Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores Days After NY Settlement: CFPB Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores Days After NY Settlement: CFPB
Equifax Fined $15M For Inaccurate Credit Scores Days After NY Settlement: Cfpb One of the nation’s largest credit reporting agencies has been fined $15 million for issuing inaccurate credit scores and failing to properly investigate consumer disputes, officials said. Equifax will pay the fine into the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's victims relief fund, the federal agency said in a news release on Friday, Jan. 17. The CFPB's investigation found Equifax ignored critical evidence submitted by consumers disputing inaccuracies in their credit reports. According to the CFPB, Equifax also allowed deleted errors to resurface and relied on flaw…
Cash App Users To Get Refunds In $175M Order As Feds Target Fraud Cash App Users To Get Refunds In $175M Order As Feds Target Fraud
Cash App Users To Get Refunds In $175M Order As Feds Target Fraud Cash App's parent company will have to pay $175 million for poorly protecting its users from fraud and financial crimes on the payment platform, officials said. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ordered Block to refund up to $120 million to users harmed by fraud, the federal agency said in a news release on Thursday, Jan. 16. The parent company of Cash App, which has more than 56 million accounts, must also pay a $55 million fine into the CFPB’s victims relief fund. The CFPB found that Block failed to properly investigate unauthorized transactions and deprived users of…
Microsoft 365 Raises Prices For First Time In 12 Years: Here's Why Microsoft 365 Raises Prices For First Time In 12 Years: Here's Why
Microsoft 365 Raises Prices For First Time In 12 Years: Here's Why The Microsoft 365 bundle price is increasing in the U.S. for the first time in a dozen years as the tech giant adds artificial intelligence tools into longtime products like Microsoft Word. The cost of Microsoft 365 Personal and Family subscriptions will rise by $3 per month, the company said in a blog post on Thursday, Jan. 16. It's the first price change since the software bundle launched in 2013 under the name "Office 365". Existing subscribers will see the adjustment at their next renewal. "We understand that our customers have a variety of needs and budgets, so we’re committ…
American Express To Pay $230M For Misleading Small Business Customers American Express To Pay $230M For Misleading Small Business Customers
American Express To Pay $230M For Misleading Small Business Customers American Express said it will pay $230 million to resolve federal investigations into deceptive sales tactics and recordkeeping violations involving small business credit card and wire transfer products. The credit card company agreed to pay a $108.7 million civil penalty, the Department of Justice said in a news release on Thursday, Jan. 16. The settlement resolved claims against American Express of deceptive marketing and "dummy" account information. American Express was accused of engaging in unlawful sales tactics and falsifying records between 2014 and 2021. "When financial companies …
New Eatery Opens Up Shop At Brewster Train Station New Eatery Opens Up Shop At Brewster Train Station
New Eatery Opens Up Shop At Brewster Train Station If you find your stomach growling while waiting for your train at one Hudson Valley station, a new restaurant is now open to help.  The Bagel Train Cafe at the Brewster Train Station in Putnam County announced its opening on social media on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The new eatery boasts a menu with plenty of bagel, salad, breakfast sandwich, and salad options. It also serves omelets, soups, and smoothie bowls, including the "Bagel Train Bowl" with granola, strawberry, banana, raspberry, blueberry, and coconut flakes.  Weary travelers who stop by the train station can also grab a beer or…
Spirit Airlines Slashes Jobs As It Charts Path Out Of Bankruptcy Spirit Airlines Slashes Jobs As It Charts Path Out Of Bankruptcy
Spirit Airlines Slashes Jobs As It Charts Path Out Of Bankruptcy Spirit Airlines is laying off about 200 employees as the company tries to survive amid bankruptcy proceedings. The budget carrier will eliminate the positions across various departments, a company spokesperson told Daily Voice on Thursday, Jan. 16. The move came as Spirit looks to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy, which it filed for in November 2024. The layoffs, which follow recent pilot furloughs, aim to align the airline's staffing with its current fleet size and level of flying while achieving $80 million in annual cost reductions. "These decisions are never made lightly, and we are c…
Inspectors Found ‘General Filth’ At Boar’s Head Plant Tied To Deadly Listeria Outbreak: USDA Inspectors Found ‘General Filth’ At Boar’s Head Plant Tied To Deadly Listeria Outbreak: USDA
