landscape is marked by aggressive discounting as Amazon’s expanded Prime Day prompts Walmart and peers to extend their own sales events. The resulting price competition, especially on high-demand tech like Apple AirPods, is aimed at capturing cautious consumer spending amid softening retail sales. This environment is likely to pressure margins, and traders should monitor for any guidance on promotional impacts as Q2 earnings approach.
Walmart’s operational focus remains on e-commerce efficiency and digital engagement. The rollout of "dark stores" and paid membership perks for early access to in-demand products signals a continued shift toward online fulfillment and customer lock-in. The closure of the Fort Worth Sam’s Club fulfillment center in favor of more automated sites further highlights ongoing cost optimization efforts.
On the regulatory front, Walmart faces increased scrutiny. The $10 million FTC settlement over in-store money transfer fraud requires enhanced compliance, while new FTC directives on product labeling and subscription practices may add operational complexity. Product recalls—spanning bike helmets and ready-to-eat meals—pose additional near-term reputational and logistical risks. The class-action lawsuit regarding background checks could become a further headline risk.
Strategically, the potential launch of a dollar-backed stablecoin, pending regulatory clarity, could significantly reduce payment processing costs if implemented. Internationally, the planned $1.5 billion PhonePe IPO could unlock value and reinforce Walmart’s position in India’s fintech sector. However, unresolved US-Vietnam trade tensions and the risk of new tariffs remain a watchpoint for supply chain costs.
Key items for traders: monitor margin commentary, regulatory developments, recall fallout, and signals on e-commerce performance versus in-store trends. Execution on digital initiatives and cost controls will be critical for Walmart’s near-term outlook.
20 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
More than 100 people are confirmed dead and at least 150 remain missing after torrential flash floods swept across the Texas Hill Country over the Independence Day weekend. Kerr County alone has reported 95 fatalities and 161 missing residents after the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, driven by more than a foot of rain that fell in under 12 hours.
Search-and-rescue teams from state and local agencies continue to comb the region, while Travis County officials work to restore critical infrastructure. A bridge that once provided the only road access to the Sandy Creek community was destroyed; engineers are evaluating a temporary low-water crossing and phased repairs, and a disaster resource center will open 10 July at Danielson Middle School in Leander to offer meals, medical screenings and cleanup support.
Read more
4 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
An Ohio Sam’s Club is facing customer complaints after diesel fuel was inadvertently dispensed from pumps labeled for regular unleaded gasoline over the Fourth of July weekend. Drivers who filled up reported that their vehicles failed to start or suffered performance issues soon after leaving the store.
Local broadcasters said multiple motorists returned to the retailer seeking assistance once mechanics confirmed diesel had entered their fuel systems. The precise number of affected vehicles has not been disclosed. Sam’s Club has not yet issued a public statement on the incident or detailed any plans for compensating customers.
10 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
An Arizona court on 28 June sentenced Charles Smith, the 27-year-old TikTok personality who posts under the name “Wolfie Kahletti,” to one year in state prison for contaminating grocery produce with insecticide during a recorded prank last December.
Smith pleaded guilty to adding poison to food, criminal damage and solicitation to commit burglary after video circulated of him spraying Raid insect killer on fruit at a Walmart in Mesa, Arizona. The judge credited him with 136 days already spent in custody.
20 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Marvel Studios’ film "Thunderbolts*" is now available on digital platforms as of July 1, 2025, with its 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD editions scheduled for release on July 29, 2025. The movie, also referred to as "The New Avengers," grossed $380 million against a $180 million budget. The Blu-ray release will include a steelbook edition available for preorder on Amazon and Walmart, featuring Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, along with bonus content such as deleted scenes. This release follows a series of promotional activities including trailers and behind-the-scenes content. Concurrently, Amazon is offering various 4K Blu-ray titles at discounted prices, including "Godzilla (1998)," "Jurassic World Ultimate Collection," "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," "Blade Runner 2049," "Avatar," and several Criterion Collection titles such as "The Shape of Water," "Seven Samurai," and "Dr. Strangelove." These sales feature discounts ranging from 11% to 60%, with prices for some titles dropping below $20.
