Goodbye to your license: The DMV is imposing new rules that could leave older California drivers without a license

Senior California driver waves while behind the wheel, illustrating new DMV license-renewal rules for older motorists

Major changes are coming for drivers over a certain age in California. The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has unveiled new requirements that could lead some seniors to lose their licenses if they don’t meet the updated standards. This shift aims to reduce road incidents and enhance public safety. According to California’s Integrated Traffic Records … Read more

NHTSA opens inquiry into millions of Hondas over idle-stop stall risk

Chrome Honda badge on gray vehicle linked to NHTSA probe into idle-stop stall risk affecting 2.2 million cars

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an engineering analysis into 2.2 million Honda cars, focusing on potential problems with the Auto Idle Stop (AIS) function. Officials say the probe seeks to clarify whether certain models pose a safety risk due to engines failing to restart after a complete stop. Drivers across the … Read more

Chapter 33 VA: This is how veterans can obtain 90% Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits

Veteran in camouflage taking notes with textbook while using 90 percent Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33) education benefits

Many service members aiming for higher education or vocational training turn to the Post-9/11 GI Bill (Chapter 33). Wondering how to receive 90% of the full benefit? Here’s what you need to know. Veterans who served on active duty after September 11, 2001, may qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill, a tiered benefit system managed … Read more

Millions of Costco shoppers face new changes: the new membership strategy

Costco Wholesale storefront with visible ‘Members Only’ sign at the entrance, illustrating the retailer’s tightened pay-to-enter membership policy

Costco just flipped the script, revealing a fresh membership approach that could change how millions of Americans shop. By emphasizing loyalty over flashy promotions, the retailer hopes to reinforce its position as a top destination for bulk savings. In a surprising move, Costco is doing what it does best: focusing on its exclusive club model … Read more

Social Security sends a letter to a 65-year-old widow: A decades-old error leaves her $70,000 in debt

Official Social Security Administration envelope with $70,000 overpayment notice sent to a 65-year-old Ohio widow.

The Social Security Administration is demanding a substantial amount back from a grieving widow, raising questions for other retirees who may be facing similar overpayment claims. In Sheffield Lake, Ohio, 65-year-old widow Ruth Podmanik recently received a distressing notice from the Social Security Administration (SSA). After applying for her late husband’s benefits, she discovered she … Read more

New Dollar Tree salary report for 2025: How much do cashiers, stockers, managers, forklift operators, and warehouse staff earn per hour?

Exterior view of Dollar Tree store with bright green signage, illustrating 2025 hourly wage report for cashiers through warehouse workers

Dollar Tree offers varying pay rates for its staff members across the United States, factoring in the role, prior experience, and regional differences. Although many people know this chain as a budget-friendly store, it also serves as a potential workplace for a wide range of job seekers. Who might find an opportunity here, and why … Read more

From shoe boxes to secret compartments: the popular practice of keeping cash at home comes with these costly risks, according to experts

Hands hiding a bundle of fifty-dollar bills under a mattress, illustrating the risks of storing cash at home without protection

Experts are warning that stashing money around the house can lead to unexpected losses and missed opportunities. Many Americans do keep some emergency funds at home, but the big question is: Are you putting your savings at risk without even realizing it? Recent findings from financial management app Piere show that the average person has … Read more

Nationwide Toyota safety alert: more than 147,000 Tacoma trucks recalled for urgent rear-brake hose repairs

Toyota logo on dealership facade; brand recalls 147,000 U.S. vehicles for potential brake-hose leaks

Toyota, General Motors, Volvo, and Hyundai are issuing a far-reaching recall that could affect thousands of drivers nationwide. Are you wondering if your vehicle is part of this list? Read on to find out why these recalls matter, which models are involved, and how to take immediate action. Toyota’s recall centers on more than 147,000 … Read more

New DMV “Beat-the-Clock” program: shorter lines, online preparation tools, and same-day card issuance to obtain Real ID

Residents line up outside a California DMV to apply for Real ID during the agency’s new early-morning processing hours

California drivers have fresh options to secure their Real IDs before 2025. Find out how you can benefit from the DMV’s latest schedule changes. The California Department of Motor Vehicles recently announced extended hours at 18 locations across the state. This move aims to help residents obtain a Real ID more conveniently, ensuring compliance before … Read more

Avoid airport delays: Everything you need to know about getting a free Real ID in California this year

California DMV worker wearing blue gloves hands a Real ID-compliant driver’s license to an eligible resident under the fee-waiver program.

