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A sweeping new California privacy law is giving residents unprecedented power to erase their personal data from hundreds of data brokers

• A centralized deletion system took effect January 1 under one of the nations strictest privacy laws

• Californians can now submit a single request forcing more than 500 brokers to delete and stop collecting their data

• Privacy advocates say the law could become a model for other states

Californians gained a powerful new tool this month to curb the collection and sale of their personal data, as one of the strictest privacy laws in the country officially took effect.

The law allows residents to submit a single request requiring hundreds of data brokers to delete personal information they have collected and to stop collecting it in the future, significantly lowering the barrier that previously kept most people from exercising their privacy rights.

Data brokers quietly amass vast personal profiles

According to the California Privacy Protection Agency, more than 500 data brokers actively collect personal information from a wide range of sources and package it for sale to marketers, private investigators, and other customers.

The nonprofit Consumer Watchdog has warned that these companies scrape data from automakers, technology firms, restaurants, device manufacturers, and other businesses to build detailed profiles that can include financial information, purchases, family situations, diet and exercise habits, travel patterns, and entertainment preferences.

Earlier law saw limited use due to high burden

Californias Delete Act first took effect two years ago, requiring data brokers to provide residents with access to their data and the ability to request its deletion.

But Consumer Watchdog found that only about 1 percent of Californians used those rights during the laws first year. The main obstacle was scale: residents had to submit separate deletion requests to each broker, an impractical task given the hundreds of companies involved.

New platform centralizes deletion requests

That problem is now addressed by a new law known as DROP short for Delete Request and Opt-out Platform which took effect January 1.

DROP allows California residents to submit a single deletion and opt-out request. The California Privacy Protection Agency then distributes the request to all registered data brokers on the individuals behalf.

Beginning in August, brokers will have 45 days after receiving a request to report whether they found matching records and whether the data has been deleted. If a match is found, brokers must delete all associated data, including inferred information, unless a specific legal exemption applies.

Residents must verify identity and residency

To use the system, individuals must first prove they are California residents. The platform then asks for identifying details such as names, email addresses, vehicle identification numbers, and advertising IDs tied to phones, televisions, and other devices.

While the process can take time largely due to gathering information stored across multiple devices and accounts the privacy agency says the information is used solely to locate and delete existing data held by brokers.

Privacy advocates see national implications

Supporters say the law reflects the growing risks posed by large-scale data collection, particularly as broker databases are frequently hacked or sold.

Although the law applies only to California, privacy advocates say it could influence legislation elsewhere as concerns grow over the scope and security of personal data collected by brokers.

As data breaches and data sales continue to expose sensitive personal information, Californias new system may offer a blueprint for how other states could rein in the largely opaque data-broker industry.

Weight returns far faster after stopping GLP-1 than diet or exercise

With new tax laws, its not too early to start preparing

• The IRS officially kicks off the 2026 tax filing season on January 26.

• New tax law provisions and updated forms could affect deductions, credits, and refunds.

• A suite of online tools and resources is available to help taxpayers file accurately.

Its that time of year again the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially opened the 2026 tax filing season.

Starting January 26, 2026, taxpayers across the country can begin submitting their federal tax returns for the 2025 tax year. Whether youre a seasoned filer or tackling taxes for the first time in a while, knowing whats happening this year can make the process smoother and less stressful.

The Internal Revenue Service is ready to help taxpayers meet their tax filing and payment obligations during the 2026 filing season, IRS Chief Executive Officer Frank Bisignano said in a news release.

As always, the IRS workforce remains vigilant and dedicated to their mission to serve the American taxpaying public. At the same time, IRS information systems have been updated to incorporate the new tax laws and are ready to efficiently and effectively process taxpayer returns during the filing season.

Whats different this year

The IRS anticipates receiving about 164 million individual tax returns during this filing season, with most people filing electronically. The deadline to file and pay any taxes owed remains April 15, 2026.

One of the big talking points for this year is a group of new tax provisions that took effect under recent tax law changes often referred to in IRS communications as the One, Big, Beautiful Bill.

