Happy New Year 2025

Tag: fix

  • Heartland lawmakers seek to fix ‘fundamental’ roadblock for farm kids seeking student aid

    Heartland lawmakers seek to fix ‘fundamental’ roadblock for farm kids seeking student aid

    Two bipartisan lawmakers from America’s agricultural heartland are putting forth legislation that would amend the federal student aid provisions to help students in farming families receive the help they need to go to school.

    Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Michael Bennet, D-Colo., along with Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan., in the House, are forwarding the Family Farm and Small Business Exemption Act.

    As of late, the household contribution formula for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) “fundamentally misunderstands” how farming families operate and how agricultural assets differ from the more liquid assets of other U.S. families.

    FAFSA is a form typically accessible to students on Oct. 1 of each year to allow for ample time to submit financial information in advance of both state and school-specific deadlines for aid eligibility. 

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    “No one should have to sell off the farm — or their small business — to afford college,” said Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. (Getty Images)

    The bipartisan bill would exempt farms and small family businesses from considerations in the Higher Education Act of 1965 and therefore offer a more realistic calculus for students in rural areas seeking federal aid.

    The new act would amend the FAFSA Simplification Act to restore the original exemption of all farmland, machinery, other operational materials and small businesses with fewer than 100 employees from being declared on the application.

    “No one should have to sell off the farm — or their small business — to afford college. As a farm kid myself, I know the enormous impacts grants and financial aid have on rural students’ decision to go to college,” Ernst told Fox News Digital. 

    “I’m fighting for Iowa families, so unfair policies don’t hold them back from investing in their child’s education.”

    In February 2024, Ernst, her Iowa counterpart Sen. Charles Grassley, and other Heartland and Deep South lawmakers like Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker of Mississippi wrote to Biden Education Secretary Miguel Cardona about their concerns, which appeared to go largely unanswered.

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    Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan.

    Rep. Tracey Mann, R-Kan. (Reuters)

    They alleged Question 22 of the FAFSA application asks for the net worth of a family’s business operations, which the letter said wrongly analyzes how revenue streams for crops and livestock work — and how they can vary depending on the year.

    “[A]ssets cannot be cashed out to support a loan in the same capacity as traditional investments,” the letter read. 

    Therefore, Ernst on Thursday signaled she wants to adjust the qualification formula for FAFSA, so that America’s agricultural families are able to have an equal shot at aid based on their conditions.

    Mann, who represents the seventh-largest congressional district in the nation that isn’t an at-large seat, said he has innumerable farm families who are in need of clear, fair FAFSA policy.

    “Across Kansas’ Big First and the country, net farm income has decreased by nearly 25% since 2022,” Mann told Fox News Digital.

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    “Between navigating record-levels of inflation and skyrocketing input costs, our family farmers, ranchers, agricultural producers and small business owners are doing their best to make an honest living.

    “When young people from these families are applying for higher education financial aid, the assets tied up in the family farm or the small business should not count against them. Congress should work to make life easier, not harder, for these dedicated families and students.”

    Mann said he hopes the bill will even the playing field for students while “protecting the American dream for every student regardless of their parents’ career ventures.”

    Charles Creitz is a reporter for Fox News Digital. 

    He joined Fox News in 2013 as a writer and production assistant. 

    Charles covers media, politics and culture for Fox News Digital.

    Charles is a Pennsylvania native and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].

  • Trump wants to fix the housing affordability crisis: Can he?

    Trump wants to fix the housing affordability crisis: Can he?

     ‘The Claman Countdown’ panelists Dolly Lenz and Jenny Lenz analyze top places Americans want to live.

    Within his first few days in office, President Donald Trump issued an emergency order directing the heads of all executive departments and agencies to “deliver emergency price relief,” which he emphasized would include lowering the cost of housing and expanding supply. 

    “It is critical to restore purchasing power to the American family and improve our quality of life,” an executive action signed by Trump on Monday read.

