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CNN
7 hours ago
- Business
- CNN
The McDonald's Snack Wrap is returning next month
McDonald's is bringing back a long-requested, cult favorite food item: the Snack Wrap. 'It's back,' the company said in a two-word statement Tuesday, echoing the words of another Chicago symbol, Michael Jordan, in his NBA comeback fax. The wrap will return to McDonald's menus on July 10 as the company struggles to turnaround a sluggish start to the year. It's a simple formula: Chicken, lettuce, cheese and a tortilla. The fast food giant removed Snack Wraps from its lineup in 2016 after franchisees reportedly complained they were too complicated to make. However, some locations continued to serve the wraps until 2020 when McDonald's eliminated the item completely. The opening in the snack wrap market allowed competition to jump in, such as Wendy's grilled chicken ranch wrap in 2023 (at the time, its global chief marketing officer told CNN the chain 'didn't want to mess around with a McBland snack wrap dupe.') But fans never forgot the original Snack Wrap. A petition to bring the item back to menus has almost 19,000 signatures, with fans signing on as recently as two months ago. 'To my beloved McDonald's Snack Wrap… you were the ideal snack, the perfect meal on the go, the comfort food I didn't know I needed until you were gone. McDonald's, why did you take away such perfection?' one petitioner commented. A rush of fans clamoring to get their hands on a returning favorite could provide a much-needed boost for McDonald's. In May, the restaurant chain reported a sales decline for the second straight quarter – its worst loss since Covid – as customers pulled back spending on purchases like eating out as they feel shaky about the economy. So McDonald's is going all out with the Snack Wrap hype. The company posted a more than 350-word X post, allegedly penned by a social media manager who 'made 486 decks on 'reasons why to bring back the Snack Wrap.'' Regardless if the post is entirely true, it did underscore how dedicated the fanbase is toward the Snack Wrap. 'Your endless comments, tweets, and posts were the fuel i needed to keep on going,' the post said. 'you created a movement.' CNN's Jordan Valinsky contributed to this report.
CNN
7 hours ago
- Business
- CNN
The McDonald's Snack Wrap is returning next month
McDonald's is bringing back a long-requested, cult favorite food item: the Snack Wrap. 'It's back,' the company said in a two-word statement Tuesday, echoing the words of another Chicago symbol, Michael Jordan, in his NBA comeback fax. The wrap will return to McDonald's menus on July 10 as the company struggles to turnaround a sluggish start to the year. It's a simple formula: Chicken, lettuce, cheese and a tortilla. The fast food giant removed Snack Wraps from its lineup in 2016 after franchisees reportedly complained they were too complicated to make. However, some locations continued to serve the wraps until 2020 when McDonald's eliminated the item completely. The opening in the snack wrap market allowed competition to jump in, such as Wendy's grilled chicken ranch wrap in 2023 (at the time, its global chief marketing officer told CNN the chain 'didn't want to mess around with a McBland snack wrap dupe.') But fans never forgot the original Snack Wrap. A petition to bring the item back to menus has almost 19,000 signatures, with fans signing on as recently as two months ago. 'To my beloved McDonald's Snack Wrap… you were the ideal snack, the perfect meal on the go, the comfort food I didn't know I needed until you were gone. McDonald's, why did you take away such perfection?' one petitioner commented. A rush of fans clamoring to get their hands on a returning favorite could provide a much-needed boost for McDonald's. In May, the restaurant chain reported a sales decline for the second straight quarter – its worst loss since Covid – as customers pulled back spending on purchases like eating out as they feel shaky about the economy. So McDonald's is going all out with the Snack Wrap hype. The company posted a more than 350-word X post, allegedly penned by a social media manager who 'made 486 decks on 'reasons why to bring back the Snack Wrap.'' Regardless if the post is entirely true, it did underscore how dedicated the fanbase is toward the Snack Wrap. 'Your endless comments, tweets, and posts were the fuel i needed to keep on going,' the post said. 'you created a movement.' CNN's Jordan Valinsky contributed to this report.
