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Dunkin', McDonald's, Subway Franchisees Fined $226K+ For Child Labor Violations In New England Dunkin', McDonald's, Subway Franchisees Fined $226K+ For Child Labor Violations In New England
Dunkin', McDonald's, Subway Franchisees Fined $226K+ For Child Labor Violations In New England The owners of nearly 90 Dunkin', McDonald's, and Subway restaurants across Massachusetts have been fined for violating child labor laws, officials said. The three franchisees were cited for violating child labor laws at more than 88 locations, Attorney General Andrea Campbell said in a news release on Tuesday, April 15. The companies punished were Cafua Management Company, The Brewster Company, and Knight Food Service. The trio faces a combined $226,385 in penalties under separate settlements with the fair labor division of the attorney general's office. "Our child labor laws exi…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Judge Rules Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Judge Rules
Google Gained 'Monopoly Power' With Online Ad Technology, Judge Rules A federal judge ruled that Google illegally cornered the online advertising market by linking its tools together to block out competition, a major win in a broader antitrust crackdown on Big Tech. The ruling found Google liable for willfully using a series of "anticompetitive acts" to dominate how digital ads are placed across the internet. The decision was handed down in federal court in the Eastern District of Virginia on Thursday, April 17. In her decision, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema said Google's ad technology blocked out competitors and hurt consumers. "For over …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Taco Bell Sensation That Sold Out Fast Returns To Menu – And This Time, It's Staying Taco Bell Sensation That Sold Out Fast Returns To Menu – And This Time, It's Staying
Taco Bell Sensation That Sold Out Fast Returns To Menu – And This Time, It's Staying Something crispy is coming back to Taco Bell – and this time, it's not just a limited drop. Taco Bell is bringing back its highly popular Crispy Chicken Nuggets, the fast-food chain said in a news release on Thursday, April 17. After quickly selling out when they launched in December 2024, the nuggets will be available again starting Wednesday, April 24. The popular item's return marks the first step in Taco Bell's broader plan to make crispy chicken – beyond just nuggets – a permanent part of its menu by 2026. "We're a taco place doing chicken our own way and like all our best moments, it…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Here's What’s About To Cost More As Trump's China Tariffs Target Popular US Imports Here's What’s About To Cost More As Trump's China Tariffs Target Popular US Imports
Here's What’s About To Cost More As Trump's China Tariffs Target Popular US Imports Smartphones, shoes, toys, and cookware are just a few of the Chinese-made goods that could soon cost more as the Trump administration ramps up its trade war with China. A new Washington Post analysis highlights the impact of rising tariffs on consumer products widely used across the United States.  China is the second-largest exporter of goods to the US, shipping nearly $439 billion in products last year.  That includes a wide range of items found in everyday homes—many of which are now directly in the tariff crosshairs. Among the top targets: Smartphones ($41.3B in imports), …

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Company Selling Toilet Paper, Napkins At Major Retailers Files For Bankruptcy Company Selling Toilet Paper, Napkins At Major Retailers Files For Bankruptcy
Company Selling Toilet Paper, Napkins At Major Retailers Files For Bankruptcy A large supplier of paper goods sold at nationwide chains has declared bankruptcy. Royal Paper has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy to help sell its business to Sofidel America, the company announced in a news release on Tuesday, April 8. Royal offers products at many retailers, including Aldi, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods. The Phoenix-based company has signed an asset purchase agreement with Sofidel, a global paper manufacturer, which would take over most of Royal's assets through a court-supervised auction process.  "Our team has been working diligently to strengthen …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Panic Buying Shrinks US Vehicle Supply As Trump's Tariffs Set Up Summer Price Hikes Panic Buying Shrinks US Vehicle Supply As Trump's Tariffs Set Up Summer Price Hikes
