Las Vegas sees 7.8% decline in visitors
Las Vegas is a popular destination for tourists, but visitors aren’t flocking to the city in the numbers they once were. In March 2025, visitor volume was down by 7.8% from the same period last year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Beyond falling visitor numbers, gaming revenue on the Strip, where many of the iconic hotels and Vegas experiences exist, was down 4.8%. Gaming revenue was up on the Boulder Strip and Downtown, but they rake in a fraction of the revenue that the Strip sees. Hotel occupancy in the city reached 82.9%, down from 85.3% last year, and the total room nights occupied was down by 6.1% year over year.
Las Vegas is a popular destination for tourists, but visitors aren’t flocking to the city in the numbers they once were. In March 2025, visitor volume was down by 7.8% from the same period last year, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA). Beyond falling visitor numbers, gaming revenue on the Strip, where many of the iconic hotels and Vegas experiences exist, was down 4.8%. Gaming revenue was up on the Boulder Strip and Downtown, but they rake in a fraction of the revenue that the Strip sees. Hotel occupancy in the city reached 82.9%, down from 85.3% last year, and the total room nights occupied was down by 6.1% year over year.
HHS layoffs affect health care for 9/11 responders
On 9/11, first responders rushed to help. Unfortunately, their own lives were being put in jeopardy as they breathed in asbestos, benzene and other toxic dust at Ground Zero, increasing their cancer risk. Years later, the Zadroga Act was passed to care for these first responders. It created the federally funded World Trade Center Health Program under the umbrella of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The program provides lifetime monitoring and treatment to responders, 150,000 of whom were enrolled as of 2025, reports ABC News, (up from 76,000 in 2015). The program has been a great success, with New York City Fire Department (FDNY) data revealing 86% of participants are still alive five years after a cancer diagnosis compared with 66% of patients diagnosed but not part of it. A bill had even been introduced to provide additional funding. Unfortunately, the program is no longer working as intended, due to uncertainty created by the Trump administration — and this will have consequences. "This is a program with zero fraud that only does one thing: It saves lives," Michael Barasch, partner at Barasch & McGarry, a law firm representing thousands of first responders and 9/11 survivors, told ABC News. "Mark my words: People will die without it."
On 9/11, first responders rushed to help. Unfortunately, their own lives were being put in jeopardy as they breathed in asbestos, benzene and other toxic dust at Ground Zero, increasing their cancer risk. Years later, the Zadroga Act was passed to care for these first responders. It created the federally funded World Trade Center Health Program under the umbrella of the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). The program provides lifetime monitoring and treatment to responders, 150,000 of whom were enrolled as of 2025, reports ABC News, (up from 76,000 in 2015). The program has been a great success, with New York City Fire Department (FDNY) data revealing 86% of participants are still alive five years after a cancer diagnosis compared with 66% of patients diagnosed but not part of it. A bill had even been introduced to provide additional funding. Unfortunately, the program is no longer working as intended, due to uncertainty created by the Trump administration — and this will have consequences. "This is a program with zero fraud that only does one thing: It saves lives," Michael Barasch, partner at Barasch & McGarry, a law firm representing thousands of first responders and 9/11 survivors, told ABC News. "Mark my words: People will die without it."
Houston couple sue builder over mold-infested home
When Angela and Terry Taylor of Houston moved into a four-story home in a gated community in 2020, they thought it would be a safe, low-maintenance environment where they could ease into retirement. Instead, things started to go wrong almost immediately. The Taylors noticed condensation on the windows and doors. Angela began to feel ill. They soon identified the problem: mold. A doctor discovered mold in Angela's sinuses and told her it was the highest level he had seen in 32 years. Then they checked out the house. Hundreds of thousands of mold spores per cubic meter, on the walls, beneath stucco finishes — even their furniture. "It's not safe for anybody to be there," their attorney Ernest Freeman told KHOU 11. The Taylors have moved into an apartment, carrying the costs of the apartment and their new home at the same time. "We're trying to retire one of these days and these are some of the most expensive days of our lives," said Terry Taylor. "It's unfathomable that we're in the position we're in." Now they’re suing the home builder, Pelican Builders, and sharing their story to alert other people to the dangers.
