Thursday, March 30, 2023

"Leader of the Free World" or Murder & Assassinations Inc.



Throughout history we've been taught that our government has always defended freedom and Democracy and that we're the "Leader of the Free World," and traditional media rarely questions this, while helping provide the propaganda to make it seem like it's true. Traditional media often reports on some of the problems with this claim, but only for brief periods of time, while repeating propaganda glorifying our country over and over again. But, of course there have been numerous occasions where even our own government has disclosed information raiding doubts about this, even if they only discuss it for short periods of time, like the Church Committee report, including the first and most notable book on assassinations, where they admit they tried to assassinate at least five foreign leaders.

Four of these five cases including Patrice Lumumba, Rafael Trujillo, General Rene Schneider and Ngo Dinh Diem were all assassinated, although somehow the official conclusion is that there was inadequate evidence to prove that the CIA was responsible for them. The fifth one was Fidel Castro; and in this case the only reason there's no doubt that they failed in their attempts to assassinate him is that he didn't die until long after the Church Committee Report, and eight years after retiring, and he died of natural causes at the age of ninety. The report also indicated that there were plots to assassinate President Sukarno of Indonesia and "Papa Doc" Duvalier of Haiti, but didn't investigate these two thoroughly; and there were many more coups or other attempts to intervene in countries all over the world investigated by other researchers, but most of these weren't sanctioned by the government and may not involve official omissions; although some like the coups in Iran in 1953 and Gautama in 1954 were so obvious there were eventually some admissions from declassified documents or other official statements. However, the fact that they tried to assassinate these leaders, whether you believe their claims that there's no evidence that they succeeded or not, is only a small fraction of the damage they did to these countries, since our governments imposed tyrannical regimes on these governments after the deaths which resulted in wars, death squads and much worse. And the most common justification for supporting assassinations never happens in real life.

We often hear claims about how many lives could have been saved if someone had assassinated Hitler and stopped the holocaust, which someone did try, but it failed. In reality assassination has never been used to transfer power to a Democratic government that is better than tyrannical regimes, and the ones our government participated in certainly aren't exceptions, although the French and Russian Revolutions could have been exceptions if they weren't replaced by wild mobs that were eventually replaced by new tyrants just as bad, if not worse than the old tyrants. In all fairness, a couple of the possible targets, Rafael Trujillo and Ngo Dinh Diem, for assassination discussed in the Church Report were tyrants that were abusing their people badly, but this wasn't the reason they were overthrown; they were overthrown because they no longer served our governments, or the wealthy corporations that our government answer to, best interests. In both cases these tyrants terrorized their own people and didn't have popular support, but for years, since they acted in our governments best interests, our government backed them and helped them stay in power. The same went for Saddam Hussein, Manuel Noriega, and many other tyrants that our government backed for years, before turning on them.

There were also many other cases where they overthrew Democratically elected leaders, like Patrice Lumumba and Salvador Allende, who were both covered in the Church Report, although they focused on the assassination of General Rene Schneider instead of Salvador Allende, who was either killed or committed suicide, depending on which version you read; but even if it was suicide, it never would have happened if not for the coup on the same day. And, of course there were many other examples not covered in the Church Report where the CIA or US government overthrew Democratically elected governments, or governments that at least had much more popular support from their own people than the puppets installed by the United States, including the 1953 Iranian coup d'état 1954 Guatemalan coup d'état and the 1973 Chilean coup d'état and more recently the 2009 Honduran coup d'état and the 2019 Honduran coup d'état, which Wikipedia refers to as 2019 Bolivian political crisis.

These are only a small fraction of examples where the United States has supported coups in other governments, including many that were democratically elected, but they establish a pattern of behavior. Numerous other researchers that went into more details about CIA coups or lies to start wars have gone much further than the Church Committee Reports including William Blum who wrote "Killing Hope" 1995/2003 and "Rogue State" 2000 which probably covers many more interventions than any other researcher, although many other researchers go into more detail, including Naomi Klein author of "The Shock Doctrine The Rise Of Disaster Capitalism" 2007 which describes how shock tactics were used to impose an economic ideology largely inspired by Milton Friedman which was imposed on over half a dozen countries by suppressing Democracy and often creating death squads, Vincent Bevins author of "The Jakarta Method" 2020 who describes similar methods in Indonesia, Brazil and several other countries, and many more some of which I'll list below. But, in many cases, the government or traditional media often denies these claims, even when there's overwhelming evidence, and refers to those that take it seriously as conspiracy theorists. However, the Church Committee Reports are official government documents based on hearing and testimony from people they consider credible, showing a pattern of behavior that is similar to the claims they try to portray as conspiracy theories.

In the Iran, Guatemala and Chile coups traditional media and the government denied they were involved for years, if not decades, and often dismissed those who disagreed as conspiracy theorists, even when there was overwhelming evidence for their participation in the coups. But eventually they admitted they were involved in these coups, showing the so-called conspiracy theorists, were right all along, but they did so in brief disclosures, which only got minimal media attention, and they virtually never associated these coups with activities that happened as an indirect result of the coups, including death squads, civil war, the Iranian Revolution that put the Shah in power, and much more. Furthermore, when these admissions were made the government and media seems to have quickly forgotten them after a brief period of time and rarely ever mentioned them again, while some high profile pundits may try to treat them as conspiracy theories again, and those that know better in the media remain silent and don't correct them.

The more recent coups in Honduras and Bolivia, however, are still in the stage where considering them a United States sponsored coup is still being described as a conspiracy theory, and there are still few if any government admissions to their involvement, except for a few politicians in the minority, like Bernie Sanders, who openly admitted the Bolivian crisis was a coup, although he didn't go so far as to say it was supported by our government, even though it almost certainly was. If you go to the talk pages for the Bolivian coup which they refer to as a "political crisis" you'll find there are numerous people arguing to have it changed to a "coup" and on the talk page for Honduras, which is referred to as a coup, there are people claiming it's not a coup, and that it should be called a "political crisis." Alternative sources similar to the ones exposing the coups in Guatemala and Iran are providing much more evidence, which I suspect will eventually lead to admissions that both these coups were real and they had support from our government and the corporations they serve, but for now they're creating an enormous amount of propaganda to confuse people not familiar with more reliable sources for news.

But if you read the Church Committee Report and other government reports, as well as more reliable sources, it will be clear that intentionally distorting the truth is routine for our government and the media.

Throughout the Report there are numerous people saying that when they discussed assassination the often used circumlocutious language which often didn't quite get to the point; and they often admitted that this was because they were concerned about plausible deniability, if records were leaked or someone blew the whistle. This is part of the reason why many people were able to say they felt assassination was authorized at the highest level, which was assumed to be the president. For example the following excerpt, referring to Richard Bissell, is one of many times high ranking officials used this term:
DDP Richard Bissell was “almost certain” that he was informed about the Dulles cable shortly after its transmission. He testified that it was his “belief” that the cable was a circumlocutious means of indicating that the President wanted Lumumba killed.’ (Bissell, 9/10/75., pp. 12,33,64-65) p.16

There was also testimony that someone referred to as Joseph Schneider (sometimes spelled Scheider) was sent to the Congo to deliver poisons that could be used to assassinate Lumumba, but numerous credible sources including Susan Williams author of "White Malice" and even Wikipedia have reported this was actually Sidney Gottlieb, the leader of MKULTRA, which is another admission made by the government including many declassified documents, one report is PROJECT MKIULTRA, THE CIA'S PROGRAM OF RESEARCH IN BEHAVIORAL MODIFICATION, posted on the government web site, as well as testimony that many more were destroyed, show massive efforts, however effective, to try to learn how to brainwash people, and also included research into attempted assassination. The Church Report mentions this in the following excerpt showing that both Gottlieb and Dulles were involved in the attempted assassination, although they claim there's inadequate evidence to show they were ultimately responsible for Lumumba's assassination:
.... Scheider’s mission to the Congo was preceded and followed by cables from Headquarters urging the “elimination” of Lumumba transmitted through an extraordinarily restricted “Eyes Only” channel-including two messages bearing the personal signature of Allen Dulles.

The toxic substances were never used. But there is no evidence that the assassination operation was terminated before Lumumba’s death. There is, however, no suggestion of a connection between the assassination plot and the events which actually led to Lumumba.‘s death.’ p.19

If you read the complete report on assassinations you'll find an enormous amount of testimony saying they tried to assassinate most of these leaders, including Lumumba, but when it comes to the actual assassination they claim there's no evidence they were involved; however the report is full of many plans to cover it up, and one of them is to involve others or arrange for them to handle it, probably allies, which is ultimately what happened in the successful assassinations, including Lumumba, as the following excerpts partly show:
The only suggestion that the CIA may have been involved in the capture of Lumumba by Mobutu’s troops after Lumumba left U.N. custody on November 27, is a PROP cable from the Station Officer to Tweedy on November 14. The cable stated that a CIA agent had learned that Lumumba’s
POLITICAL FOLLOWERS in Stanleyville desire that he break out of his confinement and proceed to that city by car to engage in political activity .... Station has several possible assets to use in event of breakout and studying several plans of action. .... p.48

The chain of events revealed by the documents and testimony is strong enough to permit a reasonable inference that the plot to assassinate Lumumba was authorized by President Eisenhower. Nevertheless, there is enough countervailing testimony by Eisenhower Administration officials and enough ambiguity and lack of clarity in the records of high-level policy ‘meetings to preclude the Committee from making a finding that the President intended an assassination effort against Lumumba.

It is clear that the Director of Central Intelligence, Allen Dulles, authorized an assassination plot. There is, however, no evidence of United States involvement in bringing about the death of Lumumba at the hands of Congolese authorities in Katanga.

Strong expressions of hostility toward Lumumba from the President and his national security assistant, followed immediately by CIA steps in furtherance of an assassination operation against Lumumba, are part of a sequence of events that, at the least, make it appear that. Dulles believed assassination was a permissible means of complying with pressure from the President to remove Lumumba from the political scene. p.51-2

Their claim that the only suggestion that the CIA was involved in the capture of Lumumba was limited to a small portion of the story, and the preceding pages from the Report already indicate that even if they weren't involved in his final capture, they had made similar plans to remove him from power, or assassinate him, as indicated by the claim that Allen Dulles authorized an assassination and there's a strong possibility that Eisenhower knew and approved of it. Susan Williams author of "White Malice: The CIA and the Covert Recolonization of Africa" 2021 provides much more detail; even if we rely only on the Church Report, once you read the whole thing, it's far fetched to completely deny the possibility that Eisenhower or the CIA was definitely not involved in assassinations, and they don't quite say it, instead they say they don't think it was proven. But even if you accept that claim, it's only because they failed to cause assassinations, not because they didn't try, and there are many other brazen admission that they routinely try to intervene in one government after another in undemocratic ways.

And some of their attempts to overthrow governments they opposed, along with many of the things they tried in MKULTRA experiments, some mentioned in the report cited above, are right out of the Twilight Zone, like the following plan by Edward Lansdale, who had a history of using superstitions to manipulate people in the Philippines:
"I'll give you one example of Lansdale's perspicacity. He had a wonderful plan for getting rid of Castro. This plan consisted of spreading the word that the Second Coming of Christ was imminent and that Christ was against Castro (who) was anti-Christ. And you would spread this word around Cuba, and then on whatever date it was, that there would be a manifestation of this thing. And at that time — this is absolutely true — and at that time just over the horizon there would be an American submarine which would surface off of Cuba and send up some starshells. And this would be the manifestation of the Second Coming and Castro would be overthrown * * *

Well, some wag called this operation — and somebody dubbed this — Elimination by Illumination." (Parrott, 7/10/75, pp. 49, 50) p.142

Edward Lansdale already had a reputation for strange activities like this, including a story about how they studied the beliefs of the Huks in the Philipines, killed one of their people, puncturing their neck and draining their blood to make it look like they were killed by a vampire. This story was widely told from many sources, including "Killing Hope" 1995/2003 but the original source is Edward Lansdale himself, and he admitted to other insane activities as well, which should raise questions since he was kept in the military for a couple more decades. According to his Biography The Unquiet American p.73 he claimed that he convinced policymakers to approve his plans in the Philippines by threatening to lock them in a room and throw grenades at them; which means either they put up with this absurd behavior, or kept a habitual liar in power, and many other reports indicate that he was irrational, one way or another.

And the list of support for overthrowing governments around the world, including some Democratically elected ones like Chile is also long, and the Church Report clearly admits Nixon wasn't concerned about defending elected leaders when they challenged his authority about how to run their own country, not that any of these third world countries ever challenged our right to run our country as we chose, as indicated in the following excerpt from the Church Report:
On September 15, 1970, President Richard Nixon informed CIA Director Richard Helms that an Allende regime in Chile would not be acceptable to the United States. The CIA was instructed by President Nixon to play a direct role in organizing a military coup d’etat in Chile to prevent Allende’s accession to the presidency. p.225

Our so-called Democratic government has been overthrowing one democracy after another for decades, if not longer; and as I showed in several articles, including Conclusive Proof Showing Democracy In The USA Is A Lie! our government doesn't even respect the will of the people or Democracy in our own country. This article shows dozens of polls, mostly related to fiscal issues one way or another, and in almost all of them there's a large majority of the public that support one side of the issue, like Medicare for All, protecting the environment, ending wars based on lies, etc. and campaign donors on the other side, with the entire political establishment taking the side of campaign donors. They're able to get away with this since the media only covers candidates that support the Wall Street agenda, ensuring they're the only ones that can win.

And there's little reason to believe this has ever stopped, even though there were numerous official statements claiming otherwise; in fact, there have been numerous assassinations that weren't even hidden in recent years, and many more deaths for other reasons that aren't intentional assassinations. Recent assassinations include Anwar al-Awlaki who was killed under orders from Barack Obama and his sixteen year old son who some claim was collateral damage, although it's hard to be sure, as reported in Obama Killed a 16-Year-Old American in Yemen. Trump Just Killed His 8-Year-Old Sister. 01/30/2017 and his eight year old sister may have also been considered collateral damage, and the Assassination of Qasem Soleimani also by Donald Trump and the most recent high profile one was Biden’s Assassination of al-Qaeda Leader Ayman al-Zawahiri which Was Illegal 08/06/2022 according to credible sources.

Many peiople may think some of these assassinations are justified, like Ayman al-Zawahiri who was a close associate of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, or Osama bin Laden himself, however there's no guarantee we've been given and accurate description of their activities; in fact we almost certainly have not. For starters, like many other of our enemies, Osama bin Laden was once our ally when he fought in Afghanistan against the Russians, and we helped instigate him by placing troops in Saudi Arabia and repeatedly attacking Muslim countries. Not that I'm defending Osama bin Laden, even if he wasn't actually responsible for 9/11; but when we use this as a precedent against our enemies they may feel justified to use this tactic against us. Furthermore, there should be no doubt that the killing of Anwar al-Awlaki's son, Abdulrahman al-Awlaki, was outrageous, and the assassination of Anwar al-Awlaki himself should be considered almost as outrageous, if not as outrageous, especially when you consider his teachings and that they were in response to constant attacks on Muslim countries by our government, and didn't escalate towards advocating violence, assuming our governments claims about him were true, until after escalating violence against Muslims. Furthermore, even if you agree with the leaders of our side this is still leading to a constant state of war and a violation of the right to a fair trial assuming he did something wrong. Anwar al-Awlaki was captured in Yemen and held without a trial.

