News You Can Use • January 2026 • Everyday Cheapskate

Happy New Year! 2026 is already shaping up to be exciting, and we’ve rounded up the stories, tips, and hacks to start your year on a smart note. From rare celestial events lighting up the skies to health updates that might change the way we think about our bodies, there’s plenty to explore. Check back regularly for more.

Starbucks Rewards Are Getting a Big Makeover

Starting March 10, Starbucks is launching a three-tier Rewards program, Green, Gold, and Reserve, with new ways to earn Stars, in-app challenges, and bonus perks for loyal visitors. While points can stack faster than before, free drink customizations will now have dollar caps, so your next latte may cost a bit more if you go all out. The overhaul aims to reward frequent customers while keeping the program fresh and exciting…
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Spring 2026 Forecast: When the Warmth Will Arrive

The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts a mix of warmer temperatures and varying rainfall across the U.S. this spring. While the Southeast, Atlantic Corridor, and parts of Texas and Oklahoma can expect above-average warmth, some northern and western states may see lingering chill. Rainfall will be uneven too. April is mostly drier, but May brings showers to many regions. Gardeners should prep for early growth, mulch for moisture, and watch for excess rainfall in wet areas…
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World’s Largest Fast Food Chain Lands in US

Mixue, the world’s largest fast food chain with over 40,000 locations, has finally arrived in the U.S., bringing soft serve, milk teas, and fruity drinks to New York City. While the store itself is simple, its signature treats impress: silky soft serve, customizable milk teas, and surprisingly tasty fruity drinks. Find out what makes Mixue worth a visit…
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Want a Dog? Mom Says: Pitch Me

Instead of giving a quick yes (or no) when her kids begged for a dog, one mom asked for something unexpected: a full business plan. From breed research and budgets to chore schedules and vet costs, the kids had to prove they were ready for the responsibility. Whether the dog comes home or not, the lesson sticks… accountability, planning, and follow-through wrapped in a very real-life challenge…
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How Little Gym Time It Really Takes to Get Strong

Think getting strong means hours in the gym? Turns out, that’s one of the biggest myths keeping people from lifting at all. New research shows real strength gains can happen with just one or two short workouts a week, sometimes as little as 20–30 minutes, if you focus on the right moves and push yourself. It’s not about doing everything, just doing a few things well…
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Spring Is Coming… But Not the Same Everywhere

Dreaming of warmer days? The Old Farmer’s Almanac has released its spring weather outlook, and most of the U.S. can expect above-average temperatures… welcome news for gardeners and anyone ready to ditch winter coats. That said, rainfall and timing will vary by region, with some areas staying cooler or drier than usual. Knowing what’s ahead can help you plan everything from planting to weekend projects…
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$45 at the Airport? Why Some Travelers Could Pay Soon

Starting Feb. 1, travelers without a REAL ID-compliant document may face a $45 fee at TSA checkpoints if they haven’t completed the new ConfirmID process. REAL ID is now required for all domestic flights, and about 6% of passengers still lack compliant identification. The ConfirmID process lets travelers verify their identity ahead of time, but it doesn’t guarantee boarding. Know what documents qualify and avoid last-minute airport surprises.
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The Future of Lawn Care: 3 Robot Mower Trends for 2026

Robot lawn mowers are stepping up in 2026 with three standout trends: LiDAR-based “drop and mow” navigation for effortless mapping, all-wheel drive for tackling tricky terrain while protecting your grass, and edge-trimming modules that handle perimeter precision. These updates mean smarter, more capable lawnbots are finally ready for mainstream yards. Say goodbye to fiddly setup and extra trimming…
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The Best and Worst States to Raise a Family in 2026

A new WalletHub study ranks Massachusetts as the best state for raising kids, thanks to top-notch schools, safety, and economic opportunities. At the other end of the spectrum, New Mexico lands last, struggling with education, affordability, and child safety even as new childcare programs begin. The report also highlights where costs, crime, and family fun factor into choosing the right state for your children…
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MLK Day 2026: What’s Open, What’s Closed, and Whether Your Mail Is Coming