When Angela and Terry Taylor of Houston moved into a four-story home in a gated community in 2020, they thought it would be a safe, low-maintenance environment where they could ease into retirement. Instead, things started to go wrong almost immediately. The Taylors noticed condensation on the windows and doors. Angela began to feel ill. They soon identified the problem: mold. A doctor discovered mold in Angela's sinuses and told her it was the highest level he had seen in 32 years. Then they checked out the house. Hundreds of thousands of mold spores per cubic meter, on the walls, beneath stucco finishes — even their furniture. "It's not safe for anybody to be there," their attorney Ernest Freeman told KHOU 11. The Taylors have moved into an apartment, carrying the costs of the apartment and their new home at the same time. "We're trying to retire one of these days and these are some of the most expensive days of our lives," said Terry Taylor. "It's unfathomable that we're in the position we're in." Now they’re suing the home builder, Pelican Builders, and sharing their story to alert other people to the dangers.
Family trapped in alleged asphalt scam
An unexpected sales pitch paved the way to a terrifying ordeal for one gas station owner. According to Lisa Hoang of Moore, Oklahoma, she allegedly fell victim to an attempted extortion by a rogue paving crew. The confrontation happened when workers from Done Right Paving, based in Kalispell, Montana, allegedly dumped their extra asphalt across the OK Stop parking lot. No formal contract between Done Right and OK Stop was drafted, so the work wasn’t approved, Hoang told News 4 KFOR. “We need to know in advance how much [the cost] is, and he says [s] he just [has] a little left over asphalt and it wouldn’t cost much to us,” Hoang explained. Hoang and her family refused to pay the $12,000 bill. As a result, the Done Right Paving crew scraped up the asphalt and piled it against the OK Stop entrance, trapping the family inside. The scam is not uncommon in Oklahoma, and typically happens when northern paving companies travel south for work. But here’s how to avoid being caught in a similar sticky situation.
An unexpected sales pitch paved the way to a terrifying ordeal for one gas station owner. According to Lisa Hoang of Moore, Oklahoma, she allegedly fell victim to an attempted extortion by a rogue paving crew. The confrontation happened when workers from Done Right Paving, based in Kalispell, Montana, allegedly dumped their extra asphalt across the OK Stop parking lot. No formal contract between Done Right and OK Stop was drafted, so the work wasn’t approved, Hoang told News 4 KFOR. “We need to know in advance how much [the cost] is, and he says [s] he just [has] a little left over asphalt and it wouldn’t cost much to us,” Hoang explained. Hoang and her family refused to pay the $12,000 bill. As a result, the Done Right Paving crew scraped up the asphalt and piled it against the OK Stop entrance, trapping the family inside. The scam is not uncommon in Oklahoma, and typically happens when northern paving companies travel south for work. But here’s how to avoid being caught in a similar sticky situation.
Peter Schiff blasts US-China trade deal
While the White House is trumpeting the “Art of the Deal,” some may say the recent U.S.-China trade deal is a chapter out of “The Subtle Art of Getting Steamrolled.” Economist Peter Schiff recently took to X to blast the Trump administration for conceding the trade war without meaningful gains from China. “How is this trade deal a win for Trump?” he asked. “China has agreed to nothing. The 145% tariffs we imposed have been reduced to 30%. The 125% tariffs they imposed in response have been reduced to 10%. If 145% tariffs were just a bargaining chip, China already called Trump's bluff and won.” He continued in response to comments, “So what have we won by agreeing to pause the war we started? We did not win a single battle in this war.” Other economists echoed this view. "'Big beautiful tariffs' were intended to encourage reshoring and generate trillions in tax revenue to fund tax cuts," James Knightley, chief international economist, ING wrote in a note to investors reported on by Business Insider. But with tariffs lowered for 90-days, "most production remains cheaper in China than relocating it to the U.S." “I think it's very clear that it's President @realDonaldTrump who blinked,” Larry Summers, economist and former Treasury Secretary, wrote on X. “We had said that we were determined to impose these policies for an indefinite period. China didn't make any consequential or significant change in its policies. Sometimes it's good to blink. When you make a mistake, it's usually best to correct it and retreat, even if it's a little bit embarrassing. America may not have gained much from its brief trade war, but it still stands to lose some economic battles in the months ahead due to its lingering impacts. Here’s why.
