“Mom and Dad, why doesn’t our town have these?” 11-year-old Ethan Nesbit asked as he observed the display of flags attached to lampposts.

In the Murrysville suburb of Pittsburgh — not far from Ethan’s hometown of Plum — the town officials hung flags during patriotic seasons. The flags decorated a 2.5-mile stretch of highway, and Ethan always admired them as his parents drove by.

Life

“It’s a Way To Give Veterans the Thanks They Deserve,” says Teen Who Builds Memorial

His whole town is grateful.

Ethan’s grandfather served in the United States Navy during Vietnam, and Ethan developed a strong sense of patriotism from his “Pappap.”

“After all they’ve done, they deserve to be honored!” Ethan thought as he realized Plum needed to honor veterans too.

Ethan asked his parents, Jim and Anna Nesbit, how he could put up flags in Plum.

“Try writing a letter to the city council!” Anna suggested.

Ethan sat down and wrote a proposal, which he later read aloud in front of the council.

“I want to show support for the military, past and present, and our nation,” Ethan read to the city leaders in 2024.

Life

Meet the Teen Keeping WWII History Alive with Veteran Interviews

During his first-ever chat with a World War II veteran, Tyler Boland, then 15, sat transfixed in the living room of 98-year-old Joseph Zebertavage. Over several hours, Joseph shared tales of his time on a Navy ship bombarding Normandy, France, on June 6, 1944—now known as D-Day.  He is so nice, so lucid, I can’t […]

The borough soon approved his idea. That started the project Ethan named Patriotic in Plum. He raised $3,000 from supporters in veteran groups, community members and businesses to purchase American-made flags.

Along Mike Thomas Way, a major thoroughfare, officials installed 14 flags — 3 feet by 5 feet in size — along with the existing purple Hometown Hero banners showing Plum natives who served in the military throughout history.

This year, the flags will be displayed from Memorial Day in May to Veterans Day in November.

All members of the Nesbit family—including Ethan’s little sister, Evelyn — are involved with promoting Patriotic in Plum, and they love visiting Washington, D.C. to learn about the country’s history.

“We feel like we are in the greatest country in the world, and it’s easy to get behind,” Anna says. “As young kids, they are walking through Arlington and talking about the importance of sacrifices. I think we instilled the idea that freedom isn’t free. Whenever you have the ability to give back, you should.”

Life

This 13-Year-Old’s Mission Is Touching Lives Nationwide

Can I start a business and raise money to help kids with cancer?” 9-year-old Sutton Shanahan asked her mom when she was grieving her aunt Julie, who died of cancer. “This could give you a purpose for your pain,” her mom, Jennifer Shanahan, explained as Sutton nodded enthusiastically. “We can start a nonprofit!” Before long, […]

Roger, Ethan’s grandfather, says Ethan makes him proud.

“He has a drive that just amazes us,” Roger says.

As for Ethan, who is now 13, he wants Plum to serve as a patriotic example to other communities.

“We could never put up too many flags,” says Ethan. “There is really no such thing as being too patriotic!”

Life

Your 2026 Horoscope Is Here! Planet Shifts, Eclipse Drama and a New Era

As we step into a whole new year, it’s easy to find your imagination running wild as you consider what your 2026 horoscope will bring. No matter your goals, you can’t help but acknowledge that the next 12 months are sure to host highs and lows, twists and turns, dreams fulfilled, as well as challenges […]

Aries: March 21 to April 19

Life: Fresh momentum fuels your confidence, making it the perfect time to revamp your financial goals.

Love: A playful, spontaneous vibe brings you and your partner closer.

Wellness: Try a new energizing routine to feel refreshed.

Your lucky days: June 1, 3, 6

Your lucky numbers: 1, 9, 11

Life

Your Guide to Mercury Retrogrades in 2026—Learn Which Signs Most Affected

Every new year brings its fair share of highs, lows, challenges and opportunities. How you’ll experience them is bound to change, in part because the astrology of each 12-month cycle is truly unique. But you can count on certain astrological events to occur annually, and in 2026, Mercury will go retrograde three times. The planet […]

Taurus: April 20 to May 20

Life: Honest conversations pave the way for healing.

Love: A thoughtful, creative gesture deepens your romantic connection.

Wellness: Lean on friends—their support will lift your spirits.

