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

Boomer forced back to work after losing Medicaid over Social Security income

Medicaid Insurance form held in hand, illustrating a senior’s loss of coverage after Social Security income exceeds eligibility limits

Despite receiving $2,065 per month in Social Security benefits, 74-year-old Cincinnati resident, Rebecca Walriven-Lawson, is struggling to meet her basic needs after losing her Medicaid coverage. Her unexpected predicament highlights the challenges that many older Americans face when monthly checks barely cover rent, utilities, and medical care. Walriven-Lawson’s sole income was deemed too high for … Read more

Travelers without Real ID may face boarding denials starting this date

Airport TSA checkpoint with DHS poster urging travelers to obtain a Real ID by May 7 2025; security agent seated in background

Government officials have confirmed a stricter security measure that will affect domestic flights throughout the United States. Starting May 7, travelers without a Real ID or valid passport risk being detained at airport checkpoints, according to the Real ID Act of 2005. This enforcement, designed to bolster aviation security after the September 11 attacks, will … Read more

Rising grocery prices spark surge in demand for LA’s community food banks

Volunteer sorts donated bread at Los Angeles community food bank amid surge in demand fueled by rising grocery prices

If you live in California and are going through a tough financial patch, the free food pantries offered by Jewish Family Service of Los Angeles (JFSLA) through its SOVA program can provide a solid safety net during May. The program is particularly useful for low-income families, individuals without stable employment, and anyone affected by rising … Read more

Goodbye to solar panels: this clean energy system works day and night and promises lower energy bills

Workers installing solar panels on a residential rooftop under a blue sky with scattered clouds

Micro-hydroelectric turbines could power homes using just a nearby stream, offering constant and clean energy around the clock It may sound surprising, but in the midst of rising electricity costs and the growing urgency of climate change, the United States is turning to a very old ally: water. More specifically, to small-scale hydroelectric systems capable … Read more