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Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Chumash Casino Resort Adopts Kinectify's Modern AML Technology to Elevate Compliance and Risk Management
Chumash Casino Resort strengthens its AML capabilities with Kinectify's modern technology designed for the gaming industry. LAS VEGAS, NV, UNITED STATES, May 27, 2025 / / -- Kinectify, the leading provider of AML compliance software and advisory services purpose-built for the gaming industry, today announced that Chumash Casino Resort has selected Kinectify's modern AML platform to enhance its compliance and risk management operations. Located in Santa Ynez, California, Chumash Casino Resort is one of the premier tribal gaming destinations in the state, known for delivering exceptional hospitality and entertainment experiences. As part of its ongoing commitment to operational excellence and regulatory integrity, Chumash Casino Resort has partnered with Kinectify to implement an advanced AML risk management system purpose-built for the gaming industry. 'We are proud to welcome Chumash Casino Resort to the Kinectify family,' said Joseph Martin, CEO of Kinectify. 'Their selection of our technology underscores a growing trend among tribal and commercial operators to modernize AML compliance with platforms designed specifically for the complexities of gaming. We are thrilled to support Chumash in strengthening their risk controls and achieving greater operational efficiency.' Kinectify's configurable platform will empower Chumash Casino Resort's compliance team with real-time risk insights, streamlined case management, and automated reporting capabilities. This adoption marks another milestone in Kinectify's mission to elevate the standard of AML compliance across the gaming industry. 'As one of California's leading tribal gaming properties, we are committed to implementing the best tools available to protect our guests, our team members, and our operations,' said Desiree Hooper, Executive Director of Policy and Controls at Chumash Casino Resort. 'Kinectify's intuitive platform and deep industry expertise make them the ideal partner for our compliance program.' Chumash Casino Resort joins a growing roster of tribal and commercial operators embracing Kinectify's industry-leading AML technology, reinforcing its position as the preferred provider for modern gaming compliance. About Kinectify Kinectify is an intelligence and risk management technology company serving gaming operators. Kinectify's modern AML platform empowers clients to efficiently manage risk with real-time intelligence so they can focus on growing their businesses instead of being bogged down by compliance. In addition, Kinectify's advisory services enhance gaming operators' capacity with industry experts who can design and test programs, meet compliance deadlines, and even provide outsource services for the day-to-day administration of compliance programs. For more information or to request a demo, visit About Chumash Casino Resort Located on Highway 246 in Santa Ynez, California, the Chumash Casino Resort is owned and operated by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. The casino's gaming floor is open 24/7 and features 2,300 slot machines, dozens of table games, bingo, poker, daily cash and prize giveaways, The Sports Bar at Chumash and Willows, a AAA Four Diamond-rated restaurant. For more information, visit For further information or to schedule a demo, please contact: Sean Topchi Kinectify +1 725-235-9964 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Facebook X Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Independent
Older people in crosshairs as government restarts Social Security garnishment on student loans
Christine Farro has cut back on the presents she sends her grandchildren on their birthdays, and she's put off taking two cats and a dog for their shots. All her clothes come from thrift stores and most of her vegetables come from her garden. At 73, she has cut her costs as much as she can to live on a tight budget. But it's about to get far tighter. As the Trump administration resumes collections on defaulted student loans, a surprising population has been caught in the crosshairs: Hundreds of thousands of older Americans whose decades-old debts now put them at risk of having their Social Security checks garnished. 'I worked ridiculous hours. I worked weekends and nights. But I could never pay it off,' says Farro, a retired child welfare worker in Santa Ynez, California. Like millions of debtors with federal student loans, Farro had her payments and interest paused by the government five years ago when the pandemic thrust many into financial hardship. That grace period ended in 2023 and, earlier this month, the Department of Education said it would restart 'involuntary collections' by garnishing paychecks, tax refunds and Social Security retirement and disability benefits. Farro previously had her Social Security garnished and expects it to restart. Farro's loans date back 40 years. She was a single mother when she got a bachelor's degree in developmental psychology and when she discovered she couldn't earn enough to pay off her loans, she went back to school and got a master's degree. Her salary never caught up. Things only got worse. Around 2008, when she consolidated her loans, she was paying $1,000 a month, but years of missed payments and piled-on interest meant she was barely putting a dent in a bill that had ballooned to $250,000. When she sought help to resolve her debt, she says the loan company had just one suggestion. 