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☆ A major student-loan company is being punished for preventing over 460,000 borrowers from accessing cheaper monthly payments
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The Education Department said student-loan company MOHELA failed to process borrower applications for income-driven repayment plans. AdvertisementThe Education Department notified student-loan company MOHELA on Tuesday that it would be facing penalties for failing to perform the servicing obligations required in its contract. According to a document from the Education Department reviewed by Business Insider, MOHELA has failed to process over 460,000 applications for borrowers on income-driven repayment plans, preventing those borrowers from accessing more affordable monthly payments. "Federal Student Aid has determined, through its oversight of federal student loan servicers, that MOHELA has not consistently met the Department's standards for serving borrowers. In January, the department withheld pay from the remaining three major federal servicers over failure to deliver on-time billing statements to borrowers.

Persons: MOHELA, —, Miguel Cardona, servicers, MOHELA's, Cardona, Sen, Elizabeth Warren, we've, Warren Organizations: Education Department, Service, Business, Department, Aid, Federal

Learn moreWhile Amazon Prime Day may not live rent-free in your head, it does for me. Multi-day battery lifeCheck mark icon A check mark. Comes with additional fill if you prefer a firmer pillowCheck mark icon A check mark. With Amazon Prime Big Deal Days out of the way for 2024, the next Amazon Prime-member exclusive deal event isn't until Prime Day 2025. You don't necessarily need to be an Amazon Prime member to score any of the discounts above or the deals on Amazon's deals page.

Persons: Dolby, It's Organizations: Business, Amazon, Deal, Coop Home, Amazon Fire, Amazon Apple, Keurig's Express, Amazon Prime

☆ I paid $50 for an Eras Tour ticket in Europe. The whole trip was a great value considering what I spent seeing Taylor Swift in the US.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-17 | by ( Jamie Davis Smith | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

We spent weeks in Europe and saw the Eras Tour twice for about what we paid to see her in the US. AdvertisementThe world has never seen anything quite like Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. Since embarking on the high-grossing tour, Swift has showcased her talents and proved her performances can boost economies and change travel patterns. For example, we saw Swift in Warsaw, Poland, instead of the super-popular Paris or London. Seeing the Eras Tour in the US cost us thousands.

Persons: we'd, —, Taylor, Swift, Kate Green Organizations: Service, Swift's Warsaw, Swifties Locations: Europe, Poland, Warsaw, Paris, London, Philadelphia

My girlfriend and I never talked about pet insurance — that changed when our cat got cancer. I haven't decided whether pet insurance is right for my needs, but I know I'm willing to take on debt for my pets. But without pet insurance, we had to make tough decisions as we tried to save his life. The primary reason is that pet insurance is worse than pre-Obamacare human insurance, and it doesn't cover pre-existing conditions. Get Pet Insurance Quotes Find affordable pet insurance policies with Petted.

Persons: I haven't, —, I've, Wyatt, it's, wasn't, she'd, didn't, Chester, I'm Organizations: Service Locations: Chester

Below, I share more about my experience using espresso machines from Nespresso, De’Longhi and Breville during a two-month testing period. SKIP AHEAD Get to know the machines | How I tested the espresso machines | Set up | Usage | Cleanup | Final verdict | Why trust NBC Select? (Nespresso machines are not compatible with any other brands’ pods.) Coffee options: espresso, double espresso, gran lungo, coffee, XL | Coffee compatibility: Nespresso pods | Type of grinder: none (it uses pre-ground coffee pods) | Included accessories: none | Machine size: 8.6 x 14 x 10.4 in. Coffee options: espresso, coffee, americano | Coffee compatibility: whole beans, ground coffee | Built-in grinder: yes | Included accessories: coffee scoop, cleaning kit, water hardness test | Machine size: 9.25 x 17 x 14 in.

