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Cracker Barrel makes major change to a popular menu item after rebrand backlash

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Cracker Barrel is highlighting a series of changes the restaurant chain has implemented in the wake of aggressive backlash from customers in recent weeks, ranging from a throwback in biscuit preparation to the elimination of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) programs.

Cracker Barrel is poised to announce the return of handmade biscuits Wednesday, saying they will be “rolled by hand and baked fresh throughout the day.” 

“Cracker Barrel was built on biscuits, so when you told us our biscuits weren’t the same anymore, we took it to heart,” the company will say on social media Wednesday. “We aim to serve up the best food possible, starting with our biscuits. From now on, our biscuits will be even better than you remember. Rolled by hand and baked fresh throughout the day. Come share a basket with us today, we’ll save you a seat.”

The company says it has also walked back policies relating to various social justice issues, both in events the company sponsors and in its hiring practices.

“The company does not have DEI team-member positions or DEI quotas/requirements. It hires, promotes, and rewards individuals based only on skills and performance—full stop,” a company spokesperson told FOX Business. “It does not treat employees or guests differently based on race or any other protected class.”

Cracker Barrel also says it will no longer sponsor events that do not directly relate to business needs, including Pride events.

Cracker Barrel has announced a series of changes after receiving fierce backlash from fans after an attempted rebrand. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images

The company also highlighted that its employee benefits programs have never covered sex reassignment or “any affiliated care.”

The news comes just days after Cracker Barrel announced it was also walking back plans for restaurant remodels after receiving more backlash.

“We have heard our guests, and we are continuing to listen. We are focused on the kitchen and our guests’ plates and serving up generous portions of craveable food with Cracker Barrel’s warm country hospitality,” a Cracker Barrel spokesperson said previously.

“You’ve shared your voices in recent weeks not just on our logo, but also on our restaurants. We’re continuing to listen. Today, we’re suspending our remodels. If your restaurant hasn’t been remodeled, you don’t need to worry, it won’t be,” the company said in a statement posted to its website.

Cracker Barrel announced that biscuits will be “rolled by hand and baked fresh throughout the day.”  BACKGRID

Cracker Barrel said only four of its 660 locations have been remodeled and pledged that the project will not continue. The remodels dropped the Americana décor the chain is known for, in favor of a more minimalist, modern look. The company said it will continue to invest in restaurant quality, putting a bigger focus on “the kitchen and on your plate.”

The new Cracker Barrel logo the company previously announced. AP

The parade of changes follows a firestorm over Cracker Barrel’s attempt to rebrand its iconic logo, removing “The Old Timer” — an image of an old man leaning over a barrel — and replacing it with a sleek rendering of the company’s name over a yellow barrel shape. Thousands of fans voiced dismay at the new logo.

It did not take long for the company to abandon the logo change and release a statement reassuring customers.

“The vintage Americana you love will always be here – the rocking chairs on the porch, our fireplaces and peg games, unique treasures in our gift shop and antiques pulled straight from our warehouse in Lebanon, Tennessee. We want you to have a warm, welcoming space for friends and family to gather and enjoy our craveable food and country hospitality,” the company said. 



This story originally appeared on
NYPost

Charlie Kirk, my friend, my sparring partner, fought for the freedom to debate

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On Wednesday, my friend and political sparring partner, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed at Utah Valley University.

He left us at the young age of 31 years old.

Like you, I am in total shock and utterly heartbroken right now.

Screenshot of David Rubin and Charlie Kirk on The Rubin Report. The Rubin Report

I first met Charlie in 2017 at a Horowitz Freedom Center event in Palm Beach.

At the time, we were on opposite sides of the political aisle and spent our early conversations trying to figure each other out.

Could we actually trust someone on the other side of the political aisle?

We both put our reservations aside, which led to a decade of respectful, powerful and necessary conversations — on and off camera.

What started as spirited disagreements on politics, culture, religion and activism turned into a meaningful friendship and a turning point, pardon the pun, in my career.

Together, we went on to do dozens of college campus events where we both relished in discussing our differences — not only with each other, but with the huge crowds of college students as well.

Bomb threats were often called in, fire alarms often pulled, in an effort to end our talks before they even began.

Students (usually masked) would say unimaginably horrible things to us, throw things at us, and try to block the doors so other people wouldn’t be able to hear us speak.

Charlie always stood tall, undeterred and committed to engaging with people honestly and directly.

