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Autistic man told to pay $35K to Social Security

Like many Americans with disabilities, 32-year-old Max Silber of Wisconsin regularly receives Social Security Income (SSI) benefits because of his autism. That is, until recently when he was unexpectedly notified they would stop. What's more, he was instructed to repay $35,000 due to an overpayment "error" dating back to May 2022. Max's father, Jeff, has appealed five times on his behalf without luck. “He's always followed the rules and was never told that he was being overpaid,” Jeff told The Sun. “Their basis was that he was gainfully employed and made more than the amount allowed to earn and still get benefits. They also concluded that he would have to prove he still had autism. This put us over the top.”

By Emma Caplan-Fisher | 02.07.25

Like many Americans with disabilities, 32-year-old Max Silber of Wisconsin regularly receives Social Security Income (SSI) benefits because of his autism. That is, until recently when he was unexpectedly notified they would stop. What's more, he was instructed to repay $35,000 due to an overpayment "error" dating back to May 2022. Max's father, Jeff, has appealed five times on his behalf without luck. “He's always followed the rules and was never told that he was being overpaid,” Jeff told The Sun. “Their basis was that he was gainfully employed and made more than the amount allowed to earn and still get benefits. They also concluded that he would have to prove he still had autism. This put us over the top.”

By Emma Caplan-Fisher | 02.07.25

Man faced new fines for boat he no longer owned

In 2019, Pinellas County resident John Fleming sold his 31-foot sailboat, Shenanigans — a boat he once sailed on his own from North Carolina to Tampa. But when Hurricane Helene came along in 2024, it washed Fleming's old boat ashore onto the Dunedin Causeway, west of Tampa on Florida’s gulf coast. The boat has since become a tourist attraction. Visitors to the area like to stop and take pictures of it, and a nearby restaurant even posted a sign on it advertising cold beer. However, because it poses a safety issue, the boat can’t stay put. Once local officials got wind of where the boat was, Fleming received a notice of violation from Pinellas County stating that the 11,000-pound boat he no longer owns needed to be removed. Despite showing the bill of sale for the boat, Fleming was told by the county that removing it is still his responsibility. "I'm shocked," Fleming told NBC News Channel 8. "It’s unbelievable that this could happen."

By Maurie Backman | 02.07.25

In 2019, Pinellas County resident John Fleming sold his 31-foot sailboat, Shenanigans — a boat he once sailed on his own from North Carolina to Tampa. But when Hurricane Helene came along in 2024, it washed Fleming's old boat ashore onto the Dunedin Causeway, west of Tampa on Florida’s gulf coast. The boat has since become a tourist attraction. Visitors to the area like to stop and take pictures of it, and a nearby restaurant even posted a sign on it advertising cold beer. However, because it poses a safety issue, the boat can’t stay put. Once local officials got wind of where the boat was, Fleming received a notice of violation from Pinellas County stating that the 11,000-pound boat he no longer owns needed to be removed. Despite showing the bill of sale for the boat, Fleming was told by the county that removing it is still his responsibility. "I'm shocked," Fleming told NBC News Channel 8. "It’s unbelievable that this could happen."

By Maurie Backman | 02.07.25

Ashley Furniture delivery delays frustrate buyers

Buying new furniture is supposed to be exciting, but for some Ashley Store and Outlet customers in Saginaw County, Michigan, it’s turned into a frustrating waiting game. “We ordered two chairs and a couch,” Gary Lynch told WNEM TV5 News’ investigative reporter Meredith St. Henry. He was told it would take a few weeks for the furniture to arrive, but months passed with no delivery. Lynch eventually received his couch, but not his two recliners, which he needs to sleep because he can't lie flat in a bed. “When we call up there, they don’t know anything about our order,” Lynch told WNEM TV5 News. “So they got to get a hold of management, or whatever, and that’s when they’ll say, ‘We will have them call you back,’ and they don’t.” “I would like some of my money back" added Lynch. "They are into me over $800." Unfortunately, Lynch isn't alone, as several other customers of the same Ashley Store and Outlet also experienced delays in delivery and a frustrating lack of clear communication.