    The Trump administration cited regulatory requirements as a main driver why so many Americans are unable to purchase homes. In his first term, Trump reduced regulatory costs by almost $11,000 per household, the White House said in a fact sheet. 

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    Real estate experts are in agreement that the housing crisis is a problem the federal government cannot solve alone and that several levels of government need to be involved to make a significant change. 

    “Trump’s plan to cut regulatory red tape focuses on construction costs, but most housing regulations, like zoning laws and permitting, are controlled by local governments. The federal government has limited authority here, so meaningful change would likely require incentivizing local governments or taking unprecedented federal actions, such as overriding local zoning laws,” Redfin chief economist Daryl Fairweather told FOX Business.

    Still, several experts agree Trump can put immense pressure on the issue to move the needle.

    Single-family homes in a residential neighborhood in Aldie, Virginia, on May 22, 2024. (Photographer: Nathan Howard/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

    Realtor.com chief economist Danielle Hale told FOX Business that the U.S. is facing a deficit between 2.5 million and 7.2 million homes, which underscores the dire need to build more housing. She said regulatory requirements, which can add significant costs to building and have been a barrier to ramping up supply, are a good place to start. 

    For one, about $90,000 of the cost of new construction is due to regulation and regulatory compliance, Hale estimated. 

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    “With new construction just over $400,000, that’s a pretty hefty percentage. That suggests there’s some room to address this regulation,” Hale said. “Maybe we can take a review of these regulations and find areas where maybe we can cut back on some of the rules or fees associated with those regulations to improve the outcome and enable builders to not just build more housing, but build it more quickly and more cost effectively.” 

    Noel Roberts, founder of real estate firm Pending, which specializes in off-market transactions, also believes that the key to making housing affordable is increasing supply. 

    Residential neighborhood in Crockett, California

    Residential homes in Crockett, California, on June 6, 2024. (Photographer: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

    “Over the last few years, many would-be sellers have remained on the sidelines due to high rates locking them into their current mortgages,” Roberts told FOX Business, adding that he has hundreds of millions worth of off-market inventory with owners that are open to selling, but not ready to list publicly.”

    THESE WERE THE MOST EXPENSIVE HOMES SOLD IN 2024, ACCORDING TO REDFIN

    While he agrees Trump “can’t wave a wand” to solve the housing crisis, Roberts believes his track record shows that Trump’s policies, rhetoric and pressure on the Federal Reserve can influence key economic levers such as lower prices and lower mortgage rates.

    “If he can exert influence over the Fed to lower rates and spur economic growth, there’s a pathway to improving conditions for homebuyers,” Roberts said. 

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    Fairweather also noted that the federal government can influence housing affordability through mortgage policy, potentially by privatizing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, both of which have operated under U.S. government control since 2008, reducing mortgage fees and easing access to mortgages to make homeownership more attainable.

    Trump has mentioned plans to privatize the mortgage giants.

    Reuters contributed to this report. 

  • Does your Windows 11 PC keep restarting? Let’s fix that frustrating problem

    Does your Windows 11 PC keep restarting? Let’s fix that frustrating problem

    Experiencing a Windows 11 boot loop can be incredibly frustrating, transforming your computer into a seemingly endless cycle of restarts that disrupts productivity. When your system continuously fails to load the login screen and instead repeatedly attempts to restart, you’re facing a critical technical issue that demands immediate attention.

    This persistent reboot problem can stem from various causes. So, what do you do? Let’s look at some ways to diagnose and resolve the Windows 11 boot loop, helping you restore your computer’s functionality and get back to work.

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    Windows 11 PC (Microsoft) (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    What causes a Windows 11 PC to keep restarting?

    There’s no single cause for a Windows 11 PC getting stuck in a reboot loop. A reboot loop can be caused by an issue with your computer’s power supply, a malware infection, overheating or even hardware drivers. Here are the different things to check if your Windows 11 laptop or desktop keeps restarting.

