Trader Joe’s agreed to pay $7.4 million to settle a lawsuit about printing too much credit and debit card information on customer receipts in 2019. Customers who used a card at Trader Joe’s during that time and received such receipts may claim about $102 each from the settlement.
Key Facts
Trader Joe’s receipts showed both the first six and last four digits of customers’ card numbers in 2019, which may violate the law.
The law called FACTA limits printed receipts to show no more than the last five digits of a card number.
Trader Joe’s denied wrongdoing but settled to avoid long legal costs and said no identity theft was reported.
To be eligible, customers must have bought something at Trader Joe’s between March 5 and July 19, 2019, using a card and gotten a receipt with the extra numbers.
The estimated payout per eligible person is about $102, but this can change depending on how many claims are made and expenses taken from the fund.
Claims must be filed by June 9, 2026, through the official website or by mail to get the payout.
Settlements will be paid after court approval and may come by mail or digitally.
Customers do not need to have suffered identity theft to claim money from this settlement.
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Newly revealed documents show that Amazon pressured sellers to keep their prices on other websites, like Walmart and Target, the same or higher than on Amazon. California's attorney general alleges this practice hurts competition and raises prices for buyers. Amazon denies these accusations and calls the claims false.
Key Facts
California sued Amazon in 2022 for allegedly forcing sellers to raise prices on competing sites.
The evidence includes internal Amazon emails, testimonies, and presentations recently unsealed by a court.
Amazon monitored sellers’ prices on other websites and took action if prices were lower elsewhere.
Sellers who priced their products lower on other sites lost access to Amazon’s “Buy Box,” reducing their sales drastically.
One seller lost Buy Box access for pricing an item just one cent lower on Walmart than on Amazon.
Some sellers changed codes or raised prices on other sites to avoid Amazon penalties.
California's attorney general says these actions break the law and hurt consumers by keeping prices high.
Amazon denies wrongdoing and plans to defend itself in a trial set for January 2027.
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French billionaire Vincent Bolloré is causing major changes at the French publishing house Grasset. Over 100 authors have decided to leave the company after the sudden exit of its long-time CEO.
Key Facts
Vincent Bolloré is a wealthy French businessman involved in media and publishing.
Grasset is a well-known French publishing brand associated with famous authors.
The CEO of Grasset, who had worked there for a long time, left unexpectedly.
More than 115 authors decided to leave Grasset following the CEO’s departure.
This situation is part of a larger reshaping of the French media industry influenced by Bolloré.
The authors' departure marks a significant disruption in French literary and publishing circles.
Bolloré’s influence has been controversial within the French media and culture sectors.
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The U.S. government will launch an online portal called CAPE on April 20 to help businesses request refunds for tariffs that the Supreme Court ruled were illegally applied under President Trump’s administration. Businesses must apply for refunds themselves, and only certain recent tariffs are eligible for repayment.
Key Facts
CAPE stands for Consolidated Administration and Processing of Entries and is managed by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
The Supreme Court ruled in February that President Trump had illegally imposed tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
The government could owe businesses up to $175 billion in tariff refunds.
Only importers of record or customs brokers can apply for refunds; consumers cannot.
Refund claims are not automatic; businesses need to submit applications and await approval.
CAPE initially accepts refunds for unliquidated tariffs and tariffs finalized by CBP within the past 80 days.
More than 56,000 importers have registered for refunds, covering about 82% of IEEPA tariff payments.
The portal aims to simplify refund requests but places responsibility on businesses to provide necessary information and claim the refunds.
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A large study of dog-training requests in the U.S. shows that many owners confuse reactivity with aggression in their dogs. Reactivity is an emotional overreaction often caused by fear or surprise, while aggression is behavior intended to cause harm. Experts say understanding this difference can help owners respond better and improve dog behavior.
Key Facts
Bark Busters reviewed nearly 50,000 dog-training consultations across the U.S.
Reactivity includes behaviors like barking, lunging, and growling without the intent to harm.
Aggression involves actions like biting or snapping that aim to cause harm or assert control.
Reactivity usually happens in response to specific triggers and stops once the trigger is gone.
Many owners mistakenly punish reactive behavior, which can make the problem worse.
Calm and consistent communication helps dogs feel safe and reduces reactivity.
Early training during puppyhood can improve a dog’s behavior and confidence.
