Goodbye to free television: Amazon will stop offering its streaming service starting today

Amazon Freevee interface on a smart TV showing “The Invisible Man,” popular movies, and Amazon Originals before its 2025 shutdown.

Retail giant confirms its free TV app is on the chopping block just as Prime subscriptions, ad revenue, and profits hit new highs. Amazon is moth‑balling Freevee, the free, ad‑supported streaming service it rolled out in 2019, and the countdown is short. A notice inside the app warns that shows and channels “will be accessible … Read more

Say goodbye to removing shoes: TSA changes airport screening rules nationwide

Traveler removing shoes at TSA airport security checkpoint prior to new rule allowing shoes-on screening.

All U.S. air travelers can now glide through security with footwear firmly in place, thanks to a Transportation Security Administration policy revamp rolling out Monday, July 7. The update applies at every airport, regardless of PreCheck status. The new rule ends a 23‑year ritual introduced after the 2001 “shoe bomber” incident. Passengers once forced to untie … Read more

New law confirmed: a $25 fine for each adult passenger not wearing this in a car

Virginia State Police officer standing next to patrol vehicle enforcing new $25 seatbelt fine law for passengers.

 From July 1, every grown passenger must buckle up or the person behind the wheel will foot the bill.  Virginia motorists are now legally responsible for any adult in their car who decides to ride without fastening a seat belt. The rule, signed during the last General Assembly session and championed by Delegate Karen Keys‑Gamarra, took effect July 1 and slaps drivers … Read more

A family has what appears to be a simple painting of a lion on the wall of their country home: during a home appraisal, they discover that it is worth hundreds of thousands of dollars

Oil painting of reclining lions by Eugène Delacroix discovered in a rural French family home during appraisal

An auctioneer’s routine visit in rural Touraine uncovers a 19th‑century treasure that could fetch $330,000 at the block. A French family just discovered they have been hosting a Romantic‑era masterpiece in their living room for generations. During a recent appraisal, auctioneer Malo de Lussac identified their oil‑on‑canvas Study of Reclining Lions as an original work by Eugène Delacroix, the influential painter behind Liberty Leading the People. … Read more

Confirmed: These are the five American car brands you can trust

Map of United States over flag with Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Ford logos highlighting 2025’s most reliable car brands.

New data spotlight the domestic badges least likely to leave drivers stranded, saving money and stress along the way. Shoppers juggling tech upgrades and tight budgets will welcome the news: Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, GMC and Ford lead the 2025 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study, posting fewer problems per 100 vehicles than other American rivals. Why Buick tops the 2025 dependability … Read more

Confirmed: Millions of Americans already receiving Social Security Fairness Act retroactive checks

Joe Biden and Donald Trump in front of the U.S. Capitol with Social Security cards, discussing Social Security Fairness Act payments.

Millions of public‑sector retirees are already seeing fatter checks after the Social Security Administration (SSA) finished processing every Social Security Fairness Act (SSFA) adjustment nearly five months early. At a glance, the accelerated rollout restores full benefits to roughly three million teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other government workers and issues a one‑time retroactive payment dating … Read more

Social Security double deposits: why some Americans see an extra check

Stacks of dollars with American flag illustrating Social Security double deposits and extra retirement check payments

Some retirees may see an extra deposit this July, but it is rarely a second retirement check. Every month, millions of beneficiaries wait for their Social Security deposit. Most see one payment—and that single check is all the retirement income the program provides. Still, bank accounts sometimes show two deposits in the same month, sparking … Read more

Don’t miss your Social Security payments: if you change banks, quickly update your information in a few simple steps

Illustration showing Social Security card and bank building, representing updating direct deposit bank account details.

Moving your monthly benefit to a new account is easy, but one typo or missed step can stall the deposit you count on. Social Security beneficiaries who change banks should update direct‑deposit details right away to avoid missing the check that pays rent, groceries, and meds. The sooner you act, the smoother the next payday. … Read more

Confirmed: Major Social Security Adjustment to impact 51 million seniors nationwide

President Trump announces major Social Security adjustment impacting 51 million senior citizens

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act heads to President Trump’s desk, promising a fresh tax deduction for retirees while trimming other federal programs. Last week’s razor‑thin 218‑214 House vote, following a 51‑50 squeaker in the Senate, pushes the One Big Beautiful Bill Act to the White House for signing this Friday, July 11. If enacted, the … Read more

Haven’t spotted the 2.5 % bump? Pinpointing the July COLA in your benefit statement

Cost-of-living sign on top of a Social Security card and dollar bills, symbolizing the 2.5 % COLA boost to July benefits.

Millions of beneficiaries should see a 2.5 % increase this month, but some checks still look flat. If your July benefit is identical to June’s, you’re not alone. The cost‑of‑living adjustment (COLA) for 2025 kicked in back in January, yet pockets of retirees, SSDI recipients and survivors still haven’t noticed a dime. So where’s the money? … Read more

Dollar General continues its summer price war for four more days with a week-long flash campaign called “7 Days of Savings”

Dollar General storefront and bright yellow logo sign during the nationwide “7 Days of Savings” summer discount campaign.

