News You Can Use • July 2024 • Everyday Cheapskate

Stay ahead with our curated news highlights for July 2024. We’ve handpicked news articles you’ll find relatable and insightful. Stay tuned for updates and stories that resonate with you throughout the month.

Most Recent Top News Articles

Bone-In ‘Boneless’ Wings? Ohio Court’s Surprising Ruling Explained

In a surprising decision, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that “boneless wings” may still contain bones, rejecting a lawsuit by Michael Berkheimer, who suffered complications after finding a bone in his meal. The court determined that the term “boneless wings” refers to a cooking style rather than a guarantee of being bone-free. This ruling came despite dissent from some justices who argued that consumers expect boneless items to be bone-free. Read more →

Chipotle Pledges to ‘Re-Emphasize Generous Portions’ Amid Social Media Buzz

Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol addressed recent social media buzz regarding portion sizes, asserting that the chain is committed to “generous portions” in its burritos and bowls. After videos and posts suggested workers were skimping on fillings, Chipotle assessed its 3,500 restaurants and re-trained staff at locations with “outlier portion scores.” The move aims to reassure customers of the brand’s dedication to quality and value. Despite the controversy, Chipotle reported an 11% increase in sales for the latest quarter. Read more →

Reunited After 9 Years: Gizmo the Dog’s Miraculous Return

Gizmo, a Chihuahua missing for nine years, has been found alive in Las Vegas. Judith Monarrez, his owner, was overwhelmed with emotion when she received the news. Gizmo had slipped through a faulty gate in 2015 and was recently discovered by a woman who took him to a vet. The vet scanned Gizmo’s microchip, leading to a joyful reunion. Gizmo, now 11, has some health issues, but Monarrez is focused on giving him all the love he missed out on. Read more →

Don’t Miss It! The 2024 Paris Olympics Opening Ceremony: Where and How to Watch

The Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics promises to be a spectacular event, kicking off on July 26 with a unique parade along the Seine River. Catch it live on NBC or stream it on Peacock and other NBC platforms. With live coverage starting at 1:30 p.m. ET and an enhanced primetime encore at 7:30 p.m. ET, this is a historic celebration you won’t want to miss. Learn more about the schedule, streaming options, and what makes this ceremony special. Read more →

Southwest Airlines Breaks Tradition: Assigned Seating Takes Over After 50 Years

Southwest Airlines, known for its unique open-boarding system, is transitioning to assigned seating after more than five decades. The change, driven by customer preferences for knowing seat assignments before boarding, marks a significant shift in the airline’s operations. The new system aims to improve boarding efficiency and customer satisfaction, despite some loyalists’ fondness for the old system. This move comes amidst other changes, including the introduction of premium seating and redeye flights, as Southwest adapts to industry pressures and evolving passenger expectations. Read more →

US Economy Defies Odds: Historic Growth and a Rare Soft Landing

The US economy is showcasing remarkable resilience, with a robust 2.8% growth in the second quarter of 2024, defying expectations and avoiding recession. Consumer spending remains strong, and inflation is gradually easing towards the Federal Reserve’s 2% target. This rare “soft landing” mirrors a similar occurrence in the 1990s, offering hope for sustained economic stability. Learn more about the key factors driving this economic success and what it means for the future. Read more →

160 Million Users at Risk: Why You Should Uninstall Hola VPN Now

Hola VPN boasts impressive numbers with 250 million downloads and 160 million users, but its glowing reviews are misleading. Despite its high rating on the Chrome Web Store, Hola VPN isn’t a true VPN and poses serious privacy risks. Find out why experts recommend uninstalling Hola VPN and consider safer alternatives like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark. Read more →

In-N-Out Owner Busts Viral ‘Monkey Style’ Burger Myth

A viral video claiming that In-N-Out offers a ‘Monkey Style’ burger topped with animal-style fries has sparked confusion and frustration among fans and employees. Despite the buzz, In-N-Out’s owner, Lynsi Snyder, and staff confirm that this ‘secret’ menu item does not exist. Find out why this myth keeps resurfacing and what you should really order. Read more →

Score Up to $840 in Rebates for Your Kitchen Upgrade—Here’s How

Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, you can now receive up to $840 in rebates for upgrading to energy-efficient kitchen appliances like electric induction stovetops and heat pump dryers. This initiative not only saves you money but also contributes to a healthier planet. Learn how to access these rebates and make your home greener. Read more →

Burger King’s Fiery Menu: New Spicy Offerings Heat Up the Menu

Burger King has turned up the heat with its new ‘Fiery Menu,’ featuring five spicy items across different heat levels. From a unique ‘Fiery Strawberry & Sprite’ to the boldly spiced ‘Fiery Bacon Whopper,’ discover what’s new at Burger King for a limited time only. Find out which items will set your taste buds ablaze. Read more →

Breaking Down the Grocery Bill: How Much Should You Really Be Spending?

