Filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy without a lawyer can save money but also brings risks. Mistakes on paperwork, misunderstanding rules about which property you can keep, and missing deadlines can cause delays or even case dismissal.
Key Facts
Chapter 7 requires detailed financial paperwork; errors can cause serious problems or accusations of fraud.
Bankruptcy exemptions protect certain assets, but these rules differ by state and can be confusing.
To file Chapter 7, you must pass a “means test” that checks if your income is low enough.
Without a lawyer, people may miscalculate the means test and have their cases dismissed or changed.
Creditors can challenge some debts in bankruptcy; lawyers help defend against these challenges.
Bankruptcy cases have strict deadlines that must be met to avoid case problems.
Filing without legal help might work in simple cases but carries significant risks for more complex situations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
French police are investigating claims that someone tampered with a weather sensor at Paris’s Charles de Gaulle airport to influence online bets on temperature predictions. The bets involved large sums of money, and unusual temperature spikes coincided with significant winnings by some gamblers on the Polymarket platform.
Key Facts
Police are looking into a complaint from Météo-France about possible physical tampering with a temperature sensor.
The sensor data was used to settle bets on Polymarket, an online weather betting platform.
On some days, bets over $500,000 were placed on Paris temperatures, with sudden temperature jumps benefiting certain gamblers.
Three wallets made over $280,000 from bets that the temperature would reach 19°C on April 15.
Some bettors shared images joking about using a hairdryer or lighter to alter the sensor.
Polymarket stopped using the Charles de Gaulle sensor and switched to one at Paris-Le Bourget airport but didn’t cancel bets or refund money.
Polymarket’s investors include a venture capital firm owned by Donald Trump Jr.
The betting platform’s data is attracting interest from traders and investors, raising concerns about market manipulation.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A signed Michael Jordan basketball card from the 1997-98 season sold privately for $4.25 million. The card includes a piece of a jersey from the 1992 NBA All-Star Game.
Key Facts
The card is from the 1997-98 Upper Deck Game Jersey series.
It features Michael Jordan's autograph directly on the card.
A small piece of Jordan’s jersey from the 1992 NBA All-Star Game is embedded in the card.
The card was sold privately through Goldin Auctions.
The sale price of $4.25 million sets a new record for this type of sports card.
The 1992 All-Star Game is notable because it featured many of the NBA’s top players.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kaci Sokoloff is the senior vice president of Booking for CBS News and Stations and CBS Media Ventures. She leads a team that arranges interviews with important guests and has helped secure many exclusive interviews with notable figures.
Key Facts
Kaci Sokoloff became senior vice president in January 2022.
She manages a team of 28 producers who book interviews across all CBS News platforms.
Sokoloff helped CBS News get exclusive interviews with people like Prince Harry and the late Pope Francis.
She has booked interviews on many major news stories, such as the Israel/Gaza war, Russia/Ukraine war, COVID-19, and the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol riot.
Sokoloff has won two Emmy awards and a Gracie Award for her work in journalism.
She started at CBS News in 2012 and was promoted several times before her current role.
Before CBS, she worked at NBC News and "The Dr. Oz Show."
Sokoloff graduated from Syracuse University with a degree in broadcast journalism and digital media.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Leading the Future, a pro-artificial intelligence (AI) network that has spent millions on congressional primary races, is now focusing on state legislative elections. The group wants to influence local policies by supporting candidates who back AI technology.
Key Facts
Leading the Future is a network made up of several super PACs that support AI.
They have already spent millions of dollars in congressional primary elections this year.
The group announced its first endorsements for candidates in state legislative races.
Their goal is to help shape policy related to AI at the local government level.
The network targets candidates who support the development and use of AI technology.
This marks a shift from national to more local political involvement for the group.
Super PACs are organizations that can raise and spend unlimited money to support political candidates.