Your lucky days: June 2, 4, 5

Your lucky numbers: 2, 6, 14

Gemini: May 21 to June 20 

Life: Curiosity leads you toward developing an exciting new skill or taking a class.

Love: Break from your everyday routine together to reignite your spark.

Wellness: Encouragement from others in your circle helps you stay committed to prioritizing self-care.

Your lucky days: June 1, 5, 6

Your lucky numbers: 3, 7, 12

Cancer: June 21 to July 22

Life: Take a pause to celebrate how far you’ve come before setting your next big goal.

Love: A shared, exciting adventure helps open the door to deeper intimacy.

Wellness: Guidance from a trusted expert inspires you to adopt healthier habits.

Your lucky days: June 2, 3, 6

Your lucky numbers: 4, 8, 18

Leo: July 23 to August 22

Life: Open up to colleagues and loved ones to invite the support you’ve been craving.

Love: Teamwork around shared priorities strengthens your bond.

Wellness: Exercising with a friend boosts both motivation and joy.

Your lucky days: June 1, 4, 6

Your lucky numbers: 1, 5, 10

Virgo: August 23 to September 22 

Life: Take a small, practical step to achieve lasting success.

Love: Planning your future together builds trust and excitement.

Wellness: Slow down and give yourself permission to recharge.

Your lucky days: June 2, 5, 6

Your lucky numbers: 3, 7, 13

Libra: September 23 to October 22 

Life: Collaboration is the key to unlocking rewarding progress toward a shared goal.

Love: Confidence helps you create beautiful new memories with someone special.

Wellness: Consider exploring a fresh approach to boost your vitality and overall wellbeing.

Your lucky days: June 1, 3, 5

Your lucky numbers: 2, 6, 9

Scorpio: October 23 to November 21

Life: Step into the spotlight and allow your talents to shine. The higher-ups will take notice!

Love: Lighthearted flirting keeps things exciting and warm.

Wellness: A calming mindfulness practice restores balance and leaves you feeling at ease.

Your lucky days: June 2, 4, 6

Your lucky numbers: 5, 11, 15

Sagittarius: November 22 to December 21

Life: A surprising twist pushes you to trust your instincts—and it pays off.

Love: Share your deepest feelings to strengthen your emotional connection.

Wellness: Update your self-care routine to bring yourself renewed energy.

Your lucky days: June 1, 3, 5

Your lucky numbers: 6, 9, 17

Capricorn: December 22 to January 19 

Life: Your desire to learn leads you toward exciting opportunities.

Love: Speak your truth to enhance clarity and closeness.

Wellness: Adding fun into your routine boosts consistency.

Your lucky days: June 2, 3, 6

Your lucky numbers: 4, 8, 16

Aquarius: January 20 to February 18

Life: Smart planning helps you explore a promising financial idea.

Love: Honest communication clears the air and restores harmony with someone special.

Wellness: Trust your instincts when it comes to refreshing your routine. Your gut will help you discover the right approach!

Your lucky days: June 4, 5, 6

Your lucky numbers: 7, 11, 18

Pisces: February 19 to March 20 

Life: Confidently share your vision to earn you some well-deserved recognition.

Love: Dreaming up fun plans together enhances your connection.

Wellness: Let go of habits that no longer support your growth while welcoming those that lift your spirits.

Your lucky days: June 2, 3, 5

Your lucky numbers: 5, 10, 14

This article originally appeared in the June 1, 2026 print version of Woman’s World. 

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond! 

“Would you like to go scuba diving?” Charley Wright asked Phil, a quadriplegic in the spinal cord unit of the Arizona hospital where Charley worked.

“Are you kidding me?” asked Phil.

“No, I’m not,” Charley said, and then he explained exactly how it could work.

Comfort

Fishing Outreach Program Helps Veterans ‘Cast Off’ Stress: “I Love Being Of Service!”

For many, fishing is a relaxing hobby. For wounded warrior Joe Kowalski, the sport proved more therapeutic than a visit to his VA counselor. It had such a healing effect, he decided to share his passion with other veterans

Charley had recently graduated as a recreational therapist. But he also had another passion — scuba diving — and he’d followed that passion all the way to becoming a fully-certified dive instructor. It wasn’t long before the two worlds began to merge.

It began when a friend of a friend told Charley about his son, Nello Tanner, who has Down syndrome.