Proper understanding helps prevent reactivity from turning into more serious issues.
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The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reached settlements with three advertising firms over accusations that they worked together to reduce ad spending on conservative news sites. The FTC says these companies used shared rules about "brand safety" to restrict ads on websites labeled as spreading misinformation, mostly affecting conservative media.
Key Facts
The FTC and eight US states sued advertising firms Dentsu, Publicis, and WPP for allegedly boycotting conservative media.
The lawsuit claims the firms colluded to create a "Brand Safety Floor" that targeted sites labeled as spreading misinformation.
These rules led to less advertising money for conservative websites, including Breitbart.
Competitors Omnicom and Interpublic are already under a similar FTC order related to these practices.
The FTC’s complaint focuses on efforts by industry groups like the Global Alliance for Responsible Media (GARM) to enforce these advertising restrictions.
Media Matters for America also pressured advertisers to avoid putting ads on Fox News and the platform X, according to the FTC.
The FTC settlements stop the firms from cooperating with others to boycott ads on news sites.
The settlements were approved by a US District Judge on the same day they were filed.
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You can qualify for credit card debt forgiveness even if your wages are being garnished, which means part of your paycheck is taken to pay off debt. To qualify, you generally need to prove you cannot repay your debt, show financial hardship, and have a significant amount of debt.
Key Facts
Wage garnishment happens when a court orders part of your wages to go directly to your creditor.
Credit card debt forgiveness can reduce your debt by 30% to 50%.
To qualify, you must prove you cannot repay your debt, often shown by wage garnishment.
You need to provide proof of financial hardship, such as job loss, divorce, or medical issues.
Typically, you must owe at least $7,500 to $10,000 to be eligible for forgiveness plans.
Very large debts (close to six figures) might be better handled by bankruptcy.
Even with forgiveness, you usually have to pay the remaining amount as a lump sum.
Forgiven debt is considered taxable income, so you may owe taxes on the amount forgiven.
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Federal lawmakers are proposing a new bill to limit states from taking control of unclaimed financial assets, such as bank accounts and investments, without clear proof that the owner is deceased. This move comes after a CBS News investigation revealed that states, especially California, hold billions in unclaimed property and often use the money for their budgets, returning only a small percentage to the rightful owners.
Key Facts
California holds over $15 billion in unclaimed property, including uncashed checks and old bank accounts.
The state uses this money for general operations but must return it if the owner claims it later.
California returns only about 3.5% of the unclaimed property it holds.
States across the U.S. collectively hold tens of billions in unclaimed property and sometimes use it for state projects.
The SAFER Act, introduced by Democratic Rep. Sam Liccardo and Republican Rep. Mike Lawler, would restrict states from taking ownership of such assets unless the owner is confirmed dead or meets other strict conditions.
Currently, states can take assets after inactivity periods as short as three years, even if owners are still alive.
Senator Elizabeth Warren is calling for a nationwide review of state unclaimed property systems due to concerns about increasing amounts of Americans’ money being taken by states.
The proposed legislation aims to protect Americans’ savings and investments so they benefit from their long-term growth.
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Simon Wolfson, chief executive of the British retailer Next, received a record pay package of over £7 million last year and could earn up to £9.27 million this year. Next is increasing his salary and bonuses due to the company’s strong performance and to keep attracting and keeping top managers.
Key Facts
Simon Wolfson earned more than £7 million in 2023, the highest pay in his career.
His basic salary will rise 3% to £1 million in 2024.
His maximum annual bonus will increase from 150% to 200% of his salary.
His long-term bonus potential will rise from 225% to 400% of his salary.
Next’s board said Wolfson’s pay was below average compared to other top UK companies and needed to reflect the company’s good results.
The company reported profits of £1 billion in 2023 and expects £1.2 billion by January 2027.
Next owns several British retail brands, including Gap, Victoria’s Secret, Cath Kidston, Reiss, and FatFace.
Four out of five Next executives already earn more than £3 million each year with bonuses.
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A New York jury decided that Live Nation and its Ticketmaster unit acted as an illegal monopoly in the concert ticket market. This ruling supports multiple states' lawsuits accusing the company of harming competition and making ticket prices higher for fans.
Key Facts
A jury in New York ruled Live Nation and Ticketmaster operated as an illegal monopoly.