The network is trying to influence legislation by backing pro-AI lawmakers.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Debt relief can help people reduce or pay off their money owed, but it might also cause more calls and collection attempts at first. Some debt relief plans require stopping payments temporarily, which can lead to increased collector actions before accounts get settled.
Key Facts
Credit card debts are growing due to high interest rates, often above 21%.
Rising inflation and tough job markets make it harder for many to keep up with payments.
Debt relief programs often change payment schedules, which can affect creditor relationships.
Stopping payments in debt settlement plans can trigger more frequent calls and collection efforts.
Creditors may transfer debts to aggressive third-party collectors after missed payments.
Some creditors can take legal action if debts remain unpaid for a long time.
Debt management plans keep payments going and usually reduce collection pressures.
Knowing your legal rights can help people manage increased pressure from collectors during debt relief.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Some airlines are canceling flights to the UK or reducing the number of flights because of rising fuel prices linked to the conflict in the Middle East. This is causing flight prices to go up, especially for long-distance trips, and passengers may face changes or delays in their travel plans.
Key Facts
Many airlines, including Air Asia, Air Canada, Delta, KLM, Lufthansa, and SAS, are cutting back the number of flights to the UK.
British Airways owner IAG, EasyJet, and Jet2Holidays are not planning to reduce flights.
Some airlines are increasing ticket prices or adding extra charges for luggage, including Air Asia, Air France-KLM, Virgin Atlantic, and others.
Airlines cannot raise the price after a passenger has already bought a ticket unless specific conditions allow it.
Package holiday operators can add up to 8% to the cost after booking due to fuel cost increases, though most promise not to do this this year.
Jet fuel prices have roughly doubled since March due to supply issues caused by the conflict near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The conflict has forced airlines to take longer routes around the Gulf, increasing fuel use and costs.
Flight prices for routes to Asia, such as London to Melbourne or Hong Kong, have risen by over 70% compared to last year.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Some gas stations called warehouse stations are selling fuel up to 25 cents cheaper than others. These stations save money by operating with fewer services and lower costs, allowing them to charge less at the pump.
Key Facts
Warehouse gas stations offer fuel at prices up to 25 cents lower than regular stations.
They reduce costs by having fewer staff and simpler facilities.
These stations may buy fuel in large amounts to get discounts.
They often limit extra services like convenience stores or car washes.
Lower operating expenses help them pass savings to customers.
Warehouse stations are becoming popular as fuel prices rise.
Consumers looking for cheaper gas can consider these stations for savings.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lockheed Martin’s CEO said the Trump administration offers a strong chance for growth due to increased government contracts amid Middle East conflicts. The company is benefiting from new Pentagon contracts and is working on shifting to a more commercial-style contract model to reduce risks.
Key Facts
Lockheed Martin’s CEO, Jim Taiclet, called the current government a “golden opportunity” for the company.
The company has contracts for the Artemis II spacecraft and secret missiles used in the Iran conflict.
The Pentagon awarded Lockheed Martin two recent contracts: $4.7 billion for missile production and $1.9 billion for military training systems.
Lockheed Martin reported $18 billion in revenue for Q1 2026, similar to the previous year, despite missing some profit goals.
The Pentagon introduced contract terms that protect Lockheed Martin if production orders are reduced or changed.
The Trump administration seeks a $1.5 trillion Pentagon budget, a $445 billion increase, funded by cuts to domestic programs.
President Trump emphasized prioritizing military spending over domestic programs like daycare, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery have voted to approve a merger with Paramount Skydance, a company that owns CBS News. This decision means the two companies will combine their businesses.
Key Facts
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders held a vote on the merger.
The vote resulted in approval of the merger.
Paramount Skydance is the other company involved in the merger.
Paramount Skydance owns CBS News.
The merger will combine the assets and operations of both companies.
The announcement was reported by CBS News.
The approval marks a major step in the planned merger process.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Trump suggested the federal government should consider helping Spirit Airlines, which is facing financial trouble and bankruptcy. The airline’s challenges are linked to rising fuel costs and other issues, and discussions about a possible rescue package involving up to $500 million in government support are ongoing.
