This article was written by

Follow

Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Plainfield, Illinois — A 9-year-old boy from suburban Chicago is recovering from second-degree burns to his face and hands after microwaving a popular gel-filled sensory toy in a viral social media trend that has sent multiple children to hospitals, his mother and medical officials said Wednesday.

Caleb Chabolla was getting ready for school on Jan. 20 when he placed a NeeDoh Nice Cube — a squishy, stress-relief toy filled with gel — into the microwave, following a TikTok video suggesting the heating would make it softer and more pliable. Within seconds, the toy exploded, splattering hot gel across the right side of his face and his hands.

“He was crying and just yelling, ‘It burns, it burns,’” his mother, Whitney Grubb, told WGN-TV and other outlets. “The right side of his face was kind of melting off, basically.” Grubb rushed Caleb to the emergency room, where doctors diagnosed second-degree burns requiring specialized care.

Caleb was transferred to Loyola Medicine’s Burn Center in Maywood, where he received treatment including wound care and pain management. He was released after several days and is now healing at home, though the burns left visible scarring and required ongoing follow-up.

Loyola Medicine issued an urgent warning, noting that Caleb is the fourth child the center has treated this year for similar injuries from the same trend. The NeeDoh Nice Cube, marketed as a safe, non-toxic sensory toy for squeezing and fidgeting, carries no microwave-safe instructions and is not designed for heating.

“The toy itself isn’t the problem — it’s the dangerous trend pushing kids to heat it,” Grubb said in interviews with CBS Chicago and ABC7. She stressed that she had repeatedly warned her son about microwave dangers but that peer influence from school friends sharing the videos overrode caution.

TikTok videos demonstrating the “NeeDoh microwave hack” show users briefly heating the cubes to restore pliability after they firm up over time. Some clips gain thousands of views, with creators demonstrating the process without safety warnings. Health experts say microwaving gel-filled items can cause superheating, leading to explosive bursts when disturbed.

Burn specialists at Loyola and other facilities have seen a rise in such cases, echoing past viral challenges like the “fire challenge” or “deodorant challenge” that have caused serious injuries. In January 2026 alone, Chicago-area hospitals reported teen burns from lighting hands on fire with sanitizer, but the NeeDoh trend targets younger children with seemingly innocuous toys.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about social media’s influence on child safety. Platforms like TikTok use algorithms that amplify trending content, often without age-appropriate filters or prominent hazard labels. Parents and educators have called for stricter content moderation and parental controls.

Grubb shared her story to prevent repeats. “I never thought a simple toy could do this,” she told reporters. “Parents need to talk to their kids about what they see online — and supervise more closely.” She urged families to keep microwaves inaccessible to young children unsupervised and to discard any videos promoting unsafe experiments.

Caleb, described by his mother as energetic and kind, has shown resilience during recovery. “He’s doing better every day,” Grubb said. “But the scars will remind us forever.”

Loyola Medicine’s burn team emphasized education over blame. “These are preventable injuries,” a spokesperson said. “We see the consequences when curiosity meets misinformation online.”

The NeeDoh brand, produced by Schylling Toys, has not issued a formal statement on the trend but packaging clearly advises against heating. Similar gel toys have faced scrutiny in the past for microwave misuse.

Child safety advocates renewed calls for platforms to demonetize or remove dangerous challenge videos. TikTok’s community guidelines prohibit content encouraging harmful behavior, but enforcement relies on reports and AI detection.

For Caleb’s family, the ordeal serves as a stark lesson. Grubb hopes sharing their experience sparks conversations in homes nationwide about balancing screen time with real-world caution.

As Caleb heals, his mother remains vigilant. “No trend is worth this pain,” she said. “Talk to your kids — before something explodes.”

The case adds to a growing list of social media-related injuries prompting parental awareness campaigns and calls for legislative oversight of youth-targeted content.

Peter Jones has added the American Golf chain to his growing business empire, snapping up the UK’s largest golf retailer in a deal that marks a new chapter for the loss-making brand.

The Dragons’ Den investor, a keen golfer who is said to play off a handicap of eight, has agreed to acquire American Golf from private equity group Endless, which has owned the business since 2018. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed.

Founded in 1978, American Golf operates more than 80 stores across the UK and employs over 1,000 staff. The retailer sells clubs, equipment, clothing and footwear from leading brands including TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist and Nike, and generates annual revenues of around £135 million.

Despite its scale, the business has struggled to return to profitability, posting losses of £5 million last year following a £5.5 million loss the previous year. Jones is understood to see significant potential in strengthening the chain’s digital and online offering as part of a wider turnaround strategy.

Jones, whose portfolio also includes the Jessops camera chain, said the acquisition had personal as well as commercial appeal. “Golf has always been a personal passion of mine, so acquiring American Golf feels especially meaningful,” he said. “It’s a brand that truly understands golfers, from beginners to seasoned players, and has played an important role in the UK golf community for decades.”