While the White House is trumpeting the “Art of the Deal,” some may say the recent U.S.-China trade deal is a chapter out of “The Subtle Art of Getting Steamrolled.” Economist Peter Schiff recently took to X to blast the Trump administration for conceding the trade war without meaningful gains from China. “How is this trade deal a win for Trump?” he asked. “China has agreed to nothing. The 145% tariffs we imposed have been reduced to 30%. The 125% tariffs they imposed in response have been reduced to 10%. If 145% tariffs were just a bargaining chip, China already called Trump's bluff and won.” He continued in response to comments, “So what have we won by agreeing to pause the war we started? We did not win a single battle in this war.” Other economists echoed this view. "'Big beautiful tariffs' were intended to encourage reshoring and generate trillions in tax revenue to fund tax cuts," James Knightley, chief international economist, ING wrote in a note to investors reported on by Business Insider. But with tariffs lowered for 90-days, "most production remains cheaper in China than relocating it to the U.S." “I think it's very clear that it's President @realDonaldTrump who blinked,” Larry Summers, economist and former Treasury Secretary, wrote on X. “We had said that we were determined to impose these policies for an indefinite period. China didn't make any consequential or significant change in its policies. Sometimes it's good to blink. When you make a mistake, it's usually best to correct it and retreat, even if it's a little bit embarrassing. America may not have gained much from its brief trade war, but it still stands to lose some economic battles in the months ahead due to its lingering impacts. Here’s why.
Why fewer Americans are moving to this FL city
Florida has long been a magnet for Americans looking for a better life. Low taxes, affordable housing, a low cost of living and pleasant winter weather have made it a popular move — and not just for retirees. Young people seeking economic opportunities have come in search of jobs in technology, health care and tourism — and stay for the laid-back lifestyle and entrepreneurial atmosphere. But now, the number of Americans moving to the state has slowed. And one hot spot has been hit particularly hard.
Florida has long been a magnet for Americans looking for a better life. Low taxes, affordable housing, a low cost of living and pleasant winter weather have made it a popular move — and not just for retirees. Young people seeking economic opportunities have come in search of jobs in technology, health care and tourism — and stay for the laid-back lifestyle and entrepreneurial atmosphere. But now, the number of Americans moving to the state has slowed. And one hot spot has been hit particularly hard.
Ray Dialo's ‘Holy Grail’ of strategies in a crisis
Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, isn’t usually known for alarmist takes. But his latest warning is unusually stark. “Right now we are at a decision-making point and very close to a recession, and I’m worried about something worse than a recession if this isn’t handled well,” Dalio said in an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.” Recession warnings have been piling up as Trump’s sweeping tariffs and global tensions escalate. But Dalio sees the threat as “much more profound.” “We have a breaking down of the monetary order,” he said. Dalio highlighted profound shifts in both the domestic and world order — including a move away from the U.S.-led era of multilateralism toward a more unilateral world order, “in which there’s great conflict.” While it remains unclear how the uncertainty around tariffs will play out — or whether the recession warnings will prove correct — markets have already been whipsawed. The silver lining? Dalio has long championed a strategy he calls the “Holy Grail of investing.” With volatility rising and risks mounting, now may be the time to pay attention.
Ray Dalio, founder of the world’s largest hedge fund, Bridgewater Associates, isn’t usually known for alarmist takes. But his latest warning is unusually stark. “Right now we are at a decision-making point and very close to a recession, and I’m worried about something worse than a recession if this isn’t handled well,” Dalio said in an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press.” Recession warnings have been piling up as Trump’s sweeping tariffs and global tensions escalate. But Dalio sees the threat as “much more profound.” “We have a breaking down of the monetary order,” he said. Dalio highlighted profound shifts in both the domestic and world order — including a move away from the U.S.-led era of multilateralism toward a more unilateral world order, “in which there’s great conflict.” While it remains unclear how the uncertainty around tariffs will play out — or whether the recession warnings will prove correct — markets have already been whipsawed. The silver lining? Dalio has long championed a strategy he calls the “Holy Grail of investing.” With volatility rising and risks mounting, now may be the time to pay attention.
