Category Archives: business

business, economy, protest

Renowned restaurant chain closes after being targeting by anti-Israel protests

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**Plant-Based Kosher Chain Shouk Closes Permanently Amid Protests and Boycotts**

Shouk, a plant-based kosher street-food chain based in Washington, D.C., has permanently shut down its final locations this month. The closures come after two years of protests and boycotts led by anti-Israel activists, which significantly impacted the business.

Once celebrated by the Food Network and *The Washington Post* for its popular “Shouk Burger,” the chain operated five stores across the region. However, local activist group DC for Palestine spearheaded a boycott campaign alleging that Shouk’s falafel and other menu items “appropriated” Palestinian cuisine. The group also accused the owners of being “complicit in Israeli apartheid.”

Dennis Friedman, a Jewish American co-owner who, along with Israeli partner Ran Nussbacher, opened the first Shouk location over a decade ago, rejected these accusations. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Friedman emphasized that Shouk’s mission was to bring people together.

“I don’t agree with that because the intention of Shouk was pure and good,” Friedman said. “When my business partner came to me, it wasn’t ‘let’s make Israeli food.’ He wanted to make plant-based food that reminded him of his childhood and home. That was the core of where we started to build the recipes.”

Friedman explained that Shouk has primarily been promoted as a Mediterranean, plant-based, and Middle Eastern restaurant. “Very rarely have we claimed anything else. That’s why Shouk is written in both Arabic and Hebrew in all the stores because we are a place to bring everyone together.”

He described Shouk as “a gathering place for people of all races, colors, and creeds to come together to enjoy food” that is good for customers and the planet alike.

The co-owner noted that their Georgetown location was the first target of protests, citing its proximity to Georgetown University and the area’s “heavy Muslim population.” Friedman said business was thriving before October 7, but protests quickly began to damage their income.

“We reached out to local business groups and representatives and hired security outside our stores,” Friedman said, describing the experience of being harassed by protesters over the past two years as “scary and unnerving.”

He recounted some disturbing incidents: “We had everything from little children coming into the store during a busy lunch screaming ‘Free Palestine’ while their parents videoed for social media.”

Friedman called the protests part of a “very coordinated” and effective effort by the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement to hurt Shouk.

“There were posters of dead baby Palestinian children on the windows or on our seating outside. It ranged from vandalism to intimidation to maybe things that we don’t even know,” he added.

Reflecting on Shouk’s 12-year run, Friedman called it an “amazing experience” beyond his “wildest dreams.” He said the business was “near and dear” to his heart, and stressed that he and Nussbacher made every effort to support their employees throughout the closures.

“Most of our staff have been with us since we opened,” Friedman said. “Our turnover was very low because we ran the company ethically, we ran it well, and we ran it fairly. So our staff became part of our family, and they didn’t want to leave.”

Shouk closed its last locations just days before a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was reached.

DC for Palestine celebrated the closures as a “BDS win” in an Instagram post, writing:

“Shouk WAS one of the main targets of our ‘APARTHEID? I DON’T BUY IT’ consumer boycott initiative! Much of what they served was Palestinian food that they culturally appropriated as ‘Israeli street food.’ Additionally, they imported Israeli ingredients for their dishes. TODAY WE ARE HAPPY TO ANNOUNCE THAT, AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2025, SHOUK HAS CLOSED ITS DOORS, PERMANENTLY!”

The group urged supporters to continue boycotting U.S. and local businesses that sell Israeli products.
https://nypost.com/2025/10/24/business/israeli-restaurant-chain-closes-after-getting-hit-by-gaza-protests/

business, injury, sports

“Lamar Jackson is questionable with a diarrhea incoming”: NFL fans react as Ravens QB buying chicken from high school friend’s business

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Lamar Jackson has been sidelined since straining his right hamstring during the Baltimore Ravens’ Week 4 game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

The injury occurred in the loss, impacting Jackson’s availability for subsequent games. The team is monitoring his recovery closely as they aim to get their star quarterback back on the field.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/nfl/news-lamar-jackson-questionable-diarrhea-incoming-nfl-fans-react-ravens-qb-buying-chicken-high-school-friend-s-business

business, gambling, sports

The Wider Costs of the N.B.A. Insider-Trading Scandal

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Criminal charges related to a wide-ranging betting ring have raised serious concerns about the sports world’s increasing embrace of legalized gambling.