Persons: Matte Black, won’t, Bianca Alvarez, They’re, Nespresso, Olivia Ott, it’s, It’s, TikTok Organizations: NBC, Bluetooth, americano, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter Locations: White, americano, New York City, New York, frother

☆ The judge handling Boeing’s plea deal asks Justice Department to explain its diversity policy
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Https | Media-Cldnry.S-Nbcnews.Com Image Upload Newscms Ap-Live-Blog-Byline-Image.Png | The Associated Press | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +6 min

A dozen states, including Texas, have new laws limiting or banning DEI policies at their public universities. The plea deal states that the Justice Department would select the person with “input” from Boeing. A Justice Department lawyer said the provision doesn’t mean that a less-qualified person would be picked, only that the government will consider all candidates. He asked the Justice Department and Boeing to respond in writing by Oct. 25. Possibly he wants to delay the decision, but that is an unsupported hunch.”The Justice Department and Boeing said they would comply with the judge’s order and declined to comment further.

Persons: District Judge Reed O’Connor, George W, Bush, O’Connor, Barack, Ron DeSantis, “, Boeing’s, Max, Nadia Milleron, Samya Stumo, ” Milleron, ’, ”, John Coffee Organizations: District, Justice Department, Boeing, ., Democratic, U.S, Supreme, Florida Gov, GOP, Alaska Airlines, MCAS, Federal Aviation Administration, ”, Justice, DOJ, Columbia University Locations: U.S, Fort Worth , Texas, Texas, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Massachusetts

☆ How to clean your glasses the right way
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Bethany Heitman | Bethany Heitman Is A Contributing Editor At Nbc Select. | ) www.nbcnews.com time to read: +5 min

You’re basically inviting germs to party on your face.”The good news: Keeping your glasses clean is a relatively easy chore. SKIP AHEAD How to tell if your glasses need cleaning | How to clean your glasses | What to use to clean your glasses | Highly rated glasses cleanersHow to tell if your glasses need cleaningNot sure when to clean your glasses? Then, if they get smudged during the day, a quick clean works wonders.”How to clean your glassesMost glasses cases come with a small microfiber cloth. What to use to clean your glassesAs mentioned above, soap and water tend to be the best thing you can use to clean your glasses. “Everyone typically has soap and water in their house, making this an easy and affordable way to keep your glasses clean,” says Johnson.

Persons: ”, Janice Fan, Susan Johnson, “, It’s, Johnson, cleansers, Bethany Heitman, TikTok Organizations: “, ZEISS, NBC, Facebook, Twitter Locations: Milwaukee, Hampshire , Illinois

The costs of caring for ill and aging loved ones don’t show up on store shelves, but they’re front and center for voters like Sharon Zimmer. Chuck and Sharon Zimmer. If we’re looking at child care, we’re being biased if we’re not looking at elder care. Kelsey Flock, Aging and Disability Resource Center, La Crosse County, Wis.Coverage gaps like these are widespread, said David Grabowski, a professor of health care policy at Harvard Medical School. While the child care affordability crisis has gained more attention, including in the 2024 campaign, experts say elder care issues have flown comparatively under the radar.

Persons: Sharon Zimmer, Zimmer, Chuck Zimmer, ”, Sharon —, Kamala Harris, Sharon, Chuck, Harris, she’d, Donald Trump, Kelsey Flock, they’re, ” Flock, ” Trump, aren’t, Shekinah Fashaw, Walters, David Grabowski, Joseph Gaugler, “ It’s Organizations: U.S, AARP, Democratic, Republican, Aging, La, “, Trump, Social Security, University, Pennsylvania’s Perelman, of Medicine, Medicaid, Resource, Harvard Medical School, Center, Healthy Aging, University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health Locations: Onalaska , Wisconsin, Onalaska, “, La Crosse County , Wisconsin, La Crosse County, Wis

☆ Cheap, Secondhand Androids Are Now Cooler Than Brand-New Apple iPhones
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Amanda Hoover | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

People are more aware of refurbished phones, thanks to ad campaigns and word of mouth. For $249 or 299 euros, customers could buy a refurbished iPhone or Android without knowing the model they'd get. AdvertisementPerhaps the biggest thing blocking people from buying more secondhand phones is the manufacturers themselves. Amy Marty Conrad, a 34-year-old who lives in the Washington, DC, area says she and her husband have each bought refurbished phones. But perhaps the biggest thing blocking people from buying more secondhand phones is the manufacturers themselves.

