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Universal Orlando has expanded its previews for Epic Universe theme park to the general public.  Tickets are now for sale for dates through May 19.

Previously, the official peeks at the attractions have been limited primarily to Universal employees, their invited guests, Universal Orlando hotel guests and the resort’s annual passholders ahead of Epic’s grand opening on May 22.

Epic continues to put “the final touches in place and rehearsing, so some attractions and experiences may not be available,” Universal’s website advises. There are a limited — although unspecified — number of preview tickets available.  Preview date prices vary with the date, ranging from $144 to $154 per day.

Universal also is selling multiday tickets that include a visit to Epic.  For tickets or more information, go to universalorlando.com.

SeaWorld’s parent company aims to fill 5,000 jobs in U.S. parks

Epic Universe includes themed lands named Super Nintendo World, How to Train Your Dragon — Isle of Berk, Wizarding World of Harry Potter — Ministry of Magic, Dark Universe (featuring classic monsters) and Celestial Park, a star-driven introductory land with restaurants, retail and a few rides.  The theme park has 11 rides, including four roller coasters, and two stage shows in its lineup. read more

By CORA LEWIS

NEW YORK (AP) — A Texas judge earlier this month threw out a federal rule that would have capped credit card late fees at $8.

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The Consumer Finance Protection Bureau finalized the rule last year as part of the Biden administration’s efforts to do away with what it called junk fees. It was paused by the courts before it could take effect.

At the time, the CFPB estimated that American families would have saved more than $10 billion in late fees annually had the fees been capped at $8, significantly less than the $32 average. read more

By DEE-ANN DURBIN

Coca-Cola reported better-than-expected earnings in the first quarter and said the impact of tariffs on its business are likely to be “manageable.”

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Coke and other beverage makers are facing a 25% tariff on the aluminum they use for cans, among other items. Last week, rival PepsiCo lowered its full-year earnings expectations due to the impact of tariffs.

“Based on what we know today, the dynamic tariff landscape could impact pockets of our system’s cost structure, as well as consumer sentiment in our markets,” Coke Chief Financial Officer John Murphy said Tuesday in a conference call with investors. read more

By MICHELLE CHAPMAN

General Motors posted strong financial results for its first quarter Tuesday, but says it will reassess its expectations for 2025 due to auto tariffs.

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The automaker is pushing back its conference call to discuss its guidance and quarterly results until Thursday, so that it can assess potential tariff changes.

GM said that its initial full-year financial forecast doesn’t contemplate the potential impact of tariffs. In January the company announced that it anticipated 2025 adjusted earnings in a range of $11 to $12 per share. read more

By WYATTE GRANTHAM-PHILIPS and JOSH BOAK

NEW YORK (AP) — Amazon says it’s not planning to list added tariff costs next to product prices on its site — despite speculation spanning from a report that claimed the e-commerce giant would soon show new import charges, as well as fiery comments from President Donald Trump’s White House denouncing such a move.

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The Trump administration’s reaction appeared to be based on a misinterpretation of internal plans being considered by Amazon, rather than a final decision made by the company. read more