A Georgia-based gun accessory company will pay $1.75 million in restitution to victims’ families, injured individuals and traumatized survivors of the 2022 mass shooting at a Buffalo supermarket and permanently stop selling a controversial magazine lock in New York under a settlement announced Wednesday.

Mean LLC, commonly known as Mean Arms, agreed to the payment and injunctive relief to resolve a lawsuit brought by New York Attorney General Letitia James and related civil claims filed by victims’ families.

“The racist mass shooting at Tops in Buffalo was an unbearable tragedy,” James said in a statement. 

“We lost 10 beautiful lives in a horrific act of violence and hate, and no amount of money can ever return those individuals to their families or erase the devastation the community was forced to endure,” she added. “Today, justice looks like accountability, and we have ensured that this device will never be sold in our state again.”

VIRGINIA TEACHER SHOT BY 6-YEAR-OLD STUDENT ‘THOUGHT SHE WAS DEAD’ AS BODYCAM EMERGES

New York Attorney General Letitia James, Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, and Mayor Byron Brown attend a ceremony at Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, New York, July 14, 2022. (John Normile/Getty / Getty Images)

The May 14, 2022, attack, carried out by Payton Gendron, killed 10 Black people and injured three others at a Tops Friendly Market in western New York.

Federal prosecutors said the then-18-year-old livestreamed the massacre online and targeted victims in what authorities described as a racially motivated hate crime carried out after substantial planning and premeditation.

Gendron was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in 2023.

Sunlight from the setting sun illuminates the Tops Friendly Market on Jefferson Avenue in Buffalo, New York, May 16, 2022. (Matt Burkhartt for The Washington Post via Getty Images / Getty Images)

James’ office alleged that Mean Arms marketed its “MA Lock” device as rendering rifles compliant with New York law, even though it could be easily removed, allowing the shooter to convert his weapon to accept high-capacity magazines.

“In January 2022, the Buffalo shooter purchased a semiautomatic rifle in New York with an MA Lock installed and a 10-round magazine. After following Mean Arms’ removal instructions, on May 14, 2022, the shooter inserted multiple 30-round detachable magazines onto his weapon,” her office said. “With a pistol grip and the high-capacity magazines, he did not have to stop to reload his weapon, and when he did reload, he could do so quickly.”

Under the settlement, the company must cease all sales of the MA Lock in New York, “remove any statements that claim the MA Lock is legal in New York, state on all packaging that the MA Lock cannot be sold or resold in New York, and notify all businesses currently selling the MA Lock that the product is not to be sold or resold to individuals and/or businesses in New York.”

BUFFALO BILLS, NFL FOUNDATIONS DONATING $400,000 TO RELIEF EFFORTS AFTER TOPS SUPERMARKET SHOOTING

Police and FBI agents continue their investigation at Tops market in Buffalo, New York, May 15, 2022. (Scott Olson/Getty / Getty Images)

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In a press release from James’ office, Andrew Debbins, an attorney who represents several of the victims’ families, said: “No amount of money can compensate the victims of May 14 for the unspeakable horrors of that day, but this settlement is a victory in our continuing fight against hate and all who enable it.”

Firm plans to invest £4m in city region as minister hails ‘clear vote of confidence in the UK and the North West’

A global tech firm is to bring jobs to Merseyside as it relocates from Singapore in a multi-million pound move. LogChain has announced plans to join the ranks of more than 1,000 digital and tech businesses in Liverpool.

The business has confirmed that alongside its move, it will invest up to £4m in the Liverpool City Region over the next three years. It joins businesses from China and India announcing their intentions to move to the city in the last few weeks.

LogChain’s move to headquarted in Liverpool has been welcomed by leaders at a national and regional level. Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “Moves like this help bring good jobs to the region and strengthen our links with the rest of the world.”

The Singaporean tech firm helps companies worldwide cut costs, speed up shipments and build more efficient supply chains by replacing outdated, paper‐heavy shipping processes with secure, legally recognised digital documentation. The news of the move to Liverpool comes as the government pushes forward its agenda on digital trade with technologies like e-Bills, digital identity, and AI driven logistics becoming central to global exports.

In January, one of China’s leading vehicle manufacturers, Chery Commercial Vehicle announced that it would be creating its first ever European headquarters here in Liverpool, bringing jobs, research and investment to the city’s automotive sector. Shortly after this, Indian AI company Aivion confirmed it has based its own new European HQ in Liverpool city centre’s Central Tech building.

Peter Kyle MP, Business and Trade Secretary, said: “LogChain’s decision to set up shop in Liverpool is a clear vote of confidence in the UK and the North West as we build the most innovative trading environment in the world. This move strengthens our tech ecosystem, boosts future exports, and shows the UK is the place to be for cutting edge digital trade.”

The UK was the first G7 country to put electronic trade documents on the same level footing as paper documents, leading the way in modern global trade and strengthening the tech sector which is worth around £1 trillion. LogChain helped deliver the world’s first fully digitalised goods shipment in 2023 with a ship making its way from Burnley to Singapore processed without any physical customs documents.

