Goodbye to traditional returns: Amazon and Walmart now refund and let you keep the item

Amazon shipping box Jeff Bezos illustrating refund-without-return policy on low-cost items

An unexpected policy is catching many shoppers off guard: some of the biggest retailers in the country are giving refunds without asking for the product back. This approach is not new, but it’s becoming more common in 2024—and it might make you rethink how you handle returns. In recent months, chains like Amazon and Walmart … Read more

Confirmed: Three new SSA requirements could change your May retirement check

Social Security cards behind Donald Trump, illustrating SSA’s three new requirements for May retirement checks

Before May 2025 even begins, retirees and future beneficiaries are being urged to review the guidelines recently confirmed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). These guidelines spell out the mandatory requirements for anyone hoping to receive a retirement check next spring. The SSA’s announcement is significant for millions who rely on or plan to rely … Read more

Travelers face new TSA ban as agency forbids flyers from bringing item in luggage

TSA officer inspects suitcase at airport after power bank ban on checked baggage

TSA bans power banks in checked luggage: key changes for travelers in 2025 A popular travel accessory has just been barred from checked bags, and it might catch many travelers off guard. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) quietly rolled out this ban despite recently relaxing limits on carry-on liquids at select airports. The updated policy, … Read more

Good news for Chevy owners: GM agrees to pay thousands for defective CP4 fuel pump

General Motors sign outside HQ as GM settles CP4 fuel pump defect lawsuit

Up to $6,700 could be waiting for eligible drivers, here’s why it matters. For many Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra owners, a faulty diesel pump has caused stress and hefty repair bills. Now, General Motors is poised to pay a preliminary $50 million settlement that could bring relief to those affected. If you’ve been wondering … Read more

New COLA will increase May 2025 payments: Social Security confirms changes for retirees and veterans

Close-up of a senior male official in a navy suit attending a policy meeting on upcoming Social Security COLA increases

Retirees, disability recipients, and veterans should prepare for adjusted checks this month as living expenses continue to climb. Social Security beneficiaries across the United States are set to receive May 2025 payments under new guidelines introduced earlier this year. These updates, which include a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), are designed to help recipients maintain their … Read more

This is how Trump’s tariff hike affects you: say goodbye to bargains from Temu and Shein

Smartphone displaying Temu app logo held in hand, illustrating looming price increases after Trump’s new import tariffs on low-cost goods

Online shopping is about to get pricier as a key tax exemption disappears, leaving frequent buyers with fewer deals. Shoppers who rely on Shein and Temu for low-cost fashion and accessories could feel the impact sooner than they think. Starting April 25, both platforms will be forced to increase their prices after former President Donald … Read more

Century-old Laurel Grocery Company shuts down after 103 years: more than 100 workers lose jobs

Laurel Grocery Company sign on warehouse exterior in London, Kentucky

Community members and officials in Laurel County, Kentucky, react to the surprising shutdown of a longstanding local icon. Laurel Grocery Company (LGC) has been a familiar name in Laurel County since 1922, but now it is closing its doors and leaving more than 100 people without jobs. Former employees describe the decision as completely unexpected, … Read more

Rising life expectancy fuels debate on retirement age reset

Thoughtful senior man pondering rising life expectancy and new retirement-age rules

Government authorities have announced a major shift in the rules for accessing Social Security benefits. Find out all the essential details you need to know about these upcoming adjustments. In the United States, new regulations set to take effect in 2025 will significantly transform the retirement landscape. One of the most noteworthy updates involves the … Read more

Some Americans will stop receiving Social Security checks in May: what other assistance can I apply for?

Old key resting on Social Security cards, symbolizing access to retirement and financial aid programs

Starting this May, thousands of Social Security beneficiaries may find their checks missing due to eligibility changes. Here’s what to know and how to avoid a sudden income cutoff. For decades, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has built a reputation for punctuality. Every month, nearly 70 million Americans receive their payments like clockwork. But come … Read more

Biotech downturn claims another victim with sweeping Mural Oncology layoffs

Scientist in protective gear working with glassware inside Mural Oncology’s laboratory fume hood during cancer-drug research

The Massachusetts-based firm faces difficult decisions after clinical trial disappointments, raising concerns across the industry. Mural Oncology confirmed Wednesday that it will eliminate about 104 positions, representing roughly 90% of its workforce. The announcement comes in the wake of unsuccessful clinical trials for its melanoma and ovarian cancer treatments, which failed to meet key targets. … Read more

Countdown to stimulus checks: What these citizens need to know about the $1,702 PFD payment in May

Close-up of a U.S. Treasury check stamped “STIMULUS,” symbolizing the $1,702 Alaska Permanent Fund Dividend payment due May 15 2025

Thousands of Alaskans eagerly await the boosted Permanent Fund Dividend, which this year climbs to $1,702. Discover the key dates, requirements, and how this increase could impact your household budget. The Permanent Fund Dividend (PFD) is a yearly benefit that channels a portion of Alaska’s oil and gas revenue directly into the hands of residents. … Read more

You must meet these requirements to receive Social Security payment on May 21 and May 28

Pile of 100-dollar bills and a Social Security card illustrating benefit payments due May 14 and May 28 for eligible retirees

Two new Social Security payments will soon reach the wallets of many American retirees, and understanding the schedule has become more crucial than ever. These payments help beneficiaries cover essential household expenses, so knowing who qualifies and when to expect the funds can ease stress. In May, individuals will receive their retirement checks on two … Read more

Don’t wait until the last minute: Real ID countdown for flights across the US

Crowded departure hall at major US airport as travelers gear up for REAL ID deadline before boarding domestic flights

A major security shift is coming in May 2025. With the latest details updated on May 3, travelers across the United States should be on high alert: starting May 7, 2025, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will require REAL ID-compliant identification to board domestic flights. This shift affects airports in cities such as Boston, New … Read more

The DMV is overwhelmed: the new law proposes driving with an expired license in this state

Senior woman smiling in car showing driver’s license and giving thumbs up, representing DMV law change in North Carolina

A temporary solution born in North Carolina may soon become a national model: fewer renewals, less bureaucracy, and the same legal coverage for drivers. For thousands of American drivers, especially in North Carolina, the simple act of renewing a driver’s license has become an administrative nightmare. Long queues, weeks of delay, and appointment slots that … Read more