Persons: Steve Jobs, Ming, Chi Kuo, Apple, Glen, Thibaud Hug, Hug, Larauze, Hug de Larauze, He's, ChatGPT, Amy Marty Conrad, She's, it's, Tim Cook Organizations: Apple, Research, International Data Corporation, Vodafone, Recommerce, Zion Market Research, eBay, Samsung Galaxy, European Union, Apple Intelligence, Back Locations: Europe, France, England, Washington, DC, Oregon, European

We've put together everything you need to know about how to watch India vs. New Zealand, with a focus on affordable live streaming options. ET / 5 a.m. BST / 12 p.m. AWSTHow to watch Pakistan vs. England in the USThe Pakistan vs. England test matches will be available to watch through Willow in the US. You can also get it as a part of a month-to-month live TV package, including Sling TV. Sling also occasionally offers free cricket live streams (including coverage of the ongoing ICC Women's T20 World Cup), although you'll need to subscribe for the India vs. New Zealand test series. Sling TV Subscription For just the essentials without any extra fluff, Sling TV is the streaming service you're looking for.

Persons: We've, we've, Sling's Desi, ExpressVPN Organizations: Business, New Zealand, Chinnaswamy, team, ICC, South, Sri, Sling, England Locations: India, New, Bengaluru's, Zealand, Pakistan, South Africa . New Zealand, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, England

☆ Hong Kong leader announces measures to address housing crisis in annual policy address
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Dylan Butts | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu delivers his annual policy address at the Legislative Council on Oct. 16, 2024, in Hong Kong. Hong Kong chief executive John Lee announced moves aimed at addressing the city's housing affordability crisis, calling it "an issue of great public concern" in an annual policy address on Wednesday. Under the plan, the Hong Kong Housing Authority will allocate an extra ballot number to applicants aged below 40 — a move that will increase their chances of being selected for the city's subsidized Home Ownership Scheme flats. He also said the government expects to complete about 9,500 new public housing units next year, moving toward a goal of completing about 30,000 units by 2027-2028. The current wait time for a public housing unit in Hong Kong is 5.5 years.

Persons: John Lee Ka, chiu, John Lee, Hong Kongers, Lee Organizations: Legislative, Hong, Hong Kong Housing Authority Locations: Hong Kong, Hong Kong . Hong Kong

☆ Aldi says its Thanksgiving meal prices will undercut Walmart as shoppers search for value
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Jordan Valinsky | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

New York CNN —Aldi is releasing its lowest-priced Thanksgiving meal deal in five years — and undercutting one of its largest rivals — as inflation-weary consumers shift their shopping habits to more affordable private labels. “With 25% of US households now shopping Aldi, we know grocery prices are still top of mind for customers,” said CEO Jason Hart in a press release. As of August, grocery prices were rising at a pace of 0.9% annually, landing in line with the average increase seen in 2019, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. The German company has a low-cost business model and boasts that its prices are up to 50% cheaper than traditional supermarkets. At around 12,000 square feet, its stores are much smaller than a typical US supermarket of 40,000 square feet.