Auto loan or lease fraud set to reach record level
Steve Simon's trouble began when he visited a local car dealer to inquire about buying a vehicle, and the transaction didn't work out. He had given the dealer permission to run his credit. "I didn't like the interest rate on it, so I denied it, left, went home," said the delivery truck driver. Unfortunately, this wasn't the end of the story, but the beginning of a nightmare. He told CBS New York that in the days following his visit to the dealer, he received repeated notices of hard inquiries being placed on his credit. Those can damage your score if you get too many. Worse still, weeks later, he received a letter from Ally Bank indicating he'd been denied the lease he'd co-applied for at the dealer with a woman named Michelle. "I don't know no Michelle, no person like that, and if I'm not able to get a vehicle, I damn sure not gonna co-sign for someone else to get a vehicle," Simon said. Now, Simon is looking for answers, but the dealership can't explain what happened. What is clear, though, is that Simon is a victim of identity theft — and he's not the only one.
Steve Simon's trouble began when he visited a local car dealer to inquire about buying a vehicle, and the transaction didn't work out. He had given the dealer permission to run his credit. "I didn't like the interest rate on it, so I denied it, left, went home," said the delivery truck driver. Unfortunately, this wasn't the end of the story, but the beginning of a nightmare. He told CBS New York that in the days following his visit to the dealer, he received repeated notices of hard inquiries being placed on his credit. Those can damage your score if you get too many. Worse still, weeks later, he received a letter from Ally Bank indicating he'd been denied the lease he'd co-applied for at the dealer with a woman named Michelle. "I don't know no Michelle, no person like that, and if I'm not able to get a vehicle, I damn sure not gonna co-sign for someone else to get a vehicle," Simon said. Now, Simon is looking for answers, but the dealership can't explain what happened. What is clear, though, is that Simon is a victim of identity theft — and he's not the only one.
Safari or save for home? Ramsey surprises newlywed
Just married last year, Ashley and her husband dream of going on an African hunt. The Oklahoma City couple were planning to go on a safari to celebrate their 10th anniversary — and save for a home first. But life has taken an unexpected turn, which is why Ashley called The Ramsey Show for advice. “We entered a raffle and found out that we won a nine-day all-inclusive hunt in South Africa,” she explained. Although the $20,000 package is described as “all-inclusive,” she discovered they’d have to pay up to $15,000 in out-of-pocket expenses — including airfare, transportation, gun rentals and taxidermy. The taxidermy piece was important to Ashley. “I’d like to have a zebra rug,” she explained. “That would be pretty cool.” “You can buy them,” Ramsey noted. Ashley wasn’t sure whether they should spend so much money on a luxury vacation while they’re still saving for a home. “If you could help us with our first marital financial hurdle,” she asked Dave Ramsey. Ramsey’s advice surprised her — and, he admitted, even himself. Because her answers surprised him.
Just married last year, Ashley and her husband dream of going on an African hunt. The Oklahoma City couple were planning to go on a safari to celebrate their 10th anniversary — and save for a home first. But life has taken an unexpected turn, which is why Ashley called The Ramsey Show for advice. “We entered a raffle and found out that we won a nine-day all-inclusive hunt in South Africa,” she explained. Although the $20,000 package is described as “all-inclusive,” she discovered they’d have to pay up to $15,000 in out-of-pocket expenses — including airfare, transportation, gun rentals and taxidermy. The taxidermy piece was important to Ashley. “I’d like to have a zebra rug,” she explained. “That would be pretty cool.” “You can buy them,” Ramsey noted. Ashley wasn’t sure whether they should spend so much money on a luxury vacation while they’re still saving for a home. “If you could help us with our first marital financial hurdle,” she asked Dave Ramsey. Ramsey’s advice surprised her — and, he admitted, even himself. Because her answers surprised him.