Panic Buying Shrinks US Vehicle Supply As Trump's Tariffs Set Up Summer Price Hikes The US supply of new and used vehicles is quickly declining after car shoppers rushed to make purchases before President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs shook the auto industry, setting the stage for a costly summer. New-vehicle stock fell to 2.69 million units by Tuesday, April 1, according to auto data company Cox Automotive. That was down 10.2% from the start of March and 2.4% lower than the same time in 2024. Buyers flooded showrooms in the final week of March, driven by seasonal trends and fears of price hikes tied to Trump's rapidly changing tariffs. "With import tariffs no…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Score Free Chipotle To Celebrate Start Of NHL Playoffs: Here's How Score Free Chipotle To Celebrate Start Of NHL Playoffs: Here's How
Score Free Chipotle To Celebrate Start Of NHL Playoffs: Here's How Whether you're a diehard fan or you just enjoy rocking a fashionable hockey sweater, you can welcome the start of the Stanley Cup Playoffs with a deal at Chipotle. To mark the beginning of the chase for "Lord Stanley's Cup," Chipotle is allowing some customers to get a free meal just by wearing a hockey jersey. Anyone in a jersey can buy one entrée in-store and get another for free after 3 p.m. on Monday, April 21. The offer is good at any participating Chipotle location in the US or Canada. "Our Hockey Jersey BOGO offer, back for the fifth consecutive year, has become a yearly t…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Beer-Infused Pringles Bringing Miller Lite's Taste, Summer Cookout Flavors To Snack Aisles Beer-Infused Pringles Bringing Miller Lite's Taste, Summer Cookout Flavors To Snack Aisles
Beer-Infused Pringles Bringing Miller Lite's Taste, Summer Cookout Flavors To Snack Aisles A new collaboration between a potato snack and a beer is aiming to be the flavor of the summer. Pringles and Miller Lite are teaming up to launch a pair of bold new flavors of the potato crisps: Beer Can Chicken and Grilled Beer Brat. Kellanova, the company that owns Pringles, announced the grill-season partnership in a news release on Wednesday, April 16. The crispy snacks promise to pack in the flavors of backyard cookouts. "At Pringles, we're dedicated to bringing new, unexpected flavors that both surprise and satisfy our fans' cravings to the market, no matter the occasion," …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers
Data Breach Exposed Driver's Licenses, Credit Cards Of Hertz Customers Customers of car rental company Hertz may have had their personal information stolen after a data breach exposed driver's license numbers, credit card details, and other sensitive records. Hertz confirmed the breach involved data stored by Cleo Communications, a vendor used by Hertz for file transfers. Hackers exploited security flaws in Cleo's system in October and December 2024, according to the company. Hertz verified on Monday, Feb. 10, that an "unauthorized third party" accessed customer data. The company completed its investigation on Wednesday, April 2, and began notifying affec…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Free Inflight Wi-Fi Coming To American Airlines Flights: Here's How To Get It Free Inflight Wi-Fi Coming To American Airlines Flights: Here's How To Get It
Free Inflight Wi-Fi Coming To American Airlines Flights: Here's How To Get It American Airlines will offer free high-speed Wi-Fi on nearly all of its flights starting in 2026 – but travelers will need to sign up for the airline's loyalty program to get it. Free Wi-Fi will be available exclusively to AAdvantage members beginning in January 2026, American announced in a news release on Tuesday, April 15. The service will cover more planes than any other domestic carrier, according to the Dallas-based airline. American is partnering with AT&T to offer free internet connections. "Our customers greatly value staying connected while in the air, whether communicat…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Northeastern Small Businesses Sue Trump Over Tariffs: 'Unprecedented Power Grab' Northeastern Small Businesses Sue Trump Over Tariffs: 'Unprecedented Power Grab'