American Golf’s chief executive, Nigel Oddy, said the deal would support the company’s long-term growth ambitions. “Joining forces with Peter Jones marks an exciting new chapter for American Golf,” he said. “It will enable us to continue to accelerate our growth strategy and further our ambition of becoming the ultimate one-stop destination for everything a golfer requires.”

Oddy also thanked Endless for its backing over the past eight years, during which time the private equity firm invested in modernising stores and supporting the brand through a challenging retail environment.

David Isaacs, managing director at Endless, said: “We are incredibly proud of American Golf’s evolution during our ownership and to see it go from strength to strength with a clear trajectory for future growth under Peter’s stewardship.”

The deal underscores Jones’s continued appetite for well-known but underperforming consumer brands, particularly those with strong communities and opportunities to scale online.

Jamie Young

Jamie is Senior Reporter at Business Matters, bringing over a decade of experience in UK SME business reporting.
Jamie holds a degree in Business Administration and regularly participates in industry conferences and workshops.

When not reporting on the latest business developments, Jamie is passionate about mentoring up-and-coming journalists and entrepreneurs to inspire the next generation of business leaders.

First Eagle is an independent investment management firm that manages approximately $149* billion in assets (as of 09/30/24) on behalf of institutional and individual clients. With the core purpose of providing prudent stewardship of client assets, the firm focuses on active, fundamental and benchmark-agnostic investing, with a strong focus on downside mitigation. First Eagle’s investment capabilities include equity, fixed income and multi-asset strategies. With a heritage dating back to 1864, First Eagle has helped its clients avoid permanent impairment of capital and earn attractive returns through widely varied economic cycles—a tradition that is central to its mission today. First Eagle Investments is the brand name for First Eagle Investment Management, LLC and its subsidiary investment advisers. Note: This account is not managed or monitored by First Eagle, and any messages sent via Seeking Alpha will not receive a response. For inquiries or communication, please use First Eagle’s official channels.

Rome — A restored angel fresco bearing a striking resemblance to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was painted over and effectively “scrubbed” from a historic church wall on the orders of the parish priest, following days of political controversy, clerical dismay and public curiosity that drew crowds to the Basilica of St. Lawrence in Lucina.

The alteration occurred overnight into Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, leaving the cherub headless as the Meloni-like face was covered with a rough layer of paint or plaster. Parish priest Monsignor Daniele Micheletti confirmed the decision, telling ANSA news agency he had long warned that the image would be removed if it proved divisive.

“I always said that if (the Meloni image) proved divisive we would remove it,” Micheletti said. He emphasized that the church sought to avoid any perception of political endorsement, adding that the parish did not wish to be seen as aligned with any party or figure.

The fresco, part of a chapel restoration completed in December 2025 after water damage from 2023 infiltrations, originally depicted two angels flanking a marble bust of Italy’s last king, Umberto II. One angel — a generic cherub in the 2000 original by artist Bruno Valentinetti — was updated during voluntary touch-up work to feature facial features many observers said mirrored Meloni’s: her distinctive hairstyle, jawline and expression.

Side-by-side photos published by La Repubblica on Jan. 31 sparked immediate online buzz and media coverage, with social media users dubbing it “Angel Meloni.” The resemblance prompted investigations by Italy’s Culture Ministry and the Diocese of Rome, which expressed “disappointment” and pledged to determine responsibility.

(Watch Video Here)

Valentinetti, who volunteered for the restoration, denied any intentional likeness. He told media he simply refreshed the original 2000 design he created, insisting no political motive existed. “I copied what was there,” he said, noting the work lacked heritage protection as a modern addition.

Micheletti initially downplayed the fuss, invoking artistic tradition: “Painters used to put all sorts of things in frescoes; even Caravaggio painted the face of a prostitute.” He told La Repubblica he hadn’t noticed the similarity until it made headlines, and expressed frustration at the media storm thrust upon the parish.

The controversy blended sacred art, politics and public satire. Meloni, Italy’s first female prime minister and leader of the right-wing Brothers of Italy party, responded lightheartedly on social media: “No, I definitely don’t look like an angel,” she posted with a laughing emoji alongside a comparison photo.

Yet the episode highlighted sensitivities around church neutrality amid Meloni’s conservative government and close ties to traditional Catholic values. Critics questioned whether the resemblance constituted subtle flattery or mockery, while supporters saw it as harmless artistic whimsy.

By Feb. 4, crowds had gathered at the basilica — near government offices and major tourist sites like the Spanish Steps — to view the “Meloni angel” before its alteration. When doors opened Wednesday, visitors found the face erased, the angel’s body intact but decapitated in appearance.

The diocese’s intervention, relayed through technicians, urged the change to prevent further division. Some reports suggested the Vatican or diocesan authorities directly requested the modification, though Micheletti framed it as his own decision to preserve harmony.

The Culture Ministry’s probe focused on whether the restorer exceeded authorized scope, as modifications were not pre-approved. No heritage violation was apparent, given the painting’s modern origin, but officials inspected the site to assess compliance.

The basilica, one of Rome’s oldest with roots to the 4th century, houses chapels dedicated to souls in purgatory and royal memorials. The affected artwork adorned a side chapel, not a protected ancient fresco.

