Suzanne Blake
Reporter, Consumer & Social Trends
Suzanne Blake is a Newsweek reporter based in New York. Her focus is reporting on consumer and social trends, spanning from retail to restaurants and beyond. She is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill and joined Newsweek in 2023. You can get in touch with Suzanne by emailing s.blake@newsweek.com. Languages: English
Is the stock market closed on Presidents Day? What to know
While many schools and companies may be closed for the day and the United States Postal Service shuts down, there's also an impact on the stock market.
Is there mail on Presidents Day? USPS, Post office, FedEx hours
There could be implications for your mail and package delivery, as the United States Postal Service shuts down in honor of the holiday.
Map shows states to get hit hardest by Trump's tariffs
Some states are more likely to feel the hit from Trump's tariffs than others, according to a new report.
Can restaurants force customers to tip? Photo of "no tip" option resurfaces
While legal experts agree that restaurants cannot "force tips," customers may still see automatic gratuity on their bill. Here's why.
Over 770,000 people in Ohio could lose Medicaid under new budget
The new budget outlines language that could end the Medicaid expansion within the state, leading thousands to lose their health insurance coverage.
College students could lose funding aid amid $2.7 billion shortfall
Current estimates show that the federal Pell Grant program will have a $2.7 billion funding shortfall later this year.
Target boycott March 5: 40-day fast explained
Target has received pushback after changing its diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies.
Geek Squad scam message 2025: What to look out for
According to the Federal Trade Commission, roughly $8.8 billion was stolen due to fraud during 2022 alone.
Linda McMahon wants to keep student loan forgiveness program—Who's impacted
During Linda McMahon's confirmation hearing for education secretary, she said she will uphold the loan program.
What is #Shutdown315? Nationwide plan to shut down USA for 1 day
The movement, Shutdown 315, is calling for Americans to stop making purchases from major corporations on March 15.
Is Social Security being cut in Republican budget? What to know
Many government programs are facing significant funding cuts as Republicans look to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Fact check: Does Republican budget cut Medicaid by $880 billion?
Steep budget cuts to the program could dramatically reduce access to health care for low-income families.
Are Republicans cutting SNAP benefits in new budget? What to know
More than 41 million people receive SNAP benefits monthly in order to purchase food at a grocery store.
Nationwide economic blackout on February 28: List of stores being targeted
The national economic blackout is scheduled as a way for Americans to boycott major retailers that have pulled back on DEI policies.
Map shows states where Joann Fabrics is closing most stores
The bulk of the closures are concentrated in California, Florida, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Pennsylvania and Washington.
Republican sues Starbucks over DEI policies
The lawsuit alleges that Starbucks enforces race and sex-based hiring practices and illegally segregates employees.
What is the People's Union? Group behind nationwide economic blackout
The grassroots organization is looking to fight against corporate rollback of DEI initiatives by taking back purchasing power.
Nationwide economic blackout on February 28: What to know about boycott
When Donald Trump reentered office, one of his first calls to action was to end several DEI initiatives in the federal government.
Full list of companies in California laying off employees this year
In California alone, around 70 companies have given notices of layoffs coming this year.
Better Planet
Farmers on TikTok speak out about Trump's USDA funding freeze
Missouri famers are sharing how USDA funding freezes are impacting their business. There has also been online talk that the freeze is tied to Project 2025.
List of companies laying off employees in February
Several more companies have layoffs planned, according to WARNTracker.com.
Meta unleashes mass layoffs
The company, which owns Facebook, is letting go of thousands of workers as it prepares to hire a round of machine learning engineers this year.
Trader Joe's puts limits on people buying eggs amid shortage
After the most recent bird flu outbreak, egg supply shortages have also caused prices to increase at stores nationwide.
How the Caesars Superdome's capacity compares to past Super Bowl venues
Super Bowl LIX will be played at Caesars Superdome after last year's Super Bowl was at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.
Why is Elon Musk investigating Medicare? What he's looking to find
Trump and DOGE head Elon Musk are looking to make widespread cuts to federal agencies in the first month of Trump's presidency.
Louisiana oysters spark warning for restaurants ahead of Super Bowl
More Americans became sick from contaminated food last year, with the number of hospitalizations and deaths from foodborne illness doubling from 2023.
Why some people in California got extra SNAP benefit
The state offered SNAP replacement benefits as a way to ensure those affected by last month's wildfires would still have access to food.
Teachers plead for help from parents as kids fall behind in reading
After the COVID-19 pandemic, teachers noted a stark drop in both reading and math scores among students of all ages.
List of Billabong, Quiksilver and Volcom stores closing
The three chains, known for their millennial surfer and skateboard apparel, are closing their doors.
Unemployment in D.C. nearly doubles as Trump aims to shrink US government
Trump signed an executive order mandating an immediate hiring freeze on the federal government.
