Major banks are sounding the alarm about a surge in scammers posing as bank employees to steal sensitive information or pressure customers into transferring their own money.

A Maryland man came close to losing $20,000, and the FBI says these attacks are getting more sophisticated with Account Takeover (ATO) fraud schemes. Orhan Suleiman doesn't normally answer phone calls from unfamiliar numbers, but last month, he did.

RELATED STORY | Expecting a package? Scammers are sending fake delivery alerts and even knocking on doors

The first thing this individual did was say he was from the Bank of America Security and Fraud Group, Suleiman said. And then he proceeded to recite two facts.

He says the caller shared details from two of his bank accounts.

And this caller mentioned both by quantity and the time the transfers occurred, and then proceeded to tell me that I was about to send or I had initiated a transfer of $20,000 to somebody. And we suspect that may be a fraud. And I said, Yeah, Im not aware of that. Well, weve stopped that, Suleiman recounted.

But the scammer claimed another $19,000 transfer was still pending and insisted Suleiman act immediately. This conversation unfolded while he was sitting in a doctors office waiting for an MRI.

Just as I log on, he says, go to the wire section to transmit money, Suleiman said. And Im thinking, why? And he said, start to put in, send it to so and so. At that point they called me in for the scan.

That interruption gave him a moment to think.

So after the scan, Im thinking about this. I said this is a scam, said Suleiman.

WATCH | How fake online retailers use social media platforms like TikTok to scam consumers

After his appointment, he drove to a local bank branch. The representative confirmed he didn't have any pending transactions and instructed him to change his passwords as soon as possible.

This holiday season, banks are warning customers about imposters, and the FBI has issued a new alert about account takeovers.

Weve had about 5,500 reported scams with losses of approximately $5.7 million in total, said Special Agent David Paniwozik of FBI Baltimore. Scammers use the spoofing and phishing because it works.

Paniwozik said scammers are now adding a twist to a familiar tactic. Instead of those normal CAPTCHA tests where you click on traffic lights or motorcycles, victims are asked to prove theyre human by pressing a series of keys on their keyboard.

Asking you to press Windows R, Control C, Control V, and then E, Paniwozik said. It says OK youve been verified, and what youre unknowingly doing is giving your computer a command to install malicious software.

Once installed, scammers can access bank accounts through saved logins.

Its usually the scammers who are always trying to get us on that sense of urgency, he said. Act now, act now, or else.

RELATED STORY | Small prizes, big risk: How fake sweepstakes emails are stealing money and data

The FBI says cybercriminals are also buying online ads to promote fake bank websites that look identical to the real thing. They steal your login information and once theyre in, they can quickly move your money into crypto wallets and even change your password to lock you out.

Investigators say you should turn on two-factor authentication on every account that offers it and never turn it off.

If you've been targeted or scammed, contact your bank immediately. Ask for a reversal and a hold-harmless or letter of indemnity. Acting quickly could limit or even prevent financial losses.

And the FBI wants you to report these attempts to the Internet Crime Complaint Center.

This story was originally published by Mallory Sofastaii with the

Scripps News Group in Baltimore.

Instagram said it is giving users more control over their algorithm with the help of artificial intelligence.

The new feature launched on Wednesday is simply called "Your Algorithm," and is available in the "reels" tab of the social media platform. That's where users will find heart-shaped icons with lines in the top right corner.

Tap the icon to open "Your Algorithm," where users can view what topics the app has noted that they are interested in and adjust what they want to see more or less of, according to Instagram.

RELATED STORY | US proposes requiring 5 years of social media history from international visitors

Users can also share their algorithm summaries on their stories, showing their followers what interests they have.

The summaries are created using AI, according to Instagram.

The new feature will roll out globally soon, the company said.

RELATED STORY | Prominent Democrat calls for US to restrict social media for kids 16 and younger

The Federal Reserve cut its benchmark interest rate Wednesday for the third time this year, lowering it by a quarter point and signaling it expects just one reduction in 2026 and likely another in 2027.

Wednesdays move suggests most Fed policymakers believe another cut was needed to help support a weakening labor market.

Most experts predicted a cut, but it wasnt a clear-cut decision, according to Thomas Stockwell, an assistant professor of economics at the University of Tampa.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump announces a $12B aid package for farmers hit hard by his trade war

This was a very difficult meeting for the Federal Reserve, Stockwell said. There was a lot of evidence that suggested that a rate cut was needed, but there is also a lot of evidence that suggested a rate cut wasn't needed.

