TurboTax’s predatory and deceptive marketing cheated millions of low-income Americans who were trying to fulfill their legal duties to file their taxes, Letitia James, New York Attorney General, via statement.
Today we are righting that wrong and putting money back into the pockets of hardworking taxpayers who should have never paid to file their taxes, Letitia James, New York Attorney General, via statement.
To qualify, customers must have been eligible for free services but instead paid TurboTax to do their taxes in 2016, 2017 and 2018.
If you meet the criteria,
there is no need to file a claim.
Instead, you'll "receive an email
from Rust Consulting" and be
issued a check, Associated Press reports.
Checks ranging from $29 to $85
will start going out next week.
Intuit also issued a statement.
Intuit is pleased to have reached a
resolution with the state attorneys general that will ensure the company can return our focus to providing vital services to American taxpayers today and in the future, Kerry McLean, Intuit’s executive vice president
and general counsel, via statement
Trump’s Civil Fraud Judgement Bond , Is Reduced to $175 Million.
On March 25, a New York appeals court told Donald Trump that if he can pay $175 million within 10 days.
collection of his $454 million civil fraud judgement will be paused, AP reports. .
The payment would also stop the state from seizing any of Trump's assets during the appeals process. .
A previous ruling that Trump and his sons, Eric and Donald Trump Jr., couldn't serve in corporate leadership for a number of years was also reversed. .
The order, a significant victory for the former president, came just before Attorney General Letitia James was about to begin the process of collecting the judgement, AP reports. .
The order, a significant victory for the former president, came just before Attorney General Letitia James was about to begin the process of collecting the judgement, AP reports. .
The presumptive Republican presidential nominee praised the ruling and criticized Judge Arthur Engoron's initial ruling.
What he’s done is such a
disservice and should never
be allowed to happen again, Donald Trump, via statement.
So I greatly respect the decision
of the Appellate Division, and I’ll post
either $175 billion in cash or bonds
for security or whatever is necessary,
very quickly, within the 10 days. , Donald Trump, via statement.
And I thank the Appellate Division
for acting quickly, but Judge Engoron
is a disgrace to this country, and this
should not be allowed to happen, Donald Trump, via statement.
However, James' office points out that the judgement still stands, even if collection is paused. .
Donald Trump is still facing
accountability for his staggering fraud, Letitia James' office, via statement
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Experts Question Claim , That Yogurt Can Help , Prevent Type 2 Diabetes.
Associated Press reports that the United States Food
and Drug Association's recently allowed yogurt
producers to claim it reduces the risk of Type 2 diabetes. .
However, at the time, the agency acknowledged
that the claim is based on limited evidence.
In 2018, Danone North America, the U.S. side
of the French firm, sought FDA clearance
for making the "qualified health claim.".
Qualified health claims lack full scientific support
but are allowed as long as manufacturers include
a disclaimer to avoid misleading the public.
Similar qualified health claims have been
allowed for dietary supplements since
2000 and for food products since 2002. .
In March of 2024,
the FDA granted
Danone's request. .
According to the FDA, there is some evidence
that eating at least 2 cups of yogurt a week
could reduce the risk of developing Type 2
diabetes, which impacts about 36 million Americans.
Critics of the FDA's decision have countered
that the claim is not based on randomized
control trials which could prove or disprove
yogurt's purported health benefits.
Critics of the FDA's decision have countered
that the claim is not based on randomized
control trials which could prove or disprove
yogurt's purported health benefits.
The Center for Science in the Public
Interest, an advocacy group, cautions
that no single food can reduce the risk of
developing a disease linked to overall diet.
AP reports that experts have expressed
concerns that the label change could encourage
people to eat yogurt high in sugar, which could
increase the risk of developing diabetes
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
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.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
The New York state Court of Appeals has overturned Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction. The court ruled that the judge in the New York County trial prejudiced Weinstein with improper rulings, including allowing women to testify about allegations that were not part of the case. The court ruled that a new trial must take place.
