Aliss Higham
US News Reporter
Aliss Higham is a Newsweek reporter based in Glasgow, Scotland. Her focus is reporting on issues across the U.S., including state benefits, national and local politics, and crime. She has previously extensively covered U.S. and European politics, Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the British Royal Family. Aliss joined Newsweek full time in January 2024 after a year of freelance reporting and has previously worked at digital Reach titles The Express and The Mirror. She is a graduate in English and Creative Writing from Goldsmiths, University of London. You can get in touch with Aliss by emailing a.higham@newsweek.com. Languages: English.
Who is Michelle King? Social Security head quits over reported DOGE dispute
King, has worked for the SSA since 1994, refused to provide DOGE staffers at the SSA with access to sensitive information.
California rejects insurance company's demand for rate hike
The state's insurance commissioner turned down an emergency request to increase home insurance rates.
IRS scam text message: How to avoid "smishing"
A text scam is going around that could cost taxpayers a significant sum of money.
Elon Musk raises alarm over Social Security
The Social Security Administration has come under the scrutiny of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency.
Social Security payment update: Up to $5,108 to go out this week
Benefits are administered on a monthly basis to all recipients.
Will IRS tax refunds be Impacted by Trump's audit? What to know
At least one member of Elon Musk's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) team visited the IRS offices in Washington D.C., on Thursday.
Teen accused of planning Valentine's Day school shooting
Eighteen-year-old Trinity Shockley was apprehended on February 13, a day before the planned attack.
Social Security cuts being discussed by Republicans
A Republican has confirmed that lawmakers have been "discussing" cutting mandatory spending.
Are veterans' benefits being cut? Trump's VA cuts explained
Staffing reductions in the Department of Veterans Affairs have prompted concerns that veterans' benefits may be cut.
Los Angeles mudslides sweep car into the ocean, video shows
Heavy rainfall hit Southern California throughout Thursday.
Donald Trump's immigration plans could push up retirement costs
Retirees could face problems with Social Security and higher expenses under the president's clampdown on migration.
Student loan forgiveness: Did Elon Musk's DOGE violate FERPA?
TikTokers are urging student loan borrowers to lodge complaints and pursue legal action.
Millions of Americans could lose Medicaid coverage
Some Medicaid enrollees could see their coverage come to an end if federal funding drops.
Are US retirement papers kept in limestone mine? What we know
Elon Musk made reference to the government facility while he was speaking from the White House on Tuesday.
The tax credit worth $7,830 that often goes unclaimed
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax incentive aimed at supporting low-to-moderate-income workers.
Elon Musk issues major Social Security warning
The tech magnate said some $1 billion is lost every week due to fraud.
Republicans could make college a lot more expensive for Americans
Paying for college is not cheap, and outstanding loans impact millions of Americans.
Medicaid access could be expanded for 150,000 Americans
State Governor Laura Kelly has announced that the Healthcare Access for Working Kansans Act has been introduced.
How tax breaks for homeowners can affect your 2025 returns
Tax season is here, and homeowners can make savings if they opt to make certain deductions.
List of major US retailers limiting egg purchases amid bird flu crisis
The spread of the highly contagious avian influenza has severely impacted the egg production industry.
Social Security update: Up to $5,108 to be paid this week
Social Security benefits are paid to more than 70 million Americans on a monthly basis.
$1,400 stimulus check scam warning issued
Fraudsters have sent phishing texts to unsuspecting taxpayers asking them for their personal information.
Thousands of federal workers given return-to-office deadlines
Some staff will have just days to organize their return to the office.
Americans think the economy is looking up
Americans are more optimistic about the U.S. economy than they have been in the past seven years, a poll has found.
IRS tax filing could be upended for millions of Americans: What to know
Direct File was launched in 2024 to help Americans file their tax returns completely free of charge.
Texans may get billions in tax relief, pay raises
Texas Governor Greg Abbott called for a raft of changes during his State of the State address on Sunday.
Florida property tax faces huge change under new proposals
Ron DeSantis has said Florida needs to "limit these property taxes in more ways than we do."
Social Security payment this week: Up to $5,108 to go out
Payments are made on a monthly basis, with millions getting their check this week.
How student loans could change under Donald Trump
The fate of student loan forgiveness and relief rests with the new president. What might he do?
IRS issues six points of advice to tax filers
Tax season is now in full swing and the government agency has several helpful reminders for people looking to file.