Stockwell says the decision was part of a balancing act to carry out the Federal Reserves dual mandate to keep prices steady and support a strong job market.

Typically, the bank cuts rates to boost a faltering labor market.

They're more worried about keeping the unemployment side of the equation in check and not letting the labor market get much worse than it is right now, Stockwell said.

New data released Tuesday showed employers laid off almost 1.9 million workers in October, the most in a month since January 2023.

Meanwhile, year-over-year inflation remains at 3% according to the latest data from September.

For consumers, another cut means the cost of borrowing money could come down. That may happen in the form of lower interest rates on home equity loans and credit cards.

But a cut also risks fanning inflation.

That could make it more challenging for the Trump administration to promote a new focus on affordability.

I have no higher priority than making America affordable again, and thats what were going to do, President Trump said during a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday.

The president has touted his work on the economy, but many Americans are still facing an affordability crisis.

More than nine in 10 U.S. adults say inflation is still an issue, according to a survey from WalletHub.

As fast-food prices continue to climb, McDonalds is reportedly taking a closer look at how its franchisees set menu prices.

According to memos obtained by CNBC, the company will soon assess franchises to provide greater clarity to the system to ensure every restaurant delivers consistent, reliable value across the full customer experience.

While owner/operators continue to set their own prices and make decisions that reflect local market nuances, weve now strengthened individual accountability for value leadership equipping you with approved pricing consultants, tools and other levels that support informed choices and elevate the overall guest experience across all order points, McDonalds USA Chief Restaurant Officer Mason Smoot wrote in one of the memos.

RELATED STORY | McDonald's to undergo most significant menu overhaul in years

McDonalds has said over the past year that it is prioritizing value after years of surging prices.

The chain also said it expects expenses tied to inflation to rise in 2026.

Were expecting to see above-average inflation next year, Chief Financial Officer Ian Borden said. Youve heard others reference whats going on with beef prices. Certainly, were seeing very high inflation around beef prices compared to what weve seen historically. And so I think all of that just keeps putting pressure on the industry.

Between 2014 and 2024, McDonalds average menu price doubled, far outpacing the overall rate of inflation, according to FinanceBuzz. During that period, the consumer price index rose 31 percent. FinanceBuzz noted the average price of a McDouble increased from $1.19 in 2014 to $3.19 in 2024, while a medium fry increased from $1.59 to $3.79.

RELATED STORY | McDonald's plans changes to bring back low-income customers

Following the report, McDonalds said it planned to reemphasize affordability in an effort to bring back low-income customers. Earlier this fall, the company announced $8 Big Mac meals and $5 Egg McMuffin meals.

According to McDonald's, 95% of its U.S. locations are franchised-owned.

Self-driving Waymo taxis have gone viral for negative reasons involving the death of a beloved San Francisco bodega cat and pulling an illegal U-turn in front of police who were unable to issue a ticket to a nonexistent driver.

But this week, the self-driving taxis are the bearer of happier news after a San Francisco woman gave birth in a Waymo.

The mother was on her way to the University of California, San Francisco medical center Monday when she delivered inside the robotaxi, said a Waymo spokesperson in a statement Wednesday. The company said its rider support team detected "unusual activity" inside the vehicle and called to check on the rider as well as alert 911.

RELATED STORY | Waymo self-driving car gets pulled over by police for an illegal U-turn

Waymo, which is owned by Google's parent company, Alphabet, declined to elaborate on how the vehicle knew something was amiss.

The taxi and its passengers arrived safely at the hospital ahead of emergency services. Jess Berthold, a UCSF spokesperson, confirmed the mother and child were brought to the hospital. She said the mother was not available for interviews.

Waymo said the vehicle was taken out of service for cleaning after the ride. While still rare, this was not the first baby delivered in one of its taxis, the company said.

RELATED STORY | Viral Waymo crashes put driverless cars in the spotlight

"We're proud to be a trusted ride for moments big and small, serving riders from just seconds old to many years young," the company said.

The driverless taxis have surged in popularity even as they court higher scrutiny. Riders can take them on freeways and interstates around San Francisco, Silicon Valley, Los Angeles and Phoenix.

In September, a Waymo pulled a U-turn in front of a sign telling drivers not to do that, and social media users dumped on the San Bruno Police because state law prohibited officers from ticketing the car. In October, a popular tabby cat named Kit Kat known to pad around its Mission District neighborhood was crushed to death by a Waymo.

RELATED STORY | Waymo driverless taxi kills beloved bodega cat, KitKat, in San Francisco

The House of Representatives is expected to vote as early as Wednesday on the National Defense Authorization Act, the largest military and defense bill of the year.