Peter Thiel warns of US real estate catastrophe
As a co-founder of PayPal and the first outside investor in Facebook, Peter Thiel is widely recognized for his expertise in the tech world. But lately, the billionaire venture capitalist has been sounding the alarm on an entirely different sector: real estate. During an interview with The Free Press, Thiel drew upon the insights of 19th-century economist Henry George to underscore the gravity of America’s real estate crisis. “The basic Georgist obsession was real estate, and it was if you weren't really careful, you would get runaway real estate prices, and the people who owned the real estate would make all the gains in a society,” Thiel said. The core of the issue, Thiel explained, lies in the “extremely inelastic” nature of real estate, especially in regions with strict zoning laws. “The dynamic ends up being that you add 10% to the population in a city, and maybe the house prices go up 50%, and maybe people's salaries go up, but they don't go up by 50%,” he said. “So the GDP grows, but it's a giant windfall to the boomer homeowners and to the landlords, and it's a massive hit to the lower middle class and to young people who can never get on the housing ladder.” Thiel warned that this “Georgist real estate catastrophe” is playing out across many “Anglosphere countries,” including the U.S., Britain and Canada.
As a co-founder of PayPal and the first outside investor in Facebook, Peter Thiel is widely recognized for his expertise in the tech world. But lately, the billionaire venture capitalist has been sounding the alarm on an entirely different sector: real estate. During an interview with The Free Press, Thiel drew upon the insights of 19th-century economist Henry George to underscore the gravity of America’s real estate crisis. “The basic Georgist obsession was real estate, and it was if you weren't really careful, you would get runaway real estate prices, and the people who owned the real estate would make all the gains in a society,” Thiel said. The core of the issue, Thiel explained, lies in the “extremely inelastic” nature of real estate, especially in regions with strict zoning laws. “The dynamic ends up being that you add 10% to the population in a city, and maybe the house prices go up 50%, and maybe people's salaries go up, but they don't go up by 50%,” he said. “So the GDP grows, but it's a giant windfall to the boomer homeowners and to the landlords, and it's a massive hit to the lower middle class and to young people who can never get on the housing ladder.” Thiel warned that this “Georgist real estate catastrophe” is playing out across many “Anglosphere countries,” including the U.S., Britain and Canada.
Two ways to profit from stock market panic
With trade tensions rising, sweeping tariffs looming and recession fears rattling Wall Street, stocks have been on a wild ride. Watching a portfolio sink into the red can be nerve-wracking, but investing legend Warren Buffett has long warned against reacting emotionally when markets take a dive. “Some people should not own stocks at all because they just get too upset with price fluctuations,” Buffett told CNBC’s Becky Quick. “If you're going to do dumb things because a stock goes down, you shouldn't own a stock at all.” Quick pressed him: “What are dumb things? Selling a stock because it goes down?” Buffett didn’t hesitate: “Yeah, selling a stock because it goes down. I mean, you know, if you buy your house at $20,000 and somebody comes along the next day and says, ‘I’ll pay you $15,000,’ you don’t sell it because the quote’s $15,000. You look at the house or whatever it may be. But some people are not actually emotionally or psychologically fit to own stocks.” Buffett’s message rings especially true in today’s economic climate. With markets whipsawed by tariff uncertainty and broader economic jitters, knee-jerk reactions could turn temporary losses into permanent ones. Instead of treating stocks like lottery tickets, Buffett urges investors to think like business owners — focusing on long-term value rather than short-term noise. After all, as he famously said during the 2008 financial crisis, “A simple rule dictates my buying: be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.” And while not all assets are created equal, Buffett has shared a surprisingly simple way to tell which ones are worth owning — and which ones aren’t.
With trade tensions rising, sweeping tariffs looming and recession fears rattling Wall Street, stocks have been on a wild ride. Watching a portfolio sink into the red can be nerve-wracking, but investing legend Warren Buffett has long warned against reacting emotionally when markets take a dive. “Some people should not own stocks at all because they just get too upset with price fluctuations,” Buffett told CNBC’s Becky Quick. “If you're going to do dumb things because a stock goes down, you shouldn't own a stock at all.” Quick pressed him: “What are dumb things? Selling a stock because it goes down?” Buffett didn’t hesitate: “Yeah, selling a stock because it goes down. I mean, you know, if you buy your house at $20,000 and somebody comes along the next day and says, ‘I’ll pay you $15,000,’ you don’t sell it because the quote’s $15,000. You look at the house or whatever it may be. But some people are not actually emotionally or psychologically fit to own stocks.” Buffett’s message rings especially true in today’s economic climate. With markets whipsawed by tariff uncertainty and broader economic jitters, knee-jerk reactions could turn temporary losses into permanent ones. Instead of treating stocks like lottery tickets, Buffett urges investors to think like business owners — focusing on long-term value rather than short-term noise. After all, as he famously said during the 2008 financial crisis, “A simple rule dictates my buying: be fearful when others are greedy, and be greedy when others are fearful.” And while not all assets are created equal, Buffett has shared a surprisingly simple way to tell which ones are worth owning — and which ones aren’t.
