By ANNE D’INNOCENZIO NEW YORK (AP) Target’s third-quarter profit tumbled as the retailer struggles to lure shoppers that are being pressed by stubbornly high inflation. The Minneapolis company said Wednesday that it expects its sales slump to extend through the critical holiday shopping season. The company also announced that it’s planning to invest another billion dollars next year to remodel stores, build new ones, increasing the total cost for the makeover to $5 billion. Investors have punished Target’s stock recently, sending it down 43% over the past year. Shares were essentially flat in early trading Wednesday. Turning around the 19% profit slide in the most recent quarter is the latest challenge for incoming CEO Michael Fiddelke, a 20-year company veteran who is replacing CEO Brian Cornell in February. The handover arrives as the retailer tries to reverse a persistent sales malaise and to revive its reputation as the place to go for affordable but stylish products. Comparable sales those from established physical stores and online channels dipped 2. 7% in its latest three-month period. That’s worse then the 1. 9% drop in the previous quarter and the third straight quarterly decline. Target’s troubles stand in stark contrast to rival Walmart, the nation’s largest retailer, which is thriving. Walmart reports on its most recent quarterly performance Thursday. Target announced in October that it was eliminating about 1, 800 corporate positions to streamline decision-making and accelerate company initiatives. The cuts represent about 8% of Target’s corporate workforce. To pump up sales, Target is offering more than 20, 000 new items, twice as many as last year, and it has lowered prices on thousands of groceries and other essential items. “The environment around us continues to evolve, whether it’s shifting consumer demand, changing competitor dynamics, or broader macroeconomic pressures,” Fiddelke said on an earnings call Wednesday. ”But let me be clear. We are not waiting for conditions to improve. We are driving the change ourselves right now.” With about 1, 980 U. S. stores, Target has struggled to find its footing since inflation caused Americans to curtail much of their discretionary spending. At the same time, Target customers have complained of messy stores lacking the budget-priced niche that long ago earned the retailer the nickname “Tarzhay.” Consumer boycotts since late January, when Target joined rival Walmart and a number of other prominent American brands in scaling back its corporate diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives, have compounded the predicament. Other, more recent macro headwinds, are buffeting the entire retail sector. For almost a year, retailers have struggled to navigate President Donald Trump’s wide-ranging tariffs on imports and his immigration crackdown that threatened to shrink the supply of workers available to U. S. companies. The just ended 43-day federal shutdown is expected to be another drag on an economy. Government contract awards have slowed and many food aid recipients have seen their benefits interrupted, both of which can cut into consumer spending at places like Target. Fiddelke told reporters that the company saw a weaker September but he said it was “tricky for us to isolate” the different factors behind that. The retailer’s profit fell to $689 million in the three-month period ended Nov. 1, or $1. 51 per share. Adjusted per share results added up to $1. 78. That is better than the $1. 71 that Wall Street was expecting, according to a poll by FactSet, but below the $1. 85 per share the company earned in the same period last year. Sales fell 1. 5% to $25. 27 billion, just shy of analyst projections. Sales gains in food and beverages were offset by continued weakness in discretionary goods, with anxious shoppers focused increasingly on buying essentials, even during the holidays. For example, customers this year customers bought candy and costumes for Halloween, but spent less on decorations, said Rick Gomez, chief commercial officer for Target. Gomez thinks they will make similar tradeoffs during the winter holiday season. “We think the consumer will prioritize what goes under the tree versus what goes on the tree,” he said. Target also announced a partnership with OpenAI on Wednesday that will let users browse Target items through the tech company’s app ChatGPT. When customers are ready to buy, they’ll be directed to the Target app. For the fourth quarter, Target expects that comparable sales will decline by low single digits. For the full year, it now expects earnings per share to be in the $7 per share to $8 per share range, down from its earlier forecast of $7 to $9.
https://www.santacruzsentinel.com/2025/11/19/target-results/
Author: admin
Demonstration shows how quickly Christmas tree, decorations can turn into fire tragedy
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — As the holidays inch closer, fire officials have an important reminder about decorating. All of the lights on the tree do come with a risk. The Philadelphia Fire Department demonstrated just how quickly a Christmas tree and decorations can turn dangerous. The National Fire Protection Association says fire departments have responded to an average of 160 Christmas tree fires each year, between 2016 and 2020.
