Things To Do In SW Florida

By JOSH BOAK and DIDI TANG

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s agreement with China to temporarily slash tariffs for 90 days offered the world a bit of welcome relief. But what persists is a sense of uncertainty and the possibility that some damage from the trade war could already be done.

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The Trump administration agreed after talks this weekend in Switzerland to pare back its 145% in tariffs charged on imports from China to 30%. The Chinese government chose to reduce its retaliatory import taxes on U.S. goods from 125% to 10% while the sides continue to negotiate. read more

By DEE-ANN DURBIN

McDonald’s said Monday it plans to hire up to 375,000 U.S. restaurant employees this summer, its biggest hiring push in years.

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  Kissimmee OKs downtown roads project aiming to transform city center into a destination

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  As Biden-era ‘junk fee’ rule takes effect, Ticketmaster says it will display fees more clearly

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  You’re retired and need cash — is a HELOC the answer?

The Chicago burger giant said the beefed-up job openings are partly due to a U.S. expansion. The company, which has more than 13,500 restaurants in the U.S., plans to open 900 more by 2027.

U.S. Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer joined McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger at a McDonald’s restaurant near Columbus, Ohio, for the hiring announcement.

“McDonald’s is sparking a ripple effect of prosperity for our workers, communities and the economy,” DeRemer said. “By expanding their workforce, the corporation will be driving investment and setting the standard for industry growth, whether as a launch pad for a different career or as a ladder for internal achievements.” read more

Kissimmee city commissioners will move forward next summer with a road project they hope will change the fabric of downtown — transforming it from a cut-through for motorist into a final destination.

The connect-kissimmee-plan approved April 6 would narrow nearly two miles of downtown’s main road between John Young Parkway and Vine Street from four lanes to two. The over $16.3 million project aims to make downtown more pedestrian friendly by widening sidewalks and slowing vehicle traffic.

Commissioners wrestled for years with the idea of the “road diet” — decreasing lanes to improve safety, reduce speeds and enhance mobility for everyone — because business owners were concerned about the financial impact. Downtown streets are home to the city’s nightlife and lined with restaurants and shops.

But the tide seemed to change at a Jan. 7 commission meeting where business owners spoke in favor of it.

Ray Parsons, owner of popular restaurant and bar 1881 on Broadway, asked commissioners at that meeting to follow through on long-discussed plans to reimagine the corridor and reduce lanes. read more

By DEE-ANN DURBIN, Associated Press

As a Biden administration ban on so-called “junk fees” took effect Monday, Ticketmaster said it will start displaying the full price of a ticket as soon as consumers begin shopping.

Ticketmaster, long a subject of complaints about its hidden fees, was among those targeted by the new rule, which was announced in December by the Federal Trade Commission. The rule requires ticket sellers, hotels, vacation rental platforms and others to disclose processing fees, cleaning fees and other charges up front.

Ticketmaster said Monday it commended the FTC’s action.

“Ticketmaster has long advocated for all-in pricing to become the nationwide standard so fans can easily compare prices across all ticketing sites,” Ticketmaster Chief Operating Officer Michael Wichser said in a statement.

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McDonald’s plans to hire 375,000 U.S. workers this summer

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If you’re a retired homeowner, there’s a good chance that your property is worth far more than you paid for it — and that equity could be a lifeline.

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  Backers of recreational pot in Florida join court fight against tougher rules for ballot initiatives

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  What’s next with Trump’s trade war truce with China

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  McDonald’s plans to hire 375,000 U.S. workers this summer

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  Kissimmee OKs downtown roads project aiming to transform city center into a destination

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  As Biden-era ‘junk fee’ rule takes effect, Ticketmaster says it will display fees more clearly

Back in 1995, the typical home cost $114,600. Today’s median sale price is nearly $400,000, according to the National Association of Realtors.

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is one way to take some of that value and turn it into cash.

But is a HELOC the right solution during retirement? Let’s look at a few scenarios.

Scenario 1: You’re worried about the economy

Recent headlines have given retirees plenty of fuel for doomsday-level fears about their financial future. From concerns about the stability of the Social Security Administration to questions about the ripple effect of tariffs and global market volatility on 401(k)s, it’s understandable to look for ways to buffer your finances. read more