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Articles by Tom Wolf
Ask Isaac, the AI assistant for Town information: a review
The town of Acton recently added a new feature to the town web site to make finding Town resources easier. More than a search engine, “Ask Issac” is an AI assistant, linked on the home page, that takes questions in natural language and returns well-formatted responses using resources it finds on the Town’s website. The press release, dated Sept 14, announced the new feature.
Environment
Acton Nature Watch: Buck Moon (July 14 – August 11, 2026) Conservation Commission notes: August 5, 2026 Acton researches deer management programs After record-setting fundraising campaign, ACT donates toward 46 Taylor Road purchase One year in, Wilde Garden is a local treasure Rotary renovations could impact Nagog Water Treatment Plant and Great Road traffic Acton Garden Club Horticultural Hints: July, 2026 Acton Nature Watch: Strawberry Moon (June 15 – July 13, 2026) Acton Men’s Outdoor Club...
How Two California Cities Are Reducing Street Homelessness
San Francisco has experienced a dramatic 22 percent drop in unsheltered homelessness since 2024, while San Jose has seen a 23 percent decline since 2019. Streets are cleaner, and open drug scenes in San Francisco are noticeably smaller. Fewer RVs are parked near waterways in San Jose. What these two cities are doing differently than Los Angeles and Seattle can be summarized in two words: accountability and recovery.
How Two California Cities Are Reducing Street Homelessness
San Francisco has experienced a dramatic 22 percent drop in unsheltered homelessness since 2024, while San Jose has seen a 23 percent decline since 2019. Streets are cleaner, and open drug scenes in San Francisco are noticeably smaller. Fewer RVs are parked near waterways in San Jose. What these two cities are doing differently than Los Angeles and Seattle can be summarized in two words: accountability and recovery.
How two California cities are reducing street homelessness
By Tom Wolf, City Journal Published by the Manhattan Institute, City Journal covers urban policy. San Francisco has experienced a dramatic 22 percent drop in unsheltered homelessness since 2024, while San Jose has seen a 23 percent decline since 2019. Streets are cleaner, and open drug scenes in San Francisco are noticeably smaller. Fewer RVs are parked near waterways in San Jose.
Raila Odinga’s dual personality in politics and how it’s shaping ODM
According to one definition, “dissociative identity disorder” is a condition “where a person has two or more distinct/separate identities or personality traits”, and where the affected individual is not necessarily aware of this, even as one’s psychological state shifts from one to the other. Of course, with regard to Raila Odinga, he was surely very much aware of his often contrasting attitudes towards and dealings with those in power.
111 NE 46th St, Oakland Park, FL 33334, US
Operating Expenses Recurring costs required to maintain and manage a rental property, including property taxes, insurance, maintenance, repairs, utilities (if paid by the owner), property management fees, and other day-to-day expenses. Calculation: Insurance + Property Taxes + Property Management + Repairs & Maintenance + Capital Expenditures + HOA Fees
Tom Ridge, Mark Schweiker, Ed Rendell, Tom Corbett, Tom Wolf: Pre-K is Progress We Can't Afford to Lose
For more than two decades, Pennsylvania has been investing in our youngest learners. Year after year, budget after budget, across party lines and administrations, we've taken meaningful steps forward in growing access to Head Start and Pre-K Counts to help more children thrive in their earliest years and set the stage for future success. To let that progress slip away now would be a big mistake.
Nonprofit corruption in San Francisco can be fixed with caps on service contracts
San Francisco, like most cities and counties, uses the nonprofit sector as its service arm. This can also be said for the federal government. Serving the most vulnerable or providing altruistic service is far easier for government or elected leaders to do by funding organizations willing to do the work that too many often don’t want to do. The elected officials can turn around and say they’re helping without having to take accountability. But what happens when those nonprofits don’t deliver?
Housing First isn’t just on the ropes; it’s about to be K.O.’d. They did it to themselves.
Oh, how America has changed. In just a little over two months, the Trump administration has turned the entire social services network on its head and left a lot of people scrambling for answers.