RELATED STORY | Global military spending reaches highest rate since the Cold War, report says

The measure sets annual policy priorities and spending, totaling roughly $900 billion this year. Here are key provisions in the 3,086-page legislation:

Troop pay raise

Enlisted service members would receive a 4% pay increase. For a typical service member earning $50,000 annually, thats an extra $2,000.

No IVF coverage for military families

After intense lobbying, in vitro fertilization coverage for military families remains excluded from the bill a move reproductive rights advocates strongly oppose.

"It is shameful that Members of Congress and Congressional staff enjoy access to comprehensive fertility benefits while they continue to deny this same coverage to military families," the American Society for Reproductive Medicine said in a statement.

Golden Dome missile defense funding

The bill funds the completion of the so-called Golden Dome, a missile defense system inspired by Israels Iron Dome, designed to intercept incoming threats. It would cover the entire United States.

Space Force Gen. Michael Guetlein, who leads the project, said the U.S. version would be far larger than Israels.

"They are defending an area the size of New Jersey so we are defending a mcuh greater area than what Israel is challenged with," he said. "... We will deliver that capability in [2028] to protect the homeland."

Limits on troop reductions in Europe

The measure restricts President Trumps ability to reduce the number of U.S. troops stationed in Europe and provides $800 million in military aid to Ukraine.

Accountability for strikes on drug-smuggling boats

The legislation requires the release of videos showing recent U.S. military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats, mostly in the Caribbean. If the footage is withheld, funding for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths travel budget would be cut.

Hegseth has said the Department of Defense is reviewing the footage but has not indicated whether it will be released.

WATCH | Congress questions admiral about alleged illegal follow-up attack on drug boat survivors

A Utah man detained by ICE agents during his final green card interview is now the subject of serious allegations that his attorney denies.

In a post on X, the Department of Homeland Security claimed Jair Celis was a child abuser.

Celis attorney says the agency is referring to an incident that occurred when both Celis and his then-girlfriend were under 18. Immigration attorney Adam Crayk said the young couple had a consensual relationship and that the matter was resolved in juvenile court.

Crayk insists juvenile proceedings are sealed and cannot be disclosed publicly, especially not on social media.

A kid from Utah, who's now 29, has been married, has a wife, child, doing everything the right way, has had the government commit libel because they've gone to something and used juvenile proceedings, which are not discoverable, cannot be used and are now being published, and he's been labeled as something that he's simply not, Crayk said.

RELATED STORY | Mother of White House press secretarys nephew released from ICE custody

He added that juvenile proceedings are not criminal in nature and that charging documents show Celis has no criminal history something he argues should not affect his ability to obtain a green card.

Crayk said Tuesday night that the legal team has already reached out to several firms to join a potential libel suit against the Department of Homeland Security.

The allegations surfaced days after Celis and his wife, Lexi, went to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services for his final green card interview. During the meeting, Celis was asked to step into another room, where two ICE agents were waiting, his attorneys told the Scripps News Group.

The agents did not mention the allegations cited in the DHS post. Instead, they claimed Celis had overstayed his visa.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Zohran Mamdani tells immigrant New Yorkers about their right not to comply with ICE

That's a legitimate reason," said attorney Andy Armstrong. "It's not that it's an illegitimate detention. It's just we have not seen it right at the very last minute when we have a client that's about to get over the finish line of getting a green card, and instead, he gets detained.

After his arrest, Celis was taken to an ICE facility in Arizona.

He didn't have an opportunity to speak to his wife. And so after they had taken him away, then I went and spoke to his wife, and had to tell her exactly what happened. And she was quite distraught. Obviously, that's the last thing that in her mind she thought would happen," Armstrong said.

This story was originally published by the Scripps News Group station in Salt Lake City.

Jennifer Shah, a former star on "The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," has been moved from a federal prison into a community confinement program after serving less than half of her sentence for defrauding thousands of people.

A Bureau of Prisons spokesperson confirmed that Shah was transferred Wednesday morning from the Federal Prison Camp in Bryan, Texas to the program overseen by the Phoenix Residential Reentry Management Office. The transfer means that Shah is either being held in home confinement or in a halfway house. Her projected release date is Aug. 30, 2026.

"For privacy, safety, and security reasons, we do not discuss the conditions of confinement for any individual, including reasons for transfers or release plans, nor do we specify an individual's specific location while in community confinement," BOP spokesperson Emery Nelson wrote in an email to The Associated Press.

