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Author: Victoria Vesovski

  • This Florida receptionist was accidentally paid $400K of someone else’s salary — but she was just arrested. Report says she thought it was a ‘bonus’ for her work. Whose side are you on?

    For nearly a year, 29-year-old Yessica Arrua was living like a high-earning veterinarian despite working as a receptionist at a Florida horse clinic.

    Thanks to a payroll mix-up, Arrua, who is originally from Argentina, allegedly pocketed more than $400,000 of another employee’s salary between February 2022 and January 2023, according to the Daily Mail. During this time, Arrua’s paychecks were nearly seven times her actual salary, according to a police report from the Palm Beach Sheriff’s Office.

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    The error went unnoticed until the Palm Beach Equine Clinic’s CFO discovered the issue and flagged it with their payroll provider, Harbor America. But what’s even more shocking is how long the payroll error went unnoticed — even the veterinarian who was supposed to be making $450,000 a year only noticed when her credit cards declined.

    Arrua, a nine-year clinic employee who even knew the company’s president, is now at the center of a criminal investigation — and it was that same president who ultimately called the police.

    Payday gone wrong

    The Palm Beach Equine Clinic, a full-service veterinary facility specializing in horse care, has been a staple in Florida’s equestrian community since it opened in 1981. The clinic is led by President Dr. Scott Swerdlin and employs many professionals dedicated to animal health.

    According to the Daily Mail, Arrua once shared her lifelong connection to animals on the clinic’s website, saying, “I have been around horses since I was three years old. Both my parents have been working with horses since before I can remember.”

    But while her passion for animals appeared genuine, Arrua allegedly noticed she was being overpaid and instead of reporting the error, she went on a luxury shopping spree.

    The report details purchases at high-end retailers like Coach and Michael Kors, purchases at restaurants and furniture stores, and thousands of dollars sent through Zelle to someone listed as “Mama Dukes.” Investigators also discovered that $80,000 went toward buying a food truck for a friend of her mother’s. Arrua also admitted to sending additional funds to Argentina to help build a house.

    She has since been formally charged with grand theft of $100,000 or more and money laundering of $100,000 or more — both first-degree felonies under Florida law.

    According to Florida Statute  812.014, theft involving that amount can carry a sentence of up to 30 years in prison, along with steep fines.

    Money laundering, which involves knowingly moving or disguising illegally obtained funds, carries similar penalties. In Florida, embezzlement isn’t charged as a standalone offense, but prosecutors often rely on theft and fraud statutes when someone misuses funds they were entrusted with.

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    What now

    With the mystery behind the six-figure salary finally unraveled, Dr. Swerdlin says both Harbor America and Arrua should be held accountable.

    The police report notes that the investigating officer identified “several mistakes attributed to the third-party company” — but efforts to clarify the error hit a dead end when authorities couldn’t reach current representatives at Harbor America. When they finally did, the police learned the people with direct knowledge of the payroll mishap were no longer employed at the company.

    While it’s tempting to treat an unexpected payday as a stroke of luck, cashing in on a clerical error can carry serious consequences. If you spot an overpayment in your account, don’t spend a cent — instead, contact your employer immediately and wait for further instructions. Otherwise, you could be held liable for every dollar, whether you meant to keep it or not. And as this case shows, ignorance might feel like bliss, but legally, it won’t protect you.

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘They have more rights than we do’: NYC co-op residents frustrated as homeless encampment grows, reflecting city’s broader struggles with housing and public safety

    ‘They have more rights than we do’: NYC co-op residents frustrated as homeless encampment grows, reflecting city’s broader struggles with housing and public safety

    What started as a makeshift shelter with tarps, umbrellas and wooden pallets has transformed into what residents are calling an actual house outside a Kips Bay co-op.

    Since February, board members at 311 East 25th Street in Kips Bay have been locked in a months-long standoff with an unhoused couple who created a semi-permanent encampment on the property.

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    “We pay a lot of money in our building’s budget, in taxes, and we feel like they have more rights to inhabit this corner than we do,” resident Marc Sterling told PIX11.

    Lisa Palumbo, the co-op board president, has been documenting the ongoing situation for months, sharing photos with PIX11 that show the slow evolution of the encampment — from a basic shelter to what she describes as an intermittent, outdoor dwelling.