Credit: The Hollywood Reporter Duration: 01:37Published
Biden Is Giving $6 Billion , to Micron Technology , for Semiconductor Production.
On April 25, President Biden will travel to Syracuse, NY, to announce over $6 billion in federal grants that his administration is awarding to Micron Technology, NPR reports. .
Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, who was heavily involved in enacting the CHIPS and Science Act, issued a statement about the investment. .
This is the federal government taking back the reins, putting money where its mouth is when we say we want the future of tech to be stamped: 'Made in America.', Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, via statement.
Micron will invest $100 billion of the funds to construct a manufacturing facility in Syracuse.
Schumer referred to the plan as "quite a
great return" on the government's investment.
A factory will also be built in
Boise, Idaho, NPR reports. .
That facility is expected to be ready for production by 2026, while two New York factories will likely be ready by 2028 and 2029.
The White House estimates that
the projects could create 20,000 jobs
in construction and manufacturing.
in addition to "tens of thousands of
indirect jobs in the regions," NPR reports. .
The CHIPS and Science Act has also provided funding for Intel, TSMC and Samsung
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Aerosmith Announces , Rescheduled ‘Peace Out’ Tour Dates.
The veteran rockers postponed their farewell tour nearly seven months ago after singer Steven Tyler "fractured his larynx," CNN reports. .
The band issued a statement
about Tyler's condition at that time.
To our fans: Unfortunately, Steven’s vocal
injury is more serious than initially thought.
His doctor has confirmed that in addition to
the damage to his vocal cords, he fractured
his larynx which requires ongoing care, Aerosmith, via Facebook.
He is receiving the best medical
treatment available to ensure his recovery
is swift, but given the nature of a fracture,
he is being told patience is essential. , Aerosmith, via Facebook.
As a result, all the currently scheduled
PEACE OUT shows must be postponed
to sometime in 2024, with new dates to
be announced as soon as we know more, Aerosmith, via Facebook.
On April 10, the band took to
Instagram to announce that they are
"thrilled" to have rescheduled tour dates.
The tour will begin Sept. 20 in Pittsburgh, PA.
The 40-date run will
end in Buffalo, NY, on Feb. 26.
The Black Crowes will
serve as the supporting act.
"All previously purchased
tickets will be honored for the
rescheduled shows," Aerosmith said.
The farewell North American tour is
intended to be a celebration of the band's
50 years together, CNN reports.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
4.8-Magnitude Earthquake , Hits US East Coast.
NBC reports that the East Coast of the United States
was struck by an earthquake on April 5
which was felt from Maryland to Maine.
According to the U.S. Geological Survey,
the earthquake struck just before 10:30 a.m. local
time and was measured at a 4.8-magnitude. .
There were no initial reports
of any major damage.
According to New York Governor
Kathy Hochul, the quake could
be felt across the state. .
My team is assessing impacts
and any damage that may have
occurred, and we will update
the public throughout the day, Kathy Hochul, New York Governor, via NBC.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy
said that the state's emergency
operations center had been activated.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy
said that the state's emergency
operations center had been activated.
As a result of the quake, the Port
Authority Transit Corp. suspended service
between Pennsylvania and New Jersey. .
Crews will inspect the integrity
of the line out of an abundance
of caution. Once inspection is
complete, service will resume.
No timeframe. Updates to follow, Port Authority Transit Corp. statement, via X.
Meanwhile, New York’s Metropolitan Transportation
Authority said service would not be impacted by the quake,
and teams would be inspecting train lines for damage.
NBC reports that earthquakes are a rare occurrence in
the Northeast, however in February of 2023, Buffalo,
New York, was struck by a 3.8-magnitude quake
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
IRS to Launch Free , E-Filing Pilot Program in 2024.
The IRS made the announcement on May 16 as it released a study, which was required by the Inflation Reduction Act, exploring the impact of a free..
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published