Melanie Hastings

Arlington, Virginia

Anchor and Host at WJLA-TV (Arlington, VA)

News anchor, ABC7News WJLA 24/7 News, Washington, DC

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Articles

DC wedding planner shares tips to cut costs

4 days ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

FILE - A bride holds a bouquet during her wedding in Ein Hemed, Israel on Dec. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Ariel Schalit, File)
'We have seen the ripple effect': Toy industry braces for continued tariffs impact

1 week ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WASHINGTON (7News) — This week, a federal court blocked most of President Donald Trump's sweeping tariffs. The Trump Administration plans to appeal. The decision could go all the way to the Supreme Court. While the tariff drama plays out, higher tariffs are impacting the toy industry -- 80% of the toys brought into the U.S. come from China. Back in March, tariffs spiked to 245%. That threatened smaller toy companies, worried they may be forced out of business.
From cash to keepsakes: Affordable graduation gift ideas for every type of grad

1 week ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Graduation, whether from high school, college, or a degree program, is a big milestone and a cause for celebration. It's also a time for gift-giving. You want your graduate to know how special they are and how proud you are of them. And there's one gift that is on graduates' lists every year. "The trends for grads are as they've been for many years, cash, cash, cash or gift cards," Trae Bodge, consumer expert, told 7News. Grads need money.
How to get the best deals this Memorial Day weekend

2 weeks ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WAHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Memorial Day sales are starting this week and will continue through Memorial Day, which is Monday, May 26. You can expect discounts on a wide variety of items, from seasonal goods, like patio furniture and grills, to home appliances, mattresses, and TVs."I'm starting to see discounts filter in. You know, 20, 30% is what I'm seeing off of some categories. And so the discounts are real and significant," Trae Bodge, shopping expert, told 7News.
Shakira to kick off World Pride in DC as free events take over the city

3 weeks ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WASHINGTON (7News) — World Pride is coming to D.C. starting this weekend. People will be coming from across the country and around the world to show their LGBTQ+ pride, and enjoy parties, live performances, and cultural events. Events are scattered at various venues throughout the nation's capital, and almost all the events are free. It all kicks off with a Welcome Concert headlined by Colombian singer Shakira. "Our Welcome Concert kicks off on May 31st at Nats Park, featuring Shakira.
Expert suggests wellness, homemade gifts to pamper moms this Mother's Day

1 month ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

Shot of an empty room at a day spa (Getty Images)
Easter on a budget: Ways to save on spring holiday meals despite rising costs

1 month ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

Easter and Passover are this week, and families are fine-tuning their grocery lists for their holiday meals. According to the Consumer Price Index or CPI, consumers will spend 2.6% more on their spring holiday dinners. A recent study by Chicory found that one-third of shoppers started planning their Easter meals two to three weeks ago.
Last-minute tax tips: How to maximize savings as April 15 deadline looms

1 month ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — The April 15 tax deadline is one week away -- Many people are scrambling to file their tax returns on time. According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), nearly 18 million taxpayers wait until the last week to send in their returns. Getting organized can help facilitate the process. 7News spoke to Nesha Lopez, financial consultant at 360 Lifetime, who shared some last-minute tax tips.
How to maximize credit card perks: Travel, tech and health benefits you might be missing

2 months ago | wjla.com | Melanie Hastings

WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — A free sample, a complimentary drink, or a surprise upgrade at a hotel -- We all love to get freebies, and credit cards are a great source to look for those perks. Credit card companies often try to entice you to sign up by offering benefits. Consumer Checkbook recently went digging for those extras, and found the free incentives vary from card to card.
Here's how to save

2 months ago | foxbaltimore.com | Melanie Hastings

Baseball is back in Washington this week with the Nationals' home opener against Philly on Thursday. Going to any professional sports game can be pricey so 7News spoke with the Nationals' Chief Marketing Officer about some ways you can save on the games this year. "Tuesday nights, we'll have very discounted tickets, where they start as low as $12. We'll have $5 hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzels and also a $5 beer that's available on Tuesday night," said Kimberly Bolt.