Shah, 52, was sentenced in 2023 to 6 1/2 years in prison for defrauding people in a telemarketing scam that stretched nearly a decade. At the time, Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Sobelman said she was the most culpable of more than 30 defendants accused of participating in the nationwide fraud targeting people who were often vulnerable, older or unsophisticated electronically. The fraud involved bogus services that were promoted as enabling people to make substantial amounts of money through online businesses.

RELATED STORY | Ghislaine Maxwell transferred to Texas prison amid renewed scrutiny of Epstein case

Shah pleaded guilty to a conspiracy charge in July 2022, and during her sentencing she apologized to the "innocent people" she said she'd hurt and pledged to pay $6.5 million in restitution and forfeiture once she is released from prison.

Prosecutors said she used profits from the fraud to live a life of luxury that included living in a nearly 10,000-square-foot mansion in Utah dubbed "Shah Ski Chalet," an apartment in midtown Manhattan and leasing a Porsche Panamera. The government said she also seemed to mock the charges against her by claiming that the "only thing I'm guilty of is being Shah-mazing" and then she profited from it by marketing "Justice for Jen" merchandise after her arrest.

At the sentencing, Shah apologized and said the proceeds from the merchandise would go toward victims.

"I alone am responsible for my terrible decisions. It was all my fault and all my wrongdoing," Shah said, later continuing, "I wish I could have stood outside myself and seen the harm I was causing and changed course. I am profoundly and deeply sorry."

Uber is rolling out new features for travelers this holiday season, including kiosks in select airports that allow customers to book rides without using their phones.

International visitors without local data plans or travelers without the Uber app will be able to book rides at the kiosks. The first kiosk is now operating at LaGuardia Airports Terminal C.

Travelers can walk up to the kiosk, enter their destination and receive a paper receipt with trip details.

RELATED STORY | Uber to launch program that lets female riders and drivers in the US avoid being paired with men

Uber is also expanding its shuttle service to Newark Liberty International Airport. All three major New York-area airports now offer Uber Shuttle service.

For a limited time, fares to and from Newark will be under $15.

The company is also adding a lock-screen feature for iPhone users that makes it easier to tip drivers.

Grammy-nominated singer Jubilant Sykes was stabbed to death at his home in Santa Monica, California, and his son was arrested on suspicion of murder, authorities said Tuesday.

Officers responded to a 911 call Monday night reporting an assault in progress at the residence in the coastal city west of Los Angeles, according to a statement from the Santa Monica Police Department.

They found Sykes, 71, inside with critical stab wounds. Paramedics arrived and pronounced him dead at the scene, police said.

The victim's son, 31-year-old Micah Sykes, was at the home and taken into custody without incident, police said. It wasn't immediately known if he has an attorney.

Police recovered a weapon and the investigation was ongoing.

Jubilant Sykes was nominated for best classical album at the 2010 Grammy Awards for "Bernstein: Mass," in which he performed the Celebrant role.

He appeared in the 1990 Metropolitan Opera production of "The Gershwin's Porgy and Bess" in the role of Jake.

A Los Angeles native, Sykes was a baritone who was praised as charismatic in a 2008 New York Times review of "Mass."

He told NPR in 2002 that he felt comfortable singing every genre of music, from pop to opera.

"My singing is like breathing it's an extension of me. I don't think of it is extraordinary. It's my passion," he told NPR in a 2002 interview.

Sykes was artistic advisor for Orchestra Santa Monica, and he sang in and narrated some of the group's performances, the organization said in a statement.

"Jubilant was a true inspirationhis artistry, generosity, and kindness touched countless lives," said Roger Kalia, Orchestra Santa Monica's music director.

Ukraine is expected to give its latest peace proposals to U.S. negotiators Wednesday, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, a day ahead of his urgent talks with leaders and officials from about 30 other countries supporting Kyiv's effort to end the war with Russia on acceptable terms.

As tension builds around a U.S. push for a settlement, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke to President Donald Trump by phone Wednesday, according to officials.

Negotiations are at a critical moment, the European leaders said in official statements.

RELATED STORY | Trump calls European leaders 'weak' as Zelenskyy meets with key allies

Washingtons goal of a swift compromise to stop the fighting that followed Russias full-scale invasion in 2022 is reducing Kyivs room for maneuvering. Zelenskyy is walking a tightrope between defending Ukrainian interests and showing Trump he is willing to compromise, even as Moscow shows no public sign of budging from its demands.

Ukraines European allies are backing Zelenskys effort to ensure that any settlement is fair and deters future Russian attacks, as well as accommodating Europes defense interests.

