The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a temporary pause in the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program’s supplemental food assistance, prompting concerns among breastfeeding parents and community food providers. This suspension, which affects benefits estimated at approximately $52 per month for each eligible family, is expected to last several weeks while federal officials...

As taxpayers prepare for the 2026 filing season, new projections from Bloomberg suggest that while the income tax brackets will see minor adjustments, these changes could still result in significant savings for many Americans. The forecast indicates slight increases in the income thresholds that define tax brackets, driven primarily by inflation adjustments. Despite the modest...

Starting in 2026, medical doctors and lawyers across the United States will face a new federal student loan cap, limiting annual borrowing to $50,000. Over the course of their careers, these professionals will be restricted to a maximum aggregate loan amount of $200,000. The policy aims to address concerns about mounting student debt and ensure...

Starting this academic year, federal student loan policies have undergone significant changes aimed at curbing rising college debt. New regulations cap annual borrowing limits at $20,500 for undergraduate students and impose a lifetime borrowing ceiling of $100,000. These measures are designed to make student debt more manageable while encouraging students to explore alternative funding options....

As the federal government faces the ongoing risk of a shutdown, millions of Americans relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are recalculating their budgets amid potential disruptions. Recent data indicates that individuals aged 7 and older could receive up to $1,571 in monthly SNAP benefits, a significant support for families navigating uncertain financial...

In Washington D.C., employers operating within the hospitality sector face a nuanced challenge related to wage laws, particularly the distinction between the tip credit and the mandated minimum wage of $17.95. While the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) permits employers to utilize a tip credit toward meeting minimum wage obligations, local regulations and industry...

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has announced upcoming penalties for taxpayers who miss the April 15 deadline in 2026, emphasizing the importance of timely filing to avoid fines. The penalty for late federal income tax filing can reach up to $485 per month per taxpayer, with a maximum penalty that could significantly impact individuals and...

Retirees aged 65 and older with higher incomes could potentially reduce their tax burden by over $2,000 through a relatively straightforward adjustment—claiming a $23,750 deduction on their federal returns. Recent updates to tax laws and standard deduction limits have made this strategy more accessible for affluent seniors, allowing them to better manage their taxable income...

DC Restaurants Face Rising Costs as Dining Surcharges Surpass $20 per Check Many restaurants across Washington, D.C., are implementing significant surcharges on customer bills, with some exceeding $20 per check. These additional charges stem primarily from recent wage regulation changes aimed at increasing pay for frontline workers, including tipped staff and hourly employees. As labor...

Recent changes to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) work requirements are raising concerns among beneficiaries about potential eligibility loss. The updated criteria now demand that able-bodied adults without dependents participate in at least 80 hours of employment, training, or community service each month to continue receiving benefits. This shift aims to promote employment and reduce...