Worried about a recession? 10 money moves to make
The chance of a recession hitting the U.S. economy in 2025 has gone up. JP Morgan raised the chances of a global recession happening this year to 60%, up from 40% at the end of March. So if you’re thinking of tightening your wallet — and looking for ways to stretch every dollar — here are 10 money moves you can make to make sure you’re in great financial shape during this uncertain time.
The chance of a recession hitting the U.S. economy in 2025 has gone up. JP Morgan raised the chances of a global recession happening this year to 60%, up from 40% at the end of March. So if you’re thinking of tightening your wallet — and looking for ways to stretch every dollar — here are 10 money moves you can make to make sure you’re in great financial shape during this uncertain time.
Options if you’re short on money to move out
Renting a home is not cheap. In fact, Zillow puts the average monthly cost of rent at $1,850 nationally. Let’s say you’re in your mid-20s and looking to rent a townhome for more space and a sense of independence. The catch? You have to fork over $5,000 in advance for two months’ security and additional fees. That’s a hefty chunk of change. It’s not uncommon for young adults to live at home with their parents until they have sufficient funds stashed away for rent and utilities. Sometimes, parents will charge their kids “rent” only to set it aside to give back to them once they’re ready to move out. But what if your parents went back on that promise and instead deposited your “rent” into one of their 401(k)s? Now, you’re short on the $5,000 you owe for the townhome. It's a difficult situation, but it doesn't mean all is lost.
Renting a home is not cheap. In fact, Zillow puts the average monthly cost of rent at $1,850 nationally. Let’s say you’re in your mid-20s and looking to rent a townhome for more space and a sense of independence. The catch? You have to fork over $5,000 in advance for two months’ security and additional fees. That’s a hefty chunk of change. It’s not uncommon for young adults to live at home with their parents until they have sufficient funds stashed away for rent and utilities. Sometimes, parents will charge their kids “rent” only to set it aside to give back to them once they’re ready to move out. But what if your parents went back on that promise and instead deposited your “rent” into one of their 401(k)s? Now, you’re short on the $5,000 you owe for the townhome. It's a difficult situation, but it doesn't mean all is lost.
Will an inheritance stop my Medicaid benefits?
Imagine this scenario: Two decades ago, Kristin was driving home from a friend’s house when she was struck by a drunk driver, who hit her car head-on. After surviving a coma and suffering a brain injury that made it impossible to work, she’s been on Medicaid ever since. While she has enough money to get by — she has no debt and owns her house — she doesn’t have much left over at the end of the month. That’s why, when she found out she had inherited $250,000 from her best friend, she was incredibly grateful. But also a little worried. A large lump sum of cash would bump Kristin over the income eligibility limit for Medicaid, so she could lose her benefits. She’s now worried about Medicaid’s five-year Look-Back Rule, a period during which Medicaid can evaluate a recipient’s financial history to ensure they’re not artificially reducing their net worth. If so, a penalty period would apply. Not only is Kristin worried about losing her Medicaid coverage, she’s also worried she might end up in violation of the Look-Back Rule and that a Medicaid lien would be placed on her property when she dies, so she wouldn’t be able to pass on her remaining assets to her children. Are her concerns valid or are there ways to make the windfall work more in her favor?
Imagine this scenario: Two decades ago, Kristin was driving home from a friend’s house when she was struck by a drunk driver, who hit her car head-on. After surviving a coma and suffering a brain injury that made it impossible to work, she’s been on Medicaid ever since. While she has enough money to get by — she has no debt and owns her house — she doesn’t have much left over at the end of the month. That’s why, when she found out she had inherited $250,000 from her best friend, she was incredibly grateful. But also a little worried. A large lump sum of cash would bump Kristin over the income eligibility limit for Medicaid, so she could lose her benefits. She’s now worried about Medicaid’s five-year Look-Back Rule, a period during which Medicaid can evaluate a recipient’s financial history to ensure they’re not artificially reducing their net worth. If so, a penalty period would apply. Not only is Kristin worried about losing her Medicaid coverage, she’s also worried she might end up in violation of the Look-Back Rule and that a Medicaid lien would be placed on her property when she dies, so she wouldn’t be able to pass on her remaining assets to her children. Are her concerns valid or are there ways to make the windfall work more in her favor?