Inspectors Found ‘General Filth’ At Boar’s Head Plant Tied To Deadly Listeria Outbreak: USDA Inspectors found "general filth," poor sanitation practices, and structural issues at Boar’s Head facilities, including the Virginia plant linked to a deadly Listeria outbreak that killed 10 people and hospitalized 60, according to a newly released USDA report. A detailed report by the US Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has revealed alarming findings at Boar’s Head’s Virginia facility, tied to a 2024 outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes that resulted in 10 deaths and 60 hospitalizations across 19 states.  The outbreak, traced to liverwurst products f…
Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds
Southwest Airlines Sued, Frontier Fined For Chronic Flight Delays: Feds The federal government is suing Southwest Airlines and fined Frontier Airlines, accusing the carriers of illegally operating multiple chronically delayed flights and causing significant problems for travelers. The U.S. Department of Transportation filed a lawsuit against Southwest on Wednesday, Jan. 15, the DOT said in a news release. The suit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California seeks maximum civil penalties against the airline. Federal regulators said they're cracking down on "unrealistic scheduling practices" by Southwest. "Airlines have a l…
JetBlue Adds 11 Flights From NYC-Area Airports, Increasing Options From Major Northeast Hubs JetBlue Adds 11 Flights From NYC-Area Airports, Increasing Options From Major Northeast Hubs
JetBlue Adds 11 Flights From Nyc-area Airports, Increasing Options From Major Northeast Hubs A flight from Connecticut to New York City? It'll be possible soon through JetBlue. The airline is expanding its Northeast flight network for summer 2025, JetBlue said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The new flights will take off from Boston and several New York City-area airports. John F. Kennedy International Airport will offer year-round flights to Bradley International Airport (BDL) in Windsor Locks, CT, and Rhode Island T. F. Green International Airport (PVD) in Warwick, RI. The once-daily trips will begin on Wednesday, Apr. 30. JetBlue said the two flights to …
'Making Waves': Great Wolf Lodge Sets Opening Date For $300M Resort Near CT Casino 'Making Waves': Great Wolf Lodge Sets Opening Date For $300M Resort Near CT Casino
'Making Waves': Great Wolf Lodge Sets Opening Date For $300M Resort Near CT Casino A new indoor water park near Foxwoods Resort Casino has set a date for when families can start enjoying splash-filled adventures. Great Wolf Lodge Mashantucket, a 92,000-square-foot park on 13 acres next to Foxwoods, will open on Friday, May 23, Great Wolf Resorts said. The $300 million resort is part of a partnership with the Pequot tribe, promising year-round indoor water fun and family-friendly attractions. Foxwoods posted an Instagram video, giving a sneak peek of the park's progress on Tuesday, Jan. 14. "🌊🐺 Making waves with our newest addition!" said Foxwoods. "We're t…
Crafting Trouble: Joann Declares Bankruptcy For Second Time In Less Than 12 Months Crafting Trouble: Joann Declares Bankruptcy For Second Time In Less Than 12 Months
Crafting Trouble: Joann Declares Bankruptcy For Second Time In Less Than 12 Months Arts and crafts retailer Joann is declaring bankruptcy for the second time in less than a year, officials said. Joann filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in a Delaware court, the company said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The chain known for sewing and other craft materials said the move will help facilitate a sale to maximize the business's value. Interim CEO Michael Prendergast said the bankruptcy declaration was necessary despite the chain's efforts to drastically improve its financial health. "Since becoming a private company in April [2024], the Board and management team h…
Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports
Meta To Cut 5% Of Lowest-Performing Workers, Zuckerberg Braces For 'Intense Year': Reports Meta will cut thousands of employees in the latest move for the controversial company that owns platforms like Facebook and Instagram, according to reports. An internal memo sent to Meta workers said five percent of low-performing employees will be terminated, Bloomberg News reported. The company that also owns WhatsApp and Threads has more than 72,000 employees, according to Meta's most recent quarterly report. A five-percent reduction would mean about 3,600 people could lose their jobs. "I've decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster,…
Capital One Kept $2B In Savings Account Interest From Banking Customers, CFPB Suit Says Capital One Kept $2B In Savings Account Interest From Banking Customers, CFPB Suit Says
