The bill's supporters included environmental and health advocates

By Truman Lewis of ConsumerAffairs

• Governor says ban would limit affordable cooking options

• Lawmakers, environmental groups call decision a setback

• PFAS chemicals, known as forever chemicals, linked to health risks

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday vetoed legislation that would have phased out a range of consumer products containing synthetic forever chemicals, including nonstick pots and pans. The governor said the proposal could hurt consumers by limiting affordable cookware options.

I appreciate the efforts to protect the health and safety of consumers, and while this bill is well-intentioned, I am deeply concerned about the impact this bill would have on the availability of affordable options in cooking products, Newsom wrote in his veto message.

The bill, Senate Bill 682 by Sen. Benjamin Allen (DSanta Monica), would have banned the sale or distribution of cookware with intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by 2030. Other items containing PFAS such as food packaging, ski wax, dental floss, and childrens products would have been phased out beginning in 2028.

Senator vows to keep fighting

Allen said he was disappointed but pledged to continue pushing for tighter restrictions.
We know there are safer alternatives, he said. But I understand there were strong voices on both sides on this topic.

Allen argued that the veto lets manufacturers escape accountability, leaving taxpayers and local governments to shoulder the rising costs of removing PFAS from water systems. Ratepayers and local governments have been struggling to keep up with the ballooning costs of cleaning these forever chemicals from our water infrastructure, he said.

Health concerns over forever chemicals

PFAS are synthetic compounds that persist in the environment and the human body for years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has linked PFAS exposure to changes in liver enzymes and to kidney and testicular cancers. A 2023 U.S. Geological Survey study found PFAS more prevalent in urban tap water in Southern and Central California than in most of the country.

Used for decades to make cookware nonstick and fabrics stain-resistant, PFAS have already been banned in some California products, including cosmetics and menstrual supplies.

Environmental groups denounce veto

Environmental advocates said Newsoms decision undermines Californias leadership in chemical safety. This veto is a major step backward for Californias leadership in protecting people and the planet from toxic PFAS, said Susan Little of the Environmental Working Group.

The Sierra Club, League of California Cities, and other public health organizations had backed Allens bill.

Industry groups warned of job losses, higher costs

The Chemical Industry Council of California and the Cookware Sustainability Alliance opposed the measure, citing concerns about job losses and trade disruptions. Steve Burns, president of the sustainability alliance, said the ban could affect thousands of jobs tied to Californias major ports and distribution hubs.

California is the entry point for nonstick cookware and other products that come into the Port of Long Beach, the Port of Los Angeles or the Port of Oakland, Burns said in aLos Angeles Times report. Theres a lot of jobs in the California economy that depend on products that have Teflon.

He also argued that science has not shown all PFAS to be harmful and that the state should have studied the issue further.

Chefs and celebrities weigh in

Several chefs and food industry figures supported the opposition. Napa chef Mark Dommen said eliminating nonstick cookware without a viable alternative would hurt restaurants and raise costs. Television host Rachael Ray also argued that easy-clean cookware helps families cook healthier meals.

Actor and environmental activist Mark Ruffalo pushed back, urging Ray to reconsider. Some of us have so much PFAS in our blood that we face a far greater risk of developing cancer, Ruffalo wrote on X. Lets work together to get PFAS out of the everyday products we bring into our home.

Continuing debate over PFAS science

The CDC notes that research on PFAS health impacts remains ongoing. There are many factors that can influence the risk of these effects, such as exposure, individual factors and other health determinants, the agency says.

For now, Californias broader effort to eliminate forever chemicals from consumer goods remains on pause but lawmakers say the fight isnt over.

How your next Walmart order could start with a simple chat

• Soon, youll be able to shop Walmart directly through ChatGPT using something called Instant Checkout.

• The new approach treats AI like a shopping assistant predicting your needs, planning, and prompting you before you even ask.

• Walmart is already using AI across many areas, from speeding up fashion cycles to reducing customer service times by 40%.

Imagine saying, Hey, I need groceries for the week, to ChatGPT and within a few messages, your cart is filled, checkout is done, and delivery is scheduled.

Thats the vision Walmart and OpenAI just unveiled.

The two companies announced theyre teaming up to make shopping easier than ever for consumers. The partnership will allow ChatGPT users to make Walmart purchases directly in the AI chatbot.