Northeastern Small Businesses Sue Trump Over Tariffs: 'Unprecedented Power Grab' A group of small businesses is suing President Donald Trump over his sweeping new tariffs, warning the policy is driving up prices, threatening jobs, and putting their companies at risk of shutting down. The lawsuit argues that Trump has no legal authority to impose the "liberation day" tariffs. The suit was filed in the US Court of International Trade on Monday, April 14. Trump reversed course and paused many of his tariffs for 90 days but escalated duties on China to 145%. He enacted the tariffs unilaterally, invoking the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Sam's Club Releases Biggest Expansion Plan In Decades: Here's What's Changing Sam's Club Releases Biggest Expansion Plan In Decades: Here's What's Changing
Sam's Club Releases Biggest Expansion Plan In Decades: Here's What's Changing Sam's Club is planning its biggest expansion in many years – and shoppers across the country will see the difference. The wholesale retailer said it plans to double its membership and more than double its sales and profits over the next eight to 10 years. Sam's Club outlined its strategy during Walmart's 2025 Investment Community Meeting on Friday, April 11. The $90 billion business expects to open about 15 new stores a year while remodeling all of its nearly 600 current locations. "This is one of the fastest, most scalable transformations happening in retail today," president an…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Most CEOs Expect Recession Within Six Months, Call Trump's Tariffs 'A Train Wreck': Survey Most CEOs Expect Recession Within Six Months, Call Trump's Tariffs 'A Train Wreck': Survey
Most CEOs Expect Recession Within Six Months, Call Trump's Tariffs 'A Train Wreck': Survey A majority of CEOs across the country are now bracing for a recession within six months as confidence in the US economy tumbles to its lowest level in years due to President Donald Trump's tariffs, according to a new survey. The industry group Chief Executive released the findings from a poll of 329 CEOs and business owners on Monday, Apr. 14. The survey showed growing alarm over Trump's escalating tariffs, which many fear will push the country into a downturn. According to the survey, 62% of CEOs expect a recession over the next six months – the highest level in recent years and up fr…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Trump Now Says There Will Be 'No Exceptions' On Tariffs For iPhones, Other Chinese Electronics Trump Now Says There Will Be 'No Exceptions' On Tariffs For iPhones, Other Chinese Electronics
Trump Now Says There Will Be 'No Exceptions' On Tariffs For iPhones, Other Chinese Electronics Not so fast. Just days after new guidance was released by the government stated that machines used to make semiconductors, flat-screen TVs, tablets, and desktop computers are excluded from President Trump’s 125 percent tariff on Chinese goods, the administration is now saying those exemptions are only temporary. In a social media post on Truth Social on Sunday, April 13, Trump said there are “no exceptions,” and tariffs will apply to those items, apparently clarifying the US Customs and Border Protection bulletin issued Friday, April 11. “NOBODY is getting ‘off the hook,' ” Trump wrot…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
‘Chicken Jockey’ Chaos Erupts During Minecraft Movie, Wreaking Havoc In Theaters ‘Chicken Jockey’ Chaos Erupts During Minecraft Movie, Wreaking Havoc In Theaters
‘Chicken Jockey’ Chaos Erupts During Minecraft Movie, Wreaking Havoc In Theaters An unusual phenomenon is sweeping across movie theaters around the globe involving some teen viewers going to see "A Minecraft Movie." "Chicken Jockey," a term familiar to players of the popular video game, is causing chaos in some theaters, as some moviegoers have taken to tossing trash and debris at the sight of the zombie character during the film.  The trend has led to attendees cheering and throwing popcorn when the line is said, and some theaters are now putting up warnings. Incidents have been reported in New Jersey — resulting in some teens being banned - Michigan, Utah — wher…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Here’s Percentage Of Americans Who Feel Financially Stressed Here’s Percentage Of Americans Who Feel Financially Stressed