Capital One Kept $2B In Savings Account Interest From Banking Customers, Cfpb Suit Says The federal government is suing Captial One, accusing the banking giant of deceiving consumers and withholding more than $2 billion in interest payments on savings accounts. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) filed a lawsuit against Capital One and its parent company, the agency said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 14. The CFPB accused Capital One of marketing its "360 Savings" accounts as offering some of the nation's highest interest rates but froze those rates while competitors' rates climbed. Simultaneously, the bank introduced a nearly identical product, "360 …
No Coffee, No Bathroom: Starbucks Ends Open-Door Policy For Non-Customers No Coffee, No Bathroom: Starbucks Ends Open-Door Policy For Non-Customers
No Coffee, No Bathroom: Starbucks Ends Open-Door Policy For Non-Customers Starbucks is ending its open-door policy, prioritizing access for paying customers and employees. The coffeehouse chain will no longer allow just anyone to hang out in its cafes or use its bathrooms. Starbucks has created a new Coffeehouse Code of Conduct, requiring people to buy something to use the cafe, patio, or restrooms. Starbucks said it hopes the change will improve the overall coffeehouse experience. "We want everyone to feel welcome and comfortable in our stores," company spokesperson Sam Jefferies said in a statement to Daily Voice. "Implementing a Coffeehouse Code of Conduct i…
These Jobs Will Dominate Nationally In 2025, According To U.S. News Rankings These Jobs Will Dominate Nationally In 2025, According To U.S. News Rankings
These Jobs Will Dominate Nationally In 2025, According To U.S. News Rankings U.S. News & World Report has unveiled its 2025 Best Jobs rankings, highlighting the top careers across various sectors to guide job seekers in making informed decisions. For the second consecutive year, the health care sector leads the list, with Nurse Practitioner securing the No. 1 position. The top five jobs for 2025 are: Nurse Practitioner IT Manager Physician Assistant Financial Manager Software Developer These rankings consider factors such as growth potential, work-life balance, job safety, employment rate, and salary.  The prominence of health care and STEM (Science, Tec…
See What Inspired Walmart's First Rebranding, Logo Change In 17 Years See What Inspired Walmart's First Rebranding, Logo Change In 17 Years
See What Inspired Walmart's First Rebranding, Logo Change In 17 Years Walmart is making a subtle yet noticeable tweak to its logo for the first time in nearly two decades. The retail chain announced "a comprehensive brand refresh" in a news release on Monday, Jan. 13. It's the first logo change for the 63-year-old company since it removed the star between "Wal" and "Mart" in 2008. Walmart said its fresh new look combines a nod to its rich history with a bold, modern design. "Walmart’s brand identity has evolved to reflect what the retailer offers today, while honoring what has always been special about the one-stop shopping destination," the chain …
Tesla Recalls 239,000+ Cars For Rearview Camera Glitch In Automaker's Latest Safety Issue Tesla Recalls 239,000+ Cars For Rearview Camera Glitch In Automaker's Latest Safety Issue
Tesla Recalls 239,000+ Cars For Rearview Camera Glitch In Automaker's Latest Safety Issue Tesla is recalling nearly 240,000 vehicles after a defect was discovered that could cause rearview cameras to fail, increasing the risk of crashes, officials said. Tesla issued a recall for 239,382 cars across its 2023-25 Model X and Model Y vehicles, along with its 2024-25 Model S and Model 3 lineup, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). A defect in the cars' computer circuit boards can result in losing rearview camera functionality. The issue violates the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) for rear visibility and could compromise dri…
AI Workforce Shake-Up: Nearly Half Of Companies Plan Job Cuts Within Years AI Workforce Shake-Up: Nearly Half Of Companies Plan Job Cuts Within Years
AI Workforce Shake-Up: Nearly Half Of Companies Plan Job Cuts Within Years Nearly half of companies worldwide are planning to cut jobs within the next few years as artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes industries and automates millions of positions, according to a new global report. The World Economic Forum’s "Future of Jobs Report 2025" outlines the seismic shifts AI will bring to the global workforce, revealing both challenges and opportunities: Job Displacement: The report says 41 percent of companies intent to downsize their workforce globally between 2025 and 2030, particularly in industries reliant on routine and manual tasks such as manufacturing, customer …
Frozen Chicken Product Recalled Over Metal Contamination Frozen Chicken Product Recalled Over Metal Contamination
