Used electric vehicles may look like a bargain, but experts say you should be doing your homework before you buy.

The biggest thing to check? Battery health.

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Consumer Reports says battery condition can have a major impact on value and driving range.

The sweet spot for a used EV is one thats still under its battery warranty but thats depreciated enough for significant savings compared to a new one, says Alex Knizek, director of auto test development at the Consumer Reports Auto Test Center. You should also consider how long you plan to keep the car, and if the savings are worth it compared to buying a hybrid vehicle that may be more reliable in the long run.

Ask about the battery warranty, charging speed, and whether the car has the latest software updates.

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Don't forget the hidden costs, including insurance, a home charger, and maintenance.

The reality is that if you end up having to replace the battery in an EV, the cost could be more than the cars worth, said Knizek.

A great deal today could turn into an expensive surprise tomorrow.

Looking to cut costs on your grocery bill? Experts say you may want to check out International supermarkets.

They said that shoppers may find lower prices on some staples while discovering new ingredients and flavors.

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Experts say savings depend on what's in your cart, but international grocery stores are growing in popularity as more Americans look for variety and value.

In April, it was reported that grocery prices rose 2.9 percent. That was mainly driven by higher fuel costs tied to the Iran conflict, weather impacts, and trade policies.

Because of that, many Americans are looking for ways to save money wherever they can.

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A recent survey also found that nearly 35% of consumers bought groceries with a credit card in 2025 and paid the balance in full.

Thats according to the Urban Institute, a Washington, D.C.-based nonpartisan group that tracks economic and social policy trends annually.

It also found that nearly 1 in 10 adults are using Buy Now, Pay Later options to pay for groceries.

A new Pew Research Center study has shown that Americans are taking more and more supplements.

The study found that roughly 8 in 10 adults say they are currently taking at least one supplement for their health.

The most commonly used supplements are vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium or multivitamins.

Right below vitamins and minerals was protein supplements and omega oils.

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Nineteen percent say they are taking herbal supplements (such as ashwagandha or ginseng).

Most survey respondents said supplements are at least somewhat important to their health.

According to Pew Research, the global supplement industry is estimated to be worth nearly $210 billion.

They are often a common topic of discussion for social media health and wellness influencers as well.

While it's popular for young adults, older adults are actually more likely to be taking supplements according to the research.

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Among those ages 65 and older, 85% say they do this, compared with 67% of adults under 30.

They also found that women are slightly more likely than men to say they are currently taking supplements.

The fight between LSU and the Southeastern Conference might be over for now. This comes after the LSU football team filled out its roster for the season.

This ends any possibility of adding players who played for the NFL or went to NFL training camps this summer.

RELATED STORY | SEC considers proposal that could remove LSU from conference

Just days ago, the SEC was considering a proposal that would remove LSU from the conference after the universitys had attempted to add players to its roster who previously participated in NFL preseason camps.

The NCAA had previously announced that some players could remain eligible for a fifth year of competition, this came after DaeQuan Wright and Zxavian Harris had signed NFL contracts.

RELATED STORY | SEC sues LSU, alleging a coordinated push to recruit ex-pro athletes in defiance of rules

Once released from those contracts, they attempted to return to school.

While a Louisiana court ruled they would be eligible, the SEC attempting to block this in a federal court.

This is no longer the case, as the roster has been set.

The Transportation Security Administration has launched a new program that allows eligible TSA PreCheck members to pass through security and enter the gates without plane tickets.

The program, called "Gateside by TSA PreCheck" is free, but those interested must apply online one to three days before their planned visit.

The program is available at 13 airports across the country, including Los Angeles International Airport, Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City International Airport.

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Passes are valid for one calendar day, and re-entry is allowed on that specific date.

According to TSA, once you are approved, you will present your ID at the TSA PreCheck security screening lane. They added that you may not use TSA PreCheck Touchless ID lanes.

This program is different from a gate pass that one would receive from an airline or airport visitor program. Airlines issue gate passes in very limited instances. People with gate passes must go through TSAs standard screening lanes, regardless of TSA PreCheck membership status.

This program allows eligible individuals to use the precheck screening lanes.

A new study from 'Retirement Living' finds some states stretch retirement savings much further than others.