The French government said Ukraines allies dubbed the Coalition of the Willing will discuss the negotiations Thursday by video. Zelenskyy said it would include those countries leaders.

We need to bring together 30 colleagues very quickly. And its not easy, but nevertheless we will do it, he said late Tuesday.

Zelenskyy said discussions with the U.S. were scheduled later Wednesday to focus on a document detailing plans for Ukraines postwar reconstruction and economic development. Also, Ukraine is finalizing work on a separate, 20-point framework for ending the war. Zelenskyy said Kyiv expects to submit that document to Washington soon.

Zelenskyy says he's ready for an election

After Trump called for a presidential election in Ukraine, Zelenskyy said his country would be ready for such a vote within three months if partners can guarantee safe balloting during wartime and if its electoral law can be altered.

Zelenskyy's openness to an election was a response to comments by Trump in which he questioned Ukraines democracy and suggested the Ukrainian leader was using the war as an excuse not to stand before voters. Those comments echo similar remarks often made by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | No compromise: Zelenskyy stands firm against U.S. push to give Russia territory

Zelenskyy said late Tuesday he is ready for an election but needs help from the U.S. and possibly Europe to ensure its security. He suggested Ukraine could hold balloting in 60 to 90 days if that proviso is met.

To hold elections, two issues must be addressed: primarily, security how to conduct them, how to do it under strikes, under missile attacks; and a question regarding our military how they would vote, Zelenskyy said. And the second issue is the legislative framework required to ensure the legitimacy of elections.

Zelenskyy pointed out previously that balloting cant legally happen while martial law imposed due to Russias invasion is in place. He has also asked how a vote could occur when civilian areas of Ukraine are being bombarded and almost 20% of the country is under Russian occupation.

Zelenskyy said he has asked lawmakers from his party to draw up legislative proposals allowing for an election while Ukraine is under martial law.

Ukrainians have on the whole supported Zelenskyys arguments, and have not clamored for an election. Under the law that is in force, Zelenskyys rule is legitimate.

Putin has repeatedly complained that Zelenskyy cant legitimately negotiate a peace settlement because his five-year term that began in 2019 has expired.

US seeks closer ties with Russia

A new U.S. national security strategy released Dec. 5 made clear that Trump wants to improve Washingtons relationship with Moscow and reestablish strategic stability with Russia. The document also portrays European allies as weak.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised Trumps role in the Ukraine peace effort, telling the upper house of parliament that Moscow appreciates his commitment to dialogue. Trump, Lavrov said, is the only Western leader who shows an understanding of the reasons that made war in Ukraine inevitable.

WATCH | A peace deal for Ukraine is taking shape, but critical details are still in the dark

Trumps peace efforts have run into sharply conflicting demands from Moscow and Kyiv.

The initial U.S. proposal was heavily slanted toward Russias demands. To counter that, Zelenskyy has turned to his European supporters.

Zelenskyy met this week with the leaders of Britain, Germany and France in London, the heads of NATO and the European Union in Brussels, and then went to Rome to meet the Italian premier and Pope Leo XIV.

Military aid for Ukraine declines

Europes support is uneven, however, and that has meant a decrease in military aid since the Trump administration this year cut off supplies to Kyiv unless they were paid for by other NATO countries.

Foreign military help for Ukraine fell sharply over the summer, and that trend continued through September and October, a German body that tracks international help for Ukraine said Wednesday.

Average annual aid, mostly provided by the U.S. and Europe, was about $48.4 billion between 202224. But so far this year Ukraine has received just $37.8 billion, the Kiel Institute said.

This year, Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden have substantially increased their help for Ukraine, while Germany nearly tripled its average monthly allocations and France and the U.K. both more than doubled their contributions, the Kiel Institute said.

On the other hand, it said, Spain recorded no new military aid for Kyiv in 2025 while Italy reduced its low contributions by 15% compared with 20222024.

The United States could begin requiring visitors to provide up to five years of their social media history under a new proposal that would significantly expand screening for international travelers.

The requirement would affect travelers from countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, including Australia, Britain, France, Germany, Israel, Japan and South Korea. These visitors would need to provide their social media history when applying for Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) travel authorization.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection published the proposal in the Federal Register, marking a potential major expansion of social media screening for international visitors.

RELATED STORY | Obese? Diabetic? New directive could deny visas for immigrants with certain health conditions

Critics are raising concerns about privacy implications and comparing the policy to authoritarian practices used by other governments.

The Visa Waiver Program currently allows citizens from 40 countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. Instead, they must receive approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization before their trip.