Once they start taking away other people's basic rights, no matter how much we may not like some of those other people, it may be a matter of time before they take our rights away, and in some cases they already have.

This won't stop as long as we allow a fraction of one percent control powerful institutions, including the media so they can pre-select all out candidates for public office by simply refusing to give honest people media coverage ensuring they never get the name recognition they need to get elected.



The following are additional sources or related articles:

AARC Public Library - Church Committee Reports p.26

The CIA has a long history of helping to kill leaders around the world 05/05/2017

Portraits in Oversight: Frank Church and the Church Committee

Sketches of Five Cited as Alleged Targets 11/21/1975

Pentagon Blocks Sharing Evidence of Possible Russian War Crimes With Hague Court 03/08/2023

Pentagon accused of blocking effort to hand Russia war crimes evidence to ICC 03/08/2023

Biden Administration Splits on Prosecuting Russia for War Crimes in Ukraine 03/15/2023

The Lords of Chaos 03/19/2023 The politicians and shills in the media who orchestrated 20 years of military debacles in the Middle East, and who seek a world dominated by U.S. power, must be held accountable for their crimes.

The Ngo Dinh Diem Coup

Secrets: a memoir of Vietnam and the Pentagon papers by Daniel Ellsberg 2003

Spider's web: the secret history of how the White House illegally armed Iraq by Alan Friedman 1993

White Malice: The CIA and the Covert Recolonization of Africa 2021 by Susan Williams







Sunday, March 5, 2023

Walmart Crime Report February 2023



Walmart had at least fourteen more shootings in February 2023, with four of them fatal, including one officer involved shooting where a suspect was killed. There were also at least four or five injuries from these shootings, including at least one that was critical. In addition to the four people killed in shootings there was also one person killed in a stabbing and another body found on the premises, which, as usual, was not considered suspicious, even though they almost always find at least one or usually more dead bodies on their property every month, which aren't considered suspicious. The reason for this is that these bodies are often from poor, homeless people, or in some cases drug addicts, and the establishment doesn't seem to care about them; this is almost certainly not the case in other wealthy countries, which have higher life expectancy and do a better job solving social problems with better education, health care, or other social services which often solve many problems before they escalate, ultimately saving more money than these social problems cost.

In addition to the fourteen shootings at Walmart there was a mass shooting at the Cielo Vista Mall which is right next to the El Paso Walmart with a mass shooting killing twenty-three and injuring about as many more, reminding them of the trauma, although only one person was killed this time and three more injured. And a couple weeks after a January Indiana shooting where a suicidal former employee targeted several people, injuring only one, before being killed by police, they had "Active shooter training" to prepare for the next shooting. This is a common practice which is also very bizarre, since this type of training doesn't prevent mass shootings or violence, and, at best only reduces it, while other research, which the media routinely ignores, does teach the leading causes of all violence, not just shootings, and how to prevent it. Most of this research shows that educational programs, childcare, counseling to at risk parents, and other programs do far more to reduce all kinds of violence and solve other social problems before they escalate, and usually saves more money than it costs, by reducing police, court, prison costs, and other expenses that are much more expensive after social problems escalate.

In addition to the shootings, Walmart had at least nine more gun related crimes, possibly much more, since a growing number of crimes don't get much media attention, often even major crimes, including armed robberies, a suicidal man, disgruntled customers making threats, stolen guns and a false "active shooter" claim, although the person making it may have thought it was true. Someone has disclosed the fact that a "Code Brown" is for a shooting, which clearly implies they know they have a major problem with shootings, although they pretend this isn't the case, and certainly don't broadcast the fact that they've had over a hundred for seven consecutive years, and counting, with little chance of it going down too far since neither Walmart of the political establishment are acknowledging the causes of their violence, even though there is good research about it, and how to reduce it; but one of the most effective solutions involves reducing income inequality, stopping the rigged economy, and rolling back automation, which is a failure, among other things, where profits are routinely put ahead of people.

Another city councilman and police officer have been caught shoplifting at Walmart in separate instances, and there were at least a couple attempted kidnappings at two stores, but charged were dropped in one of those cases. There were also a couple police and more employees attacked for one reason or another, this often happens over relatively minor thefts which escalate to major crimes, which could be reduced by cutting automation or making it more difficult to walk out with a large amount of merchandise, which was much less common before they designed big-box stores. There were at least two violent robberies of women at Walmart, including one that was elderly.

Once again, Walmart's efforts to squeeze both their customers and workers for every penny they can has contributed to an assault, although the establishment will, as usual, put all the blame on the employee. An older woman claimed that she was attacked by a worker, after she asked her for help, but she said that even though she worked there she was busy, the customer was angry and after the worker refused to give her name she took a video of her so she could report her, which is when she claimed the worker attacked her to stop her from taking the video. Many people may agree that this was an inappropriate attack, of course; but those familiar with some of the work practices at Walmart might understand they often put a lot of pressure on their workers to get a certain job done, whether it's stocking shelves, filling out orders, or something else, and if they don't get it done they could lose their job, and they often don't anticipate time spent helping customers. This has happened before, and there's little doubt that corner cutting increases pressure which leads to this, and many customers aren't aware of this.

An employee was charged for creating child porn at Walmart, possibly by putting cameras in the bathroom, which has happened several times before, either by other employees or customers, but they claim there are no longer any cameras in the bathroom, assuming there was, in this case, but if that's not the case, they don't explain how it was done. There was also a teenager that was rescued at Walmart from three men forcing her into prostitution, and a manhunt that ended at another Walmart for someone with warrants for his arrest that include holding a mother and two children against their will, and another case where a different woman was charged for starting a fight.

Walmart policies are clearly responsible for many of their high crime problems, especially self-checkout, yet they refuse to admit it and reverse this problem. It's also putting their customers private information at risk since there's a growing amount of card skimmers being put on the self-check out registers all over the country; they've found them in New York and Texas within the past month and other scanners have previously been found in Washington, North Carolina, and many other states, with customers being liable for the charges if their information is stolen, not Walmart or the card issuer, which always used to be the case. Shopping apps and gift cards are also routinely being hacked as well, and Walmart refuses to secure those, or take responsibility for losses either. With the reduction of cashiers they're also increasing their efforts to spy on us, whether it's to catch thieves, bust unions, or any other undisclosed reasons, there are a growing number of customers are disclosing what they know about this and some are filing lawsuits, although they rarely go far, but they may help show how the court system is rigged for the oligarchs.

When discussing their "security operations" one Walmart makes the absurd claim that they want to be “the world’s most trusted retailer,” even though they don't take responsibility for card skimmers gift cards, shopping apps, or anything else, and they refuse to do the obvious, like reducing or eliminating automation, which has been a disaster, or changing store design so it's not so easy to steal, to help reduce their crime problems. They're also making a massive number of false accusations, and a strong case can be made that a large portion of the real shopliftings are entrapment, since many of their policies have created a virtual invitation for thieves, making it easier, and a large portion of the expenses, including police, courts, and prisons, etc. are paid for by tax payers, so we're subsidizing their crime problem. Then they're using this as an excuse to raise prices or close stores, which they could never do if we still had a competitive market. We now have an oligarchy system with the inevitable increases in prices, although they make bad excuses for it.

Walmart also had over half a dozen, if not much more than that, major accidents, including at least two crashes into the store, hit and runs, including one where a suspect intentionally ran over a woman with a baby, and another where a driver ran into a Girl Scout cookie table, auto thefts, or in one case a forklift theft, plus, as usual, countless fender benders that rarely get reported. They also had at least three more fires, possibly all of them from arson; and in addition to the person killed in a stabbing there was another stabbing and a threat to stab an employee.



Walmart also had numerous assaults, fights, foot chases by police, child abuse cases by customers, and at least one or two massive thefts running into thousands of dollars, one which was over thirty thousand dollars.

Walmart also had at least three recalls including cleaning products, candles, and canned shrimp, which may all provide a hazard or endanger people, and like other recalls, they get very little attention. But, more importantly, there was a toddler strangled in a stroller, and eye drops that allegedly blinded five and killed one, yet they may not have been recalled, at least not yet, although there is a lawsuit over one, and a warning issued on the other. There's also a lawsuit against Walmart for selling homeopathic products, although, to the best of my knowledge, this may not be as dangerous, but it may still be fraud, if not worse. Walmart is also involved in more lawsuits or other forms of legal action than most people can keep track of, whether it's labor rights, suppressing taxes bankrupting small towns, or many other things, and since they have so much money and political connections, everything is rigged heavily in their favor, which is a major threat to the Democratic process.

They now have numerous store closings just about every year, since the country is saturated with their stores, and they're no longer constantly expanding, which is a sign of an oligarchy market, not a free market, as economists, media and politicians pretend we have. They don't provide organized complete lists of closing stores, although several media outlets claim they have complete lists, which claim there are between three and nine closing, but the true number is almost certainly a dozen or more, and if I can find them so can the people writing these media articles, showing how unreliable they are.

It's hard to imagine how anyone could be more tasteless than Walmart when they created "Break-up Bears" to sell for Valentines day.

But Walmart has done more tasteless things like selling a video console that turned out to be full of racist games and porn, that may have been given to children without realizing what's in it.

A Walmart store has an Alligator living in the pond nearby, but the North Carolina residents are objecting to anyone trying to remove him, since he's not bother anyone, assuming they don't climb the fence and get too close to feed him, intentionally or not.

At least the Alligator isn't urinating in the store, like one customer, or after being angry over service, the Alligator isn't pouring bleach, jam, syrup etc. in the aisle, like another customer.

Animals never cause as much trouble at Walmart as people, and they should be respected.

They even found a Rare Jurassic-era insect at an Arkansas Walmart, although the student that found him took eleven years to figure out what it was, and another one hasn't been seen since.



Strange things happen at Walmart!





In 2006 Wake Up Walmart did a study, "Is Walmart Safe?" based on incidents in 2004, (PDF) about crime at Walmart which showed that it increased when Walmarts opened up and that crime was higher at Walmart than at other retailers. Since then Walmart Shootings began compiling a list of gun related incidents at Walmart and demonstrated that they have a large number of them, including on average more than one shooting per week somewhere in the country; now after counting them for several years that average is over two per week. In January of 2014 another study, "Rolling Back Prices and Raising Crime Rates?" provided additional statistical research indicating that Walmart might be contributing to higher crime rates or at least a slowing of the decline in crime. The study found that. “on average, communities with Walmarts had 17 more property crimes and two more violent crimes per 10,000 people than those communities without Walmarts.” I reviewed this more in Walmart’s crime problem, Rolling Back Safety more than prices? where I explained that although this study is helpful they could have done better with additional data that is available and I reviewed some of that. I also added my own review about why I think that Walmart policies have been contributing to higher crime in a previous blog, Walmart high crime rate continues un-investigaterd and have provided additional information under the author tag Walmart Crime Watch.

Stacy Mitchell has also compiled a list of other studies about Walmart and how they impact society, Key Studies on Big-Box Retail & Independent Business. To the best of my knowledge Walmart has done as little as they seem to get away with, often relying on rhetoric that isn't backed up with action, when it comes to addressing any of their critics concerns, including crime. One of the responses they’ve come up with is what they call "Restorative Justice" which gives first time shoplifters a chance to avoid being arrested or any criminal record if they take an on line course which costs $400 up front or $500 in payments, plus perhaps, reparations. This has been part of the privatization process and often denies suspects of the due process or access to a lawyer, perhaps even intimidating and extorting from some people that might not even be guilty. Walmart seems to be trying to find a way to turn crime into a profit making situation instead of looking for the most effective ways to reduce it. Making Change at Walmart is asking If you or someone you know has gone through @Walmart's "Restorative Justice" program for first-time suspected shoplifters, send us a DM. 03/30/2017 to ensure that it isn’t doing more harm than good. I did my own review of this program as well at Walmart’s “Restorative Justice” Endangers Public Without Reducing Crime. The following are a list of incidents that occurred in February 2023. According to the "Is Walmart Safe?" the average store in their sampling had 250 incidents per year indicating that these are only a fraction of the crime reports at Walmart, and presumably, the ones most likely to make the news on the internet nationwide. This isn't statistically representative, as the 2006 or the "Rolling Back Prices and Raising Crime Rates?" study or some of the studies cited by Stacy Mitchell; but it does provide some additional information that may help recognize how many problems there are at Walmart.



1 shot multiple times during drug deal in Walmart parking lot, Monroe NC police say 02/02/2023

MONROE, N.C. — Police are looking for whoever shot someone several times in the parking lot of the Walmart in Monroe.

Monroe Police Department officers were called to the Walmart Supercenter on U.S. Highway 74 around 6:20 p.m. Wednesday. When they arrived, officers said they found an 18-year-old who had been shot multiple times. As of Thursday morning, he was in critical but stable condition, authorities said.

Investigators said they believe there was an “illegal drug transaction” that turned into a robbery. Police said they found a large amount of marijuana with the victim at the scene, and said a black BMW sedan was seen leaving shortly after the shooting. Complete article


Suspect purposely runs over woman with baby in Hawaii Walmart parking lot, police say 02/01/2023

HONOLULU (KHNL/Gray News) - Authorities in Hawaii are investigating a critical incident that occurred at a Walmart parking lot Wednesday morning.

KHNL reports Honolulu police were called to a Mililani-area Walmart parking lot at about 9 a.m. regarding a person who was hit by a car.

According to the Honolulu Police Department, a suspect intentionally ran over a woman who was pushing her baby in a stroller in the parking lot.

Authorities said the 37-year-old woman was pushing her 6-month-old child when she was hit by a vehicle and dragged about 15 feet.

Honolulu police said a 40-year-old bystander attempted to help the mother and her child, but the suspect got out of his vehicle and used a “dangerous instrument” to attack him.

Witnesses described the weapon as a crowbar or tire iron that the suspect was using.

“When I got close, I saw a man with a crowbar beating another man who was on the ground,” a witness shared with KHNL. “He [the suspect] wouldn’t stop. He was crazed.” Complete article

Disabled veteran recounts coming to woman's aid in Hawaii Walmart parking lot assault 02/03/2023

Grand jury indicts man accused of attacking 2 people in Mililani Hawaii Walmart parking lot 02/07/2023


Stabbing incident near Fla. Walmart on Apalachee Pkwy 02/01/2023

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) - Police say an altercation between two people at a Tallahassee homeless camp Wednesday afternoon ended with a man stabbed, and a woman in custody.

The incident happened near the Walmart in the 3500 block of Apalachee Parkway just after 3:15 p.m.

According to TPD, the two got into an argument and the woman stabbed the man in the arm. Complete article


Retired off-duty officer working security attacked by juveniles near Dickerson Pike Tenn. Walmart 02/01/2023

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Police were dispatched to the 3000 block of Dickerson Pike Wednesday after a retired off-duty officer was attacked.

Metro Police responded to the scene outside of Walmart just before 3:00 p.m.

Three juveniles had attacked the off-duty officer who was working security at the Walmart.

