Author: Stephanie Bontorin

Anyone who’s been out into the world lately has noticed a troubling pattern when trying to purchase just about anything.  Those tired of tipping at every purchase, whether it’s a retail store, self-service restaurant, or even a lousy self-check out kiosk, finally have something to say about the unfair practice.  Traditional Tipping Serves a Purpose Source: andresr/Getty Images Usually, tipping at a restaurant serves a valid purpose. Wherever you go into an establishment where servers bring you food and alcohol, you can be sure that they’re getting paid well below the national minimum wage.  Some servers even note that they…

A new homeowner assistance program has launched in California in an attempt to level the playing field in a fierce market. California home buyers will now have an opportunity to share sale profits in a new assistance plan launched in one of the most expensive states in the U.S. New Assistance Program Helps With a Down Payment Source: Wikipedia Commons The new program will offer a 20% downpayment for new home buyers through the California Housing Finance Agency. Initially started in 2022, the program experienced a few setbacks. However, Senator Toni G. Atkins has brought back the program and is…

One of the nation’s biggest mortgage lenders has just settled a large dispute from 2022 when a Black family caught them undervaluing their home.  Even after settling a lawsuit and offering to make sweeping changes to their policy last week, the company, LoanDepot, still denies any wrongdoing.  Evidence of Discrimination in Maryland Source: Kay Ingulli/Unsplash The couple who launched the lawsuit, Nathan Connolly and Shani Mott, say that an appraiser dramatically undervalued their home. They think that their race was the sole reason for the low valuation.  Their home in Baltimore was located next to a large Black census block…

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has threatened to restrict the traditional route of the New York City Marathon unless organizers pay up. The marathon usually passes through both the upper and lower level of the Verrazzano-Narrows Bridge and must be shut down for almost an entire day while the race takes place. Big Financial Hit For the MTA Source: Wikipedia Commons Every year, photographers place themselves in the perfect position to get a shot of the classic New York bridge filled to the brim with runners beginning their 26.2 mile run. The transit authority says that each year they lose…

The woman who stole the diary of Joe Biden’s daughter, Ashley, is now facing an arrest warrant on top of the felony charges already faced. After being arrested for stealing the diary, Aimee Harris skipped out on her sentencing date in Manhattan on Wednesday afternoon. As a result, she now faces an arrest warrant being sent out from New York to Florida, where she currently resides. Harris’ Sentencing Already Postponed Twice Source: ftwitty/Getty Images Aimee’s lawyer has already moved the sentencing date twice for the Florida-based thief. Her lawyer mentioned at the court date on Wednesday that, due to childcare…

A massive fundraising event for Joe Biden’s re-election campaign recently took place in New York City. Alongside Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Biden raised roughly $26 million during a concert held at the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Race to The White House Well Underway Source: Wikipedia Commons Despite former president Donald Trump’s legal battles and issues seeing his name on the voting docket in certain states, the battle for Commander in Chief remains tight. The funds from the event will be used directly for Biden’s campaign efforts in an attempt to seal his fate as a…

In an attempt to gain attention as the “law and order” state, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has signed a new bill into law. The new ruling will allow homeowners in Florida to evict squatters from their property without going through a lengthy legal battle. He claims to end the “squatter scam” which allows squatters rights and long eviction processes. DeSantis Promises Harsh Punishments for Squatters Source: irina88w/Getty Images In most states, squatters have rights to remain in any home that they take up residence in. Usually, home owners need to go through the court system to evict the illegal guests,…

A recent rash of violent crime in New York City has young women on high alert. A number of young women have taken to Instagram and TikTok to share their stories. They say that men have approached them and attacked them in broad daylight for seemingly no reason. Unprovoked Attacks Causing Real Harm Source: HalleyKate/TikTok TikTok creator Halley Kate shared her story on Monday recounting the attack. She shows her followers the large lump protruding from her forehead as a result. The unmistakable goose egg sized lump next to her hairline is evidence of the attack. She claims that while…

Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) has faced harsh criticism from her constituents in the Bronx and Queens due to alarming rates of illegal immigration. As reported by Fox News, the district is facing increased issues with crime, resulting in businesses and residents being put at risk. Community members attribute the rising crime rates to the increased level of illegal immigrants taking up space in the area. Increased Immigration Has Brought Unwanted Behavior Source: Udayaditya Barua/Unsplash A surge in violent crimes, robberies and assaults have risen recently, and many blame the Biden administration for allowing open immigration policies. Residents report feeling unsafe in…

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) made a sweeping decision on tailpipes that will impact gas powered cars moving forward. The ruling now states that new cars must meet an emission standard of 57 miles per gallon. The group estimates that 67% of all light duty vehicles will be electric by 2032. Electric Vehicles Losing Trust on the Market Source: audioundwerbung/Getty Images According to the Ford Motor Company, they’ve lost an estimated $32,000 per electric vehicle (EV), resulting in a cumulative $5 billion lost on their entire EV division. The company has also halted the production of the electric truck,…