These changes affect how certain income and deductions are handled, including updated rules for things like tips, overtime, and car loan interest. Because of this, the IRS has rolled out new or revised forms (like Schedule 1-A) that you may need to use when preparing your return.

To help taxpayers navigate these updates, the IRS is promoting a variety of online tools and resources on IRS.gov. Through your personal IRS Online Account, you can check your tax records, view payment history, access important forms (like W-2s and 1099s), and track your refund status once your return is submitted.

Takeaway tips: How to make filing easier

Here are some practical tips to help you get through tax season with confidence:

1. Start early and stay organized. Gather your W-2s, 1099s, and any other income documents now so youre not scrambling as the deadline approaches.

2. Use IRS online tools. Setting up or accessing your IRS Online Account gives you a snapshot of your prior tax details and helps you navigate filings and payments more efficiently.

3. Choose e-file with direct deposit. Electronic filing combined with direct deposit is usually faster and more secure most refunds show up a few weeks after filing.

4. Watch out for . The IRS will never contact you first by email or text asking for personal financial information be cautious and verify anything that seems suspicious.

Tax season doesnt have to be overwhelming. With a little preparation and the right resources, you can breeze through your return and make the most of the benefits available to you in 2026.

More choices, smarter discovery, and budget-friendly products designed to help you feel your best

• Target is boosting its wellness offerings with a major 30% assortment expansion in 2026.

• The retailer is adding thousands of affordable products many under $10 across nutrition, supplements, self-care, apparel, and more.

• New in-store and digital experiences will make wellness easier and more personal for shoppers.

Target is turning wellness into a central part of its 2026 shopping experience, and it wants consumers to take notice.

The big-box retailer just announced a significant expansion of its health and wellness assortment a move that brings more products, more ways to shop and more options that fit a range of goals and budgets. Whether youre building a morning routine, trying out new supplements or refreshing your self-care shelf, Target is stacking its shelves to meet you where you are.

"About 70% of guests are already shopping wellness at Target and right in time for the new year, we're bringing them even more newness and value by adding some of the most trusted, relevant and inspiring brands across our assortment," Lisa Roath, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer of food, essentials and beauty, Target, said in a news release.

"Our goal is to make wellness really accessible fun, easy, affordable, and personalized so consumers can focus on building routines that help them look and feel their best."

Whats new and why it matters

At the heart of Targets 2026 wellness push is a 30% growth in items available under that umbrella. That adds thousands of new products across categories like nutrition, beauty, supplements, apparel, and everyday wellbeing goodies many of them exclusive to Target or priced under $10, so trying something new doesnt feel like a splurge.

Target merchandisers say this expansion reflects what customers are actually shopping for: more protein-packed snacks, immunity-supporting vitamins, functional beverages, and easy self-care treats.

To support these trends, the store added on-trend brands in supplements and drinks, dermatologist-backed skincare, performance-ready workout apparel, and practical family wellness options.

But its not just about products its also about how you discover them. Target is updating both its physical stores and digital channels with new wellness hubs, personalized recommendations on the website and app, and curated in-aisle displays that highlight trending items. For those who like trying before buying, the retailer is also rolling out in-store wellness events with samples and giveaways.

Takeaway tips for shoppers

• Start with what matters to you. Before browsing the expanded aisles (online or in store), think about your wellness goals better sleep, more protein, self-care or a refreshed beauty routine so you can narrow your options without feeling overwhelmed.

• Look for value picks.Thousands of items in the new assortment are priced under $10, meaning you can experiment with wellness products without stretching your budget.

• Use Target tools to your advantage. Check out the Wellness Hub online or in the Target app for personalized recommendations and easy navigation.

Plus tips to eat fast food without paying sit-down prices

• Fast food isnt cheap anymore What used to be a quick, budget meal now routinely costs $13$20, even at chains once known for value.

• Price creep hit quietly Portion sizes stayed similar, but menu prices didnt, pushing fast food into sit-down restaurant territory.

