The internet erupted with criticism aimed at Chipotle CEO Scott Boatwright after he suggested that customers concerned about skimpy portions should simply ask for more. This suggestion came in response to persistent complaints about shrinkflation affecting the beloved burrito chain.

Boatwright’s comments were made during an appearance on the Yahoo Finance “Power Players” podcast, where he offered advice that many found out of touch with the reality faced by consumers. His remarks seemed to overlook the financial strain many customers feel, implying that the solution to their concerns is just a simple request away.

“You should ask for a little more,” Boatwright advised host Brian Sozzi, addressing allegations that Chipotle had reduced portion sizes as a means to boost profits. He emphasized, “It has always been our brand ethos, and it is still to this day. We serve big, beautiful bowls and burritos.”

Boatwright assured listeners that Chipotle’s commitment to generosity remains unchanged. “Full stop, no questions asked. If you want more, just ask the team member. I promise you there’s never a team member on that line that’s going to say no,” he stated confidently.

The Chipotle boss added, “Full stop, no questions asked. If you want more, just ask the team member. I promise you there’s never a team member on that line that’s going to say no.”

Fans were not too keen on this DIY suggestion from Boatwright, who took over helming the chain’s 4,000-plus outlets in late 2024, amid allegations that the chain directed its workers to downsize.

“Bro, have you been to Chipotle?” spluttered one critic, while another wrote, “Save this video [for] every time you walk in.”

“If you still served ‘big beautiful’ bowls, you wouldn’t have to make this video,” a fourth fumed.

One naysayer shot, “BS. My bowls & burritos always small. Even worse if you mobile order.”

Some claimed that employees would only give you extra accoutrements at a cost.

“Straight lies they will 100% charge you double each time you say more,” warned one critic.

“Of course, they won’t say no, they’ll just add it to your bill,” scoffed another

A third wrote, “And you’ll be charged appropriately… he never once said it wouldn’t be extra lol.”

This followed a popular social media experiment called “Chipotle Camera Trick Challenge,” in which customers filmed Chipotle staff making their food, figuring that being on camera would inspire them to be more generous with the portions than the company mandated.

This prompted former CEO Brian Niccol — who has since become CEO of Starbucks — to release a statement in July 2024, declaring that there has never been a “directive to provide less to our customers.”

Laurie Schalow, chief corporate affairs and food safety officer at Chipotle, also denied they were running a shrinkflation offensive, claiming that “there have been no changes in [the company’s] portion sizes.”

“Our intentions are to provide a great experience every time, and our meals have always been completely customizable so guests can vocalize or digitally select their desired portions when choosing from the list of real ingredients,” she said, adding that customers have always been allowed to request more or less of something when ordering.

That same year, Chipotle said that it had been consistently offering “generous portions” in an effort to satisfy the social media critics.

Then interim CEO Scott Boatwright told analysts social media users were increasingly “posting big burritos, big bowls and really excited about portioning they’re getting in the Chipotle brand.” 

Along with size, the chain has also come under scrutiny over portion consistency.

Amid the criticism, Wells Fargo analyst Zachary Fedam tested out a bunch of burrito bowls across NYC to see if online portions matched their brick and mortar counterparts

He discovered a major discrepancy in the sizes with the smallest bowl weighing in at just 13.8 ounces while the largest tipped the scales at 26.8 ounces

TAPPAN, New York — In Tappan, history isn’t merely preserved—it’s experienced.

The illustrious ’76 House, celebrated as the oldest tavern in America, has been a hospitable refuge since 1686.

Today, the establishment is under the guardianship of Robert Norden, who, embracing the traditional title of “tavernkeeper,” has dedicated over four decades to maintaining and narrating its rich history.

“A tavernkeeper oversees everything to ensure that guests have the experience they deserve,” Norden explained.

Upon entering, visitors are enveloped by stories from the past. The tavern is a treasure trove of Revolutionary War memories, including an encounter linked to George Washington himself.

According to Norden, Washington once received plans at the tavern that exposed Benedict Arnold as a traitor – prompting a dramatic reaction still talked about today.

