Latest news with #FourthofJuly
Axios
an hour ago
- Climate
- Axios
Where and when fireworks are banned in Utah
Fireworks have already caused one wildfire this summer in Utah, as the state is expected to get hotter and drier in the week before the Fourth of July. The big picture: The holiday brings twice as many wildfires to Western states as any other day, according to researchers in California and Idaho. July is a double-whammy in Utah, with Pioneer Day celebrations typically eclipsing those on the Fourth. Driving the news: A wildfire sparked Wednesday by fireworks forced more than 100 people to evacuate Cedar Hills in Utah County, fire officials said. The latest: Thanks to recent dry weather, state and federal officials will implement heightened fire restrictions throughout Utah starting Saturday. Fireworks are always banned on federally owned land — and that ban now extends to all land outside any city's limits. Campfires are restricted to approved campsites in most of the state. See guidelines from Utah Fire Info for firearms, smoking, metalworking and motorized equipment. What's next: The National Weather Service predicted temperatures 5 to 10 degrees higher than normal heading into the holiday week. There may be showers in northern Utah as the holiday approaches, but the forecast calls for mostly sunny skies. Be smart: In Salt Lake County, fireworks are permitted only in certain neighborhoods, mapped here. Violations carry fines up to $1,000. How it works: Fireworks are illegal to use statewide except July 2-5 and July 22-25, from 11am to 11pm, with hours extending to midnight on July 4 and 24. Fireworks are also allowed on New Year's Eve and Lunar New Year.
3 hours ago
- Business
'Very close to a final product': Senate GOP's version of Trump's megabill nears finish line
With a week until a July Fourth deadline for Congress to get President Donald Trump's megabill passed, Senate Republicans are going over the final sticking points -- with the end in sight and a potential vote this weekend. On Friday afternoon, Senate Republicans met with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who called the passage of the bill the "single most important economic thing we're going to do this year." House Speaker Mike Johnson chewed over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act with Senate Republicans at the closed-door lunch on Friday, telling reporters afterward that the Senate's version of the legislation is almost done. "We had a great discussion about a lot of important issues, and I feel like we're getting very close to a final product," Johnson said as he left the meeting. While the Senate grapples with the state and local tax provision, Johnson said he believes senators are "very, very close to closing that issue out." The Senate version of the bill is expected to hit the Senate floor on Saturday afternoon. It begins with a procedural vote on the motion to proceed to the bill, which requires a simple majority of votes to pass. Assuming the bill gets the necessary votes to proceed, there are up to 20 hours of debate, evenly divided between Republicans and Democrats. Republicans will likely yield back most of their ten hours. Democrats will likely use close to all of it. After an unlimited series of amendment votes, the Senate could vote on the final passage of the bill at some point on Sunday. Still, some roadblocks remain. The Senate parliamentarian on Thursday rejected a Medicaid provision in the bill, which is a major blow to Senate Republicans' efforts. Also, Senate Majority Leader John Thune can afford to lose only three Republican votes when the bill goes to the Senate floor, given unified Democratic opposition in the Senate. "All of it depends on…we've got a few things we're waiting on, outcomes from the parliamentarian on, but if we could get some of those questions issues landed, and my expectation is at some point tomorrow, we'll be ready to go," Thune said Friday. Johnson and Thune met with Trump Thursday night in the Oval Office about the tax and immigration bill as Congress barrels toward its self-imposed Fourth of July deadline. "We had a long discussion about … where the bill stands and its status. And they are -- we are very, very close, and Leader Thune has confidence that they could get the job done by this weekend, and we certainly are hopeful for that," Johnson said about the Thursday meeting. Earlier Friday, Johnson suggested the Fourth of July deadline could slide, saying "it's possible" that the deadline could change -- although he said he wanted to remain committed to the July Fourth goal. However, later in the day, Johnson stuck to Independence Day. "That's been our goal all along, and it hasn't changed," the speaker said, adding that "the House is ready to act as soon as the Senate does." After fudging his long-standing, self-imposed July Fourth deadline for Congress to pass his massive immigration and tax bill, Trump later doubled down on the date in a social media post. "The House of Representatives must be ready to send it to my desk before July 4th -- We can get it done," the president wrote. Earlier, when asked about the deadline during a news conference in the White House briefing room, the president said "it's not the end all" and that "it can go longer." On Thursday, congressional leaders and the administration touted the benefits of the package during a celebration in the East Room of the White House. As the Senate aims to move forward this weekend with the megabill, House leaders told members in a formal notice "pending Senate action on H.R. 1, votes on the One Big Beautiful Bill are expected in the House next week" -- interrupting a planned weeklong Independence Day recess. "Further information regarding the timing of votes will be provided as soon as possible, and Members will be given a minimum of 48 hours' notice prior to any votes in the House," the notice states. Earlier this week, Trump told members of Congress that they would have to forgo vacations to get the bill to his desk.
