Lydia Amazouz

Lydia Amazouz

Web content writer/ editor with a background in economics.

170,000 Amazon-Sold Heated Blankets Recalled After Fires, Burns And Electrical Failures

A major recall is affecting more than 170,000 OCTROT heated blankets sold through Amazon after hundreds of safety reports involving overheating, sparks, smoke, fires and injuries.

170,000 Amazon-Sold Heated Blankets Recalled After Fires, Burns And Electrical Failures

Millions On SNAP Could See A New $60 Monthly Grocery Boost If Congress Approves This Bill

A proposed federal pilot program could give eligible households an extra $60 each month to buy fresh, frozen or dried fruits and vegetables, expanding food assistance options for millions of…

The interior of a retail store in California displaying their participation in the SNAP program

Thousands of New York Drivers Face Intensified Speed Enforcement Starting This Week

New York is launching a statewide speed enforcement campaign aimed at reducing deadly crashes as officials warn drivers to slow down before the busy August travel period.

New York City Speed Limit Sign

Frozen Berries Recalled In 8 States After E. Coli Cases Linked To Popular Store Brand

Frozen blueberries and mixed berries sold at Publix stores in eight states have been recalled over possible E. coli contamination concerns.

Frozen blueberries in a plastic bag

Governor Hochul Unveils New Gun Safety Measures After Federal Firearm Regulation Changes

Governor Kathy Hochul announces new gun safety actions in New York as the state moves to reinforce firearm regulations and respond to federal policy rollbacks that officials say could affect…

Gov. Kathy Hochul

Popular Kitchen Appliance Sold At Amazon And Home Depot Recalled After Deadly Fire Reports

A major refrigerator recall affects more than 121,000 Galanz units after fire reports and one death, with owners urged to stop using them immediately.

Red Retro Fridge

Kansas Students Will Face New Cell Phone Ban In August. Here’s How The Policy Works

A Kansas school district is preparing to restrict student cellphone use in classrooms as a new statewide approach takes effect.

Students holding cell phones

Police Seize 214 Vehicles In Major New York Thruway Toll Enforcement Operation

New York authorities have seized 214 vehicles as part of a major statewide enforcement campaign targeting toll evasion, including the use of illegal or obscured “ghost” license plates designed to…

FDA Issues Urgent Recall for Popular Lidl Cookies Over Hidden Allergen Risk

Lidl has recalled a cookie product after missing allergen information created a potential risk for some customers. The affected Eridanous Shortbread Cookies were sold across multiple states, with the FDA…

Lidl has recalled a cookie product after missing allergen information created a potential risk for some customers. The affected Eridanous Shortbread Cookies were sold across multiple states, with the FDA warning allergy-sensitive shoppers not to consume the product.

New York Drivers Face Major Penalties after bridge Strikes Trigger Statewide Crackdown

New York is introducing tougher penalties for drivers who strike bridges, aiming to reduce preventable crashes, protect critical infrastructure, and minimize costly traffic disruptions across the state.

Traffic on the bridge in new york

August 3 Social Security Payment: Who Will Receive Their Benefits First

Some Social Security beneficiaries in the United States are scheduled to receive their August 2026 payments at the start of the month, with the first round of benefit distributions set…

Social Security payment

Walmart Shoppers Could Be Hit With A New Fee Added Automatically At Self Checkout

A proposed plastic bag fee in Minnesota highlights a growing shift in local checkout rules across the U.S., with shoppers at retailers such as Walmart Supercenter locations potentially facing new…

A shopper scans a product barcode on its packaging at a self-checkout lane inside a Walmart Supercenter in Tigard, Oregon.

Ford Recalls Nearly 80,000 Vehicles: Is Your Car Affected?

Ford has issued a recall affecting nearly 80,000 vehicles after identifying a safety-related defect that could impact certain owners.

Ford car

Nationwide Recall Targets Injectable Drug After Glass Particles And Paraformaldehyde Detection

A nationwide recall has been issued for an injectable medication after regulators identified contamination concerns involving glass particles and paraformaldehyde.

Injectable drug

Popular Antibiotic Pulled From Shelves After Foreign Particles Found In IV Solution

A major antibiotic recall has been issued after foreign material was found in an intravenous solution, prompting safety concerns and an FDA warning.

Young Woman with Pill and Glass of Water

Major Pet Store to Shut Down 75 Locations Nationwide in Major Retail Overhaul

Tractor Supply is closing approximately 75 Petsense stores as the retailer shifts its focus toward profitability and long-term growth.

