Avsnitt
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As summer travel season ramps up in the U.S., travelers face an increasing risk of falling victim to scams targeting tourists. Fraudulent offers for vacation rentals, fake tour packages, and deceptive travel insurance schemes are just a few examples of the pitfalls waiting for the unsuspecting. Scammers often exploit the excitement and urgency surrounding last-minute bookings, leaving travelers vulnerable to financial loss or even identity theft. For those planning summer trips, staying vigilant—by verifying service providers, using secure payment methods, and reading reviews—can help minimize the risks and ensure a smoother, safer vacation experience.
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The growing debt from Parent PLUS loans has become a significant financial burden for many older Americans. With limited repayment options compared to federal student loans for students, these loans often carry high interest rates and lack income-driven repayment plans tailored to parents. As a result, many borrowers in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s are forced to use their retirement income or delay retirement altogether to make monthly payments. This growing trend underscores the long-term impact of financing higher education through parent loans and raises concerns about financial security for aging borrowers.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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In the U.S., slumlord apartment owners—landlords who neglect maintenance and exploit tenants—have become a worsening problem amid the housing crisis. As affordable housing becomes increasingly scarce, vulnerable renters are forced to accept substandard living conditions, with issues like mold, broken plumbing, and lack of heating going unresolved. The soaring cost of rent and stagnant wages leave tenants with few alternatives, giving slumlords more power to ignore regulations without consequence. This crisis, exposes the urgent need for stronger tenant protections and enforcement of housing codes.
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A recent report from the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative reveals a stark racial disparity in the state's incarceration rates: while Black Marylanders constitute approximately 30% of the population, they represent 71% of those incarcerated in state correctional facilities. This disproportionate representation underscores the systemic targeting of Black communities and individuals experiencing poverty within the criminal justice system. The report highlights how historical injustices, such as slavery and segregation, have evolved into modern practices that continue to criminalize poverty and disproportionately affect Black residents.
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Nicotine pouches, marketed heavily by companies like Philip Morris, are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger audiences. These products are designed to be discreet and easy to use, often promoted as a "safer" alternative to smoking, despite the fact that they still contain nicotine, an addictive substance. The FDA’s authorization of nicotine pouches has raised concerns, as it could be seen as a green light for companies to market directly to youth, who may not be aware of the long-term health risks.
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Congress recently overturned a rule that would have limited how much banks and credit card companies can charge in late fees. Now, if you miss a payment, you could get hit with a hefty fee, sometimes $30 or higher. This change will hit people with low incomes the hardest, especially those already struggling to keep up with bills. Critics say it’s unfair and just helps banks profit more off vulnerable people, while supporters argue that higher fees are necessary to keep the financial system running smoothly and to encourage people to pay on time. I discuss this and ways for you to avoid paying these fees.
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The issue of mail theft within the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has become a growing concern, with employees themselves being implicated in the theft of valuable packages and personal mail. Some workers have been caught intercepting mail, stealing cash, gift cards, and other valuables.. In response, the USPS Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has been actively investigating the matter, conducting audits, tracking suspicious activities, but the problem remains a significant challenge for the organization.
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The Trump administration’s decision to end the DOJ’s settlement agreement on Lowndes County’s sewage crisis marked a major setback in environmental justice and reignited concerns about environmental racism. The agreement, launched under Biden, aimed to address severe household sewage dispoal issues in the predominantly Black rural county. Citing a ban on federal DEI initiatives, the Trump administration’s move highlights the continued neglect of marginalized communities facing environmental health risks.
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Ageism significantly contributes to homelessness among Americans aged 55 and older, as highlighted in the 2024 HUD report. This demographic often faces unique challenges, such as limited income opportunities, especially due to job discrimination based on age. As individuals age, they may experience bias in hiring practices, reduced job security, or forced retirement, leaving them without the financial means to secure stable housing. In the workplace, ageism manifests through stereotypes, such as the assumption that older workers are less adaptable or less tech-savvy, which can hinder their chances of employment or promotion. Without sufficient support, older Americans are at increased risk of falling into homelessness, as they struggle to maintain adequate employment and savings later in life.
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Book bans in U.S. public schools and libraries continue to escalate, with PEN America reporting a significant rise in the number of book challenges, particularly those addressing race, gender, and LGBTQ+ themes. The group found hundreds of books targeted for removal or restriction, reflecting broader efforts led by organizations like Moms for Liberty, which pushes to limit access to books they deem inappropriate for children. The Southern Poverty Law Center has reported that these efforts often align with political and ideological movements, aiming to restrict educational content. Critics argue that these bans harm intellectual freedom and limit students' exposure to diverse perspectives.
