Latest news with #Michigan-based
Epoch Times
16 hours ago
- General
- Epoch Times
Woman With Disabled Adult Son Finds Her Purpose in Spotlighting the Caregiving Crisis in America
When Jessica was pregnant, she got tough news from her doctor: Her unborn child would either not survive, or have severe special needs. Fortunately her son Lucas did survive, though he faced many physical challenges: level 3 autism, intellectual disability, Chiari malformation, hydrocephalus, scoliosis, low muscle tone, and low vision. He would require round-the-clock care for the rest of his life. Five years later, Jessica was slammed with another challenge: Her husband Jason, age 30, passed away. The Michigan-based widow accepted life as a single mom of four children. At least, until a prayer at her husband's funeral: 'My mother-in-law, Jason's mom, actually pulled me aside at the funeral and said, 'Jess, I just want you to know I'm praying for your next husband.' I thought, I don't think I'm anywhere near even thinking about that, but you know, that would be great someday.'
Miami Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Trump's auto loan tax break could save working class buyers thousands, experts say
WASHINGTON - A Trump-backed tax holiday on auto loan interest payments could save middle-class Americans several hundred dollars apiece on new U.S.-built vehicle purchases through 2028, according to industry experts. The break comes via a provision in the Republicans' One Big Beautiful Bill Act, a massive tax cut and spending package signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4. "Auto buyers got an above-the-line tax deduction. That's a rare beast in the zoo of tax policies," economist Patrick Anderson said. He also called it a "sharp U-turn in auto tax policy" from the Biden era, which featured electric vehicle credits used by more affluent customers. There are strings attached to the provision, so not all customers and not all vehicles will qualify. But automakers and analysts alike have cheered the policy change as one that will benefit the working class and nudge buyers toward built-in-America vehicles. "For the subset of taxpayers that are employed, earn between $50,000 and $100,000 in salary, and are ready to buy a new car, this could reduce their cost by between $300 and $900 per year, and for heavy borrowers, over $1,000 per year," Anderson's firm, the Lansing, Michigan-based Anderson Economic Group, wrote in an analysis of the new policy. A separate analysis by automotive and industrial consultancy AlixPartners estimated similar benefits of up to $800 in each of the first and second years of auto loans when interest payments are highest, with total savings of approximately $3,000 over the full term of a given loan. The analysis also suggested that about 1.8 million borrowers per year could benefit. "While the auto-loan interest deduction for domestically produced vehicles would of course benefit consumers directly, this measure could help out automakers and dealers as well - if it nudges affordability upward and helps sustain demand. The proof, as always tough, will be in the final pudding," said Akshay Baliga, a director in the automotive and industrial practice at AlixPartners. Trump promised the auto loan tax break on the campaign trail last year, including during a speech to the Detroit Economic Club in October. At the time, he said the tax policy would help both automakers and consumers dealing with high prices across an industry that was "going out of business." Since then, Michigan U.S. Rep. Bill Huizenga, a Republican, has been a champion of the policy in Congress. He introduced a bill on the topic in May titled the "Made in America Motors Act," which was later folded into the Republicans' broader budget package. "Thanks to the No Tax on Auto Loan Interest included in the One Big Beautiful Bill, millions of Americans will find it more affordable to finance the purchase of a new car, minivan, truck, or SUV that is assembled in the United States," Huizenga said in an emailed statement. He added: "By reducing the federal tax burden by up to $10,000, this provision provides substantial relief to hardworking Americans, not just here in Michigan but across the nation, who have suffered from years of Bidenflation. Importantly, this provision will also spur on Michigan's automotive sector and strengthen the good-paying jobs it supports across our state." The White House has given the auto loan tax break top billing in promoting the legislative package, touting it in social media posts alongside wider-reaching "no tax on tips" and "no tax on overtime" policies. The average MSRP of a new vehicle in June was $51,124, according to Kelley Blue Book. That is the second-highest on record behind December 2024 ($51,990). Policy basics The provision applies "above the line," meaning that eligible tax filers will be able to take advantage of the break, even if they claim the widely used standard deduction on their annual federal submission. Individuals earning less than $100,000 in modified adjusted gross income and couples earning less than $200,000 can get the full benefit of the tax break, but it gradually phases out for higher-income filers. Anderson advised potential buyers to confirm their MAGI before making a purchase, since it tends to be higher than the more commonly known AGI. The Internal Revenue Service explains the difference on its website. The economist also