The Sun
4 days ago
- Lifestyle
- The Sun
War erupts in UK's ‘caravan city' as van-dwellers torch rival homes & turn hippy paradise into rat-plagued ‘no-go zone'
RESIDENTS who live near the UK's biggest 'caravan city' say the once serene grassland has become a no-go area overrun by warring drug dealers, council-tax dodgers, human waste and rats. Bristol has the highest number of van dwellers, believed to be a population of 680-700, and the majority are parked on the roads weaving around Durdle Down, known as The Downs. 14 14 14 The sheer number of vans and the problems they allegedly bring has resulted in fury from residents and visitors, who are now locked in a battle to reclaim their once-tranquil 442 acres of common land. One claims it's reached a "crisis" point, with 'slum-letting' rife, drug-dealing and arson attacks on vans turning it into a "no-go zone". In February police and the fire service were called to the Clifton Downs where a caravan was in flames. Engineer Tony Nelson, 52, is a local resident who launched a petition on which has almost 6,500 signatures from 44 different countries. Supporters, calling themselves the Protect the Downs group, aim to force the council to clamp down on the five-hour parking restrictions, effectively pushing van dwellers out. Tony told The Sun: 'We feel it's a shame that such a rare and precious space is allowed to fall into massive disrepair. 'There have been van dwellers living here for a couple of decades, and we're quite proud of the fact that people have passed through and visited and stayed a couple of nights. 'But the council stopped enforcement a few years ago, and people have gone, 'That's a nice green space, I fancy living there' and 'I don't fancy paying rent anymore', or, 'I'm struggling to pay rent, so actually, I'm going to check out, and I won't pay council tax, and I'm going to go live in a van.' 'That has just proliferated and grown, and everyone's jumped on that bandwagon. What's gone from a couple of responsible van dwellers has ballooned into what I can only describe as a crisis.' The Downs, with its tree-lined streets and a view over the Avon Gorge, is used for educational visits, with Sir David Attenborough once calling it the 'jewel in the city's crown'. We live in 'Caravan City' - locals moan but it's too expensive to rent 14 14 But now there's an underbelly of crime and filth, according to locals, who pay around £4,000 a year in council tax. Tony said: 'It's too scary, because there are people who don't want to be found by the police. We know there's drug dealing that goes on, there's fighting between people who do that. 'They burn each other's caravans down. They've said things like, 'We've got axes and baseball bats.' It's a frightening place. 'It's not a them and us situation, and a lot of people would be offended if they felt that they were being tarred with that brush, but we can't say that it's safe. They burn each other's caravans down. They've said things like, 'We've got axes and baseball bats.' It's a frightening place Tony Nelson, local resident 'There are elderly and single females who really don't want to use the Downs, especially at nighttime, because it's quite a scary place. 'You can't let your kids play in the bushes because it's full of human waste. "There are rats because of abandoned caravans and piles of rubbish. 'Children don't want to walk to school this way anymore, it's a long way round for them now, and it pushes around onto more dangerous roads. "This should be a nice, simple, safe cut through, but it's scary for them. 14 14 'It's not just about the people around the downs. There are 30,000 people in the parishes that surround the downs. Most of those people don't have gardens. They live in flats. 'People want to come and use this space, and they're being denied that privilege because people think it's okay to come and check out of society, live here and not pay the council tax. 'Imagine if I quite fancied living in Kensington, what would happen if I just rocked up there in a caravan?" Locals also suspect 'slum-letting' is taking place, reporting a high-end silver Range Rover dropping caravans off to house outsiders in. On the sunny day The Sun visited, a Range Rover was parked between two empty caravans covered in tree seeds, suggesting it hadn't been driven in a while. Meanwhile travellers camped on the grass for a month until a week ago, churning up the land on their quad bikes and reportedly abusing residents who tackled them. A recent fire brought emergency services racing to The Downs when a barbecue lit by a group of students set fire to the crisp dry grass. But the permanence of the caravans is what concerns residents in one of the most affluent areas of the city. Passing through The Downs on a 10,500-kilometre cycle trip across Europe, retired headteacher Mark Ingram, 65, from Leicester, was shocked to see the number now lining the streets. 