Officials report that the juveniles ran from the officer onto a Wego bus but were stopped by MNPD officers shortly afterward. Complete article

Three kids attack Walmart security guard, try to get away on WeGo bus: police 02/01/2023


FHP: Septic tank truck driver critical after crashing into Walmart truck on I-4 in Kissimmee Fla. 02/01/2023

ORLANDO, Fla. - A septic tank truck driver is in critical condition after troopers said he crashed into a Walmart semi truck on I-4 in Osceola County near Disney World early Wednesday morning.

The crash happened around 5:14 a.m. in the westbound lanes near World Drive in Kissimmee. All lanes reopened around 11 a.m.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, the septic tank truck and the Walmart truck were both traveling westbound in the outside lane. Troopers said the Walmart truck was stopped for traffic, but the septic tank driver failed to stop and struck the Walmart truck from behind. The impact caused the front of the Walmart truck to slam into the back of a Kia Forte that was also stopped for traffic in the same lane. Complete article


Police investigating gift card scam at Parsons Kansas Walmart 02/02/2023

A Southeast Kansas woman and Parsons police are alerting area residents to a scam involving gift cards purchased at Walmart and potentially other stores where gift cards are not kept secure until the sale.

The woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said her coworkers gave her a $250 Walmart gift card as a baby welcoming present. When she tried to use the card via the app on Jan. 8 and entered the card number, she found the balance was zero. She called the 800 number and the balance was still zero.

She contacted the coworker who purchased the card to see if she still had the receipt, thinking there was a mistake and the card didn’t get loaded. The following week she took the original card and receipt to the Parsons Walmart to see what was going on. An employee ran the transaction history showing the card was used at the Parsons Walmart at 11:33 a.m. on Dec. 13 and 7:24 p.m. on Dec. 20, which is when she was in the hospital giving birth. Complete article


Ramapo PD: Card skimmer found at Walmart in Airmont NY 02/01/2023

The Ramapo Police Department says a card skimmer was found Tuesday attached to a self-checkout cash register at a Walmart in Airmont.

They don't know when it was put there.

Those who shop at that Walmart are asked to check their bank account for suspicious activity and get in touch with police if needed. Complete article


A first-hand look inside Walmart’s robust security operations 02/01/2023

The retail behemoth invited a handful of journalists to its tech offices in Bentonville, Arkansas. The scope of Walmart’s operations speaks to the lengths enterprises must go to remain secure.

BENTONVILLE, Ark. — Walmart wants to be “the world’s most trusted retailer,” Greg Schaffer, a legal executive at the retail giant, said to a handful of journalists seated inside a largely empty hall at the company’s corporate office.

The reporters, Cybersecurity Dive included, sat with our breakfasts — catering that could have fed 50 — to listen to a formal, choreographed fireside chat between Schaffer, the company’s chief counsel for cybersecurity and VP of digital trust compliance, and Jerry Geisler, SVP and CISO, about what trust means at Walmart. Complete article


'I don't believe in fear tactics': Police say fentanyl, ketamine not found in Wash. Walmart parking lot 02/01/2023

Bossier City La. Police find no wrongdoing from surveillance footage in Airline Walmart incident 02/01/2023 After reviewing surveillance footage provided by Walmart, investigators determined that none of the men behaved in a manner consistent with the description provided by the woman. The three men were cleared of any wrongdoing.

Public's Help Sought In Identifying Suspect In Wyoming Walmart Theft 02/02/2023

I tried Walmart’s crazy new self-checkout machines – an add-on will stop thefts, but I still hate how it bags goods 02/02/2023

Police: Angry customer pulled out gun in Ft. Wayne Ind. Walmart 02/03/2023

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WISH) — An angry customer at a Walmart store in Fort Wayne pulled out a gun and pointed it in the air Thursday night, police said.

Officers from the Fort Wayne Police Department were to the Walmart Supercenter at 10105 Lima Rd. just after 7 p.m. on a report of a customer with a black handgun.

The store’s loss prevention officers believed the suspect was still in the store when police arrived, FWPD Public Information Officer Sgt. Jeremy Webb said Friday. Complete article


Gun recovered in Darby Township was stolen from Marple Pa. Walmart employee 02/02/2023

Marple Township officers responded to the Walmart in the Marple Crossroads Shopping Center for a report of a theft of a firearm Tuesday evening Jan. 24.

Marple Police Chief Brandon Graeff said the victim, who is also an employee, told police that, sometime during his shift, someone entered the employee break room and removed his handgun from his backpack.

He noticed the firearm was missing as he prepared to leave work.

The gun was later recovered by Darby Township police during a vehicle stop on Jan. 28. Complete article


NC Walmart reopens after SUV crashed into front doors; employee stopped SUV after driver had seizure 02/02/2023

LOUISBURG, N.C. — A Walmart Supercenter reopened to customers Friday morning hours after an SUV crashed into its front doors.

The red 2005 Ford Explorer crashed into the Louisburg store's entrance Thursday around 8 p.m. at 705 Retail Way.

Authorities said a medical emergency caused the driver to drive into the Walmart. He was taken to an area hospital.

Following the crash, the store was closed for the rest of the evening.

The 26-year-old driver was charged with careless and reckless driving and damage to property, according to the Louisburg Police Department. The driver’s mother owned the SUV and was charged with allowing the vehicle to be driven with no insurance. Complete article


Holland Ohio Walmart reopens following fire 02/02/2023

HOLLAND, Ohio (WTVG) - The Walmart in Holland is back open after Springfield Township Fire Department battled a fire there Thursday night.

According to the Springfield Township Fire Department fire crews responded to a call of smoke in the bathroom of the Walmart located on 1355 S McCord Rd.

Fire crews told 13abc that a paper towel dispenser had caught on fire. However, the fire was contained to just the bathroom and crews were able to extinguish it with no injuries. Crews said the store did not sustain any damages. Complete article


Huntsville City Alabama Councilman Devyn Keith charged with shoplifting at Walmart 02/02/2023

Huntsville City Councilman Devyn Keith was arrested this afternoon on charges of shoplifting.

According to Madison County Jail records, Keith, 34, was booked into the jail at 3:05 p.m. on fourth degree theft of property charges, covering a theft of property amounting to $500 or less.

Sgt. Rosalind White said police were dispatched to Walmart at 6140 University Drive shortly before 1 p.m. on an unrelated call. Complete article

Huntsville councilman Devyn Keith accused of shoplifting at Walmart 31 times, police report says 02/08/2023


‘DO NOT put the card in the machine AT ALL’: Tx. Walmart shopper claims they found a card skimmer on checkout machine 02/03/2023

'So if they are watching you like a hawk checking out why aren’t they catching this happening?'

According to the FBI, “Skimming occurs when devices illegally installed on ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or fuel pumps capture data or record cardholders’ PINs.”

In practice, this can take a few forms. In some cases, a thief may install a small card reader in front of the normal reader that allows a customer to complete their transaction as normal, not knowing that their information has just been stolen.

Other thieves go even further, purchasing custom-made replicas of card readers that can be placed over existing card readers to capture a customer’s data.

The latter type of card skimmer is what appears to have been discovered by TikTok user Tori (@abundancetori) at a Walmart location in Houston, Texas. Complete article


A Code Brown at a Washington Walmart Will Make You Want To Exit 02/03/2023

What Are The Intercom Codes At Walmart And What Do They Mean?

Have you ever been shopping at Walmart and suddenly heard an announcement over the intercom for a code brown?

Why Is A Code Brown The Most Dangerous Intercom Code At Walmart?

If you ever hear that here in the Tri-Cities, you are going to want to exit Walmart as quickly as possible.

According to sbxl.com, here are the codes and what they mean at Walmart

1. White - Accident
2. Blue - Bomb
3. Red - Fire
4. Black - Weather
5. Green - Hostage
6. Orange - Chemical
7. Adam - Missing Child

And lastly, code #8 is a code brown which means a shooting situation. Complete article


What is the lawsuit against CVS and Walmart? Chains targeted over homeopathic product sales 02/02/2023

Looking for a cold remedy at your local pharmacy? Be careful what you choose: experts warn that some options on the shelves may be no better than sugar pills.

CVS and Walmart are in the midst of a court battle for selling FDA-approved, over-the-counter medications alongside homeopathic products, a form of alternative medicine based on diluted ingredients.

The Center for Inquiry, the nonprofit that filed the lawsuits, argues that this sort of product placement is misleading and presents homeopathic products as equivalent alternatives to science-based medicines.

There is little evidence that shows homeopathic products are effective, according to the National Institutes of Health. And while experts say most are harmless, the Food and Drug Administration warns that it cannot ensure their safety or effectiveness. Complete article


Shoplifters sought in theft of nearly $700 in merchandise at Fla. Walmart 02/02/2023

Hampton Va. man at center of Oct. 2022 AMBER Alert sentenced for child neglect in North Dakota 02/02/2023

Employee accused of stealing from Pa. Walmart 15 times 02/02/2023

Fire department dispatched to Va. Walmart 02/03/2023

1 dead in shooting at Alabama K&J Beauty Supply next to Walmart: Police Chief 02/03/2023

SEMMES, Ala. (WKRG) — One person was shot inside a store next to the Walmart in Semmes, according to Semmes Police Chief Todd Freind. Freind did not say which store it was.

Police said the victim is being transported to USA hospital.

UPDATE (7:56 p.m.): Semmes Police said one person died in the shooting.

UPDATE 3:30 AM 2/4/23: 20-year-old Daniel Holloway Jr. was booked into Mobile Metro Jail just before midnight Friday night. He was charged with murder. Jail records indicate he has no prior arrests in Mobile County as an adult. Complete article


1 critically injured in shooting Friday evening in parking lot of Northland Missouri Walmart 02/03/2023

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — One person was critically wounded in a shooting Friday evening in the parking lot of a Walmart at 8551 North Boardwalk Avenue in the Northland.

The shooting occurred just before 6 p.m. and may have happened during a carjacking.

Police did locate the victim's car, but did not find any suspects, police said. Complete article


Police investigating Batavia NY Walmart incident Saturday night 02/05/2023

BATAVIA, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Genesee County Sheriff's Office is investigating an incident that occurred at the Batavia Walmart Saturday night.

Officers were called to the store located at 4133 Veterans Drive around 10:26 p.m. Saturday.

According to police, the suspect allegedly entered the store and told an employee he had a gun. Police say he then allegedly broke a Nintendo Switch display case and stole several gaming consoles. Complete article


Central Washington man Accused of Trying to Kidnap Infant at a Walmart 02/05/2023

A Wapato man is in jail after a woman said he tried to take her infant son at a Yakima Walmart parking lot Thursday.

Police were called to the Walmart at 1600 E. Chestnut Ave. around 12:40 p.m. after the woman said the man tried to take her 4-month-old son from her car.

The child’s mother said she was standing outside her sport utility vehicle in the park tending to her son, who was strapped into a child car seat, when she saw the man walking toward her vehicle, according to a probable cause affidavit. She told her mother to watch out for the man, and when she turned around, the man was standing behind her. Complete article

Man accused of attempted kidnapping at Yakima Wash. Walmart released as prosecutors review video 02/09/2023


Man pours bleach, jam, syrup, etc. on Walmart floor due to customer service in Berks Co. 02/04/2023

BERKS COUNTY, Pa. (WHP) — Walmart employees were bewildered by a man's actions after he purposely spilled numerous liquids on multiple aisle floors because of having to "wait in line too long" and bad customer service.

On two separate incidents, Tilden Township Police say 46-year-old Leonard Repp had walked into the Tilden store with a 13-year-old of no relation to him.

Allegedly, Repp was a friend of the teen's family.

Officials say the first incident was on Jan. 14 after Repp had purposely poured bleach, motor oil, dish soap, maple syrup, and jam jelly onto numerous aisle floors of the Walmart. ....

In the interview, authorities say Repp had admitted to both incidents, saying that he had done so because of bad customer service and having to wait in long lines. Complete article


‘Every time you scan something, it takes pictures of you’: Ex-Walmart employee says self-checkout cameras are ’10 times worse’ than in-store ones 02/04/2023

'Those cameras can read into your wallet and they do.'

A former Walmart employee went to the platform to warn people about the store’s self-checkout cameras, claiming that they’re harvesting personal information — even taking photos of customers as they’re ringing up purchases.

The video comes from creator AshtheTruth, who claims to have worked for the multi-billion dollar chain as an Asset Protection manager. She posted the video on the platform on Tuesday and has since attracted 1.8 million views. It starts by stitching another creator’s recording of a Walmart self-checkout scanner in action, and then Ash appears by saying, “I have been summoned.”

She presents her theories as to what’s happening with these devices and how Walmart is collecting customer data.

“So you see those little machines right there? Oh, yeah. So I had made a video about the cameras that they have that can see into your phone. Well, those ones at the register, they’re 10 times worse, my dude,” she says. “So, every time you scan something, it takes pictures of you and let me just tell you every time that you run your card through a Walmart scanner, they have a note of it.” Complete article

An alleged Walmart worker claims the anti-theft stores infringe on shopper's personal data and identity 02/04/2023


Walmart Is Temporarily Closing More Stores, Effective Immediately 02/03/2023

At least one store will not reopen after its fire.

While the Holland Walmart is already resuming operations and the retailer has quickly reopened other stores following fires, this is not the case for every location.

The two Atlanta Walmart stores that were recently closed for December fires are still shuttered right now. And amid uncertainty surrounding the future of these locations, the retailer recently confirmed their fates, revealing that one of the Walmart stores will not reopen at all.

"After a thorough review of all factors related to our Vine City and Howell Mill Road stores, we have made the decision to reopen our Vine City location as a Walmart Neighborhood Market and permanently close our Howell Mill Road location," a spokesperson for the company told Best Life in a Jan. 24 statement. "Unfortunately, a variety of economic headwinds existed at both stores before they were closed due to arson." Complete article


Walmart, CVS pharmacies close early due to staffing, Lubbock Tx. owner says it’s ‘really tough’ 02/02/2023

Shoplifting suspect arrested with Cocoa Pebbles and candy at Fla. Walmart 02/03/2023

Bergen man saves woman who went into cardiac arrest at Brockport NY Walmart 02/03/2023

Police chief gives all clear after Tx. Walmart evacuated due to bomb threat 02/03/2023

Puerto Rico Man Jailed in Rome Ga. After Attacking Women at Walmart 02/05/2023

Miguel Antonio Columna Rodriguez, 34 of San Juan, PR, was arrested at the East Rome Walmart after reports said he attacked two women while shoplifting.

Reports said that Rodriguez punched one of the women in her stomach and grabbed another by the throat.

Authorities added that Rodriguez was attempting to steal $3,022.53 worth of merchandise before the altercation. Complete article


Prosecutor: Riverton Wyoming Walmart Has One Of The Highest Theft Rates in Nation; Criminals Say They Don’t Care If Caught 02/05/2023

Wyoming’s legislative Senate Judiciary Committee was unanimous Friday in advancing two proposed laws tightening the state’s criminal justice system – one punishing repeat thieves, and another punishing people who keep fentanyl near children.

If it becomes law, House Bill 112 would let state prosecutors charge convicted thieves with felony – as opposed to misdemeanor – theft after four prior convictions. The new felony charge would be punishable by up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

A top prosecutor in Fremont County, Rep. Ember Oakley, R-Riverton, was the key sponsor on the bill.

She said repeat misdemeanor thefts are a significant issue in Fremont County and her hometown of Riverton.

