The Daily Money: Spirit Airlines files bankruptcy

Good morning and welcome to a new week! This is Betty Lin-Fisher with The Daily Money.

Spirit Airlines filed for bankruptcy protection today after the pioneer of no-frills travel in the U.S. struggled with a long run of quarterly losses, failed merger attempts and looming debt maturities.

Spirit's troubles deepened after the collapse of its $3.8 billion planned merger with JetBlue Airways in January and the impact of a snag with a manufacturer's engine that grounded many of Spirit's aircraft, according to my colleague, Zach Wichter.

What does this mean for your upcoming Spirit flights?

How will Trump tariffs affect U.S. manufacturers?

President-elect Donald Trump has promised a "manufacturing renaissance" upon his return to the White House, pledging tariffs to bolster companies that make products within the U.S.

The idea is to drive up the price of imported goods to make American-made products more appealing, according to my colleague, Bailey Schulz.

What does this mean for U.S. manufacturers?

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Does Kraft Mac & Cheese really have "no artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes," as it says on its packaging? The manufacturer has to head to federal court to face disgruntled consumers as part of a proposed nationwide class action lawsuit. Plaintiffs allege the manufacturer has lied about its product's ingredients.

About The Daily Money

Each weekday, The Daily Money delivers the best consumer and financial news from USA TODAY, breaking down complex events, providing the TLDR version, and explaining how everything from Fed rate changes to bankruptcies impacts you.