The site also played a role in the fate of British spy John André, who was imprisoned and later executed just outside the tavern.

But beyond its deep historical roots, the ’76 House remains a thriving restaurant – where loyal customers come for both the food and the atmosphere.

“The food is very good… but at the same time – the history,” said one patron. “Just think of how many people have come through that door all these years.”

Another visitor called the experience “very special,” citing the nostalgia of dining in such a historic space.

Even the menu reflects the tavern’s heritage, with dishes inspired by early American cuisine.

Norden also led a major restoration of the building, carefully modernizing its infrastructure while preserving its original character – ensuring the tavern can continue serving future generations.

More than three centuries later, the ’76 House stands as a rare blend of past and present – where guests can enjoy a meal while stepping directly into American history.

The legal conflict between Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni might have reached a settlement, yet tensions remain high, as revealed by the Daily Mail.

Although the two parties recently resolved their nearly two-year dispute stemming from Lively’s issues with her It Ends With Us co-star, the actress is continuing her legal pursuit. She seeks reimbursement for fees and damages related to Baldoni’s unsuccessful $400 million defamation lawsuit against her.

Baldoni had initiated a countersuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and the New York Times in early 2025, but the case was dismissed by a judge last year.

Currently, Lively is pushing for Baldoni to cover the expenses incurred while responding to his lawsuit, potentially igniting further legal skirmishes.

The court documents reveal that she is also seeking “compensatory damages tripled, and punitive damages.”

The document was filed at the court in New York three days after Lively settled her own case against Baldoni with two weeks to go before a trial.

Blake Lively – who returned to the red carpet at the Met Gala just hours after settling her legal battle with Justin Baldoni – is still pursuing him for legal feels after their case was settled 

Justin Baldoni and his production company Wayfarer had countersued Lively and her husband, actor Ryan Reynolds, for $400 million, accusing them of defamation and extortion. The judge dismissed the claims last June

In a joint statement announcing the settlement neither side apologized but they did say that Lively’s claims ‘deserved to be heard.’ 

Lively’s lawyer Michael Gottlieb said in a filing that the court should impose ‘severe and mandatory penalties against any party who files unsuccessful retaliatory defamation actions against sexual harassment and retaliation complainants’.

He said that Lively’s allegations against Baldoni were legally protected because she made them with the California Civil Rights Department.

Judge Lewis Liman, who oversaw both cases, agreed with her and dismissed Baldoni’s case in November last year on that basis.

Gottlieb wrote that California Civil Code Section 47.1, the applicable law, was designed to ensure that people who claim sexual harassment can ‘share their experiences with courts, agencies, the press, and others without fear of suit’.

He urged Judge Liman to impose ‘significant remedies’ on Baldoni including treble damages and punitive damages.

Gottlieb also asked to submit a five page brief to the court explaining how they want the judge to award her the money, the filing stated.

While the full settlement has not yet been made public so far, one court document noted that both sides waived their right to appeal it.

The surprise settlement marked the end of a two-year legal battle over the fallout from the 2024 movie It Ends With Us. It comes two weeks before the case was set to go to trial

In a statement, Gottlieb and Esra Hudson, another of Lively’s lawyers, said that the settlement was a ‘resounding victory’ for their client.

They said: ‘By agreeing to this settlement, and waiving their right to appeal, Justin Baldoni and every individual defendant now face personal liability for abusing the legal system to silence and intimidate Ms. Lively.

‘And by admitting that Ms Lively’s concerns ‘deserved to be heard’ the defendants have ended once and for all the fiction that Ms. Lively ‘fabricated’ claims of sexual harassment and retaliation.

‘From day one Blake Lively’s mission was clear: expose and hold accountable those who weaponize smear campaigns and retaliatory lawsuits to intimidate and silence survivors. That mission continues’.

A source in the Baldoni camp played down the request from Gottlieb and said that Judge Liman was going to rule on it anyway.

Any legal fees could be in the tens of thousands of dollars rather than a significant sum, a source said.