Martin Luther King Jr. Day falls on Monday, January 19, 2026, and it brings a few important closures to know about before the week begins. Banks, post offices, government offices, and the stock market will be closed, and regular mail delivery will pause for the day. UPS will not offer standard pickup or delivery, while some FedEx services and FedEx Office locations may remain open. Most grocery stores, restaurants, and retailers will operate as usual. Here’s a quick breakdown so you can plan ahead and avoid surprises.
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The Day a Coyote Swam to Alcatraz (Yes, Really)

Visitors and staff on Alcatraz watched history unfold when a lone coyote was spotted swimming through San Francisco Bay and scrambling onto the island, something park biologists say has never been documented before. Caught on video by a tourist, the exhausted animal likely battled strong storm-driven currents before reaching shore. Scientists suspect it may have been searching for new territory, avoiding traffic dangers, or following instinct during mating season. What happens next and whether the coyote stays or slips away remains a mystery.
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Popcorn Like a Pro: Celebrate National Popcorn Day at Home

National Popcorn Day is the perfect excuse to level up your snack game. From stovetop classics to air-popped perfection, chefs and confectioners share tips for buttery, cheesy, spicy, or sweet popcorn creations. Add herbs, nuts, chocolate, or even peanut butter for a personalized twist. With a few tools and some pantry staples, you can make movie-theater-quality popcorn without leaving home.
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Why Instagram Can’t Stop Missing 2016

Winged eyeliner, dog-ear filters, skinny jeans, and zero pressure to “build a brand” online. Millennials are flooding Instagram with throwbacks to 2016, and it’s not just for laughs. Social media experts say the trend reflects a deeper craving for a simpler, more authentic time, before algorithms, constant outrage, and hyper-curated feeds took over. In a world that feels loud and complicated, revisiting 2016 offers a socially acceptable pause and a reminder of when posting felt fun again.
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Roundup’s Day at the Supreme Court: What’s at Stake for Consumers

The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Bayer’s appeal to block thousands of lawsuits claiming its Roundup weedkiller caused cancer. At the heart of the case is whether federal approval of Roundup’s labeling should override state-level failure-to-warn claims. While the EPA says glyphosate isn’t likely carcinogenic when used as directed, juries have repeatedly sided with plaintiffs, costing Bayer billions. The ruling could reshape how much legal protection companies get when federal regulators approve their products and what that means for everyday consumers.
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The Eagles Are Back and Pittsburgh’s Favorite Nest Has a New View

After last year’s storm destroyed their longtime nest, Pittsburgh’s beloved bald eagles quietly rebuilt across the river and even welcomed two eaglets. Now fans can once again watch their daily lives unfold thanks to a newly installed eagle cam at the Glen Hazel nest. The livestream continues a decade-long tradition that’s brought nature lovers together, offering a front-row seat to resilience, renewal, and a little everyday wonder.
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From Tinsel to Treats: Goats Love Your Old Christmas Tree

Instead of ending up in the landfill, your Christmas tree can get a second life as a tasty snack for goats, sheep, and alpacas. Farms across the country are collecting trees, turning holiday cleanup into a festive treat for these animals. The Philly Goat Project shows how even after the holidays, your tree can bring joy and a little green goodness to farm animals.
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NYC’s New Public Bathrooms Are Coming Fast

New York City is putting $4 million toward expanding public bathroom access, with a pilot program set to install 20–30 high-quality, self-cleaning modular restrooms across the five boroughs. These bathrooms will be fully accessible, maintained twice daily, and include handy features like water bottle fillers. The initiative is part of a larger plan to create 1,000 public bathrooms over the next decade, making city life easier for seniors, parents, delivery workers, and anyone on the go.
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CES 2026: 18 Gadgets You’ll Actually Want

From a laundry-folding robot to a swiveling laptop screen, CES is packed with tech that’s flashy, but not always useful. CNN has sifted through the hype to find 18 gadgets that could actually make life easier, smarter, and more fun in 2026. Highlights include an ultra-thin OLED TV that doubles as art, a modular portable charger, a dual-mode open-ear/in-ear headset, and a smart alarm clock that helps you sleep better. Practical, stylish, and sometimes playful, these are the gadgets you’ll actually want to bring home.
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Before You Click “Buy”: 15 Amazon Items You Can’t Send Back