Key Facts
Spirit Airlines has filed for bankruptcy twice in less than a year.
The airline expects to exit bankruptcy by early summer 2026 after making progress.
Spirit Airlines supports about 14,000 jobs.
Rising fuel costs due to conflicts in the Middle East have worsened Spirit’s financial situation.
The Justice Department previously said Spirit’s competition helped lower airline fares.
President Trump has suggested a possible federal government bailout for Spirit.
Similar federal support for industries, like farmers, was provided during Trump’s first term after trade wars caused economic pain.
Direct government bailouts for a single airline are uncommon, though the industry has received broad support before after crises like 9/11 and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Peter Mandelson’s former consultancy firm, Global Counsel, went bankrupt in February owing £4.6 million, including over £600,000 to the UK tax authorities. The company lost clients partly because of concerns about Mandelson’s past links to Jeffrey Epstein, and it employed around 100 people before closing.
Key Facts
Global Counsel owed £4,596,149 in liabilities but had assets valued at about £10.7 million.
Administrators expect to recover only around £2.7 million from the company’s assets.
The largest creditor is HM Revenue and Customs, which is owed £645,789.
Global Counsel advised big clients like TikTok, Palantir, and GSK.
Peter Mandelson resigned from the board in 2024 but kept shares in the firm.
The firm faced scrutiny because of Mandelson’s links to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Ben Wegg-Prosser, co-founder and CEO, resigned in early February amid controversy over Epstein connections.
Around 100 employees were owed £2.6 million by Global Counsel before it collapsed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Online betting companies are making money by letting people bet on what President Donald Trump might do or say next, such as sending troops to Iran or making unusual statements. Some of these companies are connected to Donald Trump Jr., the president’s oldest son.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump’s unpredictable actions lead to more bets on his potential moves.
Online prediction markets let people wager on Trump’s policies and social media posts.
These markets earn money by charging fees on the bets.
Polymarket is one such betting company in which Donald Trump Jr. has an ownership stake.
Kalshi is another prediction market company advised by Donald Trump Jr.
Betting on Trump-related events is popular because of his uncertain and surprising behavior.
The markets include unusual questions like renaming the Strait of Hormuz after Trump or praising Allah again.
These companies profit from the increased public interest in Trump’s decisions and statements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
China's economy has been less affected by the war involving the US, Israel, and Iran, which has caused a major global energy crisis. This is because China relies more on coal and renewable energy than on oil and natural gas, helping it avoid the worst energy price shocks.
Key Facts
The war between the US, Israel, and Iran has created the biggest energy crisis in decades.
China uses about 60% coal for its energy, making it less dependent on oil and natural gas.
China has a large and growing renewable energy system, which helps reduce the impact of rising oil prices.
China leads the world in clean energy technology production.
Increased global demand for electric vehicles could boost China’s car exports by about 1% this year.
China is trying to play a bigger role globally as a mediator and defender of free trade.
The Trump administration’s changing policies have created opportunities for China to expand its influence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Confidence in the UK economy has dropped sharply due to the effects of the war involving Iran. Businesses are facing higher costs and expect to raise prices, while consumers worry about a new increase in living expenses.
Key Facts
UK consumer confidence fell to its lowest level since October 2023 in April.
The war in Iran is causing higher fuel and energy prices in the UK.
UK service sector firms experienced the largest cost increase since 1996 between March and April.
Manufacturing also saw rapid rises in raw material prices.
Over 25% of UK businesses expect to raise prices next month, the highest share since January 2023.
More than a third of businesses cite energy costs as a reason for planned price increases.
Inflation in the UK is expected to rise sharply, possibly leading the Bank of England to raise interest rates.
