Business Briefs: Crude oil, Target, White Castle

Here’s a look at your latest business and tech headlines from Cheddar on News 12:

The United States is now the biggest producer of crude oil, topping other high-production companies like Russia and Saudi Arabia. The Energy Information Administration says much of the growth has come from regions around western Texas, northern New Mexico and North Dakota. U.S. crude oil production is expected to top Russia and Saudi Arabia through 2019.

Mega retailers are getting ready for the holiday rush. Target says it will hire 120,000 in-store seasonal employees this season, up 20 percent from last year. That's in addition to 7,500 warehouse employees. Many of the jobs are to support Target’s new curbside pickup service. Wage for the positions all start at Target's minimum wage - $12 an hour.

White Castle is bringing the impossible to the drive-thru window. The fast food chain will now offer a 100 percent plant-based burger. It's collaboration with the California-based company Impossible Foods. The burgers look, smell and cook like actual hamburgers and will sell for $1.99.