34 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Bell Sports has issued a recall for approximately 31,000 children's bicycle helmets, along with some adult helmets, in the United States due to concerns that the products do not meet federal impact protection standards. The helmets, which may fail to adequately absorb impact and protect wearers' heads in the event of a crash, were sold at multiple major retailers including Walmart, Target, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and Fred Meyer, as well as online through Amazon and the retailers' own websites. Federal authorities have advised consumers to stop using the recalled helmets immediately to avoid potential injury hazards.
19 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Walmart Inc. is testing a new retail concept known as "dark stores," which are warehouse-style facilities designed to resemble traditional retail outlets but are exclusively used to fulfill online orders and are not open to the public. This strategy aims to accelerate product delivery for e-commerce customers by creating dedicated hubs stocked with items frequently ordered online. The move aligns Walmart with similar fulfillment approaches employed by Amazon, reflecting the growing emphasis on enhancing online order efficiency in the retail sector. Multiple reports confirm that Walmart plans to open several of these dark stores as part of its evolving retail and logistics strategy.
5 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Walmart Inc. said it will close a Sam’s Club e-commerce fulfillment center in Fort Worth, Texas, a move that could affect hundreds of workers. The company announced the decision on Thursday, 26 June.
Order volumes handled by the Fort Worth site will be reallocated to a recently built, technology-enabled facility in nearby Lancaster and three additional Dallas-area centers, the retailer added. Walmart did not disclose a specific timeline for the shutdown or detail how many employees might be offered positions at other locations.
8 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Nintendo Switch 2 consoles and bundles were made available for purchase through Walmart's platform starting June 25, 2025. Paid Walmart+ members received early access to the consoles and Mario Kart bundles at 6 PM Pacific Time (9 PM Eastern Time), with availability opening to non-members at 7 PM Pacific Time if stock remained. The bundles included options such as the Nintendo Switch 2 console, Mario Kart World full game download, a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, a Samsung microSD Express Card 256GB, and a three-month GameFly subscription, with prices starting at $609 on platforms like Antonline and $709.95 for GameFly paid members. Walmart confirmed multiple restocks of the Switch 2 consoles and bundles during the evening, emphasizing the requirement of Walmart+ membership for early access. The Nintendo Switch 2 was also offered standalone and in various bundles, with availability extending to non-members after the initial exclusive window.
8 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Walmart is staging its largest online restock yet of Nintendo’s hard-to-find Switch 2 console at 9 p.m. Eastern on 25 June. For the first hour, purchases are restricted to paid Walmart+ subscribers, who pay $12.95 a month or $98 a year. Free-trial members are excluded. Any inventory that remains will be released to all shoppers at 10 p.m.
The retailer will offer both the $449 standalone unit and a $499 bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World. A Walmart employee cited in consumer-tech outlet The Shortcut said the company expects “significantly more inventory tonight versus previous releases,” following five smaller restocks since launch.
Switch 2, which went on sale 5 June and has become Nintendo’s fastest-selling console, continues to sell out within minutes at major U.S. retailers. By paywalling the first hour, Walmart aims to curb automated bot purchases and drive subscriptions to its Walmart+ service, echoing tactics it used during the pandemic-era PlayStation 5 shortage.
18 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the $1.5 billion sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx from longtime owner Glen Taylor to a group led by former Walmart executive Marc Lore and former Major League Baseball player Alex Rodriguez. This approval concludes a prolonged and contentious process that began four years ago, marking the end of Taylor's 30-year ownership of the franchises. The transaction officially transfers majority control of both teams to Lore and Rodriguez, ushering in a new era for Minnesota's professional basketball organizations.