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The study ranked all 50 states on housing costs, taxes and overall cost of living. One of the more popular vacation and retirement destinations, Florida didn't even crack the top 10.

According to the study, Iowa is the best state to retire in 2026, performing consistently well across affordability, quality of life, and economic strength.

Popular retirement destinations dont always translate into the strongest retirement outcomes. This was seen as California and New Mexico were among the lowest ranked places.

Florida remains one of the countrys most recognizable retirement destinations, but they landed right in the middle of the rankings, at 22.

New Mexico was listed as one of the worst places to retire, with bad quality-of-life indicators including high property and violent crime rates.

RELATED STORY | Many US workers have under $1,000 saved for retirement, new report finds

They found that the most affordable states weren't just strong in one category, they consistently had lower costs across the board.

Experts say affordability matters, but retirees should also consider health care access and services they'll need as they age.

A new Parks Associates study has found that 51 percent of U.S. internet households prefer a bundle that combines live TV with their favorite streaming services.

According to the study, consumers still want live news, sports and events, but they're also looking for flexibility and lower costs.

Consumers are not necessarily choosing between live TV and streaming. Many want access to both in one package, said Michael Goodman, Director, Entertainment Research, Parks Associates. Providers have the opportunity to offer greater flexibility to their consumers while making it easier to access the content they value.

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The study found more than two-thirds of subscribers like the idea of "skinny bundles" with fewer channels and a lower price tag.

A skinny bundle is one that includes a limited number of core channels, typically focused on specific content types.

Skinny bundles offer providers an opportunity to address consumers who want to maintain access to live television but are increasingly sensitive to the cost and size of traditional channel packages, Goodman said. The strongest opportunity is retention. These packages can give existing subscribers another option before they decide to cancel service entirely.

Cookie season may not be for a few months, but Girl Scouts of the USA is already unveiling a new lineup!

On Tuesday, the nonprofit organization unveiled two first-of-their-kind additions: Patch Pals, developed with BARK, and Girl Scout Sparkables, developed with Partake.

BARK is the "worlds most dog-centric company" and Partake "is a Certified B Corp that works to provide everyone the ability to share in lifes joysbig and small."

These online exclusives will join beloved classics like Thin Mints, Samoas/Caramel deLites and Peanut Butter Patties/Tagalongs!

RELATED STORY | Krispy Kreme, Girl Scouts team up for cookie-inspired doughnuts

Patch Pals is a blueberry muffin-flavored cookie created just for dogs and features four patch designs.

Sparkables are Girl Scouts first-ever cookie developed for families navigating certain food allergies. It's developed in a facility designed to avoid the nine major food allergens.

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This option is a crunchy oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips and colorful sprinkles.

Girl Scout Cookie season is recognized nationally from January through April and these new additions will be available exclusively online for direct shipping beginning January 12.

You can visit girlscoutcookies.org to sign up for notifications when cookie season begins nationally.

A recall has been issued for nearly 1,513 pounds of imported ready-to-eat pork products due to possible listeria.

According to the U.S. Department of Agricultures Food Safety and Inspection Service, the dry-cured pork jowl products were produced at Est. 1937L Bome SRL in Italy on May 21, 2026, and imported into the U.S. in July.

The following products are subject to recall:

Prime Line Distributors, Inc.:

Various weight cardboard cases containing two pieces of individually vacuumed packed PRIME LINE DISTRIBUTORS, INC. GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY with LOT: 263311US and BEST IF USE BY DATE: 05.16.27 printed on the label. Various weight individually vacuumed packaged GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY with LOT: 263311US and BEST IF USE BY: 05.16.27 printed on the label. The product has an additional label with DOK GUANCIALE on the packaging.

Ferrarini USA, Inc.:

Various weight cardboard cases containing two pieces of individually vacuumed packed GUANCIALE PORK JOWL PRODUCT OF ITALY with LOT: 263311US and BEST IF USE BY DATE: 05.16.27 printed on the label. Various weight individually vacuumed packaged FERRARINI GUANCIALE DRY-CURED PORK JOWL with LOT: 263311US and BEST IF USE BY DATE: 05.16.27 printed on the label.

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The Prime Line Distributors, Inc., items were shipped locations in Florida and the Ferrarini USA, Inc. items were shipped to locations in California, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Texas.

