News You Can Use • July 2026 • Everyday Cheapskate

Hello, July! The backyard grill is working overtime, the ice cream disappears faster than you can scoop it, and summer conversations seem to get a little more interesting this time of year. This month’s headlines are just as eclectic. We’ve got brain-boosting habits that take only two minutes, a surprising new savings account for kids, a Disneyland debate that’s dividing fans, and even a hot dog bun that somehow tastes like Pringles. So pour yourself something cold, settle into the shade, and enjoy this month’s collection of fun, useful, and conversation-worthy reads.

A Promising Update on Big Bear’s Beloved Bald Eagle Jackie

Fans of the famous Big Bear eagle nest have reason to breathe a little easier. After being grounded and rescued following repeated attacks from juvenile eagles, Jackie appears to have avoided any major injuries. She’s still undergoing medical evaluations, while her longtime mate, Shadow, continues caring for their two young eaglets on his own.
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5 Designer Secrets That Can Make Any Small Room Feel Surprisingly Bigger

You don’t need to knock down walls to make a small home feel more spacious. Interior designers say a few simple changes, like where you hang your curtains, how you position your furniture, and even the way you use paint, can completely change how a room looks and feels. These budget-friendly tricks work whether you own or rent.
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You Could Still Be Owed Up to $51 From Amazon

If you had Amazon Prime anytime between 2019 and 2025, you may still qualify for part of a massive $2.5 billion settlement. Eligible customers have until July 27 to file a claim for up to $51, but not everyone qualifies. Here’s who can apply, how to avoid settlement scams, and a simple way to keep unwanted subscriptions from slipping through the cracks.
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The $25 Chick-fil-A Order That’s Saving Families More Than You’d Expect

Fast-food prices keep climbing, but one dad found a surprisingly simple way to stretch a Chick-fil-A order. Instead of buying individual sandwiches, he ordered nuggets and inexpensive buns, letting everyone build their own sandwich for a fraction of the usual cost. It’s an easy hack that’s getting plenty of parents talking and could trim your next drive-thru bill.
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The Unexpected Reason Travel Changes You Long After You Get Home

Vacation may do more than help you unwind. Researchers say new experiences force your brain out of autopilot, creating fresh neural connections that can boost creativity, sharpen thinking, and even help you see yourself differently. The best part? You don’t have to fly halfway around the world to get the benefits.
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The Taco Bell Ingredient Health Officials Are Warning People to Avoid

Health officials are urging people in five states not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce served at certain Taco Bell locations after linking it to a major cyclospora outbreak. The company has already pulled the ingredient nationwide while investigators work to trace the source. Here’s where the outbreak is happening, what symptoms to watch for, and why this case is drawing national attention.
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Could This Be the Last Time You Ever Change Your Clocks?

The twice-a-year clock change may finally be on its way out. Congress is considering a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent, meaning no more springing forward or falling back for most Americans. The proposal has cleared a key hurdle, but there are still a few steps before it could become law.
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Getting a Text From the IRS? Here’s How to Tell if It’s Real

For years, the IRS said it would never text taxpayers. Now that’s changing, but only in very limited situations. The agency will send text messages for just three specific reasons, and only if you’ve opted in. Knowing what a legitimate IRS text looks like could help you avoid falling for the growing number of tax scams.
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These Tiny Ballpark Visitors Nearly Stole the Show From Shohei Ohtani

Shohei Ohtani hit a major career milestone, but two unexpected guests had fans talking too. Before the Dodgers took on the Rockies, a pair of curious baby raccoons wandered along the outfield wall, delighting the crowd and quickly going viral. Stadium staff safely retrieved the furry visitors, creating one of the night’s most unforgettable moments.
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The Free Browser Trick That Makes Amazon Shopping Much Less Frustrating

Shopping on Amazon can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, thanks to endless sponsored listings and unfamiliar brands. A free browser extension aims to clean up the clutter by hiding or dimming questionable listings, making trusted brands easier to spot. It’s a clever shortcut, though shoppers should still do their homework before buying.
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Would You Try a Pringles Hot Dog Bun? This Summer Twist Is Turning Heads

Hot dogs are getting a crunchy makeover this summer. Pringles has introduced limited-edition potato-based hot dog buns infused with its signature Sour Cream & Onion, BBQ, and Honey Mustard flavors. Available only for a limited time around National Hot Dog Day, these unusual buns are sure to get people talking at backyard cookouts.
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Millions of Kids Now Qualify for New Trump Accounts. Here’s What Parents Should Know

A new federal investment account for children is officially live, and millions of eligible kids could benefit, including some who qualify for a one-time $1,000 government contribution. But before you open an account, it’s worth understanding who qualifies, how the money grows, when it can be used, and how it compares to options like 529 plans and Roth IRAs.
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The 2-Minute Toothbrushing Trick That May Give Your Brain a Workout

What if one small change to your morning routine could challenge your brain in a new way? Some people are brushing their teeth with their non-dominant hand to engage different neural pathways and encourage neuroplasticity. While scientists say it’s no miracle brain booster, the simple habit may help increase focus and coordination, alongside proven brain-healthy habits.
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The Everyday American Foods That Have World Cup Fans Completely Obsessed

Sometimes it takes visitors to remind us what’s uniquely American. As World Cup fans explore the U.S., they’re falling in love with everything from ranch dressing and Waffle House to Buc-ee’s, giant drinks, and even ice machines. Their reactions are funny, surprising, and might make you see a few everyday favorites in a whole new light.
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Disney Changed One Classic Ride, and Fans Are Not Happy About It

Disneyland’s beloved Pirates of the Caribbean just got a high-tech makeover, but not everyone is cheering. A new animatronic uses cutting-edge effects to transform a pirate into a skeleton, replacing a decades-old scene that many fans considered iconic. The technology is impressive, but longtime visitors say something important may have been lost in the process.
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The Surprising Hobby That Could Help Keep Your Brain Younger

Learning a new language may do more than help you order dinner on vacation. New research suggests people who speak multiple languages tend to have brains that appear years younger than those who speak only one, with the biggest benefits seen in those who start earlier and become more fluent. Scientists say it’s another reason it’s never too late to challenge your brain.
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