By Danielle Antosz | 02.07.25

Buying new furniture is supposed to be exciting, but for some Ashley Store and Outlet customers in Saginaw County, Michigan, it’s turned into a frustrating waiting game. “We ordered two chairs and a couch,” Gary Lynch told WNEM TV5 News’ investigative reporter Meredith St. Henry. He was told it would take a few weeks for the furniture to arrive, but months passed with no delivery. Lynch eventually received his couch, but not his two recliners, which he needs to sleep because he can't lie flat in a bed. “When we call up there, they don’t know anything about our order,” Lynch told WNEM TV5 News. “So they got to get a hold of management, or whatever, and that’s when they’ll say, ‘We will have them call you back,’ and they don’t.” “I would like some of my money back" added Lynch. "They are into me over $800." Unfortunately, Lynch isn't alone, as several other customers of the same Ashley Store and Outlet also experienced delays in delivery and a frustrating lack of clear communication.

By Danielle Antosz | 02.07.25

What is Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl payday?

Grammy Award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the NFL’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show, an event that’s expected to draw over 100 million viewers and serves as one of the most coveted performance slots in the industry. But despite the months of preparation and massive production costs, Lamar won’t be cashing in the way you might expect. In fact, he won’t be getting paid much at all. That’s because Super Bowl halftime show performers don’t receive the type of paycheck they’re used to earning. In a statement to The Independent, an NFL representative confirmed that the league “covers all costs associated with the show” while ensuring performers get paid “union scale.” According to Forbes, this amounts to “a fraction of the six- and seven-figure sums” these headlining artists typically bank. So, why do artists like Lamar — and those before him — continue to take on such a high-profile gig with little financial incentive?

By Victoria Vesovski | 02.06.25

Grammy Award-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar is set to headline the NFL’s Super Bowl LIX halftime show, an event that’s expected to draw over 100 million viewers and serves as one of the most coveted performance slots in the industry. But despite the months of preparation and massive production costs, Lamar won’t be cashing in the way you might expect. In fact, he won’t be getting paid much at all. That’s because Super Bowl halftime show performers don’t receive the type of paycheck they’re used to earning. In a statement to The Independent, an NFL representative confirmed that the league “covers all costs associated with the show” while ensuring performers get paid “union scale.” According to Forbes, this amounts to “a fraction of the six- and seven-figure sums” these headlining artists typically bank. So, why do artists like Lamar — and those before him — continue to take on such a high-profile gig with little financial incentive?

By Victoria Vesovski | 02.06.25

Mortgage rate trends this week

Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates came down this week, from 6.95% last week, to an average of 6.89%. “Mortgage rates have been stable over the last month and incoming data suggest the economy remains on firm footing," says Sam Khater, chief economist at housing giant Freddie Mac. "Even though rates are higher compared to last year, the last two weeks of purchase applications are modestly above what we saw a year ago, indicating some latent demand in the market.”

By Leslie Kennedy | 02.06.25

Thirty-year fixed mortgage rates came down this week, from 6.95% last week, to an average of 6.89%. “Mortgage rates have been stable over the last month and incoming data suggest the economy remains on firm footing," says Sam Khater, chief economist at housing giant Freddie Mac. "Even though rates are higher compared to last year, the last two weeks of purchase applications are modestly above what we saw a year ago, indicating some latent demand in the market.”

By Leslie Kennedy | 02.06.25

Las Vegas seniors given days to move from home

A group of Las Vegas seniors were forced to find a new place to live after their independent living home was sold. Residents were told at the beginning of January they had until the 30th of the month to pack up and move out, according to KTNV Channel 13. But moving out is easier said than done. Some residents are on a fixed income and the cost of relocating is simply out of reach. “They’re talking about locking doors and putting our stuff out on the curb,” Virginia Collins told the local broadcaster in a story published Jan. 23. “We’ve been put through hell.” Collins contacted Channel 13 in an effort to get help for herself and her fellow housemates before they'd be left homeless. She also says the issues at the home started before they received the notice to leave.