advised buyers to double-check with dealers on where vehicles were assembled, since manufacturers often have different assembly locations for different trims of the same model. For anyone under the income cap looking to use the new deduction, the following basic requirements apply: -Purchases made in 2025 (including before July 4), 2026, 2027 and 2028 -No leases -Final vehicle assembly completed in the United States -Vehicle is either a car, minivan, van, sport utility vehicle, pickup truck, or motorcycle made for use on public streets -Vehicle weight below 14,000 pounds -Vehicle is new and for personal use -Loan made by unrelated parties (no family loans) The policy allows annual deductions of up to $10,000, though few filers are likely to claim deductions that high. The deduction provides no benefit for cash-rich buyers who pay off their vehicle in full upon purchase, and limited benefit to buyers who agree to low-APR financing deals with minimal interest accruing. The average interest rate on auto loans for borrowers with good to excellent credit (670 to 850 credit score) ranged from 5.18% to 6.70% in the first quarter of 2025, according to NerdWallet. For borrowers with nonprime or subprime credit (501-660), rates typically fall between 9.83% and 13.22%. Those rates could rise and fall depending on the length of a loan, with shorter loans drawing lower rates and longer ones drawing higher ones. The most common auto loans are between five and seven years. In practical terms, auto borrowers with strong credit who opt to buy a $30,000 vehicle, make a 20% down payment, and accept a 72-month loan would likely face annual interest payments between $1,200 and $1,700 for the first year of their loan. They could deduct a portion of that from their taxes and expect savings in the range of $140 and $360, depending on their federal income tax bracket. A borrower with weaker but still fair credit participating in a similar transaction would save in the range of $290 to $710, though savings in all cases vary depending on a combination of vehicle price, down payment, loan terms and income. Who benefits most? Anderson said that the "sweet spot" for the new tax policy is "younger workers buying a first or second car, working families that need a family-hauler, and trade workers that need lower-trim trucks for their personal use." His analysis included more than two dozen domestically assembled models that will likely benefit from the deduction, with several from Ford Motor Co., General Motors Co. and Stellantis NV. Those models include the Ford Bronco, Escape and lower-trim F-150s; Chevrolet Traverse, Colorado and lower-trim Silverado; and the Jeep Wrangler and Cherokee. Anderson doubted that the luxury market would see much benefit, since buyers in that segment tend to have higher incomes. He also noted that lower- and medium-income buyers who choose to go into debt to purchase expensive cars will be able to deduct "substantial" interest, though their budgets will take a hit in the process. A full list of eligible vehicles, Anderson predicted, will eventually be published by the IRS. Ivan Drury, the director of insights for Edmunds, said the policy will most benefit buyers with poor credit who need to accept higher interest rates to get an auto loan. Drury also predicted that some buyers might choose to put less money down at the time of purchase or opt into extended warranties or maintenance packages, knowing that they are in line for a tax break at the end of the year. "I think for the dealership, this is very beneficial when someone is financing," he said. "It's another leverage point for a dealership to make things more enticing once you're already in there." He also said the benefit is strong for consumers: "It's almost like, is it too good to be true? When you're paying interest, you're just paying the bank, right? You're not getting more car. Nobody wants to pay for the right to borrow." Industry reaction Drury called the new policy a welcome change for consumers but said it is unlikely to be a "volume buster" that supercharges auto sales. "Is it going to make or break the numbers for an OEM or a dealership? Unlikely," he said. "But it will make consumers feel less sting when they see current interest rates, especially people who've been out of the market for over six years, which is the average age for trading a vehicle in for a new car." Anderson's analysis also noted that the new deduction could help offset price increases from Trump's 25% tariffs on imported auto parts. Several automakers and dealers have cheered the new tax break, including Ford Motor Co., which assembled about 80% of its vehicles in the United States last year. "Customers can rest easy knowing America's best-selling trucks, the F-Series, are all assembled in America and qualify for this deduction," company spokesperson Robyn Jackson said in a statement. "As America's top auto producer, we're glad to see Congress and the Trump administration create policies that lower costs for customers and support the American auto industry at the same time." General Motors Co., which built about half of its vehicles in the United States, also celebrated the move. The manufacturer has launched dedicated landing pages for the tax breaks across its Chevy, GMC and Cadillac websites. "GM and its brands have been the engine of growth for the US auto industry this year, and we don't see that changing," company spokesperson