Extra cash on the horizon as the Peach State returns a $1 billion budget surplus to residents. Georgia taxpayers are about to feel a welcome bump in their bank accounts. A new refund program, backed by Governor Brian Kemp and funded by this year’s $1 billion budget surplus, will send up to $500 to eligible filers. In a … Read more
The Social Security Administration has reopened most field offices, but you still need an appointment—so what’s the fastest way to get on the calendar? Americans who rely on Social Security have faced weeks of uncertainty after temporary office shutdowns tied to budget pressures. Now that counters are slowly switching the lights back on, the SSA … Read more
Federal payments are going digital by September 30, 2025; SSA says paper checks remain for those who can’t use e-payments. Under the “Modernizing Payments To and From America’s Bank Account” order, agencies are phasing out paper. SSA confirms paper checks will still be offered to recipients who genuinely cannot use electronic transfers. Worried you’ll be … Read more
Door belt moldings and window garnish plates could detach, risking debris on the road. More than 301,000 Kia vehicles built for the American market are headed back to the dealership after federal regulators found that exterior trim pieces can loosen and fall off while driving. The recall, announced in two National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) notices … Read more
Starting July 1, 2025, most single‑family households in America’s Finest City will see a $43.60 line on their utility bill, while thousands of others must find private haulers. San Diego’s century‑old promise of free trash pickup is ending. Under a new ordinance, eligible homes—roughly 1.4 million residents—will keep city service for a monthly fee of $43.60 (about … Read more
Late wages spark dispute over ‘tone’ and underline workers’ right to prompt payment. When an employee noticed their paycheck was running a full two weeks behind schedule, they asked the boss what was going on. Instead of an explanation, the worker walked away with a written warning for an “unprofessional attitude.” The money arrived two … Read more
Millions relied on the IRS pilot to submit simple returns at zero cost. With its sunset date now set, what cheaper—and legitimate—paths remain? The Internal Revenue Service has confirmed that its Direct File pilot will disappear after the 2025 season, ending a brief but popular experiment in no‑fee e‑filing. Roughly 300,000 taxpayers used the web tool … Read more
The former president’s vow to raise import duties could deepen Spain’s trade deficit and shake Europe’s export‑driven economy. Spain’s government and exporters are bracing for impact after Donald Trump confirmed he would slap higher tariffs on goods from the European Union—even long‑standing partners such as Spain. Officials warn the move could widen Spain’s €10 billion trade gap … Read more
Sen. Josh Hawley wants customs duties to flow back to Main Street. His Reimbursement for American Workers Act would send at least $600 to every adult and dependent child, echoing pandemic stimulus payments but funded entirely by tariff revenue. Families squeezed by rising prices could see relief without new taxes or added federal debt. The proposal, now … Read more
Lawmakers from both parties have cleared the way for the United States to retire its smallest coin, arguing the move will cut costs and modernize cash payments. Americans may soon stop digging for loose change. The House Financial Services Committee has approved the bipartisan Common Cents Act, a measure inspired by a February 2024 presidential order … Read more
The SSA confirms deposit dates, a $4,018 cap and the key rules you need to know. For millions of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients, knowing when money arrives is half the budgeting battle. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has released its August 2025 calendar, keeping the maximum monthly benefit at $4,018 and reporting an average check … Read more
Iconic retailer cites shifting retail landscape as it prepares to shutter its flagship storefront this fall. After charming generations of shoppers on North Michigan Avenue, Hanig’s Footwear says it will close its Mag Mile shop in late September or early October. The move ends a run that began in 1978 inside the former John Hancock Center and leaves … Read more
A 2000 Denver‑minted golden dollar bearing a South Carolina quarter reverse is lighting up the numismatic market, rewarding alert change‑checkers and seasoned investors alike. The so‑called “mule” Sacagawea dollar — struck with dies that were never meant to meet — roared back into the spotlight after Heritage Auctions hammered one down for $84,000 in August 2024. … Read more
Mexican travelers can enter certain U.S. border areas with one small card—no traditional visa stamp required. For years, tighter border checks have slowed quick trips north. Now the long‑standing—but often overlooked—Border Crossing Card (BCC) makes short business, family, or shopping visits far easier for millions of Mexican citizens. Border Crossing Card allows short visits to … Read more
From the first 1909‑S VDB cent to the error‑laden 1955 doubled die, America’s humble one‑cent coin still hides four‑ and even five‑figure surprises in pocket change. The latest market snapshots show that specific Lincoln wheat cents now command anywhere from a few extra cents to well over $100,000, depending on mint mark, year and grade. … Read more
After three decades on the Des Plaines River, Hollywood Casino Joliet’s riverboat will cast off for the last time next week, clearing the deck for a $185 million on‑land replacement set to open August 11. Fans of the floating casino have until 5:59 a.m. July 29 to try their luck, while hotel reservations are being accepted through July 26. PENN Entertainment, … Read more
When a cheaper oil change ended with a bone‑dry engine, one driver turned to TikTok—and nearly 400,000 viewers—to demand answers from America’s largest retailer. Erika, known online as @femme.diaries, rolled into a Walmart Auto Care Center hoping to save a few dollars compared with her usual Take 5 stop. Minutes later she drove out, confident the … Read more
Tripadvisor’s 2025 Travelers’ Choice awards have named Dollywood the No. 1 amusement park in the United States, nudging aside Magic Kingdom, Disneyland and Universal Studios. The hill‑country park co‑owned by Dolly Parton first opened in 1986 and now, almost 40 years later, it is still winning the popularity contest. Pigeon Forge’s pride earned the accolade after … Read more
The agency’s upgrade signals a higher, though still manageable, health risk for shoppers who purchased Bunge North America’s European Style Butter Blend. Bunge North America’s voluntary recall of 64,800 lbs. of European Style Butter Blend, announced July 14, just got more urgent. On July 30 the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) elevated the action to a Class II recall, … Read more
Cedar Point Shores water park closes suddenly following flooding and staff tragedySix Flags says safety comes first after severe storms and an employee’s death; existing tickets stay valid until Sept. 1. Visitors headed for Cedar Point Shores on July 31 awoke to unwelcome news. Six Flags Entertainment Corporation, the park’s new parent company, ordered an immediate shutdown of … Read more