In labor news, unionized Costco employees have authorized a strike, set to begin on February 1 unless they reach a deal with the mega-retailer before their contract expires at the end of this month. The Teamsters said about 18,000 Costco workers are ready to walk off the job at 56 of the company’s warehouse stores across five states. Workers are demanding better wages, paid family leave, sick time and protections against surveillance.