By Danielle Antosz | 02.06.25

A group of Las Vegas seniors were forced to find a new place to live after their independent living home was sold. Residents were told at the beginning of January they had until the 30th of the month to pack up and move out, according to KTNV Channel 13. But moving out is easier said than done. Some residents are on a fixed income and the cost of relocating is simply out of reach. “They’re talking about locking doors and putting our stuff out on the curb,” Virginia Collins told the local broadcaster in a story published Jan. 23. “We’ve been put through hell.” Collins contacted Channel 13 in an effort to get help for herself and her fellow housemates before they'd be left homeless. She also says the issues at the home started before they received the notice to leave.

By Danielle Antosz | 02.06.25

'Seat squatters' trend on airplanes explained

When people board a plane, most will go straight to their assigned seats and stow their carry-on luggage. But one group of travelers has apparently found an alternate approach to boarding that's largely aimed at scamming stuff for free. One flyer may have encountered a couple of these scammers first hand on a recent Delta Air Lines flight from Providence, Rhode Island, to Atlanta, Georgia. As she explained in her Reddit post, the flyer was sitting in first class in row 2 as the plane was boarding when she witnessed an encounter with two women who sat down in row 1. "They throw their bags up and settle in," the flyer explained to the New York Post. "Few moments later, a woman comes on the plane and lets them know one of those seats is hers. They quickly get up, laugh and say, ‘We are rookies.’ The flight attendant asks what row they are in and they say 24. They leave their bags and travel back to their row.” Shortly after the encounter, the flight attendant explained to the Delta flyer that the two women may not have been trying to just score upgraded seats. In fact, some of these “seat squatters,” as they’ve come to be known, will simply settle for the pre-flight perks if that’s all they can get. Those who engage in this kind of behavior can make air travel worse for everyone. As one Reddit user said in response to the incident, “Some people have no shame."

By Christy Bieber | 02.06.25

When people board a plane, most will go straight to their assigned seats and stow their carry-on luggage. But one group of travelers has apparently found an alternate approach to boarding that's largely aimed at scamming stuff for free. One flyer may have encountered a couple of these scammers first hand on a recent Delta Air Lines flight from Providence, Rhode Island, to Atlanta, Georgia. As she explained in her Reddit post, the flyer was sitting in first class in row 2 as the plane was boarding when she witnessed an encounter with two women who sat down in row 1. "They throw their bags up and settle in," the flyer explained to the New York Post. "Few moments later, a woman comes on the plane and lets them know one of those seats is hers. They quickly get up, laugh and say, ‘We are rookies.’ The flight attendant asks what row they are in and they say 24. They leave their bags and travel back to their row.” Shortly after the encounter, the flight attendant explained to the Delta flyer that the two women may not have been trying to just score upgraded seats. In fact, some of these “seat squatters,” as they’ve come to be known, will simply settle for the pre-flight perks if that’s all they can get. Those who engage in this kind of behavior can make air travel worse for everyone. As one Reddit user said in response to the incident, “Some people have no shame."

By Christy Bieber | 02.06.25

Larry Summers says tariffs will fuel inflation

Economist and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers isn’t known for sugarcoating his views on policy — and he’s making no exception when it comes to President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs. “This is a self-inflicted wound on the American economy,” Summers said in a recent interview with CNN’s Manu Raju. “I’d expect inflation over the next three or four months to be higher as a consequence, because the price level has to go up when you put a levy on goods that people are buying.” While Trump agreed to pause tariffs on Mexico and Canada for 30 days on Feb. 3, the planned measures remain substantial: the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, with Canadian energy resources facing a reduced 10% tariff. Summers warns that these tariffs will ultimately raise costs for American consumers. “This is what economists would call a self-inflicted supply shock," he explained. "It means less supply because we're taxing foreign suppliers, and that will mean higher prices and lower quantities.”

By Jing Pan | 02.05.25

Economist and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers isn’t known for sugarcoating his views on policy — and he’s making no exception when it comes to President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs. “This is a self-inflicted wound on the American economy,” Summers said in a recent interview with CNN’s Manu Raju. “I’d expect inflation over the next three or four months to be higher as a consequence, because the price level has to go up when you put a levy on goods that people are buying.” While Trump agreed to pause tariffs on Mexico and Canada for 30 days on Feb. 3, the planned measures remain substantial: the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, with Canadian energy resources facing a reduced 10% tariff. Summers warns that these tariffs will ultimately raise costs for American consumers. “This is what economists would call a self-inflicted supply shock," he explained. "It means less supply because we're taxing foreign suppliers, and that will mean higher prices and lower quantities.”