Reactions varied. Some Italians mocked the overreaction, joking online about “canonizing” Meloni or comparing it to historical cases where rulers appeared in religious art. Others criticized it as inappropriate politicization of sacred space.

Human rights and secular groups used the moment to question church-state boundaries under Meloni’s administration, while conservative commentators defended artistic freedom.

The quick resolution — from discovery to erasure in days — underscored Rome’s blend of tradition, politics and rapid response to controversy. The headless angel now stands as a symbol of the episode: a brief flash of modern satire swiftly neutralized to maintain decorum.

Valentinetti expressed no regret over the original work but complied with the request to cover it. Micheletti reiterated the parish’s apolitical stance, hoping the matter would fade.

As Rome’s faithful and tourists move on, the “Angel Meloni” saga remains a quirky footnote in the eternal city’s long history of art, power and piety — one that briefly turned a cherub into headline news.

Darden Restaurants announced on Tuesday that it will close its Bahama Breeze chain after nearly 30 years in operation.

The Orlando-based company said it will permanently shut down 14 of Bahama Breeze’s 28 restaurants, while converting the remaining locations into other Darden brands.

Restaurants designated for permanent closure will continue operating through April 5, Darden said.

RESTAURANT GIANT FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY UNDER MASSIVE DEBT SHORTLY AFTER TOUTING MAJOR EXPANSION

Sign in front of a Darden Restaurants Inc. Bahama Breeze Island Grille in Schaumburg, Illinois, on June 22, 2017. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The conversion of the remaining 14 locations is expected to take 12 to 18 months. Those restaurants will continue operating until any temporary closures are required during the conversion process, the company said.

A vehicle sits parked outside a Bahama Breeze restaurant in Schaumburg, Illinois, on June 22, 2017. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Darden did not specify which brands the Bahama Breeze locations will be converted into. The company’s portfolio includes chains such as Olive Garden, Yard House, Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Eddie V’s, among others.

THIS RESTAURANT IS THE BEST PLACE TO EAT IN THE US, ACCORDING TO YELP

“The company believes the conversion locations are great sites that will benefit several of the brands in its portfolio,” Darden said in a press release. “Going forward, the primary focus will continue to be on supporting team members, including placing as many as possible in roles within the Darden portfolio.”

Most of the locations that will be converted into other brands are in Florida. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

The Bahama Breeze locations slated for permanent closure are in Delaware, Georgia, Michigan, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Washington, Darden said.

CLICK HERE TO GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO

Most of the locations that will be converted into other brands are in Florida, with additional restaurants in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

Shares of Darden Restaurants are up more than 14% year to date.

The firm says it is ‘focused on driving growth in our flexible generation business’

Power company Drax has announced a major restructuring which will lead to 350 redundancies as part of plans to build “a strong, resilient business for the future”. The FTSE 250 firm operates the country’s largest power station in North Yorkshire, which generates around 5% of the UK’s electricity predominantly from sustainable biomass.

At the end of last year it made two significant announcements, including its plans to establish a data centre at its Yorkshire site, highlighting how it plans to repurpose existing infrastructure at the power station, based between Selby and Goole, to develop a data centre. A centre could be operational as early as 2027, and it indicated it plans to allocate up to £2bn for incremental investment, primarily in flexible and renewable energy.

A month earlier it struck a £157.2m deal to acquire three battery energy storage system (BESS) projects. The sites are based in Marfleet in Hull, Neilston in East Renfrewshire, Scotland, and East Kilbride in Lanarkshire, Scotland.

Now, the firm said it is “focused on driving growth in our flexible generation business”, resulting in the restructure. The company says 350 redundancies are set to be made, and it has now started a consultation process with affected staff, in Yorkshire and North America.

The biomass power station operators said: “As the global business and energy landscape continues to develop, we’re evolving our strategy to ensure we’re building a strong, resilient business for the future. The recent signing of the low-carbon dispatchable CfD agreement is recognition of the important role that Drax Power Station will continue to play for UK energy security into the 2030s.

“Moving forwards, we’re focused on driving growth in our flexible generation business, creating new options and opportunities at Drax Power Station beyond 2031, and advancing future uses of sustainable biomass. To help realise these opportunities, we’re adapting our organisational structure.

“As a part of that process, we are commencing a consultation process in the UK, and will be briefing colleagues in North America on changes that could result in a reduction of more than 350 roles across the Drax Group. We believe these changes are key to our long-term success and our continued commitment to deliver UK energy security and to support the energy transition.

“This is in no way a reflection of the professionalism, passion and commitment that our colleagues have shown. We will support our colleagues as we develop these proposals and work closely with our unions and elected employee representatives as we implement them.”

Union representatives from GMB accused Drax of betraying its employees. Deanne Ferguson, GMB senior organiser, said: “You can’t build a low-carbon future by making skilled energy workers redundant.

“Drax has had huge public subsidies – yet has betrayed the workforce and the communities that have supported it. A just transition means secure jobs, proper planning and workers at the heart of change. Ministers need to step in and make sure the reality matches their rhetoric. GMB will fight for nothing less.”