“He’s always been fascinated by sharks,” Nello’s dad explained. “It’s always been his dream to do a shark dive.”

“Let’s make that happen,” Charley offered without hesitation.

A Phoenix dive shop opened their facilities to Charley, and he began training Nello and his parents to receive a dive certification, so they could visit the undersea world anytime.

“This is a dream come true,” Nello said, after spending a few days diving with gentle nurse sharks on a dive trip he took with his parents.

Nello’s excitement lit a fire under Charley. He couldn’t wait to offer underwater freedoms to others who never imagined it to be possible for them.

A new dream

Now, for Phil, Charley knew he would need a team of dive buddies with medical expertise. He recruited therapists, doctors and nurses — and certified all of them to dive.

Then, the entire group headed to Mexico, where Charley and the others gently lowered Phil into the water for several sessions amid a group of playful harbor seals.

When they hoisted Phil back onto the boat his face was radiant. “I felt more relaxed than I have in years,” he said. “The whole dive was incredible!”

Soon after, Charley moved to St. Louis to work as a VA recreational therapist. He also brought along his dive equipment, and soon, he was setting up a nonprofit, LifeWaters, and used his credit card to buy enough equipment to get his foundation off the ground.

The VA allowed Charley to use their therapeutic pool to offer lessons to veterans with injuries and PTSD. He also trained their family members so they could continue adaptive diving together using borrowed LifeWaters gear.

“No words can describe how much freedom there is below the waves,” says USMC paraplegic Hack Albertson. And many others echo his sentiment.

Life

Navy Wife Turns Personal Pain Into Support for Military Families

Crystal knew the stress of being a military spouse — being constantly on the move made it difficult to put down roots or build a steady support network. But when she realized military spouses received far less help and support than their partners, she felt called to action! Here, she shares her story with Woman’s […]

Hope restored underwater

Today, LifeWaters has grown into a coast-to-coast network of volunteer instructors and dive buddies, along with an entire building full of equipment that divers and their families can borrow.

Charley even created the Hero Dive Project for persons with ALS. “Getting back in the water keeps me going,” says Air Force veteran Bill Chase. “I feel like my old self again under the water.”

According to Charley, the weightless underwater world offers a fun escape from daily struggles and a chance to feel whole again.

“It helps reduce anxiety, depression and pain while boosting self-confidence and social connection,” he says. “We focus on abilities and work around the limitations. It’s a real joy using something I love as much as scuba diving to help so many others.”

What to know about Social Security and medical debt 

When it comes to medical debt from hospitals and medical providers, there are laws that protect seniors from having that money garnished by private creditors. So if you owe money for a medical bill or hospital visit, a medical facility or accredited debt collector cannot garnish—or take away—your Social Security payments. 

“It’s important for seniors to know that one hospital bill doesn’t mean the government will raid your Social Security check,” says mortgage broker Paige Taylor Hernandez, founder of Notorious Women in Mortgage, a nonprofit organization focused on educating and empowering women in finance. “There are hardship protections, appeal rights and even organizations like the Patient Advocate Foundation that can provide case management or financial aid designed specifically to protect and help eligible patients from being financially steamrolled.”

That doesn’t mean the debt shouldn’t be paid. Not paying a medical debt collector can damage one’s credit score and make it harder to qualify for financing or borrowing options. Not paying a bill could also result in being sent to court, and if the creditor wins, it could result in legal fees and high interest fees on the debt. 

Life

What Defaulted Student Loans Now Mean for Social Security Benefits

​​Older Americans are increasingly retiring with student loan debt (around 7.3 million carry student loan debt)—either their own or debt taken on for their children—and many are worried about it affecting their Social Security income. This has especially been the case since the government began collections for those struggling to make payments on their student […]

What to know about owing money to CMS 

When it comes to owing money to CMS, things change. Since CMS payments are usually covered by Social Security payments, if you owe the government organization money, CMS can—and will—take that money out of your Social Security check. 

“Private medical debt and federal Medicare-related debt are treated very differently. Standard hospitals and medical providers generally have limited ability to access Social Security benefits directly, while federal agencies connected to Medicare overpayments may have collection authority through government processes,” says Robinson. “Federal benefit reductions may happen when Medicare or another government agency determines there was an overpayment or unresolved federal debt. Seniors should carefully review any notices involving Medicare overpayments because mistakes and misunderstandings can happen.” 