Since May 7, 2025, all travelers boarding a domestic flight or entering certain federal buildings in the United States will be required to carry a Real ID. This is a significant change, but there is good news for Californians: a new program allows eligible residents to obtain this document at no cost. Think you might … Read more

Social Security Fairness Act boosts monthly checks—see which retirees qualify for the larger payments

Close-up of overlapping Social Security cards, symbolizing benefit increases for retirees under the Social Security Fairness Act

This is the list of those who will receive more money from this year. Thousands of retirees across the United States are already feeling the impact of the Social Security Fairness Act, which officially removes the Windfall Elimination Provision (WEP) and the Government Pension Offset (GPO). If you previously saw your Social Security benefits reduced … Read more

Good news for people with these last names: it’s now easier to obtain US citizenship faster

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services documents with passport, gavel, and American flag.

Discover the list of surnames with American ancestry that can facilitate the naturalization process. Obtaining U.S. citizenship is a dream for many immigrants, but it can be a complicated process. The journey often involves strict legal requirements, including a lengthy residence period, English proficiency, and knowledge of U.S. history and government. However, a lesser-known factor … Read more

When to file for Social Security without losing a dime: Full retirement age revealed to claim benefits and boost your monthly check

Alarm clock on Social Security blocks with red question mark, symbolizing full retirement age and best time to claim benefits

More Americans than ever are asking themselves a crucial question: at what age can I receive my full Social Security benefits? That question matters because timing can impact your monthly payments and overall lifetime income, so it’s essential to understand the rules. Full Retirement Age (FRA) is the milestone at which individuals qualify to receive … Read more

New proposal targets wealthy retirees for Social Security cuts – What you need to know

U.S. Capitol building in front of an American flag and U.S. dollar bills, symbolizing the Social Security cuts debate

Proposed changes to Social Security have set off a wave of debate among retirees, younger workers, and policymakers. Scott Galloway, a business professor at New York University famous for his controversial views, recently suggested that high-income retirees may no longer qualify for these benefits. Many are now wondering how this could reshape the entire system. … Read more

Full list: these retirees will receive Social Security checks in May

Social Security statement next to a U.S. $100 bill representing May 2025 benefit payments for retirees

Retirees across the United States have their eyes on upcoming Social Security checks this month. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has outlined a detailed schedule to ensure everyone receives their funds in a timely manner. In the first half of May, two key groups have already been paid. Recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) received … Read more

This chain of craft stores will close 500 stores nationwide by the end of May

Colorful yarn skeins on diagonal shelves inside a Joann craft store ahead of nationwide closure of 500 locations in May 2025

Joann, the popular fabric and crafts retailer, has confirmed plans to shutter over 500 locations nationwide by the end of May. This significant move comes as the Ohio-based company struggles to reorganize under Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, affecting thousands of employees and loyal customers. In February, Joann announced it would close roughly 500 of its … Read more

PepsiCo pulls plug on PopCorners factory, putting hundreds out of work starting May 21

workers pack PopCorners snack bags on PepsiCo’s Liberty, NY, production line ahead of the May 2024 plant closure that will cut 300 jobs

The closure will begin in mid-May, leaving hundreds of employees worried about their financial security and the broader economic future of Sullivan County. Local officials are gearing up to provide assistance and counseling for those affected by this significant layoff. In total, close to 300 workers at the Liberty facility will be dismissed over 14 … Read more

America’s biggest fast-food chain loses 631 stores nationwide, falling under 20,000 domestic locations for first time in decades

Two Subway employees prepare sandwiches behind the counter of a modern restaurant, illustrating the chain’s U.S. presence amid 631 store closures

Subway, the renowned sandwich giant, has reported the closure of more than 600 restaurants in the United States over the past year. This dramatic downturn places the brand at its lowest number of domestic stores in two decades, leaving many observers wondering what the future holds for America’s onetime favorite sub shop. In 2015, Subway … Read more

An iconic pizzeria files for bankruptcy: it is entering Chapter 11

Bertucci’s Italian Restaurant roadside sign, representing the iconic pizza chain now seeking Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

Another well-known pizzeria files for Chapter 11, reflecting the sector’s ongoing struggles. The Orlando, Fla.-based pizza chain recently submitted its third Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in seven years. This move underscores the mounting financial pressures restaurant operators face, especially in the pizza segment. With so many consumers watching their budgets, soaring operational costs have become … Read more

The second wave of Big Lots reopenings is here: This is the complete list of stores that are back in business

Big Lots storefront sign with orange exclamation mark, highlighting the retailer’s second-wave reopenings scheduled for May 1 and May 15

Fans of discount retail giant Big Lots have reason to celebrate this week. The company is rolling out the second phase of its nationwide revival, with 54 stores reopening on Thursday, May 1, followed by another 78 on May 15. In total, Big Lots aims to reopen 219 locations in a four-phase plan that began … Read more