Elizabeth Winter said in a statement. Stellantis NV and the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, the industry's top lobbying group, declined to comment. The United Auto Workers did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday. The National Auto Dealers Association suggested the policy might nudge sales upward with average new vehicle prices close to all-time highs. "The new provision allowing qualifying car buyers to deduct auto loan interest is designed to help offset some costs and make certain vehicles more affordable. As a result, it is expected to help stimulate car sales for the industry," spokesperson Amy Wright said. Walt Tutak, the dealer trade inventory manager at Matthews-Hargreaves Chevrolet in Royal Oak, said the tax break was "a great thing" but did not expect it to boost sales significantly. Tutak noted that his dealership leases about 70% of new vehicles, transactions that are not covered by the new policy. He suggested that some buyers might switch to purchasing because of their ability to deduct loan interest but expected the impact to be marginal. "If you have to buy a car, you're going to buy it one way or the other," Tutak said in a phone interview. "I might be wrong, but I don't think it's gonna make any more sales. It's just gonna help the consumer." Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Westerville dispensary debuts cannabis drive-thru for ‘fast, convenient service'
WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) — A medical and adult-use marijuana dispensary with multiple locations in central Ohio is offering a new option for some of its cannabis customers to receive their products. Trulieve Westerville, at 8295 Sancus Boulevard, has announced that its first drive-thru service in Ohio is now available. In a news release, the company said clients can pick up their orders while still in their cars. 'We're always looking for ways to improve access and make the customer experience more seamless,' said Mac Amin, Trulieve's Director of State Operations for Ohio. 'Whether you're a busy parent, a working professional, or a medical patient managing mobility challenges, this new drive-thru in Westerville delivers fast, convenient service without ever leaving your vehicle.' Trulieve Westerville opened in July 2023 as a medical cannabis dispensary. While this dispensary is not the first to offer drive-thru service in the central Ohio area, it appears to be the first in Westerville. Previously, NBC4 reported on Michigan-based Nar Reserve providing a pickup window at its Delaware site. Ohio's Division of Cannabis Control permits drive-up dispensary windows, provided the business follows specific security and surveillance requirements. Amin told NBC4 that customers have embraced the added convenience. 'We have seen a fantastic response since introducing drive-thru service at our Westerville dispensary,' said Amin. 'The ability to reserve your order online and pick it up without having to leave your car has been a game changer for our customers and medical patients.' Trulieve, a national cannabis retailer, operates more than 200 locations in nine states across America. Six current storefronts are in Ohio, and one upcoming business is slated to open in Cincinnati. In central Ohio, Trulieve can be found in Clintonville, German Village and Westerville. Central Ohio Trulieve locations are open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Express Tribune
1973 Chrysler crash sparks viral debate over car safety evolution
A recent crash involving a 1973 Chrysler New Yorker has ignited an online debate over car safety standards then and now. The Michigan-based owner shared that the vintage vehicle sustained minimal damage after being rear-ended by a modern car—drawing viral attention to the collision and prompting thousands to weigh in on whether older or newer vehicles are safer. Many classic car enthusiasts praised the Chrysler's heavy steel frame, calling it a testament to the durability of older models. My very boomer like opinion is cars simply were built better back then. — 💀DeathMetalViking💀 (@DeathMetalV) July 17, 2025 However, automotive safety experts pushed back, pointing out that modern vehicles are designed to crumple on impact. These crumple zones absorb collision energy, reducing the force transmitted to occupants—ultimately saving lives even if the vehicle appears more damaged. The amount of people who think this is a good sign is concerning. Y'all realize its the driver who absorbs the crash if the car doesn't😭 — kira 👾 (@kirawontmiss) July 17, 2025 One of the biggest midwit litmus tests for people is whether they understand that a car not taking visible damage in a crash is actually a bad thing — Rock solid (@ShitpostRock) July 17, 2025 Critics of the older vehicle noted the lack of key safety features like airbags, anti-lock brakes, and reinforced cabin structures. While the 1973 Chrysler may have fared well externally, experts emphasized that passenger safety in high-speed collisions would likely be much lower compared to today's standards. The incident underscores the evolution in automotive engineering, which has shifted from preserving the car itself to prioritizing passenger protection. As viral discussions continue, safety professionals urge the public to understand that vehicle damage does not equate to poor performance—modern cars are designed to protect what matters most: the people inside.
