Latest news with #KPRC2
Boston Globe
4 days ago
- Climate
- Boston Globe
Photos show northern lights visible in night sky across much of US
Always cool to see from near Las Vegas. Was visible in camera only, but I'll take it. 2 to 4am. — Tyler Leavitt owner of (@tslclick) NORTHERN LIGHTS tonight! reminder for 🇨🇦 & 27 🇺🇸 states, as far south as Alabama 😳 They are worth seeing, never know when you'll be able to next! I saw last night — Tomahawk (@Oskth04) We could see the Northern lights (aurora borealis) from the Grand Teton National Park. A massive geomagnetic storm fueled by an ongoing coronal mass ejection brought the lights to much of the northern U.S. over the weekend. — Gage Goulding - KPRC 2 (@GageGoulding) Northern lights 6/1/2025 — Brian Morris (@BsauceSays) Julia Capraro can be reached at
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Houston man claims illiterate stepfather with memory loss issues was scammed into $98K solar panel debt
Isable Aguirre, a 72-year-old Houston resident, can't read or write and speaks only Spanish. The senior also struggles with memory loss. Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) His stepson thinks these factors made Aguirre the perfect target for unscrupulous solar panel salespeople who left him in massive debt, according to a report from KPRC 2. The senior said he doesn't remember signing consenting or signing to buy solar panels that have been installed on his house since 2023. But his stepson, Oscar Garcia, believes that's exactly how the trouble started. 'Even if you come to his house and tell him, 'Hey, sign this and sign that,' he will sign it,' Garcia told KPRC 2. 'And then next time he's like, 'What did I sign?'' Aguirre recalled, 'I clearly told them I didn't want that, and they ran away.' But now, he has solar panels sitting on his roof, locked and inactive. No payments have been made on them, but he is staring down nearly $98,000 in debt. Garcia said a lien has been placed on his stepfather's home. Aguirre has lived in his Northside Village home for more than 15 years, and relies solely on Social Security for income. According to Garcia, the sales team pitched a too-good-to-be-true story: 'They were telling him something about that, I think Medicaid was going to pay for them or his Social Security was going to pay for them.' Garcia wasn't present when the deal went down, but a contract he shared with KPRC 2 names Texas Energy Resources Innovation as the contractor, and GoodLeap as the loan company now charging Aguirre. Texas Energy Resources Innovation is not Better Business Bureau accredited and has an F rating for failure to respond to 15 complaints filed against it. GoodLeap is BBB accredited and holds an A rating, but it's also racked up over 1,000 consumer complaints in the last three years. The company was also named in a 2023 lawsuit by the Minnesota Attorney General, accusing it and three others of 'making misrepresentations and engaging in other deceptive conduct while marketing their loans to prospective customers.' According to a report from non-profit Texas Appleseed, solar-related consumer complaints to the Texas Attorney General's Office jumped a massive 818% from 2018 to 2023. Read more: BlackRock CEO Larry Fink has an important message for the next wave of American retirees — here's how he says you can best weather the US retirement crisis 'Many of the harmful practices targeted older Texans and people who are not native English speakers,' it said. 'These practices included misleading statements that residents would no longer receive electric bills after panels were installed, false promises of government tax credits, and forgeries of signatures or other deceptive practices used to execute financing contracts.' Common complaints included defective or damaged goods, problems with sales practices, failure to provide repairs, and unsatisfactory workmanship. In about 8% of cases, customers said they were billed for equipment or services that they never received. Forty-two percent of the complaints involved solar loans, and another 11% mentioned leases, which are the two most common ways people pay for residential solar. GoodLeap and Solar Mosaic were the lenders most commonly cited in the complaints. Lawmakers are paying attention. House Bill 1640 would require the Public Utility Commission of Texas to create a consumer guide for going solar. Meanwhile, Senate Bill 1036 aims to create a regulatory framework to protect consumers. Thinking about going solar? The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) warns that solar scams can begin with a phone call, a message on social media, or a simple knock at the door. Here are some things to keep in mind when dealing with solar salespeople: There's no such thing as free solar panels, even if someone claims the government will cover the cost under a special program. Salespeople may exaggerate or lie about rebates, tax credits, or utility incentives that you can receive. Make sure to do the research and verify these facts yourself. Don't get pressured into signing on the spot or paying upfront or immediately. Promotional rates or short periods of relatively low payments are often used to mask the true cost. Solar can save money, but only if the deal is real and right for you. With the solar industry growing fast, it's more important than ever to read the fine print, check company credentials, and never rush into a deal, no matter how sunny it sounds. Vist the the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Consumer Solar Awareness website for more useful information and guidance to avoid scams. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Robert Kiyosaki warns of a 'Greater Depression' coming to the US — with millions of Americans going poor. But he says these 2 'easy-money' assets will bring in 'great wealth'. How to get in now This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