To help avoid this, Robinson recommends acting quickly when a notice is sent out. 

“I always emphasize the importance of keeping records and monitoring their accounts to my senior clients,” she says. “It’s crucial that seniors keep records, seek clarifications and contest erroneous decisions as soon as possible.” 

Healthcare

I Almost Fell Victim to Medical Debt Scammers: Here’s How To Stay Safe

After nearly going blind in August of 2024 and undergoing an emergency retinal detachment surgery, I thought all of my troubles were over. But then something even scarier came into play…medical debt scammers. Almost every day, I received texts from supposed debt collectors who claimed to work for the hospital. The messages insisted that I […]

How to avoid medical debt 

One of the best ways to help avoid medical debt is to make sure you have an insurance policy that fits your needs—and to confirm you’re using all the benefits included in the coverage you already pay for. 

As Whitney Stidom, vice president of consumer enablement at eHealth, an online health insurance marketplace, puts it: “Reviewing your Medicare plan annually and making sure you’re taking full advantage of these benefits is one of the simplest ways to keep more money in your pocket and avoid overpaying for care. With more than 40 Medicare Advantage plans available in many communities, comparison shopping is one of the most effective ways older Americans can reduce the impact of higher premiums.” 

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Admire the views at a state park

As your getaway begins, stop by Leffingwell Landing in the beautiful Hearst San Simeon State Park. This relaxing spot, located at the end of Moonstone Beach—famous for its smooth, colorful pebbles that look like moonstones—offers picnic areas, scenic paths overlooking the ocean and plenty of wildlife, like otters.

Life

Why Port Townsend, Washington, Should Be Your Next Adventure

Fall in love with the “City of Dreams!” Once expected to be the next big shipping hub in the U.S., this charming coastal town now offers visitors a peaceful Pacific Northwest getaway. Expect to find blooming spring scenery, sparkling water views, beautifully preserved buildings, farmers’ markets and more. Connect with nature at a state park […]

Sample fantastic wines at Cutruzzola

In the late afternoon, wind down at the Cutruzzola tasting room as you sample several award-winning boutique wines in a cozy setting. Then, once you’ve worked up an appetite, nosh on some BBQ favorites at Firestone Main Street Grill down the street. Try tasty options like pork ribs, tri-tip sandwich or The Pig shredded pork sandwich.

Explore the trails at the Fiscallini Ranch Preserve

Open from dawn to dusk each day, it’s home to bluffs along the ocean, grassy meadows, forests and spectacular wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for whales, otters and more!

Visit the historic one-room San Simeon Schoolhouse  

The quaint building served as the only San Simeon school from 1881 to 1950. 

Life

Bask in the Beauty of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a Coastal California Village

Celebrate the season of love in Carmel-by-the-Sea! This relaxing beach village (also known as simply Carmel) may only be one square mile, but it has plenty to offer, thanks to its wineries, fairy-tale cottages, beautiful views and museums. Begin your day admiring the village’s 11 vibrant Comstock cottages on a walking tour. During this self-guided […]

Bonus: Experience the fun at home!

Imagine you’re in Cambria with an appetizer inspired by Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill, then take a historic virtual walking tour.

Cambria shrimp cocktail recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lime
• ⅓ cup olive oil & vinegar salad dressing
• 18 peeled, deveined extra-large shrimp
• 1/4 tsp. chili powder
• 3 cups thinly sliced iceberg lettuce
• 1 avocado (pitted, peeled and cut into 1/2″ wedges)

Grate ½ tsp. lime zest and squeeze 1 Tbs. juice; whisk with dressing. Season and sauté shrimp 2 min. per side until opaque. Divide lettuce among 6 glasses, top with avocado, shrimp and dressing.

Virtual walking tour

Experience the sights and sounds of historic downtown as you watch the Cambria Historical Walking Tour video posted by “Where the Road Takes Us” on YouTube.

This story first appeared in the June 8, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine. 

Whether you’re hosting an intimate summer dinner party or sprucing up your outdoor space or tabletop, these easy crafts deliver maximum impact with minimal effort and cost. Get ready to impress your guests with beautiful, handmade touches that celebrate the season in style!