Despite challenges, UK services and manufacturing showed growth in April, helped by customers buying early to avoid future price rises.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The growth of the artificial intelligence (AI) economy is being slowed by supply chain problems caused by conflict in the Middle East. Key materials needed for making computer chips, like helium and natural gas, are harder to get because of attacks and blockades near the Strait of Hormuz. This is driving up costs and limiting the buildout of AI infrastructure.
Key Facts
The Iran war and related conflicts have disrupted supplies of industrial materials needed for making chips.
About 30% of the world's helium, essential for chip production, comes from Qatar and has been affected by recent attacks.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway for shipping natural gas and other supplies, is effectively closed, causing further delays.
Companies plan to invest around $650 billion this year in U.S. AI infrastructure, assuming supply chains remain stable.
The helium shortage and natural gas bottleneck threaten to slow down this AI investment boom.
Prices for components like microchips have increased sharply—up 17 times in the past year—due to growing demand and supply issues.
President Trump recently extended a ceasefire with Iran, but the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to a U.S. naval blockade.
Experts say the rising prices result from both supply disruptions and a surge in global demand for AI and defense technology components.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Paramount has received shareholder approval to buy Warner Bros. for $81 billion, a deal that would combine major media companies including CNN and CBS. The agreement still requires government approval before it can be completed.
Key Facts
Paramount wants to buy all of Warner Bros. for $31 a share.
Warner Bros. owns CNN, so the merger would bring CNN and CBS under one company.
Shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery voted in favor of the sale.
The deal must still pass regulatory reviews from agencies like the Justice Department.
Warner Bros. expects the deal to finish in the third fiscal quarter of this year.
Netflix previously tried to merge with Warner Bros. but backed out after Paramount made a higher offer.
Many entertainment industry workers are worried the merger could cause job losses and reduce options for audiences.
The final details are still being worked out and updates will follow.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Paramount’s plan to buy Warner Bros., including CNN, was approved by Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders. The $81 billion deal still needs approval from government regulators, who will review if the merger reduces competition before it can be finalized later this year.
Key Facts
Paramount offered $31 per share to buy all of Warner Bros. Discovery.
The deal is valued at $81 billion in total.
Shareholders from Warner Bros. Discovery voted in favor of the sale.
The merger will combine CNN and CBS under one company.
The U.S. Justice Department and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will review the merger for antitrust concerns.
Companies must notify regulators of deals over $101 million for review under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act.
Regulators have the power to stop or delay mergers if they harm competition.
President Donald Trump said politics will not influence the regulatory review process.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
This article compares how much money a $20,000 deposit could earn in 2026 if placed in a certificate of deposit (CD), a high-yield savings account, or a money market account. It shows that CDs tend to offer a slightly higher fixed interest rate, while savings and money market accounts have variable rates that can change over time.
Key Facts
CDs have fixed interest rates, making it easy to calculate earnings in advance.
High-yield savings and money market accounts have variable rates that can rise or fall.
A $20,000 deposit in a 3-month CD at 3.90% would earn about $192 by 2026.
The same deposit in a high-yield savings account at 4.03% would earn about $199.
A money market account at 4.00% on $20,000 would earn about $197 over three months.
Over six or nine months, a CD tends to earn slightly more interest than the other accounts at current rates.
None of these accounts have very large differences in earnings, so factors like flexibility and access to funds are important.
These accounts avoid the risk and daily ups and downs of stock market investing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Shareholders of Warner Bros. Discovery voted to sell the company to Paramount's owner for $81 billion, creating a large combined media company. This merger would combine streaming services like HBO Max and Paramount+ and reshape the entertainment industry by concentrating power among fewer companies.
Key Facts
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders approved selling the company to Paramount's owner for $81 billion.
The total value of the deal, including debt, is nearly $111 billion.
Paramount recently was acquired by Skydance last year.
The combined company would merge HBO Max and Paramount+ into one streaming service.
Paramount CEO David Ellison said HBO would retain some independence in production.
The merged streaming service would compete with Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.
Critics worry the merger could reduce streaming choices and raise subscription prices.
The deal is still subject to regulatory approval and review.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