Filings obtained by the Daily Mail reveal Lively is seeking legal fees and additional damages tied to Baldoni’s dismissed lawsuit 

Lively claimed that Baldoni sexually harassed her on the set of It Ends With Us then retaliated with a ‘smear campaign’ against her. 

Last month a judge dismissed 10 of her 13 claims including all of the sexual harassment allegations, and removed Baldoni as a named defendant.

Earlier this week the Daily Mail revealed Lively did not get a single dollar from the settlement.

Despite claiming she lost nearly $300 million in earnings and income after being the victim of an alleged ‘smear campaign,’ no money changed hands in the final agreement. 

Sources in Baldoni’s camp said they were ‘ecstatic’ with how the case was resolved, and now it’s easy to see why.

The shock twist came after the case was settled just two weeks before it was due to go to trial in New York.

In a joint statement, both sides said that the filming of the movie ‘presented challenges’ and that Lively’s ‘concerns deserved to be heard.’ 

But there was no apology, only a call for everyone to move on ‘in peace’.

The lack of a financial settlement is a sharp contrast to Lively’s requests to be compensated for the damage to her reputation and film career.

The former ‘Gossip Girl’ star claimed in court documents that she lost as much as $40.5 million due to being branded a ‘mean girl’ and a ‘bully’.

She claimed in court filings that she missed out on up to $87.8 million in lost acting and endorsement opportunities.

Up to $143.5 million more was supposedly lost in profits from Lively’s haircare and alcohol range after the controversy over the film

Baldoni’s lawyers called these claims ‘pie in the sky’ figures and said that Lively’s reputation was already damaged due to her own actions.

A peaceful fishing trip took a dramatic turn when a rabid beaver unexpectedly charged at an 8-year-old boy at a New Jersey lake, in a startling incident captured on video.

The unsettling event unfolded on Sunday at Lake Henry in Mahwah. According to police, the beaver emerged abruptly from the water, launching itself at the young boy as he stood by the shore.

In the footage, the boy can be seen desperately scrambling up the bank to escape, with the beaver hot on his heels, eventually sinking its teeth into his thigh.

Swift to react, other children leaped into action. One child managed to grab the beaver and hurled it back into the lake.

A small dog also appears in the video, bravely attempting to repel the aggressive animal as it erratically prowled along the edge of the water.

Police said the beaver charged the boy near the shoreline. The beaver later tested positive for rabies. Health officials urged anyone who came in contact with the animal to seek immediate medical evaluation. (Michael Noonan via Storyful)

Authorities said the boy was taken to Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, New York, for treatment.

Officials later confirmed the beaver tested positive for rabies.

A rabid beaver charged out of Lake Henry in Mahwah, New Jersey, and attacked an 8-year-old boy on May 3, 2026. (Michael Noonan via Storyful)

The Mahwah Township Health Department said the animal had contact with multiple people over the weekend, and anyone who may have been exposed should seek immediate medical evaluation.

“Individuals who were bitten are currently receiving treatment,” the department said, urging residents to report any contact with the animal.

A beaver chews on a stick in the Boise River near 32nd Street in Garden City, Idaho, in late April. (Sarah A. Miller/Idaho Statesman/Tribune News Service)

Health officials warned that rabies can be carried by any warm-blooded animal and advised the public to avoid wildlife.

The incident remains under investigation.

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WASHINGTON — Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, joyfully welcomed a baby girl into her family, as she shared on Thursday.

Born on May 1, the little one has been named Vivania, affectionately known as “Vivi.”

Stay tuned to The Post for comprehensive live updates and in-depth analysis on President Trump and national politics.

Leavitt expressed her happiness on social media, stating, “She is perfect and healthy, and her big brother is joyfully adjusting to life with his new baby sister. We are savoring every moment in our blissful newborn bubble,” alongside a picture capturing the precious moment with her daughter.

Together with her husband, Nicholas Riccio, Leavitt is also a proud parent to a son named Nicholas, lovingly called “Niko,” who came into the world in July 2024.

The press secretary is on maternity leave and expected to return to the briefing room later this year.

