• Increased prices and long lines seemed to be the rule rather than the exception yesterday at gas stations in the southeastern US, as businesses and consumers reacted to the shutdown of the Colonial Pipeline, which provides fuel for users from Texas to New Jersey.
The pipeline remains largely shut down because of a ransomware attack apparently engineered by a Russian criminal group. Officials have expressed confidence that there will be no shortage of gas, and that the pipeline can be reopened by the end of the week.
• Department store retailer Macy's appears to be hoping for another miracle ion 34th Street.
The New York Times reports that "Macy’s is proposing the construction of a commercial office tower on top of its flagship Herald Square store in New York as part of a broader redevelopment plan that would aim to improve the surrounding area and its subway stations.
"The retailer said in a statement on Monday that it would commit $235 million to help improve the Herald Square subway stations and to 'transform Herald Square and Broadway Plaza into a modern, car-free pedestrian-friendly urban space for New Yorkers and visitors,' according to a website it created for the proposed project … Before Macy’s proposal can move ahead, the area needs to be rezoned to allow the new structure to be built atop the retailer’s iconic Herald Square store, which opened more than 100 years ago and would remain open during any new construction. The project would also need to go through an approval process with the city."
• CNet reports that toymaker Mattel is making a big investment in a recycling program that will address environmental concerns about its products.
According to the story, "Mattel is taking back old Barbie, Matchbox and Mega toys for free as part of a new toy recycling program called Mattel PlayBack. Consumers can print out a free shipping label to mail their outgrown toys back to the California company — and have the parts reused to make future products.
"The new recycling program is the latest step Mattel is taking to become more sustainable and reach its goal of having 100 percent recycled, recyclable or bio-based plastic materials across all products and packaging by 2030."
