Macy's recently disclosed a significant accounting issue where a former employee hid up to $154 million in expenses over three years in the small package delivery department. This oversight, which did not affect cash management or vendor payments, suggests a lapse in financial oversight. Experts note that the hidden expenses, while substantial, were relatively small compared to Macy's overall costs and may have been obscured by the pandemic-driven surge in online shopping and shipping costs. Macy's stock dipped slightly following the revelation, raising questions about the company's internal controls.
Around 200 Palestinian supporters disrupted Detroit's Thanksgiving Day parade by peacefully marching down Woodward Avenue in solidarity with Palestine. The protesters aimed to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and freedom for the Palestinian people. The march was ended by police officers without incident. The protesters criticized the funding of what they perceive as the genocide of indigenous people in Palestine, while also acknowledging the pain and suffering on both sides. A temporary ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel is expected to go into effect on Friday.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams expects protests to bring a "new flavor" to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, with extra precautions being taken to prevent disruptions. The city has been on heightened alert since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, with over 400 protests and 130,000 individuals participating. Despite no credible threats, officials are preparing for potential cold temperatures and high winds that may require lowering the height of character balloons. Public transportation is encouraged due to street closures.
The FBI, Department of Homeland Security, and other agencies have issued a threat assessment expressing concern about the potential for violence during the 2023 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York due to the heightened threat environment created by the Israel-Hamas war. The assessment highlights the risk of lone actors using online platforms to express threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab communities, as well as the possibility of simple, unsophisticated attacks that are difficult to detect in advance. Al-Qaeda has also called for attacks on public events and large gatherings. While there are currently no credible threats, New York Governor Kathy Hochul emphasized the need for increased security and vigilance, particularly in congested areas and designated viewing spots along the parade route. State law enforcement will monitor social media for potential threats.
Nearly 17,000 people have signed a petition organized by conservative group One Million Moms, criticizing Macy's for including two gender non-conforming performers in the upcoming Thanksgiving Day Parade. The petition claims that the event promotes the "liberal LGBTQ agenda" and is not family-friendly. The trans performers, Justin David Sullivan and Alex Newell, have faced backlash from the petitioners. Tie-ups between trans performers and corporations have been divisive in recent months, with Bud Light facing a boycott over its partnership with a trans influencer. Macy's has not responded to the petition.
