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Store brands are winning over shoppers and challenging big names

Your favorite name brand may be losing ground to the store brand. A new report says private-label products like Costco's Kirkland, Walmart's Great Value, and Target's Up & Up are grabbing a bigger share of shoppers' wallets. The trend extends beyond groceries, with store-brand pr...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 17, 2026

Study finds small finance changes can dramatically reduce stress

A new Texas A&M University study published in the Journal of Business and Psychology finds that even small financial changes can make a big difference in how stressed people feel. Financial stress has hills and valleys as you move through the month or maybe even the week, said Dr...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 17, 2026

Oil change prices on the rise as motor oil costs surge nationwide

Costco is now limiting members to just two units of motor oil per week. I checked in with local auto shops to see how the shortage is hitting them. WATCH HERE: Oil change prices on the rise as motor oil costs surge nationwide At Christian Brothers Automotive in Woodway, mechanics...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 17, 2026

Grocery stores are a free-market success story

The Dispatch reports grocery stores operate on slim profit margins of 1%-3%, driven by competition and consumer behavior, amidst rising food prices.

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 17, 2026

OpenAI discloses AI models tried to evade restrictions

OpenAI has disclosed six reports of unexpected or concerning behavior in artificial-intelligence models as the debate on AI safety becomes increasingly heated. The AI company also said Wednesday it was introducing a new framework for tracking, probing and disclosing instances of ...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 17, 2026

Robust US retail sales underscore resilience

WASHINGTON — U.S. retail sales rebounded sharply in August as households boosted purchases of a range of goods while spending more at restaurants and bars, reinforcing the economy's resilience even as consumers grow more anxious about high inflation....

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 17, 2026

Debt tops $40 trillion as borrowing costs rise

WASHINGTON — Donald Trump returned to the White House promising to get the United States' financial house in order by slashing the scope of the federal government, ending costly "forever wars" and spurring economic growth to tame spiraling deficits....

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 17, 2026

Americans are spending nearly $94 billion on fitness and weight loss

Americans are spending big on fitness and weight loss. A business journal estimates the sports nutrition and weight management industry will reach nearly $94 billion this year. Researchers say sports hydration and energy drinks are driving much of that growth. Those beverages acc...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 16, 2026

Fed raises rates despite pressure from Trump to cut borrowing costs

For the first time in more than three years, the Federal Reserve increased interest rates, a move likely to make borrowing more expensive for consumers and businesses. The decision came despite opposition from President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly called on the Federal Reser...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 16, 2026

Right-to-die law meets the right to say no | Chicago Tribune

Cardinal Blase Cupich, archbishop of Chicago, along with two orders of nuns, the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm and the Little Sisters of the Poor, filed a lawsuit to block Illinois’ assisted suicide law. These two orders operate…...

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 16, 2026

Rooftop bar in downtown Waco plans to be next big thing

By Dylan Sciacca | Reporter Starting a successful business is no easy task in today’s world. Expanding that business by two stories and adding in two new entertainment areas is even harder. Encore is a rooftop bar located in the heart of downtown Waco at 724 Austin Ave. Encore ha...

Baylor LariatSep 16, 2026

L3Harris CEO leaves company under cloud

The L3Harris Technologies plant in Waco, one of the area's largest employers, must adjust to new leadership at the national level after the ouster of the company's CEO last month....

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 16, 2026

Two Ways to Shop, One Closet That Never Gets Old

Waco shoppers looking for name brand fashion without the retail price tag have a reason to change their routine. Uptown Cheapskate Waco runs on a simple idea: your closet can work two ways, as a source of style and a…...

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 15, 2026

Starbucks launches limited-edition peanuts collection featuring Snoopy

Starbucks locations were flooded with customers coast to coast Tuesday as the company began a limited release of 10 Peanuts-themed collectible items, including glass cold cups, accessories and mini tote bags prominently featuring Snoopy. In addition to being sold in stores, the p...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 15, 2026

Kintsugi workshop

Mission Waco's Fair Trade Market, 1404 Colcord Ave., will hold a Kintsugi workshop from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday.

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 15, 2026

Americans are feeling the squeeze, but holiday shopping marches on

Americans may be feeling uneasy about the economy, but holiday shopping is not expected to fall off a cliff. A new PwC survey found that consumers plan to spend about $700 on gifts this season, down just 2%. The survey found that Millennials are pulling back the most, with expect...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 14, 2026

Private labels power $251 billion market as younger shoppers fuel growth

A new SPINS study found that private label sales climbed to more than $251 billion this year. Researchers said Gen Z and Millennials drove 81% of that growth. While they represent the majority of households, their contribution was disproportionately high, the study found. Gen Z s...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 14, 2026

City of Waco invites community to help shape visitor economy

WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - The City of Waco is inviting residents, businesses, and community partners to help shape the future of its visitor economy. Destination Waco is the city's destination management organization. It has launched a community-wide planning process to develop Waco...

FOX 44 News (KWKT)Sep 14, 2026

Local cities get impressive tax rebates

Perhaps celebrating the 250th anniversary of this country, shoppers all over McLennan County spent freely in July. Proof lies in the sales tax rebates cities received this week from the Texas Comptroller's Office....