Riverton’s Walmart has one of the highest theft rates in the nation, Oakley said. Small businesses also suffer.

“We’re seeing this big increase in, like, organized retail theft,” she said, describing how some offenders will steal large quantities of high-end meat, cosmetics or electronics and re-sell those items.

Some offenders have admitted as much during their sentencing hearings and have said a few days in jail is a small price to pay for their livelihood, Oakley said. Complete article


Police Blotter: Red-Haired Woman Steals Man’s Tenn. Walmart Gift Cards 02/06/2023

A man told police Walmart gift cards were used without his permission. He purchased the cards (two for $40 and one for $20) and they were used at Walmart at 501 Signal Mountain Road by a red-haired lady that he didn’t recognize.

The man still had possession of the physical cards, however, the card information had been transferred to a cellphone the suspect used to make the purchases. Walmart loss prevention also said one of the cards was used in a Walmart in Nashville by the man’s ex-wife.

The man said he would ask his ex-wife if she knew the red-haired woman and call back for a follow-up. He said he wanted to prosecute as well. Complete article


Sept. 2021 Ind. Walmart armed robber receives 12-year prison sentence 02/03/2023

2 women wanted after not scanning all items at Livonia Mich. Walmart, fleeing when confronted 02/04/2023

Chickasha Okla. Police respond to reported threat at Walmart 02/04/2023

Walmart Names Chief People Officer For U.S. Operations 02/05/2023

Shoppers evacuate Pa. Walmart after a bomb threat was made 02/05/2023

SP: Pair arrested after shoplifting investigation at Halfmoon NY Walmart 02/06/2023

Eureka Missouri Walmart employee thwarts theft 02/05/2023

PD: Suspects allegedly used counterfeit money at Walmart in Sturbridge, Ware Mass. 02/06/2023

New Orleans La. police investigate homicide near Walmart on Chef Menteur Highway 02/07/2023

NEW ORLEANS — The New Orleans Police Department is investigating a homicide near the Walmart on Chef Menteur Highway Tuesday morning.

The incident happened around 11:25 a.m. in the 4300 block of Chef Menteur Highway.

NOPD confirmed that a man was found dead at the scene. Complete article

New Orleans police say 1 dead, 1 sought after shooting at bus stop outside Walmart 02/07/2023

Shooter kills man in New Orleans, nearby Walmart locked down after suspect runs inside 02/07/2023

NOPD arrests suspect in Gentilly shooting near Walmart 02/08/2023

Suspect in bus stop shooting outside Gentilly Walmart worked at the store, employee says 02/09/2023


Teen charged with attempted murder in Wilson NC Walmart shooting; fiancée drove getaway car, police say 02/07/2023

WILSON, N.C. (WNCN) — A teen and his fiancée were arrested in connection with a shooting in a Walmart parking lot, according to Wilson police.

The shooting happened Monday just after 1 p.m. outside the store in the 2500 block of Forest Hills Road.

Police said that after reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with witnesses, they identified the suspects as 19-year-old Yah-Shaun Syncere Johnson and his fiancée, 25-year-old Destiny Roychelle Spell, both of Wilson.

According to officers, Johnson attempted to shoot Derrick Latrell Artis, a Walmart employee, and Amonte Watson outside of the store. Complete article

Wilson NC police investigating shooting in Walmart parking lot 02/06/2023


Active shooter training held weeks after Ind. Walmart shooting 02/07/2023

The threat of an active shooter can present itself at anytime and any place, and the Tri-State is no stranger to it. That's a scary thought that can quickly become reality.

"We can't just pretend like this is not the world we live in anymore," said Bryan Bishop, the Vice President and Founder of Lawman Tactical.

In the words of Bishop, it's better to be prepared, which is why he's hosting the active threat training.

"We want to help give them the tools, if they find them self in that situation," said Bishop. "How do they respond? And how do they respond under stress?" Complete article


NY State Comptroller DiNapoli Calls on Companies to Adopt Better Workers' Rights Policies 02/07/2023

Shareholder Proposals Filed at Walmart, CVS, Netflix, DoorDash and Gannett

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced a series of shareholder proposals filed at several major companies on workers’ freedom of association and collective bargaining rights. The proposals were filed with Walmart Inc., CVS Pharmacy Inc., Netflix Inc., DoorDash Inc. and Gannett Co.

“Freedom of association and collective bargaining are fundamental human rights,” DiNapoli said. “The right to join unions, without interference, and collectively bargain can help improve workers’ health and safety, as well as increase their training, skills and productivity. It’s in the companies’ own interests, and in the long-term interests of shareholders, to ensure workers are treated fairly.”

All of the proposals were co-filed with New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, on behalf of the New York City Retirement Systems, with the exception of Gannett. Complete article

NY Urges Netflix, DoorDash, Walmart to Lift Workers’ Rights 02/07/2023


I’m an ex-Walmart worker – I got fired after sharing secrets, behind-the-scenes videos and telling shoppers the ‘truth’ 02/07/2023

THIS former Walmart employee has been fired after sharing behind-the-scenes videos where she told shoppers the alleged truth about the superstore.

The ex-worker, Stephanie, (@stephunleashed) from Florida exposed Walmart's alleged working conditions and blunders in a series of TikTok videos that she claimed got her fired.

In one of the videos, Stephanie showed her store location with barren dairy, freezer, and produce sections.

"Don't come to my Walmart to go shopping because you ain't gonna get s***," Stephanie warned.

As she walked through the aisles she showed her viewers all the empty shelves at superstore. Complete article


I worked at Walmart – the disturbing way is tracking you at self-checkout using your credit card and how to stop it 02/06/2023

A SELF-DESCRIBED former Walmart employee has claimed that self-checkout stations are able to photograph customers and store their personal information.

The TikTok user, who has almost 200,000 followers, had gotten lots of attention for her previous videos on the department store's anti-theft measures.

Shoplifting is a major problem for outlets such as Walmart, with reports of self-checkout-related theft becoming more widespread in recent years.

In her latest post, @AshtheTruth21 alleged that the popular retail store will go to great lengths to ensure that shoplifters are held accountable.

"So you see those little machines rights there?" the ex-employee asked. Complete article


Deputies search for missing Brooksville teen last seen near Walmart in Spring Hill Fla. 02/06/2023

FBI, Chesapeake Va. police extend timeline for victims of Walmart shooting to gather items 02/06/2023

Suspected shoplifter arrested after sneaking out of Fla. Walmart with cartload of merchandise 02/06/2023

Police: Bomb threats against metro Detroit Mich. Walmarts may be linked to national trend 02/06/2023

Woman arrested for allegedly skip-scanning at Wisc. Walmart 02/07/2023

Deputies looking for WV Wal-Mart theft suspect 02/07/2023

Galesburg boy arrested after stealing from Ill. Walmart for the sixth time in a month and a half 02/07/2023

Police arrest man wearing a Batman mask after stealing from Fla. Walmart 02/06/2023

Man dies after being stabbed during fight at North Las Vegas Walmart, police say 02/07/2023

NORTH LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A man is dead after a fight at a North Las Vegas Walmart, police say.

On Tuesday, at about 11:45 a.m., the North Las Vegas Police Department (NLVPD) received a report of a physical fight between two men in front of the Walmart near Simmons and Ann Road.

Arriving officers located a man, believed to be in his early 30s, who was bleeding and suffering from unknown injuries at the time.

The victim was taken to UMC Trauma, where he was later pronounced dead. Complete article

Suspect arrested for murder in deadly stabbing at North Las Vegas Nevada Walmart 02/08/2023


Efforts to clear homeless encampment near Palm Springs Ca. Walmart underway 02/07/2023

Business owners affected by growing homeless encampments near the Palm Springs Walmart took matters into their own hands today.

“We were noticed by the property management company here at the shopping center that includes Walmart, Starbucks, and several other locations," said Lt. William Hutchinson with the Palm Springs Police Department.

PSPD has been receiving complaints about more tents popping up in that area, including reports of trespassing and damage to property.

This morning, security personnel hired by the management company that oversees the shopping center located on Crossley Road and Ramon Road, cleared out some of the homeless people. Complete article


A family bought a video game console from Walmart. It was filled with porn and racist games 02/08/2023

TEMPE, Ariz. — A Christmas gift meant to bring a family joy had a nasty surprise instead.

Adam Nottingham's kids got a Super Nintendo knockoff console last Christmas, preloaded with more than 800 games.

Nottingham believed it was a great gift at first; a chance to show his young sons some retro games. ...

The console boasts that it is family-friendly online, claiming parents can watch their kids “enjoy the same happiness and fun in their childhood as you did!”

“We were hoping it was a fun gaming system for the kids to play." Nottingham said, "We did not expect anything inappropriate like this.”

Instead of games like Super Mario 2, the console had "Blackman 2." The game's home screen has the words "Kill Whitey" as the player picks their character. Throughout the levels, there are animated figures of the KKK.

Another game involves two kids going on an inappropriate adventure with Ronald McDonald.

“Naked children, they are reading a book that says porn on it, male genitalia all over the levels,” Nottingham said. Complete article


Consumer advocacy groups want Walmart’s Roblox game audited for ‘stealth marketing’ to kids 01/24/2023

A number of consumer advocacy groups have a problem with Walmart’s entry into the metaverse. The online retailer last fall announced the launch of two new virtual worlds on Roblox, Walmart Land and Universe of Play, aimed at engaging the next generation of shoppers. The experiences allow Roblox users to play games featuring toys and popular kids’ characters, earn virtual toys that drop from a blimp, complete challenges, and explore “toy worlds,” among other things. But the groups argue that Walmart is blurring the lines between advertising and organic content and doesn’t properly disclose that the content within these virtual worlds are essentially ads and should be labeled as such.

Walmart, however, disputes these allegations and says it’s in compliance with U.S. children’s privacy laws.

The groups, led by the ad watchdog truthinadvertising.org (TINA.org), sent a letter to the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU), asking them to audit Walmart’s Roblox games. Complete article


‘Y’all need to chill grocery shopping’: Walmart worker complains about stockpiled 428 online orders after store closes for one day 02/05/2023

Correction: This story has been updated to reflect the correct number of items and orders a customer placed.

A Walmart employee and TikTok user Reese (@r_swaggyt) went viral after showing the sheer amount of online orders that stockpiled at his store after just one day of the retail location he works at being closed.

Reese shows in the video that a whopping 428 items were placed during the location’s single day of closure during the week, and he showed his frustration at having to ‘pick’ them all by lip-syncing an ‘oh, my god’ in the four-second clip. He clarified in the comments section that there were over 800 items to pick before he filmed the short clip. Complete article


'Invasion' language continues after El Paso Tx. Walmart shooting 02/08/2023

Suspect in Texas Walmart massacre that left 23 dead in El Paso Tx. will plead guilty to federal charges today 02/08/2023

Feds settle ADA complaint over denied alcohol purchase at a Michigan Walmart 02/08/2023

Bomb threat triggers evacuation of Vermont mall 02/07/2023

Safety officials say recent bomb threats at New Hampshire Walmart stores are likely hoaxes 02/08/2023

Not Allowed at Walmart, Circleville Man Arrested for Theft at Ohio Walmart 02/08/2023

Court upholds conviction for man who stabbed NY Walmart shopper in an unprovoked attack 02/07/2023

PD: Shopper Assaulted At Walmart In Hudson Valley, New York 02/09/2023

One person was allegedly assaulted at a Walmart in the Hudson Valley.

On Wednesday, the Town of Wallkill Police Department announced one person was assaulted at Walmart.

On Tuesday, February 7, around 4:40 p.m., members of the Town of Wallkill Police Department responded to a report of an assault in the parking lot of the Middletown Walmart located at 470 Route 211 E in the Town of Wallkill.

Police found the victim, a 25-year-old man from Goshen, suffering from a cut to his hand. Complete article


Chillicothe Ohio Police Chase Couple on Foot for Thefts from Walmart 02/09/2023

CHILLICOTHE -It was an all-out foot chase on Wednesday after a couple was caught stealing items from Walmart and ran from Police.

According to the Chillicothe police department, they were dispatched to Walmart on River Trace Ln at 5:44 on Wednesday for the report of a theft. When they arrived loss prevention pointed to two people running from Walmart and into the woods located southeast of the lot. Officers gave chase on foot. Descriptions of the two were a male wearing a blue shirt and camo pants along with a female wearing a red shirt, fleeing the scene.

In the report it states what happened:

I entered the woods and located a trail that I followed south, on foot. I then observed a female wearing a red shirt, walking by her self, headed south. I began to run toward her while wearing a police uniform. While around 80 yards away from the female, later identified as Melissa Butterbaugh, I observed that she turned around and looked at me. She then turned back around and began running away from me. I pursued her and yelled for her to stop but she continued running. I caught up to her and within a short distance from her, Ms. Butterbaugh began to stop and turn toward me. I told her to get on the ground but at this point I was already face-to-face with her. I then took her to the ground and secured her in handcuffs. Once on the ground, she complied. Complete article


Woman Accused Of Embezzling Over $31,000 While Working As Walmart Cashier In Tulsa Okla. Arrested 02/08/2023

Tulsa Police have arrested a woman accused of embezzling more than $31,000 while working as a Walmart cashier in Tulsa.

Officers say other employees reported seeing Shadymon Patie stealing money from the cash registers and hiding it in her pockets.

According to police, employees say they allegedly saw her take between $900 and $5,000 on camera 15 different times. Complete article


Judge dismisses lawsuit against Walmart over ingredients in store's fudge mint cookies 02/08/2023

Walmart prevailed in federal court this week when a judge dismissed a lawsuit claiming damages over ingredients in the company's fudge mint cookies.

U.S. District Judge Mary Rowland said on Tuesday that the company had not deceived consumers when advertising its "Fudge Mint" cookies as such, even though the fudge is milkfat and the mint flavoring contains no real mint.

The suit had been brought last year by consumer Eugene DeMaso of La Salle, Ill.

Rowland in her decision argued that the retailer's cookie advertising merely promised a mint flavor, not real mint. Complete article


Save public lands: Put solar on Walmart! 01/25/2023

Oneida County NY man scammed out of $1,300 at Walmart in part of nationwide scheme 02/09/2023

Cops: 15-year-old arrested for grand larceny at NY Walmart 02/08/2023

Accused car thief arrested while allegedly stealing from La. Walmart seven months later 02/08/2023

Woman arrested for trying to kidnap a child from a Walmart in Alamosa, Colorado police say 02/09/2023

A 50-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and child abuse after she attempted to kidnap a child from a shopping cart at a store in Alamosa.

Kimberli Jones of Blanca was arrested Thursday on charges of kidnapping, felony menacing, child abuse and disorderly conduct, according to a post on the city of Alamosa’s Facebook page. According to the post, police were called to the Walmart in Alamosa at 12:49 p.m. on reports of an attempted kidnapping in progress.

When officers arrived, they found a woman who had grabbed a child from a shopping cart in an attempt to kidnap the child. Civilians and store employees restrained the woman until officers arrived and gave the child back to its parents. Jones is in custody at the Alamosa County Detention Center. Complete article


Retired police officer charged with Pa. Walmart theft 02/09/2023

TAYLOR, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Two people were caught, including a retired police officer in Lackawanna County, changing price tags on items from Walmart to pay them at a cheaper price, police say.