He even instituted a rule I’ve used in all of my public events since then: If you disagree with us you get to speak first during the Question and Answer segment.


Screenshot of two men sitting in chairs during an episode of The Rubin Report.
Charlie Kirk sitting down in an interview conducted by David Rubin on The Rubin Report. The Rubin Report

Charlie was a good man.

A principled man.

He stood up for what he believed in and never quit, no matter how hard the fight.

Fighting for what he believed in was his job, but also his hobby.

From spending countless days and nights in swing counties, to debating on college campuses, to rallying the youth toward more moral and responsible values, his impact was both tireless and undeniable.

It’s on us now to continue what Charlie started — to carry forward the mission he dedicated his life to: bringing more freedom and prosperity to this country and helping all of us return to a more virtuous and flourishing nation.

The question we all must ask ourselves is this: What kind of country do we want to live in?

A country where we can debate our differences with respect, conviction and love — or a country that drifts further from truth and replaces it with violence?

I know which one Charlie was fighting for.

As George Orwell so wisely warned, “The further a society drifts from the truth, the more it will hate those who speak it.”

Charlie leaves behind a legacy of love for country, courage, conviction and an unwavering commitment to truth.

He also leaves behind his beloved wife, children, and a movement that will forever feel his absence.

I will miss you my friend, and I look forward to debating whatever little we still disagreed on when we meet on the other side.

Dave Rubin is a political commentator and host of “The Dave Rubin Report.”



This story originally appeared on NYPost

Microsoft launches its own LLMs — here’s what that really means – Computerworld

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The other model, MAI-1-preview, is far more interesting, and probably represents Copilot’s future. Microsoft is being cagy about what this particular model can do today or might do tomorrow, saying little more than that it is an initial “foundation model trained end-to-end and offers a glimpse of future offerings inside Copilot.”

And just what are those future offerings? Microsoft offers no details aside from the kind of hype you’ve come to know and hate from tech companies: “We are actively spinning the flywheel to deliver improved models. We’ll have much more to share in the coming months. Stay tuned!”

That said, it’s abundantly clear MAI-1 will be initially used to augment ChatGPT as Copilot’s brains — what Microsoft calls “future offerings inside Copilot.” For now, that’s likely to mean new Copilot capabilities, although Microsoft isn’t saying what they might be. 



This story originally appeared on Computerworld

Amazon is reportedly developing separate AR glasses for customers and its drivers

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Amazon may be muscling into the field of augmented reality glasses. According to a report by The Information, sources claimed that the company is working on AR glasses for consumers, allegedly with plans to release the product in late 2026 or early 2027.

Insiders told the publication that the project, internally dubbed Jayhawk, would equip AR glasses with microphones, speakers, a camera and a full-color display in one eye. Amazon is reportedly using Chinese company Meta-Bounds for the AR tech.

Amazon is also working on a separate model of AR glasses specifically for its delivery drivers under the codename . This productivity-focused option, which would reportedly shave seconds off drivers’ times, could be ready by the second quarter of 2026, according to The Information‘s sources.

If Amazon does release these AR sets, it will primarily be in competition with Meta, which already sells simpler smart glasses with Ray-Ban. The social media company is expected to launch a new product currently dubbed at its Connect conference next week, a set that pushes more into a true augmented reality experience with a similar one-eye AR concept.



This story originally appeared on Engadget

How Dr. Chobanian Helps Women Reclaim the Spotlight at Every Age – Hollywood Life

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Image Credit: Susan Chobanian

The Return of the Glow-Up

From TikTok beauty filters to the rise of glow-up trends, this is an era of intentional transformation. More than ever, women aren’t trying to change who they are—they want their natural glow to match their energy, style, and evolving identity.

Picture this: You’re scrolling through your social feed, seeing glow-ups and transformations that look effortless, yet undeniably elevated. You catch yourself thinking, “I want to look like me, but with that polished, camera-ready glow.” You imagine stepping into a room, feeling confident and vibrant—no filter needed.

That’s exactly where Dr. Susan Chobanian steps in. As a go-to expert, she helps women reclaim that spotlight moment. Known for a refined and subtle approach to facial rejuvenation, Dr. Chobanian focuses on enhancing individuality and helping patients feel more confident in their appearance.

Glow Like a Star: How Dr. Chobanian Helps Women Reclaim the Spotlight at Every Age

The Celebrity-Level Confidence Surgeons Don’t Talk About

For today’s women, it’s not about “anti-aging.” It’s about reclaiming definition, vitality, and self-trust—whether at 25 or 75.