By Jing Pan | 02.05.25

Kevin O'Leary on Trump's 4-point economic plan

Amid a flurry of executive orders, business leaders and investors have been puzzled by some of Donald Trump’s moves in the early innings of his return to presidency. However, Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary recently offered his perspective on what he believes the president is trying to achieve in his second term. “I’ve spent a lot of time speaking with President Donald Trump over the past few months and my expectations for his first 100 days in power are very high,” O’Leary writes in a recent opinion piece for the Daily Mail. “Americans are about to witness a period of rapid change that will revolutionize their lives.” To be fair, some of the policies laid out in O’Leary’s article — such as a “uni-passport” for Canadians and Americans alike — seem to be part of his wish list rather than the official policies of the Trump administration. Nevertheless, the Canadian multimillionaire is confident that the president is focused on four key economic properties for his “two years of nearly unfettered control of Washington DC.” Here’s a closer look at what O’Leary believes President Trump will focus on in the days ahead.

By Vishesh Raisinghani | 02.05.25

Amid a flurry of executive orders, business leaders and investors have been puzzled by some of Donald Trump’s moves in the early innings of his return to presidency. However, Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary recently offered his perspective on what he believes the president is trying to achieve in his second term. “I’ve spent a lot of time speaking with President Donald Trump over the past few months and my expectations for his first 100 days in power are very high,” O’Leary writes in a recent opinion piece for the Daily Mail. “Americans are about to witness a period of rapid change that will revolutionize their lives.” To be fair, some of the policies laid out in O’Leary’s article — such as a “uni-passport” for Canadians and Americans alike — seem to be part of his wish list rather than the official policies of the Trump administration. Nevertheless, the Canadian multimillionaire is confident that the president is focused on four key economic properties for his “two years of nearly unfettered control of Washington DC.” Here’s a closer look at what O’Leary believes President Trump will focus on in the days ahead.

By Vishesh Raisinghani | 02.05.25

Big landlords accused of scamming N.C. renters

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson filed a lawsuit Jan. 7 against six corporate landlords. It claims the companies illegally worked together along with a software company to inflate the rents of state residents. Combined, these landlords own or manage more than 70,000 units throughout North Carolina. “North Carolinians are struggling to afford their rent as it is — we won’t stand for landlords and real estate companies making the problem worse to line their own pockets,” Jackson said in a news release. “I’m suing these landlords to make sure they play by the rules so North Carolinians can get fair prices for rent.” The landlords named in the suit are Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, Blackstone’s LivCor LLC, Camden Property Trust, Cushman & Wakefield Inc and Pinnacle Property Management Services LLC, Willow Bridge Property Company LLC and Cortland Management LLC. The software company is RealPage. It’s alleged landlords used a RealPage algorithm to set rents for approximately a third of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in the Raleigh, Durham/Chapel Hill and Charlotte metro areas.

By Christy Bieber | 02.04.25

North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson filed a lawsuit Jan. 7 against six corporate landlords. It claims the companies illegally worked together along with a software company to inflate the rents of state residents. Combined, these landlords own or manage more than 70,000 units throughout North Carolina. “North Carolinians are struggling to afford their rent as it is — we won’t stand for landlords and real estate companies making the problem worse to line their own pockets,” Jackson said in a news release. “I’m suing these landlords to make sure they play by the rules so North Carolinians can get fair prices for rent.” The landlords named in the suit are Greystar Real Estate Partners LLC, Blackstone’s LivCor LLC, Camden Property Trust, Cushman & Wakefield Inc and Pinnacle Property Management Services LLC, Willow Bridge Property Company LLC and Cortland Management LLC. The software company is RealPage. It’s alleged landlords used a RealPage algorithm to set rents for approximately a third of one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments in the Raleigh, Durham/Chapel Hill and Charlotte metro areas.

By Christy Bieber | 02.04.25