Persons: ”, Jason Hart Organizations: New, New York CNN, Aldi, Walmart, of Labor Statistics Locations: New York, Ukraine

☆ Can Harris Really Build 3 Million New Housing Units?
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Conor Dougherty | Anna Watts | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +5 min

Pretty much since they arrived, Mr. Muir and his family have been trying and failing to find a single-family house for no more than $500,000. “I’m like, ‘Wow, I thought this would be a more affordable place to live,’” said Mr. Muir, who is 44 and works in financial services. They disagree, however, about whether Ms. Harris’s plan would actually do that. (Economists also agree that former President Donald J. Trump’s housing plan, which aims to free up housing by deporting immigrants, would probably make the housing crisis worse by devastating the construction work force). Ms. Harris’s main challenge will be convincing them to build.

Persons: Luke Muir, Muir, ’ ”, “ It’s, Kamala Harris, Harris’s, Donald J, Mark Zandi, Harris, ”, Ed Pinto, playbook, Jason Morris, Withey Morris Baugh, Ms, “, Mr Organizations: American Enterprise Institute, Arizona Legislature Locations: Phoenix, Louisiana, San Diego, Maricopa County, California, Arizona

☆ Considering an electric vehicle? Experts explain how to pick one for your lifestyle and budget
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Nora Naughton | Tim Levin | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Used electric vehicles became more affordable after a new tax credit kicked in in January 2023. And as more models flood the market, you can get a particularly good deal on a used EV. Battery range will degrade over timeAnyone who's owned a smartphone knows that lithium-ion batteries wear out over time. The good news is that an EV's battery is unlikely to fail completely or render the car useless. Automotive retail analysts described it as a welcome change for EV shoppers on a budget.

Persons: —, Scott Case, EVs, Graham, Geotab, Nora Naughton, Jim Fish, Fish Organizations: Service, Graham Rapier, Environmental Protection Agency, EV, Opus, Automotive, EVs Locations: Florida

☆ Robots and AI-powered assistive tech are poised to transform accessibility and mobility
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Jake Hall | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

She credited assistive technologies more broadly with saving her from "desperation and extremely dark thoughts." The Atalante X is made by Wandercraft, a company founded by a group of engineers in 2012 that develops mobility technologies. Kevin Piette, a Paralympic tennis player, carried the Olympic torch in the Atalante X, Wandercraft's robotic exoskeleton. Advancing rehabilitationDr. Laurent Metz, Wandercraft's global chief medical officer, described the Atalante X as a "walking robot full of sensors." Other assistive technologies are redefining accessibility and mobility.

Persons: there's, —, Esther Klang, Klang, Wandercraft, Kevin Piette, Laurent Metz, Metz, ReWalk, Elaine Schaertl, Short, Tatum, Dani Clode, neuroscientists, Clode, It's Organizations: Service, Robotics, Tufts University, Tatum Robotics, National Disability Institute Locations: Wandercraft's, Europe, Brazil

☆ I'm a millennial making $120,000 a year. I rent because buying a home in Florida is so costly and would be too much work.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Alcynna Lloyd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Jorge Argota, 35, runs his own digital marketing agency in Miami and made about $120,000 last year. For me, renting an apartment in Miami is more affordable than buying a nice house with a $3,000 or $4,000 mortgage. Argota and his brother pay $2,300 a month for a two-bedroom in this Miami apartment complex. I've also had many friends who have had to move further north in Florida because it's impossible for them to pay rent or buy a home in Miami. So, if I can't buy a house in Miami, I might consider moving to another state.

Persons: Jorge Argota, Argota, —, Zillow, We've, Jorge Argota Little, dominos, I've Organizations: Service, Miami Locations: Miami, Florida, COVID, New York , California, Texas, Little Havana, Jorge Argota Little Havana, Cuban

☆ Prada and Axiom Space unveil spacesuit designs for NASA’s Artemis III moon mission
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Marianna Cerini | Leah Dolan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Milan CNN —Luxury fashion house Prada and commercial space company Axiom Space have unveiled the designs for a spacesuit that will be worn for NASA’s Artemis III moon mission. “This is a groundbreaking partnership,” said Russel Ralston, executive vice president of Axiom Space, during the press conference. “We’re blending engineering, science and art.”The spacesuit will be used for NASA’s Artemis III mission, planned for 2026. Prada & Axiom SpaceThe slick looking suits include a range of innovative features. Prada & Axiom SpaceCurrently scheduled for the second half of 2026, NASA’s Artemis III mission plans to be the first astronaut moon landing since Apollo 17 in 1972.

