Goodbye to slow driving: Starting August 1, it will be punishable by a $350 fine and jail time under the law

Cars cruise a Louisiana highway’s left lane, illustrating the new August 1 law fining slow drivers $350.

Starting Aug. 1, motorists who linger one mile under the speed limit in the passing lane could face escalating tickets and even 30 days behind bars. Louisiana drivers who cruise in the left lane will need to pick up the pace. A law taking effect August 1 lowers the threshold for “impeding traffic” from roughly 10 mph under the limit … Read more

It’s official: fines of $500 for people who use this type of leaf blower

Orange gas-powered leaf blower banned in Montgomery County, fines of $500 in effect

Countywide law began July 1, ending a year-long phaseout and ushering in quieter electric equipment. After a year of warnings and rebates, Montgomery County’s ban on handheld, backpack, and walk-behind gas-powered leaf blowers officially took effect on July 1, 2025. Homeowners, landscapers, and government crews who ignore the rule now face a $500 citation—part of … Read more

Amazon’s latest tiny house costs $10,995: it’s ready to assemble and offers all the comforts of a normal-sized home

Amazon's modern cabin-style tiny house with large windows and cozy interior, placed in an autumn forest setting

Priced at $10,995, the two‑bedroom kit ships ready to assemble and delivers full‑size comfort in roughly 400 square feet. If the idea of trading rent for rustling pines has ever crossed your mind, Amazon’s newest cabin‑style tiny house may be the nudge you needed. The prefab unit pairs a wood‑look exterior with dark trim and wrap‑around … Read more

The popular family favorite chain is opening ten arcades for adults: they are already lighting up these shopping malls, and more are on the way

Chuck's Arcade entrance with retro and modern games for adults in shopping malls across the United States.

Retro cabinets, animatronic hosts, and a slice of pizza—no kids required. Chuck E. Cheese isn’t just a birthday‑party destination anymore. The family‑favorite chain has quietly opened a grown‑up spin‑off called Chuck’s Arcade, pitching it as a modern love letter to the games and guests that built the brand. Ten pilot arcades are already lighting up … 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

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

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: Georgia begins sending up to $500 tax refunds this summer

Illustration of a Georgia Taxpayers check symbolizing up to $500 state tax refund, set against a U.S. flag backdrop.

Refunds authorized by House Bill 112 are rolling out in batches from June through August, promising a timely boost for hundreds of thousands of Georgia taxpayers. Georgia’s record‑large surplus—about $11 billion—has allowed Governor Brian Kemp and the Department of Revenue (DOR) to launch a fresh refund worth up to $500 per filer. Payments labeled “GASTTAXRFD” are already landing in … Read more

It’s official: Retirees will continue to lose part of their Social Security benefits through 2025 in these 9 states

Red Social Security file tab among folders symbolizing retiree benefit records still taxed in nine states through 2025

Millions of retirees rely on every dollar of their monthly check; these holdout states still want a slice. For the 62 million Americans drawing retirement benefits, the math feels simple: you paid in, you cash out. Yet nine states—Colorado, Connecticut, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont and West Virginia—will continue treating those benefits as taxable income in … Read more

It`s official: Costco is offering 8 exclusive member benefits at no extra cost — and hardly anyone is using them

Shoppers inside a Costco warehouse browsing aisles under a banner promoting Costco.com home delivery service

Lifetime tire service, 2 percent cash back, and early‑morning access are just a few advantages hiding behind the membership card. Costco’s $60 basic membership already delivers rock‑bottom prices on bulk staples and those famous $1.50 hot‑dog combos. Yet thousands of shoppers still leave money on the table by skipping benefits that come at no extra cost. … Read more

Federal Reserve data confirms it: The 10 degrees that lead to the lowest starting salaries in the US

Exterior of the U.S. Federal Reserve building with seal, related to lowest-paying college degree data

New Fed data spotlights the degrees most likely to keep entry‑level paychecks stuck below the national median. You worked hard for that diploma—but is it going to cover the rent? A fresh analysis from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, using 2023 wage data, reveals that ten popular majors send full‑time graduates into the labor … Read more

Check your Florida SNAP date for July 2025: payments began on July 1

SNAP benefits sign at authorized retailer for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

Benefits will arrive between July 1 and July 28—but only on the day tied to your case number’s 9th and 8th digits. Florida’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) follows a strict calendar. The state reloads EBT cards on 28 different days, so neighbors with similar circumstances can still get money weeks apart. Knowing your exact deposit date lets you … Read more

Say goodbye to high bills – this silent rooftop wind turbine powers your home for free

Close-up of LIAM F1 silent rooftop wind turbine with blue helical blades against clear sky

The LIAM F1 turns quiet, low‑level breezes into electricity, offering homeowners a sharp alternative—or companion—to solar panels. A new chapter in the Netherlands’ long romance with wind power is unfolding over city roofs. The LIAM F1, a 1.5‑meter‑wide helical turbine weighing under 100 kg, captures 5 m/s winds and converts up to 88 percent into … Read more

Portland’s food scene is changing: four popular businesses will revamp their weekend plans due to major changes

Collage of Portland food changes: Orange Julius closure, detained vineyard worker, Euzumeh pop-up, Hunnymilk relocation

From the swan song of a downtown stalwart to the next chapter for a brunch favorite, here’s what’s changing and why it matters. Portland’s food scene has changed, with four beloved businesses making changes that will shake up residents and revamp weekend plans. Closures, comebacks, and community gatherings were announced on the calendar from June … Read more

Supermarket chain praised for its low prices opens new store in Springfield: they will expand nationwide

BJ's Wholesale Club storefront with red signage and curbside pickup at Springfield location

The warehouse club, praised by loyalists as “better than Costco,” will return to its Massachusetts roots this winter—sparking hundreds of jobs and signaling a coast‑to‑coast building spree. BJ’s Wholesale Club will anchor the new Springfield Crossing shopping center on Boston Road, reviving the long‑shuttered Eastfield Mall site and hiring 100‑150 employees. The winter‑2025 debut marks the Marlborough‑based chain’s … Read more

A woman works for 35 years in Social Security and now her financial future hangs in the balance thanks to Trump

Woman looks out from doorway, concerned about federal retirement cuts after 35 years of Social Security service

House measure would scrap the special FERS supplement, trimming thousands of dollars from longtime employees’ expected income. For Michele Santa Maria, who spent 35 years guiding Social Security claimants through red tape, the promise of a full pension plus a bridge payment from 57 to 62 made the long days worthwhile. Now that bridge is cracking. A … Read more