The Drive
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Drive
Texas Man Is Tired of His New Ford F-150 Randomly Braking on the Highway
If you've ever been to East Texas, chances are you've driven on U.S. 290. This massive freeway nominally runs from Houston to Segovia—not a town, so much as a diminutive spec on the map—but the stretch between Houston and Austin is one of the most heavily trafficked routes in the state, making it a necessary headache for commuters in both metro areas. But one Houston resident with a Ford pickup is having a rougher go of it than many others thanks to a glitch in its driver-assistance tech. Whenever Ryan Kattchee tries to use his 2024 F-150 Lariat's adaptive cruise control feature on U.S. 290 near Jersey Village, the automatic braking system throws a bit of a fit, activating at random intervals and intensities, with little warning. And before you write this off as simply a random one-off incident, Kattchee not only has proof, but witnesses. A few weeks back, Kattchee invited KPRC 2 along for a ride in his F-150 to demonstrate the problem, and demonstrate it he did. With the crew riding along, the adaptive cruise system hiccuped again and again. Each time, it displayed a collision alert in the instrument cluster and instantly applied the brakes—sometimes just briefly, others more aggressively. In one case, the truck suddenly slowed down by nearly 20 mph before Kattchee was able to intervene. It's not just an inconvenience for him; it's also embarrassing. 'People behind you probably think you're the worst driver in Houston,' KPRC 2's Gage Golding says to Kattchee while riding shotgun. Believe me, that's saying something. The station's story states that while there's no 'rhyme or reason as to why this happens,' the adaptive cruise system in Kattchee's truck seems to act up near overpasses and large overhead signage. It's unclear whether that guess originated from the owner himself, the news channel during its ride-along, or techs attempting to diagnose the problem. It's also unclear if this behavior only crops up on U.S. 290, or on other roads and highways as well. Kattchee has been working with his dealer to try to resolve the issue for three months, but its service department has been stumped, attempting various fixes to no avail. His only remaining recourse is to pursue a buyback, which he says is in the works. The Drive reached out to Ford for comment but did not hear back by the time of publication, and we will update this post if that changes. Got tips? Send 'em to tips@ Byron is one of those weird car people who has never owned an automatic transmission. Born in the DMV but Midwestern at heart, he lives outside of Detroit with his wife, two cats, a Miata, a Wrangler, and a Blackwing.
Yahoo
04-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Houston woman faced ‘severe' tooth pain for 10 years — what millions of Americans who share her agony can do
For more than a decade, Nikita Goffney lived with intense pain every time she tried to eat, all because her teeth were severely damaged. As she shared with KPRC 2 Helps You, her teeth would 'break in half, literally, while I'm chewing food.' I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) The Houston resident had suffered silently for years, forced to avoid solid foods and compelled to hide her smile — and herself — out of embarrassment. "I don't want (people) to judge me or, you know, judge my kids based off of me not having teeth in my mouth,' she said. 'So it has affected my whole life." Goffney's dental problems began early. Raised in foster care, she had minimal access to dental exams and treatments during childhood. As an adult, she never had health or dental insurance, and the financial burden of dental care had put treatment out of reach. As a result, her oral health slowly deteriorated. "I'm basically gnawing like a baby to try to get food down," Goffney explained. Due to her dental challenges, most of her meals have been limited to fresh fruits blended with protein powder and juice. But some days, her gums would swell to the point that she simply couldn't eat. 