TOKYO – A record number of ramen noodle eatery operators in Japan went out of business in 2024, according to a research firm, as the food’s reputation for affordability limits room to raise prices amid soaring ingredient and utility costs.

Also hit by climbing personnel expenses due to labor shortages, insolvencies among ramen business operators resulting in liabilities of at least 10 million yen ($63,000) in 2024 jumped over 30 percent to 72, up from 53 in 2023, Teikoku Databank Ltd. said.

Japanese ramen soup noodles typically combine meat and vegetable toppings with broth. Despite rising costs, the average price of a bowl of ramen is still under 700 yen, according to Teikoku Databank. A popular lunchtime…

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(InvestigateTV) — Getting a call from a debt collector can feel overwhelming—and intimidating. But consumer advocates say the worst thing you can do is panic or pay right away. Before taking action, it’s important to validate the debt and understand your legal rights.

Leslie Tayne, a veteran debt relief attorney, said one of the most common mistakes people make is avoiding debt collection calls altogether.

“Don’t be afraid to say, who are you? Where are you calling from and what is the purpose of the call?” Tayne advised. “If you’re still unsure whether they’re asking you for personal information to verify certain details, you can ask them for a phone number. You can look them up yourself online. Do a little independent…

By Alex Wittenberg · July 3, 2025, 4:24 PM EDT

Changes and uncertainty in U.S. federal policy have tipped major companies into bankruptcy this year, with residential solar company Sunnova, auto-parts maker Marelli and others blaming aggressive tariffs and shifting tax…

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Walnut Creek-based Del Monte Foods announced Tuesday it has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection and is seeking a buyer.

The company and certain affiliates and subsidiaries filed in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey.

The company said it entered into a restructuring support agreement with a group of its lenders holding some of the company’s term loan indebtedness.

“This is a strategic step forward for Del Monte Foods,” said Greg Longstreet, President and CEO of Del Monte Foods, in a statement. “After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and…

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The head of the State’s corporate watchdog has rejected suggestions that the fall-out from its investigation into the affairs of media company INM will make it reluctant to appoint inspectors in future. 

The inspectors’ report on INM was published last year, and the Corporate Enforcement Authority (CEA) ultimately decided that no enforcement action would be taken arising from the report. 

Writing in the CEA’s annual report, Drennan also referred to media…