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Trump–Powell Showdown Intensifies as White House Floats Criminal Charges

                                                       Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell A dramatic escalation in the long‑running tension between President Donald Trump and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has thrust the independence of the U.S. central bank into the spotlight. The conflict deepened after Powell disclosed that the Department of Justice had issued grand jury subpoenas to the Federal Reserve—an action he suggested was politically motivated. The inquiry centers on Powell’s congressional testimony about cost overruns tied to a Federal Reserve building renovation. Powell has dismissed the investigation as a pretext, arguing that the administration’s real aim is to pressure the Fed into cutting interest rates more aggressively, a move Trump has repeatedly demanded. The threat of potential...

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Starbucks Announces Layoffs Amid Operational Streamlining

 

Starbucks has announced plans to lay off 1,100 corporate employees globally as part of a broader effort to streamline operations under the leadership of new Chairman and CEO Brian Niccol. In a letter to employees released on Monday, Niccol outlined the company's intent to operate more efficiently, increase accountability, reduce complexity, and drive better integration.

The layoffs will affect corporate support employees, but baristas and other store-level staff will not be impacted. Additionally, several hundred open and unfilled positions will be eliminated. Niccol emphasized the need for all work to be overseen by decision-makers to reduce the complexity of Starbucks' structure and eliminate silos that hinder communication.

Niccol, who was hired last fall to address sluggish sales, has also implemented changes to improve service times, particularly during the morning rush, and re-establish Starbucks locations as community gathering places. The company is also cutting items from its menu and experimenting with ordering algorithms to better manage its mix of mobile, drive-thru, and in-store orders.

Despite a 2% decline in global same-store sales during its 2024 fiscal year, Starbucks has seen positive results from recent changes, including the decision to stop charging extra for non-dairy milk and streamlining the menu. These efforts have boosted store traffic and improved service, leading to a modest increase in Starbucks' shares.



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