Close to 500,000 residents in the United States have been urged to remain indoors and keep their windows closed due to a significant increase in airborne toxin levels along the Gulf Coast.

Air quality monitoring systems have identified a 150-mile-wide plume of polluted air stretching across areas of Louisiana, Texas, and Arkansas as of Thursday morning.

The most severe pollution levels have been recorded over Shreveport in northern Louisiana, affecting over 380,000 people living in the broader metropolitan area.

Several air quality assessment organizations have classified the air in this region as ‘very unhealthy,’ citing a marked increase in fine particulate matter, known as PM2.5.

These tiny particles, composed of toxic compounds or heavy metals, are typically generated by industrial operations and vehicle emissions. They are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs, potentially leading to inflammation, respiratory issues, and other health complications.

In Shreveport, the air quality index (AQI) has risen to 250, according to the World Air Quality Index project, a nonprofit providing real-time air pollution data for hundreds of countries.

Air quality levels are measured on a scale from 0 to 500, with zero being the healthiest. When outdoor air quality approaches the 300 to 500 hazardous zone, the US Environmental Protection Agency warns that everyone should avoid all physical activity outside.

The Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality confirmed that PM2.5 had risen into the danger zone for human health.

More than 380,000 people live in the Shreveport–Bossier City metropolitan area (Pictured)

A large plume of air pollutions has formed over parts of Louisiana, Texas and Arkansas on Thursday, May 7

Air pollution at this level can cause respiratory issues such as asthma to worsen and contribute to heart attacks and strokes that cause premature death. However, people without health issues will have problems breathing in PM2.5 at these levels.

AccuWeather warned in an alert: ‘Healthy individuals are likely to experience difficulty breathing and throat irritation; consider staying indoors and rescheduling outdoor activities.’

While microscopic particles of PM2.5 were driving the air quality alerts Thursday morning, AccuWeather also noted that levels of larger particles, known as PM10, have also risen into the ‘unhealthy’ range.

PM10 is a type of particulate matter made up of tiny solid particles or liquid droplets floating in the air that are less than ten micrometers in diameter, thinner than a human hair, but still noticeably larger than PM2.5.

Based on the readings taken over Shreveport, the high concentration of air pollution has been boosted by a condition called stagnant air, where little to no wind and high atmospheric pressure trap pollution near ground level.

To understand the impact of stagnant air on major cities, it is helpful to look at atmospheric pressure. Pressure is measured in millibars, with normal sea-level pressure being 1,013 millibars.

Anything between 1,015 and 1,020 millibars is considered a high-pressure system, with strong pressure exceeding 1,030 millibars. The atmospheric pressure in Shreveport Thursday morning had reached 1,019.

High humidity, typically anything over 60 percent, also plays a major role in trapping air pollution near the ground, as it naturally makes the air ‘thicker.’ In Shreveport, the National Weather Service noted that humidity in the area had risen to 83 percent.

Air quality readings in Shreveport rose to 250, with the major pollutant being fine particulate matter (PM2.5)

Anyone with heart or lung disease, older adults, children and pregnant people could be especially at risk to this concentrated air pollution and should remain indoors and keep their activity low.

Health officials also urge everyone within these zones to keep windows and doors closed to limit outdoor pollution from leaking inside. Using air conditioners or air purifiers can help as well.

On Wednesday, federal agents descended upon a California park as part of a large-scale operation aimed at dismantling a notorious open-air drug market infamous for selling fentanyl and methamphetamine.

The operation, named “Operation Free MacArthur Park,” resulted in at least 18 arrests, with authorities seizing over $10 million worth of fentanyl. The initiative was a collaborative effort between local and federal agencies, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

“Today marks the beginning of our efforts to reclaim MacArthur Park from criminal activity and drug use, restoring this public space to the residents of Los Angeles,” stated First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “In partnership with our federal and local law enforcement colleagues, we are executing numerous arrest and search warrants against individuals distributing drugs in and around the park.”

Situated just west of downtown Los Angeles, MacArthur Park has garnered a reputation as a hotspot for drug transactions, despite its proximity to residential and commercial areas.