14 'I've come through Portugal, France and Spain. I've seen this in the news briefly but it's a stunning sight. I've not seen anything like this. I've been astounded. 'I feel for the residents and for the people living in these conditions, being hated by the people who live here. It's not good. 'We should look to Europe to see how to solve this housing crisis.' Some of the vans and make-shift caravans house professionals, including a maths tutor and IT expert, working from their converted vans, lorries or horseboxes. But many are vulnerable, suffering from mental health issues, homelessness and drug addiction. 'Slum letting' 14 14 Michael Freeman says he lived in his caravan in Warminster until he was evicted from the land it was on by the owner, who then towed him to The Downs and left him there. 'He told me I was going to live on a proper site, and dumped me here five weeks ago. I have no heating, no water and have to walk to town to find food," he explained. 'Being left here badly affected my mental health and to be honest, if it wasn't for my dog Bobby, I wouldn't still be here. 'I can understand why the locals don't like it - I don't even want to be here, I want to be housed. Being left here badly affected my mental health and to be honest, if it wasn't for my dog Bobby, I wouldn't still be here Michael Freeman, van dweller 'I am with the homeless shelter St Mungo's, so I can shower there, but it's not a great situation to be in.' But other van-lifers and residents think the Protect the Downs group is fuelling hatred. An anonymous van dweller said: 'Most of us keep ourselves to ourselves and keep the area tidy, put rubbish in bins and don't cause any issues, but we're all being tarred with the same brush. 'Groups like [Protect the Downs] fuel discrimination. 'I don't work because I'm neurodivergent, and a lot of the other people living here probably have some mental health issues. 'We're not stopping people visiting The Downs, and where else would we go? 'There are proper sites for van-dwellers, called Meanwhile sites, but they're pretty dangerous places and nobody would want to live there.' 'Ignorant' 14 14 A local resident and member of the Protect The Downs Facebook group, who asked not to be named, said: 'The group poses as one that is fair and is only concerned with making the Downs a better place for all. "However the message so many of the members spread is one of hatred and discrimination towards those whose lives they don't understand, lives they won't even try to engage with. 'Just the other day Frankie Turton posted about a litter pick up the van dwellers do once a week asking if people would like to join. 'You would have thought those so keen to complain about the problems would be the first to join the pick-up, not one of them has volunteered. 'It would have been an ideal opportunity for everyone to get a better understanding of each other's points of view, but that isn't what the group really wants. 'The group wants to remain ignorant to the struggles of others and to a different way of life.' 'Robust action' 14 14 The group is currently seeking quotes from barristers as it intends to take the council to court if it does not enforce the parking restrictions. Councillor Barry Parsons, Chair of the Homes and Housing Committee, said: 'We understand that the current situation is not sustainable, and the council is taking a proactive stance on addressing issues. 'We know that we need to reduce the need for so many people to live in vehicles, and remain committed to increasing the number of well-built, affordable homes in Bristol so that people have a safe and secure place they can call home. 'People living in vehicles can experience poor health and other vulnerabilities, and our focus must be on finding sustainable solutions and support options. "However, if an encampment, or individuals within an encampment, start to have a negative impact on the area in which they live, we need to make sure we have a robust and clear policy for when we will take action.' An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said: 'We're aware of public concerns relating to antisocial behaviour in certain parts of The Downs. 'We have frequent contact with partners, including Bristol City Council, and will continue to work with them over the summer months to tackle the issues raised with us. 'The Downs is an area of high footfall so our officers carry out regular high-visibility patrols there to help reduce antisocial behaviour, provide the public with reassurance and to act where any criminal offences may be seen. 'Anecdotal information around issues is useful to help shape our plans for dealing with issues in any area. 'However we'd continue to urge members of the public to report crimes to us, ideally while they are taking place, because that way we can take robust action and secure the evidence necessary to achieve a criminal conviction where the offence must be proven beyond all reasonable doubt.'