13 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Logistics and retail companies are accelerating the overhaul of their U.S. fulfillment networks, pairing robotics with new real-estate models to curb costs and speed deliveries as e-commerce volumes climb.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Deutsche Post DHL has deployed seven ‘Stretch’ robots in supply-chain facilities across three states. Each machine can unload roughly 580 cases an hour—almost twice the output of a human worker—and the company has trained nearly 100 employees to supervise the systems, which tackle one of the most injury-prone warehouse tasks: loading and unloading trailers.
Read more
42 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Walmart has agreed to pay $10 million to settle allegations brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that the company allowed scammers to exploit its in-store wire transfer services to defraud consumers out of hundreds of millions of dollars across the United States. The settlement resolves a complaint originally filed in 2022 following a years-long FTC investigation. The commission found that Walmart failed to implement adequate anti-fraud safeguards, including insufficient employee training and lack of customer alerts, which enabled the widespread misuse of its money transfer services by fraudsters. The settlement aims to prevent future fraudulent activities related to Walmart's payment processing services.
42 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Walmart has agreed to pay $10 million to settle allegations brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that the company allowed scammers to use its in-store money transfer services to defraud consumers out of hundreds of millions of dollars across the United States. The settlement follows a years-long FTC investigation, which found that Walmart failed to implement adequate anti-fraud safeguards, including proper employee training and customer alerts. The FTC's complaint dates back to 2022 and centers on Walmart's wire transfer services being exploited by fraudsters. Separately, Walmart is facing a class-action lawsuit filed by Black employees who allege that the company's background check policy is discriminatory, particularly regarding the termination of workers with criminal records. Advocates for the plaintiffs argue that having a criminal record should not define an individual's character or determine their employment worth.
30 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Walmart Inc. has agreed to pay $10 million to resolve a U.S. Federal Trade Commission civil lawsuit that accused the retailer of ignoring warning signs that fraudsters were using its in-store money-transfer services to steal hundreds of millions of dollars from consumers. The proposed settlement, filed 20 June in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, still requires approval from Judge Manish Shah. Walmart neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing.
Read more
20 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Marvel Studios' film "Thunderbolts*" was released on digital platforms on July 1, 2025. The movie, which grossed $380 million against a $180 million budget, will be available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD starting July 29, 2025. A 4K UHD and Blu-ray Steelbook edition, including both titles related to the film, is available for preorder on major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, with the Steelbook priced at $44.99 on Amazon. The physical release will feature Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision enhancements, along with bonus content including deleted scenes.
Walmart will offer an exclusive pop-up Blu-ray edition. The film is also referred to as "The New Avengers" in some releases. Additional promotional content, such as behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes, has been made available ahead of the physical release.
15 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
PhonePe, India’s largest digital payments platform owned by Walmart, is preparing to file preliminary documents for an initial public offering (IPO) that aims to raise up to $1.5 billion. The fintech company is targeting a valuation of approximately $15 billion in the upcoming India IPO. According to multiple reports, including Bloomberg and Reuters, PhonePe plans to submit its draft prospectus by August 2025. The IPO marks a significant step for the Walmart-backed firm, which has a user base exceeding 610 million. The offering is expected to bolster PhonePe’s position in the competitive Indian digital payments market.
20 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Marvel Studios' film "Thunderbolts" is set to be released on digital platforms on July 1, 2025, followed by physical releases on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on July 29, 2025. The movie, also known as "The New Avengers," grossed $380 million worldwide against a production budget of $180 million. The physical release will include a 4K UHD and Blu-ray Steelbook edition, with Walmart offering an exclusive pop-up Blu-ray version. The editions will feature Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision technologies, along with bonus content such as deleted scenes. Ahead of the release, Marvel has shared additional promotional material including a gag reel, behind-the-scenes footage featuring actors Lewis Pullman and David Harbour, and a new trailer. Pre-orders for the Steelbook edition are available on Amazon for $44.99 and at Walmart.