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Costco's $14.99 Insulated Lunch Box Bundle Is a Must-Have Deal for Back-to-School and Beyond
Although summer may have just begun, it's never too early to think about back-to-school prep. Let's be real. Once the Fourth of July hits, we blink, and it's Christmas. So, getting a head start, especially with a smart, budget-friendly deal, just makes sense. That's why the Titan Arctic Zone Fridge Cold, Crush-Resistant Lunch Pack at Costco is turning heads. This rugged, roomy lunch box is perfect for keeping lunches fresh, whether you're packing for school, work, or your next road trip. Take a look! This is such a value, and it's why we love Costco! As @costcotwins showed us, this cooler pack is equipped with high-performance features that make it a standout. It has two 250g High-Performance Ice Walls® that tuck into outer zippered pockets to maximize interior space. A four-piece leakproof food container set. And insulation with a radiant barrier to keep contents fridge cold for up to 6 hours or chilled for up to 12 hours. Related: Sleek New Costco Air Fryer Is PFAS-Free, Portable, and Built for Speed Additionally, it features a leakproof lining with antimicrobial protection, a crush-resistant and water-repellent exterior, and dual-padded handles. Plus, it has a removable and adjustable shoulder strap for easy carrying. What more could we ask for? With a durable design and easy-clean lining, this lunch pack is just as great for adults trying to save money and eat healthier as it is for kids heading back to school. For $14.99 in-store or a 2-pack online for $39.99, it's an everyday essential that makes busy routines a little easier and a lot cooler. Just be sure to capture this Costco deal before it ends on July 20th! Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved
NBC News
4 hours ago
- Business
- NBC News
Shopping 4th of July sales? Don't buy these three things, according to experts
While the Fourth of July is synonymous with watching fireworks, taking trips to the beach and barbecuing with loved ones, it's also a great time to shop Fourth of July sales this week. Deals are already live across retailers like Amazon, Target, Home Depot and REI, giving you the chance to save on items that are top of mind this season. 'July Fourth sales cater heavily to our summer lifestyles, offering huge savings on products that can satisfy our need for outdoor fun and comfort,' says Vipin Porwal, the CEO and a consumer savings expert at Smarty. For example, that air conditioner you're dreaming about or the chic bathing suit that's calling your name? It's likely discounted right now. Consumers plan to spend an average of $140 during Fourth of July sales this year, according to a recent survey from RetailMeNot. The key to saving is shopping strategically, so I put together this guide with tips about what to buy and skip, plus how July Fourth sales compare to Amazon Prime Day discounts. Want more from NBC Select? Sign up for our newsletter, The Selection, and shop smarter. Should you shop early Fourth of July sales? Since July Fourth is happening within the next week, many retailers are already offering deals — and yes, you should shop early. 'Late June through July 5 is your prime window,' says Stephanie Carls, a shopping expert at RetailMeNot. There's no need to hold out for the actual holiday to take advantage of deals, especially since popular items sell out quickly. Shopping early gives you the best opportunity to find exactly what you're looking for in the ideal size and style, and it lets you spend time comparing prices across retailers, says Ashley Feinstein Gerstley, a shopping and savings strategist at Rakuten. Additionally, shopping early may mean you get to use the products you purchased during the July Fourth weekend, says Porwal. What to buy during Fourth of July sales A little bit of everything is on sale during the Fourth of July, but there's a few product categories you should focus on. I broke them down below and included examples of the types of deals you'll see this week. All products I recommend are at least 20% off and highly rated. Air conditioners and fans Many parts of the country are currently experiencing a heat wave with temperatures reaching over 100 degrees in some areas. If the heat and humidity are causing you to consider buying a new air conditioner or fan, now is the best time to do so. 'Inventory and selection decrease later in the summer, while prices go up, so you'll want to purchase sooner than later,' says Porwal. He recommends browsing deals from high quality A/C brands with lots of positive reviews to get the most value since window and portable units tend to be an expensive investment. Windmill, Midea, LG and Frigidare are some of our favorites. Outdoor furniture and patio decor July Fourth sales are the first time this year when retailers offer strong discounts on outdoor furniture and patio decor, including dining sets, lounge chairs, couches and umbrellas, says Carls. If you buy now, you have the rest of the summer to enjoy using your purchases. Popular styles tend to sell out quickly, and since July Fourth marks the transition from summer to pre-fall in the retail world, companies won't likely restock when seasonal items are gone, says Carls. That said, don't wait to check out if you fall in love with something. Grills Retailers won't offer the absolute best deals on grills until the end of the summer when they host clearance sales. But if you need