More than 30 states are suing the company for limiting competition and raising ticket prices.
Live Nation agreed to pay $280 million in a deal with the Justice Department but many states rejected that settlement.
Ticketmaster must sell at least 13 amphitheaters and allow others to use its ticket-selling technology as part of the deal.
The jury found Ticketmaster overcharged customers by an average of $1.72 per ticket in 22 states.
If ordered, Ticketmaster could owe refunds amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars.
The judge will now decide on damages and possible penalties, which could include breaking up Live Nation.
Live Nation denies being a monopoly and plans to appeal the jury’s decision.
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UK Members of Parliament from Labour and the Liberal Democrats want the government to cancel a £330 million contract with Palantir, a US tech company working with the NHS’s data platform. The government said it will review the deal by spring 2027 but noted the platform has met its goals so far.
Key Facts
The contract with Palantir is worth £330 million, with £210 million already spent.
Palantir also works with US immigration agency ICE and the Israeli military.
MPs raised concerns about trusting Palantir with sensitive NHS patient data.
The contract supports the NHS federated data platform (FDP), used by 137 NHS trusts.
Some NHS staff find Palantir’s tools hard to use and not standard industry software.
Training for NHS staff on the platform, in partnership with Multiverse, has not yet started.
The government will review the contract when a break clause comes up in spring 2027.
Palantir claims its software helped increase NHS operations by 110,000.
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CBS Mornings Deals offers special discounts on various products that viewers may find useful in daily life. Customers can visit cbsdeals.com to buy these items and save money, while CBS earns a commission from the sales.
Key Facts
CBS Mornings Deals features products with exclusive discounts.
The products are suggested as potential everyday essentials.
Shoppers can access these deals by visiting cbsdeals.com.
CBS receives a commission when purchases are made through their website.
The deals are promoted during the CBS Mornings news program.
The service encourages viewers to take advantage of the offers promptly.
The article directs users to view more through the CBS News app or web browsers.
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UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves said there is currently no shortage of petrol, diesel, or jet fuel in the UK. She also announced upcoming changes to energy policies, including measures on North Sea oil drilling and adjusting how gas and electricity prices are linked.
Key Facts
The UK has no current problems with fuel supply, according to Chancellor Rachel Reeves.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) recommends managing energy demand by supporting public transport and remote work.
Reeves plans to announce new energy policies soon, focusing on North Sea oil extraction and changing the connection between gas and electricity prices.
The UK economy grew by 0.5% in February, better than expected, but this was before recent conflicts in the Middle East raised energy prices globally.
The UK exports petrol but imports other oil and gas products.
Higher gas prices affect electricity costs because electricity prices often depend on gas prices, even if electricity production costs haven't changed.
Tie-backs allow new oil and gas discoveries to use existing infrastructure, reducing the need for new construction.
The IMF reduced its forecast for UK economic growth in 2024 from 1.3% to 0.8%, warning that the UK might be the most affected advanced economy by the Middle East conflict.
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Europe has enough jet fuel for about six more weeks due to disruptions caused by the war involving Iran. Some airlines, like KLM, are already cancelling flights because high fuel prices make these flights too expensive to run.
Key Facts
The International Energy Agency says Europe has about six weeks of jet fuel left.
A war involving Iran has disrupted oil supplies, especially through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route.
KLM plans to cancel 160 flights next month due to high jet fuel prices.
Airlines usually keep about six weeks of fuel reserves in normal times.
Oil prices, measured by Brent crude, are over 30% higher than before the war started.
Some airlines have fuel price protections called hedges, but cost pressures remain.
EasyJet says it has enough fuel supplies until mid-May and is not worried yet.
The war has caused global energy market instability, leading to higher fuel and electricity prices worldwide.
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A not-for-profit social supermarket called The Community Table has opened in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire, to help families struggling to afford food. Members pay a small yearly fee and use a points system to buy discounted food, which comes from surplus stock and items near their best-before date.
Key Facts
The Community Table is located in Mablethorpe, Lincolnshire.
It helps families save up to 70% on their weekly food bills.
Members pay £5 a year and then buy points to shop for food.
The store uses surplus or near-best-before-date food, reducing costs.
Founder Liam Grimes started the supermarket to support people facing food poverty.
Unlike food banks, the shop lets members choose their own food in a retail-style setting.