https://6abc.com/post/philadelphia-fire-department-shows-how-quickly-christmas-tree-decorations-can-turn-dangerous/18175242/
James Gunn Responds to Complaint After DC Movie Hits Netflix
James Gunn has responded to a streaming-related complaint after a DC movie has now been made available to watch on Netflix. Gunn and Peter Safran’s DCU kicked off at DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures in December 2024 with the animated Creature Commandos series. That was followed by Superman and Peacemaker Season 2 in 2025, while Lanterns, Supergirl, and Clayface are all scheduled to arrive in 2026. Recently, Netflix made 2023’s Blue Beetle available to watch on the streaming platform. The film was originally intended to be part of the now-defunct DCEU; however, Gunn has stated that Xolo Maridueña’s Jaime Reyes/Blue Beetle character will continue in the DCU. An animated DCU Blue Beetle series is now in development. What did James Gunn say about the DCU and streaming? On Threads, Gunn was asked why Blue Beetle is available to watch on Netflix when other DCEU and DCU movies are not. Specifically, the question asks why all DC titles can’t just be kept to one streaming service in order to avoid confusion. Gunn responded, “Creature Commandos and Peacemaker are on the same streaming service, HBOMax. And Blue Beetle is there too. But now people who only have Netflix can watch it as well.” Blue Beetle received generally positive reviews from critics, though it underperformed at the box office, as it only made $130. 8 million globally. The cast of the movie also includes Adriana Barraza as Nana, Damián Alcázar as Alberto Reyes, Elpidia Carrillo as Rocio Reyes, Bruna Marquezine as Jenny Kord, Raoul Max Trujillo as OMAC, Susan Sarandon as Victoria Kord, George Lopez as Rudy Reyes, Belissa Escobedo as Milagro Reyes, and Harvey Guillén as Dr. Sanchez. “Jaime Reyes suddenly finds himself in possession of an ancient relic of alien biotechnology called the Scarab,” a description of the film reads. “When the Scarab chooses Jaime to be its symbiotic host, he’s bestowed with an incredible suit of armor that’s capable of extraordinary and unpredictable powers, forever changing his destiny as he becomes the superhero Blue Beetle.”.
https://www.comingsoon.net/movies/news/2064911-james-gunn-responds-complaint-after-dc-movie-hits-netflix
Evogene Q3 2025 Earnings Preview
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https://seekingalpha.com/news/4523990-evogene-q3-2025-earnings-preview?feed_item_type=news
Saudi Arabia Backs Elon Musk’s xAI With Data Center Deal
Mr. Musk’s xAI will work with the Saudi artificial intelligence company Humain on a new data center, part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s effort to diversify his country’s economy.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/19/technology/saudi-arabia-elon-musk-xai.html
BlackRock Moves $815M in BTC and ETH amid ETF Outflows
BlackRock has moved nearly $1 billion in Bitcoin and Ethereum to Coinbase while the crypto ETF markets for these two assets face heavy outflows. The large transfers were captured on Arkham Intelligence, showing coordinated flows from BlackRock’s ETF-linked wallets into Coinbase Prime across two consecutive days. BlackRock’s BTC and ETH Transfers Exceed $1 Billion The latest deposits included 6, 735 BTC and 64, 706 ETH, representing one of BlackRock’s biggest on-chain moves this month. These transfers followed another round of activity from the previous day, when 3, 064 BTC and 64, 707 ETH (totaling almost $500 million) were deposited into Coinbase. Together, the two-day total crossed $1 billion, highlighting aggressive fund movement across BlackRock’s spot ETF products. It also means that it is the third successive day the firm would be making these transfers. On Monday, BlackRock deposited BTC and ETH worth millions into Coinbase. All assets were sent to Coinbase Prime since it is BlackRock’s core settlement and execution platform for its spot Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs. Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs Record Significant Outflows This activity comes during a tough period for ETF flows. According to SoSoValue data, U. S. Bitcoin Spot ETFs recorded a net outflow of about $373 million. The biggest withdrawals were from BlackRock’s IBIT, with over $523 million, in one day. Other issuers reported mixed results, but none matched the scale of BlackRock’s outflows. According to ETF analyst Eric Balchunas, this outflow was IBIT’s worst day. He further said that Bitcoin ETFs now have up to $13. 3 billion total outflows in the last month. This amount represents 3. 5% of their total assets under management. However, he emphasized that IBIT continues to dominate the industry with $25 billion year-to-date inflows, making it to rank sixth among all ETFs. Ethereum ETFs also struggled. BlackRock remains the most popular provider of ETFs despite experiencing outflows. IBIT is its most lucrative ETF and ETHA is the top Ethereum product among other Ether ETFs. These movements indicate how liquidity can shift quickly as institutional funds make moves in the markets. Macro Uncertainty Weighs on Crypto The timing is notable. Bitcoin is still experiencing pressure following recent losses, and Ethereum is still experiencing poor liquidity. There has also been a weakness in sentiment in the broader markets. The crypto market is currently facing macro uncertainty before the release of Nvidia’s report earnings, FOMC minutes, and America’s employment statistics. Despite the outflows, the large Coinbase deposits do not imply direct selling. The asset manager may be preparing the cryptocurrencies for ETF creation, redemption, or internal liquidity adjustments.
