INFLATION

Oct 10 2024FINANCE

Small Bump in Social Security Benefits for 2025

The Social Security Administration let everyone know on Thursday that there will be a 2.5% increase in their benefits for 2025. This is the smallest increase since 2021, when it was just 1.3%. This change comes after a period where inflation was high and beneficiaries saw bigger boosts in their paym

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Oct 09 2024FINANCE

Don't Expect Cheaper Loans Anytime Soon

The US economy looks pretty strong, but that's bad news for people hoping to borrow money at lower interest rates. Despite expectations for cheaper borrowing costs, the job market and economy are doing surprisingly well. This is a big problem for those who want to buy houses, cars, or just use their

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Oct 07 2024BUSINESS

Small Biz in Trouble: Tax Hike Looming

Inflation's been tough on Texas small businesses. Costs are skyrocketing, and owners are losing sleep over it. A recent report by the NFIB showed that supply costs jumped to the second biggest worry from twelfth in 2020. This is bad news for job creators who now face tough choices: raise prices, cut

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Oct 07 2024FINANCE

Big Budget Problem for Cook County in 2025

Cook County has a big problem on its hands. The county is looking at a $218 million budget gap next year. Why such a huge gap? Well, it's mainly because of the raises given to county employees and the increasing pension payments that come with those raises. But here's an interesting twist – this yea

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Oct 07 2024BUSINESS

Young Finance Chiefs: What's Their Secret?

Ever wondered how some finance chiefs climb the corporate ladder so quickly? Let’s take a look at three young stars who have proven their mettle in the world of business. Shawn Flores, 35, has been with Par Pacific Holdings for nearly a decade and is now its CFO. He believes in creating an efficient

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Oct 07 2024POLITICS

Economy over Personality: Why Trump's Policies Matter More than Ever

As the 2024 presidential election heats up, voters are faced with a critical choice. On one side is former President Donald Trump, who promises to continue his pro-growth policies that many believe boosted the economy during his tenure. On the other side is Vice President Kamala Harris, whose econom

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Oct 06 2024POLITICS

Brooklyn Voices: Inflation, Aid, and Local Concerns

People in Brooklyn have been sharing their thoughts on the rising costs of living, government support, and local politics. Many are feeling that the government isn't stepping up enough to assist Americans affected by natural disasters like Hurricane Helene. Some believe too much attention is given t

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Oct 03 2024BUSINESS

Dockworkers' Strike: What It Means for Holiday Shopping

Have you noticed that your favorite fruits and veggies have been costing more lately? Well, there’s a good reason for it. The US Maritime Alliance (USMA) and the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) are at odds, leading to a dockworkers' strike. About 45,000 dockworkers are involved, deman

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Sep 25 2024OPINION

Priced Out of Reach: The Flawed Housing Plan of the Harris Administration

In the wake of the September 10 presidential debate, the spotlight shone on Vice President Kamala Harris's housing plan, touted as a solution to make homeownership and renting more affordable for working Americans. However, a closer look reveals a plan that would only exacerbate the housing crisis,

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Sep 23 2024BUSINESS

China's Economic Woes: A Tale of Mixed Signals

The Asian-Pacific markets were abuzz with news from Japan and China as investors tried to make sense of the latest monetary policy decisions. The US Federal Reserve's surprise rate cut last week had left many wondering what this meant for the global economy. In China, the youth unemployment rate had

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