December jobs report: 50,000 jobs added, capping off slow 2025
The U.S. economy added just 50,000 jobs in December, capping off the worst year for hiring since the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what we know.
The U.S. economy added just 50,000 jobs in December, capping off the worst year for hiring since the COVID-19 pandemic. Here's what we know.
Credit scores are down in all 50 states: Here's where they dropped the most
Credit scores have dropped in all 50 states over the past year.
Credit scores have dropped in all 50 states over the past year.
How Amazon Prime members can claim refunds in $2.5B settlement | ChicagoLIVE
Millions of current and former Amazon Prime subscribers may qualify for refunds following a federal settlement over deceptive enrollment and cancellation practices.
Millions of current and former Amazon Prime subscribers may qualify for refunds following a federal settlement over deceptive enrollment and cancellation practices.
U.S. job cuts fell in December but rose overall in 2025, report says | ChicagoLIVE
A new report shows U.S. employers announced fewer layoffs in December, even as total job cuts for 2025 climbed to their highest level since 2020.
A new report shows U.S. employers announced fewer layoffs in December, even as total job cuts for 2025 climbed to their highest level since 2020.
Social Security full retirement age change for 2026: What you need to know
The new year brings a big change for Social Security when it comes to claiming benefits. Starting in 2026, the Social Security Administration has made changes to the full retirement age (FRA).
The new year brings a big change for Social Security when it comes to claiming benefits. Starting in 2026, the Social Security Administration has made changes to the full retirement age (FRA).
Amazon refund settlement: How much you could receive
The window has opened for some U.S. Amazon Prime customers to seek refunds under a $2.5 billion settlement Amazon reached with the Federal Trade Commission.
The window has opened for some U.S. Amazon Prime customers to seek refunds under a $2.5 billion settlement Amazon reached with the Federal Trade Commission.
Here are the top cities to find a job in 2026, data says
Looking for a fresh start in 2026? A new study has revealed the best U.S. cities for jobs.
Looking for a fresh start in 2026? A new study has revealed the best U.S. cities for jobs.
2026 tax brackets vs. 2025: Here’s what’s changed, other things to know
Your paycheck could stretch further in 2026 as the IRS raised tax brackets and deductions under Trump’s “big beautiful bill." Here’s what changes.
Your paycheck could stretch further in 2026 as the IRS raised tax brackets and deductions under Trump’s “big beautiful bill." Here’s what changes.
Chicago faith leaders protest property tax hikes outside Trump Tower
Community and religious leaders say soaring property taxes in West and South Side neighborhoods amount to a modern-day land grab, demanding an immediate rollback and freeze as scrutiny grows on Cook County officials.
Community and religious leaders say soaring property taxes in West and South Side neighborhoods amount to a modern-day land grab, demanding an immediate rollback and freeze as scrutiny grows on Cook County officials.
Trump delays tariff hikes as criticism grows over rising prices
President Trump is already delaying tariff hikes on multiple products, just two days after the new year. It comes as his administration faces criticism over rising prices.
President Trump is already delaying tariff hikes on multiple products, just two days after the new year. It comes as his administration faces criticism over rising prices.
Saving for a down payment still a barrier for people looking to buy a home, Realtor.com says
An analysis by Realtor.com is forecasting homeownership in 2026 to be more affordable as mortgage rates decline. But saving for a down payment is still a barrier for many people looking to buy a home.
An analysis by Realtor.com is forecasting homeownership in 2026 to be more affordable as mortgage rates decline. But saving for a down payment is still a barrier for many people looking to buy a home.
Affordable Care Act subsidies expire, millions of Americans now faced with steep health insurance hikes
The Enhanced tax credits that have helped millions of Americans offset the cost of the Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired as 2025 came to a close.
The Enhanced tax credits that have helped millions of Americans offset the cost of the Affordable Care Act health insurance for the last four years expired as 2025 came to a close.
These states are increasing the minimum wage in 2026
Significant wage hikes kick in Jan. 1 for millions of workers across these states. See if your area made the list.
Significant wage hikes kick in Jan. 1 for millions of workers across these states. See if your area made the list.
Your 2026 tax guide: All the changes to know before filing
New tax deductions have been enacted for many working Americans and seniors. Here’s what you need to know about the new laws that could impact your return.
New tax deductions have been enacted for many working Americans and seniors. Here’s what you need to know about the new laws that could impact your return.
Sports betting group sues Chicago over new tax on sports wagers
A lawsuit from a group of sports betting companies seeks to stop Chicago's new tax on sports wagers from going into effect.
A lawsuit from a group of sports betting companies seeks to stop Chicago's new tax on sports wagers from going into effect.
IRS giving out major tax break for certain expenses in 2026: What you need to know
People who use their cars for work will be able to deduct more money per mile on their taxes in the new year.
People who use their cars for work will be able to deduct more money per mile on their taxes in the new year.
SNAP junk-food purchase restrictions take effect Jan. 1 in five states, others to follow in 2026 — see where
The new year brings new restrictions on food purchases by SNAP recipients. On Jan. 1, five states are banning SNAP recipients from using their taxpayer-funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food.
The new year brings new restrictions on food purchases by SNAP recipients. On Jan. 1, five states are banning SNAP recipients from using their taxpayer-funded food assistance benefit to purchase junk food.
CPS board president threatens members over leak to reporter: Sources
Tensions are rising following a quiet vote by the Chicago Board of Education to raise property taxes. Fox Chicago reporter Paris Schutz says he learned about the special meeting in advance and shared the information publicly. Paris says he later learned that the board president referenced his post, telling members he would try to identify the source of the leak and force a resignation.
Tensions are rising following a quiet vote by the Chicago Board of Education to raise property taxes. Fox Chicago reporter Paris Schutz says he learned about the special meeting in advance and shared the information publicly. Paris says he later learned that the board president referenced his post, telling members he would try to identify the source of the leak and force a resignation.
Crucial strategies for saving money in 2026
Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza shares tips on budgeting, saving, and reducing debt as part of New Year’s resolutions to help families start 2026 on a stronger financial footing.
Illinois State Comptroller Susana Mendoza shares tips on budgeting, saving, and reducing debt as part of New Year’s resolutions to help families start 2026 on a stronger financial footing.
Dog biscuits recalled due to possible salmonella contamination
Dog biscuits sold in several states have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.
Dog biscuits sold in several states have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.