https://bitcoinethereumnews.com/bitcoin/blackrock-moves-815m-in-btc-and-eth-amid-etf-outflows/
How to harvest plants for Trials – ARC Raiders
The harvest plants Trial in ARC Raiders asks players to collect plants. It sounds simple. Unfortunately, actually finding plants can be tough, and even when you do find them, some don’t count! The good news is that there is one location which let ensure you hit the 3-star reward and even hopefully bump you up a rank. How to harvest plants The best place to farm the harvest plants Trial is on Dam Battlegrounds in a Night Raid or Electromagnetic Storm. Go to Hydroponic Dome Complex to find Moss, Mushrooms, and Great Mullein. These are the three plant types that count towards the harvest. Unfortunately, picking fruit (Prickly Pears, Apricots, etc) does not count towards the Trial. Once you arrive at the Hydroponic Dome Complex, search each of the buildings. Moss tends to grow on the larger canisters in each room while Great Mullein and Mushrooms can appear inside the water vats in the big buildings. After the area is clear, search through the swamp to the south. Sometimes there are Mushrooms on the trees and Great Mullein growing in the water. Your points are doubled when completing Trials in a Night Raid or similar big map event. You should get roughly 500 points per harvest, meaning you’ll need roughly eight to complete the 3-star Trial. However, if you’re chasing a highscore on the leaderboard, try to keep going and get as many as possible. Ideally, you’ll do this in a team to minimize your chances of getting surprised and downed. When playing solo, I managed to extraction with a cool 7, 000 points.
https://www.shacknews.com/article/146886/harvest-plants-trials-arc-raiders
‘Wicked’ returning to The Fox in 2027
One of the most “Popular” musicals will take the St. Louis stage once again in 2027: It’s “Wicked!”
https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/wicked-returning-to-the-fox-in-2027/
BBC Shetland star pays sweet tribute to ‘incredible’ on-screen wife as she joins cast
Shetland will be back tonight as Tosh and Ruth continue to work on their latest case Shetland star Lewis Holden, who plays Billy McCabe in the BBC series, has paid tribute to his on-screen wife, who has joined the cast this series. Billy has taken on a more central role in the storyline, and for the first time, he was able to shoot scenes away from the police station. This series marks the first time the case touches on Billy’s personal life. His wife, Morag, had previously worked with the victim, Eadie Tulloch, in the Shetland social services department. While Eadie’s late husband Robert was once Billy’s sergeant in the police. The Tullochs were mentors and friends to the McCabes, so Eadie’s death will be very difficult for them. Particularly when the spotlight of the investigation unearths difficult questions. While fans were thrilled to see the beloved character have a main storyline, the actor has opened up about what it was like to play after Billy’s wife, Morag, was also welcomed to the cast. Lewis began, “This series, we finally get to meet Mrs McCabe, Billy’s wife, Morag. She’s fab! It was great having Leigh Biagi on set and exploring the personal life of Billy away from the station. “Billy and Morag have been together for some time now. They have a great wee house, that is to die for, with just seals and seabirds for neighbours. They are living the ‘Good Life’ and are very happy, but trouble is brewing.” Paying tribute to his on-screen wife, the actor went on, “Having Leigh playing Morag has been incredible. We didn’t know each other before this series, but we hit it off right away. I think we look like a longstanding couple! “We’re always so fortunate to have such a wonderful guest cast. Year after year, they are always brilliant.” The synopsis for tonight’s episode reads, “Chris and Hayley’s attempts to pay off their spiralling debts go violently wrong, with a Lunniswick local getting caught in the middle. “Calder and Tosh question Stevie only to face the wrath of Amy as she grows more protective. Isobel worries as she tries to hold her family together, a pregnant Jess sneaks out to meet a mysterious friend, and a weary Tom is forced to make some tough sacrifices. Sandy makes steady progress into Eadie’s finances, leading him to a troubling conclusion.”.
https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/tv/bbc-shetland-star-pays-sweet-36269543
Hazbin Hotel season 2 ending explained: Did Charlie save Hell once more?
