Lydia Amazouz

Lydia Amazouz

Web content writer/ editor with a background in economics.

Walmart Prepares For Plastic Bag Ban With Mandatory Checkout Fees For Shoppers

Elgin, Illinois, will ban single-use plastic bags at major retailers, charging shoppers for paper alternatives while aiming for a more sustainable community.

Walmart Prepares For Plastic Bag Ban With Mandatory Checkout Fees For Shoppers

Social Security Checks Set To Rise in 2027: What Seniors Should Expect Next Year

Social Security beneficiaries could see a notable increase in 2027, but rising inflation continues to challenge seniors’ budgets.

Social security bill

Inside the Silent Energy Emergency Hitting 13 Million American Homes

For decades, no one truly knew how often Americans lost access to electricity and gas. Now the first federal energy report of its kind has landed,  and the numbers have…

Inside the Silent Energy Emergency Hitting 13 Million American Homes

Electricity Bills Are Exploding, Are Data Centres the Hidden Cause?

Electricity costs are rising in parts of the US as data centres rapidly expand to meet AI demand. Households are beginning to feel the strain, with higher bills and growing…

Electricity Bills Are Exploding, Are Data Centres the Hidden Cause

Will Social Security Benefits Be Cut in the 2030s? Here’s What You Need to Know

Social Security is facing a projected shortfall that could lead to automatic benefit reductions in the 2030s unless Congress acts soon to address the funding gap.

Social security bill

VA Health System Rebooted: Major Shift Could Change Care for Thousands of Veterans

A long-stalled VA health project is moving again, with four hospitals serving as the first test of a new phase, as officials say past issues have been addressed and the…

VA Health System Rebooted Major Shift Could Change Care for Thousands of Veterans

Retirees Brace for April 15 Payment, Here’s What’s Really Coming

On Wednesday, April 15, 2026, millions of Social Security beneficiaries will receive their next payment, as part of the program’s staggered monthly schedule.

Retirees Brace for April 15 Payment, Here’s What’s Really Coming

Seniors Set to Benefit from $100 Million Push as Chapter Moves to Simplify Medicare

A new funding round is drawing attention to long-standing issues in Medicare navigation, as Chapter develops tools designed to handle the system’s complexity at scale. Its approach relies on data…

A $100M Push to Fix Medicare Chapter Thinks It Has the Answer

Storm Warning Issued: Up To 28 Inches Of Snow And 80 MPH Winds Expected This Weekend

A powerful winter storm is set to slam the Sierra Nevada, bringing heavy snow, powerful winds, and dangerous travel conditions across major mountain highways.

Winter Snow Storm Covers Neighborhood Street

Aldi Could Face New Checkout Limits In U.S. State Under Proposed Grocery Law

A proposed state law could limit self-checkout machines in grocery stores like Aldi while requiring more staff at the front end.

Aldi

Classic Cars Could Face Weekday Driving Ban Under New Proposal

A Minnesota proposal could dramatically restrict when classic and collector vehicles can be driven, sparking concern among enthusiasts and restorers.

Parked classic cars

Social Security Payments Across the U.S.: Which States Are Giving Retirees the Biggest Payouts?

How Social Security payments vary across the U.S. with the full list of average and median monthly benefits in every state.

Social Security benefits

Trump Says U.S. Can’t Afford Medicaid, Medicare, and Day Care: ‘We’re Fighting Wars’

Donald Trump argues that the U.S. government can’t afford to fund Medicaid, Medicare, and child care while managing military operations, suggesting states should take on these programs.

Medicare Health Insurance Card with medicine bottles

Hurricane Alert: Up To 16 Storms Could Slam The U.S. This Season

Forecasters warn the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season could bring sudden, powerful storms capable of striking the U.S. with little warning.

Eye of the Hurricane.

