T-Mobile has expanded its Simple Global calling plans, adding 20 more nations where customers can use unlimited data and texting while making cellular calls for a flat rate of 20 cents per minute. In August, Sprint expanded its Open World international calling program to make all mobile calls and texts to and from Canada and Mexico free and included in monthly customer cellular plans. Customers also receive a set amount of data for free while traveling in Canada and Mexico. In June, Sprint added a "Sprint Cuba 20 Plus" calling plan to allow customers to make direct calls to Cuba.

Target is launching a wide-ranging initiative to improve its in-store shopper experience. The initiative, called LA25, will be rolled out in 25 Target stores in Los Angeles. It involves everything from more helpful store signage and more modern fixtures to the exploration of RFID technology to help store associates track down missing products. The first wave of stores will be updated in the coming weeks, with a second batch getting a makeover in spring 2016.

Happiness at work is free food and drinks, which also turns out to be good business. According to a new survey by grocery-delivery service Peapod, companies that provide free food have happier employees compared with those who don't. While the majority, 56%, of full-time employees are "extremely" or "very" happy with their current job, that number jumps to 67% among those who have access to free food. Only 16% of employees said they get free snacks and treats at work.

NHL has finally shared details of its new seven-year alliance making Adidas the exclusive outfitter of on-ice uniforms and official supplier of licensed apparel for the league. With the deal -- starting with the 2017-18 season -- Adidas will replace its own Reebok, which has held the rights since 2005. Adidas also becomes the exclusive outfitter of both authentic and replica jerseys for the eight-team World Cup of Hockey next September. Adidas will also be in every NHL locker room, and at key NHL events.

IBM is launching a cloud-based service that will analyze data from connected cars for predictive maintenance and real-time engine diagnostics. The company is looking to sell the service to auto manufacturers who want insights from data collected from their cars. IBM's tools will be able to analyze that car data together with vehicle history and data from third parties like parking providers. GM sees $350 million in potential revenue on connected car data over the next three years.

We may be too wrapped up in packaging, advertising, market research, branding and distribution and, of course, purchasing, to remember that food doesn't grow on shelves. Here's a serious reminder: at the jump a man makes a sandwich from scratch. It takes six months.

Steve Caldeira, president and CEO of the industry lobbying group International Franchise Association, said Wednesday that he is stepping down after efforts to align on a new contract failed. "I am very proud of our accomplishments during my tenure to protect, promote and enhance the franchise business model," Caldeira said in a statement. Robert Cresanti, IFA executive vice president of government relations and public policy, has been named interim chief operating officer.

The House and Senate elections will cost $3.7 billion this cycle, which is up only slightly from the past two election cycles. Outside groups are buying their largest share yet of the television advertising, per the the Center for Responsive Politics. The Center's report doesn't including outside groups don't report to the Federal Election Commission, like the Koch brothers' Americans for Prosperity.

Federal prosecutors are ready to settle with GM over the criminal investigation into the fatal ignition switch defect tied to at least 124 deaths. Prosecutors will impose a penalty of nearly $1 billion on GM, according to sources. Some GM officials expected that the fine would top the $1.2 billion paid last year by Toyota.

Los Angeles Wednesday was named by the International Olympic Committee as an official candidate for the 2024 Summer Games. Five cities submitted applications to the IOC as of Tuesday night's midnight deadline. Also vying for the rights to host the Olympics in nine years: Budapest, Hamburg, Paris and Rome. According to the "LA 2024 Bid Book,' hosting the Summer Games that year would cost upward of $6 billion, including in excess of $900,000 to build an Olympic Village to house coaches and athletes.