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 12, 2026

Shoppers are turning to international markets for deals on grocery staples

Looking to cut costs on your grocery bill? Experts say you may want to check out International supermarkets. They said that shoppers may find lower prices on some staples while discovering new ingredients and flavors. RELATED STORY | One in five Americans are using their personal...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 11, 2026

Hawaii tourism officials urge visitors to avoid Kauai after Hurricane Lowell

Tourism officials are asking visitors to steer clear of one of Hawaiis most picturesque islands as residents and businesses work to recover from the latest tropical storm to thrash the state. Intense wind and surging waves from Hurricane Lowell damaged oceanfront resorts, ripped ...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 11, 2026

Cake decorating workshop

Creative Waco will host a Grandparents & Me Mini Cake Decorating Workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday at the Bledsoe-Miller STEAM Center, 300 N. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd....

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 11, 2026

Anthropic says it blocked possible attempts to use AI to develop bioweapons

Anthropic says it has blocked multiple accounts that used the companys artificial intelligence models in ways that could support the development of biological weapons. In a report published Thursday, the AI company known for its Claude model said it considers biological misuse on...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 10, 2026

Omaha Steaks trims down its menu as high beef prices squeeze American consumers

Omaha Steaks is slashing its menu and expanding its retail footprint as beef prices continue to soar. The business will trim its offerings from 500 items down to about 120 and put more focus on cheaper cuts of meat, as consumers are now paying about 27% more for beef than they di...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 10, 2026

The big and growing business of ICE ankle monitors

One private company is benefiting financially from ICE increasingly using GPS ankle monitors to track immigrants awaiting legal proceedings instead of a less expensive smartphone app. B.I. Incorporated won a contract in September 2025 initially valued at $1.02 billion to provide ...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 10, 2026

Public input sought on proposed TxDOT improvements

WACO, Texas (FOX 44) - The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is seeking public input on proposed improvement to Business 77 and State Loop 484. TxDOT says it will host its second online virtual public meeting with an in‑person option to discuss improvements to BU 77 from...

FOX 44 News (KWKT)Sep 10, 2026

Billionaire faced probes before deal

CARACAS — The billionaire who helped broker the Trump administration's sweeping long-term oil deal with Venezuela was, until recently, targeted in U.S. money laundering investigations involving funds embezzled from the state-owned oil company PDVSA....

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 10, 2026

Temple smoke shop losing $5,000 a month as THC rules drive away customers

TNT Up in Smoke opened in January of this year, selling THC and hemp-based products. Three months into business, uncertainty over what is allowed and what is banned is leaving the shop owners hurting. Co-owner Tom Munson said the new regulations have driven away some of his most ...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 9, 2026

New Apple CEO unveils latest iPhone lineup, including a foldable model called Duo

Apple on Wednesday unveiled its latest generation of iPhones, including a widely anticipated foldable version called Duo. The company's new CEO, John Ternus, who took over from Tim Cook on Sept. 1, introduced the latest lineup at the Steve Jobs Theater. After cycling through othe...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 9, 2026

PWHL secures season-long US television presence through Scripps deal

The Professional Womens Hockey League (PWHL) has reached a broadcast agreement with the E.W. Scripps Company to air regular-season and playoff games during the upcoming season. Scripps Sports will produce a weekly Game of the Week on Saturdays, airing free on the broadcast networ...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 9, 2026

Imported beef? How to spot American ground beef as tariff-free imports hit US

Got beef with current beef prices? The Trump administration is waiving tariffs on some imported beef with the goal of making groceries more affordable but some shoppers have concerns, since the country of origin is no longer required on ground beef labels. According to the govern...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 9, 2026

Jill On Money: Are recent grads worse off today?

I was recently with a college friend (“Alex”) who pronounced that this generation of young college graduates has a problem: They are not willing to sacrifice in order to plow ahead amid a challenging economic environment....

Waco Tribune-HeraldSep 9, 2026

Hilltop Tavern offers eats, atmosphere to all sports fans

By Arden Berry | Arts & Life Editor Each piece of sports memorabilia covering the walls at Hilltop Tavern was picked out and hung on the wall by Matt Fatheree, co-owner of the restaurant with his wife, Tiffany Fatheree. Before Hilltop Tavern opened at 13701 Woodway Drive in late ...

Baylor LariatSep 9, 2026

More than half of shoppers abandon purchases over login issues

A forgotten password could be costing retailers a sale. A new survey of more than 1,000 Americans from marketing firm Hosting Advice finds 51% have abandoned an online purchase because they could not remember a password or had trouble logging in. Gen Z shoppers are the quickest t...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 8, 2026

Job hopping no longer carries the stigma it once did, career experts say

For decades, staying with one company for most of a career was considered the gold standard. Frequent job changes often raised red flags for employers and could leave workers labeled as unreliable or uncommitted. But career experts say that perception has changed dramatically. In...

KXXV (ABC 25) NewsSep 8, 2026