'They said, 'Move to a cheaper state,'' says Farro, who rents a 400-square-foot casita from a friend. 'I realized I was living in a different reality than they were.' Student loan debt among older people has grown at a staggering rate, in part due to rising tuitions that have forced more people to borrow greater sums. People 60 and older hold an estimated $125 billion in student loans, according to the National Consumer Law Center, a six-fold increase from 20 years ago. That has led Social Security beneficiaries who have had their payments garnished to balloon by 3,000% over the same period, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. An estimated 452,000 people aged 62 and older had student loans in default, according to a January report from CFPB. Debbie McIntyre, a 62-year-old adult education teacher in Georgetown, Kentucky, is among them. She dreams of retiring and writing more historical fiction, and of boarding a plane for the first time since high school. But her husband has been out of work on disability for two decades and they've used credit cards to get by on his meager benefits and her paycheck. Their rent will be hiked $300 when their lease renews. McIntyre doesn't know what to do if her paycheck is garnished. She floats the idea of bankruptcy, but that won't automatically clear her loans, which are held to a different standard than other debt. She figures if she picks up extra jobs babysitting or tutoring, she could put $50 toward her loans here and there. But she sees no real solution. 'I don't know what more I can do,' says McIntyre, who is too afraid to check what her loan balance is. 'I'll never get out of this hole.' Braxton Brewington of the Debt Collective debtors union says it's striking how many older people dial into the organization's calls and attend its protests. Many of them, he says, should have had their debts cancelled but fell victim to a system 'riddled with flaws and illegalities and flukes.' Many whose educations have left them in late-life debt have, in fact, paid back the principal on their loans, sometimes several times over, but still owe more due to interest and fees. For those who are subject to garnishment, Brewington says, the results can be devastating. 'We hear from people who skip meals. We know people who dilute their medication or cut their pills in half. People take drastic measures like pulling all their savings out or dissolving their 401ks,' he says. 'We know folks that have been driven into homelessness.' Collections on defaulted loans may have restarted no matter who was president, though the Biden administration had sought to limit the amount of income that could be garnished. Federal law protects just $750 of Social Security benefits from garnishment, an amount that would put a debtor far below the poverty line. 'We're basically providing people with federal benefits with one hand and taking them away with another,' says Sarah Sattelmeyer of the New America think tank. Linda Hilton, a 76-year-old retired office worker from Apache Junction, Arizona, went through garnishment before COVID and says she will survive it again. But flights to see her children, occasional meals at a restaurant and other pleasures of retired life may disappear. 'It's going to mean restrictions,' says Hilton. 'There won't be any travel. There won't be any frills.' Some debtors have already received notice about collections. Many more are living in fear. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order calling for the Department of Education's dismantling and, for those seeking answers about their loans, mass layoffs have complicated getting calls answered. While Education Secretary Linda McMahon says restarting collections is a necessary step for debtors 'both for the sake of their own financial health and our nation's economic outlook,' even some of Trump's most fervent supporters are questioning a move that will make their lives harder. Randall Countryman, 55, of Bonita, California, says a Biden administration proposal to forgive some student debt didn't strike him as fair, but he's not sure Trump's approach is either. He supported Trump but wishes the government made case-by-case decisions on debtors. Countryman thinks Americans don't realize how many older people are affected by policies on student loans, often thought to be the turf of the young, and how difficult it can be for them to repay. 'What's a young person's problem today,' he says, 'is an old person's problem tomorrow.' Countryman started working on a degree while in prison, then continued it at the University of Phoenix when he was released. He started growing nervous as he racked up loan debt and never finished his degree. He's worked a host of different jobs, but finding work has often been complicated by his criminal record. He lives off his wife's Social Security check and the kindness of his mother-in-law. He doesn't know how they'd get by if the government demands repayment. 'I kind of wish I never went to school in the first place,' he says. ___ Matt Sedensky can be reached at msedensky@ and
Forbes
09-05-2025
- Forbes
The Luxe Ranch That Millennial Parents Are Loving: Why Alisal Ranch Is A Top Summer Getaway In 2025
The Alisal in scenic Santa Ynez is famed for its family-friendly horseback program, but is also home ... More to notable spa and dining experiences. At preschool drop-off and pickup here in LA, I've been hearing a growing number of stories from young families choosing long weekend escapes to drive-friendly resorts – often with grandparents in tow. This anecdotal trend is consistent with a recent report on multigenerational travel which found that '50% of parents polled would prefer to take a multi-gen vacation over a vacation with just the kids,' and that,'76% agreeing travel is the ultimate way to make memories as an extended family.' The destination of choice for many of these savvy millennial families? Alisal Ranch, a luxury working ranch where cowboy-style creature comforts meet five-star resort hospitality, all set amid the stunning Santa Ynez wine country. Just two hours north of Los Angeles, the 10,500 acres resort has been an annual, multi-generational destination for decades. Longtime guests who once took their own first trail ride at Alisal are now bringing children and grandchildren, while those new to the property will discover a contemporary, luxury-first take on a classic ranch experience. Here are the top five need-to-knows for anyone considering a visit. Trail Rides, Toddler Rides and Baby Sheep A standout activity for many are Alisal's daily, two-hour scenic trail rides, with groups divided by riding level: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Rides can also be selected by duration, a starter ride for beginners is just one hour. For guests under seven, a complimentary 'lead around' ride at the barn gets even the youngest children familiar with horseback riding under the careful supervision of an expert wrangler and a parent, complete with helmets. For ages 4-6, 30-minute corral riding lessons are also available. For kids who can't get enough of the barn or the ranch animals, the property's petting zoo opens daily at 930am, just as the first morning ride departs. This is a prime opportunity for parents to enjoy a morning ride while grandparents hang back with grandchildren to meet a baby goat, pet friendly pigs and, on select days, collect eggs from the henhouse. Even after the petting zoo closes, cat-loving kids can almost always receive a warm welcome from two resident lobby cats. Child-Friendly Happy Hours and Expert Cocktails It wouldn't be a luxury ranch experience without plenty of opportunity to unwind, Western style. Many nights of the week, different beverage-making classes take place in the classic-Western, saloon-inspired Oak Room. On Fridays, an expert mixology team leads a cocktail-making class– on Sundays, the team offers a wine-tasting. Pro tip for families: at these happy-hour happenings, children are welcome and snacks are included. On occasion or by request, children are even welcome to make their own mocktails. The Oak Room space offers plenty of room to roam inside, and easy access to the central lawn. It's an ideal setup for one generation to enjoy a happy hour tasting while the other keeps an eye on the kids. Alisals' trail-riding program offers opportunities for riders of all levels. Suite Accommodations, From Cottages To A Luxe Home For 12 Every accommodation at Alisal is built with families in mind. Smaller groups can comfortably fit into a 458-square foot Mountain View Cottage or 450 square foot Luxury Studio, both outfitted with wood-burning fireplaces, vintage artwork and private patios. Luxury studios are the entry-level category, while the Mountain View Cottage has a separate living room space and two full bathrooms. Multi-generational families traveling together and looking for a bit more space can book a variety of larger accommodations that sleep up to 12. The largest space, at 2,164 square feet, is the Jackson House, featuring three king bedrooms, each with its own wood-burning fireplace and wet bar. A dining room makes it easy to have private family meals or host a family happy hour using wine and snacks gathered from nearby wineries. Outdoor fireplaces and private entrances for each bedroom up the privacy factor. Country Formal Family Dinners One of the rare treats families discover at Alisal is the return of dressed-up, all-ages dinners – complete with live piano accompaniment and a grand Western setting. Meals here are a frequent highlight among families who have just returned from a first visit. Yes, many families absolutely lean into the dress code of cowboy boots, lariats, cowboy hats and other committed interpretations of cowboy formal. Another tip: bring at least one themed accessory for the full Alisal dinner experience. Behind the scenes, the seasoned food and beverage team seamlessly ensures all requests are accommodated effortlessly. Dietary restrictions, kids' menus and non-alcoholic preferences are all noted in a pre-arrival call or email, and followed through by the service team each night. A Wellness Retreat Reserved exclusively for Alisal guests and members, the property's serene spa is a calm haven that strikes a fine balance between fancy cowboy and zen den. Body and facial reatments feature organic, nourishing ingredients. For parents relying on grandparents for childcare during a stay, a treatment here could be an appreciated 'thank you'. This may be a working ranch, but the spa feels like a luxurious retreat all on its own. Many of the massage therapists are decades-long veterans of Alisal, bringing an intuitive approach, and deep restoration, to each session. For many families, the chance to enjoy five-star comforts in one of California's most scenic settings, surrounded by nature and designed with multigenerational travel in mind, is reason enough to return year after year. Every family I've spoken with post-Alisal has said they're already planning their next visit—for the trail rides, the slower pace, and, next time, with a few more cowboy accessories in their suitcase.