Andie McKeown, LogChain chief executive, said: “The UK’s long-standing leadership in global trade is now reinforced by the legal foundations needed for the next era of digital commerce. LogChain has already executed the world’s first fully digitalised movement of goods, and by relocating our global headquarters to the UK we’re committing to scale trusted, interoperable digital trade infrastructure from a market that is setting the benchmark.”

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said: “I’m really proud that LogChain has chosen the Liverpool City Region as its UK base. We’re a place that ‘gets’ trade, logistics and technology, and we’re serious about backing companies that are shaping the future of global commerce.

“Moves like this help bring good jobs to the region and strengthen our links with the rest of the world.” The announcement coincides with UK–Southeast Asia Tech Week where the UK is taking a delegation of AI and data companies to bang the drum for the UK’s tech sector, with over 200 tech “unicorns” produced in the UK.

Thailand is preparing to reduce visa-free stays from 60 days to 30 days for citizens of 93 countries, a move aimed at tightening immigration controls while maintaining tourism flows.

Key Points

• Policy shift: Authorities believe shorter stays will help prevent misuse by foreigners engaging in illegal activities, nominee businesses, or repeated visa runs.
• Tourism resilience: With most visitors staying around 21 days, officials expect minimal impact on tourism revenue. Extensions beyond 30 days will remain available.
• Industry support: The Association of Thai Travel Agents backs the reduction, noting that long stays are often exploited for non-tourism purposes.
• Background: The 60-day visa-free scheme was introduced in mid-2024 under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to boost arrivals. While initial surges from China, Taiwan, and India were notable, most tourists continued to stay less than a month.
• Immigration measures: Since late 2025, the Immigration Bureau has tightened checks on foreigners making repeated border runs.

Authorities seek to balance national security concerns with the country’s reliance on tourism, a key sector of its economy. Officials believe the adjustment will help monitor overstays more effectively while still encouraging international visitors to explore Thailand’s attractions within the revised timeframe.

Economic Outlook

• Average tourist spending is unlikely to decline significantly, given typical stay durations.
• Stricter controls may reduce opportunities for foreign-run nominee businesses, protecting domestic operators.
• Thailand positions itself as a quality-driven tourism hub, balancing economic benefits with immigration enforcement.

Regional Context Thailand’s adjustment contrasts with Malaysia and Vietnam, which continue to offer longer visa-free stays to attract extended visitors. However, Thailand’s established tourism infrastructure and reputation may offset the shorter entry period. The government appears to be prioritizing sustainable tourism and tighter oversight of foreign business activities over aggressive visitor growth.

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The Welsh Retail Consortium has published retail footfall figures for January

Welsh retailers have reported another fall in shoppers, according to new research commissioned by the Welsh Retail Consortium. In January retailers, across the high street, shopping centres and retail parks, reported footfall down 2.8% year-on-year. This was compared to a 3.1% dip in December.

The biggest category year-on-year fall was shopping centres, with footfall down 6.1%. Retail park footfall dipped 2.4%.

For England in January retail footfall was down 1.4%. There were though rises in Northern Ireland, up 3.8% and Scotland 5.1%. Of the UK nations and regions, the fall was only greater in Wales in the east of England, down 3%, and the west Midlands, down 3.9%.

Of the UK’s eleven core cites, Cardiff experienced the second biggest year-on-year fall at 2.4% – although less than the 4.4% dip in December. The biggest fall, 7.1%, was experienced in Birmingham. The highest increase was in Edinburgh, up 5.5%.

TOTAL FOOTFALL BY NATION AND REGION

GROWTH RANK

NATION AND REGION

Jan-26

Dec-25

1

Scotland

5.1%

-1.5%

2

Northern Ireland

3.8%

-1.7%

3

Yorkshire and the Humber

1.2%

-4.5%

4

North West England

0.2%

-2.3%

5

London

-1.1%

-0.4%

6

North East England

-1.2%

-5.0%

7

England

-1.4%

-3.1%

8

South West England

-1.7%

-2.9%

9

East Midlands

-1.9%

-3.3%

10

South East England

-2.0%

-4.4%

10

Wales

-2.8%

-3.1%

12

East of England

-3.0%

-4.5%

13

West Midlands

-3.9%

-5.5%

TOTAL FOOTFALL BY CITY

GROWTH RANK

CITY

Jan-26

Dec-25

1

Edinburgh

5.5%

-0.5%

2

Glasgow

4.8%

-1.2%

3

Leeds

4.0%

-6.3%

4

Manchester

1.8%

-0.8%

5

Belfast

1.4%

-2.8%

6

Sheffield

0.6%

-3.1%

7

Bristol

-0.8%

-1.7%

8

Liverpool

-1.0%

-4.5%

9

London

-1.1%

-0.4%

10

Cardiff

-2.4%

-4.4%

11

Birmingham

-7.1%

-8.1%

Sara Jones, head of the Welsh Retail Consortium, said “January footfall remained below levels seen a year ago, laying bare the deep-rooted challenges facing bricks-and-mortar retail in Wales. Although there was a slight improvement on December, it was far from enough to reverse the damage. Even heavy discounting and widespread promotional activity during the month failed to draw shoppers back to our high streets, showing that retailers cannot discount their way out of these pressures.