Food prices have been on a wild ride recently, impacting everyone’s wallets. On average, U.S. households spend about $475.25 a month on groceries, but how does this vary by household size and spending habits? From the USDA’s monthly food budget plans to recent trends in food price increases, this article explores everything you need to know to budget effectively and save on your grocery bill. Read more →

7 Everyday Items That Are Surprisingly Cheaper Now

Despite rising living costs, some items are actually cheaper today than they were decades ago. Thanks to technological advancements, increased competition, and efficient production methods, the prices of clothing, bananas, televisions, airfare, washing machines, toys, and aluminum have dropped significantly over the years. Discover how these everyday essentials have become more affordable, even when accounting for inflation. Read more →

In-N-Out Burger’s Ambitious Expansion: New States, New Challenges

In-N-Out Burger is set to expand its presence beyond California, with new locations planned in Oregon and Idaho. However, these expansions face zoning issues and community pushback, complicating the process. Meanwhile, in California, the fast-food chain has increased prices to accommodate a new minimum wage law. Discover the latest on In-N-Out’s proposed expansion and the hurdles they face. Read more →

The Rising Cost of Stamps: What You Need to Know

On Sunday, first-class stamp prices are increasing by 5 cents to 73 cents, marking the sixth hike in three years. While many may overlook this change, it impacts businesses, election processes, and essential services provided by the USPS. Explore why these frequent increases are happening and their potential long-term effects on mail services. Read more →

AT&T Data Breach Alert: How to Protect Yourself

AT&T recently disclosed a significant data breach affecting nearly all its cellular customers and those on networks it supports, spanning from May 2022 to October 2022. While no sensitive personal data like names or Social Security numbers were compromised, hackers obtained metadata such as call logs. This breach highlights risks of enhanced phishing attempts and potential geolocation tracking. Learn what steps AT&T customers can take to safeguard against these threats. Read more →

Tiny Giants: The Rising Popularity of Japan’s Kei Trucks

Kei trucks, compact vehicles originally designed for Japan’s tight regulations, have surged in popularity in the US amid soaring pickup truck sizes and prices. With a devoted following and unique appeal, these mini trucks offer utility and affordability, attracting enthusiasts despite varying state regulations. Discover why Kei trucks are gaining traction and how they compare to traditional pickups. Read more →

Dealing with Shark Encounters: What You Need to Know

Shark attacks, though rare, can be frightening. Experts emphasize that sharks rarely pose a threat to humans, typically mistaking them for prey or being curious. Understanding how to react can be crucial in such situations. Here’s what to do if you encounter a shark while swimming. Read more →

New and Dropped Sports at the Paris 2024 Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics will introduce two new sports: breaking (commonly known as break dancing) and kayak cross, adding fresh excitement to the Summer Games. Breaking will feature solo battles where B-Boys and B-Girls showcase their skills to DJ beats, marking its Olympic debut. Meanwhile, kayak cross will offer a thrilling twist to traditional canoeing competitions by pitting athletes against each other in head-to-head races over challenging white-water courses. Alongside these newcomers, surfing, skateboarding, and sport climbing will return after their successful debut in Tokyo 2020, reflecting the Games’ focus on youthful appeal and dynamic athleticism. Read more →

Beware: New Apple ID Phishing Campaign Targeting iPhone Users

A new SMS phishing (smishing) campaign targeting iPhone users has surfaced, aiming to steal Apple ID credentials through deceptive text messages. Hackers impersonate Apple, urging recipients to click a link to a fake iCloud login page, where they’re prompted to enter sensitive information. Learn how to spot the red flags and protect your Apple ID from this sophisticated scam. Read more →