As the industry continues to expand, questions are emerging about the potential risks and ethical implications involved. This recent development highlights the need for stricter oversight and more robust measures to ensure the integrity of sports and protect all stakeholders involved.
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/24/business/dealbook/nba-insider-trading-gambling.html

business, finance

Gorman-Rupp raises dividend by ~3%

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**Gorman-Rupp Raises Dividend by Approximately 3%**

*October 24, 2025 – 7:12 AM ET*

The Gorman-Rupp Company (NYSE: GRC) has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.19 per share, marking a 2.7% increase from the prior dividend of $0.185.

This dividend increase translates to a forward yield of approximately 1.55%. The dividend will be payable on December 10, 2025, to shareholders of record as of November 14, 2025. The ex-dividend date is also November 14, 2025.

Investors interested in tracking Gorman-Rupp’s dividend history and growth can refer to the GRC Dividend Scorecard, Yield Chart, and Dividend Growth analysis.

**Market Snapshot and Related Information**

– **Stock Symbol:** GRC
– **Market Cap:** [Insert latest data]
– **Price-to-Earnings (PE) Ratio:** [Insert latest data]
– **Dividend Yield:** 1.55%
– **Revenue Growth (YoY):** [Insert latest data]
– **Short Interest:** [Insert latest data]

For more trending news and detailed analysis about Gorman-Rupp and related stocks, stay tuned to the latest market updates.

*Recommended For You: More Trending News About GRC*
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508150-gorman-rupp-raises-dividend-by-3?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

business, technology

Ferrari’s Crowd-Pleasing Refit Is Pushing All the Right Buttons

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For some wealthy Ferrari NV customers, the biggest thrill of 2025 wasn’t the launch of flashy new technology or a groundbreaking supercar model.

Instead, it was the prancing horse’s return to using simple mechanical buttons to control aspects of the vehicle.

This nostalgic design choice highlights Ferrari’s commitment to blending classic driving experiences with modern engineering, appealing to enthusiasts who appreciate tactile feedback and timeless craftsmanship.
https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2025-10-24/ferrari-s-crowd-pleasing-retro-refit-is-pushing-all-the-right-buttons

business, economy, politics

President Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng Zhao After He Helped Promote WLF

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**President Donald J. Trump Pardons Binance Founder Changpeng “CZ” Zhao Amid Cryptocurrency Scrutiny**

President Donald J. Trump has issued a pardon for Changpeng “CZ” Zhao, the embattled founder of Binance, following intense scrutiny Zhao faced under the Biden administration. This move reflects Trump’s intent to shift the current American government’s stance on cryptocurrency, contrasting with the Biden administration’s previously stringent approach.

According to a statement by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt to the Wall Street Journal, “President Trump exercised his constitutional authority by issuing a pardon for Mr. Zhao, who was prosecuted by the Biden Administration in their war on cryptocurrency.”

### Zhao’s Conviction and Allegations

Zhao was previously convicted for offenses related to facilitating money laundering on the Binance platform. The allegations included enabling multiple transactions totaling up to $900 million between the United States and Iran. These charges form the backbone of the legal actions taken against him during the Biden administration.

### Zhao’s Involvement with the Trump Family’s World Liberty Financial (WLF)

The Wall Street Journal reports that President Trump’s decision to pardon Zhao came after months of Zhao publicly promoting the Trump family’s cryptocurrency venture, World Liberty Financial (WLF). Notably, WLF reportedly benefited from a covert partnership with a trading platform operated by Binance. This platform has generated approximately $4.5 billion since the 2024 U.S. elections.

### Impact of the Pardon on Ongoing Investigations

Following the pardon, The Verge reported that the U.S. Department of Justice’s investigation into Binance has effectively come to an end. This development could potentially clear the path for Zhao and Binance to resume their business operations within the United States.

### Binance and Zhao Under Biden Administration Scrutiny

The Biden administration had been rigorously investigating Binance and Changpeng Zhao, especially in the wake of the landmark prosecution of former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried. In late 2023, after charges were filed against Binance and Zhao, the executive pleaded guilty. Binance then began negotiating a plea deal settlement amounting to $4.3 billion.

The scrutiny centered on allegations from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) that Binance and Zhao violated multiple federal regulations by failing to secure proper licenses and effectively handling securities related to their operations.