According to the Taylor Police Department, on January 15 around 2:15 p.m., police were called for a reported theft at the Walmart in Taylor.

Police say through video footage, Robert Zukoski, 60, of Scranton, and Melinda Shoppel, 42, of Plymouth, were seen scanning five items at a self-checkout.

Walmart employees were alarmed when all items were coming up as a tumbler priced at 50 cents, investigators stated. Complete article


“Take down, take down:” An inside look at catching shoplifters: updated 02/03/2023

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – Shoplifters, getting more and more brazen, are essentially daring store workers and security to stop them. But, when someone does step in, the thieves are pulling out weapons and firing off shots to get away. It’s gotten so out of control, that law enforcement is now shifting its focus to what was once a petty crime.

It is evident someone is shoplifting when they are seen stuffing items in bags or under their clothes, grabbing them off the shelf in bulk, or even pretending to pay but then taking off with what’s hidden instead. Security guards and Asset Protection Officers have long paid attention to these indicators, but it’s become too dangerous for these first lines of defense to step in.

“There is nothing that the retailer can do. There’s nothing even that their security officers can do,” explained New Mexico Attorney General’s Special Agent. “They’re being knocked to the ground. They’re being beaten. They’re having guns pulled on them, tasers, knives, bear mace.”

Employees, many making minimum wages, are told to keep a distance and document the theft. In an effort to hold the thieves accountable, the Attorney General’s Office and Albuquerque Police created the Organized Retail Crime Unit.

“The driving force behind this is not just kids stealing candy bars, there is an organizational presence there. And it’s related to money laundering, racketeering, and a lot of other things. And that’s the main focus of this program,” the Agent shared. Complete article

Behind the Story: Busting ‘organized retail crime’ 05/26/2022

Walmart to close some ‘underperforming’ stores in 3 states 02/10/2023


Toddler gets strangled in stroller sold on Amazon and Walmart. Now a warning is issued 02/10/2023

There’s a risk of young children’s heads or necks becoming trapped in strollers sold on Amazon and in stores such as Walmart, Target and Kohl’s, a government consumer agency is warning.

A toddler was strangled in a Baby Trend Sit N’ Stand Double stroller and died, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said in a Feb. 9 news release. Another toddler was also hurt while sitting in the company’s stroller.

The agency said the “entrapment” danger lies between the front canopy and the arm rest or seat back of the Sit N’ Stand Double and Ultra strollers. It can occur if a child climbs on the outside of the stroller or if they’re not fully secured in the front seat.

The warning applies to the company’s Double and Ultra strollers with product numbers starting with “SS76” or “SS66,” the CPSC said.

The 14-month-old’s asphyxiation death came after their neck got stuck between the front of the stroller’s canopy tube, according to the CPSC. The child’s father was present but didn’t see his toddler getting strangled. Complete article


Recall of popular cleaning product sold at Walmart, Meijer, Dollar General 02/09/2023

A popular cleaning product sold at national retailers such as Walmart and Dollar General is being recalled over concerns it could be contaminated.

The recall covers some 4.9 million Fabuloso Multi-Purpose cleaners sold online at Amazon.com and other websites and at Dollar General, Family Dollar, The Home Depot, Sam’s Club, Walmart and other major retailers from December 2022 to January 2023. The first 8 digits of the recalled lot code - is located on the back of the bottle above the label either directly above or towards the top of the bottle - are 2348US78 through 2365US78 and 30001US78 through 3023US78. Complete article


Walmart settles with 2 Maine towns after losing tax appeals 02/09/2023

After contesting the tax bills for a few of its stores in Maine, Walmart has lost two appeals to the state and settled with Ellsworth and Falmouth.

The company settled with the two municipalities following a written decision by the state Board of Property Tax Review issued in December siding with the city of Brewer.

The board determined that state law barred the retailer from contesting its tax bill. That same month, the board ruled against Walmart in a tax dispute over its tax bill in Thomaston.

After contesting the tax bills for a few of its stores in Maine, Walmart has lost two appeals to the state and settled with Ellsworth and Falmouth. Complete article


‘This is why I’m leaving’: Walmart worker slams job, says they gave him the job of 2 people ‘at the very least’ 02/10/2023

'You in the wrong department bro. OPD is where it’s at. We just be on our phones like 80% of the shift.'

A user on TikTok has sparked discussion after warning viewers against applying for jobs at Walmart.

“If you’re fresh out of high school and you think that you’re just going to start working at Walmart, don’t do it,” says TikTok user Hemi (@hemi.png).

He then shows all of the tasks he must complete that day, which include moving a significant amount of boxes. He says he is given 5 hours and 15 minutes to complete this task.

“I am one person doing the job of, at very least, 2 people,” he says at the end of the video. In the caption, he adds, “this is why I’m leaving.” Complete article


Payson Utah rallies around 84-year-old Walmart greeter who claims he was abruptly fired 02/09/2023

PAYSON, Utah (KUTV) — Long-time Utah Walmart greeter Thane Telford went back to the Payson store on Thursday, but this time he was across the parking lot as an ex-employee—fired, he said, just the day before.

Friends and family joined him waving to customers and members of the community who drove by and honked horns in support of Telford, known as the “hat man” for dozens of colorful hats he wore, decorated by his wife Lillian.

“I’ve got a hurt feeling,” Telford said of his Walmart dismissal. "But on the other hand, I’ve got so many people who are backing me.”

The former miner, former welder, former horseman developed a legion of fans in 14 years of waving and saying hello. Complete article

Potential job prospects for 84-year-old Walmart greeter after fired from previous job 02/10/2023


Walmart Plans to Close 3 Chicago Ill. Area Stores, Including Pickup-Only Prototype 02/08/2023

Plainfield Ill. officials working on Walmart replacement 02/10/2023

Walmart to close another Milwaukee Wisc. store 02/08/2023

Walmart in southeast Albuquerque NM to close 02/09/2023

'We are grateful to the customers': Pinellas Park Fla. Walmart Neighborhood Market to close 02/10/2023

Vancouver Wash. Police find no threats after report of 'active shooter' at Walmart 02/10/2023

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Officers detained a man Thursday night after reports of a possible active shooter situation at the Walmart store on Mill Plain Boulevard near the I-205 interchange.

Arriving police quickly figured out that the reported threat was not real, but said people did the right thing by calling it in.

"That is paramount to people’s safety," Vancouver Police spokesperson Kim Kapp said. "We live in a world that can be very unpredictable, and certainly if people feel there is some sort of a threat, or if there’s someone they want police to look into, and make sure everyone is safe, that’s absolutely the right thing to do."

Police also later confirmed this was not a case of "SWATting," where someone calls in a fake report to instigate a law enforcement response. Complete article


Search for man accused of assaulting Pueblo West Colorado Walmart employee during theft 02/09/2023

PUEBLO WEST, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office is searching for a man accused of assaulting a Walmart employee while stealing hundreds of dollars worth of merchandise.

According to the PCSO, the man assaulted the employee when he was confronted as he left the store. The man then got into a white Jeep Grand Cherokee, license plate ATGW81. Complete article


Suspects flee police after alleged drug deal in Mich. Walmart parking lot 02/10/2023

SOUTH HAVEN, Mich. — An alleged narcotics deal in a Walmart parking lot Thursday turned into a police chase with multiple agencies involved.

Van Buren County deputies spotted the transaction between two suspects in the South Haven parking lot around 2 p.m., according to the county sheriff's office.

When South Haven police officers attempted to stop the suspects' vehicle, it drove away, beginning a chase, deputies said.

Covert Township police officers deployed stop sticks, deflating the suspects' tires, according to deputies. Complete article


Is Walmart A Socially Responsible Company? 02/10/2023

When it comes to convenience and one-stop shopping, there are few retailers more efficient than Walmart. The company is known for its supercenter stores that stock pretty much anything you could ever need, whether you're looking for home goods, clothing, or groceries. With rising concerns around the impact of human activity on climate change, though, pressure is growing for large retailers such as Walmart to prove that their business practices are in line with sustainable climate goals, according to an Ipsos report.

Walmart states that the company is stepping up to the challenge, with a section of its website dedicated to sustainability initiatives and goals, one of which includes beating the target set by the Paris Climate Agreement of reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. The company even set its own sustainability target of net zero emissions by 2040, a full decade early. But the question remains as to whether Walmart is actually helping to make the planet a greener and healthier place, or are its business practices continuing to hasten global warming and its disastrous impacts on society?

Unfortunately, the truth is that Walmart is continuing to prioritize profit over planet, rendering many of its sustainability initiatives ineffective, according to a report from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance. Walmart's business practices, including its eternal focus on expansion, continue to push out competitors with more sustainable practices and put pressure on supply chains to maintain operations with high levels of carbon emissions. Complete article


Bomb threat causes evacuation at South Bismarck ND Walmart 02/09/2023

Gunman Who Shot Up San Angelo Tx. Walmart in July 2022 Sentenced 02/09/2023

Police: Syracuse woman arrested after larceny investigation at Seneca Falls NY Walmart 02/10/2023

Do you recognize them? Temple Tx. PD searching for Walmart theft suspects 02/07/2023

Teen shot during altercation at Calhoun Ga. Walmart 02/12/2023

A Saturday night shooting sent one teenager to the hospital in an incident that police say may be gang-related.

According to Calhoun Police Department reports:

A 15-year-old male was shot in the leg at the Calhoun Walmart, 450 W. Belmont Drive, sometime between 10:30 and 11 p.m., during an interaction with individuals thought to be from out of town.

"From what we've heard, he was part of an altercation with a group from Rome," Calhoun Police Chief Pyle said, adding that the incident was possibly gang related. Complete article

Two teens arrested for Feb. 11 shooting at Calhoun Walmart 02/27/2023


Gunfire erupts outside of Decatur Ga. Walmart as police search for suspects on loose 02/11/2023

DECATUR, Ga. — Panic unfolded in DeKalb County Saturday afternoon after police responded to calls of an active shooter outside of a Walmart in Decatur.

Just before 2:30 p.m., officers responded to the emergency 911 calls at 3580 Memorial Drive. When they arrived however, they were unable to find any shooting victims or suspects, police said.

After looking at store security footage and talking to security, police found that two men had pulled guns and began shooting at each other just outside of the store.

Both suspects ran away from the Walmart and never actually went into the store, police said.

EMS responded to the scene to treat two customers who had panic attacks due to the gunfire. Those were the only injuries reported, according to police. Complete article


"We Just Found a Scammer Device on the Scanner": Walmart Shopper Warns People of Having Their Credit Card Information Stolen While Making Purchases at Checkout 02/1/2023

Scammers have their own methods, going above and beyond to deceive people. One of the most common ways is credit card theft through card skimming, which has recently come to light due to a viral TikTok video filmed inside a Walmart.

The alarming frequency of credit card information theft through skimming is a cause for concern. According to the FBI, this is due to the illegal installation of skimming devices on ATMs, point-of-sale (POS) terminals, or fuel pumps, which enables the capture of cardholder information, including their PINs.

This crime can take on several forms in practice. Thieves may install a tiny, hidden card reader in front of the normal one, letting customers complete their transaction as usual, unaware that their information has been stolen as a result of this transaction.

Another group of thieves takes a more sophisticated approach by getting custom-made replicas of card readers, which they place over the existing ones to capture the customer’s information.

The video posted by TikTok user Tori (@abundancetori) highlighted this type of card skimming, featuring the use of custom-made replicas of card readers in a Walmart store located in Houston, Texas. Complete article

How to Spot a Credit Card Skimmer at Gas Pumps and Avoid Getting Scammed 02/22/2023


Walmart faces 1st lawsuit over eye drops that allegedly killed 1, blinded 5 02/13/2023

A Florida woman filed suit against Walmart and three pharmaceutical companies on Feb. 9 over the sale of eye drops that the CDC has linked to one death and five cases of blindness.

Global Pharma recalled EzriCare and Deldam artificial tears products in early February because of a potential contamination that increases the risk of eye infections, blindness and death. The over-the-counter eye drops are linked to an outbreak of a drug-resistant strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa that has never before been reported in the U.S.

A Florida lawyer and a Texas-based law firm filed on behalf of Florida resident Teresa Phillips, who seeks New Jersey-based EzriCare and EzriRx, New York-based Aru Pharma, and Delaware-based Walmart and Wal-mart Stores East to be held liable for the unsafe eye drops. The suit also seeks the companies to be found guilty of breach of warranty and negligence.

The product gave the defendant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, caused her "itchy and unrelenting pain in her eyes," and she required months of antibiotics and surgery because of the infection, the suit alleges. Complete article


PUT AT RISK I sued Walmart over self-checkout cameras – it records ‘info that is nothing to do with security & makes us vulnerable’ 02/10/2023

A WALMART shopper sued the retailer in 2018 claiming self-checkout security cameras breached California privacy laws.

The customer made a shocking claim that the cameras could see the biometric information of shoppers and leave them vulnerable to identity theft.

Joseph Carlos Velasquez sued Walmart claiming the self-checkout mechanisms force a person to record their likeness any time they ring themselves up, Top Class Actions reported.

Customers' "personal identification information, to wit, their eye color, hair color, and facial features, in conjunction with a credit card transaction" are tracked, the suit said, according to the outlet.

It also added that "granular level" recordings in "accurate detail" are apt to make customers more vulnerable to identity theft, per the lawsuit. .....

In July of that year, Walmart filed a "motion to dismiss" said lawsuit on the grounds that there was no viable proof that features such as eye and hair color could actually be used for identity theft purposes, according to Top Class Actions.

In their motion to drop the lawsuit, Walmart said: "Plaintiff’s failure to plead that he was required, or thought he was required, to use the self-check-out register in order to pay with a credit card is fatal to his Complaint." Complete article


Walmart in Northampton County Pa. evacuated after bomb threat 02/10/2023

GPD investigating unknown man exposing himself to two male teens at Ill. Walmart 02/11/2023

Rock Island man sentenced to 5 years after March 2019 Iowa Walmart riot 02/10/2023

Neighbors react to Timmerman Plaza Wisc. Walmart closing 02/12/2023

Norwood woman accused of stealing from Potsdam NY Walmart 02/12/2023

Denton Md. Walmart cleared following bomb threat 02/13/2023

Police investigating bomb threat at Hampstead Carroll County Md. Walmart 02/13/2023

Walmart shop lifter arrested in Clarence NY 02/13/2023

Shoplifter with two prior theft convictions arrested at Walmart in Ocala Fla. 02/13/2023

Pa. Police: Walmart cashier clerk stole nearly $4,000 02/13/2023

Police seek suspect after flat-screen TV stolen from Rocky Mount NC Walmart, officials say 02/13/2023

Walmart closing seven locations; last pickup and delivery-only locations 02/14/2023

El Paso Tx. Mall Shooting Reignites Terror of Nearby Walmart Massacre 02/15/2023

Amass shooting at a mall in El Paso, Texas, has revived horrific memories of the 2019 massacre that took place at a Walmart next door.

Police said on Wednesday that one person was killed and three others were injured after shots were fired at the food court of Cielo Vista Mall, only steps from the Walmart where white nationalist Patrick Crusius killed 23 people and injured 22 others in an August 2019 mass shooting that targeted Hispanic people.