Beautify a space with a copper-kissed vase

“Dollar stores are still my favorite place to pick up super affordable supplies—like glass vases and floral wire—for crafting,” says Striegel, design pro and founder of the blog Chic on a Shoestring.

“Simply adding garden flowers to a glass vase and wrapping it with wire makes a big impact with little effort—it’s a perfect party favor or table accent.”

To do: Fill a glass vase with water. Snip flowers; insert into vase. Wrap copper floral wire around the vase. Jot down a sweet note like “thank you for joining us!” or “welcome!” onto a DIY paper tag; slip tag onto the wire.

Shopping

Adorable Dollar Tree Shabby Chic Decor For $3

If you love the soft, vintage charm of shabby chic decor but don’t want to spend a fortune, Dollar Tree is quietly becoming a go-to destination. From distressed finishes and delicate florals to pastel accents and rustic textures, the retailer is stocked with surprisingly stylish pieces that channel cozy cottage vibes on a budget. Whether […]

Light up the evening with a simple candlescape

“An easy, wallet-friendly way to enhance ambiance at an outdoor dinner party is with candlelight,” says Striegel. “And the dollar store is a great spot to pick up candles in bulk—for less. Adding a few adornments will turn even the plainest pillars into a tabletop statement.”

To do: For each pillar candle, bend copper floral or crafting wire around the middle of the candle (you can bend the wire into shapes like a heart or even try an initial!). For extra flair, slip a bloom or two into the wire. Repeat and cluster candles together.

Tip: Striegel says using pliers in different shapes helps make curves and flatten copper wire to make interesting shapes.

Shopping

Dollar Tree Grocery Hidden Gems for Under $3

While Dollar Tree is a favorite for adorable home decor and holiday must-haves, there’s another aisle where it really shines: groceries. Yes—groceries at Dollar Tree. And if you’re wondering how that works at a store where most items are priced around $1.25, you’re not alone. But take a closer look and you’ll find plenty of […]

Add charm with a floral circlet

“Grapevine wreaths are a great bang for your buck at dollar stores,” says Striegel. “They are so customizable. You can easily add faux or real flowers to them and the result is a striking circlet that adds whimsy and warmth to a fence post, front door—or anywhere!”

To do: Start with a plain grapevine wreath. Then cut handfuls of flowers in shades of yellow, white and purple, as shown. Attach blooms to the wreath using snippets of floral wire; work your way around the wreath until it’s mostly covered. Fill in gaps with filler like baby’s breath or greenery. Hang from a fence post, a door or a ladder.

Tip: Mist the wreath with a water-filled spray bottle to keep blooms lively.

For more cash-savvy decor ideas and pretty inspiration, follow Kate Striegel on Instagram @chiconashoestringdecorating.

This article originally appeared in the June 1, 2026 print issue of Woman’s World magazine. 

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Why are you needed?

AI processes an enormous amount of information—everything from world history to how cars run—but it lacks a key skill only humans have: judgment. “AI doesn’t know what ‘helpful’ feels like or when an answer is technically correct yet completely tone-deaf,” says Pragati Awasthi, assistant teaching professor of information science at Drexel University. We help fill that gap. “Real people review AI-generated responses, compare different answers and signal which ones land well and which ones miss the mark,” she explains. After thousands of these small human decisions, AI starts to develop something closer to good sense, making its answers more appropriate.

Are tech skills required?

Not at all. If you can use a computer, you can do this work. You don’t need to understand how AI functions behind the scenes.

“This job is about being a careful reader, a clear thinker and someone who can recognize when a response feels off—too cold, too vague, subtly misleading or just not how a real person would say something,” says Awasthi. “Those instincts come from life experience, not a computer science degree.”

Life

The Best Jobs for Women Over 50 + How to Find the Right One for You

8 ways to make money doing what you love

What does this kind of job look like?

It’s far more straightforward than most people expect, says Awasthi. “You open a web browser, log into a website and you’re presented with tasks—no downloads or special setup needed.”

A typical task might ask you to read two AI-generated answers to the same question and select which one is more accurate, more helpful or less confusing. Or you might label what’s happening in an image, or flag an error in a response. “It’s genuinely closer to a thoughtful quiz than anything that resembles tech work.”

What are the hours?

Flexibility is one of the biggest perks of AI training. There’s no schedule, no shift and no boss, says AI expert Hassan Jamal, founder and lead engineer at PandaCodeGen. “You log in whenever you want—morning, evening, midnight, it doesn’t matter.”