82 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
FreshRealm has voluntarily recalled certain pre-made chicken fettuccine Alfredo ready-to-eat meals sold at Walmart and Kroger stores nationwide due to a deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the outbreak, which has resulted in three reported deaths, one fetal loss, and 17 illnesses across 13 states as of June 17, 2025. The outbreak strain of Listeria was identified in a sample of chicken fettuccine Alfredo during a routine inspection in March 2025. Public health officials have linked the recalled heat-and-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo products to the multiple fatalities and illnesses. Consumers who have purchased these products from Walmart or Kroger are advised to check their refrigerators and avoid consuming the recalled meals.
A listeria food poisoning outbreak is linked to newly recalled heat-and-eat chicken fettucine alfredo products sold at Walmart and other stores.
Deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken alfredo fettucine sold at Kroger and Walmart
RECALL | Some ready-to-eat meals sold nationally at Walmart stores have been recalled as public health officials investigate a deadly Listeria outbreak. Details:
🚨 RECALL ALERT: Chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger have been pulled after a listeria outbreak linked to 17 illnesses — **Including 3 deaths and one fetal loss** If you’ve purchased ready-to-eat meals from either store, check your fridge now.
Multiple deaths were connected to the latest listeria outbreak.
10 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
UK-based consumer-technology start-up Nothing confirmed that its forthcoming smartphone, the Phone 3, will be offered for general sale in the United States and Canada, marking the company’s first full commercial push into North America. A retail listing on Walmart’s website references a new top-spec variant, underscoring the broader market ambitions for the device.
The Phone 3 is scheduled to be unveiled on 1 July and is described by the company and industry publications as Nothing’s first true flagship Android handset. Until now, the firm’s products have reached U.S. buyers only through limited-run or invite-based programs.
Nothing said the handset will be assembled at a newly established facility in Chennai, India, aligning with its strategy to localize production and benefit from government incentives aimed at boosting domestic electronics manufacturing. Pricing and full hardware specifications have not yet been disclosed.
17 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Twenty One Pilots have released "The Contract," the lead single from their upcoming album "Breach," scheduled for release in September 2025. The single has garnered notable attention, debuting at number 175 on the global Spotify chart with 1.2 million streams and later rising to number 42 with over 2.17 million streams, making it the biggest gainer on the global Spotify chart. Additionally, "The Contract" achieved top 10 rankings on the Worldwide and European iTunes song charts, landing at number 8 on both, and reached number 12 on the US iTunes chart. Concurrently, the duo announced The Clancy Tour: Breach 2025, a North American headline tour set for the fall of 2025 to support the new album. The single has been described as eclectic and genre-blending, reflecting the band’s characteristic frenetic and odd style. Band members Tyler Joseph and Joshua Dun discussed the album and single in an interview with Zane Lowe.
20 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
More than 100 people are confirmed dead and at least 150 remain missing after torrential flash floods swept across the Texas Hill Country over the Independence Day weekend. Kerr County alone has reported 95 fatalities and 161 missing residents after the Guadalupe River rose 26 feet in just 45 minutes, driven by more than a foot of rain that fell in under 12 hours.
Search-and-rescue teams from state and local agencies continue to comb the region, while Travis County officials work to restore critical infrastructure. A bridge that once provided the only road access to the Sandy Creek community was destroyed; engineers are evaluating a temporary low-water crossing and phased repairs, and a disaster resource center will open 10 July at Danielson Middle School in Leander to offer meals, medical screenings and cleanup support.
Read more
4 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
An Ohio Sam’s Club is facing customer complaints after diesel fuel was inadvertently dispensed from pumps labeled for regular unleaded gasoline over the Fourth of July weekend. Drivers who filled up reported that their vehicles failed to start or suffered performance issues soon after leaving the store.
Local broadcasters said multiple motorists returned to the retailer seeking assistance once mechanics confirmed diesel had entered their fuel systems. The precise number of affected vehicles has not been disclosed. Sam’s Club has not yet issued a public statement on the incident or detailed any plans for compensating customers.
10 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
An Arizona court on 28 June sentenced Charles Smith, the 27-year-old TikTok personality who posts under the name “Wolfie Kahletti,” to one year in state prison for contaminating grocery produce with insecticide during a recorded prank last December.