    While the encampment has sparked tension among residents, it also highlights a broader issue that cities across the country are struggling to address.

    Safety concerns growing

    Beyond the tents, mattresses and pillows lining the sidewalk, Palumbo said her concerns go deeper than just clutter.

    “They do drugs, drink — bottles all over the place, syringes,” Palumbo said.

    Sterling has captured videos of people passed out on the stoop, allegedly from drug use. He said he’s lost count of how many times he’s called 911 and 311 for help. While 24-hour security remains too costly for the building, the co-op has recently installed a new surveillance system that has already recorded other problems, including a couple dumping bags of trash in front of the property.

    Scenes like this are becoming more common across New York City. In April 2025 alone, more than 108,000 people slept in city shelters each night, with thousands more living unsheltered. The estimated number unhoused New Yorkers to an estimated 350,000.

    Last year, the Adams administration spent $3.5 million last year clearing more than 2,300 encampments, many have since reappeared elsewhere.

    In Lower Manhattan, a section of FDR Drive between Catherine Slip and Pier 11 became a gathering spot for unhoused New Yorkers. Makeshift shelters built from discarded furniture, old mattresses and even the occasional barbecue lined the stretch.

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    Bigger issue

    Even after repeated sweeps by the NYPD, sanitation crews and outreach teams, the couple always seems to find their way back.

    “The cops come and say, ‘You need to move or we’ll have to arrest you.’ It’s like constantly mowing the lawn,” Sterling said.

    City Hall told PIX11 that multiple agencies have been involved in addressing the co-op’s ongoing safety concerns. But without long-term housing or support, the cycle continues.

    In his 2025 State of the City address, Mayor Eric Adams pledged to address the root causes of the city’s homelessness crisis. His proposals include expanding Safe Haven and low-barrier shelter beds from 4,000 to 4,900 and ensuring 24/7 coverage across all five boroughs.

    The city also plans to roll out a new initiative called Bridge to Home, a community-based treatment program offering behavioral health care in supportive, home-like settings for individuals with mental illness leaving inpatient care without housing. The Adams adminstration has set aside $650 million for the plan.

    For now, residents of the Kips Bay co-op hope their concerns will be addressed, not only for the sake of their safety, but as part of a broader effort to bring long-term housing solutions to those living on the margins.

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  • Vietnamese-American salon owners are suing California after having their lives ‘turned upside down overnight’ — here’s why some argue the state has shown ‘blatant discrimination’

    Vietnamese-American salon owners are suing California after having their lives ‘turned upside down overnight’ — here’s why some argue the state has shown ‘blatant discrimination’

    A new federal lawsuit is targeting California’s labor rules, and the state’s Vietnamese-American nail technicians are at the center of the fight.

    Filed at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California in Santa Ana, the lawsuit argues that a 2020 law, Assembly Bill 5, stripped nail technicians of their right to work as independent contractors, which violates the 14th Amendment’s promise of equal protection.

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    The change has shaken up an industry with many immigrant employees from Vietnam. That industry also generates about $3 billion a year, according to the Pro Nails Association.

    Representative of Little Saigon, California Assemblyman Tri Ta (R-Westminster), confirmed fear and frustration are flooding his office, and it’s impossible to ignore.

    "Their lives have turned upside down overnight," Ta said at a news conference. "It is not just unfair, it is discrimination."

    While some are critical of the law, which has turned their livelihoods upside down, labor advocates argue it’s a step toward ensuring a workforce that is often overlooked and underpaid, earns fair, stable wages.

    More rules, more costs

    In 2019, California passed Assembly Bill 5, a law that redefined how companies classify workers. The law stemmed from a 2018 Supreme Court ruling against Dynamex Operations West, which had misclassified delivery drivers as independent contractors to cut costs. The assembly bill established ground rules for who can be an independent contractor.

    Under the new law, workers must meet three conditions to be classified as contractors. These include working independently, performing tasks outside the company’s core business and offering their services to other clients. If not, they must be treated as employees, with protections including minimum wage, overtime pay, workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance.

    For nail salon owners, this shift isn’t in their favor. An Tran, who owns two Happy Nails & Spa franchises, is taking the state to court, arguing the rules impede how salons operate day-to-day. Turning contractors into full-time employees means higher payroll costs, higher insurance and tighter margins for owners, who also deal with overhead costs such as rent and supplies.

