Latest news with #AmarisEncinas
USA Today
22-07-2025
- Business
- USA Today
McDonald's adds new cheeseburger option to its McValue Meal Deal
McDonald's new Daily Double cheeseburger is now part of the chain's popular McValue Meal Deal options. The fast-food giant added the Daily Double to its menu in late June. The sandwich, made with two beef patties, a slice of American cheese plus shredded lettuce, slivered onions, mayo and two tomato slices had previously only been available in limited markets including Chicago, Miami, and Seattle. McDonald's says the sandwich will be on the menu nationwide through 2025. Starting Tuesday, July 22, you can make the Daily Double the centerpiece of a McValue Meal Deal ($6 or $7; pricing depends on your restaurant) with a 4-piece order of Chicken McNuggets, small fries and small soft drink. Coca-Cola: Is the soft drink's US recipe changing? What we know so far If double cheeseburgers are your fave, McDonald's also has the traditional double cheeseburger, Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese and Double Bacon Quarter Pounder with Cheese, and the McDouble, which has pickles, diced onions, ketchup and mustard – no lettuce, tomato or mayo – and can be ordered as a Bacon McDouble, too. McDonald's McValue Meal Deal options now include Daily Double Beginning July 22, you can get the Daily Double cheeseburger as part of a McValue Meal Deal (priced at $6 or $7, depending on your market). In addition to the Daily Double, the meal comes with a four-piece order of Chicken McNuggets, small order of french fries, and small drink. McValue Meal Deals will remain on the menu at McDonald's at least until the end of 2025, McDonald's says. Also among the McValue Meal options is the $5 Meal Deal, which includes: Other options on the McValue menu include the Buy One, Add One for $1 deal, where you select one full-priced menu item from the options below and pay $1 to purchase another item: Breakfast: Lunch and Dinner: McDonald's snack wrap returns Of course, the other big news recently at McDonald's has been the July 10 return of the Snack Wrap. The menu item, which was phased out nationally in 2016, has been brought back and is served as one McDonald's new McCrispy Strips, topped with shredded lettuce and shredded cheese and wrapped in a soft flour tortilla. McDonald's Snack Wrap: Beloved menu item is back, and we tried it: Here's our review The Snack Wrap, which comes in either the "Spicy" or "Ranch" flavor, can be ordered á la carte ($2.99) or as a combo meal ($8.99), which includes two Snack Wraps, a medium order of french fries and a drink of choice. Contributing: Amaris Encinas and Gabe Hauari Mike Snider is a national trending news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X and email him at mikegsnider & @ & @mikesnider & msnider@ What's everyone talking about? Sign up for our trending newsletter to get the latest news of the day
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Your Social Security card will soon be available digitally: What to know about the change
A new and digital alternative to the traditional Social Security card will be available by early summer, the Social Security Administration announced Friday. The agency will introduce a feature that allows all my Social Security account holders, whether applicant or beneficiary, the ability to access and view their Social Security number online. The move comes weeks after the Social Security Administration walked back plans to reduce over-the-phone services and provided clarity about which account holders had to verify their identity in person. My Social Security account holders will be able to conveniently display their SSN, when needed, for reasons other than handling Social Security matters, the agency said. The enhancement offers individuals who have either forgotten their Social Security number or misplaced their Social Security card a "simple solution." It also "reduces the need" for an in-person visit or having to wait to sort out personal matters until another card is mailed. "We are proud to offer this new digital solution to our account holders. This enhancement reflects our commitment to providing better service to the public while ensuring that their personal information remains secure," said Lee Dudek, the agency's acting commissioner said in an April 25 news release. "We believe that this modern approach will meet the needs of our constituents in a more efficient manner.' Here's what to know about the new feature, including additional details about the rollout date. The agency is encouraging all account holders to "take advantage" of the new feature, which will be available starting early this summer. In order to access or see your Social Security number on your mobile device, you will need to create a "my Social Security account." "This digital feature not only streamlines the process for those who need their SSN but also reinforces our dedication to protecting sensitive information," according to the Social Security Administration. "By providing a secure digital option, SSA aims to reduce the risk of lost or stolen cards and enhance the overall user experience. Social Security payments: When do Social Security payments go out in May? See the full 2025 payment schedule The digital version isn't available yet so if you have misplaced, or had your Social Security card stolen, requesting a replacement is easy. All you have to do is visit the agency's website and answer a few questions related to your specific situation. The Social Security Administration says "you may not need to replace your card if you know your Social Security number" since in most cases, a physical card isn't necessary. You can either request a replacement online or by phone at 1-(800)-772-1213 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. After the request is filled out, the new card should arrive by mail at your address in just a few business days. This story has been updated to add new information. Amaris Encinas is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach me via email at aencinas1@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Social Security to roll out digital access for numbers, ID cards
USA Today
24-04-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Trader Joe's might be coming to your area: See the new store locations opening this year