San Francisco’s Promising Drug Policy Shift
For more than two decades, “harm reduction” was official policy in San Francisco. As a formerly homeless heroin and fentanyl addict in recovery, I saw firsthand how this policy, which tried to make illegal drug use “safer,” devastated the city. In my six months on the street in 2018, I watched harm-reduction groups hand out free drug paraphernalia; in the years since, I’ve seen harm-reduction workers distribute crack and meth pipes—without telling users how to get treatment.
What the CARS Rule Decision Means for Dealerships
The 5th Circuit’s decision to vacate the rule wasn’t about its content. Instead, the court ruled that the FTC failed to follow proper rule-making procedures. The agency skipped a crucial step: announcing its intent to develop the rule before gathering preliminary feedback. While the FTC could restart the process, it’s unlikely to happen under the current administration. However, the core principles behind the rule remain relevant.
IRS Issues Final Micro-Captive Regulations for 2025
Micro-captives are small insurance companies, often owned by the businesses they insure, that can offer certain tax advantages if structured and operated legitimately. However, some have been used primarily for tax avoidance, prompting IRS scrutiny. The IRS regulations aim to identify and regulate abusive micro-captive insurance arrangements.
5 Key Takeaways from the Court Ruling on the FTC's CARS Rule
The court found that the FTC failed to issue an advance notice of proposed rulemaking before drafting the CARS Rule, which is required under the FTC Act. This step would have allowed for public feedback on the issues the rule intended to address. Instead, the FTC moved directly to presenting the draft rule and cost-benefit analysis. The court’s majority, including U.S. Circuit Judges Jerry Smith and Patrick Higginbotham, ruled that the lack of proper notice invalidated the rule.
The Corporate Transparency Act & Its Impact on Auto Dealerships
The Corporate Transparency Act mandates that certain business entities report their beneficial ownership information to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). The goal is to create a centralized database that enhances transparency and helps authorities combat money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial crimes. The CTA applies primarily to corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), and other similar entities created in the U.S. or registered to do business here.
Commentary: California needs Proposition 36 to help bring accountability to the fentanyl crisis
Proposition 36 qualified for the November ballot in California with more than 900,000 signatures. Simply put, this ballot initiative will reform aspects of Proposition 47 that in 2014 reclassified several “quality of life” crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies. The most obvious was shoplifting — where the threshold for misdemeanor theft was raised to $950 per offense — and drug possession. kAm%96 :>A24E @7 E96D6 492?86D H2D >62?E E@ C65F46 :?42C46C2E:@?
California needs Prop. 36 to help bring accountability to the fentanyl crisis
Proposition 36 qualified for the November ballot in California with over 900,000 signatures. Simply put, this ballot initiative will reform aspects of Proposition 47 that in 2014 reclassified several “quality of life” crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies. The most obvious was shoplifting — where the threshold for misdemeanor theft was raised to $950 per offense — and drug possession.
California needs Prop. 36 to help bring accountability to the fentanyl crisis
Proposition 36 qualified for the November ballot in California with over 900,000 signatures. Simply put, this ballot initiative will reform aspects of Proposition 47 that in 2014 reclassified several “quality of life” crimes as misdemeanors instead of felonies. The most obvious was shoplifting — where the threshold for misdemeanor theft was raised to $950 per offense — and drug possession.
Dealership Trends In Fall 2024 To Look Out For
– What’s Happening: Many dealerships are tightening operations due to market pressure and are seeking creative solutions for growth. – Action Steps: Focus on cost control, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. Brady Ware’s tools like F&I Solution Metrics and Compass Reports can help pinpoint operational improvements.
California needs Prop. 36 to help bring accountability to the fentanyl crisis Original
This story is part of California Voices, a commentary forum aiming to broaden our understanding of the state and spotlight Californians directly impacted by policy or its absence. Learn more here. In November, California voters will decide whether to reclassify certain theft and drug penalties and unwind a 2014 criminal justice reform, Proposition 47. Below, a formerly homeless man believes Proposition 36 will create both accountability and compassion to address the fentanyl crisis.
