Macy’s announces list of dozens of stores set to close

FILE -- Macy’s announced 66 stores will close this year as part of its Bold New Chapter plan. (CNN)

New York

A major department store will be closing multiple locations that are underperforming when it comes to sales.

Macy’s announced 66 stores will close this year as part of its Bold New Chapter plan, including closing about 150 underproductive stores that was announced last year over a three-year period.

“Closing any store is never easy, but as part of our Bold New Chapter strategy, we are closing underproductive Macy’s stores to allow us to focus our resources and prioritize investments in our go-forward stores,” Tony Spring, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, said.

The reported struggling department store chain is working on getting smaller to work with declining sales.

As part of the strategy, Macy’s said it will upgrade 350 stores with plans to add more salespeople through 2026.

“People have endless options when it comes to where and how they shop. Macy’s customers expect seamless shopping experiences and continuous improvements both in-store and online to meet those expectations,” the company shared in a news release.

A spokesperson for Macy’s said the department store remains focused on bringing an enhanced customer experience to more locations nationwide and through its digital channels.

“Customers are already responding positively to better product offerings and elevated service,” Spring said.

A list of the 66 store closures can be found online.

Cracker Barrel announces new menu items, return of fan favorites to start year

The Signature Saucy Chicken Sandwich includes Cracker Barrel's signature sauces. (Cracker Barrel)

Lebanon, Tenn.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is kicking off the new year with several new menu items.

The country-themed restaurant chain announced several new menu offerings that include Crispy Tender Dippers, a Signature Saucy Chicken Sandwich and Chicken n’ Dumplin Soup.

The new Crispy Tender Dippers will offer a combination of hand-breaded chicken along with customizable sauces and sides. Customers can also spice up their Dippers with a new Nashville hot sauce.

“Our spicy twist on a Tennessee classic, inspired by 55 years of tradition – you can turn up the heat and bring some country-style warmth to those chilly winter days,” Sarah Moore, chief marketing officer for Cracker Barrel, said.

Another all-new dish being offered is a Signature Saucy Chicken Sandwich.

It features a hand-breaded chicken breast served on a toasted buttermilk bun with pickles, mayonnaise and one of Cracker Barrel’s signature sauces.

The restaurant shared that its Chicken n' Dumplin Soup will have homestyle dumplings, shredded chicken, celery, carrots and onions in a savory broth. It will also be available at locations nationwide.

“Our Chicken n' Dumplin Soup delivers warmth and comfort for all guests to savor,” a news release about the new dishes said.

Additionally, customers will be able to enjoy some of their favorite dishes with Early Dinner Deals starting at $8.99 Monday-Friday from 4-6 p.m., a Sunrise Pancake Special available daily starting at $7.99 and a Sparkling Sugar Plum Mimosa.

“Cracker Barrel Old Country Store is on a mission to bring craveable, delicious homestyle food and unique retail products to all of its guests,” a restaurant spokesperson shared.

Man drives vehicle with 850K miles on it to claim winning lottery prize: ‘I’ve got to get a car’

Daniel Bragg said his first thought after winning $150,000 was that it was time to get a new car. (Iowa Lottery)

Clive, Iowa

An Iowa man says he is getting a new car after winning thousands of dollars while playing the lottery.

Iowa Lottery officials said Daniel Bragg, 46, told them that he is trading in his 2001 Chevy Suburban with about 850,000 miles on it after winning a $150,000 prize.

“It’s a beater. It’s done pretty good ... but I’ve got to get a car, got to get a car,” he said.

Bragg drove his Suburban through a snowstorm on Thursday to lottery headquarters to claim the prize money he won from the Money Gift scratch game.

The lucky winner said he scratched the ticket on New Year’s Eve and had an immediate thought of getting a new car.

Bragg said he plans to purchase a small pickup truck with his winnings while acknowledging it will be bittersweet to part with his longtime vehicle.

“It’ll be a major upgrade. This vehicle, though, can still pull anything,” he shared.

Lottery officials said there is still one remaining top $150,000 prize to win in the Money Gift $10 scratch game where the overall odds of winning are 1 in 2.83.

These states are increasing the minimum wage for workers in 2025

FILE - A customer picks up a meal bag at a McDonald's drive-thru window in Los Angeles on Sept. 28, 2023. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

The minimum wage is going up for millions of workers this year in nearly two dozen states.

According to the Economic Policy Institute, hourly minimum wages increased in 21 states when the clock struck midnight as we welcomed 2025.

Those wage increases will reportedly impact an estimated 9.2 million workers and raise pay by a total of $5.7 billion.

“These additional earnings are critical for ensuring workers don’t lose ground due to rising prices, but the minimum wage level may still be too low, especially if the minimum wage was indexed years ago and not revisited since,” economic analyst Sebastian Martinez Hickey wrote.

CNN reports that rampant inflation over the last few years has caused the cost of living to soar along and has pushed calls for a $17 federal minimum wage.

The federal minimum wage currently sits at $7.25 an hour, a rate that hasn’t changed since 2009.

The states that are reporting a boost for minimum-wage workers this year are Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Vermont, Virginia and Washington.

Economic analysts say most of the January wage increases are happening due to state laws that are adjusting annually for inflation.

Workers in Delaware will reportedly be seeing the largest state increase taking effect this year.

“Legislation will lift the minimum wage by $1.75 to $15 per hour. As a result, the average full-time worker affected by the increase will earn $1,200 more annually,” Hickey shared.

Fast-food workers in California also have a minimum wage of $20 an hour that went into effect last year.

Champion racehorse, leading sire Uncle Mo euthanized following leg injury

FILE - In this May 5, 2011, file photo, exercise rider Hector Ramos takes Kentucky Derby entrant Uncle Mo for a workout at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky. (AP Photo/Garry Jones, File)

Versailles, Ky.

The Thoroughbred industry suffered a great loss this week with the death of champion horse Uncle Mo.

Mike Repole, Uncle Mo’s owner, shared that his stallion was euthanized on Thursday following a left foreleg injury.

The Repole Stable said the 16-year-old thoroughbred underwent surgery for the injury the day before, but the recovery process was too much for him to endure.

“The Repole Stable family, Todd Pletcher family and the entire Coolmore family are heartbroken,” the Repole family shared. “Uncle Mo was so much more to me than a champion and iconic stallion - he was and always will be a part of my family.”

Uncle Mo was bred in Kentucky and was the son of multiple graded stakes winner Indian Charlie.

Todd Pletcher trained Uncle Mo over his racing career while being ridden by John Velazquez. The multiple-stakes winning runner finished his career with five wins in eight starts, including a dominating win in the 2010 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, while earning more than $1.5 million.

Uncle Mo retired to Coolmore’s Ashford Stud after his racing career, where he went on to sire nearly 900 winners who have earned more than $120 million.

“We’re all still in shock,” Coolmore America’s Dermot Ryan said. “He will be greatly missed. He was an exceptional sire on the racetrack and in the sales ring.”

Repole added, “Thank you Uncle Mo for fulfilling my childhood dreams of owning a special racehorse.”