Aldi and Other Chains Could Be Hit with $15 Minimum Wage Under New Bill

Aldi is edging closer to implementing a historic $15 minimum wage at all of its locations, as a new bill advances through legislation. This unprecedented move could reshape pay structures…

Aldi

IRS and Fiscal Service Workers See Union Contracts Ended by Treasury Department

The U.S. Treasury Department's decision to terminate union contracts for IRS and Bureau of Fiscal Service workers is stirring up legal challenges and controversy over workers' rights in the federal…

IRS Building in Washington

Over 55,000 Pounds of Blueberries Recalled Due to Listeria Contamination Risk

Over 55,000 pounds of frozen blueberries have been recalled due to potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, prompting concerns about public health risks.

Blueberries in a Cardboard Container

Trump Just Announced New Tariffs: Here’s What It Means for the Economy

Trump's 15% tariff increase is set to redefine U.S. trade policy, causing economic ripples both domestically and globally. This bold move follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down his…

Donald trump tariffs

Final Weeks to Claim Up to $2,500 in Direct Payments from DoorDash Settlement

Restaurant owners in Chicago have until March 30, 2026, to claim up to $2,500 in compensation from a DoorDash settlement that resolves allegations of unauthorized listings on the platform.

Woman Counting Dollar Bills Standing in

IRS Issues Crucial New Guidance on Bonus Tax Break for Thousands

The IRS has issued new guidance, clarifying how businesses can benefit from a special 100% depreciation tax break on production property, encouraging investment in U.S. manufacturing.

IRS

Extreme Weather Alert: Cold Snap Could Bring -30°F Wind Chills to Several States This Weekend

As the Arctic blast heads toward the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic this weekend, extreme cold and high winds are expected to create hazardous conditions, including dangerously low wind chills and snow…

Snow Storm in New York CIty

Amazon Children’s Products Recalled Over Fatal Ingestion Hazard From Batteries

Amazon recalled children’s products due to serious burn and ingestion risks from accessible button-cell and coin batteries, urging consumers to stop using them immediately.

Amazon recall

Public Sector Retirees Could See Major Financial Relief with New Tax Relief Bill

The No Tax on Restored Benefits Act aims to eliminate the tax burden on public sector retirees, offering them much-needed financial relief after years of unfair policies.

Grey-haired retirees

US State Slashes February and March Winter Bills by Waiving $180 Million

A U.S. state is taking bold steps to reduce winter energy costs, with its governor securing $180 million to provide financial relief for residents facing high heating bills during the…

US Energy Payouts

Winter Weather Update: Forecast Maps Highlight Regions at Highest Risk From Snow and Ice

A prolonged winter storm is forecast to bring snow, ice, and widespread disruptions from the Southern Rockies to New England through Monday.

Snow

Social Security Sends Out $5,181 In Benefits This Week, Check If You Qualify!

Social Security payments reaching up to $5,181 are being distributed this week, reflecting the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment designed to protect retirees from inflation.

Social security

Trump To Impose Extra Tariffs On European Nations Amid Greenland Dispute

Donald Trump linked tariffs on European nations to his renewed call for the U.S. to purchase Greenland, reigniting tensions across both trade and geopolitics.

President Donald Trump

TSA Hits Travellers With New $45 Fee Under Updated Security Policy

The TSA will introduce a $45 fee for travellers at airport security checkpoints starting February 1, marking a nationwide policy update.

Blue suitcase on airport carousel

Americans Can Claim $500 Monthly Payments: Here’s How

New guaranteed income program offers $500 monthly payments to low-income families, providing them with financial relief and stability as part of an 18-month initiative.

Woman Counting Dollar Bills Standing in

Millions of Amazon Customers to Get Payouts After Record Settlement, Are You Eligible?

Amazon agrees to pay $2.5 billion in a record FTC settlement over deceptive Prime membership practices affecting millions of users.

Amazon

Popular Retail Giant Shuts Down Multi-Level Store

A major discount retailer has closed the doors of one of its largest urban locations, leaving shoppers surprised and over 100 workers affected, despite ongoing expansion in other parts of…

Closed sign

Pet Owners Could Receive Up To $100,000 In Contaminated Pet Food Settlement

A $5.5 million settlement has been reached in the United States over contaminated pet food linked to serious illness and pet deaths. Affected owners may claim up to $100,000 in…

Bowls with pet food

Mortgage Rates Stuck at 6.2%: Here’s Why They Won’t Budge Anytime Soon

Mortgage rates are stuck at 6.2% and might not move much in 2026 as inflation and labor trends pull in opposite directions.