7 Questions to Ensure Your Auto Dealership’s Financial Strategy Is Solid
Is your current corporate structure still serving your dealership’s best interests? Whether you’re structured as a C-corp, S-corp, LLC, or partnership, the right setup can significantly impact your tax obligations, profit distribution, and overall financial flexibility. Has your business evolved since you chose this structure, and could it be time to reassess? Are you using the accounting method that best suits your dealership’s operational needs?
Automotive Dealer Benchmark Guide
How Our Experts Approach Automotive Benchmark Reporting By Tom Wolf, CPA & Terry Schwer You have a ton of data, but not a ton of time. Here are the essential aspects of benchmarking that will significantly impact your dealership’s success. Categorized into daily, weekly, and monthly task, this is a blueprint for your team to identify areas of improvement, set realistic goals, and implement effective strategies.
2024 Dealership Reminders | Electric Vehicle Credits | OH IN GA
The days of record-breaking sales and effortless deals are behind us. With inventory levels finally stabilizing, sales teams must shift from merely taking orders to actively selling vehicles again. During the peak of inventory shortages, dealerships found themselves with more buyers than cars, and the sales staff became more like order takers. Now, with inventory levels recovering, it’s time for a strategic shift. Sales teams need to transition back to a proactive selling approach.
Washington D.C.: Building bridges for the homeless - The Voice of San Francisco
Last week, I went to Washington D.C. with one goal in mind: to convince our congressional leaders in the Bay Area and California that we need to build bridges toward ending homelessness. I went as a representative of The Salvation Army San Francisco as part of a delegation with the Bay Area Council, a group of corporate, housing, transit, and nonprofit leaders who advocate for better policy in the Bay Area.
Don’t let drugs win in San Francisco
Where did San Francisco go wrong in its approach to the drug and homeless crises? Is it bad policy? Well-intentioned but misguided philosophy? Yes. But it’s also the dismantling of infrastructure and accountability with no replacement. In 2018 I found myself homeless and living on the streets of the Tenderloin. Mainly on the 300 block of Golden Gate Avenue. I had made a fateful choice. My addiction to heroin (and later fentanyl) had won.
Incentive Rebates: Is Your Dealership Missing Out?
One of the groups we work closely with found millions of dollars in missed dealer cash, because dealers simply weren’t aware of it. You must know where and how to look. As a matter of fact, there’s one gentleman that has been doing this work for quite some time and explained to us he’s found $30 million alone in missed rebates over the course of twenty years.
13 Automotive Industry Trends in 2024
How do you get your auto dealership sales up? Know exactly who is buying, what they want, and where to find them. 1. Customer Loyalty and Pricing Topping the list of automotive industry trends is the importance of a diverse product offering. Automakers are adapting to consumer perceptions of pricing and brand loyalty, emphasizing the importance of offering a balanced portfolio that includes both higher-end products and entry-level trims to meet varying customer preferences and budgets. 2.
Caesar Handa and the evolution of opinion polls in Kenya
Since I misfortunately missed the recent funeral service for Caesar Handa – a founding director of Strategic Public Relations (or SPR) and CEO of (its successor firm), Strategic Africa – I would like to share some recollections about him in print. Earlier, I learned with shock and sadness about his passing.
IRS Extends Time for Dealers To File Clean Vehicle Time-of-Sale Reports
While it was set to begin January 1, 2024, the IRS has announced that they are providing dealerships with more time to prepare for this new system. They are temporarily extending the three-day time period to submit time-of-sale reports provided in Revenue Procedure 2023-38 through Jan. 16. That means, dealerships and sellers have until January 19 to submit a time-of-sale report for vehicles sold Jan. 1 through Jan. 16.
12 local kids get to train at Dortmund
V.K. SANTOSH KUMAR Schoolboy Arunesh Siva Prabu, who has been playing football for three years, had a dream come true last month. The 11-year-old got to train for a week at Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund with 11 other children between ages 11 and 14 from Singapore. They were taken to the German city as part of FootballPlus academy’s Champions Unlimited programme, which gives a chance to children from low-income, single-parent households to excel in football.