Amazon’s return policy feels generous until you run into one of the many items that can’t be returned at all. From computers after 30 days and digital downloads to groceries, gift cards, prescriptions, and even cars, there are plenty of surprises hiding in the fine print. This quick guide breaks down 15 common (and not-so-common) purchases Amazon won’t take back, plus what to do if something arrives damaged or defective.
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When Toys Talk Back: Are AI Playmates Safe for Kids?

AI is entering playtime, from chatty teddy bears to holographic story companions. While these toys can entertain and educate, safety concerns are mounting. Tests revealed some AI toys giving inappropriate answers, privacy issues, and addictive interactions. Startups are adding safeguards, but experts warn parents to be cautious until more protections are in place. This guide breaks down what parents need to know before bringing AI toys home.
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How Long Will Your OLED TV Really Last?

OLED TVs deliver unmatched color, deep blacks, and wide viewing angles but they’re not immune to issues like burn-in and pixel damage. Brands estimate lifespans from 8–30 years, depending on usage, while tests show burn-in can appear within months. Despite this, OLEDs generally outlast other displays and offer the best picture quality for the price. Here’s what you need to know before investing in a high-end screen.
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No More Pennies: The New Cash Rule That Could Cost You at Checkout

The penny is officially on its way out and that’s already changing how cash purchases work. USPS and several major retailers are now rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel when pennies aren’t available. Sometimes that works in your favor, but other times it means paying a little more, one transaction at a time. Here’s how the new rounding rules work, where they’re already in effect, and what to watch for if you still pay with cash.
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The Surprising Brain Mode That Switches On When You Improvise

Improvisation may look like spontaneous magic, but brain scans tell a very different story. When musicians improvise, their brains shift into a unique “improv mode,” dialing down planning and self-monitoring while ramping up fast, well-trained networks tied to hearing, movement, and reward. The freer the creativity, the less the brain tries to control it and the more it flows. Researchers say this insight could reshape how we understand creativity in music, writing, conversation, and beyond.
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Southwest’s Biggest Change Yet? Airport Lounges Are Just the Beginning

Southwest Airlines is making a surprising pivot toward premium travel. CEO Bob Jordan confirmed the airline is actively developing airport lounges, starting with a 12,000-square-foot, two-level space in Honolulu. The move signals a major shift for the budget-friendly carrier, alongside assigned seating coming in 2026 and the end of “bags fly free.” With premium perks, upgraded connectivity, and potential lounge-access credit cards on the horizon, Southwest is clearly chasing higher-spending travelers and big revenue gains.
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2026 Is a Skywatcher’s Dream: Blood Moon, Ring of Fire, and Total Solar Eclipse

After a quiet 2025, 2026 promises a celestial spectacle. From a “ring of fire” solar eclipse in Antarctica to a blood-red lunar eclipse visible across the Pacific and a total solar eclipse over Europe, skywatchers have multiple chances to witness rare events. This marks the start of a three-year sequence with more total solar and annular eclipses than we’ve seen since 2008–2010, making it a golden era for astronomy enthusiasts.
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New Obesity Definition Could Affect 3 in 4 U.S. Adults

A new study suggests that the traditional BMI measure underestimates obesity in the U.S. By including waist measurements and body fat, researchers found that over 75% of adults may now meet obesity criteria—nearly double the 40% identified by BMI alone. The findings highlight hidden health risks linked to excess body fat and stress the need for updated screening and treatment approaches.
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9 Hobbies That Make You Smarter Than 95% of People

Forget pricey brain apps—science shows that simple hobbies like learning a language, playing an instrument, coding, or even gardening can rewire your brain, improve memory, and boost problem-solving skills. Only about 5% of people consistently engage in these brain-building activities, yet combining a few can create “cognitive cross-training” that keeps your mind sharp at any age.
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