Pet store

Mamdani Releases List Of NYC Property Owners Who Could Be Hit By Controversial Pied-À-Terre Tax

Thousands of New York property owners have been identified as potential targets of a proposed new tax, igniting political controversy and raising concerns about the city's luxury real estate market.

List of names

New USPS Shipping Fee Changes Hit Americans As Rates Suddenly Jump

A new USPS shipping update is now taking effect across the country, with changes that could affect how Americans and businesses pay for package deliveries.

Three USPS mailboxes at curbside

Social Security’s 2027 Changes Could Reshape Retirement Plans Across America

Social Security recipients may see several important changes in 2027 as benefit rules, costs, and retirement decisions continue to evolve.

Social Security card with dollar bills

Ford Recalls More Than 500,000 Vehicles Over Potential Engine Fire Risk

Ford has announced a major recall affecting hundreds of thousands of Bronco SUVs after concerns about possible engine fires emerged.

Ford Logo

Americans Could Claim A One-Time $6,500 Payment Through New Program

New Jersey’s Stay NJ program aims to reduce property tax pressure on eligible senior homeowners through a state-backed rebate system.

US cash bill

Fruit Pouches Pulled From Major Stores After Plastic Found Inside Some Packages

A nationwide recall affects a popular fruit puree pouch sold at Kroger, Target and Meijer after plastic was found in some packages.

Pumpkin Tree fruit pouches

Major Breakfast Chain Sold As 16 Restaurants Permanently Close

Cracker Barrel is selling Maple Street Biscuit Company as it closes 16 locations and refocuses on its core restaurant business.

American breakfast served on a plate

New York State Law Could Change School Start Times for Thousands of Students

A proposed New York State law could change school start times across the state, reshaping daily routines for students, parents, and school districts while introducing new rules for when classes…

Empty Classroom with Desks and Whiteboard

USPS Announces Five More Nationwide Closures That Will Pause Mail Deliveries In 2026

USPS has confirmed five remaining nationwide closure dates in 2026, when post offices will shut down and regular mail deliveries will be paused as part of the federal holiday schedule.

Blue USPS mailboxes

Another Airline Will Shut Down as All Remaining Flights Are Canceled

Air Nostrum is moving to dissolve Hibernian Airlines and its parent holding structure after years of uncertainty in regional aviation.

Cancelled flights

Major Candy Company Plans Hundreds Of Job Cuts After Announcing Headquarters Move

A major candy maker is preparing to close its Newark office and move its U.S. snacking headquarters operations to Chicago, affecting hundreds of employees.

Colourful Candy

Major Mall Retailer Announces More Store Closures As Shopping Landscape Changes

A major mall retailer is reducing its global store network once again as changing shopping habits reshape the future of mall retail.

Elegant Shopping Mall

44-Year-Old Restaurant Chain Closed Over 275 Locations After Once Operating Nearly 300 Stores

A once-expanding cheesesteak chain has declined from nearly 300 restaurants to only 20 locations as mall dining continues to change.

A red and white closed store sign

USPS Urges Americans To Stop Using Blue Mailboxes After Dangerous Scam Emerges

USPS warns Americans about a growing check-washing scam targeting blue collection boxes after stolen checks were discovered in Pennsylvania.

USPS Mail Box

Target Recalls Thousands of Children’s Sandals after Hidden Choking Risk is Discovered

Target has recalled more than 200,000 children’s sandals after decorative pieces were found to pose a possible choking risk.

Target

The Common Cents Act Moves Forward: Here’s What It Would Mean For Restaurants, Retailers, And Shoppers

The possible decline of the penny is pushing lawmakers and businesses to rethink how cash transactions will work in the United States.

Cash Register, Cashier, Coin.

Major 99-Year-Old Retail Chain To Shut Hundreds Of Stores Across The U.S.

7-Eleven is restructuring hundreds of locations while investing heavily in fresh food, restaurant-style offerings, and redesigned store formats as the company prepares for a major transformation of its retail network.

Inside a 7-Eleven convenience store viewing customers queuing and various products organized on shelves within the vibrant retail environment.

Olive Garden Faces New $30 Minimum Wage Rule As California County Sets Deadline For Businesses

A California wage proposal targeting a $30 hourly minimum pay level has qualified for a potential vote in Alameda County.