Trader Joe's might be coming to your area: See the new store locations opening this year Trader Joe's has a loyal following because of its diverse private-label products, global cuisine inspirations, and viral items like the limited-edition mini tote bags. And while some retailer are closing stores, Trader Joe's is expanding. The specialty grocer opened two new locations in April in Seattle and Murfreesboro, Tennessee. An additional 21 are planned for this year. Where and how many Trader Joe's are opening in 2025? The planned 21 locations are spread out across 13 states and Washington, D.C., according to the 'Opening Soon' section of the company's website. Which states have a Trader Joe's? The chain operates 581 stores across 42 states and the District of Columbia. The only states without a Trader Joe's are Alaska, Hawaii, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Mississippi and West Virginia. Trader Joe's and its popular mini tote bags In April, Trader Joe's launched its mini canvas tote bags just in time for Easter. Priced at $2.99, the bags are available in pastel shades of blue, pink, purple, and green. Though they are released nationwide, they are a limited-time product, and each store determines its own merchandising plan. The new mini totes made their highly anticipated return about a year after the mayhem that ensued in March 2024 when the bags were released. The grocery store chain had to impose a limit on the number of bags that customers could purchase. Last year's mini totes eventually were listed on a number of online marketplaces for as much as $500, and this year is no different. Listings have already begun to appear on eBay, Mercari and Facebook for as little as $11 and as much as $400. CONTRIBUTING Gabe Hauari and Amaris Encinas SOURCE USA TODAY Network reporting and research; Trader Joe's
USA Today
20-03-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day is today: Here's how to get one
Dairy Queen's Free Cone Day is today: Here's how to get one Show Caption Hide Caption 911 ice cream call, boy gets sweet surprise The Mount Pleasant Police Department is used to getting calls, but this week, they were called out to something they'd never seen before. Fox - Milwaukee The first day of spring and free ice cream? This week may not be able to get any better. Dairy Queen's annual Free Cone Day is Thursday, the same day as the spring equinox, and Dairy Queens across the country are practicing that iconic curly-Q for the big day. Dairy Queen has held its Free Cone Day on the first day of spring for countless years now, and ice cream lovers are bound to have the big day marked on the calendar. Here's what to know about this year's Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen. When is Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen? This year's Free Cone Day is Thursday, March 20. What do you get on Free Cone Day? Customers may redeem one small vanilla cone at a participating Dairy Queen location. The cones are available while supplies last and customers may only redeem one free cone for the day. Free cones are not available for delivery through the DQ Rewards mobile app. Dip It For Kids: Get a DQ dipped cone for $1 This year, Dairy Queen is partnering with Children's Miracle Network Hospitals for Free Cone Day. Choose to dip your cone in one of Dairy Queen's dipped coatings for $1 and the fast food chain will donate the dollar to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. Where is the nearest Dairy Queen near you? To check where the nearest Dairy Queen restaurant is near you, visit or download the free DQ Rewards mobile app. When is the first day of spring? The first day of spring is Thursday, March 20, too. The vernal equinox, the astronomical event that occurs when the sun aligns with the Earth's equator, will begin at 5:01 a.m. EDT on Thursday. Ben & Jerry's Free Cone Day Ben & Jerry's also does a Free Cone Day, but ice cream fans will have to wait a couple more weeks for that deal. Ben & Jerry's Scoop Shops will service up free scoops of ice cream at participating stores on Tuesday, April 8. Contributing: Amaris Encinas Greta Cross is a national trending reporter at USA TODAY. Follow her on X and Instagram @gretalcross. Story idea? Email her at gcross@
USA Today
25-02-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
When is Mardi Gras 2025? Here's what to know as Fat Tuesday approaches
The Carnival season will end on Mardi Gras, which is now one week away! From parades to colorful beads and masks, there are dozens of traditions involved in Mardi Gras, also known as Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras will conclude weeks of partying, parades and eating lots and lots of king cake. Then shortly after is the start of Lent. Here's everything you need to know about Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras 2025:When is Fat Tuesday? What to know about the last day of Mardi Gras What is Mardi Gras? Mardi Gras, which is also known as Fat Tuesday, is a day of indulgence that marks the end of Carnival. It's immediately followed by Ash Wednesday, the first day of Lent. Lent is a 40-day season of fasting, excluding Sundays, that is observed by Christians which leads up to Easter Sunday. Mardi Gras is the last and "biggest day of celebration," according to Mardi Gras New Orleans. When is Mardi Gras? In 2025, Mardi Gras falls on Tuesday, March 4. Like Ash Wednesday and Easter, Mardi Gras' date changes depending on the Spring Equinox and can even be in a different month from year to year. Mardi Gras will always fall on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is always about seven weeks before Easter. What is Carnival? Carnival marks a festive season that begins on Jan. 6 and is called "Twelfth Night," also known as the Epiphany, and ends the day before Ash Wednesday. Many Roman-Catholic countries and communities celebrate Carnival, according to Britannica. The final day of Carnival is Mardi Gras, which always falls on the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. Is there a difference between Mardi Gras and Carnival? While Carnival is a season that takes place over weeks and months, Mardi Gras is just one day, specifically the last day of Carnival. Mardi Gras is Carnival's grand finale and is the day that closes out the festive season. Where is Mardi Gras celebrated? While one of the most famous Mardi Gras celebrations is in New Orleans, the holiday is celebrated across the globe, from North America, to South America, Europe and Asia. The maps below shows which countries hold Mardi Gras celebrations and which states hold the most notable celebrations in the U.S. Can't see the maps? Click here and here. Contributing: Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@
