New IRS tax deductions: Why your paycheck could be higher

Are you seeing a different amount than you were expecting in your first paycheck of 2026? Here’s a look at the new IRS tax deductions.

Ads coming to ChatGPT for some US users

OpenAI said Friday that it would start rolling out ads in ChatGPT to some U.S. users.

Stimulus payment January 2026, IRS direct deposit relief payment & tariff dividend fact check

Rumors about new stimulus checks, IRS direct deposits, relief payments and tariff dividends swirled throughout 2025, and they’re continuing to circulate as we head into 2026. But is there any truth to them? 

Austin-area recycling company picked to help address tungsten steel trade imbalance

An Austin recycling company has received a multi-million dollar federal grant to help increase the domestic supply of critical minerals. The idea is to reduce the need for things like tungsten steel that's made in other countries.

Customers impacted by Verizon outage to get $20 credit: How to redeem

Verizon says it’s giving $20 credits to customers who were impacted by a widespread service outage, but you have to accept the credit for it to be applied.

Cinemark's $5 bring-your-own bucket popcorn deal returns for National Popcorn Day 2026

Cinemark and Lowe’s team up for a $5 popcorn bucket deal this Jan. 18-19. Bring any container—including a 5-gallon Lowe’s bucket—to celebrate National Popcorn Day 2026.

Macy's to close 14 stores as part of turnaround strategy: See the list

Macy’s is continuing its turnaround effort by announcing plans to close about 14 additional underperforming stores in early 2026.

President Trump wants to cap credit card interest at 10%: the pros & cons for borrowers

The president's proposal could help consumers save billions of dollars and pay off debt faster. But financial experts say it could also make it harder for consumers with lower credit scores to get credit cards.

Saks Global files for bankruptcy after $2.7B Neiman Marcus acquisition deal

Saks Global Enterprises, the parent of Saks Fifth Avenue, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after missing a $100 million interest payment.

Meta cuts over 1,000 jobs in major metaverse retreat

Meta is cutting over 1,000 jobs, shifting its investment from Metaverse to wearable technology.

New Texas THC proposal would drastically increase retailer fees

Businesses that sell legal, consumable THC may be on the hook for registration fees as high as $20,000 per year. It’s in response to an executive order directive by Gov. Greg Abbott to enforce stricter industry rules.

BBB LipoMax warning: AI videos helping promote weight loss products

The BBB is issuing a warning that troubling deep-fake videos are circulating social media to help promote weight loss products. One includes Oprah promoting the “pink salt trick.”

GameStop shutters more stores as retail apocalypse continues

GameStop, the former brick-and-mortar video game giant and meme stock, is continuing to close stores as it grapples with declining sales and the industry’s shift toward digital gaming.

Trump wants credit card interest capped

President Trump says he wants a one-year, 10% cap on credit card interest rates.