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Can you stop unwanted development in a village?

The 150 English residents of Huntingfield, Suffolk were initially delighted when they heard that an old gothic farmhouse — that had been in disrepair for decades — was getting revamped. The initial application to fix up the farm described plans for a "rural retreat" which Lorraine Brennan, a village resident, fully approved of. “We thought the idea of a rural retreat would be a really good thing for the village," she told New York Post. The only problem is, things did not quite go as planned. "In December 2024, we were told they want to turn it into an entertainment center. It will be larger than our village,” Brennan said. The new proposed venue would be a $37,000 per night wedding venue, which villagers are concerned would create many issues in the small area. The big question now is, can they stop the development — and can others who are facing similar challenges with developers fight to protect the character of their villages and towns in the United States?

By Christy Bieber | 02.11.25

The 150 English residents of Huntingfield, Suffolk were initially delighted when they heard that an old gothic farmhouse — that had been in disrepair for decades — was getting revamped. The initial application to fix up the farm described plans for a "rural retreat" which Lorraine Brennan, a village resident, fully approved of. “We thought the idea of a rural retreat would be a really good thing for the village," she told New York Post. The only problem is, things did not quite go as planned. "In December 2024, we were told they want to turn it into an entertainment center. It will be larger than our village,” Brennan said. The new proposed venue would be a $37,000 per night wedding venue, which villagers are concerned would create many issues in the small area. The big question now is, can they stop the development — and can others who are facing similar challenges with developers fight to protect the character of their villages and towns in the United States?

By Christy Bieber | 02.11.25

As Bird Flu Worsens, Egg Prices Soar

For nearly four years, avian influenza has ravaged poultry farms across the U.S., forcing farmers to cull entire flocks and sending egg prices soaring. In Union County, North Carolina, Alex Simpson, president of Simpson’s Eggs, has watched the crisis unfold with growing concern. “We just can’t get ahead of it no matter what we do,” he told CBS affiliate WBTV. "We pray about it every day. It's a big fear." So far, Simpson has avoided an outbreak at his farm, home to 1.6 million hens producing around 1.2 million eggs daily, but not without radical interventions. He and his fellow poultry farmers are on the front line of a costly disease.

By Danielle Antosz | 02.10.25

For nearly four years, avian influenza has ravaged poultry farms across the U.S., forcing farmers to cull entire flocks and sending egg prices soaring. In Union County, North Carolina, Alex Simpson, president of Simpson’s Eggs, has watched the crisis unfold with growing concern. “We just can’t get ahead of it no matter what we do,” he told CBS affiliate WBTV. "We pray about it every day. It's a big fear." So far, Simpson has avoided an outbreak at his farm, home to 1.6 million hens producing around 1.2 million eggs daily, but not without radical interventions. He and his fellow poultry farmers are on the front line of a costly disease.

By Danielle Antosz | 02.10.25

Customers fight back against repair shop lawsuits

How many times have you skimmed over a contract before accepting the terms and conditions? Most people don’t have the time or patience to read them in full, but it may be time to start paying more attention. Denver7 Investigates reported that Acme Revival, an electronics repair shop in Denver, filed more than 85 lawsuits against customers over “device abandonment.” While the company has settled with dozens of customers, dozens more have had their cases heard in Jefferson County court. And one customer has counter-sued in a New Jersey court, alleging fraudulent business practices. “Well, I will first say that these aren’t customers. Customers pay,” Logan Beck, Acme Revival’s CEO, told Denver7 Investigates, claiming that 30% to 40% of customers were delinquent on payments. “It’s called Acme Revival. We’re trying to revive electronics, not dispose of them.” Some customers, however, have a different point of view. Florida resident Glenn Weber sent a pair of $300 binoculars to Acme Revival for repair and racked up a $5,000 ‘storage’ fee. “I said ‘I’m not going to pay them. This is insane,’” he told Denver7 Investigates Florida. Here’s why the business is clashing with so many of its customers.

