FTC Fines Williams-Sonoma, Housing Affordability Predicted for 2024, Red Lobster Bankruptcy Risk

Williams-Sonoma has been fined $3 million for violating an order from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regarding its ‘Made in USA’ claims, according to reports. Meanwhile, new data predicts how much income will be required to comfortably afford a house by 2024 in various cities across America. Red Lobster is reportedly facing potential bankruptcy after a promotion designed to boost customer traffic resulted in substantial losses and failed to improve its financial situation. JAKKS Pacific has recalled almost 18,000 Mario Kart ride-on racer cars due to concerns that the acceleration pedal may become clogged with debris causing accidents. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) revealed that one in five samples of pasteurized milk contained remnants of bird flu virus which has infected dairy cows, according to reports. Texas is hosting a sales tax holiday allowing residents to purchase certain emergency preparation supplies without paying taxes on them. Following the FTC’s decision earlier this week to ban noncompete clauses for workers, experts have predicted that it will lead to an escalation in disputes between businesses and employees over these agreements. A recent poll by YouGov has shown that as tipping becomes more commonplace across various industries due to rising living costs, a majority of Americans are becoming increasingly resentful towards the practice with half choosing not to leave tips for subpar service anymore. Ring customers could soon be entitled to refunds in response to a lawsuit settlement announced by the FTC. The White House has stated that new federal rules aiming at abolishing excessive fees for flights would save American passengers almost $500 million annually, according to reports. A recent survey revealed that despite owning property remaining an important part of many Americans’ dreams, most acknowledge they are simply unable to afford it presently due to costs increasing drastically in some regions. The Biden administration has announced a new rule which will significantly expand overtime pay eligibility for salaried employees by updating salary limits and setting higher income thresholds every three years commencing on 23 January this year, the New Year’s Day anniversary of President Joe Biden’s inauguration last week. Foxtrot Market customers have reported being ejected from stores while waiting to collect their orders as staff members claim they are unaware whether or not severance payments will be forthcoming for them in light of recent closures at both Dom’s Kitchen & Market and the fashion retailer, following its merger with Foxtrot. Coca Cola suffered a major marketing blunder back in 1985 when it attempted to discontinue original flavour coke and replace it with a new recipe – resulting in hoarding, protests and consumer backlash as people refused to accept the change. Express has filed for bankruptcy this week while announcing that dozens of its fashion retail stores will be closing across America following an earlier merger between Foxtrot Market and Dom’s Kitchen & Market which resulted in closures at both chains just a few months ago.