• Small tweaks still save money Skip combos, order value or kids items, and use apps or off-peak deals to cut a few dollars per order.

It used to be that a quick drive-thru run at your favorite fast-food spot could feed a family without much thought of the financial impacts.

But as Allrecipes recently reported, that era is fading fast. They recently broke down the most expensive fast-food chain in the country and the results have a few surprises worth sharing.

The fast food chains diners say are no longer budget-friendly

Chipotle

AllRecipes points out that Chipotles price increases feel especially noticeable because many customers remember what it used to cost. A standard chicken burrito that once ran about $7.50 now costs $10 or more and premium bowls with carne asada and guac can exceed $16.

On Facebook, one shopper compared the cost of making a similar bowl at home versus ordering Chipotle. The homemade version came out to roughly $2.67, compared to more than $12 at the restaurant, fueling ongoing frustration over value.

Five Guys

Five Guys has built a cult following around fresh burgers and overflowing fry cups, but its prices now rival many sit-down restaurants. At many locations, a cheeseburger alone costs around $13.59. Fries start near $4.69. Add a drink, tax, and tip, and a basic meal can easily cross $20.

Online, shoppers have shared receipts topping $50 for just two meals. One widely shared Reddit post showed a total of nearly $60 for two burgers, fries, and sodas, prompting comparisons to lower-priced competitors like In-N-Out.

Jack in the Box

Jack in the Box was once known for its late-night value menus for night owls but theyve recently been moving into premium pricing territory. For example, some large combo meals now approach $16.

On Reddit, longtime customers say prices have doubled while portion sizes appear smaller. One commenter even said the Jumbo Jack burger is now more of a 3 bites and its gone snack.

Jersey Mikes

Even sandwich chains are feeling the pinch. A regular-sized sub at Jersey Mikes can approach $12, while a giant version of premium sandwiches nears $20 before sides.

Many customers still defend the quality. Several Redditors say they split giant subs across multiple meals to justify the price, treating them more like grocery replacements than fast food.

Panda Express

As AllRecipes points out, Panda Express still delivers large portions, but prices have steadily climbed. Plates with premium entres often land near $14, and the Bigger Plate can exceed $16 depending on selections.

Reddit threads frequently point to nostalgia for earlier pricing. Citing that Panda used to be a good value, but those times have long passed.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack may still carry the fast food label, but pricing tells a different story. Specialty burgers regularly push past $15, and adding fries and a drink can send totals above $25.

AllRecipes pointed to a 2024 Preply consumer pricing study that labeled Shake Shack the most overpriced fast food chain in the country. Shoppers online echo the sentiment, often praising the taste while questioning whether the portions justify the cost.

Wendys

Even traditional fast food giants arent immune. A Baconator combo that once cost around $6$7 now frequently exceeds $13.

Reddit users argue Wendys prices have risen faster than competitors, especially on value menu items. Many point out that McDonalds still offers bundle deals that keep per-item costs lower in comparison.

A few smart ways to save on fast-food

Skip the combos and build your own

Combo meals are designed for convenience, not necessarily savings.

Youll usually save by breaking up your meal and ordering the following:

• One value sandwich
• One add-on side
• Water (or app-discounted drink)

This can knock $2$4 off a typical combo without reducing calories or portions much.

Look for the hidden value items

Most chains still have value food but its just buried and you have to seek it out.

Think:

• Smaller sandwiches
• Snack wraps
• Kids menu items (especially for sides)

Many of these arent on the main menu boards anymore, but theyre still orderable.

Time your visit and save

Menu prices and promos can change at many chains depending on when you visit.

• Late afternoon and late night often trigger flash deals. For example, Taco Bell often runs late-night cravings deals in their app and Burger King offers mid-afternoon Whopper deals on occasion.
• Breakfast menus are usually cheaper and some places even serve breakfast all day long.
• Some locations run localized promos mid-week to boost slow traffic. For example, my local Chick-fil-A offers a free breakfast item every Wednesday morning.