    "We don’t have customers all the time. That’s going to cost us a lot more to pay them for the downtime when they don’t have any customers," Tran told the LA Times.

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    A community under fire

    This fight is also about community. Many Vietnamese refugees turned to nail salons in the late 1970s as a way to rebuild their lives in America. Decades later, that legacy endures. More than 82% of California nail technicians are Vietnamese, and about 85% are women, according to the lawsuit.

    “Vietnamese American manicurists have faced blatant discrimination under California’s labor laws, stripped of the same rights and freedoms afforded to others in their industry,” Scott Wellman, attorney for the plaintiffs, said in a statement to KTLA 5. “If the State of California refuses to fix this injustice, we are prepared to hold them accountable in federal court.”

    Worker advocates add that the lawsuit highlights deeper issues of exploitation across the industry. A UCLA Labor Center report found nearly 80% of nail salon workers earn pay at or below two-thirds of the median full-time wage, more than double the national low-wage rate for all workers. Beyond low wages, many salons are reportedly concerned about health and safety conditions as well.

    Former nail technician Pabitra Dash confirmed those risks firsthand. She and her husband struggled with miscarriages while she was working in the salon industry. Once she quit, she was finally able to carry her baby to term. While her doctor never pinned the miscarriages on the chemicals she used at her job, Dash said she and her husband felt relieved they had a child after she left.

    “(My doctor) said, ‘It’s really good for your health and your baby,’” Dash told NBC News.

    Stoicism has been the response of many workers, who are worried that speaking up could cost them shifts or even their jobs.

    The federal lawsuit has turned nail salons into the latest flashpoint in California’s struggle to balance gig work with fair labor protections. Salon owners fear that stricter rules might make it harder to keep their doors open, while many technicians quietly worry they’ll lose their employee rights.

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  • ‘It’s just been another form of hell’: Hundreds of unwanted Amazon packages showed up at her door — now this San Jose woman and other customers want answers

    ‘It’s just been another form of hell’: Hundreds of unwanted Amazon packages showed up at her door — now this San Jose woman and other customers want answers

    What started as a harmless fluke quickly snowballed into a full-blown logistical nightmare — one cardboard box at a time.

    A woman identified only as “Kay” told ABC 7 she has been bombarded by Amazon deliveries for over a year. Boxes keep arriving at her home, even though she never ordered them. They’re addressed to her house but not to her name.

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    Despite repeated attempts to return or refuse the deliveries, they keep piling up. At one point, the packages blocked her driveway, front door and even the path for the mail carrier. That made things especially difficult for her 88-year-old mother, who has a disability.

    "I couldn’t even get my mother in the house,” Kay told ABC 7. “It’s just been another form of hell," Kay told ABC 7.

    The boxes now swallowing half her carport are more than just a minor inconvenience. And if she wants them gone, Amazon says that’s her responsibility.

    The company suggested she donate the items, give them away or haul them to USPS or FedEx herself. So, what’s really going on?

    Stuck with the bill, and the boxes

    Each of the mystery packages contains the same item: faux-leather seat covers shipped from a Chinese seller called “Liusandedian.” The brand operates as Etkin on Amazon, and advertises custom-fit covers for a wide range of cars.

    But customers report the seat covers don’t fit at all. And when they try to return them, things get even messier.

    Unlike items fulfilled directly by Amazon, third-party sellers that handle their own shipping aren’t bound by Amazon’s standard return policy. Instead, they’re required to offer one of the three options:

    • A U.S.-based return address
    • A prepaid shipping label
    • A full refund without needing to ship the item back

    But this seller appears to be skipping those rules, and Kay isn’t the only one caught in the chaos. Complaints are piling up.

    "Why haven’t I received my refund? Was sent thru UPS 3 weeks ago," one customer wrote on Amazon.

    "It’s going to cost me $124 to return this item!!!" another customer added.

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    A pile of boxes later

    After more than a year of living in what looked like a stockroom, Kay had had enough. She filed six complaint tickets with Amazon, trying to stop the flood.

    Amazon initially denied telling her to haul the boxes to USPS or FedEx, though Kay says she was told when she asked for help.

    "Why is it my responsibility to get rid of this, when your seller is not following your rules, Amazon?" she asked.