Here’s Percentage Of Americans Who Feel Financially Stressed A new poll finds that a growing number of Americans are feeling financially strained, a stark reflection of the nation's economic uncertainty. The nationwide survey, conducted by CNBC/SurveyMonkey from Thursday, April 3 to Monday, April 7, included 4,200 US adults and found that 73 percent of respondents reported feeling “financially stressed.” Among them, 38 percent identified as “very stressed,” with 66 percent citing tariffs as a major contributing factor. Even high earners are not immune — 29 percent of respondents making $100,000 or more said they’re under financial stress. The findin…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Miller Releases Beer-Infused Vinyl That Sounds Like Your Favorite Dive Bar Miller Releases Beer-Infused Vinyl That Sounds Like Your Favorite Dive Bar
Miller Releases Beer-Infused Vinyl That Sounds Like Your Favorite Dive Bar Miller High Life is remixing its beer with some dive bar sounds. "The Champagne of Beers" has released a limited-edition vinyl record made with real Miller High Life beer inside of it, Molson Coors said in a news release. The first-of-its-kind collectible is designed to sound like a night at your favorite neighborhood spot. The 25-minute album called "Dive Bar Sounds" went on sale on Thursday, April 10. Preorders will continue on Tuesday, April 15, and Wednesday, April 16. Only 200 copies are available for $18 each, about the price of a 24-pack. "This is the first-ever beer-infused vinyl …

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Beer Sales Hurt By Trump's Immigration Policies As Tariffs Shake Economy, Top Importer Warns Beer Sales Hurt By Trump's Immigration Policies As Tariffs Shake Economy, Top Importer Warns
Beer Sales Hurt By Trump's Immigration Policies As Tariffs Shake Economy, Top Importer Warns The producer of the best-selling beer in the US says President Donald Trump's immigration policies are hurting sales – adding fuel to economic instability from his global trade wars. Constellation Brands CEO Bill Newlands told investors that immigration concerns and higher prices are forcing many of the company's core customers to cut back on spending – including beer. He made the comments during an earnings call on Thursday, April 10. Newlands said immigration fears are among many socioeconomic factors worrying Hispanic customers, who make up about half of Constellation's be…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Inflation Cooled In March Before Trump's Tariffs Fueled Market Collapse, New Data Says Inflation Cooled In March Before Trump's Tariffs Fueled Market Collapse, New Data Says
Inflation Cooled In March Before Trump's Tariffs Fueled Market Collapse, New Data Says Inflation slightly eased in March, just before President Donald Trump's sweeping tariff announcement sent Wall Street spiraling, wiping out trillions in market value before a temporary tariff pause. The consumer price index (CPI) fell 0.1% in March, the first decline since October, the Bureau of Labor Statistics said on Thursday, April 10. Prices climbed 2.4% from March 2024, the slowest annual increase since early 2021. Wall Street was bracing for a hotter inflation report. The Dow Jones consensus estimated headline inflation to be 2.6% and core inflation to be 3%, CNBC reported. Gas…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
KFC's Fried Chicken Toothpaste Is Real – And It Already Sold Out KFC's Fried Chicken Toothpaste Is Real – And It Already Sold Out
KFC's Fried Chicken Toothpaste Is Real – And It Already Sold Out KFC's new toothpaste wasn't a joke, it's finger-lickin' gone. The toothpaste flavored like KFC fried chicken has officially sold out, according to Hismile's website on Wednesday, April 9. The toothpaste was launched with a KFC-branded electric toothbrush, which is also no longer available. The limited-edition toothpaste was first announced by KFC on April Fools' Day. "Not a prank," the company posted on Tuesday, April 1. "It's here. And it's Finger Lickin' Good.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by KFC (@kfc) KFC fans wer…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Recall Issued For Specialty Burger Product Sold At Caraluzzi's 4 Fairfield County Locales Recall Issued For Specialty Burger Product Sold At Caraluzzi's 4 Fairfield County Locales
Recall Issued For Specialty Burger Product Sold At Caraluzzi's 4 Fairfield County Locales A family-owned Connecticut supermarket chain has issued a recall for a specialty hamburger product that may pose a serious health risk to some customers. Caraluzzi’s Markets, based in Bethel, announced a recall of its 8-ounce Italian Style Seafood Burgers due to the presence of undeclared egg, a known allergen.  The product was sold at all four store locations in Fairfield County: Bethel, Wilton, Newtown and Danbury. People with an egg allergy or severe sensitivity are at risk of a serious or potentially life-threatening reaction if they consume the mislabeled burgers, the US Food and…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Trump Retreats From Many Tariffs, Raises China's Rate To 125% After Days Of Market Freefall Trump Retreats From Many Tariffs, Raises China's Rate To 125% After Days Of Market Freefall