There have been no confirmed reports of illness due to consumption of these products.

With summer coming to a close, the focus has now shifted to fall and Halloween season!

Themes parks all over the country including Universal Studios in Orlando have special themed events and extended evening hours.

Halloween Horror Nights offers a bunch of haunted houses, scares and treats!

This spooky experience takes place at Universal Studios Hollywood on select nights from September 3 through November 1. The event is from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. each night.

This years event features haunted houses with themes like Stranger Things, Sinners and Hellraiser.

Disney, Busch Gardens, Six Flags and even Dollywood offer a variety of fall family friendly events as well.

Disney's Halloween celebrations for this year feature seasonal events like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Walt Disney World and Oogie Boogie Bash at Disneyland Resort.

Both run through October 31.

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Busch Gardens Howl-O-Scream is held at both Busch Gardens Tampa Bay and Busch Gardens Williamsburg and features haunted houses, scare zones, live entertainment and thrill rides.

Six Flags parks offer more than 400 Halloween-themed experiences, including Fright Fest, Halloween Haunt, Knott's Scary Farm and more!

Dollywood celebrates the season with its annual Dollywood Harvest Festival. This runs from September 14 to October 31 and features live music, fall treats and the Great Pumpkin LumiNights

Consumers are using artificial intelligence increasingly more in day-to-day activities.

According to new research, more shoppers are turning to AI for help deciding what to cook and buy.

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The Southeast Produce Council is looking at whether fresh fruits and vegetables are showing up in those recommendations.

The study surveyed 1,500 consumers and looked at how people use AI for recipes, meal planning, grocery lists, nutrition and budgeting.

"AI has the potential to fundamentally change how consumers discover and make decisions about food," said David Sherrod, president and CEO of SEPC, in the recent release. "For our industry, understanding that shift early gives us an opportunity to think about how we remain relevant and visible wherever consumers are looking for answers."

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82 percent of produce consumers are already using at least one type of AI tool regularly. According to the data, nearly 50 percent say they want AI meal plans to include easy-to-prepare recipes.

Researchers also explored concerns about misinformation and accuracy as more consumers rely on AI for food advice.

A new Snap Finance study has found 44 percent of credit-challenged consumers rely on financing to make major purchases.

Snap Finance provides flexible financing solutions for consumers and businesses.

Their study found that of those with credit scores below 670, nearly 4 in 10 said they could not have paid for a recent purchase more than $300 without it.

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The results show that major purchases are often not discretionary consumers may be replacing items that broke, addressing car repairs, or paying for necessary services. And for those with lower credit scores, access to credit is often an issue, said Ted Saunders, CEO at Snap Finance. For retailers and service providers, introducing simple and accessible financing options early in the shopping journey can help customers move forward while creating meaningful opportunities for growth.

The survey of nearly 3,000 Americans also found almost half said financing options influence where they shop.

Researchers say financing is becoming a bigger factor as consumers continue to feel economic pressure.

OpenAI has announced new tools that will allow healthcare organizations to connect ChatGPT with authorized patient records.

According to the company, the new Epic integration and Healthcare Public Data plugin help teams review authorized patient context. They added it will work with "structured information from official sources in ChatGPT for Healthcare."

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The company says clinicians can use the system to quickly review patients histories, lab results, medication changes and follow-up needs before him point appointments.

OpenAI has also reported positions rated 99% of responses as safe across more than 4,300 evaluations involving clinical use cases.

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There will be two versions for ChatGPT for Clinicians and ChatGPT for Healthcare.

Scientists are sharing the details of a newly discovered dinosaur

Paleontologists are calling it 'Musango,' which is named after the houseboat they used on the expedition. The fossils were found in 2018, but the research was just published in July.

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Musango was discovered on the shore of Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe and according to the Museum of Natural History, is a rare find, as the country has a relatively unknown palaeontological past.

Officials say the dinosaur only stood about 5-feet tall at the hip, but was an early version of the reptiles that evolved into much larger, long-necked dinosaurs like the brontosaurus.

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Musango lived more than 200 million years ago and research suggests it was likely related to fossils found in Argentina and South Africa.