El Paso police spokesperson Sergeant Robert Gomez told reporters that one person had been taken into custody following the Wednesday shooting, which occurred just after 5 p.m. local time. Little information about the suspect was known, with Gomez adding that it was "too early to speculate on motive," according to the Associated Press. Complete article


Man arrested for armed robbery at Ariz. Walmart on Speedway, Kolb 02/15/2023

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — A man was arrested following a robbery at Walmart, according to the Tucson Police Department.

TPD officers were called about a robbery after 10 p.m. on Feb. 14.

There were no reported injuries and officers found the suspect near the Walmart on Speedway and Kolb, says TPD.

Paul Parsons, 50, was booked on one count of armed robbery. Complete article


Police ask for tips in identifying man who hit small child in LeRay NY Walmart Feb. 11 02/16/2023

New York State Police in Watertown are attempting to identify an individual that was captured on surveillance camera regarding an incident at the Walmart on Rt. 11 in the Town of LeRay in Jefferson County.

The individual in the photo was seen hitting and dragging a small child throughout the store on Feb. 11.

Both the individual and the child left before the patrol arrived. Complete article


WAL-SMART I’m a lawyer – Walmart is hammering down on self-checkout thefts to prove a point and it’s targeting you 02/15/2023

WALMART has been "hammering down" on self-checkout thefts to prove a point, causing legal trouble for shoppers who mistakenly forget to scan an item, a lawyer claims.

Serge J. Hovhanessian, ESQ, is an attorney at Hov Law in Florida who has shared a story on TikTok of a client who allegedly got arrested at Walmart for accidentally forgetting to scan a small item in her $200 order.

"Walmart has recently gotten rid of all their cashiers and has placed self-checkout stations, which are a nightmare," Hovhanessian said in a video.

The lawyer claimed that the problem with the self-checkout stations is that "the average person isn't trained to know how to use them properly. Complete article


Jury holds Walmart liable for online copyright infringement, rejects Walmart's DMCA defense 02/15/2023

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 15, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Roxy Russell, an artist based in Pasadena, CA, designed a line of lamps featured in museums, magazines and hotels around the world. She registered copyrights in both her sculptural works and high-quality photographs of her sculptural works. A federal jury in Los Angeles, CA has now found that Walmart infringed Ms. Russell's copyrighted works. Ms. Russell is represented by Ruttenberg IP Law.

Ms. Russell brought suit against Walmart after spotting her copyrighted photographs on www.walmart.com on listings noted as "Sold & Shipped by Walmart." Ms. Russell also arranged to purchase the items on Walmart.com, only to find that her photographs were being used to sell a knock-off version of her lamps.

At trial, Walmart argued that the listings were posted by a third-party "drop-ship vendor" and asserted that the safe harbor provisions of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (or DMCA) immunize Walmart from liability. But in a rare finding for online marketplaces, the jury rejected that defense, holding Walmart liable for infringing five separate copyrighted works, including the photographs and sculptural works. Complete article


WAGING WAR I sued Walmart over self-checkout – but a crucial flaw in my argument lost my legal battle with the beloved retailer 02/13/2023

A CUSTOMER'S lawsuit against Walmart for wages for using the company's self-checkout machines has been dismissed by a federal judge in California.

US District Judge Jon S. Tigar ruled that labor law does not protect non-employees and it would be absurd to expand the law to include customers at Walmart.

Russell also claimed that Walmart's implementation of self-checkout kiosks is a ploy to reduce labor costs and provide economic benefits to the company.

The customer, Deborah Russell, could only be owed wages if she were considered an employee, but there was no law that would categorize customers as workers.

Russell filed the lawsuit in May, alleging that the use of self-checkout machines legally transformed customers into employees and that Walmart's failure to pay customers violated state labor law and undermined statewide labor markets.

According to Russell, California wage laws define what it means to employ a worker, and the term "employ" can also mean "to suffer or permit" work to be done by another.

Russell claimed that Walmart's cashiers were explicitly considered workers, and their work tasks included handling and scanning products. Complete article


Walmart closing three tech hubs, asking employees to relocate 02/14/2023 Global tech teams will no longer operate out of its Austin, Texas; Carlsbad, California; and Portland, Oregon locations

‘Walkout’ after mass shooting at El Paso Walmart is topic of film to screen in Fort Worth Tx. 02/14/2023

Stockton woman caught stealing cart of goods from Ceres Ca. Walmart 02/14/2023

Ca. Walmart trespasser gave police fake name, had meth in his pocket 02/14/2023

Corning man faces drug charges after NY Walmart incident 02/14/2023

Sheffield man arrested after allegedly ‘delivering’ fentanyl pills at Alabama Walmart 02/13/2023

Wanted Spotsylvania woman arrested after stealing candy from Va. Walmart 02/14/2023

'I'D BURN IT' Walmart’s Break-up Bear leaves people divided as some laugh at controversial gift – but others slam ‘stab in the heart’ 02/14/2023

Pharmacist shortage impacts CVS and Walmart hours 02/15/2023

Gas leak at Walmart in Port St. Lucie, Fla. cleared 02/14/2023

Resident of The Villages arrested after unwelcome return to Fla. Walmart 02/15/2023

Las Vegas Nevada police investigate shooting at Walmart parking lot 02/16/2023

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened at a northwest valley business on Thursday afternoon.

The shooting happened around 1:30 p.m. in the parking lot of the Walmart on West Tropical Parkway. One person was taken to the hospital, sources said.

One person was detained in connection to the shooting, according to police. Complete article


3 arrested after theft from Brea Ca. Walmart leads to pursuit to West Covina 02/15/2023

A police pursuit Wednesday evening led to the arrest of three people suspected of stealing over $900 of merchandise from a Walmart in Brea.

Brea police officers responded to a grand theft report at a Walmart on the 2500 block of East Imperial Highway, at Kraemer Boulevard, at 5:23 p.m., where four suspects had stolen multiple cartloads of merchandise. Police located the suspects’ vehicle on the 57 Freeway and pursued it to Diamond Bar, said Lt. Chris Haddad.

California Highway Patrol officers took over the pursuit, and the suspects eventually bailed on foot in a West Covina neighborhood. Three of the four suspects had been arrested as of Wednesday evening, according to Haddad. Complete article


NY State police seek assistance identifying individual after Walmart incident with child 02/16/2023

WATERTOWN — State police in Watertown are seeking the public’s assistance identifying an individual after an incident at Walmart in LeRay.

According to state police, the individual was seen hitting and dragging a small child throughout the store on Saturday and the individual and the child left before police arrived at the scene.

State police are asking if anyone recognizes the person to contact state police at 315-366-6000. Complete article


‘You’re being watched at Walmart literally 24/7’: Walmart customer says cameras track shoppers and items they pick up 02/17/2023

'They spending more money on surveillance than the workers.'

A user’s TikTok video has gone viral after showcasing Walmart’s security system, alarming viewers on the platform.

Last year, a user went viral after claiming that Walmart’s security system was so high quality and omnipresent that it could see everything customers were doing, including what they were reading on their phones.

Now, another user has sparked discussion after showing the store’s high-end security system in practice.

In a video with over 5.9 million views as of Friday, TikTok user Aubrey (@tht.slowsubi) shows a security camera feed. Complete article


Locals make complaint about Walmart management 02/16/2023

WILMINGTON — Two locals are hoping a recent alleged incident at the local Walmart leads to changes.

On Thursday, Feb. 9, Ken and Diana Winkle told the News Journal they attempted to return an inflatable mattress they purchased from Walmart. The trip took an unfortunate turn that resulted in an ambulance being called.

“It should’ve been a simple exchange or get our money back,” said Ken Winkle.

Ken told the News Journal he contacted Walmart’s corporate office about the return. According to him, corporate advised they would contact the manager concerning the return. Ken said he spoke to another manager at the Wilmington Walmart.

When they arrived and asked for one of the managers they spoke to on the phone, an assistant manager “spoke up” and said “you’re not going to them,” according to Ken. When asked to see another manager they spoke to, that request was allegedly denied as well. .....

“In the meantime, I look over at my wife and she’s starting to shake and that’s the way she gets when she gets a seizure,” said Ken.

Diana Winkle suffered a traumatic brain injury and a seizure disorder when she was a child, and Ken acts as her caregiver.

“As I was talking to (another manager) my wife collapsed to the ground,” said Ken.

Diana told the News Journal she “couldn’t even breathe.” Ken tried to comfort her and said a squad would be on its way.

Ken advised, to the best of his memory, that a manager had him fill out a report before doing something for Diana.

After Ken signed the paperwork and the squad arrived, the manager he was speaking to at the time advised he was barred from the store. Diana wasn’t, but she can’t really go anywhere without Ken since he’s her caregiver, he said. This includes picking up medication. Complete article


Walmart is closing a batch of stores in 2023 — here's the full list 02/15/2023

Walmart Reveals Whether Or Not They’ll Start Charging For Carts After Uproar 02/15/2023

‘Wouldn’t there be like a sign somewhere saying that?’: Customers flock to Walmart believing it’s having a 50% off sale. It’s not 02/15/2023

SP: Queensbury man stole from NY Walmart 20 times 02/15/2023

TV And Other Items Stolen From Walmart - And Other Collegedale Tenn. Police Calls 02/15/2023

Walmart filling positions at Chesapeake Va. location where mass shooting took place 02/16/2023

Roanoke Rapids NC police search for man suspected of stealing items from Walmart 02/16/2023

Ill. Walmart employee steals over $7,800 in merchandise 02/14/2023

Theft Suspect Fight Back, Taunt Ohio Walmart Employees 02/17/2023

Whitehall – Police are asking for ID on two suspects that not only tried to steal from Walmart but harassed the employees and taunted them.

According to the police the two women pictures were caught attempting to steal items from the local Whitehall Walmart when they were confronted by employees they didn’t run, or try to lie they fought back.

Police say that on video they saw the two women harass the employees and threw items at them before leaving the store. Complete article


Couple charged with endangering child after Bellmead Walmart theft 02/17/2023

Bellmead, Tx (FOX44) – The parents of a month-old child remain in the McLennan County Jail following their arrest and refusal to tell officers the location of the infant who was left alone in a car.

An arrest affidavit stated that it all began when loss prevention officers at the Bellmead Walmart store stopped 22-year-old Selena Castillo on suspicion of taking over a hundred dollars worth of merchandise. While inside the loss prevention office, she was allowed to call the father of her baby – who was out in the parking lot waiting for her in the car with her one-month-old child. The affidavit stated that the father, identified as 21-year-old Levi Windmiller, came to the office – leaving the child in the car. Then, what was described as a “physical altercation” occurred. .....

The affidavit said the pair refused to tell officers where the child was, or even give them a description of the car – first saying they were parked in the garden area. The car was actually parked on the far side of the parking lot with the doors unlocked.

The affidavit further stated that while being transported to jail, Castillo is accused of telling the arresting officer, “I am going to kill you and your whole family for this. Don’t worry, I got you.” Complete article


Reward offered after forklift stolen from Walmart parking lot in Franklin Tenn. 02/17/2023

FRANKLIN, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Franklin Police Department and Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for the person responsible for stealing a forklift from a Walmart parking lot.

Police said the forklift was stolen last week. Officials released a video of the theft and hope someone might know who it belongs to. Complete article


62-Year-Old Woman Claims NC Walmart Employee Attacked Her Inside Store 02/17/2023

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 62-year-old woman claims she was attacked inside a Charlotte Walmart by an employee.

“I can’t believe this happened. Never in 1 million years. Why? I didn’t do anything to be attacked,” said Jackson who claims she was punched in the left eye.

Jackson was shopping for curtains at Walmart on East Independence Blvd in Charlotte on Friday afternoon. When she had trouble finding the item, she asked an employee for help.

“I said do you work here. She said I do but I’m busy now,” Jackson said of her interaction with the employee.

Jackson didn’t like the interaction.

“Then when she went down the aisle I told her I said I don’t think that was nice the way you talked to me. Oh well so what?” said Jackson of the employee.

Jackson has limited mobility on her left side after suffering two strokes. She was using a motorized cart at the time of the argument with the employee.

Jackson says the employee refused to give her name, so the 62-year-old pulled out her phone to take a picture of her face and that’s when she says the Walmart employee lunged. The two began tussling over the phone.

“I’m holding it with all my dear life and she’s fighting me and pulling it. I would not let that phone go. The next thing I know she hit me in the face,” said Jackson. Complete article


Man accused of urinating inside a Walmart in Luzerne County Pa. 02/08/2023

HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police charged a man after they say he was found relieving himself inside a Luzerne County Walmart.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on Tuesday around 8:00 p.m., troopers were called to the Walmart on Airport Road in Hazle Township for a man causing a disturbance inside the store.

Troopers say once they arrived on the scene they found a 79-year-old from Bethlehem, urinating on the Redbox machine inside the store. Complete article


CAUGHT ON CAM Exact moment Walmart cameras catch shoppers skip-scanning on self-checkout in attempt to steal $1,400 from store 02/16/2023

AUTHORITIES are on the hunt for two wannabe thieves who brazenly attempted to skip-scan $1,400 worth of merchandise from a Walmart self-checkout machine.

The bold act had unfolded earlier this month at a Walmart in Livonia, Michigan, police said.

Walmart cameras caught the wannabe crooks doing the skip-scan trick at the self-checkout machine.

The women were seen stuffing plush toys, Reese's Peanut Butter Hearts, and several other items into two shopping carts. ....

The skip-scanning or pass-around trick is when a customer deliberately decides not to scan an item at the self-checkout machine and still puts it in their bag or shopping cart.

It’s one of the most common ways of stealing when using the self-checkout line. Complete article


Schenectady woman suing Walmart, Glenville NY store mangers over sexual harassment 02/17/2023

GLENVILLE — A Schenectady woman is suing Walmart and several of the superstore’s managers in Glenville, alleging she was subjected to repeated sexual harassment while working there that escalated to the point she was forced to move on three separate occasions to protect herself and family.

The lawsuit claims the harassment began in June 2021 and continued until the woman resigned from her position in October 2021, and managers refused to intervene despite at least 20 complaints detailing the alleged misconduct.

The woman filed the lawsuit this week in state Supreme Court in Schenectady County. The Daily Gazette is not naming the woman because of the nature of the allegations.

According to the lawsuit, the woman was repeatedly sexually harassed by a maintenance supervisor named Adam, whose last name was not listed, and other managers not only turned a blind-eye to the harassment, but helped foster a hostile work environment by engaging in sexual intercourse with store employees during working hours, according to the lawsuit. Complete article


U.S. Attorney’s Office Resolves ADA Complaint with WalMart, Inc. 02/07/2023

DETROIT – The United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan settled a complaint regarding an allegation that a Walmart store located in Mt. Pleasant, Michigan failed to make reasonable modifications to its policies so that an individual with a mobility disorder had an equal opportunity to access the goods or services that Walmart offered for sale. The settlement agreement resolves the Office’s investigation, prompted by the complaint of an individual with quadriplegia that he was not allowed to purchase alcohol at the Mt. Pleasant Walmart because his aide who was assisting him with shopping was not over 21 years old.

Civil rights enforcement is a priority of my office, which includes ensuring that all public accommodations are fully available to all of our residents.” U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison said. “I commend Walmart for agreeing to take these steps to make its stores more accessible to everyone in the Eastern District of Michigan and across the United States.”