Trump Retreats From Many Tariffs, Raises China's Rate To 125% After Days Of Market Freefall President Donald Trump has stepped back from many of his tariffs while escalating Chinese duties even higher, sparking a dramatic market comeback after some of the worst trading days since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The 90-day pause will apparently apply to some tariffs for more than 75 countries that haven't issued retaliatory duties. Trump announced the halt on his social media platform Truth Social on Wednesday, April 9. A 10% tariff will remain in place for the countries included in the pause. The White House said the 10% duty will also apply to Canada and Mexico, NBC News…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Taco John's Expanding Into CT, MA With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu Taco John's Expanding Into CT, MA With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu
Taco John's Expanding Into CT, MA With 22 New Restaurants On The Menu A Tex-Mex fast food chain popular in the Midwest and Great Plains is making a sharp move east with expansion plans in New England. Taco John's is in the process of opening 22 restaurants across Massachusetts and Connecticut, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, April 9. Three locations have already opened in the Bay State, with the newest one at 77 Summer Street in Boston's Downtown Crossing section. The chain began its New England expansion in 2023 with the opening of restaurants in Lawrence and Leominster. Before 2023, the nearest Taco John's to Massachusetts was in Ohio.…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Trump Slaps 104% Tariff On China As Markets Resume Freefall, Recession Fears Grow Trump Slaps 104% Tariff On China As Markets Resume Freefall, Recession Fears Grow
Trump Slaps 104% Tariff On China As Markets Resume Freefall, Recession Fears Grow President Donald Trump will place a jarring 104% tariff on Chinese goods, wiping out gains on Wall Street after three chaotic days of trading that wiped out trillions from US markets and elevated recession fears. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the dramatic tariff rise during a news conference on Tuesday, April 8. The new 104% duty will officially begin at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, April 9. China's tariff rate was raised to a combined 54% when Trump announced his "liberation day" tariffs on Wednesday, April 2. A 34% additional tariff was added to Trump's pre-existing 2…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Avelo To Fly ICE Deportation Flights, Sparking Boycott As Critics Slam 'Cruel' Policy Avelo To Fly ICE Deportation Flights, Sparking Boycott As Critics Slam 'Cruel' Policy
Avelo To Fly ICE Deportation Flights, Sparking Boycott As Critics Slam 'Cruel' Policy Avelo Airlines has received widespread criticism after agreeing to fly deportation charter flights for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. An Avelo spokesperson confirmed the airline's ICE partnership to the Daily Voice on Tuesday, April 8. The "long-term charter program" will be based at Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA) in suburban Phoenix and begin on Monday, May 12. The Houston-based airline said its operations with the Department of Homeland Security will utilize three Boeing 737-800 planes. "Flights will be both domestic and international to support the department's deportat…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Lowe's Will Close All Locations For 24 Hours: Here's Why Lowe's Will Close All Locations For 24 Hours: Here's Why
Lowe's Will Close All Locations For 24 Hours: Here's Why Lowe's will once again close all stores on Easter Sunday. A spokesperson for the home improvement chain confirmed the closings to Daily Voice on Monday, April 7. The Easter holiday falls on Sunday, April 20. The closure applies to all Lowe's stores nationwide. "This day off will give our associates the opportunity to spend some extra time with their loved ones," the spokesperson said. "It's a way to show appreciation to Lowe’s associates for their dedication to serving our customers." This marks the sixth straight year the home improvement chain has given a day off to employees on Ea…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