Some tasks take two minutes, while others take 15. “Most do this work between other responsibilities or in the evening after their day job.”

Where do you sign up?

Start by creating free accounts on trusted AI training platforms, such as  CrowdGen.com, Mindrift.ai and Remotasks.com. “Most have a short qualification test that takes 15 to 30 minutes,” says Jamal.

This checks how well you follow instructions and spot errors. Once approved, you log into the website and see a list of available tasks. 

Life

10 Side Hustles For Women Over 50 — Rack Up Extra Cash Doing Something You Like

Sell crafts, walk dogs or rent your home — these women over 50 did and cashed in!

How much can you earn?

Pay varies but in general, you’ll get about $15 to $30 per hour. “And if you have experience in a specific field—such as medicine, law or finance—or if you write well, you may qualify for higher-paying tasks,” says Jamal.

For those, you may need to upload a resumé to show your expertise. Companies typically pay weekly through PayPal or bank transfer.

What makes you best for this type of job?

AI trainers age 50 and over bring something special: your life experience. “A woman who’s spent decades navigating relationships, work, family and the texture of everyday life has an extraordinarily well-calibrated sense of what’s real, what’s kind and what rings false,” says Awasthi. “That’s precisely the kind of judgment that makes AI better for everyone.”

This story first appeared in the June 8, 2026, issue of Woman’s World magazine. 

Looking for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Life

Are Social Security Changes Leaving You Money on the Table?

There have been a lot of approved and proposed changes to Social Security this year that have left millions of Americans wondering if they will get their full benefit checks in June and beyond. Well, the good news is that June checks are going to be paid out as normal, but next year’s benefits might […]

What is a Direct Express card? 

Direct Express cards are issued by the government to recipients of federal benefits. They are primarily used by people receiving Social Security, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits, but in some cases, other government agencies—including the U.S. The Coast Guard and Department of Labor—will use these cards to process payments.  

Life

SSI Changes Coming: What to Know About Your Supplemental Security Income

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Program Lead Sean Brune is opening up about how Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Frank J. Bisignano’s new SSI Improvements Team is impacting Americans. In a newly released letter, Brune called the program, which aims to speed up the SSI processing claims, a “meaningful” improvement, but also noted that there might […]

What changes are being made to Direct Express cards? 

On Monday, May 18, the SSA revealed that the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service would be switching their financial provider from Comerica Bank to Fifth Third Bank. They didn’t share why, but many believe it’s to improve the overall user experience. 

“The goal appears to be modernization, including improved online access, app functionality and overall user accessibility,” Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek. “In many ways, it maintains the status quo while updating the technology behind the program.” 

As a result of the change in financial provider, millions of Americans who rely on the Direct Express prepaid debit cards for their monthly benefit payments will be forced to get a new card. This includes people on Social Security, and many experts warn this change could do more harm than good. 

“The 3.6 million people on Direct Express are disproportionately elderly, disabled and unbanked,” Michael Ryan, a finance expert and the founder of MichaelRyanMoney.com, told Newsweek. “They’re the least likely to work through a card transition smoothly. And the most likely to face a gap in access if something goes wrong. One missed payment for someone living on $994 a month in SSI isn’t an inconvenience. It’s a crisis.” 

Will the new Direct Express cards impact June Social Security payments? 

Since the SSA doesn’t plan to send out the new cards until later this year or early next year, it’s safe to assume June benefits won’t be impacted. Once the cards are sent out, it’s believed there will be no disruption at all. 

“For recipients, this mostly means more of the same,” Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek. “Benefits should still arrive electronically on their normal payment date, but it could add value if the new system improves security and customer service.”

What to do when a new Direct Express card arrives

Once Americans get their new Direct Express cards in the mail, they can activate the card at 1-888-741-1115 or on the Direct Express mobile app. Upon activation, it is recommended that beneficiaries safely dispose of their old card. 

“This change doesn’t add money,” Ryan said. “It’s administrative. The benefit amount stays the same. This is a servicer swap, not a benefit improvement.”

Ready for more? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.