Chain promises up to 50 percent off more than 1,000 items, challenging Dollar Tree’s hold on the bargain crown. Millions of Americans hunting mid‑summer bargains just got fresh ammo: Dollar General’s nationwide “7 Days of Savings” runs July 6‑12, slicing prices by as much as half on everyday essentials—from snacks to laundry soap—at precisely the moment wallets feel … Read more

Official: Up to $1,756 in SNAP benefits can be received until July 15 in this US state

Outline of Texas over a faded American flag with a SNAP grocery-bag icon, highlighting food stamp benefits up to $1,756 available to Texas residents through July 15

Deposits hit Lone Star Cards July 7‑15 for case numbers ending 21‑53—check yours now. Between Monday, July 7, and Tuesday, July 15, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will load the next round of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Recipients whose Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) numbers end in 21 through 53 are on deck, so a … Read more

It’s official: Target to open 8 new stores this summer in the U.S., with one coming earlier than expected in New York City

Front view of a modern Target store ahead of summer 2025 U.S. expansion with early opening in NYC

The retailer’s expansion kicks off July 20 in Queens and stretches across six states, previewing a bigger 2025 push. Target is turning up the heat on its brick‑and‑mortar strategy. The company confirmed it will cut the ribbon on eight stores before summer ends, with the inaugural location greeting shoppers in Queens’ Astoria neighborhood on July 20. That … Read more

NJ Medicaid recipients ask: when do cuts kick in under Trump’s ‘Big Beautiful Bill’?

Former President Donald Trump in front of a “Big Beautiful Bill” sign, highlighting Medicaid cut timeline for NJ recipients.

Roughly one in five Garden State residents on NJ FamilyCare could see big changes under the newly signed law. New Jersey’s 350,000 Medicaid recipients have just learned that the sweeping “Big Beautiful Bill,” signed by former President Donald Trump on July 4, trims a staggering $1 trillion from the program nationwide. What does that mean for families who rely on … Read more

Farewell to the restaurant specializing in Tex-Mex cuisine from the southwestern United States: it closes its doors after more than 30 years

Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill sign on stucco facade before the Texas-born Tex-Mex chain closed all locations after 36 years.

From Sixth Street fame to a quiet final service, the Southwestern favorite closes every door across Texas and Arizona. Z’Tejas, once a go‑to for cast‑iron cornbread and chile‑rubbed meats, served its last plate in Kyle on June 30, bringing a 36‑year story of Southwestern cooking to an abrupt close. First launched on Austin’s Sixth Street in 1989, the chain … Read more

Goodbye, TGI Fridays: Brick site poised to welcome Mission BBQ and new co-tenant

Closed TGI Fridays restaurant on Route 70 in Brick Township, NJ, soon to be rebuilt as a Mission BBQ with room for another tenant.

Shuttered Route 70 restaurant may be rebuilt to welcome a fast‑growing barbecue chain and an as‑yet unnamed co‑tenant. After 26 years of mozzarella sticks and karaoke nights, the former TGI Fridays at Route 70 and Chambers Bridge Road is on track for a full makeover. A proposal headed to Brick Township’s planning board on July 30, 2025, at 7 p.m. … Read more

Green card holders face tighter health rules, new remittance tax under Trump’s ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’

U.S. green card held against an American flag, illustrating tighter health subsidies and new 1 % remittance fee under Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill.

Millions of immigrants could soon pay higher health and money‑transfer costs after the president’s bill cleared Congress on July 4. The measure trims federal help, adds a 1 percent fee on cash sent abroad, and steers billions to immigration enforcement. President Donald Trump’s newly signed One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) brings sweeping changes for lawful permanent residents and other … Read more

Confirmed – New 2025 stimulus checks worth $1,000 headed to eligible residents in eight states

Stimulus Check note on U.S. flag beside Treasury check and cash, illustrating 2025 state relief payments

Half the country is still catching its breath after tax season, yet fresh relief is already on the way thanks to state‑backed stimulus and rebate programs. Millions of low‑ and middle‑income residents could see between $150 and $1,000 land in their wallets over the next few months—no congressional gridlock required. With the last federal Recovery Rebate Credit … Read more

Social Security payment schedule for the last 3 payments in July 2025: why some checks may arrive with less money this month

Social Security benefits document, cash roll, Social Security card, and July 2025 calendar highlighting payment dates

Millions of Americans who rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security benefits mark their calendars each month. July’s deposits are right around the corner—and this time, a brand‑new withholding rule could trim some checks. Wondering when your money will show up—or why it might be smaller? Here’s the full schedule, the reason certain … Read more

Farewell to the legend of burritos: this restaurant in East Los Angeles closes its doors after 51 years full of flavor

La Azteca Tortillería storefront in East Los Angeles with red “We’re Moving” banner announcing closure after 51 years.

Rent hike forces beloved East L.A. burrito institution to leave Cesar Chavez Boulevard, but its younger sibling keeps the flame alive. Azteca Tortillería will roll its final flour tortilla at the original Cesar Chavez Boulevard counter on July 13, ending a 51‑year run that fed generations of Angelenos. The closure, driven by a steep rent increase and new property … Read more