Persons: Milan, Artemis, ”, Russel Ralston, Lorenzo Bertelli, ” Bertelli, “, it’ll Organizations: Milan CNN, International Astronautical, Linea, Prada, Mobility, Prada Group Locations: Milan, Houston

☆ 'Gladiator II' star Paul Mescal's first big role was a breakfast sausage ad in Ireland: It 'paid for my rent for 5 months'
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Nicolas Vega | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

With an Oscar nomination under his belt and the hotly anticipated Ridley Scott epic "Gladiator II" on the horizon, Paul Mescal's career couldn't be going better. Mescal, who had just graduated drama school, was interested in serious dramatic projects. "That paid for my rent for five months, so I'll hear no Denny's slander," he told GQ. "If I ever feel like I get too big for my boots, it kind of pops up somewhere that we shouldn't forget that I was promoting sausages when I got out of drama school," he said. Start today and use coupon code EARLYBIRD for an introductory discount of 50% off through Nov. 26, 2024.

Persons: Ridley Scott, Paul Mescal's, couldn't, Mescal, Denny, we've, let's Organizations: Hollywood, BBC, CNBC Locations: Irish

☆ China's EV giants shine at Europe's largest auto show while local rivals despair
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Tom Carter | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

China's EV giants left their European rivals in the dust at the continent's biggest auto show. AdvertisementAutomakers flocked to Paris for Europe's largest motor show this week — and China's EV giants were the star attraction. The booth of Chinese EV firm Xpeng was dominated by the company's flying car prototype, which hung from the ceiling. European automakers despairAmong the local automakers at the event, the atmosphere was less positive. Leapmotor CEO Zhu Jiangming and Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares unveil the Leapmotor B10 at the Paris Motor Show.

Persons: Leapmotor, —, Xpeng, Xiaopeng, Brian Gu, Gu, Oliver Zipse, Luca de Meo, Zhu Jiangming, Carlos Tavares, MAGALI COHEN, Hans Lucas, Ram, Tavares, " Tavares Organizations: EV, Paris, Service, European Union, BYD, Business, BMW, Renault, Leapmotor, Getty, Jeep, Fiat Locations: Paris, Europe, China

☆ We traded our condo in a walkable city for a big house in the suburbs after we retired. It's been great for us and our grandkids.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Jackie Fishman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

My husband and I loved living in a two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo near Washington, DC. But the convenience of condo life came with some challenges, especially once we retired and became grandparents. It also became an art studio once my husband retired and leaned into his oil-painting hobby. It has a huge kitchen that flows into a dining area and living room — a perfect space for large gatherings. During the first holiday dinner at our new house, the kids went down to the basement to play by themselves while the adults stayed upstairs and relaxed in our huge living space.

Persons: —, downsize, I'd, Richard T Organizations: Service, Mount Locations: Washington , DC, Maryland, North Arlington , Virginia, Washington, Arlington, Montgomery County , Maryland, Mount Vernon Trail, Georgetown

☆ NYC's short-term rental ban slashed Airbnb listings. A year later, it's unclear if it's made housing more affordable.
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Eliza Relman | Dan Latu | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

It's been a year since New York City began enforcing its near-ban on short-term rentals, including Airbnbs. While the number of short-term rentals has plummeted, the effect on the housing market is unclear. AdvertisementNew York City's ban on most short-term rentals was supposed to make housing cheaper in the city. In September 2023, NYC began enforcing new regulations — known as Local Law 18 or LL18 — that severely restricted short-term rentals. With so many Airbnbs out of the short-term rental picture, they've been able to charge more.

