More than six million Americans who typically receive their tax refunds by paper check may be in for an unexpected jolt. Those checks, often used to cover essentials like groceries and utility bills, risk disappearing at a time when many families need them most.

Five Canadian provinces have increased their minimum wage to address growing affordability issues, tying these new rates to Canada’s consumer price index. As a result, Alberta now holds the lowest minimum wage among the provinces, prompting discussions on economic and social impacts for workers.