By Vawn Himmelsbach | 02.10.25

How many times have you skimmed over a contract before accepting the terms and conditions? Most people don’t have the time or patience to read them in full, but it may be time to start paying more attention. Denver7 Investigates reported that Acme Revival, an electronics repair shop in Denver, filed more than 85 lawsuits against customers over “device abandonment.” While the company has settled with dozens of customers, dozens more have had their cases heard in Jefferson County court. And one customer has counter-sued in a New Jersey court, alleging fraudulent business practices. “Well, I will first say that these aren’t customers. Customers pay,” Logan Beck, Acme Revival’s CEO, told Denver7 Investigates, claiming that 30% to 40% of customers were delinquent on payments. “It’s called Acme Revival. We’re trying to revive electronics, not dispose of them.” Some customers, however, have a different point of view. Florida resident Glenn Weber sent a pair of $300 binoculars to Acme Revival for repair and racked up a $5,000 ‘storage’ fee. “I said ‘I’m not going to pay them. This is insane,’” he told Denver7 Investigates Florida. Here’s why the business is clashing with so many of its customers.

By Vawn Himmelsbach | 02.10.25

Seattle senior says he was scammed out of $435,000

A Seattle man says he was conned out of over $400,000 after he was convinced his home was in need of urgent repairs. The man, who only wanted to be identified by his first name David, was one of the victims in a recent case against two brothers who pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges and were sentenced to 18 months in prison, according to KOMO News. It all started when the man received a knock on his door. “They told me they had seen a hole in my roof and it needed to be repaired,” David explained to the local broadcaster in a story published Jan. 26. “I said, ‘That can’t be, the roofing is roughly two years old.’ They did exactly what they’re good at and that’s convincing you something needs to be done and they are going to do it, whether I want it or not." Over several weeks, KOMO News says David paid the two men $435,000 through checks and a wire transfer for repairs that he believes his home may not have needed. The Department of Justice identified the brothers in the federal case as Patrick and Matthew McDonagh. Here’s the story, along with tips on how homeowners can protect themselves.

By Danielle Antosz | 02.09.25

A Seattle man says he was conned out of over $400,000 after he was convinced his home was in need of urgent repairs. The man, who only wanted to be identified by his first name David, was one of the victims in a recent case against two brothers who pleaded guilty to federal wire fraud charges and were sentenced to 18 months in prison, according to KOMO News. It all started when the man received a knock on his door. “They told me they had seen a hole in my roof and it needed to be repaired,” David explained to the local broadcaster in a story published Jan. 26. “I said, ‘That can’t be, the roofing is roughly two years old.’ They did exactly what they’re good at and that’s convincing you something needs to be done and they are going to do it, whether I want it or not." Over several weeks, KOMO News says David paid the two men $435,000 through checks and a wire transfer for repairs that he believes his home may not have needed. The Department of Justice identified the brothers in the federal case as Patrick and Matthew McDonagh. Here’s the story, along with tips on how homeowners can protect themselves.

By Danielle Antosz | 02.09.25

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 | 02.08.25

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 | 02.08.25

Americans say salary matters when picking a mate

Compatibility may feel less like bonding over favorite movies and more like syncing up bank account balances. For today’s romantics, love isn’t just in the air — it’s in the assets. According to BMO's The Price of Love survey, 73% of Americans say salary plays a role when choosing their Valentine. However, two financial factors top even that: 86% of singles prioritize a partner with a strong career trajectory, while 83% are drawn to someone with a good credit score. One Reddit user put it bluntly, financial responsibility is way more attractive than the size of a paycheck. “My advice is to find someone who is intelligent about finances rather than looking at their hourly wages. Don't be afraid to discuss money and personal finance with a potential partner,” they wrote on the AskWomenOver30 subreddit. As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s clear that the modern love story has a new protagonist: financial security. While grand gestures and dinner dates will surely still hold their charm, many Americans are looking beyond romance to evaluate their long-term financial compatibility.

By Victoria Vesovski | 02.08.25

Compatibility may feel less like bonding over favorite movies and more like syncing up bank account balances. For today’s romantics, love isn’t just in the air — it’s in the assets. According to BMO's The Price of Love survey, 73% of Americans say salary plays a role when choosing their Valentine. However, two financial factors top even that: 86% of singles prioritize a partner with a strong career trajectory, while 83% are drawn to someone with a good credit score. One Reddit user put it bluntly, financial responsibility is way more attractive than the size of a paycheck. “My advice is to find someone who is intelligent about finances rather than looking at their hourly wages. Don't be afraid to discuss money and personal finance with a potential partner,” they wrote on the AskWomenOver30 subreddit. As Valentine’s Day approaches, it’s clear that the modern love story has a new protagonist: financial security. While grand gestures and dinner dates will surely still hold their charm, many Americans are looking beyond romance to evaluate their long-term financial compatibility.

By Victoria Vesovski | 02.08.25

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

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