    In response to inquiries from 7 On Your Side, Amazon issued a statement: “We’ve apologized to the customer and are working directly with her to pick-up any packages while taking steps to permanently resolve this issue." And finally, after months of dead ends, Kay got a win. On July 10, Amazon removed the remaining boxes from her property and promised to crack down on sellers abusing the system.

    While Kay’s case is rare, it’s a good reminder to be cautious while shopping online. Before buying from an unfamiliar brand, check the seller’s ratings and read customer reviews.

    If anything feels off — mismatched product details, sketchy return policies or an unfamiliar brand name — trust your gut and move on. And always confirm whether the item is fulfilled by Amazon or shipped from a third-party seller.

    It might just save you from a porch full of regret.

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘I’m just livid’: This California woman thought she was tipping $5 until she realized she’d entered $5,000 — only to be told it couldn’t be voided. What to do if it ever happens to you

    ‘I’m just livid’: This California woman thought she was tipping $5 until she realized she’d entered $5,000 — only to be told it couldn’t be voided. What to do if it ever happens to you

    Americans have long grumbled about tipping culture — but now digital checkout screens are turning that frustration into full-blown financial disasters.

    Sometimes, the issue isn’t just pressure to tip — it’s how easy it is to make a costly mistake. One in five Americans say they’ve accidentally tipped more than intended on digital checkout screens, according to an exclusive Opinium poll for DailyMail.com on tipping culture.

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    That’s exactly what happened to Linda Mathiesen. While buying CBD pain relief gel at a store in San Bruno, California, she accidentally tipped $5,000 on a $129.28 purchase.

    Mathiesen said she meant to leave a $5 tip, but the payment terminal didn’t show a decimal point, so when she entered “5000,” the system took it — literally.

    At first, the clerk at San Bruno Exotic told her the charge couldn’t be reversed. Then the story shifted — he claimed the shop never received the money. But Mathiesen’s bank statement showed otherwise.

    “I’m just livid because I’m like I’m not going to pay $5,000 for something I never intended to happen,” Mathiesen told ABC 7 News.

    A tipping error gone wrong

    For Mathiesen, a $5,000 tipping mistake wasn’t just a moment of panic — it became a financial crisis. As a special education teacher living on a fixed income, she didn’t have the cushion to absorb the hit. With no emergency savings to fall back on, the charge was devastating.

    And she’s not alone. According to the U.S. News survey, 42% of Americans have no emergency savings, despite experts recommending three to six months’ worth of expenses.

    Mathiesen contacted Wells Fargo within five minutes of the transaction, but says the bank has done little to help, despite its promise of “zero liability protection” for promptly reported fraud.

    The bank’s website says its “built-in protection features ensure that you won’t be held responsible for unauthorized transactions, as long as they’re reported promptly.” Yet, a year later, Mathiesen is still fighting to get the charge reversed.

    "I busted out in tears,” she told ABC 7 News. "My son is graduating college next week … and I can’t even buy anything for him because I have $5,000 outstanding … now it’s $5,500!"

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    It’s not as rare as you’d think

    Digital checkout screens may speed things up, but one wrong tap can turn a routine purchase into a nightmare.

    It happened to Vera Conner, too. The Georgia woman was ordering her usual No. 4 Italian sandwich at Subway — priced at $7.54 — when she accidentally left a $7,112.98 tip.

    Conner said she was entering her phone number for loyalty points when the screen suddenly flipped to the tipping prompt. Before she realized what had happened, the charge went through.

    After hours of calls with Subway and Bank of America, she eventually got the charge reversed — but not without major stress.

    If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, there are steps you can take:

    • Act fast. Contact your bank or card provider as soon as the transaction posts. The faster you report it, the stronger your case. Most banks allow 60 days to dispute a charge, but don’t wait that long.
    • Document everything. Screenshot the receipt, the payment screen if you can and keep records of any communication with the merchant. These details help prove the error wasn’t intentional.
    • Know the fine print. Many banks offer protection against unauthorized transactions, but not all mistakes qualify. If you technically authorized the payment, even by accident, you may be out of luck unless the merchant agrees to reverse it.
    • Build an emergency fund. It’s not just for layoffs or medical bills. Sometimes it’s for the unexpected stuff — like tipping $5,000 for a $129 product.

