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FTC to Decide Whether Noncompete Agreements Should Be Banned

FTC to Decide , Whether Noncompete Agreements , Should Be Banned. After receiving over 26,000 public comments about the issue, the Federal Trade Commission is set to deliver its verdict on April 30, NPR reports. . The commission said that if approved, the final rule "would generally prevent most employers from using noncompete clauses.". The commission said that if approved, the final rule "would generally prevent most employers from using noncompete clauses.". Approximately one in five Americans, spanning minimum wage workers to CEOs, are subject to noncompete agreements, the FTC estimates. . The Biden administration says that these types of agreements hurt workers by decreasing wages. The White House also argues that these agreements harm the U.S. economy because entrepreneurship isn't allowed to freely flourish. . FTC Chair Lina M. Khan issued a statement when the proposed ban was initially introduced. The freedom to change jobs is core to economic liberty and to a competitive, thriving economy, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement. Noncompetes block workers from freely switching jobs, depriving them of higher wages and better working conditions, and depriving businesses of a talent pool that they need to build and expand, FTC Chair Lina M. Khan, via statement. Businesses argue that noncompete agreements are essential for safeguarding investments and proprietary information. Those businesses also question whether the agency has the power "to regulate such agreements," NPR reports. . If the FTC votes to issue a final rule, enforcement wouldn't occur for 180 days, and legal challenges would likely ensue.

Millennials Want a 4-Day Workweek, Poll Indicates

Millennials Want a 4-Day Workweek, , Poll Indicates. Redfield and Wilton Strategies recently conducted a poll for 'Newsweek' to find out how Americans feel about the idea of moving toward a four-day workweek. 4,000 U.S. voters were surveyed between April 6 and 7. 63% were in favor of a four-day workweek. 46% think the model makes employees more productive. Out of all age groups surveyed, millennials accounted for 74% of those who want to work less hours. Of that 74%, 44% "were strongly in favor of a shorter working week," 'Newsweek' reports. 50% of people born in 1964 and before supported a four-day workweek. The results come as more companies are adopting shorter workweeks, and politicians are pushing to advance the trend in Congress. The results come as more companies are adopting shorter workweeks, and politicians are pushing to advance the trend in Congress. The sad reality is, Americans now work more hours than the people of most other wealthy nations, Bernie Sanders, via March 2024 health committee hearing. Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of non-profit JVS, called a 5-day, 40-hour workweek outdated. The five-day workweek was created in a different time. It served its purpose, but today's world is more fast-paced and technology-driven than our workplace predecessors could have imagined, Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of non-profit JVS, via 'Newsweek'. Since implementing a four-day workweek, our results have been incredible. , Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of non-profit JVS, via 'Newsweek'. We've found our employees are more productive, report better work-life balance, and experience less burnout. Incredibly, our turnover rate has been cut nearly in half, Lisa Countryman-Quiroz, CEO of non-profit JVS, via 'Newsweek'

Biden Looks to Energize Young Voters With Earth Day Solar Energy Grants

Biden Looks to Energize , Young Voters With Earth Day , Solar Energy Grants. Biden Looks to Energize , Young Voters With Earth Day , Solar Energy Grants. NBC reports that President Joe Biden will mark Earth Day with the announcement of $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects. NBC reports that President Joe Biden will mark Earth Day with the announcement of $7 billion in federal grants for residential solar projects. The grants will bring solar energy to over 900,000 households in both low- and middle-income communities. . According to senior administration officials, the projects receiving additional funding will reduce emissions by 30 million metric tons and save $350 million every year. . According to senior administration officials, the projects receiving additional funding will reduce emissions by 30 million metric tons and save $350 million every year. . NBC reports that solar power has gained traction as a clean energy source that could help reduce U.S. reliance on fossil fuels. However, the high cost of initial installation makes solar energy inaccessible for many households in the U.S. However, the high cost of initial installation makes solar energy inaccessible for many households in the U.S. 49 of the new grants will be awarded at the state level, six more will serve Native American tribes and another five are multi-state awards. The grants will be used for renewable investments that include rooftop solar and community solar gardens. . The grants will be used for renewable investments that include rooftop solar and community solar gardens. . Officials say that the latest environmental announcements are part of an effort to energize young voters ahead of his upcoming reelection campaign. Biden also reportedly plans to expand the American Climate Corps green jobs training program, which was created last year by executive action. . Biden also reportedly plans to expand the American Climate Corps green jobs training program, which was created last year by executive action. . The corps, which will offer nearly 2,000 positions across 36 states, is meant to offer young Americans the chance to help enact the Biden administration's climate agenda. . The corps, which will offer nearly 2,000 positions across 36 states, is meant to offer young Americans the chance to help enact the Biden administration's climate agenda.

March Retail Sales Exceeded Expectations

March Retail Sales , Exceeded Expectations. New Commerce Department data surprised some analysts on April 15, 'The Hill' reports. . The agency's latest estimates indicate that March retail sales increased by 0.7%. They were only expected to rise 0.3% last month. While sales exceeded estimates for March, the jump was still below the 0.9% increase in February. Compared to the same time last year, total sales for the first three months of 2024 were up 2.1%. On April 10, the Labor Department released data showing that inflation rose last month. . The consumer price index (CPI) increased 0.4% in March and 3.5% annually. In February, consumer prices increased 3.2% year-over-year. . Still, the newest Commerce Department data suggests that Americans continue to spend despite prolonged inflation, 'The Hill' reports.