Category: Business & Markets

Toyota, Kia, Land Rover Included in Recall of 247,000 Vehicles

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly a quarter million Toyota, Kia, and Land Rover vehicles have been recalled over a range of issues, including loss of brake power, malfunctioning taillights, and faulty airbags. The NHTSA has issued recalls for nearly 99,000 Kia Sportage SUVs, over 96,000 2022 through 2023 Toyota Corolla…


States Sending Tax Rebates and Stimulus Checks

While federal stimulus checks ended several years ago, some states have continued to provide assistance to residents in the form of tax rebates or so-called “inflation relief” payments. In context of such payments, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued clarification earlier this year that most relief checks issued by states last year aren’t subject to federal…


Target Stores in Five States Evacuated After Bomb Threats

Several Target locations throughout the country were reportedly threatened after receiving bomb threats. Target stores were briefly evacuated in the Oklahoma City metropolitan area on June 10, after receiving what local law enforcement described as “vague bomb” threats, allegedly over the retail chain’s Pride Month merchandise. Locations in at least five states were also evacuated…


‘Very Real Risk’ of Landlords Exiting Rental Market Amid Soaring Mortgage Rates

There is a “very real risk” of landlords quitting the rental market under the pressure of soaring mortgage rates, a property firm has warned. According to research conducted by Savills, Investors’ net profits fell below 4 percent in the first quarter of 2023, marking a “dramatic shift in finances” for mortgaged buy-to-let buyers. Average net…


Many Student-Loan Borrowers at Risk of Defaulting, Consumer Protection Bureau Warns

With student-loan repayments resuming this fall, approximately one in five borrowers have some financial risk factor that may make them fall behind on payments, according to new research from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Americans owe $1.77 trillion in federal and private student loan debt as of the first quarter of 2023. Nearly 20 percent…


Self-Employed Americans Must Pay Taxman by June 15 Deadline: IRS

The June 15 due date is fast approaching for filing second-quarter tax returns for American taxpayers like those who are self-employed, failing which they can face penalties. Quarterly tax payments for this year are due on April 18, 2023, June 15, 2023, Sept. 15, 2023, and Jan. 16, 2024. Quarterly estimated tax payments are usually…


Country Singer Garth Brooks Faces Boycotts Over Bud Light Comments

Longtime country singer Garth Brooks is facing boycotts after saying his bar would serve all beers, including the much-maligned Bud Light, in the wake of the beer’s decision to produce a can with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney’s face on it. “I want it to be a place you feel safe in, I want it to…


Why Are Beef Prices Soaring?

First, it was eggs, and now it’s beef. Just in time for grilling season, beef prices continue to rise. And although the overall economy is contributing to the increase, other factors are at work. With budgets already stretched, the thought of additional costs to your meal is frustrating. But how high are beef prices expected…


UK Employment Beats Pre-Pandemic Level, New Report Shows

The UK’s national employment rate is set to surpass the pre-COVID-19 pandemic level for the first time. The Office of National Statistics (ONS) published its latest labour market overview on Tuesday, showing an increase in both employees and those in self-employment. In the latest quarter, the UK employment rate was 76 percent, a rise of 0.2…


[ATL:NOW] California’s Oppressive Policies Are Coming to a State Near You: Siyamak Khorrami

From crime to cost of living, education to energy policy, the golden state of California is becoming unlivable for middle-class residents. As a result, people are fleeing the state at alarming rates. “We didn’t have this 10 years ago. We didn’t have the theft. We didn’t have the homelessness. We didn’t have all these problems,”…