Food

DQ's New Breakfast Collection Features Your Favorite Cereals

Remember the days when you could start your mornings off with a bowl full of sugary cereal and a couple of hours of cartoons? Those childhood breakfasts of champions made us who we are today, and now, Dairy Queen is reminiscing on those beloved morning bites with their all-new Breakfast Collection. With sweet, frozen treats […]

Dunkin’ deals for National Donut Day—grab a free tote!

The Donut Day love kicks off early this year, because on June 1, Dunkin’ customers have the chance to take home a Dunkin’ tote bag with the purchase of a half dozen donuts (or more!). Perfect for the summertime as you head to the beach or a day by the lake, who wouldn’t want to represent?

If you want to take things a step further, on June 5, you can shop the Dunkin x Stoney Clover collaboration in honor of National Donut Day for bags, pouches, patches and more. Also on June 5, round out the week by enjoying a free donut with the purchase of any beverage. 

“National Donut Day is one of our favorite traditions at Dunkin’, and this year we’re making it even sweeter for our guests,” said chief marketing officer at Dunkin’, Jill Nelson. “From bringing back our free donut offer to expanding our Stoney Clover Lane collaboration and giving Dunkin’ Rewards members more ways to join in, we’re celebrating all week long.”

Donut Day love at Lidl

Lidl, the European-founded supermarket that’s been making its way to the States, has endless offerings when it comes to baked goods, and they, too, are getting in on the National Donut Day fun. On June 5, myLidl members can enjoy one free donut from their store’s bakery, no purchase necessary. Simply clip the coupon in the myLidl app and show it at checkout to earn your free treat. 

7-Eleven National Donut Day deals

On June 5, fuel up at your local 7-Eleven for less. In honor of the holiday, 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards members can indulge in $0.50 glazed donuts. This offer can be redeemed at 7-Eleven, Speedway or Stripes. Plus, the 7-Select Mini Donut packs will also be sold for just $1 between now and June 23. 

Krispy Kreme National Donut Day deals

Though Krispy Kreme has yet to officially announce any National Donut Day deals, they’re known to get in on the fun. Last year, customers could enjoy a free donut of their choosing. They also ran a deal in which you could enjoy a $2 dozen with the purchase of any dozen donuts. Stay tuned to see what’s in store this year!

As you make your way down the highway, anticipating another grimy restroom stall and dining options from a bag, you’re met with Dolly Parton’s Tennessean Travel Stop, a state of the art truck stop that somehow turned your cramped car ride into the road trip of a lifetime. 

The all new Dolly Parton travel stop will open its doors this June in Connersville, TN, and you aren’t going to want to miss what the country star has to offer—some fans say it may even rival Buc-ee’s!  Here, everything you need to know. 

Entertainment

East Tennessee Children's Hospital Renamed to Honor Dolly Parton

When it comes to philanthropy, few celebrities shine as brightly as Dolly Parton. Now 80, the legendary singer-songwriter—known for timeless hits like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5”—has spent decades using her fame to make a real difference. One of her most impactful initiatives, Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, has distributed over […]

Dolly Parton travel stop opening this summer

If you happen to find yourself driving through Nashville, make sure you pencil in a detour to Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop in Connersville, TN, about an hour south of Music City and an hour northwest of Huntsville. Whether you’re hitting the road with your family or are a professional driver just going about your route, having a place to refuel, recharge and relax makes all the difference. 

At Dolly’s Tennessean Travel Stop, you’ll find your traditional fuel stations, vehicle charging stations, parking areas, general store and restrooms, but in true Dolly fashion, things are taken up a notch with the addition of amenities like the Doggy Parton Dog Park, delicious bites available at DLY BBQ, fresh brewed goodness at Cup of Ambition Coffee and more. 

Plus, if you’re a Dolly fan, the fun doesn’t end there. The rest stop will also include a handful of exciting fan experiences including a tour bus similar to the one Dolly has spent much of her career in and a stage where you can enjoy live music! 

“I have spent the bulk of my life on the road, and more specifically on a bus,” said Dolly in a statement. “All the years spent visiting greasy spoon cafes, truck stops, and roadside pit stops have given me an understanding of what travelers desire on the road. Whether you are driving a truck, a bus, or a car, you want a place that feels like home and recharges you for the rest of your journey. I believe we will fill a void out there on the highways, all while bringing the heart and soul of Tennessee.”

On June 24, a grand opening event will be held at the Cornersville location, right off of I-65’s exit 22. For more information, visit their website.