'It (her gums) used to swell so bad that I would have to put ice packs on it,' she recalled. As the years went by, her teeth began to crack, fall apart and eventually fall out entirely. Goffney's story, however, took a turn when she reached out to KPRC 2 Helps You. Reporter Bill Spencer connected her with Dr. Terri Alani — a Houston-based dentist specializing in implant, cosmetic and general dentistry — and Dr. Alani didn't hesitate to help. '(I) realize how lucky I am to be able to give back to people," Dr. Alani expressed. "It's not on purpose that their teeth are in such bad shape and that they can't smile. Everybody should have the chance to be able to smile and feel good about themselves.' With Dr. Alani's assistance, Goffney will receive a full smile makeover — free of charge. And while Goffney is thankful for Dr. Alani's help, millions of Americans struggling with similar dental issues are unable to afford a trip to the dentist. Read more: Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? Goffney's situation, while heartbreaking, is not uncommon. Dental care in the United States is often siloed from general health care and remains a financial burden for millions. According to recent statistics from the American Dental Association, only about 39% of adults ages 19-64 visit the dentist regularly. This is often due to cost barriers, which 13% of the population reported for dental care, versus 4–5% that reported cost barriers for other health care services. Here's why dental issues can quickly become expensive: Cleanings can cost anywhere from $75 to $200 without coverage, and untreated problems can often snowball into severe issues. Root canals can exceed $1,200, and a dental bridge can cost you $2,500 or more. Even those with insurance often find limited help, as many plans cap coverage anywhere between $1,000 to $2,000 annually, far short of what's needed for major dental procedures. Whether you're uninsured or underinsured, there are a few things Americans can do help to manage the costs of dental care: Find dental discount plans. Unlike insurance, these memberships offer reduced rates from participating dentists, often up to 50% off. Use HSAs or FSAs. With a Health Savings Account (HSA) or a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can set aside pre-tax dollars for future dental expenses. Get cost estimates in advance and budget. Ask for a written treatment plan so you can prepare yourself with a budget and even shop around to compare different dentists' fees. Start a dental fund. Setting aside just $30–$50 per month in a high-yield savings account can cushion the blow if an emergency dental procedure arises. You may not have to pay 100% upfront. Many dentists offer payment plans or third-party financing, and some even offer sliding-scale fees. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead There's a 60% chance of a recession hitting the American economy this year — protect your retirement savings with these essential money moves ASAP (most of which you can complete in just minutes) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
24 people banned from Carnival cruises after massive brawl breaks out while docked for customs
Twenty-four people have been banned from sailing with Carnival Cruise Lines after a massive brawl broke out among the passengers. Phone footage of the incident posted to Facebook by an eyewitness showed a large group of people at the terminal in Galveston, Texas, shoving one another and swinging punches. The melee, which took place over the weekend as passengers queued for customs, eventually spread past a line of safety barriers. At one point a man can be seen being pushed to the ground and pummelled by a group of assailants. Members of the facility's security team rushed to intervene while fellow holidaymakers moved out of the way while sidestepping piles of luggage strewn across the floor. NEW: 24 people have been banned from Carnival Cruise Line after a massive brawl broke out when the ship docked in Galveston, Texas over the man was seen getting pulverized on the ground by multiple people after he fell down."The incident occurred in the… — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) April 29, 2025 'It went down this morning,' wrote Trelle Ray, who first shared the clip on social media. The cruise had just returned to the United States after a week touring the western Caribbean, stopping in Mexico and Honduras, when the violence erupted. 'The incident occurred in the debarkation area under the authority of U.S. Customs and Border Patrol,' Carnival explained in a statement to local news outlet KPRC 2. 'The matter was turned over to law enforcement. We will not tolerate such behavior, and 24 people have been placed on our Do Not Sail list.' Border patrol officials subsequently told KPRC 2 that 10 people had initially been detained but only one man was arrested: Ethan Meritt-Clark, 21, from Chicago, Illinois. Court records reveal Meritt-Clark said he was debarking from Carnival's Jubilee ship and picking up his luggage when he noticed a group of people 'he had an issue with while on the cruise.' He told officers he had previously met them a day earlier when they were playing basketball onboard. A fight had broken out during the game. Meritt-Clark alleged in his affidavit that the group confronted him at the Galveston terminal and started 'hitting and stomping' him to the ground. But the court documents state that he then 'recanted his original statement' and instead admitted to pushing an elderly man during the fracas. Investigators subsequently spoke to the elderly man, who said he had been attempting to intervene to calm the situation and had told Merrit-Clark, 'Don't do what you're about to do'. The 21-year-old is reportedly now facing first-degree felony charges for injury to a child, elderly individual or disabled individual and is being held on a $5,000 bond.
