KY man forced from home during ‘squatters’ dispute
This past summer, Daniel Toma, a homeowner in Louisville, Kentucky, invited his friend, Amy Davis, and her boyfriend, Tyler Sencuk, over for a few beers. Afterward, when the couple's car wouldn't start, Toma let them spend the night in his garage while they worked to fix it. After working on the car in the driveway for a few days, they brought along a mattress and other personal belongings. That’s when things started to head south. The couple allegedly changed the locks on the garage, installed cable, and started to receive mail to Toma’s address — all without any formal agreement or rent payments. “I asked them to go, my roommates asked them to go, they wouldn’t leave. We tried to tell them to leave. [Sencuk] started saying (they) had squatters rights,” Toma told WAVE. “I didn’t want to throw them out on the street, I was just trying to be kind.” Toma put up a 30-day eviction notice around Labor Day — but the situation went from bad to worse. Sencuk and one of Toma’s roommates got into a physical altercation, leading to Sencuk filing an emergency protective order against Toma. The judge granted the order, which forced Toma to stay 500 feet away from them — and his own home, effectively leaving him homeless.
This past summer, Daniel Toma, a homeowner in Louisville, Kentucky, invited his friend, Amy Davis, and her boyfriend, Tyler Sencuk, over for a few beers. Afterward, when the couple's car wouldn't start, Toma let them spend the night in his garage while they worked to fix it. After working on the car in the driveway for a few days, they brought along a mattress and other personal belongings. That’s when things started to head south. The couple allegedly changed the locks on the garage, installed cable, and started to receive mail to Toma’s address — all without any formal agreement or rent payments. “I asked them to go, my roommates asked them to go, they wouldn’t leave. We tried to tell them to leave. [Sencuk] started saying (they) had squatters rights,” Toma told WAVE. “I didn’t want to throw them out on the street, I was just trying to be kind.” Toma put up a 30-day eviction notice around Labor Day — but the situation went from bad to worse. Sencuk and one of Toma’s roommates got into a physical altercation, leading to Sencuk filing an emergency protective order against Toma. The judge granted the order, which forced Toma to stay 500 feet away from them — and his own home, effectively leaving him homeless.
Florida residents feel 'neglected' amid floods
Days after Hurricane Debby hit Florida in August, residents of Twin City Mobile Home Community in St. Petersburg were still experiencing flooding. And it's not the first time their homes have been underwater — the park has flooded multiple times lately. "We may be poor and live in here, but we're people, too," resident Erin Roth told ABC Action News at the time. "We're 100% neglected." Her neighbor, James Lawson, gave a harrowing description of the flooding in recent years. "[Hurricane Ian] flooded out to the top of the hood of that truck and killed my Durango," he said. "Then, [Hurricane] Idalia ... the water was up to my chin, and I'm 6-foot-1." It's possible the community faced more damage in at the hands of Hurricane Helene as it made its way through the Tampa Bay area in September. However, there doesn't yet appear to be local news reporting to confirm.
Days after Hurricane Debby hit Florida in August, residents of Twin City Mobile Home Community in St. Petersburg were still experiencing flooding. And it's not the first time their homes have been underwater — the park has flooded multiple times lately. "We may be poor and live in here, but we're people, too," resident Erin Roth told ABC Action News at the time. "We're 100% neglected." Her neighbor, James Lawson, gave a harrowing description of the flooding in recent years. "[Hurricane Ian] flooded out to the top of the hood of that truck and killed my Durango," he said. "Then, [Hurricane] Idalia ... the water was up to my chin, and I'm 6-foot-1." It's possible the community faced more damage in at the hands of Hurricane Helene as it made its way through the Tampa Bay area in September. However, there doesn't yet appear to be local news reporting to confirm.
Can Amazon force workers back to the office?