Frozen Chicken Product Recalled Over Metal Contamination A popular frozen chicken product being recalled due to reports of metal contamination.  Nearly 25,000 pounds of the taquitos may harm consumers, including causing injuries. The US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that Bestway Sandwiches Inc., a Valencia, California company, is recalling 20-ounce cartons of “Casa Mamita Chicken & Cheese Taquitos.”  These products were produced on July 3, 2024, and Sept. 25, 2024, and have “Best By” dates of 07/03/25 and 09/25/25 printed on the bottom panel.  They were shipped to select ALDI …
Game Over For Venu Sports: ESPN, FOX, Warner Bros. Discovery Scrap Joint Streaming Venture Game Over For Venu Sports: ESPN, FOX, Warner Bros. Discovery Scrap Joint Streaming Venture
Game Over For Venu Sports: ESPN, FOX, Warner Bros. Discovery Scrap Joint Streaming Venture Three giant media companies have abandoned their plans to launch Venu Sports, a service that aimed to drastically shake up the streaming industry by bundling many sports channels together, officials said. Venu Sports has officially been discontinued, ESPN said in a news release on Friday, Jan. 10. The massive venture was a partnership between the "Worldwide Leader in Sports," FOX, and Warner Bros. Discovery. The companies released a brief statement announcing the end of Venu Sports. "After careful consideration, we have collectively agreed to discontinue the Venu Sports joint ven…
Kohl’s Closing 27 Stores Across The US Including In Mid-Atlantic Kohl’s Closing 27 Stores Across The US Including In Mid-Atlantic
Kohl’s Closing 27 Stores Across The US Including In Mid-Atlantic Kohl’s announced Thursday, Jan. 9, the closure of 27 underperforming stores, including locations in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Virginia, as part of its 2025 real estate changes. The closures are expected to be finalized by April 2025 and are part of the company’s strategy to strengthen its store portfolio while adapting to evolving consumer trends. Among the affected locations are stores in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Virginia. Pennsylvania Pottstown – 351 W Schuylkill Rd. New Jersey East Windsor – 72 Princeton Hightstown Rd. Massachusetts Stoug…
Macy’s Closing 66 Stores Including 9 Locations In NY Macy’s Closing 66 Stores Including 9 Locations In NY
Macy’s Closing 66 Stores Including 9 Locations In NY Macy’s, Inc. confirmed on Thursday, Jan. 9, the closure of 16 stores across Virginia, New Jersey, New York, Massachusetts, and Maryland as part of its "Bold New Chapter" strategy. The closures are among 66 Macy’s locations set to shutter nationwide, a move designed to return the company to "sustainable, profitable sales growth." The stores closing in these states include: Virginia Southpark Mall Pennsylvania Logan Valley Mall Exton Square Mall Wyoming Valley Mall Philadelphia Center City Store in the Wanamaker Building New Jersey Essex Green Shopping Center New York Lake Success Melv…
400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program 400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program
400+ REI Employees Laid Off, Outdoor Retailer Ends Adventure Travel Program More than 400 employees will lose their jobs as REI closes its Experiences program, ending the adventure travel and outdoor education programs that have been part of the retailer’s identity for 40 years. REI announced the shutdown of its Experiences division in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The decision will result in 438 layoffs for 180 full-time employees and 248 part-time guides as the company shifts focus to its core business. The retail chain cited ongoing financial challenges as the reason for ending the program. Experiences included adventure travel, day to…
Mall Brand Merger: JCPenney Unites With Forever 21, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers Operator Mall Brand Merger: JCPenney Unites With Forever 21, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers Operator
Mall Brand Merger: JCPenney Unites With Forever 21, Aeropostale, Brooks Brothers Operator JCPenney is merging with a company that owns several other retailers that have also struggled as malls have declined in popularity across the U.S. The 123-year-old department store chain and SPARC Group have combined to form Catalyst Brands, the new company said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. SPARC Group is the operator of stores including Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Forever 21, Lucky Brand, and Nautica. Former JCPenney CEO Marc Rosen will become the CEO of Catalyst Brands, which boasts more than $9 billion of revenue and about 60,000 employees at …
East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal
East Coast Ports Dodge Shutdown As Dockworkers Reach Tentative Six-Year Deal Dockworkers and port companies have come to a tentative agreement on a new six-year deal, avoiding another work stoppage that would cause major shipping disruptions along the East Coast. The International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) and United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) announced the tentative agreement in a joint news release at night on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The deal aimed to avoid another potential strike on Wednesday, Jan. 15. The ILA and USMX agreed to extend the current master contract until ILA representatives can convene for a ratification vote and USMX members can final…