Smith pleaded guilty to adding poison to food, criminal damage and solicitation to commit burglary after video circulated of him spraying Raid insect killer on fruit at a Walmart in Mesa, Arizona. The judge credited him with 136 days already spent in custody.
20 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Marvel Studios’ film "Thunderbolts*" is now available on digital platforms as of July 1, 2025, with its 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD editions scheduled for release on July 29, 2025. The movie, also referred to as "The New Avengers," grossed $380 million against a $180 million budget. The Blu-ray release will include a steelbook edition available for preorder on Amazon and Walmart, featuring Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, along with bonus content such as deleted scenes. This release follows a series of promotional activities including trailers and behind-the-scenes content. Concurrently, Amazon is offering various 4K Blu-ray titles at discounted prices, including "Godzilla (1998)," "Jurassic World Ultimate Collection," "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," "Blade Runner 2049," "Avatar," and several Criterion Collection titles such as "The Shape of Water," "Seven Samurai," and "Dr. Strangelove." These sales feature discounts ranging from 11% to 60%, with prices for some titles dropping below $20.
34 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Bell Sports has issued a recall for approximately 31,000 children's bicycle helmets, along with some adult helmets, in the United States due to concerns that the products do not meet federal impact protection standards. The helmets, which may fail to adequately absorb impact and protect wearers' heads in the event of a crash, were sold at multiple major retailers including Walmart, Target, Academy Sports + Outdoors, and Fred Meyer, as well as online through Amazon and the retailers' own websites. Federal authorities have advised consumers to stop using the recalled helmets immediately to avoid potential injury hazards.
19 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Walmart Inc. is testing a new retail concept known as "dark stores," which are warehouse-style facilities designed to resemble traditional retail outlets but are exclusively used to fulfill online orders and are not open to the public. This strategy aims to accelerate product delivery for e-commerce customers by creating dedicated hubs stocked with items frequently ordered online. The move aligns Walmart with similar fulfillment approaches employed by Amazon, reflecting the growing emphasis on enhancing online order efficiency in the retail sector. Multiple reports confirm that Walmart plans to open several of these dark stores as part of its evolving retail and logistics strategy.
5 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Walmart Inc. said it will close a Sam’s Club e-commerce fulfillment center in Fort Worth, Texas, a move that could affect hundreds of workers. The company announced the decision on Thursday, 26 June.
Order volumes handled by the Fort Worth site will be reallocated to a recently built, technology-enabled facility in nearby Lancaster and three additional Dallas-area centers, the retailer added. Walmart did not disclose a specific timeline for the shutdown or detail how many employees might be offered positions at other locations.
8 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Nintendo Switch 2 consoles and bundles were made available for purchase through Walmart's platform starting June 25, 2025. Paid Walmart+ members received early access to the consoles and Mario Kart bundles at 6 PM Pacific Time (9 PM Eastern Time), with availability opening to non-members at 7 PM Pacific Time if stock remained. The bundles included options such as the Nintendo Switch 2 console, Mario Kart World full game download, a Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller, a Samsung microSD Express Card 256GB, and a three-month GameFly subscription, with prices starting at $609 on platforms like Antonline and $709.95 for GameFly paid members. Walmart confirmed multiple restocks of the Switch 2 consoles and bundles during the evening, emphasizing the requirement of Walmart+ membership for early access. The Nintendo Switch 2 was also offered standalone and in various bundles, with availability extending to non-members after the initial exclusive window.
8 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Walmart is staging its largest online restock yet of Nintendo’s hard-to-find Switch 2 console at 9 p.m. Eastern on 25 June. For the first hour, purchases are restricted to paid Walmart+ subscribers, who pay $12.95 a month or $98 a year. Free-trial members are excluded. Any inventory that remains will be released to all shoppers at 10 p.m.