    Fix #1 – Boot your PC in safe mode

    Does your Windows 11 PC keep restarting? Let's fix that frustrating problem

    Step to boot your PC in safe mode (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    When you are troubleshooting any problem on your PC, you should boot your computer in safe mode. If your PC is in safe mode and no longer experiences the restart loop, this means that the default Windows 11 settings and drivers aren’t causing the issue. This allows you to narrow down the sources of problems causing your Windows 11 PC to crash, making it easier to troubleshoot. Here’s what you need to do to boot in safe mode:

    • Press the Windows Logo key and R at the same time
    • Type msconfig in the box
    • Press OK
    • Under Boot Options, click the Safe Boot checkbox

    When your computer restarts, it will automatically restart in safe mode. If your computer restarting is making it difficult to follow these steps, you can also follow these steps at the sign-in screen:

    • Hold the Shift key while clicking the Power icon
    • Select Restart
    • Your PC will restart
    • Once your PC restarts, you will see a Choose option; click it.
    • Select Advanced Options
    • Select Startup Settings

    Now, when your PC restarts, you will be presented with a list of options. Select 4 or F4 to start your PC in safe mode. If you need to use the internet while the computer is in safe mode, you can select option 5 or press F5.

    WINDOWS 11 TIPS AND TRICKS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED

    Fix #2 – Remove any new software

    If your automatic rebooting problem began after installing a new app, uninstall that app and monitor your PC. If you still notice your PC restarting, there’s a chance that the app has infected your system settings before you uninstalled it. To fix this, you’ll need to restore the system. To do a system restore, you should first boot your PC in safe mode and then follow these steps:

    • Open the Control Panel
    • Search the Control Panel for Recovery
    Does your Windows 11 PC keep restarting? Let's fix that frustrating problem

    Step to remove any new software (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    • Select Recovery
    • Choose Open System Restore
    • Click Next
    • Now you will click on your hard drive and select finish. Your computer will automatically restart.

    Fix #3 – Make sure your computer isn’t overheating

    An overheating laptop or desktop will try to prevent damage to critical hardware components by shutting itself down. This is one of the leading causes of a Windows 11 PC getting stuck in a restart loop. If you’ve noticed your desktop giving off a lot more heat than usual or a laptop feeling hot to the touch, chances are you have an overheating issue.

    A computer’s CPU and GPU generate the most heat, so I recommend monitoring those hardware pieces to see if they are overheating. You don’t need any additional software to monitor the temperatures of your GPU, as some temperature readings are built into Windows 11. Here’s how to check your hardware temperatures in Windows 11:

    • Open the Task Manager
    • Click the second tile, Performance, on the left-hand side of your screen
    • From here, you can click GPU, which will show you your GPU temperature.
    Does your Windows 11 PC keep restarting? Let's fix that frustrating problem

    Visual to show overheating on PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Unfortunately, the built-in temperature reading doesn’t read your CPU temperature, and you’ll need to manually go into the UEFI/BIOS to check the temperature without installing any additional software. However, there’s a multitude of free-to-use apps that manufacturers have developed to measure your CPU temperature, including Core Temp, HWMonitor or Open Hardware Monitor.

    When you open one of these monitoring tools, you’ll be able to view your PC’s stats, including CPU and GPU temperatures and loads. If your CPU or GPU is running too hot, try cleaning the components to remove dust. For custom-built desktops, adding more exhaust fans to the case can improve airflow and cooling. Persistent overheating, especially in older laptops, may indicate that it’s time to consider upgrading your machine.

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    Fix #4 – Check for issues with your PC’s power supply

    Does your Windows 11 PC keep restarting? Let's fix that frustrating problem

    Image of a PC’s power supply (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    A computer will randomly restart when it has a failing power supply unit (PSU). If you have an issue with your power supply, you’ll know if your computer won’t restart or turn on. In addition to causing shut-offs and restart loops, a faulty power supply can also cause a blue screen of death error. In severe cases, you might even smell a burning scent or witness smoke coming from your PC’s power supply exhaust vent. If you use a laptop with PSU issues, you cannot send your computer to a repair shop or the manufacturer for repair.