Amazon employees are up-in-arms over a recent note from CEO Andy Jassy alerting them to a change in policy about remote work. In a Sept. 16 letter, Jassy said that employees would be expected to return to the office five days a week, barring extenuating circumstances or a remote work exception, beginning on Jan. 2, 2025. As Jassy pointed out: "Some of our teammates may have set up their personal lives in such a way that returning to the office consistently five days per week will require some adjustments," but he's made clear that this isn't optional given the type of team he'd like to create. Unsurprisingly, however, many workers aren't pleased with the forced change. The big question, though, is what can they do about it?
Amazon employees are up-in-arms over a recent note from CEO Andy Jassy alerting them to a change in policy about remote work. In a Sept. 16 letter, Jassy said that employees would be expected to return to the office five days a week, barring extenuating circumstances or a remote work exception, beginning on Jan. 2, 2025. As Jassy pointed out: "Some of our teammates may have set up their personal lives in such a way that returning to the office consistently five days per week will require some adjustments," but he's made clear that this isn't optional given the type of team he'd like to create. Unsurprisingly, however, many workers aren't pleased with the forced change. The big question, though, is what can they do about it?
Celeb chef slams Gavin Newsom over fast food wage
California’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers took effect on Apr. 1. While the legislation has faced criticism, Gov. Gavin Newsom is celebrating its impact. “Since the law was enacted, California has added 11,000 new jobs in the industry. As of July, our state boasts a historic 750,500 fast food jobs,” he wrote in a recent op-ed for Fox News, citing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to Newsom, California now has more fast food jobs than ever before. He also highlighted how the legislation has improved conditions for those working in the fast food sector, stating, “Because of California’s compassion for working people, these men and women living paycheck to paycheck now enjoy better working conditions, reduced financial stress and greater opportunities for upward mobility.” However, not everyone shares Newsom’s enthusiasm. Celebrity chef and restaurant owner Andrew Gruel dismissed the op-ed as “typical Gavin Newsom self congratulatory propaganda based on questionable data.” “I think it's a little early to put the book on the shelf and take the victory lap here,” Gruel told Fox Business, cautioning that it may be too soon to fully assess the long-term effects of the wage hike on the industry.
California’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers took effect on Apr. 1. While the legislation has faced criticism, Gov. Gavin Newsom is celebrating its impact. “Since the law was enacted, California has added 11,000 new jobs in the industry. As of July, our state boasts a historic 750,500 fast food jobs,” he wrote in a recent op-ed for Fox News, citing data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to Newsom, California now has more fast food jobs than ever before. He also highlighted how the legislation has improved conditions for those working in the fast food sector, stating, “Because of California’s compassion for working people, these men and women living paycheck to paycheck now enjoy better working conditions, reduced financial stress and greater opportunities for upward mobility.” However, not everyone shares Newsom’s enthusiasm. Celebrity chef and restaurant owner Andrew Gruel dismissed the op-ed as “typical Gavin Newsom self congratulatory propaganda based on questionable data.” “I think it's a little early to put the book on the shelf and take the victory lap here,” Gruel told Fox Business, cautioning that it may be too soon to fully assess the long-term effects of the wage hike on the industry.
Rupert Murdoch goes to probate court with his kids
While Rupert Murdoch is a titan of the media industry, his recent family drama reveals the challenges even the wealthiest families face with estate planning. In a closed-door hearing before a Nevada probate commissioner, the 93-year-old billionaire and his four eldest children have been engaged in a dispute that could determine the future of Fox Corp. and News Corp., which are the parent companies of Fox News and the Wall Street Journal, respectively. Murdoch’s family trust owns about 40% of each company. The hearing, whose final arguments concluded on Sept. 23, centered on Murdoch’s proposed changes to the trust, which was originally created to give equal control of his businesses to each of his four oldest children after his passing. The New York Times reported that Murdoch sought to modify these terms so as to give his son Lachlan an elevated role, potentially sidelining his siblings Prudence, Elizabeth and James. The latter three siblings responded by taking their father to court, claiming that the effect of the changes would be contrary to their best interests. The court has not yet delivered its ruling. The saga bears a striking resemblance to the drama in the hit HBO series Succession, whose creators have cited the Murdoch family as inspiration. But the real-life stakes are clear, not just for the Murdochs but for anyone looking to protect their wealth and ensure a smooth transition for future generations — regardless of the size of their nest egg.
