Checkout crackdown: Attorneys general in 20 states, including Louisiana, are suing Dollar General alongside the Federal Trade Commission, alleging the retailer systematically overcharged customers at checkout by charging more than advertised shelf prices. North Carolina officials say internal documents show the company knew about widespread pricing discrepancies but failed to fix them, and the lawsuit seeks court-ordered corrective action and financial penalties. Dollar General denied intentionally overcharging customers, acknowledged that pricing errors occur and said employees are expected to correct them. Louisiana Illuminator has the full story.
US slaps China: The U.S. Commerce Department is imposing tariffs of about 260% on certain Chinese van-type trailers after officials determined that low-priced imports were harming domestic manufacturers. The duties, which take effect Wednesday and will last at least five years, are being welcomed by U.S. industry leaders, who say foreign competition has sharply reduced the number of domestic trailer manufacturers. Stoughton Trailers plans to add 500 to 700 workers over the next six months and is considering a $26 million capital investment, while a separate investigation into trailer imports from Mexico and Canada is expected to conclude in early 2027. Bloomberg has the full story.
Chasing lower rates: Mortgage applications rose 3.4% last week as 30-year mortgage rates fell for a second straight week, to 7.37%. Purchase and refinancing applications increased but remained below year-ago levels amid high costs and economic uncertainty. Adjustable rate mortgages reached 11.3% of applications, the highest share in more than a year, as borrowers sought lower initial rates despite future payment risks. CNBC has the full story.