Business Upturn
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Upturn
Serenity Nails And Spa Celebrates 10 Years of Tranquility, Transformation, and Tenacity
Livonia, Michigan , July 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Serenity Nails and Spa, a Michigan-based spa, announces its 10-year celebration, providing restorative and beautifying services for the ultimate unwinding experience. Built on the ethos of passion and spirituality, the spa provides a tranquil space offering a comprehensive set of services rooted in holistic self-care. Serenity Nails and Spa Founded by Janan Kaoud, Serenity Nails and Spa has stood as a quiet force of healing and beauty in a world where self-care is often neglected. Unlike a polished roadmap or a structured business plan, Serenity Spa was born from something much more personal: a whisper from within, or a divine nudge, as Kaoud describes it. After years of working under someone's roof, helping others build their dreams, Kaoud began to recognize her own light. A light that reflected her desire to build a space of her own, where she could fulfill her purpose. 'Everywhere I turned, there was a door that was closed for me,' Kaoud says. 'I had to open my door myself. I did all the steps I had to do. It was hard, but eventually the shop was built from scratch. The walls, the floors, everything.' From the moment Serenity opened its doors, it reflected Kaoud's belief, which was rooted in the divinity of the human body. This belief pervaded not only her services but also the spa's interiors. The 1,400 square-foot spa was carefully created to offer clients more than just services. With earthy tones, soft lighting, and calming music that soothes the mind, body, and soul, Serenity aims to create a sense of peace that lingers long after appointments end. 'People come here to feel something,' Kaoud says, 'We've created a space that doesn't judge anyone. We're here to serve, to comfort, to care, and to create a moment that feels safe.' Over the years, Serenity has quietly grown into a haven for women and men alike. From specialized nail care to skincare, each treatment is offered with intention. Clients frequently leave glowing, not just because of the facials or manicures, but because their spirits feel more whole. 'So many people come in with low self-esteem,' Kaoud reflects. 'And I've always tried to find the beauty in everybody, no matter how they look. So, to be able to build someone up, help them see themselves in the way I do, even in small ways, is precious.' Fueled by this belief and an unwavering faith in the universe's plan, Kaoud has set her vision for Serenity's next chapter. As the spa steps into its second decade, it's preparing to expand into a full-fledged wellness center, offering medical-grade treatments while preserving the zen-like warmth and tranquil minimalism that sets it apart. 'A lot of med spas feel clinical and cold. White walls, white furniture, sterile energy,' she adds. 'I want to change that and create an inviting atmosphere, one that embodies comfort with quality.' Among the innovations Kaoud is investing in is the T-Shape 2, a non-invasive machine that helps reduce body fat, smooth cellulite, and tighten skin through radiofrequency energy and lymphatic drainage. She's also exploring advanced IPL (Intense Pulsed Light) treatments for acne scars, hyperpigmentation, and broken capillaries, as well as hair reduction technology that is safe and effective for all skin tones. 'I want everyone who walks through our door to feel seen,' she says. 'To know there's something here that was chosen with them in mind, allowing them to have that bespoke experience.' But Kaoud's ambitions go beyond equipment. She dreams of growing her team with people who align with her vision. 'You can't grow alone. I've done so much by myself, and I'm grateful, but now I see that having the right people around is everything.' At the center of Serenity lies Kaoud's sense of spirituality. While her journey so far hasn't been without its fair share of struggles, she credits her fortitude and unfettered tenacity to her faith and to her mother, Sylvia, who believed in her before she could believe in herself. 'My mom always said, 'You can do it.' She pushed me when I needed it the most, and my faith carried me through it,' she adds. Looking ahead, Kaoud envisions multiple locations, each one embedded in the same values of rejuvenation, care, and transformation, crafting more services that cater to the whole body. After a decade of evoking satisfaction, relaxation, and peace within clients, Serenity reaffirms that it's more than a spa. It's a testament to resilience, to divine timing, and most importantly, to the power of the woman who listened to her calling. As Serenity begins its next chapter, one thing remains certain: Kaoud has created something sacred. And for the countless lives her work has touched, that makes all the difference. Media Contact: Name: Janan Kaoud Email: [email protected] Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash