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  • Realtors in this 1 US state issue ‘Taylor Swift Tax’ warning that stands to hit megastar, rich neighbors with an additional $136,000/year in taxes — here’s why it’s a problem

    Realtors in this 1 US state issue ‘Taylor Swift Tax’ warning that stands to hit megastar, rich neighbors with an additional $136,000/year in taxes — here’s why it’s a problem

    Closing on a home is already expensive, but new budget proposals in Rhode Island could drive costs even higher.

    The Rhode Island Association of Realtors is raising concerns, arguing two proposed tax changes would hit buyers and sellers hard, making the state’s fragile housing market even more unaffordable.

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    "Please, don’t take from our housing market at the moment to balance the budget for other items, it’s going to be detrimental," association president Chris Whitten told NBC 10 News.

    One measure would hike the conveyance tax — a seller’s fee — by 63% across the board. The other, nicknamed the “Taylor Swift tax,” would add new costs to seasonal or second homes. Here’s what’s behind these new taxes and why they could spell bigger trouble for Rhode Island’s housing market.

    Luxury homes in the crosshairs

    Rhode Island’s budget plan targets high-end vacation homes — with a proposal nicknamed after a pop star grabbing headlines. One of the proposals would add a new surcharge on second homes worth more than $1 million, unofficially branded the “Taylor Swift Tax."

    If it moves forward, owners of non-primary residences that sit empty for more than half the year would owe an annual fee of $2.50 for every $500 of value above the $1 million threshold. A $2.5 million lakefront cottage, for example, could face an extra $7,500 a year in taxes — simply for sitting vacant too long.

    Even Taylor Swift herself might think twice about keeping her Watch Hill estate. If this measure passes, her sprawling getaway could rack up an extra $136,000 a year in taxes.

    The second major proposal would raise the conveyance tax — the fee sellers pay at closing — from $2.30 to $3.75 for every $500 of a home’s sale price, a 63% increase. For context, the average home in Rhode Island sells for about $492,939, according to Zillow. Under the new rate, that would mean about $3,700 in conveyance tax, up from roughly $2,200.

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    A balancing act between health care and housing

    While the new fees may sting, supporters say they’re necessary to tackle two major crises: a health care system on life support and an anemic housing market.

    House Speaker Joe Shekarchi said the budget needed fresh revenue to prop up primary care and Medicaid funding.

    “To address Rhode Island’s crisis in health care, we needed to make tough decisions,” he told NBC 10.

    At the end of May, Attorney General Peter Neronha rolled out a sweeping plan to fix the state’s health care system, including raising Medicaid reimbursement rates to match Medicare for primary care — a move aimed at keeping local clinics afloat and reducing waitlists. In a recent press release, he warned that without action, Rhode Island could face what he called “spectacular failure.”

    Supporters also argue that seasonal ownership inflates home prices and leaves properties vacant for much of the year. At the same time, the median home price in the Ocean State has climbed to historic highs, and average rent for a two-bedroom has surpassed $2,000 a month — leaving at least a third of Rhode Island households spending more than they can afford just to keep a roof overhead, according to The Newport Buzz.

    By taxing luxury properties and adding costs to real estate transactions, supporters believe the state can reinvest in housing access for those who need it most. Critics argue it could make buying or selling even harder in an already tight market.

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • ‘It’s just a little backyard’: Neighbors say this Florida home appears to be running an unlicensed restaurant out back — complete with propane tanks, industrial fans and cocktail tables

    ‘It’s just a little backyard’: Neighbors say this Florida home appears to be running an unlicensed restaurant out back — complete with propane tanks, industrial fans and cocktail tables

    It’s not exactly strange to hear noise coming from a neighbor’s home. Maybe they’re hosting a birthday party or firing up the grill for a family barbecue. That’s just part of suburban life.

    But what’s happening on Northwest First Court in Miami Gardens is something entirely different.

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    On an otherwise peaceful residential street, one single-family home has transformed into what appears to be a takeout restaurant.

    “There’s no drive-thru window, but the orders are flying out the door,” one neighbor, who asked not to be identified, told Local 10 News. “It could be in the early morning, around this time. It could be at night. It’s constant.”

    Those who spoke with Local 10 asked to stay anonymous, but they described the same thing: a steady stream of cars, takeout containers being handed off like clockwork and a home that’s more kitchen than living space.