A board-certified cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Chobanian blends artistry with advanced techniques like closed rhinoplasty, deep plane facelifts, and her signature skincare lines. Her patient roster spans decades, with women of all ages rediscovering their spotlight moment.

As one happy patient shared:

“Friends couldn’t even tell I had surgery—they just said I looked more refreshed and confident. That’s exactly what I wanted.”

The Hollywood Look Without the Hype

Behind every celebrity glow-up is a glam team that knows subtlety speaks volumes. In the same spirit, Dr. Chobanian’s artistry stays behind the scenes while her patients shine center stage.

Her natural facial rejuvenation approach is designed to deliver subtle enhancements that help clients feel more confident in their appearance. Patients often report looking refreshed and balanced, with results that support their individual features and maintain a natural look.

Whether refining the jawline, restoring cheek volume, or improving facial harmony, Dr. Chobanian works collaboratively with patients to help them feel revitalized on their own terms.

Instagram Famous: The Rise of the Princess Videos

If you’ve seen Dr. Chobanian’s Instagram drchobanian, you know about her viral Princess Videos—joyful, empowering reels that go far beyond traditional before-and-after shots.

These clips capture the moment of transformation: a young performer reclaiming her stage presence, a mother rediscovering her confidence, a grandmother radiating vitality once more.

The narrative isn’t about perfection. It’s about joy, freedom, and identity reclamation—the kind of glow-up that leads to whole new chapters in life.

Susan Chobanian

Why Women Are Stepping Back Into the Spotlight

Imagine standing in front of your mirror after a big life shift—perhaps you’ve just launched a new business, celebrated a milestone birthday, or turned the page on a challenging chapter. You look at your reflection and think, “I feel vibrant inside, but I want that energy to show on the outside.” For many women, this is where the journey begins. Subtle enhancements become a personal act of empowerment—a way to align inner vitality with outer radiance. Whether it’s natural facial rejuvenation after a career change, or refreshing one’s look to mark a new beginning, these transformations offer deep emotional rewards alongside aesthetic ones.

“It’s not about chasing youth. It’s about feeling seen.”

And for many, it’s about:

  • Career reinvention: entering the next phase with presence and poise.
  • Dating confidence: embracing beauty at every stage of life.
  • Post-divorce self-love: stepping forward with renewed energy.

How to Start Your Own Red-Carpet Moment

If you’re ready to glow like a star, Dr. Chobanian’s practice offers a welcoming, personalized experience. Consultations are collaborative—not sales-driven—ensuring every client feels heard and supported.

Explore her services and skincare rituals at susanchobanianmd.com, or book your private consultation here.

You don’t need a spotlight to shine—but if you’re ready to glow, Dr. Chobanian will meet you there.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. If you are seeking medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider.




This story originally appeared on Hollywoodlife

15 underrated British towns everyone should visit at least once | Travel News | Travel

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While many travellers flock to classic destinations like London, Bath, and York, England’s smaller, more underrated towns offer a different kind of charm and a chance to escape the crowds. Beyond the popular summer seaside getaways or winter countryside retreats, there are countless settlements waiting to be discovered.

From the medieval streets of Shrewsbury to the Roman history of Chester and the coastal beauty of Hastings, these lesser-known locales offer a diverse range of experiences. These 15 towns provide a perfect alternative for those seeking authentic English culture, unique history, and picturesque scenery away from the most well-trodden tourist paths.

14. Petworth, West Sussex

Though Lewes and Rye are more well-known, the charming market town of Petworth offers a worthy alternative. The town is well placed for weekend getaways, offering visitors a peaceful retreat with numerous attractions, exceptional dining options, and scenic walks within the South Downs National Park.

Its picturesque cobbled streets are filled with quaint cottages, excellent cafés, pubs, restaurants, and independent shops, including 37 antique shops within a half-mile radius.

(Image: Getty)

Market day in Hawes town, Richmondshire, Yorkshire Dales Nationa

13. Hawes, Yorkshire

Hawes is a market town in North Yorkshire, England, situated at the head of Wensleydale in the Yorkshire Dales. Though lesser-known than some nearby spots, its stone houses, cobbled streets, and traditional pubs make it an ideal spot for walkers and cyclists alike.

As its address suggests, the Wensleydale Creamery is a highlight. It produces the renowned Wensleydale cheese, which is even deep-fried in local chippes.

(Image: Getty)

East Hill Cliff Railway or lift is a funicular railway located in the english town of Hastings in Sussex.

