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Support For Capitalism Hits Record Low In US, Poll Finds: Here's Why Support For Capitalism Hits Record Low In US, Poll Finds: Here's Why
Support For Capitalism Hits Record Low In US, Poll Finds: Here's Why Americans' support for capitalism has slipped to its lowest level on record amid economic anxiety and wealth inequality, according to a new Gallup poll. Gallup's latest survey found that 54% of Americans now view capitalism positively. That's down from 60% in 2021 and the lowest number since Gallup began asking for opinions on economic systems in 2010. Views of socialism remain largely unchanged, with 39% positive and 57% negative. "While Americans retain generally positive views of the US economic system, they are less positive toward it than toward free enterprise and small bus…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy
Perfect Paycheck: Survey Reveals Salary Americans Say Would Make Them Happy How much money does it take to feel financially content? A new national survey suggests Americans have a specific number in mind, and it comes with strings attached. The Talker Research survey, conducted for SurePayroll by Paychex, asked 2,000 adults what they would consider the perfect salary.  Respondents pointed to an average figure of $74,000, though nearly one in five said nothing less than six figures would cover their lifestyle. Even so, half of those surveyed said their current pay is not enough to support their needs, and one in four admitted they are unhappy with their incom…

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by Joe Lombardi
Business
Private Sector Loses Jobs For First Time Since 2023 Amid Trump Tariffs, Inflation: ADP Private Sector Loses Jobs For First Time Since 2023 Amid Trump Tariffs, Inflation: ADP
Private Sector Loses Jobs For First Time Since 2023 Amid Trump Tariffs, Inflation: ADP Private employers lost more jobs than they added for the first time in more than two years, as new data shows Americans pulling back on spending under the weight of inflation and President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. Businesses lost 33,000 jobs in June, according to the ADP National Employment Report released on Wednesday, July 2. That was the first monthly drop since March 2023 and behind May's downwardly revised figure of 29,000. June's numbers came in far below Wall Street's expectations, with Dow Jones economists forecasting a gain of 100,000 jobs, CNBC reported. "Though…

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by Chris Spiker
News
IRS Scam Busted: $93M COVID Fraud Tied To Attempted Hit On Alleged Mastermind IRS Scam Busted: $93M COVID Fraud Tied To Attempted Hit On Alleged Mastermind
IRS Scam Busted: $93M COVID Fraud Tied To Attempted Hit On Alleged Mastermind It started with a fake business. It ended with a shootout in broad daylight. Four people are facing federal charges in what prosecutors call the largest COVID-19 tax credit fraud scheme ever identified.  This $93 million operation allegedly involved fake companies, kickbacks, and a botched attempt to silence the ringleader. The sprawling indictment, unsealed in Los Angeles, details an alleged conspiracy to defraud the IRS by submitting false claims for Coronavirus Response Credits.  These federal tax refunds were designed to help small businesses cover sick and family leave wage…

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by Joe Lombardi
News
Get Ready: Prime Day 2025 Is Bigger, Smarter, and Just Days Away Get Ready: Prime Day 2025 Is Bigger, Smarter, and Just Days Away
Get Ready: Prime Day 2025 Is Bigger, Smarter, and Just Days Away Amazon Prime Day 2025 is shaping up to be the most expansive shopping event the retail giant has ever staged. Set to launch at 12:01 a.m. PDT on Tuesday, July 8, and continuing through Friday, July 11, this year’s edition isn’t just longer—it’s smarter. For the first time, the annual event will run a full four days, giving Prime members across the U.S. and more than 20 other countries more time and more ways to shop. One major twist? AI is now officially in your cart. Amazon is rolling out Rufus, its AI-powered shopping assistant, for his first-ever Prime Day, and he’s not just tagging alo…

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by Vira Mamchur Schwartz
Business
Private Job Growth Hits Two-Year Low Amid Trump Tariffs: 'Hiring Is Losing Momentum' Private Job Growth Hits Two-Year Low Amid Trump Tariffs: 'Hiring Is Losing Momentum'
Private Job Growth Hits Two-Year Low Amid Trump Tariffs: 'Hiring Is Losing Momentum' Private hiring sharply declined to its slowest pace in more than two years as President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs have shaken the economy throughout 2025. Businesses added just 37,000 jobs in May, according to the ADP National Employment Report released on Wednesday, June 4. That was the lowest level since March 2023, falling below April's downwardly revised figure of 60,000. The disappointing job total missed the Dow Jones forecast of 110,000, CNBC reported. "After a strong start to the year, hiring is losing momentum," ADP chief economist Dr. Nela Richardson said. "Pay growth, howe…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
‘Pie Pals Forever’: Maryland's Charslie’s Bakehouse Closing, Community Reacts ‘Pie Pals Forever’: Maryland's Charslie’s Bakehouse Closing, Community Reacts
‘Pie Pals Forever’: Maryland's Charslie’s Bakehouse Closing, Community Reacts It’s the end of a sweet era in Baltimore County. "Charslie’s Bakehouse, known for its scratch-made pastries and small-town charm, will close after nearly three years of serving the Catonsville community, the owners announced." The team behind the popular Frederick Road bakery said they will officially close on Memorial Day, as they prepare for a new chapter — parenthood. “With heavy hearts, we share that Charslie’s Bakehouse will be closing its doors on Memorial Day,” they wrote in an emotional farewell to their loyal customers. “This decision hasn’t been easy. Charslie’s was never j…