The Benefits Of Specialized Accounting For Dealerships
If you haven’t worked with a specialist before, some of the differences of working with a specialized accountant may seem small; however, these benefits are what ultimately yield the highest profits for dealerships. From capital attraction to strategic tax planning, specialists are dedicated to maximizing your dealership’s profitability. Here are the top benefits in which our dealership clients benefit from specialist accounting and consulting services. 1.
Dealership Year-End Tax Checklist | 2024
Tie up these loose ends before the new year begins. These are simple things you can do, and likely already have been doing, to make sure you are focusing on strategy rather than housekeeping tasks. Prepare all bank reconciliations Review and research outstanding items for potential year-end adjustments Report unclaimed property to state agencies Write off any uncollectible balances Record finance chargebacks in December Record the December LIFO estimate.
Expense Control Strategies for Car Dealerships
Dealership expenses can be broadly classified into two categories: variable and fixed. Variable expenses fluctuate in proportion to sales and inventory, while fixed expenses remain relatively consistent each month. Tips for controlling both types of expenses: Variable Expenses: Get organized: Consolidate all your expenses into one place and conduct a trend analysis to identify any unusual increases. Review vendors regularly: Compare vendor costs and services to ensure you’re getting the best value.
Sprayers 101 - A Resource for Safe, Effective and Efficient Spraying in Agriculture.
At first glance, spot sprays are a no-brainer. Why spray a whole field when you can save product by spraying just the weeds? But then the first commercial green-on-green systems introduced user fees, complicating the cost equation. Companies sell the hardware, and charge a fee for use of their detection algorithms.
Sprayers 101 - A Resource for Safe, Effective and Efficient Spraying in Agriculture.
Green-on-green sprayer competes with Blue River and Bilberry One distinguishing feature of the new agriculture is the rapid development of new technologies. Ideas move from concept to implementation at record pace, helped by an influx of talent and capital into this profitable sector. Greeneye Technology is an example of this pace.
The FTC and the “Vehicle Shopping Rule”
In the News: The FTC and the “Vehicle Shopping Rule” By Tom Wolf, CPA A recent article (July 19) from Automotive News reported on how a House of Representatives spending bill contained a block on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) from initiating its proposed new rules for dealerships.
Para Bill Gates, la energía del futuro no pasa ni por las renovables ni por la fusión nuclear: pasa por Natrium
Bill Gates lo tiene claro. La energía del futuro pasa por Natrium, el proyecto de reactor nuclear de sodio impulsado por su empresa TerraPower. Ni placas solares ni proyectos de fusión nuclear como Helion. La solución para una energía limpia, segura y barata es esta tecnología en la que el magnate lleva trabajando desde hace décadas. Energía nuclear basada en sales. Natrium es un reactor que utiliza un núcleo de sal de fluoruro de sodio.
OPINION EXCHANGE | Collar county suburbs get less than fair share on transportation
Opinion editor's note: Star Tribune Opinion publishes a mix of national and local commentaries online and in print each day. To contribute, click here. ••• State leaders are negotiating a deal to provide the first substantial infusion of state road, bridge and transit funding in 15 years. Support varies for the funding sources being considered, but widespread agreement exists that Minnesota has shortchanged transportation needs for years.
Within the Margin of Error? - A Post-Election Polling Retrospective
Now that nearly all of the election “dust” has settled, it is appropriate to revisit the results of the final round of pre-election presidential contest polls that were presented in my last piece. In doing this I shall compare them with the official/IEBC results and attempt to explain the apparent contrasts. But has nearly all the ‘dust’ really settled?
Pennsylvania Governor Announces Continuation of Moratorium on Executions and Calls for Legislation to Abolish the Death Penalty
News Pennsylvania Governor Announces Continuation of Moratorium on Executions and Calls for Legislation to Abolish the Death Penalty Posted on Feb 16, 2023 Pennsylvania On February 16, 2023, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced that he will continue his predecessor’s moratorium on executions and called upon the Pennsylvania General Assembly to repeal the death penalty.At a press conference in Philadelphia, the newly-elected Shapiro explained how his position on capital punishment has...