While Rupert Murdoch is a titan of the media industry, his recent family drama reveals the challenges even the wealthiest families face with estate planning. In a closed-door hearing before a Nevada probate commissioner, the 93-year-old billionaire and his four eldest children have been engaged in a dispute that could determine the future of Fox Corp. and News Corp., which are the parent companies of Fox News and the Wall Street Journal, respectively. Murdoch’s family trust owns about 40% of each company. The hearing, whose final arguments concluded on Sept. 23, centered on Murdoch’s proposed changes to the trust, which was originally created to give equal control of his businesses to each of his four oldest children after his passing. The New York Times reported that Murdoch sought to modify these terms so as to give his son Lachlan an elevated role, potentially sidelining his siblings Prudence, Elizabeth and James. The latter three siblings responded by taking their father to court, claiming that the effect of the changes would be contrary to their best interests. The court has not yet delivered its ruling. The saga bears a striking resemblance to the drama in the hit HBO series Succession, whose creators have cited the Murdoch family as inspiration. But the real-life stakes are clear, not just for the Murdochs but for anyone looking to protect their wealth and ensure a smooth transition for future generations — regardless of the size of their nest egg.
New act may help Americans with pensions
In a move that could significantly impact the retirement income of millions of Americans, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is pushing to repeal a set of Social Security rules that reduce benefits for individuals who also receive pension income from certain public service jobs. The proposed legislation, known as the Social Security Fairness Act, would erase the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have long been criticized for penalizing public servants and their spouses with pensions. The WEP is believed to reduce benefits for about 2 million Americans, while the GPO rule affects about 800,000 Americans. The discharge petition put forth by House Representatives, Garret Graves and Abigail Spanberger, on September 10, 2024 has now hit the required 218 signatures needed to force a vote, but whether the act is passed remains to be seen.
In a move that could significantly impact the retirement income of millions of Americans, a bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is pushing to repeal a set of Social Security rules that reduce benefits for individuals who also receive pension income from certain public service jobs. The proposed legislation, known as the Social Security Fairness Act, would erase the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO), which have long been criticized for penalizing public servants and their spouses with pensions. The WEP is believed to reduce benefits for about 2 million Americans, while the GPO rule affects about 800,000 Americans. The discharge petition put forth by House Representatives, Garret Graves and Abigail Spanberger, on September 10, 2024 has now hit the required 218 signatures needed to force a vote, but whether the act is passed remains to be seen.
Mortgage rate trends this week
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates decreased again this week, down slightly from 6.09 last week, to an average of 6.08%. “Although this week’s decline was slight, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage trended down to its lowest level in two years,” says Sam Khater, chief economist at housing giant Freddie Mac. "Given the downward trajectory of rates, refinance activity continues to pick up, creating opportunities for many homeowners to trim their monthly mortgage payment. Meanwhile, many looking to purchase a home are playing the waiting game to see if rates decrease further as additional economic data is released over the next several weeks.”
Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates decreased again this week, down slightly from 6.09 last week, to an average of 6.08%. “Although this week’s decline was slight, the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage trended down to its lowest level in two years,” says Sam Khater, chief economist at housing giant Freddie Mac. "Given the downward trajectory of rates, refinance activity continues to pick up, creating opportunities for many homeowners to trim their monthly mortgage payment. Meanwhile, many looking to purchase a home are playing the waiting game to see if rates decrease further as additional economic data is released over the next several weeks.”