Walmart has fully cooperated with the investigation and has agreed to update its corporate ADA policies to clarify its ongoing responsibilities to make reasonable modifications provide live training on its updated ADA policies for store management and Front End Associates at the Mt. Pleasant Walmart store, assign training on its updated ADA policies for store management and front end associate across the United States, and pay damages to the complainant. Complete article


POLICE BEAT 2-16-23: Shoplifters, trespassers causing trouble at Okla. Walmart 02/15/2023

One Walmart was selling eggs for $2 and people were shell-shocked 02/16/2023 Before you book tickets to central Kentucky so you can make all the quiches and frittatas your heart desires, we can confirm that this particular deal was short-lived — more of the exception than the rule.

Mahoning Pa. Walmart closed for police activity 02/16/2023

Suspects in fake jewelry scam at Rome NY Walmart arrested in Madison County 02/17/2023

Six accused of Pa. Walmart thefts in Luzerne County 02/17/2023

Police looking for Mich. Walmart jewelry thief suspect 02/17/2023

Thieves steal $10,000 of Nintendo Switch consoles by distracting Walmart staff 02/16/2023 A group of five thieves in the city of Windsor near Toronto, Canada allegedly stole $10,000 worth of Nintendo Switch consoles from Walmart.

Clarion Woman Allegedly Caught on Camera Stealing from Pa. Walmart, Faces Felony Retail Theft 02/16/2023

Elderly woman brazenly robbed in Stockton Ca. Walmart, family pushing for arrest 02/20/2023

STOCKTON -- The family of an elderly woman said she was targeted and robbed in a Stockton Walmart on Saturday. They fear it's part of a disturbing trend: a rise in violence toward Asian Americans.

The woman attacked was too shaken up to speak with CBS13, but her niece Shellane who was with her when it all happened says she feels let down that no one stepped in to help.

Shellane has asked we not identify her last name.

The incident happened at the Walmart on Hammer Lane, where visible cameras pointed in all directions and patrolling security were clearly not enough to deter the brazen act. Complete article


Woman charged after fight breaks out at Walmart: Appomattox Va. Sheriff 02/21/2023

APPOMATTOX, Va. (WSET) — Shoppers at the Walmart in Appomattox may have had their time at the store interrupted by a fight that broke out on Monday.

Sheriff Simpson from the Appomattox County Sheriff's Office said a woman was charged with misdemeanor assault, battery and felony property damage.

SEE ALSO: Radford University head basketball coach charged with DUI

Identified as 46-year-old Santra Ferguson, Simpson said she knew the other woman involved in the incident. The cause of the fight isn't yet known. Complete article


On camera: Water gushes from Mass. Walmart ceiling after pipe bursts 02/21/2023

RAYNHAM, Mass. — It was a shock for shoppers at a Massachusetts Walmart when water came gushing from the ceiling.

The incident happened at the Walmart in Raynham on Route 44.

Video from inside the store shows water gushing from above and ceiling tiles crashing to the floor below. Complete article


Kansas lawmakers introduce bill to legalize booze deliveries 02/20/2023

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Kansas lawmakers have introduced a bill that would legalize the home delivery of liquor and malt beverages at the request of Walmart.

On Wednesday, Feb. 15, the Senate Committee on Federal and State Affairs introduced Senate Bill 253 to legalize the home delivery of alcohol. The legislation was requested by Mike O’Neal on behalf of Walmart Stores, Inc.

The bill would authorize the home delivery of alcohol by licensed retailers, licensed clubs, drinking establishments, restaurants and third-party delivery services such as DoorDash or EatStreet.

The legislation would require third-party delivery services to hold a permit to allow the holder to deliver alcohol on behalf of the retailer. All drivers who do deliver alcohol would be required to be at least 21 years old. Complete article


Walmart Ad Revenue Grew 30% To $2.7 Billion in 2022, And Is Buoying Its Profit Margin 02/21/2023

Walmart had a mixed day with investors following its earnings call.

Sales growth plateaued last year while Walmart’s investments in store associate raises, technology and a new system of fulfillment centers are still going up.

But the Walmart Connect advertising business was a bright spot, execs told investors in the retailer’s earnings report on Tuesday, with growth of 30% YoY to $.7 billion in 2022. In the US, Walmart Connect’s Q4 ad revenue increased 41% from 2021. Complete article


Pa. Walmart employee accused of stealing over $700 in sports cards 02/18/2023

NC man sentenced after drug deal at Walmart led to victim’s death in late 2021 from heroin, fentanyl 02/18/2023

Southwest Cedar Rapids Iowa Walmart evacuated because of suspicious package 02/1/2023

Potsdam woman accused of theft at NY Walmart 02/20/2023

Police: Children left in running car at Walmart in Boynton Beach, Fla. two people arrested 02/20/2023

Roanoke Rapids NC police want identity of suspect in Walmart larceny 02/20/2023

Walmart’s stock reverses early losses as analysts welcome market-share growth in grocery 02/21/2023

Man shot, killed in Tx. Walmart parking lot on city’s Southeast Side, SAPD says 02/22/2023

SAN ANTONIO – A man was shot and killed in a Walmart parking lot on the city’s Southeast Side late Tuesday night, according to San Antonio police.

Officers were called around 11 p.m. to a Walmart Supercenter in the 3300 block of Southeast Military Drive, not far from Interstate 37 after receiving word of shots fired.

According to police, officers arrived to find an unidentified man fatally shot. A motive for the shooting is not currently known.

SAPD said at this time, there is no information on a possible suspect. Investigators are now checking surveillance cameras to get a better idea of how the shooting happened. Complete article


Firefighter injured, 1 arrest made after fire at New Tazewell Tenn. Walmart 02/22/2023

NEW TAZEWELL, Tenn. (WATE) — A fire in a bathroom at the New Tazewell Walmart store last week has resulted in the arrest of one suspect, according to the Tazewell/New Tazewell Fire Department.

The agency posted an update on the fire overnight Wednesday. According to fire officials, firefighters were dispatched on Wednesday, Feb. 15 around 7:15 p.m. to the Walmart store located in the 400 block of S. Broad Street. Dispatch advised them that there was a waterflow alarm and smoke reported at the rear of the store and that a fire was in a bathroom.

“Upon arrival, the chief officer assumed command of the incident with nothing visible from the exterior,” the Tazewell/New Tazewell Fire Department post stated. “Firefighters entered the building from the front and found smoke in the rear near the restroom area with an active sprinkler head in the bathroom. Firefighters entered the bathroom and found a heavy smoke condition and confirmed the fire was out in order to allow them to shut down the sprinkler system.”

One firefighter was taken to the emergency room with a hand injury after the building was ventilated and cleared. Complete article


Winston-Salem police search for 3 teen suspects after fire set in NC Walmart 02/21/2023

WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. (WGHP) — Winston-Salem police are searching for three teen suspects after a fire was set inside a Walmart on Tuesday, according to a Winston-Salem Police Department news release.

Around 6:04 p,m,, officers were called to the Walmart on 320 E. Hanes Mill Rd. to help Winston-Salem firefighters with a fire inside the store.

The store was evacuated, and police learned three teenagers had intentionally set a box on fire inside the furniture section of the store.

The only thing that burned was the box. The fire department put out the fire, and there were no injuries. Complete article


Coral Springs Fla. Police: Walmart Store Partially Evacuated After Suicidal Man Made Threats 02/21/2023

CORAL SPRINGS, FL – A Walmart Supercenter in Coral Springs was partially evacuated this week, so police could help a suicidal man making threats.

A spokesman for Coral Springs Police Department said officers involuntarily committed a man under Florida’s Baker Act law on Monday at the Walmart store at 3801 Turtle Creek Drive.

The man was suicidal and making threats when he entered the store’s garden center around 4 p.m, the spokesman said. Complete article


‘You all abuse the power’: Walmart worker slams customers who order too much for pick-up 02/22/2023

'What's worse is when they ask what's taking so long. Like you know damn why.'

A Walmart employee’s video showing a large pickup order and criticizing the grocery chain’s lack of a limit on the amount of merchandise that can be purchased and picked up has resonated with viewers on TikTok.

The clip, shared by user Liz (@worsepersonintheworld), has drawn over 600,000 views on the platform. The video shows more than 10 order totes stacked and waiting for pickup, with the TikToker noting that the items are all for one order. Complete article


Wall St tumbles as rising yields pressure growth stocks 02/21/2023

Crews respond to odor investigation at West Mifflin Pa. Walmart 02/20/2023

Man arrested for exposing himself in Cobb Ga. Walmart. Again. 02/20/2023

Shoplifting suspect with child in shopping cart arrested in theft of items at Fla. Walmart 02/21/2023

Tyler man accused of using phone to record child at Tx. Walmart 02/20/2023

Loudoun Va. deputy seriously injured in Walmart shooting in Jan. 2021 returns to work 02/22/2023

Police arrest man for shooting inside Santa Fe NM Walmart 02/23/2023

SANTA FE, N.M. — A shooting took place inside a Walmart store on Herrera Road Wednesday evening.

The alleged shooter Eric Rosas entered the Walmart around 5 p.m. and told employees to call the police. He then went to the restroom and fired off one shot there.

Store employees then worked to evacuate all customers safely. No one was injured in the shooting. The shooting ended with the arrest of Rosas after he crashed into a guard rail nearby. Complete article

Police: Walmart shooting suspect's case dismissed under DA's DWI policy 02/23/2023

DA plans to re-file charges against man accused of firing gun in Walmart 02/25/2023


Police: Man found dead in Sherman Tx. parking lot 02/22/2023

SHERMAN, Texas (KTEN) — Sherman police are investigating after a man was found dead Monday evening in the Walmart parking lot at the intersection of U.S. 75 and U.S. 82.

Officers found the individual inside his car around 6:30 p.m. after receiving a welfare concern.

"The Criminal Investigation Division responded to investigate, and that investigation is still ongoing," said police spokesperson Sgt. Brett Mullen. "Thus far, there's no indication of signs of foul play." Complete article

Body found in car at Sherman Tx. Walmart identified 02/28/2023


Former Alabama Walmart employee arrested for production of child pornography inside store 02/23/2023

CULLMAN, Ala. (WBMA) — A Walmart employee has been arrested after allegedly producing child pornography at the store, according to the Cullman Police Department.

Ethan Edward Richardson, 25, was arrested for production of child pornography, possession of child pornography, and aggravated criminal surveillance.

Police said the charges all come from an incident which took place at the Walmart on Feb. 4. There is currently only one known victim but police urge anyone who think they might be a victim, and have not reported it yet, to let them know immediately.

Adam Clark, the Public Relations Officer for the Cullman Police Department, said officers were on the scene of a theft at the Walmart on Olive Street when someone approached officers about Richardson and a recording device. Police said the device in question belonged to Richardson.

"There's no other recording device, there's not a device that been installed anywhere in the store, this is a device that belonged to this subject," Clark explained.

Mckenzie Smith is the mother to two young children, and shops at the Walmart Supercenter on Olive Street frequently. She said she remembers seeing Ethan Richardson at the store on different occasions while she was with her kids.

"I probably won't let nobody talk to my kids. I mean I already have the mom instinct of not letting them run off, having them close to me, but now I cant even let a worker come up and speak them," Smith said. "That just irritates me." Complete article


Man hunt in Mountain Home, Arkansas Walmart leads to arrest of South Carolina fugitive 02/23/2023

The Baxter County Sheriff’s Office has made two arrests in connection with a man hunt occurring in Mountain Home on Wednesday.

According to the sheriff’s office, Wednesday afternoon, authorities arrested 27-year-old Juan Carlos Morales on outstanding felony warrants from the state of South Carolina.

The arrest came about after the sheriff’s office received a complaint at approximately 2 from a woman alleging Morales had brought her and her two small children against their will to Baxter County from South Carolina because he was fleeing from outstanding warrants. According to the release, they had been living and hiding out in the State Highway 101 North area near Lake Norfork. The woman told deputies she had left the residence to visit a store. After she left and did not quickly return, the woman alleged Morales began sending her threatening text messages and she became concerned for the welfare of her children and herself.

Officials state, while the woman was speaking with deputies, she received a text video from Morales showing him to be inside the Mountain Home Walmart Store. He had allegedly been given a ride to Walmart by another person. Deputies and other officers converged on Walmart in an attempt to locate Morales and the children, who were potentially endangered. Complete article


Walmart shopping app hacked: Fairview Park Ohio Police Blotter 02/22/2023

At 11:20 a.m. Feb. 18, a resident reported that her Walmart shopping app had been hacked and a purchase was made.

She said that on Feb. 17, an order was placed for a kid’s wheelbarrow, totaling $43.19. The order was then shipped that morning.

She was able to contact Walmart Customer Support and was told that since the order had been shipped, an intercept order would be placed with FedEx to potentially stop the delivery. If the item did not get delivered, she would receive a refund.

If the order was too far into the process and was delivered to the Broadview Heights address, the order may not be refunded. The delivery date was set for Feb. 19.

The $43.19 had cleared the women’s checking account due to a debit card being used for the purchase. Complete article


Fall candles sold at Walmart recalled over fire, injury risk 02/23/2023

RIDGEFIELD PARK, N.J. (WXIN) – More than a million candles are being recalled because they may shatter during use, posing a risk of fire or injury.

The recall involves over 1.2 million Mainstays Three-Wicked Candles, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Thursday. The candles were sold in glass jars with Halloween and autumn themes, including “Jack-O-Lantern,” “Mystic Fog,” “Warm Apple Pie,” “Warm Fall Leaves,” “Fall Farm House,” “Pumpkin Spice” and “Magic Potion.”

The recalled items were sold between September and November 2022 at Walmart stores and online at Walmart.com, the CPSC’s notice said. Complete article


Man leaves Ga. Walmart with two televisions 02/22/2023

1 in custody following bomb threat at Vicksburg Mississippi Walmart 02/21/2023

EPD seeks info on two women seen leaving Kasas Walmart 02/21/2023

Walmart to close 2 Portland Oregon stores and lay off nearly 600 workers 02/22/2023

Walmart manager in ‘complete disbelief’ after checking Idaho lottery ticket on break 02/23/2023

Shots fired at Anderson Ind. Walmart during robbery; suspect fled 02/23/2023

ANDERSON, Ind. (WISH) — Multiple shots were fired in the parking lot of Anderson’s Walmart store during a robbery on Thursday afternoon, Anderson police say.

A suspect believed to be a man in his 20s fled with an undisclosed amount of cash taken from a man and a woman who are both 18.

No one was hurt in the gunfire.

Police were called just before 5 p.m. Thursday to the Walmart off State Road 9/Scatterfield Road near 53rd Street. The store is at 2321 Charles St. Complete article


Officer assaulted outside Jacksonville Fla. Walmart, man arrested, police say 02/23/2023

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office says a man has been arrested and faces charges including attempted murder of a police officer following an assault Thursday outside the Walmart Supercenter on Philips Highway.

Police told News4JAX that Joseph Merrill, 40, was arrested after he assaulted an officer who was called to the store about a reported shoplifting. Police said Merrill knocked the officer down and was beating her when a detective arrived and subdued Merrill.