a new one immediately, you'll find plenty of worthwhile discounts across models during July Fourth sales, says Carls. She recommends looking for grills on sale at big-box home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowe's since they tend to have the most inventory and lowest prices. Hiking, camping, fishing, swimming, lawn games — whatever your favorite outdoor activity is, it likely involves some type of gear, which will be discounted during July Fourth sales, says Porwal. Specialty retailers like Dick's Sporting Goods and REI tend to have the best deals on these types of items, and you can expect to see discounts up to 30% off. Seasonal apparel and footwear Clothing and shoe stores like DSW, Gap, Old Navy and Foot Locker usually host sitewide sales around July Fourth, giving you the opportunity to refresh your warm weather wardrobe. Look for adult and kids activewear, bathing suits, beach attire and footwear like flip flops and sneakers between 20% and 40% off, says Porwal. Brands will discount seasonal apparel and footwear even more in the next few weeks, but overall, there's lots of lucrative deals during Fourth of July sales, says Carls. $19.99 $29.99 Amazon Now 33% off $19.99 $25.00 Walmart Now 20% off What to know Mattresses and bedding Strong mattress and bedding deals are a guarantee during Fourth of July sales, and they tend to rival Memorial Day's offerings. Pay attention to promotions from direct-to-consumer brands like Casper, Tempur-Pedic, Leesa and Avocado, as well as browsing deals at retailers like Mattress Firm, says Carls. We've historically seen deals over $800 off, and companies usually throw in a free gift with purchase, like pillows and bedding, or offer free haul-away and white-glove delivery services if you buy during the holiday weekend. Large home and kitchen appliances Fourth of July sales are a great time to buy appliances like refrigerators and dryers, especially because retailers want to get rid of last year's models to make room for newer inventory, says Gerstley. You can save even more when you buy multiple pieces together — you may unlock extra discounts or rebates if you're bundling appliances, like a washer and a dryer, or a dishwasher and a refrigerator, says Carls. She also recommends looking for delivery perks when you buy large home and kitchen appliances, like free shipping, installation and haul-away services. What to skip during July Fourth sales You won't see strong strong sales on the below product categories until later this year. Electronics: Hold off on buying tech like laptops, tablets and smart home devices until Amazon Prime Day, says Carls. She also doesn't recommend buying TVs until later this year — we see some of the best deals during Black Friday promotions. Back-to-school supplies: Deals on these types of items tend to start in early August and run through Labor Day, plus there's Sales Tax Holidays coming up in select states, many of which include back-to-school supplies, says Porwal. Fall apparel and footwear: Clothing and shoes like jeans, boots and jackets go on sale closer to the back-to-school season, so don't buy anything for your fall wardrobe just yet, says Porwal. Expert tips: How to save money while shopping Fourth of July sales Set a budget: Go into Fourth of July sales with a maximum amount of money you're comfortable spending, says Gerstley. Go in with a plan: Make a list of everything you want to buy ahead of time and get an idea of what they typically cost. 'Knowing what you actually need prevents you from being swayed by flashing markdowns,' says Gerstley. 'If you're on the fence about something, give yourself 48 hours to decide if you really want it or if it's an impulse buy.' Stack savings: Prioritize shopping from retailers that participate in cash back programs, and consider paying with credit cards that you earn points or cash back from. You can combine those rewards with the retailers' actual deals and promo codes, which lets you save more. Compare prices: Almost every brand and retailer hosts Fourth of July sales, so compare prices to see who has the lowest ones. 'Prices can vary a lot even within the same product category, especially for tech and appliances,' says Gerstley. If you're ordering online, compare shipping fees, too. Additionally, some retailers have price matching policies. Sign up for brands' newsletters and SMS lists: Companies keep shoppers updated about new price drops, limited-time deals, exclusive promo codes and early access to sales through newsletters and text programs, as well as their social media platforms. Use store-wide discounts: If you're shopping at a department or big-box store, you're likely filing your cart with products across categories. Some offer store-wide discounts, which can often help you save on products that might not be on sale individually elsewhere, says Porwal. Familiarize yourself with return policies: Most retailers don't have special return policies during sales, but double check to make sure. If something is a final sale, a retailer usually explicitly tells you. Meet our experts At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest. Why trust NBC Select? I'm a reporter at NBC Select who's covered sales and deals for five years, including topics like Amazon Prime Day, Black Friday and Cyber Monday. To write this article, I interviewed three experts about what you should buy and skip during Fourth of July sales, and rounded up a handful of tips about how to save money while shopping.