Health Alert Issued For Popular Chicken Product Sold At Walmart Health Alert Issued For Popular Chicken Product Sold At Walmart
Health Alert Issued For Popular Chicken Product Sold At Walmart A public health alert has just been issued for a popular frozen chicken product. The product labeled as Chicken Curry Empanadas may contain Apple Cinnamon Empanadas, with milk, a known allergen, that is not declared on the product label, according to US Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).  FSIS said it is issuing this alert to ensure that consumers with allergies to milk are aware that this product should not be consumed. A recall was not requested because the affected product is no longer available for purchase. The frozen empanada products labeled …
Raw Kitten Food Sold In NY Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says Raw Kitten Food Sold In NY Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says
Raw Kitten Food Sold In NY Recalled Due To Salmonella Contamination, FDA Says Blue Ridge Beef is recalling 1,350 pounds of its raw cat food sold across the Northeast and mid-Atlantic after the product tested positive for salmonella, officials said. The Food and Drug Administration said the recall impacts two-pound logs of Blue Ridge Beef's kitten mix with lot number N25-0716 (UPC 854298001436). A customer complained about a cat getting sick after eating the mix and a food sample was collected on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. The Massachusetts State Public Health Laboratory confirmed the product tested positive for salmonella on Friday, Jan. 3. The FDA said the food …
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC
H&R Block Fined $7M For Deceptive 'Free' Filing Ads, Must Reform Tax Services: FTC H&R Block will pay $7 million in federal fines for deceptive practices and must implement sweeping changes to its filing services in time for the 2025 tax season, officials said. H&R Block reached the settlement with the Federal Trade Commission, the agency announced in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The order requires the company to revamp its services and pay $7 million to compensate its customers. The settlement stemmed from a February 2024 complaint accusing H&R Block of forcing users to contact customer service to downgrade products. The tax filer was also a…
High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant
High-End 'Pawn Shop', Gourmet Dining Set To Dazzle At Newest Mohegan Sun Restaurant A new restaurant with a luxury pawn shop and speakeasy vibes will soon open at Mohegan Sun. Beauty & Essex is set to open next to novelle in the Casino of the Sky on Friday, Feb. 7, Mohegan Sun said in a news release on Wednesday, Jan. 8. The 11,000-square-foot restaurant will be operated by Tao Group Hospitality, which also opened TAO Asian Bistro & Lounge at the Uncasville casino in 2021. Co-created by Chef Chris Santos, Mohegan Sun said Beauty & Essex will offer a unique, eclectic dining experience. "The addition of Beauty & Essex furthers our partnership …
Delta Teams Up With Uber, Ending SkyMiles Rewards Partnership With Lyft Delta Teams Up With Uber, Ending SkyMiles Rewards Partnership With Lyft
Delta Teams Up With Uber, Ending SkyMiles Rewards Partnership With Lyft Delta will enter a new partnership with Uber and allow SkyMiles customers to earn rewards on rides, ending the airline's longtime relationship with Lyft, officials said. Delta Air Lines and Uber announced their new partnership at the CES 2025 trade show in Las Vegas on Tuesday, Jan. 7. SkyMiles members will be able to earn miles for eligible Uber riders and Uber Eats orders in the spring of 2025. The heads of the companies shared their excitement about the venture, saying that about 15 percent of all Uber ride bookings either begin or end at airports. "Delta is thrilled to come together wi…
Frontier Plans Flights From JFK To Three New Destinations, Special Deals Offered Frontier Plans Flights From JFK To Three New Destinations, Special Deals Offered
Frontier Plans Flights From JFK To Three New Destinations, Special Deals Offered Frontier Airlines is expanding its presence at John F. Kennedy International Airport with three new nonstop routes launching in the spring of 2025, officials said. Frontier will start flying from JFK to Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Los Angeles, the airline said in a news release on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The three destinations are known as major hubs for American Airlines. Daily service from JFK to Miami International Airport will begin on Sunday, Mar. 30, and Los Angeles International Airport on Thursday, May 1. Four flights a week will travel between JFK and Dallas Fort Worth International Air…