If implemented, the new requirement would represent one of the most extensive social media screening policies for international travel to the United States.

ICYMI | State Department may require visa applicants to post bond of up to $15,000 to enter the US

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.

A new Consumer Reports investigation indicates that the price you pay for grocery delivery through Instacart may differ from what your neighbor pays for the same items.

According to Consumer Reports and 437 volunteer shoppers, prices on grocery items from major chains could vary by up to 23 percent depending on the customer. These differences could mean some shoppers pay between 7 cents and $2.56 more per item than others.

At issue is the potential for retailers to adopt surveillance pricing, which would use personal data to set individualized prices. Instacart, however, told Scripps News, These tests are not dynamic pricingprices never change in real time, including in response to supply and demand. The tests are never based on personal or behavioral characteristicsthey are completely randomized.

Consumer Reports expressed concern that with the growth of artificial intelligence and large-scale data collection, future pricing could be tied to an individual buyers habits, rather than time, location or other factors Instacart says drive pricing changes.

All of us, without our knowledge, are being conscripted in this enormous and growing social experiment being conducted by companies across a wide range of industries, said Len Sherman, adjunct professor and executive-in-residence at Columbia Business School. Everything weve ever done as a consumer could factor into the price we see next time.

RELATED STORY | Could dynamic pricing be coming to a store near you?

One example from Consumer Reports showed that 39 customers buying identical groceries from a Seattle Safeway were charged between $114.34 and $123.93.

While some products showed no difference in price, others varied by more than 23 percent.

Based on how much Instacart says the typical household of four spends on groceries, Consumer Reports estimated the average price variations observed could translate to a cost swing of about $1,200 per year.

In 2022, Instacart began using Eversight, a platform for continuous revenue optimization. Instacart says its pricing tests are short-term and randomizedsome shoppers may see slightly lower prices and others slightly higherhelping retail partners understand preferences and identify categories where they should invest in lower prices.

RELATED STORY | No, Wendys isnt trying surge pricing. Heres what its changing

The company added that it uses a machine learning-driven tool that helps retailers improve price perception and drive incremental sales for dozens of early-adopting retailers leveraging the product. This tool has reportedly generated millions of dollars in additional revenue for partner stores.

Instacart maintains the price differences are negligible.

Former Chicago mayor and potential 2028 presidential candidate Rahm Emanuel is calling for the United States to restrict social media access for children 16 and younger.

When it comes to our adolescence, it's either going to be adults or the algorithms, Emanuel said in a post on X. One of them is going to raise the kids. And I think we need to help parents.

When it comes to our adolescents, its either going to be adults or the algorithms that raise our kids. No child under the age of 16 should have access to social media. TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, and others are too powerful, too addictive, too alluring and too often target our pic.twitter.com/O9XUz9nuR2

Rahm Emanuel (@RahmEmanuel) December 9, 2025

Emanuel, a Democrat, shared his stance after Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16.

As of Wednesday morning, more than 1 million accounts had been deactivated across platforms including Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, X, Snapchat and Reddit.

RELATED STORY | What's the magic age? Kids who get smartphones too young face higher health risks, study says

Australias law places responsibility on tech companies, requiring them to take reasonable steps to prevent users under 16 from creating accounts. Companies that fail to comply face steep penalties, with fines up to $32 million for serious or repeated violations.

Supporters say the ban will shield children from addictive platforms and predatory algorithms designed to keep young users online. However, critics argue it could drive teens to less regulated, potentially riskier apps while limiting their ability to connect with peers and participate in online communities.

The Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi will have a new name starting in 2026, officially becoming the Vibe Credit Union Showplace.

Located in Novi, it's the largest privately-owned exposition, conference and banquet center in Michigan. Annually, it hosts some of the biggest events in the area, including the Michigan State Fair, Motor City Comic Con and more.

The facility opened in 2005 and was called the Rock Financial Showplace, but was renamed to the Suburban Collection Showplace in 2010.

According to Vibe Credit Union, the naming rights will last for 25 years and start Jan. 1, 2026.

As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, our profits stay in the region. Growth drives our ability to make a bigger impact locally and that is what this partnership offers a way to inform the community about Vibe Credit Union and help people on a much larger scale," Vibe Credit Union President & CEO Chaz Rzewnicki said in a statement.

"We are proud to welcome Vibe Credit Union as our new naming rights partner. This partnership represents a shared vision for growth, innovation, and community connection. Together, we look forward to elevating the guest experience, expanding the positive impact we have across Southeast Michigan, and creating new opportunities that strengthen the region we serve. Were honored to embark on this journey with Vibe," Blair Bowman Sr., showplace ownership.