Independent Singapore
7 days ago
- General
- Independent Singapore
A nation's silent victims: Rise in animal abuse cases sparks petition for urgent reform in Singapore
SINGAPORE: A petition on is picking up momentum as animal welfare advocates across Singapore raise the alarm: community cats are being harmed, and too little is being done. The plea — now backed by a groundswell of public support — doesn't just call for justice. It demands it. At its heart lies an urgent cry to protect the voiceless, the belief behind which is that behind every case of cruelty or neglect is a pattern that's no longer isolated. The petition reads: 'If stronger enforcement is not implemented, the abuse will not only continue; it may escalate. A lack of accountability sends the message that harming animals is tolerated.' It warns that each delay risks more suffering and urges the government to act now. This comes as the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) reports a 12-year high in animal cruelty and welfare cases. In 2024 alone, 961 incidents were confirmed — a stark reminder that silent suffering is unfolding right under our noses. Many of the victims were community pets known to residents, fed daily, and sometimes even named. Some were thrown from HDB blocks. Others were found poisoned, mutilated, or gone without a trace. For those who cared for them, their death was heartbreak — each one a quiet tragedy. Abandonment was the most common form of cruelty, followed by physical abuse. SPCA defines cruelty as the intentional infliction of pain, suffering, or death, while neglect stems from a failure to meet basic needs. 'Protecting the vulnerable should never be optional. It must be urgent,' the petition reiterates. Many of those who signed it are community cat caregivers who, without state support, pay out of pocket for vet care and rescue operations. For them, the emotional toll is growing, matched only by their frustration. Adding to the crisis is a dark and growing trade that too often escapes public attention — Singapore's role in the illegal wildlife pipeline. In 2024, authorities uncovered 42 smuggling cases, the highest in recent memory. Living, breathing creatures are being packed into suitcases with no air, kittens are being drugged and stuffed into modified car boots, and birds are being bartered like collectables over Telegram chats. These animals weren't being rescued. They were being sold with their worth reduced to novelty or profit. NParks and the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority have ramped up enforcement with mobile X-rays and DNA testing, but questions remain: If we can mobilise advanced forensics for smuggled wildlife, why are community animals still left exposed? Pet businesses are also under scrutiny. In 2024, SPCA looked into 56 cases involving pet groomers and trainers — people who keep pets trusting them with their animals. Among the most horrid was a case where a corgi, left unattended on a grooming table, fell and tragically died after being choked by its leash. What was meant to be a routine grooming session instead ended in horror. Incidents like this reveal deep cracks in professional accountability, with some errant businesses simply rebranding and reopening, leaving grieving pet owners with no answers — and no justice. The youth demographic is another concern. Fifteen cases of cruelty were committed by minors in 2024, more than double the previous year. SPCA warns that, without intervention, a generation could grow up desensitised to violence. See also Ex-WP MP and PSP member call for universal minimum wage Singapore has tools — from wildlife DNA labs to enforcement units — and laws that provide up to 18 months in jail and a $15,000 fine for first-time animal cruelty. What's missing, activists say, is the will to use them consistently. The petition's message is clear: this is not just about cats. It's about the kind of society Singapore wants to be. Community cats are voiceless — but those who care for them are speaking out. Whether the authorities will listen remains to be seen. Until then, every act of cruelty is more than an isolated incident. It's a national test of our empathy and a call to conscience.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drake Tells Tory Lanez ‘Come Home Soon' After Prison Stabbing
Drake wants fellow Canadian rapper Tory Lanez to 'come home soon' after he was stabbed multiple times in prison and hospitalized earlier this week. On his Instagram Story Friday (May 16), Drake wrote '@torylanez come home soon' while sharing a petition urging California Governor Gavin Newsom to pardon the fellow Toronto MC, who's currently serving a 10-year prison sentence after being convicted on three felony counts tied to his shooting of Megan Thee Stallion during a heated dispute after a Hollywood Hills pool party in July 2020. More from Billboard Drake Calls for Tory Lanez's Freedom During Drizzmas Giveaway Stream: '[Free] Up T' Eminem Joins Jelly Roll Onstage as Special Guest at Detroit Concert Dave Navarro Claims There's 'No Chance' of Jane's Addiction Reunion TMZ reported Monday that Lanez (real name Daystar Peterson) had been stabbed in the prison yard of California Correctional Institution and rushed to a nearby hospital in Bakersfield, California, to treat his injuries. A statement shared on Lanez's Instagram Story the following day revealed that he had been 'stabbed 14 times, including seven wounds to his back, four to his torso, two to the back of his head and one to the left side of his face. Both of his lungs collapsed, and he was placed on a breathing apparatus. He is now breathing on his own,' the statement reads. 'Despite being in pain, he is talking normally, in good spirits and deeply thankful to God that he is pulling through. He also wants to thank everyone for the continued prayers and support.' This isn't the first time Drake has shown support to Tory Lanez. In December, during his Drizzmas Giveaway stream with Adin Ross, Drake raised a shot glass to Lanez and declared, '3 up T, man. 3 up T. I know they don't want to hear me say that. 3 up T.' He used a similar plea 10 months earlier when he simply wrote '3 u' on his IG Story. The two previously feuded but squashed their beef in 2017 via an IG post. Drake brought Lanez out at his OVO Fest the same year to perform 'Controlla' from the former's 2016 album Views together. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart
