Costs

Negligent Stormwater Management Costs New Jersey Borough $21.8 Million in Flood-damaged Properties

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CAMDEN COUNTY, New Jersey – A jury has reached a verdict in a lawsuit alleging that negligent stormwater management by the Borough of Haddonfield resulted in severe flooding and damage to four houses. The plaintiffs, who owned the affected properties, claimed that a storm on June 20, 2019, caused backups in the borough’s stormwater management system, leading to flooding and contamination. The jury’s unanimous decision, which awarded $21.8 million in damages, serves as a warning to municipal officials who may prioritize flashy investments over essential infrastructure like stormwater management. According to Robert D. Sokolove, the … Read more

Donald Trump Has Spent Nearly $50 Million on Legal Fees Since First Criminal Indictment, With Costs Still Rising

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Former President Donald Trump has paid his lawyers nearly $50 million since March 2023 as he approaches the one-year mark since his first criminal indictment, according to filings from his PAC Save America. The ex-president has controversially relied on donors to fund his personal legal battles, leading to escalating costs. Trump’s leadership PAC, Save America, has spent $76.5 million from March 30, 2023, through the end of February, with approximately $47.4 million specifically allocated to legal consulting, attorney payroll, and other legal-related services. Comparatively, between November 2020 and March 29, 2023, Save America spent $25.2 … Read more

National Association of Realtors Settles Lawsuit Over Inflated Real Estate Commissions, Potentially Shifting Costs for Homebuyers

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Chicago, IL – The National Association of Realtors has reached a settlement in a legal battle accusing the organization of artificially inflating real estate commissions. This agreement has the potential to significantly impact the amount consumers pay during real estate transactions. Representing approximately 1.5 million real estate agents across the country, the real estate group has agreed to pay a total of $418 million over the course of four years to resolve multiple cases. In addition to the financial settlement, the association has also committed to making changes to the regulations that critics argue have … Read more

Libraries Fight Soaring Costs of Digital Books as Patrons Face Long Waiting Lists

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HARTFORD, Conn. – West Haven, a city in Connecticut, is grappling with the financial strain caused by the steep costs of e-books and audiobooks at public libraries. Libraries, including the one in West Haven, are facing exorbitant prices for digital copies of popular titles, with these prices often much higher than what consumers pay. For instance, while the library can purchase a hardcover copy of a bestselling author like Robin Cook for $18, leasing a digital copy can cost up to $55. The cost issue is further compounded by the fact that these digital copies … Read more