San Francisco Chronicle
5 hours ago
- Climate
- San Francisco Chronicle
Bay Area's final June weekend brings milder coastal weather and inland heat
As June's final weekend approaches, the Bay Area is set for a weather pattern that's becoming all too familiar: a sharp contrast between a cool, compressed marine layer along the coast and a gentle warmup inland. Unlike last weekend's blustery conditions, wind won't be a factor this time. However, the Peninsula and areas near the water will continue to experience cooler temperatures. San Francisco might finally hit the elusive 70-degree mark for the first time this month on Friday or Saturday. But don't get too excited as temperatures are expected to plateau on Saturday and even dip slightly on Sunday, as a weak upper-level low drifts in from the Pacific. This incoming system won't cause any significant disruptions in the Bay Area, just slightly cooler temperatures on Sunday and Monday, along with a reinforced marine layer hugging the coast. It's a continuation of a persistent theme in June; frequent upper-level storm systems nudging their way down the West Coast, keeping much of coastal California cool and cloudy. The result? One of the coolest Junes in decades for the Bay Area. This chilly trend extends through Central California, with several locations like Monterey and Napa tracking for their fifth coolest June on record, based on average maximum temperatures. Even the Central Valley, while not as cool, has bucked its usual trend of extreme heat in June. Sacramento, for instance, hasn't hit 100 degrees this month. If that holds through the month's end, it'll be the first June in nearly 20 years without at least one triple-digit day. So what's in store as we approach the Fourth of July holiday week? The Climate Prediction Center's 6- to 10-day outlook suggests a return to warmer conditions. However, the devil's in the details. Some weather models hint at yet another upper-level low lingering off the California coast, which could keep cooler conditions in place as we flip the calendar from June to July. Weekend breakdown San Francisco: The city will see a stretch of seasonably mild, mostly cooperative weather heading into the weekend. Friday and Saturday start with patchy clouds, especially on the west side, but sunshine breaks out by midmorning both days. Expect highs near 70 degrees downtown and in the Mission, with low 60s west of Twin Peaks. Southwest winds pick up to 10 to 20 mph each afternoon. Sunday brings a slightly thicker marine layer. Low clouds may linger longer, especially in the Outer Sunset and Richmond, keeping highs in the low to mid-60s across the city. Eastern neighborhoods will still catch some sun by early afternoon, just not as much as Friday or Saturday. North Bay: The region will run hot and sunny to close out the week, with Santa Rosa pushing into the low 90s on Friday and Saturday. Most other spots like Napa, Petaluma, Novato and San Rafael will be in the mid- to upper 80s under clear skies and barely a breeze. Sunday brings a touch more morning cloud cover and a subtle cooldown, but not enough to change plans. Expect highs in the upper 70s to mid-80s across the valleys, with Santa Rosa and inland Napa still flirting with the upper 80s by late afternoon. East Bay: A warm and sunny stretch is ahead, with Friday and Saturday both delivering some of the nicest weather in some time. Temperatures will be in the mid- to upper 70s in Berkeley, Oakland and Richmond, the low 80s in Hayward and Fremont and low 90s across the Tri-Valley in Walnut Creek, Concord and Livermore. Sunday may bring a touch more marine influence near the bay, but inland spots will still heat up. Highs will be in the low to mid-70s along the water, with upper 80s to near 90 once you get east of the hills. Pacific Coast and Peninsula: Clouds will hug the Pacific Coast each morning, but Friday and Saturday will still manage a decent dose of sunshine across the Peninsula. Coastal spots like Daly City and Pacifica will warm into the mid- to upper 60s, while across the Peninsula South San Francisco and San Mateo will see temperatures in the low 70s. Sunday brings a thicker marine layer and slightly cooler temperatures. Highs along the coast will settle back into the low to mid-60s, with inland Peninsula spots running a few degrees cooler than the previous days, generally upper 60s to low 70s. South Bay and Santa Cruz: The region will be sunny and warm all weekend, with morning clouds near the coast. Friday and Saturday bring mid-80s to San Jose, Santa Clara and Cupertino, while Santa Cruz stays cooler but pleasant in the mid-70s. Sunshine should break out early inland, with slower clearing along the coast. Sunday will trend just a touch cooler, with low 80s inland and low 70s near the water, but skies stay mostly sunny.