### Sentencing and Plea Deal Details

Despite the seriousness of the charges, Zhao received a relatively lenient sentence of four months in prison, short of the recommended 12 to 18 months. As part of his plea deal, Zhao agreed to pay a $50 million fine to the Justice Department and consented to permanently step down from any executive role at Binance.

—

This presidential pardon marks a significant turning point in the relationship between regulatory authorities and the cryptocurrency industry, potentially influencing the future regulatory landscape of digital assets in the United States.
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/312347/20251023/president-trump-pardons-binance-founder-changpeng-zhao-after-he-helped-promote-wlf.htm

business, media

Xbox boss Phil Spencer says ‘nurturing and protecting creative teams that want to go take risks’ is the priority, admits ‘we don’t always succeed at that’

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Speaking alongside Double Fine founder Tim Schafer at the Paley International Council Summit on Thursday, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer emphasized the value of creative risk-taking to a small crowd of film, TV, and online media bigwigs.

“The creativity of the teams is, in my mind, the most important thing and the thing that we need to protect and foster,” Spencer said during the moderated discussion.

According to Schafer, whose acclaimed adventure game studio was acquired by Microsoft in 2019, Spencer and the software giant have been true to their word, at least in his experience.

“When we talked about becoming acquired, it was a big thing for me, like, ‘How do we keep our culture intact?'” Schafer explained. “And everyone was like, ‘No, we really want you to stay who you are.’ And that’s been true all these years. You know, creatively, we can be like, ‘Hey, we want to make this game about a walking lighthouse,’ and they’re like, ‘Cool. Sounds cool.'”

The walking lighthouse game in question is the recently released *Keeper*, which has been well received — we just awarded it a 90% in our review.

Schafer said that Microsoft’s acquisition freed Double Fine from the burden of constantly “shaking the bushes for money,” providing the stability to ask, “What would we do if we weren’t constantly afraid?”

He also emphasized the importance of individuals, sharing that he learned from his time at LucasArts to “make bets on people” rather than ideas. This approach nurtures and develops leaders who are later trusted to run their own projects.

However, hanging over these reflections on the value of creative risk-taking and individuals are the expansive layoffs Microsoft has executed across its gaming division in recent years. These followed a period of rapid expansion that, besides Double Fine, included major acquisitions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.

Spencer did admit that Microsoft has not always succeeded at protecting its creative risk takers, though his comments came in the context of internet criticism.

“I think it’s the most brave thing a team can do, whether you’re making a movie or a television show, to go and put something out for the internet to evaluate, judge and comment on,” he said. “Sometimes I scratch my head on why anybody wants to go do that, because the internet’s not always a nice place for the discourse around things that have been created. But nurturing and protecting creative teams that want to go take risks — we don’t always succeed at that, but I think it is kind of the root of any media industry, the creative nugget.”

In Double Fine’s case, the partnership with Microsoft seems to have been positive, freeing the studio from the chase for publisher and crowdfunding support.

Obsidian, which Microsoft acquired in 2018, also appears to be thriving with three notable releases this year: *Avowed*, *Grounded 2*, and *The Outer Worlds 2*, which we recently reviewed positively.

At an industry event earlier this year, Obsidian presented a remarkably sober plan for longevity, aiming to maintain low employee turnover and focus on moderate successes rather than chasing ever-larger profits.

Meanwhile, however, reports suggest Microsoft’s gaming division as a whole has been asked to achieve unreasonably high profit margins in recent years. This pressure may explain why the company has laid off thousands of workers, cancelled major projects—including a Blizzard survival game and a Zenimax MMO—and shuttered multiple studios. These actions do not exactly paint a picture of creative risk takers happily and securely doing their work.

“With every subsequent round of mass layoffs, I’ve witnessed the dread in my coworkers grow stronger because it feels like no amount of hard work is enough to protect us,” Diablo 4 producer Kelly Yeo said after the team voted to unionize in August. It is a common sentiment throughout the industry.
https://www.pcgamer.com/gaming-industry/xbox-boss-phil-spencer-says-nurturing-and-protecting-creative-teams-that-want-to-go-take-risks-is-the-priority-admits-we-dont-always-succeed-at-that/

business, economy, finance

Deckers outlines $5.35B revenue target and focuses on HOKA, UGG growth amid tariff pressures

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**Deckers Outlines $5.35B Revenue Target, Focuses on HOKA and UGG Growth Amid Tariff Pressures**

*October 23, 2025 | 9:08 PM ET*

Deckers Outdoor Corporation has announced a revenue target of $5.35 billion, emphasizing growth in its key brands HOKA and UGG. Despite ongoing tariff pressures affecting the industry, the company remains focused on expanding these flagship product lines.