    But is this just a savvy home chef cashing in on a side hustle, or could it pose a bigger problem for the community?

    Off the books but on the radar

    To get a better sense of what’s going on, Local 10 spent several hours outside the home and observed a constant flow of customers picking up food.

    One man, spotted walking around the side of the house, told reporters he wasn’t a customer — just a friend. Still, he admitted he was there to pick up food, listing off items like oxtail, rice and peas, as well as chicken. When asked if the house was operating as a restaurant, he denied it.

    “No, it’s not a restaurant. It’s just a backyard,” he said, adding that the food was not free when pressed by reporters.

    Starting a business or side hustle today isn’t easy. According to LendingTree, over 1 in 5 private sector businesses that launched in March 2023 had failed by March 2024.

    With inflation holding steady at 3.5% year over year, it’s no surprise some entrepreneurs are looking for ways to cut overhead costs — skipping storefronts altogether and finding more creative (and quiet) ways to keep the money coming in. Even if that means operating out of a backyard.

    But just because it makes business sense doesn’t mean it sits well with the neighbors.

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    Cooking up trouble

    With inflation squeezing household budgets, many Americans are turning to unconventional income streams — even if it means bending a few rules.

    Neighbors say the backyard setup includes propane tanks, industrial fans and cocktail tables — signs that this isn’t your average weekend cookout. Behind the house, there’s reportedly a shed that’s been converted into a kitchen, suggesting a much larger operation than what’s legally allowed in a residential area.

    According to Florida’s Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, running a food business from a private home is prohibited. This property has never passed a food safety inspection and isn’t licensed for commercial use — a red flag for both consumers and the neighborhood.

    “If there is a fire, God forbid, my house is gone,” one neighbor said. “I’m very concerned. It is dangerous right now.”

    Property records show the home belongs to Mardelle Gitters, a former restaurant owner whose Opa-locka business has since closed. While several neighbors claim they’ve reported the issue to city officials, Miami Gardens Assistant City Manager Tamara Wadley said there are no official complaints on file with police or code enforcement.

    For now, the operation continues. But while side hustles can be a smart financial move, cutting corners on safety and legality can end up costing more than it’s worth.

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Trump’s USDA just uncovered ‘one of the largest’ food stamp fraud, bribery schemes in US history — 6 arrested for alleged $66M in ‘unauthorized transactions’

    Trump’s USDA just uncovered ‘one of the largest’ food stamp fraud, bribery schemes in US history — 6 arrested for alleged $66M in ‘unauthorized transactions’

    The U.S. Department of Justice has charged six people — including a fraud investigator with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) — for allegedly orchestrating “one of the largest food stamp scams in U.S. history,” siphoning tens of millions from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

    According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, the group ran a fraudulent network of about 160 unauthorized electronic benefit transfer (EBT) terminals across the New York area. These machines processed more than $30 million in illegal SNAP transactions, part of a larger scheme that generated an estimated $66 million in unauthorized benefits.

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    Federal authorities said the case was cracked through a joint investigation between the FBI and the USDA’s Office of the Inspector General (USDA-OIG). The collaborative effort highlighted the importance of inter-agency oversight of weaknesses in federally funded programs.

    “We appreciate the collaboration with our law enforcement partners in pursuing allegations regarding government employees who use their positions to participate in schemes that exploit taxpayer-funded programs,” said USDA-OIG Special Agent in Charge, Charmeka Parker in a press release.

    Prosecutors allege that the group accepted bribes and submitted fraudulent USDA applications to obtain SNAP approval for unqualified stores. One of the defendants, USDA employee Arlasa Davis, is accused of selling confidential government information to the very criminals she was meant to stop.

    “This fraud was made possible when USDA employee Arlasa Davis betrayed the public trust by selling confidential government information to the very criminals she was supposed to catch,” U.S. Attorney Perry Carbone said in a press release. “Their actions undermined a program that vulnerable New Yorkers depend on for basic nutrition.”

    What is SNAP?

    SNAP — formerly known as the food stamp program — is the country’s largest federal nutrition assistance program. It provides monthly benefits to help low-income families buy groceries and reduce food insecurity, serving an average of 42.1 million people per month in 2023.