Trump cuts $24M for Denver migrant shelters
The Mile High City has joined a growing list of U.S. metros put on notice by the Trump administration: No more federal money for shelters that support migrants. Denver leaders recently heard from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that the agency is rescinding $24 million in grants earmarked to support shelters and services for migrants arriving in the city. The abrupt termination of funding was revealed during a routine presentation to the City Council in April, disrupting the plans of city officials who were relying on these funds to offset the costs of an influx of migrants. "The city does not have the capacity, if all of that federal funding were to go away, to backfill it. And so, that is another risk that we are carefully monitoring and very concerned about," Budget Director Justin Sykes told the council, according to ABC affiliate Denver 7.
The Mile High City has joined a growing list of U.S. metros put on notice by the Trump administration: No more federal money for shelters that support migrants. Denver leaders recently heard from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that the agency is rescinding $24 million in grants earmarked to support shelters and services for migrants arriving in the city. The abrupt termination of funding was revealed during a routine presentation to the City Council in April, disrupting the plans of city officials who were relying on these funds to offset the costs of an influx of migrants. "The city does not have the capacity, if all of that federal funding were to go away, to backfill it. And so, that is another risk that we are carefully monitoring and very concerned about," Budget Director Justin Sykes told the council, according to ABC affiliate Denver 7.
Tips on nursing homes that could save you money
Roughly 70% of seniors will need some type of long-term care during their final years, according to Genworth. Yet, most people don’t know much about the industry unless they have a loved one in a care facility or are actively looking for one. From staff turnover to surprise fees, here are the secrets you need to know before you commit someone you love to one of the 30,600 assisted-living communities across the country.
Roughly 70% of seniors will need some type of long-term care during their final years, according to Genworth. Yet, most people don’t know much about the industry unless they have a loved one in a care facility or are actively looking for one. From staff turnover to surprise fees, here are the secrets you need to know before you commit someone you love to one of the 30,600 assisted-living communities across the country.
How to put Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps into action
Breaking out of the debt cycle isn’t easy. According to research by Empower, 37% of Americans can’t cover a $400 emergency expense without borrowing money or dipping into their savings. And a startling 145 million Americans have less than $1,000 in savings. So how do you beat debt and build wealth if you’re living paycheck to paycheck? You may have already heard of Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps. The radio host and personal finance personality has popularized this step-by-step guide to take control of your money. "It's not a fairy tale. Anyone can do it, and the plan works every single time,” according to Ramsey. “Many people have used the plan to ditch debt, increase wealth, and live and give like no one else.” Whether it’s high-yield savings accounts or low-fee investment options, here are tools that can help you put Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps into action.
Breaking out of the debt cycle isn’t easy. According to research by Empower, 37% of Americans can’t cover a $400 emergency expense without borrowing money or dipping into their savings. And a startling 145 million Americans have less than $1,000 in savings. So how do you beat debt and build wealth if you’re living paycheck to paycheck? You may have already heard of Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps. The radio host and personal finance personality has popularized this step-by-step guide to take control of your money. "It's not a fairy tale. Anyone can do it, and the plan works every single time,” according to Ramsey. “Many people have used the plan to ditch debt, increase wealth, and live and give like no one else.” Whether it’s high-yield savings accounts or low-fee investment options, here are tools that can help you put Dave Ramsey’s 7 Baby Steps into action.
Miami Beach shelter may be replaced by tower
A developer hoping to build a luxury high-rise in Miami Beach is offering city officials a controversial selling point: The closure of Bikini Hostel, a youth hostel that has recently become one of the only places on the island housing the homeless. As reported by WPLG Local 10 News, at a recent Miami Beach city commission meeting, attorney for the development Melissa Tapanes said the proposed development “will result in the permanent elimination of the Bikini Hostel,” calling the site a “plague on this community for a number of years.” But advocates for the homeless say the hostel has filled a critical gap, especially after a drop in available beds at a nearby shelter. They argue that, rather than a nuisance, the hostel has become a source of stability and dignity for dozens of Miami-Dade County residents with nowhere else to go.