The officer, investigators said, was hospitalized for treatment of serious injuries. The Sheriff’s Office said due to Marsy’s Law, police are unable to identify the officer. Complete article

JSO officer assaulted by man accused of shoplifting at Walmart goes home to finish recovery 02/26/2023

JSO officer beaten at Walmart is released from hospital 02/27/2023 The merchandise was worth $176.45, according to the incident report.


Dick's to buy speciality outdoor retailer Moosejaw from Walmart 02/22/2023

PITTSBURGH (BRAIN) — Dick's Sporting Goods said it has agreed to acquire the specialty outdoor retailer Moosejaw from Walmart.

Walmart had acquired Moosejaw — which sells brands normally sold in speciality outdoor stores, including bike products, in brick-and-mortar locations and online — for $51 million in 2017. Dick's opened its own specialty retail chain, called Public Lands, 2021. Public Lands has seven stores and sells bike brands including Cannondale.

"We admire what Moosejaw has accomplished over the past 30 years as leaders in the outdoor industry and look forward to the opportunity to share insights and learn from one another," said Todd Spaletto, president of Public Lands and Senior Vice President of Dick's Sporting Goods. "We believe there's potential to grow the Moosejaw business and provide compelling experiences and an expanded product assortment to its millions of loyal customers." Complete article


The Maine attraction! Pause a moment for the Walmart parking lot 'Stop' sign has been hit 130 times! East Coast woman even begged for its removal in her OBITUARY 02/23/2023

What's up with the Auburn Walmart pole? 02/23/2023

Deputies responding to suspicious vehicle at Walmart in Anderson Co. SC 02/23/2023

A mother records a man following her daughter in a Walmart and she is horrified when she looks him up online 02/23/2023

Sedalia Woman Accused of Theft at Missouri Walmart Self-Check Registers 02/23/2023

East Memphis Tenn. Walmart shooting: Gunshots fired inside store, suspect fled, police say 02/25/2023

Authorities have responded to a Walmart in Memphis after receiving multiple calls of a man firing off a gun inside the store, officials said.

Memphis Police Department officers arrived at the scene around 8:54 p.m. and the store, located at 7525 Winchester Road, was placed under lockdown, an officer at the scene told reporters.

The suspect fled the scene, Memphis police said. A description was not provided. Complete article

Shots fired inside Winchester Walmart 02/25/2023


Frankfort man reportedly threatens Ky. Walmart delivery driver with gun 02/24/2023

LAWRENCEBURG, Ky. (FOX 56) – Kentucky State Police were called to investigate a man reportedly pointing a gun at an individual on Thursday in Lawrenceburg.

KSP, along with the Lawrenceburg Police Department and the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, responded to a call of wanton endangerment and criminal mischief after Jacob Murphy, 32, allegedly threatened a Walmart delivery driver with a gun and damaged the driver’s vehicle.

Authorities said a barricade incident ensued, but police were able to call Murphy. According to arrest records, he said, “I have 270 rounds in my pockets, and I don’t need any of them.” He also claimed he had multiple firearms and was not leaving his home. Complete article


Man accused of threatening Pa. Walmart employee with gun 02/24/2023

HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — State police arrested a man they say pulled a gun on a Walmart employee over a disabled motorized cart.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on Thursday around 9:56 p.m., troopers were called to Walmart in Hazle Township for a man that allegedly pulled out a gun during an argument with an employee.

Through an investigation, police said a man, identified as Richarzon Rosario-Polanco, 24, of Hazleton, became angry while he was using a motorized cart and it stopped working. Complete article


Police rescue 14-year-old at Ga. Walmart from 3 men who allegedly forced her into prostitution after she went missing 02/24/2023

A missing 14-year-old girl was rescued from three men suspected of sex trafficking her over nearly two weeks in Gwinnett County in Georgia.

Lawrenceville Police said they were alerted to the presence of a "distraught" child at the Walmart on Collins Hill Road on Wednesday evening, according to WSB-TV.

Police said they discovered the girl had been reported missing from Cobb County, and they arrested three men who were with her.

They believe that the men forced her into prostitution at an apartment on Maddox Street. Complete article


Chattanooga Tenn. woman claiming she was hit by shopping carts suing Walmart for $3-million 02/22/2023

A Chattanooga woman who's suing Walmart Stores East, LP claims she is still receiving medical treatment after being hit by several grocery carts back in 2020.

Christine Christopher said she was on her way into the Walmart off of Brainerd Road when she was unexpectedly hit.

On February 23, 2020 Christopher was grabbing a grocery cart to go shopping in Walmart.

In a video you can she was hit by a group of carts being pushed by an employee. Complete article


U.P. city facing ‘potentially devastating’ reduction in Mich. Walmart property taxes 02/24/2023

HOUGHTON, MI – Walmart is attempting to reduce the property taxes is pays on a store in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The local government says this is a breach of contract and would be “potentially devastating” to public services, according to a news release.

If Walmart is successful in its appeal to reduce the taxable value of its store at 995 Razorback Drive in Houghton, it would mean a six-year retroactive $1.2 million refund and a reduction in future property taxes, the release said.

The city of Houghton, population 8,200, would be forced to make budget cuts to public services, officials said. Local schools, veterans’ services, county medical care facilities and the local library would also be affected. Complete article


Walmart Is Shutting Down 9 Locations (So Far) This Year — Is Yours One? 02/2/2023

Walmart closures will impact a total of nine locations this year, including seven traditional retail locations and two places, in Illinois and Arkansas, that operate as "pickup only."

Insider has reported that a small chunk of stores has closed each year since at least 2019. The company has not said exactly why the locations are closing. .......

Here's the full list of locations that Walmart has confirmed will close this year or have already closed:

Bentonville, Arkansas. 3701 SE Dodson Road
Pinellas Park, Florida. 6900 US Highway 19 North
Homewood, Illinois. 17550 South Halsted Street
Plainfield, Illinois. 12690 South Route 59
Lincolnwood, Illinois. 840 N. McCormick Boulevard
Albuquerque, New Mexico. 301 San Mateo Boulevard SE
Portland, Oregon. 1123 N. Hayden Meadows Drive
Portland, Oregon. 4200 SE 82nd Avenue
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 10330 W. Silver Spring Drive Complete article


Walmart Bethlehem Pa. Distribution Center Employees Forced to Find New Jobs in 90 Days Despite Company Denying Mass Layoff 02/25/2023

An unknown number of personnel at Walmart's south Bethlehem distribution site will have 90 days to locate other employment with the company.

Workers on specific shifts were informed by the retail behemoth on Tuesday that they would have the option to transfer to another warehouse, a store, or leave the organization. On Wednesday, they were informed that Walmart would cover their expenses for up to 90 days while they looked for work.

A representative for Walmart said that staff members were being changed, but she would not specify how many. He asserted that the warehouse at 3215 Commerce Center Blvd. is still open and refuted claims that there had been a mass layoff. Complete article


Shoplifting suspect tracked after fleeing Walmart at Buffalo Ridge Fla. 02/23/2023

Gas company called as emergency crews evacuate West Mifflin Pa. Walmart 02/20/2023

Tx. Walmart employee reportedly stole more than $1K with false transactions 02/25/2023

Court docs: Drug deal gone bad led to Fort Wayne Ind. Walmart shooting last Nov. 02/24/2023

Police chief: Man shot and killed by police in Ohio Walmart parking lot 02/25/2023

MIDDLETOWN, Ohio — A man is dead after he was shot by police in a Walmart parking lot.

Middletown police Chief David Birk confirmed to WLWT a man died at the scene after a shooting involving at least one officer.

It happened outside the Walmart on Towne Boulevard in Middletown.

Birk said a Middletown police officer conducted a traffic stop around 5:20 p.m. in the parking lot of the Walmart.

"During the traffic stop, officer fired rounds at the vehicle," Birk said. Complete article

Man killed in officer-involved shooting outside Middletown Walmart identified 02/27/2023 The police report says as officers tried to Lykins out of the car, he allegedly pulled out a gun and officers fired their weapons. “During the course of the traffic stop, shots were fired from an occupant of the vehicle,” Birk said.


Suspects ID’d in Sunday morning Ga. Walmart shooting 02/26/2023

HEPHZIBAH, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - Richmond County deputies responded to reports of a fight turned into a shooting on Windsor Spring Road on Sunday Morning.

According to the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to the Walmart on the 3600 block of Windsor Spring Road, in reference to a fight just before 10:00 a.m.

Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, Roshawn White, with two others in the Walmart parking lot with two gunshot wounds, one in each leg.

White was transported to the hospital for treatment of what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. Complete article


Suspected drunk driver crashes Tesla into Girl Scout table at Granite Bay Walmart, injuring 3 02/25/2023

GRANITE BAY — Three people were injured after a suspected drunk driver crashed a Tesla into a Girl Scout table outside a Walmart in Granite Bay, authorities said Saturday.

Two of the victims were children who suffered moderate injuries. The third victim was a woman who suffered major injuries. All three have since been taken to area hospitals, according to the California Highway Patrol's Auburn division.

It happened shortly before 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Walmart at Douglas and Sierra College boulevards. Complete article


Two suspects arrested after shoplifting at Fla. Walmart, harming child 02/24/2023

Two men wanted for committing fraud at Walmart in Ocala Fla. 02/24/2023

$1 shopping carts coming soon to Walmart: Sign spotted in store foreshadows upcoming carriage rental fee 02/25/2023 This may be misleading, most of them are in Canada, although other reports indicate a few might be in USA, but tehy're probably demanding a deposit, which you can get back when you return it. Walmart has put out conflicting stories about this and many other things, so it's hard to trust them or completely rule out rumors.

Alleged Tx. Walmart thief arrested on outstanding warrants 02/20/2023

Three Arrested after Physical Altercation at Ga. Walmart 02/27/2023

Jonathan Taylor Smith, 18, Gabriel Guzman-Leon, 19, and Jorge Luis Ledezma Fortanel, 21, all of Rome, were arrested this week after reports said they injured a 20 year-old man during a dispute at the West Rome Walmart.

Reports said that they hit and kicked the victim during the altercation.

All are charged with battery Complete article


Westbound lanes of Rte. K blocked by crash near Missouri Walmart 02/28/2023

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KFVS) - Westbound lanes of Route K are blocked by a crash on Tuesday afternoon, February 28.

According to Cape Girardeau police, they are working a crash on Rte. K near Walmart.

They’re asking drivers to use a different route, if possible. Complete article


Alligator living at Walmart in NC stirs debate, as many demand it be allowed to stay 02/28/2023

There’s an alligator living outside a Walmart in Eastern North Carolina and, as strange as it sounds, a lot of people are demanding it be allowed to stay.

City officials in Havelock, located about 130 miles southeast of Raleigh, announced the discovery Feb. 24 in a social media post.

“An alligator was spotted in the retention pond at the Havelock Wal-Mart,” the city wrote. “For your safety, please do not approach or feed the alligator.”

However, many in Havelock are making it clear they don’t want “their” alligator relocated. Alligators are native to North Carolina and this one has apparently been around long enough to earn a name. Some call it Ollie and others refer to it as Henry.

“If someone gets attacked, more than likely they jumped the fence and they will deserve whatever Ollie Gator gives them!” Frank L Sullivan Sr. wrote on the city’s Facebook page. Complete article


Rare Jurassic-era insect found at Arkansas Walmart 02/28/2023

It had long been avoiding Targets.

A gigantic insect from a species that once flourished in the age of the dinosaurs was found for the first time in decades on the façade of an Arkansas Walmart, renewing hope that there may be relic populations of the bug undiscovered in the Ozark Mountains.

The giant lacewing had never been spotted in the state and hadn’t been seen in eastern North America in over 50 years until it was plucked up at a Fayetteville big box store by Michael Skvarla, director of Penn State’s Insect Identification Lab, according to a Monday press release from the university.

“I remember it vividly because I was walking into Walmart to get milk and I saw this huge insect on the side of the building,” Skvarla said.

However, the significance of the 2012 finding was lost on the then-doctoral student at the University of Arkansas at the time. Complete article


Canned shrimp sold at Walmart, other locations recalled over possible spoilage 02/27/2023

SALT LAKE CITY (KTVX/KUCW) — A New York shellfish producer is recalling canned shrimp after reports of canning problems, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced Monday.

Kawasho Foods USA Inc. is recalling one lot of 4-ounce metal cans of GEISHA Medium Shrimp. According to the FDA, the voluntary recall is due to reports of swelling, leaking or bursting cans. It added that there is a chance the product has been under-processed, causing the “potential for spoilage organisms or pathogens.” Complete article


‘You ain’t gonna catch me participating in this bullsh*t’: Walmart customer shares hack to avoid using coin-activated carts 02/28/2023

Coin-operated shopping carts are way more controversial than we thought.

Last month, a TikToker went viral with an unconfirmed claim that Canadian Walmart stores would start charging $1 to use their shopping carts. This rumor caused a furor among Walmart shoppers, mostly based on a misunderstanding of how coin-operated carts actually work.

In reality, you get the coin back when you return the cart. This small deposit is an anti-theft measure, and it’s commonplace in other countries like the U.K.—although it isn’t really a thing at American Walmarts. At any rate, this rumor is still going strong, sparking another viral TikTok sharing a lifehack on how to avoid spending money on shopping carts.

Now viewed more than 1.5 million times, this TikTok by user Amy Snowden (@disconipplechops91) is captioned, “so apparently walmart is gonna start charging to use carts like Aldi…just use a rolling laundry tote phuck em…”

“You ain’t gonna catch me participating in this bullshit,” she says in the clip, explaining her solution. “I will take my fat disgruntled ass over to the housewares department and I will grab a rolling sterilite laundry bin.” Then she’ll use the laundry bin as a shopping cart, and leave it at the counter when she’s finished shopping. Problem solved! Complete article


Woman wanted for stealing $700 worth of merchandise at Streetsboro Ohio Walmart, police say 02/26/2023

Four accused of Walmart thefts in Luzerne County Pa. 02/27/2023

46-year-old woman arrested for theft at Hartselle Alabama Walmart 02/28/2023

Walmart is closing a batch of stores in 2023 — here's the full list 02/28/2023 Walmart will close eight stores in five states and Washington, DC. The company is also winding down its two remaining pickup locations in Illinois and Arkansas.

St. Cloud Man Accused of Threatening Minn. Walmart Employee With Knife 02/28/2023

ST. CLOUD (WJON News) -- A St. Cloud man is accused of threatening a Walmart employee with a knife on Sunday.

Officers were called to the St. Cloud Walmart store at around 10:45 p.m. An employee told officers that two men had followed him into the bathroom. One of the men, 20-year-old Isse Duale is accused of showing a knife and telling the worker to come outside so they could kill him.

Court records show the employee turned around and tried to fight with Duale in an attempt to escape the bathroom. Duale and the other man then left the scene.

Video surveillance allegedly shows Duale with a folding knife in his hand. Complete article


Walmart can't beat fine over warehouse worker injury 02/24/2023

Feb 24 (Reuters) - Walmart Inc (WMT.N) must pay about $11,000 in fines for failing to prevent heavy boxes from falling 40 feet and seriously injuring an employee at a New York warehouse, the U.S. workplace safety regulator said on Friday.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) said a review board had rejected Walmart's challenge to a penalty the agency levied in response to the 2017 incident.

The case spawned a novel ruling from a U.S. appeals court last year that expanded companies' liability for neglecting to safely store items in warehouses. Complete article