On May 6, 2026, authorities conducted a comprehensive sweep of MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, California, as part of a coordinated federal and local initiative to dismantle the open-air drug market.

A sweeping federal criminal complaint alleging narcotics distribution and possession offenses was filed against 25 defendants on the same day the operation was carried out, with authorities already taking 18 individuals into custody on drug-related charges.

One suspect, identified only as a Calabasas resident, was arrested after authorities seized approximately 40 pounds of fentanyl at their home, according to federal prosecutors. 

The operation was also attributed to a crackdown on the notorious 18th Street gang and MS-13, both of which control territories within the park, authorities said.

Authorities conduct a sweep of MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, California, on May 6, 2026, as part of a joint federal and local effort to dismantle an open-air drug market. (Fox News)

The federal complaint alleges that Los Angeles natives Mallaly Moreno-Lopez, 31, and her boyfriend, Jackson Tarfur, 28, “serve as the, if not one of the main sources of supply of fentanyl powder and methamphetamine distributed in the Alvarado Corridor and MacArthur Park, generally on behalf of the 18th Street Gang.”

According to prosecutors, Moreno-Lopez and Tarfur allegedly “hand-delivered” narcotics stored at their home to the Alvarado Corridor near MacArthur Park in an effort to stash the drugs in storefronts and distribute to street-level dealers.

Authorities seized more than $10 million worth of fentanyl during Operation Free MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, California, on May 6, 2026. (Fox News)

Authorities also allege Yolanda Iriarte-Avila, 40, served as a supplier of methamphetamine to the couple, and Jesus Morales-Landel, 33, worked as a street-level drug dealer in the MacArthur Park area.

Over a nearly six weeks beginning in March, investigators gathered evidence of 27 separate drug deals for fentanyl and methamphetamine transpiring both in and around the park, federal prosecutors said.

Federal agents gather at MacArthur Park in Los Angeles during a large-scale drug enforcement operation targeting fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution on May 6, 2026. (Fox News)

If convicted, Moreno-Lopez, Tarfur, Iriarte-Avila and Morales-Landel face a minimum of 20 years behind bars, while the other unnamed individuals taken into custody could be given a maximum sentence of 10 years. 

Fox News Digital reached out to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California for additional comment. 

The operation was carried out in coordination with hundreds of members of the Drug Enforcement Administration Los Angeles Field Division’s Southern California Drug Task Force (SCDTF), a DEA-led multi-agency task force within the Los Angeles High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program and the Los Angeles Police Department, a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release said.

Authorities conduct a sweep of MacArthur Park in Los Angeles, California, on May 6, 2026, as part of a joint federal and local effort to dismantle an open-air drug market. (Fox News)

“Today’s operation is only one step, taken by a handful of agencies working hard to alleviate the anguish and sense of hopelessness burdening MacArthur Park, local businesses, and the surrounding neighborhood,” Anthony Chrysanthis, Special Agent in Charge for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Los Angeles Field Division, said. “While this is a drug enforcement operation, it is also an effort to restore safety and wellness, and to return MacArthur Park back to the community.”

WASHINGTON — President Trump has halted a proposed military plan to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, following warnings from Saudi Arabia that it would not permit the U.S. to use its airspace or air bases to support the mission.

Stay updated with The Post’s live coverage on President Trump and national politics for the latest news and insights.

The initiative, dubbed “Project Freedom” and announced by the president on Sunday, faced opposition after discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman failed to reach a consensus, according to a report by NBC News.

This military strategy aimed to prevent Iran from potentially obstructing the critical passageway, which is a conduit for at least 20% of the world’s maritime oil shipments.

This story is developing. Please return for further updates.

BEIRUT (AP) — A group of twelve Democratic Senators from the United States is demanding clarity from the U.S. Central Command regarding its collaboration with Israel on the establishment of extensive “evacuation zones” in Lebanon and Iran. The senators suggest this practice could potentially breach international regulations.