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by Zak Failla
Business
Northeastern Small Businesses Sue Trump Over Tariffs: 'Unprecedented Power Grab' Northeastern Small Businesses Sue Trump Over Tariffs: 'Unprecedented Power Grab'
Northeastern Small Businesses Sue Trump Over Tariffs: 'Unprecedented Power Grab' A group of small businesses is suing President Donald Trump over his sweeping new tariffs, warning the policy is driving up prices, threatening jobs, and putting their companies at risk of shutting down. The lawsuit argues that Trump has no legal authority to impose the "liberation day" tariffs. The suit was filed in the US Court of International Trade on Monday, April 14. Trump reversed course and paused many of his tariffs for 90 days but escalated duties on China to 145%. He enacted the tariffs unilaterally, invoking the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act to …

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by Chris Spiker
News
Burnout Surging Among US Workers — These Groups Are Hit Hardest, New Study Finds Burnout Surging Among US Workers — These Groups Are Hit Hardest, New Study Finds
Burnout Surging Among US Workers — These Groups Are Hit Hardest, New Study Finds A growing number of American workers say they're feeling overwhelmed on the job — and it's getting worse. In a new survey from consulting firm Robert Half released on Tuesday, Mar. 25, 36 percent of US professionals said they feel burned out at work. One in three also reported increased burnout over the past year. Heavy workloads and long hours concern many workers, with 40 percent of respondents citing them as the top reason for burnout. Other worries include a lack of support or recognition from their manager (30%) and limited opportunities to grow professionally (27%). Young profes…

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by Chris Spiker
Business
American Express To Pay $230M For Misleading Small Business Customers American Express To Pay $230M For Misleading Small Business Customers
American Express To Pay $230M For Misleading Small Business Customers American Express said it will pay $230 million to resolve federal investigations into deceptive sales tactics and recordkeeping violations involving small business credit card and wire transfer products. The credit card company agreed to pay a $108.7 million civil penalty, the Department of Justice said in a news release on Thursday, Jan. 16. The settlement resolved claims against American Express of deceptive marketing and "dummy" account information. American Express was accused of engaging in unlawful sales tactics and falsifying records between 2014 and 2021. "When financial companies …

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by Chris Spiker
Politics
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds
Majority Of Americans Limit Political News Amid Fatigue, Overload, Poll Finds In an era of 24/7 news cycles and social media saturation, most Americans are stepping back from political news to combat fatigue and information overload.
 According to a brand-new nationwide poll by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, 65 percent of adults feel the need to limit their consumption of government and political news.
 This sentiment crosses party lines, but Democrats are slightly more likely than Republicans to feel overwhelmed (72 percent vs. 59 percent). Additionally, 50 percent of respondents cited the need to cut back on news about overseas conflicts.
 Around…

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by Joe Lombardi
Politics
Maryland Delegate Dana Jones Announces Run For District 30 Senate Seat Maryland Delegate Dana Jones Announces Run For District 30 Senate Seat
Maryland Delegate Dana Jones Announces Run For District 30 Senate Seat Maryland Delegate Dana Jones is officially entering the race for the 30th District Senate seat, vowing to continue her track record of delivering results for the community. Jones announced her candidacy on Nov. 21 to fill the vacant 30th District Senate seat, emphasizing her commitment to collaboration, community priorities, and proven leadership. In her announcement, Jones highlighted her legislative accomplishments over the past four and a half years.  "Since I first took office, my promise to you has been my steadfast commitment to promoting, fighting, and advocating for the needs …

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by Zak Failla
News
Man Accused Of Sexually Abusing Teen Employee In Maryland Released On $100K Bond, Police Say Man Accused Of Sexually Abusing Teen Employee In Maryland Released On $100K Bond, Police Say
Man Accused Of Sexually Abusing Teen Employee In Maryland Released On $100K Bond, Police Say A 54-year-old man accused of sexually abusing a teen boy who worked for him in Howard County has been released from custody on Tuesday, police say.  Ellicott City resident Joshua Duerk was charged last week for allegedly assaulting a 16-year-old in his home earlier this month, according to officials. A spokesperson from the Howard County Police Department said that the boy was allegedly abused on Friday, Aug. 16, and the agency was notified the following day, leading to an investigation that resulted in Duerk's arrest a week later. Duerk was charged with sexual abuse of a mi…

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by Zak Failla