Grant Cardone blasts Mark Cuban over Trump tariffs
Former President Donald Trump stirred controversy with a bold proposal during a farming roundtable in Smithton, Pennsylvania. He issued a stern warning to agricultural and construction equipment giant John Deere, threatening to impose a 200% tariff on any products manufactured in Mexico. “I love the company, but as you know, they announced a few days ago that they're going to move a lot of their manufacturing business to Mexico. I'm just notifying John Deere right now. If you do that, we're putting a 200% tariff on everything that you want to sell into the United States,” he declared. In June, Deere announced plans to relocate the production of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders from its Dubuque, Iowa, facility to Mexico by the end of 2026. The following month, the company announced layoffs. Trump’s comments have sparked heated debate online, drawing reactions from high-profile figures. Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban was quick to criticize Trump’s proposed tariff on Deere. “This Lack of Understanding of Business is insane,” he posted on X. “Put a 200% tariff on the American company moving some production to Mexico. But tariff Chinese manufacturers 10 or 20%, so that the Chinese products will be cheaper to sell in the US than the American company. Good way to destroy a legendary American company and increase costs to American buyers.” Cuban’s post resonated widely, garnering over 5.1 million views, 36,000 likes, and 6,200 comments. His remarks also caught the attention of real estate mogul Grant Cardone, who responded with an Instagram video titled “Economic Class for Mark Cuban on Tariffs.”
Former President Donald Trump stirred controversy with a bold proposal during a farming roundtable in Smithton, Pennsylvania. He issued a stern warning to agricultural and construction equipment giant John Deere, threatening to impose a 200% tariff on any products manufactured in Mexico. “I love the company, but as you know, they announced a few days ago that they're going to move a lot of their manufacturing business to Mexico. I'm just notifying John Deere right now. If you do that, we're putting a 200% tariff on everything that you want to sell into the United States,” he declared. In June, Deere announced plans to relocate the production of skid steer loaders and compact track loaders from its Dubuque, Iowa, facility to Mexico by the end of 2026. The following month, the company announced layoffs. Trump’s comments have sparked heated debate online, drawing reactions from high-profile figures. Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban was quick to criticize Trump’s proposed tariff on Deere. “This Lack of Understanding of Business is insane,” he posted on X. “Put a 200% tariff on the American company moving some production to Mexico. But tariff Chinese manufacturers 10 or 20%, so that the Chinese products will be cheaper to sell in the US than the American company. Good way to destroy a legendary American company and increase costs to American buyers.” Cuban’s post resonated widely, garnering over 5.1 million views, 36,000 likes, and 6,200 comments. His remarks also caught the attention of real estate mogul Grant Cardone, who responded with an Instagram video titled “Economic Class for Mark Cuban on Tariffs.”
IRS recoups $1.3 billion from rich tax evaders
To think that the Internal Revenue Service could protect the typical taxpayer suggests images of a fox guarding the henhouse. Or maybe a T. rex guarding a meat locker is more like it. But if collecting funds from wealthy tax dodgers fits the bill, then the IRS shared welcome news in early September. The agency announced that it had recovered $1.3 billion from high-income, high-wealth individuals under initiative included in the Inflation Reduction Act. The gains, the tax agency reports stem from the failure of rich Americans to catch up on their returns dating back to 2017. But efforts kicked into high gear in February, when the IRS found itself in a much better position to pursue those who fall into the tax brackets of between $400,000 and $1 million, or more than $1 million in annual income. It involved some detective work, too, as the IRS received third-party information — much of it through W-2s and 1099s — that indicated a gulf between what rich people made and what they paid. Result: a billion-plus dollars recovered from the nearly 80% of the 1,600 millionaires with delinquent tax debt. That includes $100 million since July, the IRS stated. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced the milestone to press at an event in Austin, Texas. Yellen praised the “tireless” work of IRS agents, despite being hampered by reduced funding, but still the agency fell short on its audit goals — especially for high-earners. Here’s why she’s crediting the Inflation Reduction Act for helping shift the burden from “ordinary citizens.”