The retailer will offer both the $449 standalone unit and a $499 bundle that includes a digital copy of Mario Kart World. A Walmart employee cited in consumer-tech outlet The Shortcut said the company expects “significantly more inventory tonight versus previous releases,” following five smaller restocks since launch.
Switch 2, which went on sale 5 June and has become Nintendo’s fastest-selling console, continues to sell out within minutes at major U.S. retailers. By paywalling the first hour, Walmart aims to curb automated bot purchases and drive subscriptions to its Walmart+ service, echoing tactics it used during the pandemic-era PlayStation 5 shortage.
18 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
The NBA Board of Governors has unanimously approved the $1.5 billion sale of the Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx from longtime owner Glen Taylor to a group led by former Walmart executive Marc Lore and former Major League Baseball player Alex Rodriguez. This approval concludes a prolonged and contentious process that began four years ago, marking the end of Taylor's 30-year ownership of the franchises. The transaction officially transfers majority control of both teams to Lore and Rodriguez, ushering in a new era for Minnesota's professional basketball organizations.
13 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Logistics and retail companies are accelerating the overhaul of their U.S. fulfillment networks, pairing robotics with new real-estate models to curb costs and speed deliveries as e-commerce volumes climb.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Deutsche Post DHL has deployed seven ‘Stretch’ robots in supply-chain facilities across three states. Each machine can unload roughly 580 cases an hour—almost twice the output of a human worker—and the company has trained nearly 100 employees to supervise the systems, which tackle one of the most injury-prone warehouse tasks: loading and unloading trailers.
Read more
42 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Walmart has agreed to pay $10 million to settle allegations brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that the company allowed scammers to exploit its in-store wire transfer services to defraud consumers out of hundreds of millions of dollars across the United States. The settlement resolves a complaint originally filed in 2022 following a years-long FTC investigation. The commission found that Walmart failed to implement adequate anti-fraud safeguards, including insufficient employee training and lack of customer alerts, which enabled the widespread misuse of its money transfer services by fraudsters. The settlement aims to prevent future fraudulent activities related to Walmart's payment processing services.
42 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Walmart has agreed to pay $10 million to settle allegations brought by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that the company allowed scammers to use its in-store money transfer services to defraud consumers out of hundreds of millions of dollars across the United States. The settlement follows a years-long FTC investigation, which found that Walmart failed to implement adequate anti-fraud safeguards, including proper employee training and customer alerts. The FTC's complaint dates back to 2022 and centers on Walmart's wire transfer services being exploited by fraudsters. Separately, Walmart is facing a class-action lawsuit filed by Black employees who allege that the company's background check policy is discriminatory, particularly regarding the termination of workers with criminal records. Advocates for the plaintiffs argue that having a criminal record should not define an individual's character or determine their employment worth.
30 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
Walmart Inc. has agreed to pay $10 million to resolve a U.S. Federal Trade Commission civil lawsuit that accused the retailer of ignoring warning signs that fraudsters were using its in-store money-transfer services to steal hundreds of millions of dollars from consumers. The proposed settlement, filed 20 June in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, still requires approval from Judge Manish Shah. Walmart neither admitted nor denied wrongdoing.
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20 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Marvel Studios' film "Thunderbolts*" was released on digital platforms on July 1, 2025. The movie, which grossed $380 million against a $180 million budget, will be available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD starting July 29, 2025. A 4K UHD and Blu-ray Steelbook edition, including both titles related to the film, is available for preorder on major retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, with the Steelbook priced at $44.99 on Amazon. The physical release will feature Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision enhancements, along with bonus content including deleted scenes.
Walmart will offer an exclusive pop-up Blu-ray edition. The film is also referred to as "The New Avengers" in some releases. Additional promotional content, such as behind-the-scenes footage and deleted scenes, has been made available ahead of the physical release.
15 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
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PhonePe, India’s largest digital payments platform owned by Walmart, is preparing to file preliminary documents for an initial public offering (IPO) that aims to raise up to $1.5 billion. The fintech company is targeting a valuation of approximately $15 billion in the upcoming India IPO. According to multiple reports, including Bloomberg and Reuters, PhonePe plans to submit its draft prospectus by August 2025. The IPO marks a significant step for the Walmart-backed firm, which has a user base exceeding 610 million. The offering is expected to bolster PhonePe’s position in the competitive Indian digital payments market.