For many years now, eCommerce shopping experiences have consisted of a search bar and a long list of item responses. That is about to change, Doug McMillon, President and CEO, Walmart Inc. said in a news release.

There is a native AI experience coming that is multi-media, personalized, and contextual. We are running towards that more enjoyable and convenient future with Sparky and through partnerships including this important step with OpenAI.

From search bars to smart conversations

With this new partnership, Walmart is moving toward a more natural, conversational online shopping experience.

They call this agentic commerce where AI doesnt wait for you to act, but instead learns your habits and nudges you when it thinks you might need something.

So instead of you browsing, AI will help steer the shopping journey. Want to plan a weeks meals? The system could suggest ingredients. Need to restock cleaning supplies? It might whisper gentle reminders before you run out.

What Walmart already does with AI and whats changing

Walmart isnt entering this world blind. They already use AI in key parts of their operations:

• Their AI-backed tech has helped shorten fashion production timelines (in some cases by as much as 18 weeks)

• Their customer service teams get a boost; AI helps resolve issues faster, reportedly cutting resolution times by up to 40%

• And internally, Walmart is pushing AI literacy giving associates training, rolling out ChatGPT Enterprise internally, and even embracing OpenAI certifications.
  

The new OpenAI tie-up adds a layer: customers themselves will interact directly with AI (like ChatGPT) as part of their shopping experience. Instant Checkout means your conversation ends with a completed order.

Why this matters for you

This isnt about robots replacing people. Walmart emphasizes a people-led, tech-powered ethos.

The aim is to smooth out the bumps to take friction out of shopping so you spend less time hunting for things and more time doing what you want.

Eventually, your next Walmart trip might start with Hey ChatGPT instead of open Walmart.com.

Hirings broad, timelines are short: pay, hours, and tips to beat the rush

• Pay: $23/hr avg for regular roles; $19+/hr seasonal (about $30+/hr with benefits).
• Seasonal job postings go fastmany fill within hours once they go live.
• Apply at hiring.amazon.com or text NEWJOB to 31432.

Amazon recently announced it will hire 250,000 people in the U.S. for the 2025 holiday rush, keeping seasonal hirings relatively flat the past two years.

The roles span full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs in the companys fulfillment centers and transportation network.

Pay and benefits

Amazon says regular full and part-time employees now average $23 an hour (with benefits), and seasonal roles average over $19 an hour.

The company also announced in September that its investing more than $1 billion to raise pay and lower healthcare costs for U.S. fulfillment and transportation workers; Amazon estimates average total compensation (pay plus elected benefits) at $30+ an hour.

Where the jobs are located

Amazon is hiring in small towns and big cities, adding new job listings every week from October through December to handle holiday demand.

Jobs range from picking, packing, and sorting to delivery station and transportation support.

How to apply (and get alerts)

Applicants can search openings at hiring.amazon.com. If you dont see any current openings in your area, be sure to sign up for job updates by scrolling to the bottom of the page and entering your email address, or phone number, along with your zip code.

You can also sign up for mobile alerts by texting NEWJOB to 31432. Theyll automatically text you back and ask you to reply with your zip code so they can send you jobs in your area.

They also emphasized that seasonal job listings tend to fill quickly once they go live, so text notifications can help you apply early.

Because jobs fill quickly, be sure to create an account on their hiring page even if no positions currently exist in your area. That way youve completed your initial application and background screenings, so when jobs do become available, you can apply quickly and hopefully get ahead of the oncoming rush.

Why it matters

Uncertainty over the economy and tariffs have many retailers cautious over holiday hiring. Lands End and Bath & Body Works both announced theyll be hiring less seasonal workers while Macys and Target have declined to offer numbers, leading many experts to speculate that they'redoing the same.

But Amazons job target suggests a steady demand in e-commerce shopping this holiday season.

The 250,000 plan matches last years target, even as some retailers trim seasonal staff. For jobseekers, that means a large pool of hourly roles with predictable schedules and a chance to move into more permanent positions come January.

What happens after the holidays

Amazon emphasizes advancement from seasonal to regular roles and touts programs like Career Choice (tuition pre-payment for approved certificates and degrees).

Workers who stay beyond their first season typically see wage increases; Amazon points to multi-year pay increases alongside its recent compensation changes. (Note: education and promotion opportunities vary by site and role.)

Key tips before you apply

Check the exact posting for shift times, overtime expectations, and site-specific pay. Also, keep in mind that hourly rates can vary by market and shifts.