The final episodes of Hazbin Hotel season 2 return to the central conflict between Heaven and Hell and conclude with Charlie preventing a full-scale war. Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 7 reveals Vox’s secret weapon, which is powered by the abducted Lucifer and directed at Heaven’s defenses. In response, Charlie forms a coordinated plan with her friends at the Hazbin Hotel to counter the broadcast, dismantle the weapon, and calm rising tensions. At the same time, Emily and Sir Pentious work from Heaven’s side to encourage understanding and delay retaliation. Through these combined efforts, the weapon is ultimately destroyed, and both realms avoid direct conflict. However, the events in Hazbin Hotel season 2 episode 8 introduce unanswered questions about alliances, redemption, and emerging threats. Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers. Read at your own discretion. What happened in Hazbin Hotel season 2 ending? The finale confirms that Charlie successfully saves Hell again. Vox initiates his plan by revealing a massive cannon powered by Lucifer, whom he abducts after disguising himself as Charlie. When Angel Dust appears on a broadcast declaring redemption a joke, under hypnosis, tensions escalate quickly. Vox activates the weapon, and Heaven’s defenses begin to collapse. Lute urges retaliation, but Sera chooses another path after sharing a conversation with Sir Pentious. She orders the angels to stand by, allowing Emily to descend to Hell and speak with Charlie about a peaceful approach. In Hell, Charlie regroups and plans a counter-broadcast. With Baxter’s technical help, she intends to show proof of actual redemption to undermine Vox’s narrative. As all parties move to stop the cannon, the combined forces manage to destroy it. Pentious then appears and confirms his own redemption from Heaven. Though chaos surrounds the Hazbin Hotel season 2 finale, the crisis is averted. Charlie prevents a catastrophic war, maintains her mission, and keeps Hell from falling into deeper destruction. By the time the episode ends, the Hazbin Hotel is more active than ever, showing hopeful movement toward lasting change. Did Vox succeed in his war with Heaven? The end of Hazbin Hotel season 2 reveals shifting power among Hell’s overlords. Vox’s plan collapses after Alastor outsmarts him. Throughout the season, Alastor appears limited by contracts and tricks, but the finale shows he is one step ahead. He uses clever wordplay to break free from Vox’s binds, turning the situation in the group’s favor. Vox loses control of the cannon and his scheme falls apart. Meanwhile, Velvette faces Nifty in a surprising clash. Nifty defeats her alone, revealing abilities that were previously unseen. But the Vees remain a looming presence. Despite failing to destroy Heaven, they redirect public opinion. With Angel Dust’s manipulated broadcast and the aftermath of the finale, Valentino emerges as the new “Boss Daddy,” reinforcing his influence over Hell. Lucifer, however, plays a minimal role in the conflict. After being abducted to power Vox’s weapon, he remains sidelined for most of the episode. His lack of agency becomes one of the season’s unresolved elements. Still, his situation sets up new interpersonal tension within Charlie’s family as the Hazbin Hotel season 2 progresses. Did Angel Dust return to the hotel? After being hypnotized and used as a spy, Angel Dust becomes central to Vox’s propaganda. Even after the battle, Angel Dust chooses not to return to the Hazbin Hotel. He insists that he has signed his soul away and the people in the hotel are not safe if he’s around, fearing that the Vees might use him again against them. Although the effect of Angel’s departure is visible, the Hazbin Hotel thrives. More demons arrive with genuine intentions to change. The connection between Heaven and Hell also strengthens. Sera listens to Pentious’s message about empathy, Abel talks Lute down from an aggressive stance, and Emily reaches Hell to communicate with Charlie. Tensions remain, but both realms begin to understand each other more deeply. Did Lilith finally answer Charlie’s call? Throughout the season, Charlie repeatedly tries to contact her mother, Lilith, hoping for guidance in running the hotel. Each attempt ends in voicemail, both in the previous season and in the latest episodes. In the finale, after leaving another long message, Charlie’s phone unexpectedly rings. When she answers, Lilith is finally on the other end. Hazbin Hotel season 2 concludes with Charlie preventing another Heaven-Hell war, dismantling Vox’s plan, and reinforcing the hotel’s mission, but the closing moment shifts focus to her long-awaited connection with her mother, opening the door to further exploration of their relationship. All episodes of Hazbin Hotel season 2 are available for online streaming on Prime Video.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/shows/hazbin-hotel-season-2-ending-explained-did-charlie-save-hell-more