Persons: It's, Airbnb, —, it's, Ben Kallos, LL18, they've, Sean Hennessey, Jonathan M, that's, they're, Paul, who's, Paul —, Theo Yedinsky, Yedinsky, Eric Adams Organizations: New, Service, New York Times, New York, Tisch Center of Hospitality, Facebook, Business, York City Locations: New York City, York, New, Astoria, Queens, San Diego, Mission Beach

☆ Consumers are in for some relief: Lower energy prices are on the way
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-16 | by ( Olesya Dmitracova | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

London CNN —For consumers still scarred by jumps in their energy bills in recent years, the International Energy Agency has good news: Oil and natural gas prices will probably be lower over the next five years. Energy prices soared in the wake of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which followed a rise in global demand as economies reopened after Covid lockdowns put lives on hold. And that “would move us into a very different energy world from the one we have experienced in recent years during the global energy crisis,” he added in a statement accompanying the IEA’s latest World Energy Outlook report. But global oil output has been increasing, thanks mostly to producers in the United States and other countries in the Americas. The energy body reiterated its previous forecasts that demand for oil, natural gas and coal will peak by the end of the decade.

Persons: Covid lockdowns, Ukraine don’t, Fatih Birol, Birol, ” Birol, “ Organizations: London CNN, International Energy Agency, Energy, Brent, IEA, US, CNN, ” Locations: Ukraine, United States, Americas, Qatar

☆ An expat in Panama explains what movers can expect to pay and the pros and cons of raising kids abroad
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-15 | by ( Noah Sheidlower | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

In 2015, Davidson settled down in Panama City, working as a technical support manager. He met his wife in Panama, and the two bought a $150,000 home and now raise their children in the capital. Beaches near Coronado, Panama City. Living for cheaper in Central AmericaHe met his wife in Panama, and they had two children. Mac DavidsonHe said average home prices in Panama City are often half what he saw in Manitoba's cities, which were about $400,000 when he checked earlier this year.

Persons: Mac Davidson, Davidson, —, It's, Panama Davidson, he's, He's Organizations: Service, University of Manitoba, Friendly Nations, Nissan Locations: Canada, Panama, Manitoba, Panama City, Coronado , Panama City, Florida, American, Central America, Ancon, Manitoba's, Vancouver, North America

The best way to determine how much house you can afford is by working backward from your current budget. Current mortgage rates: The lower your mortgage rate, the more house you can afford. Where you live can impact home affordabilityHow much house you can afford depends a lot on where you live. How much house can I afford FAQsWhat percentage of my income should I spend on a house? The more debt you have, the less house you'll be able to afford.

Persons: You'll, Brian Walsh, Walsh, you'll, Freddie Mac, that's, it's, homebuyers Organizations: Business, CFP, . Census Bureau, National Association of Insurance, Consulting, homeownership, DTI, Chevron Locations: West Virginia, U.S, Washington, Alabama, New Jersey, Chevron

☆ Kamala Harris wants to expand student-loan forgiveness for 10,000 doctors and nurses who agree to work in rural areas
▼ + stars: | 2024-10-15 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Vice President Kamala Harris proposed an initiative to expand healthcare in rural communities. It includes recruiting 10,000 more healthcare workers to rural areas and expanding their student-debt relief options. Trump held the lead over rural voters in 2020, gearing up for a fight this election cycle. According to her campaign, Harris plans to recruit 10,000 healthcare professionals to work in rural and tribal areas. Advertisement"They both understand that rural voters are the foundation of our country, and they want rural voters to know that they have a home in their campaign - that is fundamentally about patriotism, freedom and opportunity," Hildreth said.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Trump, —, Harris, it's, Matthew Hildreth, Walz, Hildreth, Donald Trump, — Harris, Tim Walz, Anna Kelly, Kelly Organizations: Service, Public, U.S . Department of Health, Human Services, HHS, Research, General Internal Medicine, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trump, Republican National Committee Locations: USA

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