180-degree turn: Microsoft halts construction of $1 billion data centers in Ohio to focus on agriculture

Split image showing a Microsoft data-center corridor beside lush Ohio farmland, symbolizing the company’s pivot from servers to agriculture

The tech giant has decided to postpone its ambitious initiative to establish multiple data centers across Licking County. Although Microsoft still plans to own the land and partner with local organizations, many residents wonder what this change could mean for future development in the region. A cautious retreat with future possibilities in sight Microsoft initially … Read more

The payment date for the May stimulus check has been confirmed in this state: $1,702 for those who meet the requirements

Close-up of a suited man pointing forward against an Alaska state map, illustrating news on the May 2025 $1,702 stimulus payment

Thousands of Alaskans are gearing up for the $1,702 stimulus check, a benefit drawn from the state’s oil and gas revenues. This annual distribution provides significant economic relief, especially considering Alaska’s higher living costs. In May 2025, eligible recipients will see a boost from the Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD), which has long been a pillar … Read more

The dollar is no longer king: 11 countries will break away in 2025

Crumpled U.S. dollar bills overflowing from a trash can symbolizing global decline of the dollar in 2025

A quiet but decisive shift is underway: Eleven post-Soviet republics have announced they will stop using the U.S. dollar in international transactions. In 2025, the U.S. dollar will lose its place as the default currency in a bloc of eleven countries spanning Eastern Europe and Central Asia. This decision, spearheaded by members of the Commonwealth … Read more

Claim your Verizon refund before the deadline: here are the exact dates and who is eligible to get up to $100

Verizon storefront sign photographed on brick and metal façade, illustrating news about claiming up to $100 refund before the deadline

Some Verizon customers may soon receive part of a $100 million payout after a class action lawsuit that accused the communications giant of adding extra “junk fees” to billing plans. The settlement, linked to postpaid wireless or data plans, could bring eligible users anywhere from $15 to $100, depending on how long they maintained service … Read more

Countdown to Big Lots: Big Lots’ comeback gains momentum as shoppers set their alarm clocks for the grand reopening

Big Lots storefront with “The comeback starts soon” banner ahead of May 1 grand reopening across 12 states

Discount retailer brings back beloved brand with deep discounts and fresh inventory. Big Lots is set to reopen 54 additional stores on May 1 in what executives are calling the second wave of the retailer’s revival. These locations will operate under the guidance of Variety Wholesalers, the discount retail company that acquired hundreds of Big … Read more

Bank of America closed five branches in March: they have already updated the map with alternative routes on their official website for affected customers

Small standalone Bank of America branch with bright red signage in an empty parking lot, illustrating the bank’s recent U.S. branch closures

A growing digital focus has led to the closure of several Bank of America locations, and many Americans are watching closely to see how this trend could affect their banking experience. In March 2025, five Bank of America branches across four states officially closed, according to recent reports. Now that we are in April, many … Read more

Goodbye to the Zelle app: users who don’t have a compatible bank are trying PayPal or ACH transfers after the app shut down

Smartphone displaying the white Zelle logo on a purple screen, illustrating the shutdown of Zelle’s standalone payment app

A new era for digital payments? Here’s what consumers need to know right now. Zelle, a widely used platform for peer-to-peer money transfers, has discontinued its independent mobile app. This change, effective Tuesday, will not affect most Zelle transactions, as the majority of users already access the service through their own bank’s online system. Still, … Read more

A 93-year-old retiree retired with $130,000: now she has part-time jobs and a roommate to help pay the bills

93‑year‑old retiree wearing a straw sun hat sits on a park bench in Manhattan, illustrating active senior life on a tight budget

Retiring two decades ago on limited savings sounded risky for 93-year-old Manhattan resident, Leila Lieberman. Yet, she’s happier than ever, proving that companionship and passion projects can matter more than a hefty bank account. Lieberman spent years working as a counselor in both Illinois and New York, earning a modest income. When she retired, she … Read more

Elon Musk orders cancellation of a large number of government credit cards to cut costs: they could stop working at any moment

Business executive announcing large‑scale cancellation of inactive government credit cards to reduce federal spending

More than 300,000 federal credit cards face immediate deactivation under a bold new plan. The U.S. Department of Efficiency (DOGE) aims to curb excessive costs and close accounts linked to inactive or suspicious activity. The surprise decision targets accounts deemed redundant or abandoned within various government agencies. In total, DOGE has already identified over 300,000 … Read more

Parents arrested and deported after 35 years in the US, leaving behind their three American daughters

Smiling couple deported after 35 years in the US, parents of three American daughters, during a family outing

For nearly four decades, Gladys and Nelson Gonzalez built a life in California. They came to the United States in 1989, fleeing violence in Colombia. Their three daughters, all American citizens, never imagined they would one day watch their parents be deported. “We’ve been living in disbelief since it happened,” said Stephanie Gonzalez, the eldest … Read more

A man leaves his six-figure job on Wall Street and now earns $1,000 an hour tutoring from home

Former Wall Street trader Steven Menking sitting in his home office, now tutoring online for up to $1,000 an hour

For many people, leaving a high-paying finance position sounds risky. But for one former equities trader, it was the key to rediscovering his passion. After realizing the long hours and intense environment weren’t sustainable, he took a leap of faith and returned to what truly inspired his: education. Today, he tutors students and young professionals … Read more

Mega Millions officials still looking for $344 million winner: ticket bought at ‘general store’

Mega Millions officials still looking for $344 million winner: ticket bought at ‘general store’

Jackpot remains unclaimed, raising questions about key deadlines and the importance of acting quickly. A staggering $344 million Mega Millions prize remains in limbo after lottery officials confirmed that a single winning ticket was sold in Illinois. The unknown winner guessed the correct numbers, including the crucial Mega Ball, in Tuesday’s draw. However, with no … Read more

Payment from Cash App has finally been approved: your $2,500 compensation could be just around the corner

Payment from Cash App has finally been approved: your $2,500 compensation could be just around the corner

Block, Inc. Will Distribute a $15 Million Fund to Resolve User Complaints. A long-awaited settlement has arrived for Cash App users who faced unauthorized transactions or unfair account freezes. Block, Inc., the company behind Cash App, agreed to pay out $15 million in total after a class action lawsuit over alleged fraudulent charges and account … Read more

Goodbye dollar: these 20, 50 and 100 bills are rejected in every shop in the country

Rolled U.S. dollar bills on scattered currency, illustrating the Federal Reserve’s plan to phase out older notes

The Federal Reserve’s gradual phase-out plan promises added security—but also raises questions about everyday transactions. The United States Federal Reserve has announced its ambitious plan to overhaul three of the most common U.S. dollar denominations: the $20, $50, and $100 bills. The update will unfold gradually over the next 15 years, ensuring continuity for consumers … Read more