The Trump administration must stop deploying the California National Guard in Los Angeles and return control of the troops to the state, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco granted a preliminary injunction sought by California officials who opposed President Donald Trump's extraordinary move to use state Guard troops without the governor's approval to further his immigration enforcement efforts. But he also put the decision on hold until Monday.

California argued that conditions in Los Angeles had changed since Trump first took command of the troops and deployed them in June. The administration initially called up more than 4,000 California National Guard troops but that number had dropped to several hundred by late October. Only a 100 or so troops remain in the Los Angeles area.

RELATED STORY | Judge says Trump administration's National Guard deployment in DC violates the Constitution

The Republican administration extended the deployment until February while also trying to use California Guard members in Portland, Oregon as part of its effort to send the military into Democratic-run cities over the objections of mayors and governors.

U.S. Justice Department lawyers said the administration still needed Guard members in the Los Angeles area to help protect federal personnel and property.

An email to the White House seeking comment on Wednesday's ruling was not immediately returned.

Trump took command of the California National Guard following protests over his stepped-up enforcement of immigration laws. The call up was the first time in decades that a state's national guard was activated without a request from its governor and marked a significant escalation in the administration's efforts to carry out its mass deportation policy. The troops were stationed outside a federal detention center in downtown Los Angeles where protesters gathered and later sent on the streets to protect immigration officers as they made arrests.

California sued, and Breyer issued a temporary restraining order that required the administration to return control of the Guard members to California. An appeals court panel, however, put that decision on hold.

ICYMI | Trump's use of National Guard during Los Angeles immigration protests is illegal, judge rules

California argued that the president was using Guard members as his personal police force in violation of a law limiting the use of the military in domestic affairs.

The administration said courts could not second-guess the president's decision that violence during the protests made it impossible for him to execute U.S. laws with regular forces and reflected a rebellion, or danger of rebellion.

In September, Breyer ruled after a trial that the deployment violated the law. Other judges have blocked the administration from deploying National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, and Chicago.

WATCH: Trump eyes Democratic cities after arming National Guard in Washington, DC

Secret grand jury transcripts from Jeffrey Epsteins 2019 sex trafficking case can be made public, a judge ruled Wednesday, joining two other judges in granting the Justice Departments requests to unseal material from investigations into the late financiers sexual abuse.

U.S. District Judge Richard M. Berman reversed his earlier decision to keep the material under wraps, citing a new law that requires the government to open its files on Epstein and his longtime confidant Ghislaine Maxwell. The judge previously cautioned that the 70 or so pages of grand jury materials slated for release are hardly revelatory.

RELATED STORY | Judge authorizes public release of hundreds of EpsteinMaxwell case files

On Tuesday, a different Manhattan federal judge ordered the release of records from Maxwells 2021 sex trafficking case. Last week, a judge in Florida approved the unsealing of transcripts from an abandoned Epstein federal grand jury investigation in the 2000s.

The Justice Department asked the judges to lift secrecy orders after the Epstein Files Transparency Act, passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump last month, created a narrow exception to rules that normally keep grand jury proceedings confidential.

Rejoice, New Years dieters: Oreos are getting a sugar-free option.

Mondelez said Tuesday that Oreo Zero Sugar and Oreo Double Stuf Zero Sugar will go on sale in the U.S. in January. Theyre a permanent addition to the companys Oreo lineup.

Its the first time Mondelez has sold sugar-free Oreos in the U.S. Theyre already sold in Europe and China, the company said.

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Mondelez said consumers are increasingly seeking what it calls mindful indulgence," and the new Oreos will fill an existing gap in the market for sugar-free sandwich cookies.

Others have also noted the trend toward healthier snacks. In a report earlier this year, the market research company Circana found that a majority of Americans are seeking out snacks they consider good for them. Conagra Brands, which makes popcorn and Slim Jim meat snacks, said in a recent snacking report that Millennials and Generation Z consumers, in particular, are seeking portion-controlled and wellness-focused snacks.

Coca-Cola Zero Sugar, which was introduced in 2017, saw sales jump 9% last year, while original Coke sales grew just 2%. Mondelez is also facing competition from Hershey, which sells zero sugar versions of Reeses Peanut Butter Cups and other candies, and Voortman, a sugar-free wafer cookie brand.