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Predatory lending through earned wage advance apps and payday loans disproportionately targets vulnerable low-wage workers, particularly those in the gig economy or service industries, many who earn less than $50K per year. These individuals, often living paycheck to paycheck, are drawn to the promise of quick cash but are hit with exorbitant interest rates, sometimes exceeding 300% APR's. According to the Center for Responsible Lending, these high rates and hidden fees can quickly spiral out of control, trapping borrowers in a cycle of debt. Instead of providing relief, these loans often exacerbate financial instability, leaving workers worse off and caught in a cycle of borrowing just to stay afloat.
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The ongoing discussion around NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals, their tax implications, and the future of college athletics has been heating up in recent years. One key topic is whether NIL deals should be tax-exempt, with some arguing that athletes should not be taxed for using their own name and likeness, while others maintain that they should be treated like any other form of earned income. In this episode I discuss NIL deals, states that are pushing for tax exemptions on NIL Deals, and the House Vs. NCAA settlement.
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The opioid settlement, which resulted in billions of dollars from major pharmaceutical companies like Johnson & Johnson, McKesson, Cardinal Health, and AmerisourceBergen, is designed to address the opioid crisis by funding addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery efforts. Critics argue that the distribution process lacks transparency and being misdirected toward administrative costs rather than direct support for addiction recovery.
In this episode I discuss the opioid settlement, where the money is going and what is currently the state of the opioid crisis in America. -
Wage theft is a serious issue in the United States, particularly affecting low-wage workers like restaurant staff, retail employees, and home care workers. Employers often fail to pay employees for overtime, force them to work off the clock, or withhold tips, leaving workers with less than they’re owed. It’s estimated that U.S. workers lose billions of dollars each year due to wage theft. While some states have enacted stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms, the problem persists, and many workers are unaware of their rights or too afraid to report abuse. In this episode I reivew where this occurring, who is most affected and what is being done to prevent it.
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In 2024, the U.S. sports betting industry experienced unprecedented growth. This surge in betting activity led to a record $13.71 billion in revenue significantly up from 2023's numbers. However, this expansion has been accompanied by a significant rise in gambling addiction. While the sports betting industry has achieved record revenues, this growth has been accompanied by increased gambling addiction rates and a concerning decline in the financial stability of a significant portion of the U.S. population. In this episode I review sports betting in the U.S., the addiction its creating and the cost its having on the bettors finances. #pgam2025
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The U.S. faces a growing national debt. President trump has proposed reductions in civilian government workers in an effort to curb spending, aiming to decrease the size of the federal workforce and reduce operational costs. Taxes are primarily collected to support these large-scale programs and fund government operations, but with a large debt load and increasing healthcare costs, the financial strain on the system continues to grow. In this episode I discuss U.S. government spending, U.S. debt and the billions of dollars lost each year because of Medicare/Medicaid fraud.
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The turnover of superintendents in school districts across the United States has become a significant concern, with many districts experiencing frequent changes in leadership. This instability in leadership can have a profound impact on both the functioning of school districts and the education of children. This disruption is further compounded by the fact that superintendents often receive substantial buyouts as part of their contracts when they leave, whether through resignation or termination. These buyouts, often funded by public resources, can be seen as an unnecessary financial burden on the district, diverting funds that could be better spent on direct educational initiatives. In this episode of peoples voice podcast and I discuss the school superintendent issue in American public schools.
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People leave their jobs in the U.S. for a variety of reasons, including seeking better pay, career growth, work-life balance, or a more supportive work environment. However, studies have shown race can play a significant role in these decisions as well. The decision to leave a job is often influenced not just by personal career goals, but by the broader social and organizational dynamics that impact an individual’s experience in the workplace. In this episode I discuss why people leave their jobs and the influence race has on those decisions. -
The escalating cost of homeowners insurance in the 21st century has raised concerns about its role in perpetuating discrimination, particularly among people of color. For many Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous families, the cost of insurance becomes an insurmountable barrier to protecting their homes, leading to higher rates of underinsurance or going without coverage altogether. Many argue that the situation represents a form of modern discrimination that exacerbates long-standing racial and economic divides.
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Dry January, a month-long challenge where individuals abstain from alcohol, has gained significant traction in recent years as part of a broader global shift toward reduced alcohol consumption. This trend is particularly pronounced among Gen Z, a generation that is increasingly rejecting excessive drinking in favor of healthier lifestyles. Studies show that globally, alcohol consumption has been declining, with younger generations leading the charge. in this episode I discuss this movement, the health effects and how this will continue to change the global landscape of drinking habits in the coming years.
- Visa fler