12. Hastings, East Sussex

It’s never been deemed as fashionable as Brighton or as smart as Eastbourne, but Hastings is a charming seaside town nonetheless. The old town’s architecture is not to be missed, nor is the refurbished pier featuring colourful booths and an open-air pub.

Of course, the castle ruins are also a standout feature of Hastings. It was Britain’s first Norman castle, built by William the Conqueror in 1067.

(Image: Getty)



This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk

UK to mass-produce drones to help Ukraine counter Russian air attacks | World News

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The UK will begin large-scale production of advanced interceptor drones to help Ukraine defend against Russian aerial assaults.

The drones, designed by Ukraine with support from British scientists, are highly effective at destroying the one-way attack aircraft Moscow continues to launch at Ukrainian cities, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The announcement comes after suspected Russian drones that violated Polish airspace during overnight attacks on Ukraine were shot down by Polish and NATO forces.

It was the first time a NATO country is known to have fired shots during Russia’s war in Ukraine, raising concerns that the conflict is escalating. Britain said it was looking to help reinforce Poland’s air defences.

Defence Secretary John Healey is set to share more details about the new drone project at a trade show in London today. It is the first initiative under a technology-sharing agreement with Kyiv.

Image:
John Healey kept his job in Keir Starmer’s recent reshuffle. Pic: PA

‘A first of its kind deal’

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer called the joint project “a landmark moment” and said the UK will continue to step up its support for Ukraine alongside allies.

The MoD has said the new drones have already proved effective against the Iranian Shahed drones used by Russia, and are much cheaper to produce than traditional air defence missiles.

Sir Keir and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy unveiled the UK-Ukraine industrial partnership earlier this summer.

The agreement was expanded last week in Kyiv, where the defence secretary signed a deal enabling the joint development and sharing of intellectual property.

“This deal is a first of its kind, giving UK industry unprecedented access to the latest equipment designs, supporting Ukraine in its fight to defend against Putin’s illegal invasion and showing how defence can be an engine for growth as we deliver on our Plan for Change,” Mr Healey said.

Russian drones were found in northern, eastern, and southeastern areas of Poland
Image:
Russian drones were found in northern, eastern, and southeastern areas of Poland

On Wednesday, Mr Healey held talks with defence officials from Poland, Italy, France and Germany, and condemned Russia’s “reckless” incursion into Polish airspace.

He said he asked the UK Armed Forces to look at options to bolster NATO’s air defence over Poland.

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‘Here we go’: Trump on Russian drones

Escalating tensions

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said the incursion by Russian drones marked “the closest we have been to open conflict since World War Two”, but added that there was “no reason to believe we’re on the brink of war”.

He said his country has asked that NATO’s Article 4 be invoked, which allows alliance members to consult with other members on issues. Unlike Article 5, which has only been invoked once, Article 4 has been invoked seven times in NATO’s history.

Firefighters work on the destroyed roof of a house, after Russian drones violated Polish airspace during an attack on Ukraine.
Image:
Firefighters work on the destroyed roof of a house, after Russian drones violated Polish airspace during an attack on Ukraine.

Read more from Sky News:
How Putin is testing the West
The pivotal question for NATO following Poland incident

Moscow denied responsibility for the incident, with the Russian defence ministry saying its drones had carried out a major attack in western Ukraine, but it had not planned to hit any locations in Poland.

Poland reported that 19 aerial objects, many originating from Belarus, entered its airspace.

The EU’s top diplomat, Kaja Kallas, warned that “Russia’s war is escalating” and called on the bloc to “raise the cost on Moscow” and invest in Europe’s defence.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has said the EU and NATO “accuse Russia of provocations on a daily basis” and “most of the time without even trying to present at least some kind of argument”.



This story originally appeared on Skynews

Trump blames rhetoric from the left after Kirk death : NPR

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Well-wishers pay their respects at a makeshift memorial at the national headquarters of Turning Point USA in Phoenix after the shooting death of Charlie Kirk, the co-founder and CEO of the organization, during a Utah college event Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2025.

Ross D. Franklin/AP


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Ross D. Franklin/AP

President Trump condemned the left and the media for “demonizing” those they disagree with in a video message from the Oval Office after his close ally Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at a Utah college campus event on Wednesday.

Trump praised Kirk, who he has credited for helping him win the 2024 election, for his conservative activism and commitment to open debate. He then said what happened to Kirk is a consequence of people demonizing those they disagree with “in the most hateful and despicable way possible,” and turned his ire to the political left.