20 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Marvel Studios' film "Thunderbolts" is set to be released on digital platforms on July 1, 2025, followed by physical releases on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD on July 29, 2025. The movie, also known as "The New Avengers," grossed $380 million worldwide against a production budget of $180 million. The physical release will include a 4K UHD and Blu-ray Steelbook edition, with Walmart offering an exclusive pop-up Blu-ray version. The editions will feature Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision technologies, along with bonus content such as deleted scenes. Ahead of the release, Marvel has shared additional promotional material including a gag reel, behind-the-scenes footage featuring actors Lewis Pullman and David Harbour, and a new trailer. Pre-orders for the Steelbook edition are available on Amazon for $44.99 and at Walmart.
82 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
FreshRealm has voluntarily recalled certain pre-made chicken fettuccine Alfredo ready-to-eat meals sold at Walmart and Kroger stores nationwide due to a deadly Listeria monocytogenes outbreak. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating the outbreak, which has resulted in three reported deaths, one fetal loss, and 17 illnesses across 13 states as of June 17, 2025. The outbreak strain of Listeria was identified in a sample of chicken fettuccine Alfredo during a routine inspection in March 2025. Public health officials have linked the recalled heat-and-eat chicken fettuccine Alfredo products to the multiple fatalities and illnesses. Consumers who have purchased these products from Walmart or Kroger are advised to check their refrigerators and avoid consuming the recalled meals.
A listeria food poisoning outbreak is linked to newly recalled heat-and-eat chicken fettucine alfredo products sold at Walmart and other stores.
Deadly listeria outbreak linked to chicken alfredo fettucine sold at Kroger and Walmart
RECALL | Some ready-to-eat meals sold nationally at Walmart stores have been recalled as public health officials investigate a deadly Listeria outbreak. Details:
🚨 RECALL ALERT: Chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals sold at Walmart and Kroger have been pulled after a listeria outbreak linked to 17 illnesses — **Including 3 deaths and one fetal loss** If you’ve purchased ready-to-eat meals from either store, check your fridge now.
Multiple deaths were connected to the latest listeria outbreak.
10 posts • OpenAI (o3)
Published
UK-based consumer-technology start-up Nothing confirmed that its forthcoming smartphone, the Phone 3, will be offered for general sale in the United States and Canada, marking the company’s first full commercial push into North America. A retail listing on Walmart’s website references a new top-spec variant, underscoring the broader market ambitions for the device.
The Phone 3 is scheduled to be unveiled on 1 July and is described by the company and industry publications as Nothing’s first true flagship Android handset. Until now, the firm’s products have reached U.S. buyers only through limited-run or invite-based programs.
Nothing said the handset will be assembled at a newly established facility in Chennai, India, aligning with its strategy to localize production and benefit from government incentives aimed at boosting domestic electronics manufacturing. Pricing and full hardware specifications have not yet been disclosed.
17 posts • GPT (4.1 mini)
Published
Twenty One Pilots have released "The Contract," the lead single from their upcoming album "Breach," scheduled for release in September 2025. The single has garnered notable attention, debuting at number 175 on the global Spotify chart with 1.2 million streams and later rising to number 42 with over 2.17 million streams, making it the biggest gainer on the global Spotify chart. Additionally, "The Contract" achieved top 10 rankings on the Worldwide and European iTunes song charts, landing at number 8 on both, and reached number 12 on the US iTunes chart. Concurrently, the duo announced The Clancy Tour: Breach 2025, a North American headline tour set for the fall of 2025 to support the new album. The single has been described as eclectic and genre-blending, reflecting the band’s characteristic frenetic and odd style. Band members Tyler Joseph and Joshua Dun discussed the album and single in an interview with Zane Lowe.