According to their jobs website, Most early morning shifts earn more per hour. These shifts typically start between 4:00 a.m. and 6 a.m. and go for 10 hours with a 1-hour lunch break.

Dont hesitate to apply quickly when a job alert hits your area. Local facilities often fill seasonal slots within hours or days after postings go live.

Compare total compensation. If youre considering a regular (non-seasonal) offer, be sure to factor in the value of all the benefits when making a decision.

Drug testing is a possibility

Depending on the role, you can expect to get screened for drugs, even seasonal workers.

While Amazon's current drug testing policy varies by state, warehouse workers should expect a simple mouth swabwhich tests for hard drugs.

As of 2021, Amazon does not test for marijuana unless you are a delivery driver, transport truck driver, or Amazon Air pilot.

Hirings broad, timelines are short: pay, hours, and tips to beat the rush

By Kyle James, Reporter

• Pay: $23/hr avg for regular roles; $19+/hr seasonal (about $30+/hr with benefits).
• Seasonal job postings go fastmany fill within hours once they go live.
• Apply at hiring.amazon.com or text NEWJOB to 31432.

Amazon recently announced it will hire 250,000 people in the U.S. for the 2025 holiday rush, keeping seasonal hirings relatively flat the past two years.

The roles span full-time, part-time, and seasonal jobs in the companys fulfillment centers and transportation network.

Pay and benefits

Amazon says regular full and part-time employees now average $23 an hour (with benefits), and seasonal roles average over $19 an hour.

The company also announced in September that its investing more than $1 billion to raise pay and lower healthcare costs for U.S. fulfillment and transportation workers; Amazon estimates average total compensation (pay plus elected benefits) at $30+ an hour.

Where the jobs are located

Amazon is hiring in small towns and big cities, adding new job listings every week from October through December to handle holiday demand.

Jobs range from picking, packing, and sorting to delivery station and transportation support.

How to apply (and get alerts)

Applicants can search openings at hiring.amazon.com. If you dont see any current openings in your area, be sure to sign up for job updates by scrolling to the bottom of the page and entering your email address, or phone number, along with your zip code.

You can also sign up for mobile alerts by texting NEWJOB to 31432. Theyll automatically text you back and ask you to reply with your zip code so they can send you jobs in your area.

They also emphasized that seasonal job listings tend to fill quickly once they go live, so text notifications can help you apply early.

Because jobs fill quickly, be sure to create an account on their hiring page even if no positions currently exist in your area. That way youve completed your initial application and background screenings, so when jobs do become available, you can apply quickly and hopefully get ahead of the oncoming rush.

Why it matters

Uncertainty over the economy and tariffs have many retailers cautious over holiday hiring. Lands End and Bath & Body Works both announced theyll be hiring less seasonal workers while Macys and Target have declined to offer numbers, leading many experts to speculate that they'redoing the same.

But Amazons job target suggests a steady demand in e-commerce shopping this holiday season.

The 250,000 plan matches last years target, even as some retailers trim seasonal staff. For jobseekers, that means a large pool of hourly roles with predictable schedules and a chance to move into more permanent positions come January.

What happens after the holidays

Amazon emphasizes advancement from seasonal to regular roles and touts programs like Career Choice (tuition pre-payment for approved certificates and degrees).

Workers who stay beyond their first season typically see wage increases; Amazon points to multi-year pay increases alongside its recent compensation changes. (Note: education and promotion opportunities vary by site and role.)

Key tips before you apply

Check the exact posting for shift times, overtime expectations, and site-specific pay. Also, keep in mind that hourly rates can vary by market and shifts.

According to their jobs website, Most early morning shifts earn more per hour. These shifts typically start between 4:00 a.m. and 6 a.m. and go for 10 hours with a 1-hour lunch break.

Dont hesitate to apply quickly when a job alert hits your area. Local facilities often fill seasonal slots within hours or days after postings go live.

Compare total compensation. If youre considering a regular (non-seasonal) offer, be sure to factor in the value of all the benefits when making a decision.

Drug testing is a possibility

Depending on the role, you can expect to get screened for drugs, even seasonal workers.

While Amazon's current drug testing policy varies by state, warehouse workers should expect a simple mouth swabwhich tests for hard drugs.

As of 2021, Amazon does not test for marijuana unless you are a delivery driver, transport truck driver, or Amazon Air pilot.