“Radical left political violence has hurt too many innocent people and taken too many lives. Tonight, I ask all Americans to commit themselves to the American values for which Charlie Kirk lived and died,” Trump said.

A suspect in the shooting had not been named and remained at large at the time of the video’s release late Wednesday

“For years, those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world’s worst mass murderers and criminals. This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we’re seeing in our country today, and it must stop right now,” Trump said.

Trump said his administration would find “those who contributed to this atrocity and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it, as well as those who go after our judges, law enforcement officials and everyone else who brings order to our country.”

Trump drew a throughline from the assassination attempt at his campaign rally last year to the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson and the 2017 shooting of House Majority Leader Steve Scalise at a congressional baseball practice.

Trump did not include any examples of political violence against Democrats, such as the June attack in Minnesota that killed a state lawmaker and left another wounded or the 2022 hammer attack on Paul Pelosi, the husband of then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. She wasn’t home at the time, but was the intended target.

Trump paid tribute to Kirk’s work with young Americans and asked Americans to commit to “free speech, citizenship, the rule of law and the patriotic devotion and love of God,” values he said that Kirk espoused, calling him a “martyr for truth and freedom.”

Back in 2017, early in his first term, Trump approached the attack on Scalise with far more political restraint, delivering a two-minute speech that did not mention the political affiliation of the attacker. The shooter, who was killed by police, had been a Bernie Sanders supporter.

“We can all agree that we are blessed to be Americans,” Trump said after the 2017 shooting. “We are strongest when we are unified and when we work for the common good.”




This story originally appeared on NPR

Nancy Mace Melts Down And Blames Democrats For Charlie Kirk Shooting

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The shooting of Charlie Kirk has shattered the Trumpian narrative that crime is a Democratic construct, but it is clearly visible how deeply embedded into the partisan rage machine that many Trump Republicans have become, as their first response has been to blame Democrats and demand revenge.

Mace said, “ I’m gonna say this, Democrats own what happened today. I am devastated. My kids have called panicking. They probably all the kids of every conservative in the country call panicking. Just because you speak your mind on an issue doesn’t mean you get shot.”

NBC congressional reporter Ryan Nobles asked Mace, “ Then do, by that logic, do Republicans own the shooting of the two Democratic lawmakers in Minnesota?  Isn’t this on both sides?”

Mace exploded, “Are you kidding me? We don’t know what condition Charlie Kirk is in right now. Some raging leftist lunatic put a bullet through his neck. And you wanna talk about Republicans right now? No. No, Democrats own this 100%.”

The shooter has not been captured and is still on the run as of publication time, so we don’t know who the shooter is or what the motivations might be.

Nancy Mace is a shining example of the Republican addiction to partisan division. Mace said she was devastated, but showed no emotional signs of devastation. Instead, she immediately tried to manipulate the shooting of Charlie Kirk into a political issue that she could twist to her own advantage.

Democrats aren’t to blame for what happened to Kirk. Just as the entire Republican Party isn’t to blame for what happened in Minnesota. A big factor in the escalation of political violence is politicians like Trump and Mace, who treat political violence like a partisan issue that they can leverage with their supporters.

Demonizing political opponents is a great way to inspire more violence and continue the cycle.

People like Nancy Mace, who have nothing constructive to offer the nation, base their careers on partisan division and rage-baiting.

Democrats aren’t to blame for the shooting of Charlie Kirk, but the cynical behavior of political creatures like Nancy Mace definitely plays a role.

What do you think about Nancy Mace blaming Democrats for the Charlie Kirk shooting? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Leave a comment



This story originally appeared on Politicususa

Apple exec likes that customers will struggle to choose between iPhone Air & Pro

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The iPhone Air is a compromise between form and function, and customers are very aware of that. Apple VP of Industrial Design says she’s happy that the latest model is a tough choice.

iPhone Air is a device of compromises

The iPhone Air is super thin at 5.6mm and sports the new camera bar that houses all of its components. However, the single rear camera and less-than-pro battery life will make it a tough tradeoff.

According to a report from the Wall Street Journal, the Apple design team wanted it to be a tough choice in 2025. Picking between the capable and feature-packed iPhone 17 Pro and the fashionable iPhone Air is going to be a conundrum for many pre-ordering folks on Friday.

Continue Reading on AppleInsider | Discuss on our Forums


This story originally appeared on Appleinsider