Olive Garden

Millions Of Families Could Receive $12,000 Direct Payments Under New Tax Proposal

A new proposal would provide direct payments to American families by using revenue from a higher tax burden on the wealthiest Americans.

Woman Counting Dollar Bills

Millions of Bank Customers Could Claim Up to $25,000 in Data Breach Settlement: Are You One of Them?

Eligible Flagstar Bank customers affected by the 2021 data breaches have until August 11, 2026, to submit a claim for compensation and free credit monitoring.

Two Hands Holding U.S. Dollar Bills Against a Light Blue Background

USPS Introduces $50 Fee as New Mailing Rules Take Effect Nationwide

A major USPS policy change is now in effect, introducing $50 penalties alongside higher postage rates and new nationwide requirements.

USPS Package

New $50 Fee Introduced for Walmart Shopping Carts Under City Crackdown

A South Carolina city is introducing a $50 fee for abandoned shopping carts, aiming to reduce neighborhood blight while funding programs for vulnerable residents.

Walmart Shopping Cart

How Much Interest Could a $10,000 1-Year CD Put in Your Pocket?

A $10,000 investment in a one-year certificate of deposit can still generate meaningful returns, though earnings depend on the rate you secure before the market changes again.

Woman Counting Dollar Bills

Costco Announces Huge New Warehouse And 24-Pump Gas Station In Landmark $100 Million Expansion

Costco is investing $100 million in its first Johnston County warehouse, bringing a massive new store and 24-pump gas station to rapidly growing Clayton, North Carolina.

Costco

Iconic Mall Retailer Closes 28 Stores as Sales Unexpectedly Climb

Tilly's has closed 28 stores in two years, yet stronger sales, improving margins, and a new growth strategy suggest the retailer's turnaround is gaining momentum.

Interior of a multi-level shopping mall

New York Eyes Ban on Electronic Grocery Price Tags Over Dynamic Pricing Fears

New York lawmakers are weighing a controversial proposal that could redefine how grocery stores use digital pricing technology and influence retailers nationwide.

Electronic grocery store shelf labels

Giant Fast-Food Chain Suddenly Closes Another Longtime Restaurant After 12 Years as More Locations Disappear Across the U.S.

A longtime Five Guys restaurant in Seattle has unexpectedly closed after 12 years, adding to a growing list of locations disappearing across the United States.

Girls getting served at a fast-food restaurant

Millions Of Student Loan Borrowers Face A Financial Shock As Defaults Surge

Nearly 13 million federal student loan borrowers could default this year as repayment rules tighten and pandemic-era protections disappear.

Student Loan

IRS Just Changed Tax Penalties, and Millions of Americans Could Benefit Automatically

Millions of taxpayers could receive automatic IRS penalty relief under a new system designed to reward consistent tax compliance while strengthening fraud enforcement.

Wooden blocks spelling "IRS" on a wooden table

More Than 550,000 Kobalt Power Tools Recalled Nationwide Over Dangerous Battery Fire Risk

More than 550,000 Kobalt power tools and batteries sold at Lowe's have been recalled after dozens of fire-related incidents linked to USB-C charging.

More Than 550,000 Kobalt Power Tools Recalled Nationwide Over Dangerous Battery Fire Risk

Nearly 12,000 Jeep Vehicles Recalled Over A Defect That Could Increase Crash Risk

Nearly 12,000 Jeep vehicles face a safety recall over a manufacturing defect that could increase the risk of losing control and crashing.

Close-up of a Jeep Wrangler

Popular Soda Giant Closes Major Bottling Plant, Leaving 175 Workers Without Jobs

Soda giant is eliminating 175 jobs as it closes a Massachusetts bottling plant, underscoring a broader effort to reshape its U.S. manufacturing network despite continued revenue growth.

A glass of chilled soda with ice cubes

Walmart Shoppers Could Receive A 10% Discount Under New Self-Checkout Proposal

A proposed law could require retailers such as Walmart to reward shoppers with a 10% discount for using self-checkout kiosks.

A shopper scans a product barcode on its packaging at a self-checkout lane inside a Walmart Supercenter in Tigard, Oregon.

USPS Announces New Stamp Prices: Here’s When The New Rates Take Effect

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) has increased stamp prices once again as it works to address financial pressures while maintaining nationwide mail delivery.

USPS Announces New Stamp Prices: Here's When The New Rates Take Effect
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