    Desktop PC owners have it a bit easier, assuming they have a pre-built PC that can be altered easily. If you do have a desktop, turn off and unplug your computer before going into the case to investigate if dust build-up is affecting your PSU. If your PSU fails, you must purchase and install a new one.

    Fix #5 – Scan your PC for viruses

    Does your Windows 11 PC keep restarting? Let's fix that frustrating problem

    Image of a woman working on a PC (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    Malware and other viruses are a common cause of a crashing or constantly restarting PC. The easiest way to do this is by using strong antivirus software. Get my picks for the best 2025 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices.

    If your computer is stuck rebooting, you may need to boot in safe mode in order to run an antivirus application. Here’s what you need to do to boot your PC in safe mode with Windows 11:

    • When your computer restarts, at the sign-in screen, press and hold the Shift key
    • Click Power
    • Click Restart

    Now, your computer should act more stable after booting in safe mode, allowing you to run an antivirus scan.

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    Fix #6 – Disable automatic restart

    Does your Windows 11 PC keep restarting? Let's fix that frustrating problem

    Step to disable automatic restart (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    If you have automatic restart enabled in Windows 11, your PC will restart every time it encounters a system failure. You can easily disable this future within the Windows 11 command prompt. Here’s what you need to do:

    • Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard
    • Type sysdm.cpl and click OK
    • Select the Advanced tab
    • Under Startup and Recovery, click Settings
    • Under System Failure, uncheck the box Automatically restart
    • Click OK

    Keep in mind this isn’t a fix for the problem, but it will help you further troubleshoot the restart loop problem by disabling automatic restarts.

    Fix #7 – Repair your system files

    Does your Windows 11 PC keep restarting? Let's fix that frustrating problem

    Step to repair your system files (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

    An issue with your Windows 11 system files may be causing your PC to constantly restart. If you think a corrupted system file is why your PC keeps restarting, there’s a quick and easy fix you can do within the Windows Powershell. The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in tool that will scan your Windows system files for corruption or any other changes. If a system file has been modified, it will automatically replace the file with the correct version. Here’s how to run the SFC command:

    • Open the Windows Powershell (or Command Prompt)
    • Type in sfc /scannow
    • Press Enter
    • Leave the command prompt window open until the command completes, which could take some time

    If there’s no problem with your Windows system files, after the scan, you’ll see a message that says, “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.” If you instead see a message saying, “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them,” you should try running SFC again but in safe mode.

    Fix #8 – Check for RAM issues in the command prompt

    Your PC might be restarting itself because it doesn’t have access to enough random access memory (RAM). Windows 11 may become unstable without enough RAM in your computer, causing the OS to randomly reboot. You can use the built-in Memory Diagnostics Tool in Windows 11 to check your computer for issues related to RAM. Here’s what you need to do:

    • Press the Windows Key and R
    • Type mdsched.exe in the text box
    • Click OK
    • Select Restart Now and Check for Problems

    When your PC restarts, the Windows Memory Diagnostics Tool will check for any RAM-related issues; if the test detects an error, take note of the error code. You can check the error code online to find the correct fix for that specific error.

    Kurt’s key takeaways

    These are the best fixes for a computer that is constantly restarting. While you can perform these fixes at home, it might be your best bet to send your computer to a repair shop or back to the manufacturer if you continue having an issue with your Windows 11 PC being stuck in a restart loop after these fixes. It also may be time to invest in a new laptop if you are experiencing a system slowdown and random restarting on your Windows 11 PC, but I would recommend trying to fix the problem first before buying a new machine.

    What was the most challenging computer technical issue you’ve ever encountered, and how did you resolve it? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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    Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.

    January 23, 2025