Social Security benefits can be a lifeline for many, but taxes on these benefits can be confusing. It's not just about the money you receive; it's also about how it affects your tax situation. First, let's talk about "combined income. " This isn't just your regular income. It's your adjusted gross income plus any tax-exempt interest and half of your Social Security ...
The Supreme Court is about to make a big decision. It's not about laws or crimes, but about money in politics. Specifically, it's about how much politicians can talk to their party about spending cash. The case, National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission, could change how campaigns are funded. Right now, there are rules. These rules say ...
Maine is in a legal battle over campaign finance. The state wants to limit donations to super PACs, but a judge says it's unconstitutional. The state is now appealing this decision. In 2023, Maine voters approved a law to cap donations to super PACs at $5, 000. Almost 75% of voters supported this change. But two conservative PACs sued, and a federal judge agreed wit...
Clara Capital has hit a big milestone. They've lent over $350 million to small and medium-sized businesses. This company uses AI to make things faster and easier for both businesses and their partners. The CEO, Ryan Adwar, says their AI-first approach cuts down the time it takes to get a funding offer. It used to take days, now it takes hours. This speed doesn't com...
Companies often face a tough spot when they have to pay bills and salaries, but customers are slow to pay. This is where trade finance steps in. It's a way for businesses to get money by selling their unpaid invoices or getting a bank to guarantee payment. It's a lifeline for many. First Brands' recent troubles have put a spotlight on this financial tool. The compan...
On October 14, a picture of Donald Trump and Argentine President Javier Milei went viral. It showed them in the Oval Office, both giving thumbs up. But people weren't talking about their meeting. They were talking about their hair. Trump's hair was styled in his usual comb-over. Milei's hair was voluminous and brushed into a nest-like frock. People joked that they l...
The IRS is reportedly making big changes. These changes could lead to more investigations into left-leaning groups and Democratic donors. This news comes from people who know about it. The IRS's criminal investigation team is getting new leaders. These leaders are allies of the current administration. At the same time, the role of IRS lawyers in these investigations...
Some big news outlets like The New York Times, The Associated Press, and even Newsmax have decided not to sign a new document from the Pentagon. This document is about new press rules. If they don't sign, they might have to leave the Pentagon. These news organizations think the new rules are unfair. They say the rules could punish them for doing their regular job, w...
The Supreme Court is once again tackling a hot topic: religion and personal beliefs. This time, it's about whether a Christian counselor can help young people with gender identity issues. The case comes from Colorado, where a law bans so-called "conversion therapy" for minors. The counselor, Kaley Chiles, argues that the law stops her from helping teens and their pa...
The Supreme Court recently discussed whether a Colorado law that prohibits conversion therapy infringes on the First Amendment. This law aims to stop counselors from trying to change a person's sexual orientation, but some argue it's a form of free speech. Conversion therapy, as practiced by counselor Kaley Chiles, involves no medical procedures. Instead, it focuses...