To think that the Internal Revenue Service could protect the typical taxpayer suggests images of a fox guarding the henhouse. Or maybe a T. rex guarding a meat locker is more like it. But if collecting funds from wealthy tax dodgers fits the bill, then the IRS shared welcome news in early September. The agency announced that it had recovered $1.3 billion from high-income, high-wealth individuals under initiative included in the Inflation Reduction Act. The gains, the tax agency reports stem from the failure of rich Americans to catch up on their returns dating back to 2017. But efforts kicked into high gear in February, when the IRS found itself in a much better position to pursue those who fall into the tax brackets of between $400,000 and $1 million, or more than $1 million in annual income. It involved some detective work, too, as the IRS received third-party information — much of it through W-2s and 1099s — that indicated a gulf between what rich people made and what they paid. Result: a billion-plus dollars recovered from the nearly 80% of the 1,600 millionaires with delinquent tax debt. That includes $100 million since July, the IRS stated. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen announced the milestone to press at an event in Austin, Texas. Yellen praised the “tireless” work of IRS agents, despite being hampered by reduced funding, but still the agency fell short on its audit goals — especially for high-earners. Here’s why she’s crediting the Inflation Reduction Act for helping shift the burden from “ordinary citizens.”
'Evil twin' Wi-Fi scam: Protect yourself
Imagine rolling into an airport, trudging your way through security and navigating a labyrinth of gift shops before finding your gate, boarding your flight and sinking into your assigned seat. After settling in, your next step may be to whip out your phone and access the free Wi-Fi. Only this time, the signal isn’t a legitimate connection and your personal information has been swiped. This may have been the case in Australia, where authorities arrested and charged a 42-year-old man in May for allegedly establishing fake free Wi-Fi access points that mimicked legitimate networks to record personal information from victims who mistakenly connected to them. The news came after an investigation was launched in April following an airline’s report of a suspicious Wi-Fi network identified by employees during a domestic flight. Such activity — when a bad actor sets up an imposter internet connection to gain access to sensitive data — is known as an “evil twin” Wi-Fi attack. It’s not just your email and social media connections that could be at risk. A hacker engaging in this type of activity may also be able to steal sensitive financial data and other information that could be used to steal your identity. “It’s extremely easy,” Adrianus Warmenhoven, a Nord VPN security adviser, told NBC Bay Area. Although the idea of getting your information stolen from a Wi-Fi connection is terrifying, you have more control over your identity than you realize. Experts say the best way to protect yourself from an evil twin attack is to know the signs and prevent it before it even happens.
Imagine rolling into an airport, trudging your way through security and navigating a labyrinth of gift shops before finding your gate, boarding your flight and sinking into your assigned seat. After settling in, your next step may be to whip out your phone and access the free Wi-Fi. Only this time, the signal isn’t a legitimate connection and your personal information has been swiped. This may have been the case in Australia, where authorities arrested and charged a 42-year-old man in May for allegedly establishing fake free Wi-Fi access points that mimicked legitimate networks to record personal information from victims who mistakenly connected to them. The news came after an investigation was launched in April following an airline’s report of a suspicious Wi-Fi network identified by employees during a domestic flight. Such activity — when a bad actor sets up an imposter internet connection to gain access to sensitive data — is known as an “evil twin” Wi-Fi attack. It’s not just your email and social media connections that could be at risk. A hacker engaging in this type of activity may also be able to steal sensitive financial data and other information that could be used to steal your identity. “It’s extremely easy,” Adrianus Warmenhoven, a Nord VPN security adviser, told NBC Bay Area. Although the idea of getting your information stolen from a Wi-Fi connection is terrifying, you have more control over your identity than you realize. Experts say the best way to protect yourself from an evil twin attack is to know the signs and prevent it before it even happens.
Moneywise Digest