How some of the biggest U.S. companies are using AI to cut workers
From customer service bots to automated fulfillment systems, major U.S. corporations are increasingly deploying AI to streamline operations—resulting in job reductions across multiple departments. While executives highlight cost savings and efficiency gains, workers are bracing for seismic shifts in workforce dynamics. As automation accelerates, companies must balance performance investments with humane considerations about jobs and retraining.
CNBC

46% of Enterprise Passwords Can Be Cracked

Alarmingly, almost half of enterprise passwords were found to be vulnerable to cracking, revealing a critical flaw in corporate cybersecurity strategies. Many organizations still rely on simple, reused or easily guessable login credentials—providing hackers a quick entry point into sensitive systems. This exposes businesses to breaches and mandates immediate investment in password hygiene, MFA, and employee training.
Security Magazine

Trump is tightening the screws on corporate America — and CEOs are staying mum
Reports by NPR suggest that President Trump is ramping up pressure on corporate America, signaling a renewed push for regulatory oversight and expectations of loyalty—or risk facing consequences. Industry insiders anticipate a shift toward increased federal scrutiny, potentially reshaping how boardrooms navigate policy and political alliances. The development could force companies to reassess their risk and reputation management in the months ahead.
NPR

Should the Dick’s Sporting Goods-Foot Locker Deal Face High Antitrust Concerns?
Industry watchers are raising antitrust alarms over the recently proposed tie-ups between Dick’s Sporting Goods and Foot Locker, wondering whether the consolidation could stifle competition in the footwear and athletic apparel space. Analysts warn that shared supplier relationships and combined buying power might unfairly squeeze smaller retailers and shift the balance of power. Regulators may soon step in to determine whether this strategic consolidation crosses competitive lines.
Retail Wire

Walmart's Digital Renaissance: A Strategic Blueprint for Sustained Retail Dominance
Walmart is undergoing a digital transformation, crafting a bold strategy to cement its retail leadership well into the future. By investing in cloud infrastructure, AI-driven logistics, and omnichannel excellence, the company is sharpening its edge against e-commerce challengers. This tech-led rebirth exemplifies how legacy retailers can reinvent themselves and protect their dominance in an increasingly digital world.
AIinvest

Know What Leaves the Moment it Does

Stop theft in its tracks. CONTROLTEK’s Enhanced Exit instantly alerts you when merchandise leaves your store, helping you to track your merchandise and speed up investigations.

San Bernardino County Law Enforcement Cracks Down on Retail Theft in Operation Smash & Grab

Hoodline

Amazon expands its perishable delivery service, putting pressure on traditional grocers

Amazon is now rolling out a service where its Prime members can order their blueberries and milk at the same time as basic items like batteries and T-shirts and get them within hours.

The online juggernaut said Wednesday that customers in more than 1,000 cities and towns including Raleigh, North Carolina; Milwaukee; and Columbus, Ohio, now have access to fresh groceries with its free same-day delivery service on orders over $25 for Prime members, with plans to reach over 2,300 cities and towns by year-end.

AP News

Government-run grocery store to shut down thanks to rampant shoplifting and empty shelves

Daily Mail

Overcoming Small Business Security Challenges with Intelligent, Direct-to-Cloud Video Surveillance

For small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) operating in sectors like quick-service restaurants (QSRs), convenience stores, retail, and finance, navigating the landscape of security threats has become a critical aspect of managing your operations. March Networks knows that intelligent video surveillance is not just a safety measure—it’s an essential strategy for enhancing your overall business resilience and operational efficiency. This blog will discuss:

• Top Security Challenges for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
• The Role of Intelligent Video Surveillance
• Benefits of Direct-to-Cloud Systems
• ROI in Video Surveillance
• Empowering SMBs with Intelligent Solutions

Using Cloud Video to Improve QSR Operations

With a history spanning 75 years, fast-food chain Whataburger has gone from a single restaurant in Corpus Christi, TX, to over 1,000 restaurants nationwide. They have worked closely with OpenEye over the years to meet their needs, leveraging OpenEye Web Services (OWS) to strengthen their loss prevention efforts, improve workplace operations, and provide an enhanced dining experience for their customers.

Register for the webinar to hear from Whataburger and OpenEye. Together, we’ll discuss:

• What Whataburger was looking for in a video security solution, and what led them to OpenEye.
• How OWS helped Whataburger meet the various surveillance needs of their organization.
• Whataburger’s future plans with OpenEye, and how they plan to use OWS to support future growth.

Your grocery stores could close because of cuts to SNAP 

Millions of low-income Americans who depend on the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) program are not only at risk of losing their benefits, but their local grocery stores.

CNN reports that changes to SNAP under President Donald Trump’s One Big, Beautiful Bill Act threaten grocery stores in low-income rural and urban communities as well as in wealthier communities with lower-income workers.

Yahoo! News

Is Shoplifting Decriminalized in New York?

NO.
Shoplifting remains a criminal offense under New York state law, prosecuted as larceny.

Theft of property valued at $1,000 or less is classified as petit larceny, a Class A misdemeanor, carrying penalties of up to one year in jail and a fine of $1,000.

If the stolen property exceeds $1,000 in value, the crime is charged as grand larceny, a felony that carries multi-year prison sentences and fines ranging from $5k to $30k, depending on the value & circumstances.

NYS Focus

More Than Just a Bad Day: The Growing Crisis of Workplace Violence

There is much cause for unrest within the work sphere, and one of the unintended consequences is the growing threat of workplace violence that has been reported in 2025.

A new survey from Traliant found that 30% of workers have witnessed workplace violence against their colleagues, with 15% stating that they themselves had been recent victims of aggression at work.

Violence within the work environment can take on many forms, from derogatory conversations to threats to a worker’s physical safety, but regardless of the shape it takes, the sharp rise of workplace violence is detrimental to the well-being of the workforce.

HR Digest

‘Cash drop scam’ in Northern California leads to two arrests, linked to 40 cases

Two people were arrested in connection with a ‘cash drop scam’ that has been circulating through Northern California.

The Vacaville Police Department responded to a loss prevention agent at a local business who reported suspicious activity in the parking lot.

Loss prevention recently been alerted to ‘cash drop scams’ happening in other cities & recognized suspects who matched those descriptions, possibly targeting an elderly couple,” VPD said.

Yahoo! News

11 arrested in retail crime bust

The Florida Highway Patrol partnered with the North Port Police Department to tackle organized retail crime.

According to the release on Wednesday evening, their efforts resulted in 15 cases, 11 arrests and 6 citations, along with the recovery of stolen goods.

Two organized retail crime groups were identified and exposed during this operation. According to North Port PD, these groups were not first-timers but seasoned criminals with extensive histories.

WINK

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