**Short Interest and Market Performance**

Deckers Outdoor Corporation (Ticker: DECK) has shown notable activity in the market, with recent trends indicating shifts in short interest. Investors are keeping a close eye on the company’s strategic moves as it navigates current economic challenges.

Stay tuned for further updates and in-depth analysis on Deckers and related stocks.
https://seekingalpha.com/news/4508035-deckers-outlines-5_35b-revenue-target-and-focuses-on-hoka-ugg-growth-amid-tariff-pressures?utm_source=feed_news_all&utm_medium=referral&feed_item_type=news

business, environment, local, media, social

NYC sidewalk shed that earned ‘worst’ award taken down after nearly 20 years – and locals are throwing a ‘party’

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The owner of an Upper West Side apartment building finally removed its longtime sidewalk shed Monday after nearly two decades, and neighbors are shedding no tears.

The infamous green blight at 51 West 86th St. was even awarded the title of the Worst Sidewalk Shed on the West Side at Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and Assemblymember Micah Lasher’s inaugural “Sheddie Awards” this spring.

“It’s been up for a very long time, so the building’s very excited,” resident Omet Hit told The Post. The 31-year-old tech worker added, “There’s so much of it,” referring to the scaffolding that covers much of the Upper West Side. “Then it’s like a whole new world when it’s finally gone.”

“Now it’s so exciting. It’s so beautiful, it’s so open,” Hit said. “It’s like a new breath of fresh air. We had champagne already… but I think there’s going to be a party.”

“We’re organizing a big party,” confirmed another building resident who declined to share her name. “It’s a disease in this city—scaffolding—and there’s more of it there [across the street]; ours was up the longest.”

An 11-year resident of the building added, “I was actually gone for the Jewish holidays for a full month, and I had to come around again because I just didn’t recognize the building. It’s great. I think everybody’s going to be happier, and it’s nice and clean.”

The scaffolding and netting that had covered the area since 2020 came down four months ago, the West Side Rag first reported. The building’s notorious shed was erected in 2006. It is owned by Weinreb Management, which did not return a request for comment on Thursday.

In 2022, Weinreb Management was sued by the city for hundreds of building violations, including fire safety issues and “failing to correct hazardous facade defects,” following a tragic fire at another Weinreb-owned building in the Bronx that killed 17 residents.

According to the lawsuit, “Defendants have displayed a pattern of failing to correct hazardous façade defects at their buildings: rather than taking corrective action, Defendants have allowed their buildings to deteriorate to the point where they pose an imminent threat to the health and safety of the tenants and the public.”

The 51 West 86th St. building was issued two violations cited in the 2022 lawsuit, including faulty sprinklers and alarm systems, as well as missing fire extinguishers.

This litigation was part of the city’s Long Standing Sheds program, which sought to compel owner Jacob Weinreb “to make needed repairs across 11 of their buildings, several of which had long-standing sidewalk sheds,” a Department of Buildings (DOB) representative told The Post.

Weinreb Management has been “making progress on these repairs and have already resolved hundreds of open violations across their portfolio of buildings,” the DOB confirmed, including the façade repairs finally made to 51 West 86th St.

“Through an affirmative litigation case brought by our partners at the Law Department, we were able to compel the owners of this property to finally make needed façade repairs and return the valuable sidewalk space in front of the building back to the public,” said Buildings Commissioner Jimmy Oddo.

Longtime resident Ellen expressed mixed emotions: “Everybody’s so happy, and everybody is so mad that it took this long. I’m very grateful that the city sued because that’s what really got things going… and after that, I think Weinreb Management company had no choice but to respond, obviously, and they did. I hope it’s a model.”

The oldest current sidewalk sheds in New York City date back to 2010 and can be found at a pair of apartment buildings in Yorkville and the East Village, according to a Post analysis of Buildings records. They are part of 10 buildings across the city that still have scaffolding at least a decade old.

“It’s [scaffolding] clearly out of hand,” added the unnamed 11-year resident of 51 West 86th St. “The city’s beautiful, and I hope we can see more of it.”
https://nypost.com/2025/10/23/us-news/nyc-sidewalk-shed-that-earned-worst-award-taken-down-after-nearly-20-years-and-locals-are-throwing-a-party/