Target to Stop Accepting Personal Checks Starting July 15

Starting July 15, Target will no longer accept personal checks for purchases, citing extremely low usage. The retailer will continue to accept various payment methods including Target Circle Cards, cash, digital wallets, SNAP/EBT, buy now, pay later services, and credit and debit cards. This change follows a trend among major retailers like Aldi and Whole Foods. Target aims to ensure a smooth transition for customers by notifying them in advance. Read more →

Why Wienerschnitzel Doesn’t Serve Wiener Schnitzel

Despite its name, Wienerschnitzel, a popular California-based fast food chain, doesn’t serve the traditional breaded veal dish it’s named after. Instead, the chain offers hot dogs, burgers, and fries. The name, inspired by a cookbook suggestion from the wife of Taco Bell’s founder, was chosen to pique curiosity with its unique sound. Though briefly adding schnitzel to its menu in 2017, the chain continues to focus on its American offerings. Read more →

The City Where Visitors Are Encouraged to ‘Eat Till They’re Bankrupt’

Osaka may not have Tokyo’s sprawling metropolis or Kyoto’s historic temples, but it boasts some of Japan’s best food and fun-loving people. Known as the “kitchen of Japan,” Osaka invites visitors to indulge in culinary delights, starting with the famous Dotonbori district. Here, octopus-filled takoyaki, fresh sushi, and succulent Kobe beef are must-tries. With a local saying “Kuidaore,” meaning “eat till you’re bankrupt,” the city promises a memorable gastronomic adventure. Read more →

102-Year-Old Woman Shares Secrets to a Long Life

At 102 years old, Deborah Szekely still works three days a week at Rancho La Puerta, the resort she co-founded in 1940. Her active lifestyle, positive attitude, and warm social connections are key to her longevity. Szekely’s motto, “Always be curious about what will happen tomorrow,” reflects her forward-looking mindset. Discover her simple yet effective tips for a long life. Read more →

Chicago’s Bertoletti Wins First Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Title

Patrick Bertoletti of Chicago devoured 58 hot dogs to claim his first men’s title at the Nathan’s Famous Fourth of July hot dog eating contest. With reigning champion Joey Chestnut absent due to a sponsorship dispute, Bertoletti seized the opportunity and bested his previous record. Meanwhile, Miki Sudo set a new world record in the women’s competition with 51 hot dogs. Read more →

High-Speed Hippos: New Study Reveals Airborne Feats

A groundbreaking study from the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) has revealed that hippos can lift all four limbs off the ground when moving at high speeds. By analyzing 169 movement cycles from 32 hippos, researchers found these massive animals spend around 15% of each stride airborne. This discovery sheds light on the elusive and dangerous creatures, offering new insights into their unique movement patterns and potential impacts on their care in captivity. Read more →

What Generation Are You When You’re Texting?

Discover how different generations approach texting—whether you’re meticulous about emoji use or cautious of punctuation. Explore the evolving trends and insights that researchers are uncovering about our digital communication habits. Take the quiz →

The Science Behind Loud Sneezes: Why Some Sneezes Shake the Room

Ever wondered why some people’s sneezes could wake sleeping animals? Sneezing is a vital bodily function that clears out irritants from our airways. The volume of a sneeze primarily depends on the airflow and the structure of our respiratory system. When we sneeze, a deep inhalation is followed by a forceful expulsion of air, which rushes through our vocal cords and throat, creating sound. Factors like lung volume and vocal cord structure contribute to whether a sneeze is quiet or booming. While cultural norms can influence how loudly people sneeze, suppressing sneezes can lead to medical issues like sinus fractures. So next time you sneeze, understanding the science might help you manage its volume! Read more →

Supacell: Netflix’s Breakout Hit with a Perfect 100% Critics Score

Dive into Netflix’s latest sensation, Supacell, a UK series that’s capturing attention with its perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Set in South London, it follows ordinary individuals who suddenly acquire superpowers, all of whom are Black. As they grapple with their newfound abilities, one man emerges to unite them, promising a unique take on the superhero genre. Discover why this six-episode series is climbing the charts and what sets it apart from traditional superhero narratives. Read more →

Boost Employee Morale: The Power of Summer Hours for Small Businesses

Discover how small businesses are using summer hours to enhance employee morale and attract top talent. From flexible Fridays to extended weekends, these initiatives not only accommodate summer schedules but also foster a refreshed workforce ready to tackle challenges. Explore real-life examples of businesses adapting to meet employee needs and the impact on retention and recruitment. Read more →