In the ever-evolving world of online commerce, one story has sparked significant conversation and concern: a group of influential content creators has filed a class-action lawsuit against PayPal, alleging deceptive practices involving their Honey browser extension. This situation opens up a can of worms about the often ambiguous relationships between tech companies, influencers, and consumers. Let’s dive into what’s happening!

The Allegations: A Clash of Giants

The lawsuit, filed in San Jose U.S. District Court, accuses PayPal, a tech titan with a market valuation of $87 billion, of employing “deceitful and clandestine” methods that divert millions of dollars in commissions from influencers to themselves. Creators like Marques Brownlee and the world-renowned MrBeast are reportedly calling out PayPal for undermining their livelihoods through what they describe as “fraudulent business practices.”

Honey, which PayPal purchased for $4 billion in 2020, is marketed as a free coupon-finding extension that helps online shoppers snag the best deals. With around 17 million users relying on its services, Honey appears to be a shopper’s best friend. However, the lawsuit contends that while consumers might save, influencers could lose—massively.

How It Works: The Fine Print of Affiliate Marketing

For the uninitiated, content creators typically earn a commission through affiliate marketing. When a viewer clicks on an influencer’s unique link—presumably shared via social media—and makes a purchase, the influencer earns a commission. However, the lawsuit claims that when Honey is involved, that commission doesn’t always end up in the influencers’ pockets.

The core of the allegations lies in how Honey purportedly operates. If a viewer clicks an influencer’s link but uses Honey to search for discounts, the extension may divert the sale credit to PayPal, effectively robbing the influencer of their rightful cut. According to the lawsuit, this issue persists even if Honey fails to find any coupon codes and the transaction is completed anyway.

A Ripple Effect: Implications for E-Commerce

Legal expert Josh Sanford, representing the plaintiffs, expressed that although PayPal has contributed significantly to the growth of e-commerce, such practices could fundamentally erode trust between vendors and consumers. It raises essential questions about transparency and fairness in online transactions. If consumers can’t be sure who is benefitting from their online purchases, it could damage the fabric of the influencer economy.

In response, PayPal has publicly disputed the lawsuit’s claims, insisting Honey follows industry standards and practices, including last-click attribution, which is used by numerous brands. The company maintains that Honey provides genuine value for consumers seeking savings while insisting that they promote fair dealings.

Moving Forward: What Can Consumers Do?

As the legal battle heats up, many creators are advising their followers to uninstall the Honey extension. With reports suggesting that over 3 million users may have already jumped ship, some consumers are reconsidering the convenience of coupon-finding in light of allegations of unfair practices.

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While users may still benefit from Honey’s features, it’s essential to weigh whether the potential savings are worth the risk of undermining the very creators we love and support. While Honey hasn’t been found guilty yet, the weight of these allegations casts a long shadow over its reputation.

A Community Response

In light of this controversy, many in the online community are rallying around the affected creators. From YouTube videos urging viewers to uninstall Honey to discussions across social media platforms, influencers are coming together to ensure their voices—and the interests of their communities—are heard.

As this story unfolds, it not only shines a light on the potentially murky world of affiliate marketing but also highlights the power dynamics at play in the tech and creator economies. As consumers, we should remain vigilant, prioritize transparency, and support our favorite creators while they navigate these challenges.

Stay tuned as this story develops, and remember to check your browser extensions! You might just be helping your favorite influencer in your own small way.

Related Links:

Tom’s Guide: https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/software/honey-scandal-explained

Dexerto: https://www.dexerto.com/youtube/why-is-honey-getting-sued-legaleagle-class-action-paypal-lawsuit-explained-3021021

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After a long-awaited journey, the extension of the A Line from Azusa to Pomona is officially complete and set to usher in a new era of public transportation in the San Gabriel Valley. This extensive 9.1-mile extension, which has taken over five years to construct, is positioned to enhance connectivity and mobility for residents and commuters alike.

The A Line extension is set to open to the public this summer!

A Monumental Achievement

As reported in the San Gabriel Valley Tribune on January 3, 2025, the $1.5 billion project was officially handed over to LA Metro last week. This extension includes four new stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, and Pomona. The construction involved overcoming significant challenges, including health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of unusual weather patterns. Despite these obstacles, the project was completed within its scheduled timeline, showcasing the dedication of the construction teams from Kiewit-Parsons (KPJV) under the oversight of the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority.

Improving Accessibility

This extension not only connects the existing light-rail system but also extends the A Line’s total length to a noteworthy 60.8 miles, solidifying its status as the longest light-rail line in the world. Current ridership estimates suggest that the extension could lead to over 11,000 additional weekday boardings, significantly contributing to the overall ridership numbers. As of November 2024, the A Line saw an average of 70,425 daily boardings—a notable increase from the previous year.

City officials and transit advocates view this development as an important asset for the region. “This extension will solidify Los Angeles’ public transit system, providing a viable alternative to those stuck in traffic,” said Eli Lipmen, executive director of Move LA.

A Step Towards Greater Connectivity

The Pomona extension is strategically significant, as it brings the A Line closer to San Bernardino County. While not quite reaching the county line, the Pomona station is sufficiently close for many residents from western San Bernardino cities like Montclair, Ontario, Upland, and Chino to benefit from this light-rail alternative. Many of these residents will find it convenient to park at the Pomona station and travel to key job and entertainment destinations in Los Angeles, Pasadena, and beyond.