    In fiscal year 2023, the federal government allocated nearly $112.8 billion to SNAP, according to the USDA’s Economic Research Service. About 94% of that went directly to households trying to keep food on the table. The remaining 6% covered state administrative costs, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

    But questions about oversight are growing. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins told Fox Business she believes that 20 to 30% of the program’s annual funding — now estimated closer to $200 billion — may be lost to fraud. The recently uncovered $66 million scheme, she says, is “just the tip of the spear.”

    “It’s time for real, effective change,” Rollins said.

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    An inside job

    Federal officials say the scheme began back in 2019, when Michael Kehoe allegedly created a network to supply unauthorized EBT terminals to small businesses across the New York area.

    According to prosecutors, Kehoe and his associates falsified USDA applications, misused license numbers and altered key documents to get fraudulent retailers approved for SNAP.

    Kehoe and Davis are among six people now facing charges for conspiracy to steal government funds and misappropriate USDA benefits. The others include Mohamad Nawafleh, Omar Alrawashdeh, Gamal Obaid and Emad Alrawashdeh.

    But this case isn’t an isolated case. A separate FOX10 investigation found that thousands of families in Alabama were recently targeted in another EBT fraud scheme.

    Between September and December 2024, more than $12.4 million was stolen from EBT cardholders, according to the Alabama Department of Human Resources. More than 373,000 households in the state rely on those benefits.

    Despite high-profile cases, fraud within SNAP is relatively rare. The introduction of EBT cards in the late 1990s replaced paper coupons, making benefits more secure and harder to misuse. As a result, SNAP fraud declined from about 4 cents on the dollar in 1993 to approximately 1 cent by 2006, and even lower in subsequent years.

    As the investigation unfolds — and new fraud cases emerge across the U.S. — officials warn that similar scams may still be operating, adding pressure on government agencies to tighten oversight of vital aid programs.

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Drivers across the US are hitting a dead end trying to get compensation for the paint flaking off their cars ‘in sheets’ — this Florida driver says it’s happened to him with 3 different cars

    Drivers across the US are hitting a dead end trying to get compensation for the paint flaking off their cars ‘in sheets’ — this Florida driver says it’s happened to him with 3 different cars

    Thousands of drivers across the country are discovering their car paint jobs are literally peeling away — and fixing it could cost them thousands out of pocket.

    For Ed Rinkowitz, a Florida Hyundai owner, the flaky paint job is a familiar and frustrating sight.

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    “My daughter’s hood basically just flaked completely off, probably maybe 10% of the paint was left on it,” Rinkowitz told 10 Tampa Bay. “Then my wife’s car started and that was probably 30 to 40% that was coming off.”

    Rinkowitz says it’s the third Hyundai in his family with paint issues — and he’s far from alone. A Facebook group called “Hyundai Paint Peel / Peeling” has grown to over 6,000 members, all sharing stories of paint jobs seemingly disintegrating.

    So what’s causing the problem, and what can drivers do to protect their cars and wallets?

    Paint problems, pricey fixes

    While the issue spans several Hyundai models and paint colors, Rinkowitz says two of his affected vehicles were white — a trend echoed by dozens of other drivers. News station 10 Investigates also spoke with owners of Kia, Toyota and Chevrolet vehicles reporting similar issues.

    Rinkowitz brought his concerns to the dealership, but hit a wall.

    “I’ve got two white 2015 Elantras, very similar models, and they said, ‘Well, it’s not under warranty,’” he told 10 Investigates.

    Instead, he was told to go to a body shop — a fix he didn’t feel should fall on him. And it isn’t cheap. According to Bankrate, repainting a car can cost anywhere from $300 to more than $20,000, depending on the vehicle size, paint type and finish. A typical paint job costs around $3,000.

    A class-action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Hyundai customers who say their paint peeled off prematurely. In response, some automakers have extended warranties and issued recalls.

    Hyundai announced a paint warranty extension for eight models, including 2017 and 2018 Elantras, Sonatas and Santa Fes. The coverage applies to peeling or bubbling white paint, especially around the hood, fenders and roof.

    Other drivers haven’t been as lucky. One Toyota Corolla owner told 10 Investigates that her dealership said the paint recall expired last year — even though her paint is now peeling off her car with just a spray from a garden hose.