The Ground Round Returns To New England, Promising 'Great Food And Unforgettable Memories' The Ground Round Returns To New England, Promising 'Great Food And Unforgettable Memories'
The Ground Round Returns To New England, Promising 'Great Food And Unforgettable Memories' A nostalgic favorite in family-friendly dining has officially returned to Massachusetts. The Ground Round in Shrewsbury is now offering limited dinner service, the restaurant announced on its Facebook page. It's located at 271 Grafton Street, in the former home of a Chinese-Japanese restaurant named Bauhinia. A grand opening celebration will be held on Wednesday, April 30. "First few days have been incredible, thank you to all who stopped in this weekend," The Ground Round posted on Monday, April 7. "Fish & Chips and Steak Tips were flying out of the kitchen!" The bar is open for…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Volatile Markets Spiral As Trump Threatens China, White House Denies Tariff Pause Rumor Volatile Markets Spiral As Trump Threatens China, White House Denies Tariff Pause Rumor
Volatile Markets Spiral As Trump Threatens China, White House Denies Tariff Pause Rumor Chaos has shaken Wall Street for a third day as the White House denied rumors of a pause on President Donald Trump's sweeping new tariffs that sparked the worst sell-off since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Dow Jones Industrial Average opened down roughly 1,250 points on Monday, April 7. The massive drop continued the market freefall that happened in the aftermath of Trump's "liberation day" announcement. Soon after trading opened, the Dow surged back into the green by around 10:15 a.m. The bounce back appeared to be in response to social media posts claiming Trump was conside…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Spirit Airlines CEO Resigns After Bankruptcy Exit, $800M Debt Cut Spirit Airlines CEO Resigns After Bankruptcy Exit, $800M Debt Cut
Spirit Airlines CEO Resigns After Bankruptcy Exit, $800M Debt Cut Spirit Airlines is changing its senior leadership after exiting bankruptcy and shedding nearly $800 million in debt. Ted Christie, who has led the airline since 2019, stepped down as CEO and president on Monday, April 7. He also resigned from the board of directors for the company based in Dania Beach, Florida. The board has not yet named a permanent replacement, opting for an interim "Office of the President," made up of executive vice president and CFO Fred Cromer, executive vice president and COO John Bendoraitis, and senior vice president and general counsel Thomas Canfield. "Ted has k…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Jim Cramer Fears ‘Black Monday’ As Markets Tumble After Trump's Tariff Rollout Jim Cramer Fears ‘Black Monday’ As Markets Tumble After Trump's Tariff Rollout
Jim Cramer Fears ‘Black Monday’ As Markets Tumble After Trump's Tariff Rollout It was a brutal week for investors, who lost nearly $7 trillion after President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs on nearly every country, and CNBC's Jim Cramer warned that the pain may not be over. The "Mad Money" host said he fears stock prices may continue to fall on Monday, April 7, adding that investors could be facing a repeat of one of the market’s worst days. Related: Mexico And Canada Promise More Tariffs Coming For US If the president doesn’t try to reach out and reward these countries and companies that play by the rules, then the 1987 scenario ... the one where we went …

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by Josh Lanier
Business
No New Land Rovers Or Jaguars Coming To US Amid Trump’s Tariff Plan No New Land Rovers Or Jaguars Coming To US Amid Trump’s Tariff Plan
No New Land Rovers Or Jaguars Coming To US Amid Trump’s Tariff Plan There will be no new Land Rover or Jaguar vehicles heading to the US, as the automaker has announced a pause in shipments amid recently imposed tariffs by the president. Britain-based Jaguar Land Rover Automotive said over the weekend that later this month, the company will temporarily cease shipping vehicles to the US as it considers the consequences of the tariffs moving forward. “The USA is an important market for JLR’s luxury brands,” the company said in a statement to NPR. “As we work to address the new trading terms with our business partners, we are taking some short-term actions in…

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by Zak Failla