A developer hoping to build a luxury high-rise in Miami Beach is offering city officials a controversial selling point: The closure of Bikini Hostel, a youth hostel that has recently become one of the only places on the island housing the homeless. As reported by WPLG Local 10 News, at a recent Miami Beach city commission meeting, attorney for the development Melissa Tapanes said the proposed development “will result in the permanent elimination of the Bikini Hostel,” calling the site a “plague on this community for a number of years.” But advocates for the homeless say the hostel has filled a critical gap, especially after a drop in available beds at a nearby shelter. They argue that, rather than a nuisance, the hostel has become a source of stability and dignity for dozens of Miami-Dade County residents with nowhere else to go.
How Chicago wasted $400M on the 'Block 37' project
If you were to visit Chicago’s Block 37 in the Loop area of downtown, you’ll find a nice shopping and entertainment complex that also includes residential housing. But underneath the ground sits a massive waste of taxpayer dollars that NBC 5 Chicago has dubbed “The Superstation to Nowhere.” Below Block 37 is a large underground structure that's said to be the size of a football field. It was supposed to serve as a "superstation" — a high-speed train hub that could shuttle passengers to and from Chicago's busy airports. But as NBC 5 Chicago reports, the superstation is now just a "gigantic, unfinished, abandoned money pit," and what will come of it appears to be anyone's guess.
If you were to visit Chicago’s Block 37 in the Loop area of downtown, you’ll find a nice shopping and entertainment complex that also includes residential housing. But underneath the ground sits a massive waste of taxpayer dollars that NBC 5 Chicago has dubbed “The Superstation to Nowhere.” Below Block 37 is a large underground structure that's said to be the size of a football field. It was supposed to serve as a "superstation" — a high-speed train hub that could shuttle passengers to and from Chicago's busy airports. But as NBC 5 Chicago reports, the superstation is now just a "gigantic, unfinished, abandoned money pit," and what will come of it appears to be anyone's guess.
Gathering clouds for FL homeowners trying to sell
Glenn Martin is fixing up his home to sell, but he's not happy about it. He's worried all his work will be destroyed before he finds a buyer — and his fear is not unfounded. Martin lives in Punta Gorda, Florida. He’s doing repairs because his home was badly damaged in Hurricane Helene last September. It’s not the first time. Punta Gorda is located along the Gulf Coast in Charlotte County. The community has been pummeled by hurricanes in the past decade, including Irma (2017); Ian (2022); Milton and Helene (2024) Martin is scared it will happen again. “Every piece of furniture is downstairs, ruined. My refrigerator floated up,” Martin told Gulf Coast News. "One thing I'm afraid of right now is working on this house and spending a bunch of money and getting another one of these things next fall. Another storm." But Martin faces a dilemma. He’s racing to offload his property because the hurricanes — the source of his problems — are making it much tougher to sell homes in the area. So while he doesn't want to pour money into a house that may be damaged again, he feels he has to in order to make the home more appealing to buyers.
Glenn Martin is fixing up his home to sell, but he's not happy about it. He's worried all his work will be destroyed before he finds a buyer — and his fear is not unfounded. Martin lives in Punta Gorda, Florida. He’s doing repairs because his home was badly damaged in Hurricane Helene last September. It’s not the first time. Punta Gorda is located along the Gulf Coast in Charlotte County. The community has been pummeled by hurricanes in the past decade, including Irma (2017); Ian (2022); Milton and Helene (2024) Martin is scared it will happen again. “Every piece of furniture is downstairs, ruined. My refrigerator floated up,” Martin told Gulf Coast News. "One thing I'm afraid of right now is working on this house and spending a bunch of money and getting another one of these things next fall. Another storm." But Martin faces a dilemma. He’s racing to offload his property because the hurricanes — the source of his problems — are making it much tougher to sell homes in the area. So while he doesn't want to pour money into a house that may be damaged again, he feels he has to in order to make the home more appealing to buyers.
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