US mortgage

2026 Social Security Payment Schedule: What You Need to Know

In 2026, changes to the Social Security and SSI payment schedule, including early disbursements and a COLA increase, are set to affect millions of recipients across the country.

Social Security

House Republicans Unveil New Health Care Plan, But ACA Subsidies Are Left Out

House Republicans have introduced a new health care package aimed at reducing costs, but it’s already sparking controversy.

U.S. Flag with Stethoscope and Clipboard on Wooden Background

Working Americans to Receive ‘Very Large Refunds’ of Up to $2,000—Are You Eligible?

Working Americans are set to receive ‘very large refunds’ of up to $2,000 per household, thanks to changes introduced under President Trump’s 'One Big Beautiful Bill.

Woman Counting Dollar Bills Standing in

Amazon Asks Fire TV Stick Users to Hand In Old Devices for Big Discounts This Week

If you're an Amazon Fire TV Stick owner, now is the perfect time to upgrade! This Black Friday, Amazon is offering an incredible deal: trade in your old Fire Stick…

Amazon Fire Tv Stick

$500 Monthly Checks Extended Into 2026 for Thousands of Americans – Are You Eligible?

A major U.S. county has extended its groundbreaking guaranteed income program, providing $500 monthly checks to thousands of low- and middle-income families through 2026.

Woman Counting Dollar Bills Standing in

Social Security’s Upgrades: Major Improvements in Payments, Wait Times, and Online Access

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made significant strides in 2025, improving services for millions of Americans.

Social Security

Trump’s $2,000 Tariff Rebate Proposal: Will It Reach Americans in 2025?

President Donald Trump has proposed sending $2,000 tariff rebate checks to middle- and lower-income Americans, funded by the revenue generated from U.S. tariffs.

cash

When Are Social Security Payments for December 2025 Due? Key Dates You Need to Know

In December 2025, Social Security payments will follow a carefully scheduled timeline to ensure beneficiaries receive their funds on time.

Social security

How to Claim Your New York State Inflation Reduction Check: Everything You Need to Know

New York State’s Inflation Reduction Check program offers up to $400 to eligible residents, aimed at offsetting the financial strain caused by rising inflation.

US inflation

SNAP Participants to Be Required to Reapply for Benefits Under Trump Administration

The Trump administration is pushing for major changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), with a new requirement that all participants reapply for benefits.

SNAP Benefits

Popular Toy Retailer Returns to New York with New Flagship and Holiday Stores

A popular toy retailer is making a big comeback in New York this holiday season with new flagship and seasonal locations.

The inside of a Toys “R” Us Store

Polar Vortex and La Niña Set to Unleash Brutal Winter Cold on U.S

Brace for an early winter blast as the polar vortex and La Niña combine to bring record-breaking cold and snow to the U.S.

Snow Storm in New York CIty

All U.S. Postal Service Locations Set to Close for 24 Hours Nationwide

All U.S. Postal Service locations and regular mail services will shut down nationwide for 24 hours—here’s what you need to know.

Blue USPS mailboxes

Millions at Risk? Blood Pressure Drug Recalled Over Cancer Concerns

More than half a million bottles of a common blood pressure medication have been pulled from shelves after tests revealed the presence of a chemical linked to cancer.

Hemopiezometer for measuring blood pressure, pills and ECG test results on a table

Inflation Cools Slightly, Clearing the Path for Fed Rate Cuts

Cooling inflation and weakening labor market data are setting the stage for a long-awaited pivot by the Federal Reserve. With September’s Consumer Price Index coming in just below expectations, investors…

Calculator with "Inflation rate" written on screen

GM Confirms Full Phaseout of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Across All New Vehicles

GM will remove Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from all future vehicles, aiming for a fully integrated infotainment system.

Detail shot of the iconic GM Renaissance Center on a cold night. T

Beloved Grocery Chain Shuts Down After 80 Years

After 80 years of serving Florida communities, a well-known grocery chain quietly closes its stores, marking the end of a local tradition and sparking questions about what comes next.

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