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    What can consumers do

    Whether the issue is a manufacturer defect or not, there are steps car owners can take to help prevent paint damage before it gets worse.

    Parking in a garage or shaded area helps. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, bird droppings, tree sap and hail can speed up peeling and cracking. UV rays, in particular, cause paint to fade and break down over time.

    If your car’s paint starts to peel, don’t assume you’re out of options. Attorney Charles Gallagher says a denied warranty claim isn’t necessarily the end of the road. He recommends asking the manufacturer for a warranty extension, especially if the issue stems from a known defect in the paint or its application.

    Automakers have their own processes for addressing paint complaints. Hyundai advises drivers to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) on the company’s website to see if they qualify for a paint warranty extension. Kia recommends starting with your local dealership, but if that doesn’t work, the company encourages contacting its customer care team directly.

    For now, many drivers are still trying to figure out what to do.

    “I’m 70 years old. I’ve owned cars since I was like 16 years old,” Rinkowitz said. “I’ve never had a car where the paint flaked off like that.”

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.

  • Dwight Howard’s wife has filed for divorce after just 6 months of marriage — and wants all marital assets, property to be ‘equally divided.’ Are your assets protected from a breakup?

    Dwight Howard’s latest drama isn’t on the court — it’s playing out in a Georgia courtroom instead.

    Just six months after getting married, reality star Amber Rose Howard, also known as her stage name Amy Luciani, filed for divorce from the former NBA star, according to documents obtained by TMZ Sports.

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    In the filing, Amber wrote that the marriage is "irretrievably broken," adding, "there are no prospects for reconciliation." She’s asking the court to equitably divide all marital assets and property and is seeking alimony.

    But in the world of short-lived celebrity marriages, a clean 50/50 split isn’t always guaranteed. Whether a prenup is involved or not, the legal and financial fallout of even the briefest unions can be messy and costly.

    The honeymoon is over

    Before things fell apart, the couple was keeping things low-key. Then, last December, they went Instagram-official with their engagement, posting a joint announcement that brought their private relationship into the spotlight. Wedding photos followed, along with a luxe getaway to Thailand that Howard subtly hinted was their honeymoon, according to The Express Tribune.

    But fast-forward just six months, and the romance has turned into a legal untangling.

    While short marriages might seem simple to dissolve, the financial aftermath is rarely clean-cut. When couples separate, they need to figure out how to divide everything they’ve built, including investments, retirement accounts, businesses and even debt.

    How those assets and liabilities are split depends on state laws. In community property states, most assets acquired during the marriage are jointly owned and typically divided 50/50. But Georgia, where Amber filed for divorce, is an equitable distribution state, meaning property is divided fairly, though not necessarily equally, according to Experian.

    And when it comes to alimony, Meriwether & Tharp LLC says Georgia courts tend to take several factors into account: the length of the marriage, the standard of living during that time, each party’s age and health, their financial resources and their individual contributions to the relationship.

    So while Amber may have a list of what she wants — alimony, assets and a fair cut of the marital pot — if the parties can’t agree, it’ll ultimately be up to the courts to decide who walks away with what.

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    Protecting your finances

    Love might be blind, but your financial planning shouldn’t be. Before merging lives, couples should have open, honest conversations about money. That includes income, debt, spending habits and long-term goals. It’s not always romantic, but transparency can be the key to building a healthy financial future together.

    If you have pre-material assets that you want to protect, it might be worth considering an option like a prenuptial agreement, especially if either partner is entering the relationship with significant assets, a business or financial obligations. A prenup can be a way to clarify expectations and protect both parties in case things don’t go as planned.

    Even Canadian Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary doesn’t mix love and money, at least, not without ground rules. Speaking on Fox Business in March 2024, O’Leary said he "forbids" blended finances in his family and "forces prenups" as a standard.

    "You need a prenup," he told Fox Business. "It forces you to ask those questions of your potential partner: ‘Do you have debt? Have you ever been bankrupt? Has your family ever [been] bankrupt?’”

    It’s also smart to keep detailed records of who contributes what financially, especially if you’re co-investing in major assets like property. Maintaining separate accounts, along with one shared account for joint expenses, can offer both flexibility and protection.

    Lastly, understand the laws in your state. Whether you live in a community property or equitable distribution state can drastically affect how things are divided if the relationship ends.

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    This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.