“Shopper footfall in Wales has fallen in eight of the past twelve months and the continued downturn is squeezing town and city centres, putting jobs and investment at risk, and steadily draining life from local communities.”

“As political parties finalise their manifestos ahead of the Senedd election, this is a critical moment to decide the future of our high streets. Targeted action – including meaningful reductions in business rates for all stores and clear backing for physical retail – could still stabilise and strengthen town centres. Without that political and policy support, the outcome is clear: more shop closures, more job losses, and high streets left increasingly empty, undermining local economies and the communities that depend on them.”

Andy Sumpter, retail consultant with Sensormatic Solutions, which carried out the research, said:

“January was still a tough month for Wales, with footfall down 2.8% year on year – an improvement on December, but the weakest performance of the devolved nations. Shoppers clearly remain cautious, yet there are signs that value led New Year promotions did tempt some consumers back into stores.

“Storm Goretti added further pressure, disrupting travel and putting an additional brake on visits just as retailers were looking to reset after the golden quarter.

“Even so, the easing in the rate of decline offers a glimmer of optimism. After months of negative figures, retailers in Wales will be hoping that an improvement in January sets the stage for growth as we move into February – and that footfall can finally start to turn the tide.”

For the research footfall is defined as anyone entering a store.

Stellantis is urging owners of roughly 225,000 older vehicles in the U.S. to stop driving them immediately if they have not repaired defective Takata air bags.

The warning applies to certain 2003–2016 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models previously recalled for faulty air bag inflators that can rupture in a crash, the automaker confirmed to FOX Business in an email.

“This action is intended to accelerate the repair of the remaining affected vehicles to safeguard owners, their families and the general public from the risk of serious injury or death,” Stellantis said. 

The company warned that the chemical propellant inside some Takata air bag inflators can deteriorate over time – especially in hot, humid conditions – increasing the risk of rupture and sending metal fragments into the vehicle cabin.

TOYOTA RECALLS 141K VEHICLES OVER DOORS THAT COULD OPEN WHILE DRIVING

The warning applies to certain 2003–2016 Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Ram models previously recalled for faulty air bag inflators. (Stephanie Lecocq/Reuters)

“If you have one of these vehicles, do not drive it until the repair is completed and the defective air bag is replaced,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) said Wednesday.

Affected models include:

• 2007–2009 Chrysler Aspen SUVs
• 2007–2008 Chrysler Crossfire coupes
• 2005–2015 Chrysler 300 sedans
• 2008–2014 Dodge Challenger coupes
• 2003–2016 Dodge Ram pickup trucks and Dodge Sprinter vans
• 2004–2009 Dodge Durango SUVs
• 2005–2012 Dodge Dakota pickup trucks
• 2005–2008 Dodge Magnum station wagons
• 2006–2015 Dodge Charger sedans
• 2007–2016 Jeep Wrangler SUVs

REGULATORS EXPAND PROBE INTO NEARLY 1.3M FORD F-150 PICKUP TRUCKS OVER TRANSMISSION ISSUES

A 2007 Chrysler Aspen SUV at the North American International Auto show Jan. 10, 2006, in Detroit. (Bryan Mitchell/Getty Images)

Over 6.6 million Takata air bag inflators have been replaced over the course of more than a decade, but roughly 225,000 vehicles in the U.S. remain unrepaired, according to NHTSA.

“This stop-drive directive is focused on completing repairs on this remaining population,” Stellantis said. “Affected customers were notified beginning Feb. 9, and repairs will continue to be performed free of charge.”

NHTSA has linked exploding Takata air bags to 28 deaths and more than 400 injuries in the U.S.

“Even minor crashes can result in exploding Takata air bags that can kill or produce life-altering, gruesome injuries,” the NHTSA said. “Older model year vehicles put their occupants at higher risk, because older air bags are more likely to explode.”

BMW RECALLS NEARLY 90,000 VEHICLES OVER ENGINE STARTER FIRE RISK

Over 6.6 million Takata air bag inflators have been replaced over the course of more than a decade. (Daniel Acker/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

More than 100 million vehicles globally, including 67 million in the U.S., have been recalled over the last 10 years because of defective Takata air bag inflators, according to Reuters.

The stop-drive order comes amid a broader wave of auto recalls.

Jaguar Land Rover is recalling nearly 2,300 electric SUVs in the U.S. over concerns that a high-voltage battery could overheat and increase the risk of fire, the NHTSA announced Tuesday.

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Toyota is also recalling about 141,000 Prius and Prius Prime vehicles after discovering that rear doors could unexpectedly open while the car is moving, according to a newly filed report from the Department of Transportation.

FOX Business’ Landon Mion and Bradford Betz contributed to this report.

Our deep dive into Pendle’s “grand narrative” reveals a disconnect: in mature markets, trillion-dollar IRS platforms struggle with unattractive business models due to the bargaining power of institutional players. A high valuation premium based on current “points-driven” volume is, therefore, difficult to sustain.