Montclair City Councilmember Bill Ruh emphasized the importance of this link, noting how it enables residents to access transportation services more seamlessly than ever before. The extension is paving the way for expanded public transit options, which are essential for families in the Inland Empire.

A New Transportation Hub

The Pomona Station holds particular significance as it will also connect with the Metrolink San Bernardino line, creating a crucial interchange for travelers. This synergy between the two systems is expected to elevate passenger traffic on Metrolink, catering to an approximate increase of over 2,000 daily passengers.

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“Connecting these lines gives people more options for accessibility and commuting,” said Habib Balian, CEO of the Foothill Gold Line Construction Authority. “It allows for a travel experience that wasn’t available before.”

Future Prospects

Notably, this extension is just the beginning. Plans are already underway for an additional 3.2-mile extension from Pomona to Claremont and Montclair, anticipated to be completed by 2030. This initiative will broaden the A Line’s reach further into San Bernardino County and provide a meaningful alternative for commuters navigating the busy 210, 10, and 60 freeways.

As residents begin to utilize the new service, the Pomona extension will likely drive demand for additional transit options in the Inland Empire. Bart Reed, executive director of The Transit Coalition, noted the anticipated ripple effect in transportation services in the region.

The upcoming opening of the A Line extension from Azusa to Pomona marks an important step forward for public transportation in Los Angeles and its surrounding areas. By enhancing connectivity, providing more options for commuters, and anticipating future growth, this extension promises to offer significant benefits for communities in the San Gabriel Valley and beyond. As we prepare for the service to commence later this summer, residents can look forward to a more integrated, efficient public transit system that supports their daily travel needs.

Related Links:

https://foothillgoldline.org/

Foothill Gold Line from Glendora to Pomona Reaches Substantial Completion The $1.5 Billion Four-Station Light Rail Project is Completed On Time and On Budget Press Release(PDF)

STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.

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It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to the incomparable Linda Lavin, who left us at the age of 87 after bravely battling complications from recently discovered lung cancer. Lavin’s extraordinary career stands as a testament to her exceptional talent, unwavering resilience, and deep passion for her art, and she leaves behind a legacy that will be treasured by her devoted fans and fellow artists for years to come.

Linda Lavin

Born in Portland, Maine, Lavin found her way to the bright lights of Broadway after graduating from the College of William and Mary. She began her career singing in nightclubs and ensemble productions, but her extraordinary talent caught the eye of iconic producer Hal Prince. This led to her breakout role in the Broadway musical It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s Superman, setting the stage for a illustrious career ahead.

Lavin’s journey through the entertainment industry was marked by both critical acclaim and widespread popularity, most notably as the star of the beloved sitcom Alice. Drawing inspiration from Martin Scorsese’s film Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore, the show debuted in 1976, introducing audiences to Alice Hyatt—an everywoman character who worked as a waitress in a diner while raising her young son after becoming a widow. With her iconic paper hat and a warm, relatable demeanor, Lavin became a symbol of perseverance for working moms everywhere.

The show, which featured unforgettable catchphrases like “Kiss my grits!”, quickly became a hit, reaching the top ten in ratings for several years. Lavin’s portrayal of Alice resonated deeply with viewers, making them laugh and cry in equal measure. Her musical talent shone through as she crooned the show’s theme song, “There’s a New Girl in Town,” which remains etched in the hearts of fans.

In addition to her television success, Lavin was a force on Broadway, earning a Tony Award for her outstanding performance in Neil Simon’s Broadway Bound. Her ability to capture the complexity of characters—from a self-described nag in The Lyons to the frazzled yet witty protagonist in Collected Stories—showcased her remarkable range and depth as an actress.

Despite her impressive accolades in theater, Lavin never lost sight of her roots. Her dedication to her craft continued to shine through in recent years, as she actively participated in projects, including a new Netflix series, No Good Deed—a testament to her enduring passion for storytelling. She was also busy filming for the forthcoming Hulu series, Mid-Century Modern, until her untimely passing, reminding us all how vibrant and dedicated she was right up to the end.

Beyond her roles on screen and stage, Lavin’s legacy is also defined by her commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers. Her mantra, “work brings work,” reflects her belief in the value of persistence and seizing every opportunity. This wisdom, offered to aspiring actresses, continues to inspire those seeking a place in the competitive world of entertainment.

The warmth of Lavin’s spirit extended beyond her work; her dedication to the arts included co-founding the Red Barn Studio Theatre in Wilmington, North Carolina, where she produced and starred in numerous acclaimed plays. It became a haven for creativity, showcasing both timeless classics and contemporary works to an appreciative audience.

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As we mourn the loss of Linda Lavin, we celebrate the joy, laughter, and inspiration she brought into our lives through her performances. Whether it was the role of a struggling waitress fighting for her dreams or a beloved mother bringing her family together, Lavin’s characters became an integral part of our cultural fabric. She will always be remembered as a talented actress and an unforgettable icon, reminding us to embrace every moment, and that it’s never too late to pursue our passions.

Thank you, Linda, for sharing your light with us. You will be missed, but your legacy will live on through the countless lives you touched. Rest in peace, dear Alice.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linda_Lavin

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