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Mondelez said it spent four years developing no-sugar Oreos so it could ensure the cookies still tasted like the originals. For sweetening, the Oreos contain maltitol, a type of sugar alcohol thats also found in some fruits and vegetables; polydextrose, a soluble fiber; sucralose, a sweetener derived from sugar; and acesulfame potassium, a synthetic sweetener.

Comparing the nutrition data on Zero Sugar and regular Oreos is tricky, since the serving sizes differ.

A serving of Oreo Zero Sugar cookies, which is defined as 22.6 grams, has 90 calories, 4.5 grams of fat and 16 grams of carbohydrates. A serving of regular Oreos, which is defined as three cookies or 34 grams, has 160 calories, 7 grams of fat and 25 grams of carbohydrates.

The biggest difference: a serving of regular Oreos contains 13 grams of added sugars, or 26% of the recommended daily amount. Zero Sugar Oreos contain none.

The Michigan Senate has approved bills to eliminate fees charged to victims of abuse seeking to have personal protection orders served by law enforcement.

The legislation, introduced in October, was inspired by August reports from 7 News Detroit revealing how a Henry Ford healthcare worker was allegedly killed by her husband after a personal protection order against him was secured, but never served.

Senate Bills 611 and 612 passed with a 35-0 vote and two senators excused.

Watch Ross Jones' video report below: 'You shouldn't have to pay.' Bill would shift PPO service costs away from Michigan victims

Forty-three states prohibit the collection of fees for serving a personal protection order, according to the National Council of State Legislatures, but not Michigan.

RELATED: Paying a price: Michigan abuse survivors charged to have PPOs served by police

Paying a price: Michigan abuse survivors charged to have PPOs served by police

The family of Latricia Brown, who filed her PPOs under the name Latricia Green, say the new legislation would save lives.

The reality is, she left this Earth afraid and crying for help, said Deonda Easley, Latricias cousin and one-time guardian. And for something as small as not having the financial means to pay for this monster to get served, now shes not here.

Two months before she died, Latricia asked a Wayne County judge for a PPO against her ex-husband Mario Green, telling the judge that he called her at her work, even showed up to my job and tried to enter my officeto get to me.

Related Story: Ex-husband, another man charged in deadly shooting at Henry Ford Hospital Ex-husband, another man charged in deadly shooting at Henry Ford Hospital

The judge denied the PPO request, but just a month later, Latricia would seek another.

This time, she said Green was able to break into my car and cut up my clothes (and) shoes, that he followed her on multiple occasions and tried to break her car window.

I feel like the system has now let me down, she wrote, I am asking for help before this goes too far.

Every time I read it, I hear her voice, Easley said in an interview in October.

After Latricias mother died when she was 13, Easley helped raise her and became her legal guardian.

I went to every parent-teacher conference. She was amazing, she was absolutely amazing and did not deserve what happened to her, she said.

Her July PPO would ultimately be approved by a judge, but it would end there. Because Latricia never paid to have it served, her alleged killer would never see it.

The judge said she needed protection. That should be enough, said Deantjuan Jones, a cousin of Latricia.

You shouldnt have to pay for peace of mind.

As 7 News Detroit first reported in August, even if a judge approves your order for protection in Michigan, the person youre afraid of will never learn about it from police if you dont dig into your own pocket.

The cost for law enforcement to serve a PPO varies based on how far officers have to drive, but can easily cost more than $100.

$150 sounds like change, but when youre dealing with someone thats in a domestic violence situation, that means that these people are often times trying to findhousing, that money is probably going towards trying to put down deposits and move, said Dia Easley, Latricias cousin.

In response to our reporting, State Senator Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) began drafting legislation that would shift the cost of PPOs away from victims.

This issue is just so clear cut of a thing that could be fixed, Chang said in an interview Friday.

Senate Bill 611would use $1 million already set aside in next years budget to reimburse law enforcement agencies for serving PPOs on behalf of victims like Latricia.

This needs to be a priority when were talking about public safety and protecting those who are in fear for their lives, Chang said.

The legislation is bipartisan. Chang, a Democrat, is joined in sponsoring the bill by Sen. Ruth Johnson, a Republican from Holly.

For someone thats struggling to get out of an abusive relationship, this is just another hurdle, Johnson said.

Were way behind. 43 other states are already doing this, Michigan needs to do it too.

In life, her pleas for protection went unheard. Perhaps in death, shell be harder to ignore.

She lost her life and lost her voice. But this law would not only give her her voice, but it can save so many other womens lives, Deonda Easley said.

So many people dont have to go through what Latricia went through.

Contact 7 Investigator Ross Jones at ross.jones@wxyz.com or at (248) 827-9466.