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.

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.

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.

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.

CPS board president threatens members over leak to reporter: Sources
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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
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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.

IRS reveals updated retirement contribution limits for 2026

The IRS unveiled contribution limit changes for popular retirement plans, including 401(k) plans and IRAs.

American Airlines ends advantage miles program for basic economy fares

American Airlines has made a change that affects how millions of travelers earn rewards on its cheapest tickets — and now the airline is facing some backlash for it.

White House teases housing affordability plan
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As interest rates stay high, the White House weighs ideas like 50-year and portable mortgages, raising questions about whether fixes for housing affordability could bring unintended consequences.

Ford shatters decade-old recall record with 152 safety alerts issued this year alone across multiple models

Ford Motor Company logged far more recalls in 2025 than any other automaker, according to federal safety data, eclipsing a decade-old industry record and underscoring ongoing quality issues affecting millions of vehicles across multiple model lines.

New GDP numbers show U.S. economy grew faster than expected last quarter
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The latest Commerce Department report shows the U.S. economy grew 4.3% in the third quarter, beating expectations as officials and analysts debate whether the momentum can last.

Student loan borrowers in default face wage garnishment starting Jan. 7

The Department of Education will begin garnishing wages from borrowers who have defaulted on federal student loans starting in early January.

Powerball jackpot spikes to $1.7 billion for Christmas Eve drawing

After there was no big winner in last night's drawing, the Powerball jackpot for the upcoming drawing will be one of the largest in lottery history.