Until recently, it was assumed that the dinosaurs living across southern Africa were largely the same, said Professor Paul Barrett, the studys lead author. However, these discoveries are showing that this part of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana was actually made of a series of smaller ecosystems each with a different cast of characters.

That shows the animals were able to spread great distances, and that Africa and the Americas were connected.

A San Francisco startup is renting out humanoid robots to clean your house.

Tau Robotics is charging $30 an hour for the service and these robots can vacuum floors, wipe down kitchen counters and even take out the trash.

They can also clean up spills and stray items picked up off the floor.

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Humans remotely monitor the machines while they work, though the company hopes to make the robots fully autonomous in the future.

The company wants to eventually use these robots for home repairs and elderly care.

According to the company, the humanoids work in real San Francisco homes and are able to adapt to your space and preferences. They added that each robot completes the same thorough job, every visit.

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Booking is currently invite-only for now, but those interested in using the humanoid robots can join a waitlist.

Recently, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission banned imports of new foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, citing national security risks, in a move that targets China.

According to Tau Robotics, everything involving these humanoids is operated in person, in San Francisco.

According to InvoiceClouds 2026 Consumer Claims Experiences Survey, about 15-percent of people say they got their claim payment within a week.

The survey added that three out of four people say they would be likely to switch insurance companies because of slow payouts.

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And three out of four say theyd be likely to switch insurance companies because of slow payouts.

Filing a claim is stressful enough. Slow payments make it worse, said Kevin OBrien, CEO at InvoiceCloud. Consumers want speed and reliability. Real-time digital payments give carriers a way to earn trust in the moment it matters most.

They added that communication plays an important role in the relationship between a provider and policyholder. Many consumers prefer conventional communication during claims processes.

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The survey also found that direct deposit is now the preferred way to get claim payments, with more than half of consumers choosing it over paper checks.

When funds are needed in an emergency, they said online banking is preferred

A recent LendingTree study has found that borrowers who compare multiple loan offers can save significantly over the life of a loan.

Experts say checking rates and fees from several lenders could help you avoid paying more than necessary.

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According to the study, borrowers could save an average of $62,572 over the life of a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage by shopping around. 

This is equal to about $174 a month. They added that while borrowers could save a hefty amount, this is down from 2025, in which they were able to safe an average of $80,024.

In addition, the study points out that shopping around can also better your chances of securing a lower rate.

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The lowest average interest rate offered is 5.93%, while the highest is 6.72%.

The study adds that savings potential also varies significantly by state.

Those in Hawaii are able to save the most, followed by New Jersey and California.

Borrowers in New York could save the least, followed by those in West Virginia and Mississippi.

A recall has been issued for more than 300 boxes of mangoes because they may be contaminated with Salmonella.

The product, sold by Panorama Produce at select Walmart stores in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, were recalled after the FDA found Salmonella in mangoes grown on the same farm but were not distributed into U.S commerce.

The recalled mangoes are packaged in a Martina-branded case. They have a light blue sticker with the label Agrofepac, Produce of Mexico, and a PLU number of 4584 and UPC # 07503061948050. They were sold in Walmart stores from August 10 to August 21, 2026.

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No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recalled product, however you're advised to dispose of them or return to the place of purchase.

Anyone who believes they may have become ill should contact a healthcare provider.

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If you have questions regarding the recall or if your product fits the description, contact Panorama Produce by email at information@panoramaproduce.com Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. EST.

A new report shows that the world's coral reefs are declining rapidly.

According to the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network, coral reefs have declined by nearly 10 percent since 2020.

RELATED STORY | 84% of the world's coral reefs hit by worst bleaching event on record

There have been four global coral bleaching events recorded since 1998. This is the process in which stressed corals expel microscopic algae, turning completely white.

Each of these events has been associated with a 6.5 to 9.9% relative loss of global hard coral cover. Hard coral cover is used like a physical health check-up for the reef ecosystem.

According to the report, the largest one-year decline was in 2024, which 87 percent of all reefs impacted.

Experts say the issue is global warming as warm water kills the algae coral needs to survive.

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While coral can recover from bleaching, its difficult if the water stays too hot for too long. According to the report, recovery intervals are shrinking from approximately 10 years to 56 years in many regions.

El Nio is expected to produce even warmer water in the coming year.