PA Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro blocks death penalty in state, calls for state lawmakers to do the same
Josh Shapiro will not allow the death penalty in Pennsylvania during his time in officer. He is calling on other lawmakers across the state to repeal the death penalty as well.
Sprayers 101 - A Resource for Safe, Effective and Efficient Spraying in Agriculture.
One of the fastest moving new agricultural technologies are spray drones. Hardly a month goes by without some sort of new capability, some new features. It’s truly an exciting space to watch. As with all things, there are good news and bad news to share. First the good news. Drone capacity is on the rise. The early drones shipped with hoppers of 8 to 10 litres. Part of the reason was to keep weight below 25 kg. Below this weight, pilot licensing requirements and flight restrictions are easier.
Gov.-elect Shapiro to take oath on Bible from Tree of Life synagogue
PENNSYLVANIA (WHTM/AP) — Gov.-elect Josh Shapiro said on Thursday that he will take his oath of office on a Bible that was at the Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh on the day of the 2018 shooting. “I’ll take my oath of office on a bible provided by the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh,” Shapiro said in a tweet. “It was on the bima the day eleven Jews were killed in the deadliest act of antisemitism in US history.
Rapper Meek Mill Is Pardoned By Governor Tom Wolf
PHILADELPHIA (UKTN) — Rapper Meek Mill was pardoned by outgoing Pennsylvania governor Tom Wolf, Mill revealed on social media. On Thursday night, Mill posted a photo on Instagram showing the pardon document Wolf signed. “I just started doing more for my community for God’s sake!” Mill said in the post. 15 years ago, Mill, born Robert Rihmeek Williams, was convicted of drug and gun possession. He was later placed on probation and served jail time after an offence.
WBG Semiconductors and Packaging
For maximum efficiency, all parts of a high voltage solution must be considered. Nexperia’s next generation GaN and SiC systems are designed for maximum system flexibility, manufacturing scalability, reliability beyond AEC requirements and exceptional thermal solutions are required. This session will detail our innovations to meet these design goals.
Labels: How can They be Better?
By Tom Wolf It’s an old mantra – read the label. And there are good reasons for that advice. The pesticide label represents the information required for the legal and safe application of the product. But the label is also full of bad information, including statements that require caveats and exceptions, particularly when it comes to application instructions. All too often, I find that some of the information is being misinterpreted by users.
Leading Through True Adversity, A Brooklyn Hotel Story
Just Our Normal Routine Our Tuesday started at the only full service hotel in downtown Brooklyn, Sam Ibrahim the General Manager and David Salcfas, Director of Hotel Sales at the time were making their property rounds. All of the guest rooms were one hundred percent occupied and meeting space was booked to capacity. After completing the early morning lobby duty, greeted each group contact and ensured all of our associates were set up for a successful day.
Wolf: Don't trash PA — cigs, wrappers and bottle caps cost millions to clean up Original
In every corner of our commonwealth, finding beauty is easy. Unfortunately, so is finding litter. On roadsides and sidewalks, playgrounds and fields, riverbanks and forests, millions of pieces of litter blemish Pennsylvania. The result is more than visual ugliness — this litter leaches into our soil and waterways, harms wildlife. It harms our efforts to make this commonwealth more attractive for people, families, tourists and businesses.
IDeaS Announces Hyatt Will Deploy IDeaS’ Platform Across Global Portfolio
IDeaS, the leading provider of hospitality revenue optimization software and services, announced today a global collaboration with Hyatt to power Hyatt’s commercial revenue platform. Hyatt will deploy IDeaS’ suite of products globally as a key component in the evolution of its commercial stack.
It is exactly five years since Chris Msando, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC)’s ICT manager, was brutally killed in mysterious circumstances. Msando was murdered after giving media interviews days before the August 2017 election in which he spelt out in detail the various measures he and his ICT team were taking to prevent technical glitches and rigging during the election.
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