Mablethorpe is one of the most deprived areas in England, with high levels of poverty.
Over 240 people signed up as members within the first week of opening.
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The share of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. fell to 21% last year, the lowest rate since 1981, according to the National Association of Realtors. Higher home prices, mortgage rates near 6.5%, and larger down payments are making it harder for younger people to buy homes.
Key Facts
First-time buyers made up 21% of homebuyers in 2023, down 3% from the previous year.
The median age of first-time buyers is now 40, the highest on record.
Home prices rose nearly 50% from 2019 to 2024 and continue to increase slowly.
Mortgage rates doubled from 2019 to 2022 and remain just below 6.5%.
The average down payment for first-time buyers is 10%, the highest since 1989.
Baby boomers make up 42% of buyers and 52% of sellers, benefiting from high home equity.
The median age for repeat buyers has risen to 62, with a 23% average down payment.
Many Americans believe owning a home now requires a six-figure income and see it as a privilege, not a realistic goal.
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National Public Radio (NPR) has received over $113 million in donations from private supporters. This increase in funding comes after President Trump’s administration reduced NPR’s federal government funding.
Key Facts
NPR announced it received more than $113 million from private donors.
The donations include the largest gift ever given by a living donor to NPR.
This new funding boost follows President Trump’s decision to cut government money to NPR.
NPR is a public broadcaster that relies partly on government funding and private donations.
The announcement was made on a Thursday; exact date not specified.
The funding is expected to support NPR’s operations and programming.
President Trump’s funding cuts to NPR were part of his administration’s budget changes.
Private donors have stepped in to help NPR continue its work after the federal cuts.
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About 300 DHL logistics workers at Jaguar Land Rover’s Solihull factory have voted to start an indefinite strike on May 7. They are striking because DHL has not offered a pay raise for 2026, which is usually given every January. DHL said it wants to keep talking and find a solution.
Key Facts
Around 300 DHL workers at Jaguar Land Rover’s factory in Solihull will strike indefinitely starting May 7.
The strike is due to no pay offer from DHL for the year 2026.
The workers deliver parts and cars to the Jaguar Land Rover factory.
These workers are represented by the Unite union.
DHL also has drivers in Birmingham, Wolverhampton, Solihull, and Widnes who voted to strike, but strike dates are not set yet.
DHL said the company is open to talks and wants to find a fair solution.
Unite union leader said DHL is very profitable and can afford a pay increase.
Jaguar Land Rover has not yet commented on the strike.
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New South Wales (NSW) will run all its electric buses, trains, and light rail on 100% renewable energy starting in July 2027. The state government signed a $1.9 billion, seven-year contract with Snowy Energy to supply this clean energy, aiming to cut emissions and save money on power costs.
Key Facts
NSW signed a $1.9 billion deal with Snowy Energy to power public transport with renewable energy from July 2027 to 2034.
This will cover electric buses, trains, and light rail services across the state.
The deal is expected to save NSW about $130 million in transport power bills.
Renewable energy sources include wind, solar, and hydroelectric power matched through certificates, which track green energy use.
The contract aims to cut over 800,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions yearly compared to using normal electricity.
Transport for NSW uses nearly as much power as all other state public agencies combined.
NSW plans to reduce emissions from its public transport by 65% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2035.
The government ordered over 500 electric buses, with plans to replace the current diesel fleet of 8,000 vehicles fully.
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Two of Australia’s largest car-share companies, GoGet and Flexicar, have removed fuel cards from their Melbourne vehicles after several thefts and break-ins. Now, users must pay for fuel themselves and ask for reimbursement, which may cause extra costs for customers during a time of high fuel prices.
Key Facts
GoGet is Australia’s biggest car-share company, holding 35.2% of the market.
Fuel cards used to be stored in cars to pay for fuel without upfront costs for users.
Thieves have been breaking into cars and stealing these fuel cards in Melbourne.
GoGet and Flexicar started removing fuel cards to protect vehicles and members.
Users now must pay for fuel and keep receipts to get reimbursed later.
Flexicar is a subsidiary of Hertz and is the second-largest car-share operator in Australia.
Victoria Police noted an increase in reports of fuel theft but said it might be due to better reporting tools, not necessarily more crimes.
Both companies plan to review their decisions regularly and update customers as needed.
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