This inquiry highlights a growing trend within the Democratic Party, where both leadership and grassroots members are increasingly vocal in their criticism of Israel.

Recently, amidst the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah confrontation in Lebanon, the Israeli military has been issuing extensive maps alongside warnings, urging residents within these zones to evacuate. This strategy mirrors tactics previously employed by Israel in Gaza.

The senators express concern that these broad warnings have led to the long-term displacement of communities and the destruction of infrastructure. They also note that some civilians who chose to remain in their homes have tragically lost their lives in subsequent military actions.

Among the prominent signatories of this letter are Senators Bernie Sanders from Vermont, Elizabeth Warren from Massachusetts, and Tammy Baldwin from Wisconsin.

The letter asked the CENTCOM chief whether U.S. forces have coordinated military targets with Israeli forces during the recent war with Iran, whether they provided assistance or intelligence helping Israel’s military to impose the evacuation zones in Lebanon and Iran, and whether CENTCOM signed off on U.S. military support for the targeting of people or infrastructure in the evacuation zones. It also asked whether the U.S. military has reviewed the legality of the practice.

The Israeli military declined to comment when asked about the letter. CENTCOM did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

In the past, Israel has said the evacuation maps aim to keep civilians out of harm’s way. It says Hezbollah has positioned fighters, tunnels and weapons in civilian areas across southern Lebanon, from which it has launched hundreds of drones and missiles — without warning — into northern Israel.

A shift in the party stance

Observers said the move is part of a larger shift in the stance of Democratic Party leaders on U.S. military assistance to Israel. Democrats have also been critical of the Trump administration’s entry into the war on Iran alongside Israel.

The letter came nearly three weeks after more than three dozen Democrats supported an effort by Sanders to block arms sales to Israel, signaling a growing discontent in the party with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the wars in Gaza and Iran.

The two resolutions to block U.S. sales of bulldozers and bombs to Israel were opposed by all Republicans and rejected 40-59 and 36-63.

Jon Finer, former deputy national security adviser under President Joe Biden, said the recent steps by Democratic senators reflect a “growing concern about Israeli conduct of various wars that cause civilian harm and U.S. complicity in that” across the spectrum within the Democratic Party.

Asked why the Democratic Party is taking these steps now and not at the time when the war in Gaza and the Israel-Hezbollah war broke out — when the Democratic Biden administration was in power — Finer said: “our operational integration with Israel appears to be growing, which is part of it, but the truth is the Democratic base has been moving in this direction for some time and Washington has been catching up.”

Andrew Miller, a former senior official on Israel and Palestinian Affairs at the State Department, said the letter “represents a shift among congressional Democrats moving from questions of the legality of Israeli military operations to concerns about the complicity of the U.S. military.”

“It demonstrates that Democrats are taking international law very seriously and that is a welcome development,” Miller said.

The evacuation zones

Israel has issued dozens of evacuation warnings in Lebanon since the latest Israel-Hezbollah war began on March 2. Over 1 million people in Lebanon have fled their homes during the war.

Israel has also issued similar warnings for Iranians, both during the 12-day Israel-Iran war last year and during the U.S.-Israeli war launched on Iran on Feb. 28. In one case last year they warned 300,000 people in Tehran, Iran’s capital, to evacuate.

On Wednesday, the Israel military’s Arabic-language spokesperson Avichay Adraee issued an evacuation warning to residents of 12 villages in southern Lebanon saying Hezbollah is using them to launch attacks. The warnings came despite a ceasefire that has been nominally in place since April 17, although Israel and Hezbollah have been carrying daily attacks since then.

The senators said the declaration of evacuation zones does not absolve Israeli and U.S. forces “from the absolute legal responsibility to determine that each individual person or civilian facility targeted by drones, jets, and gunfire is, in fact, a military target.” It said the use of the zones has been linked to “the deaths of thousands of civilians,” describing them as “kill zones.”

In response to questions by the AP last month, the Israeli military said it issues warnings by phone, text, radio broadcast, social media and leaflets dropped from the air, in accordance with the “principles of distinction, proportionality and feasible precautions” under international law.

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