Is Your Car Eligible for a Tax Deduction of Up to $10,000? It might

Is Your Car Eligible for a Tax Deduction of Up to ,000? It might

The “Great Bill” passed last year made several tax changes related to the purchase of vehicles that qualified buyers can use when they purchase certain vehicles assembled in the United States.

The bill eliminated a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 for the purchase of qualified electric vehicles, but replaced it with a new credit that allows taxpayers to claim up to $10,000 a year in interest on loans to purchase a new American-made vehicle purchased between Jan. 1, 2025 and Dec. 381, 2020.

Since most people don’t pay $10,000 in interest on a car loan each year, the average annual savings will vary depending on what you pay and your income tax rate, but experts told the Detroit Free Press, part of the USA TODAY Network, that those new car buyers who qualify could see annual tax savings of $300 to $900. Auto shopping experts expect the credit will encourage more buyers to look for cars that qualify for the tax deduction.

“Although affordability is the most important factor for consumers when buying a car, our research shows that because of the ongoing tax issues and now adding this tax incentive to the mix, Americans are more willing to understand where the car was made,” Patrick Masterson, lead researcher for the American-Made Index of American-Made Index, Patrick Masterson, told the Detroit Free Press.

New Car Loan Deduction Rules

There are requirements to qualify for the deduction, which are described at www.IRS.gov. They include that only new cars are eligible – used cars are not eligible. Also, vehicles must be purchased – not leased, leases do not qualify – and used for personal use to qualify for the car deduction.

Single taxpayers earning up to $100,000 in adjusted gross income and married couples earning up to $200,000 are eligible. Adjusted net income is the sum of adjusted gross income and untaxed income. The IRS explains how it’s calculated here on its website. The amount that taxpayers can write off is reduced by $200 for every $1,000 in income above those income limits.

Vehicles that qualify for the loan deduction can be a car, minivan, van, SUV, van or motorcycle as long as they have a gross vehicle weight of less than 14,000 pounds, the IRS said. That means many heavy-duty trucks won’t qualify, Masterson said.

Most notably, the vehicle must have been last assembled in the United States – that is, where it is assembled before being shipped to the dealer.

Other Eligible Vehicles

“There are three surefire ways buyers can find a car that meets the criteria for this incentive,” Masterson said. “First, check the vehicle identification number (VIN); if it starts with a 1, 4, or 5, it was assembled in the US and therefore meets the minimum incentive.”

For those looking for a place to start, buyers can look to Cars.com’s 2025 American-Made Index. The 2026 model will debut in June and may have some changes to it as some cars built in the United States ended production last year, such as the Ford Escape. Even the integration of some cars was brought to the United States because of President Donald Trump’s 25% tax on imported cars.

But here are 10 cars from this year that Masterson said he believes will be among the many others to qualify:

  • Tesla Model Y
  • Ford F-150
  • Lincoln Aviator
  • Chevrolet Corvette
  • Honda Passport
  • The Jeep Gladiator
  • Dodge Durango
  • Volkswagen ID.4
  • Toyota Corolla Cross
  • Acura MDX

Masterson said that when buyers start on a third-party website like www.cars.com, its dealers include the VINs of the cars they list.

Another way to determine if a car is eligible is to look for the Monroney sticker on the window of a new car to see where it was assembled. Also, you can find the factory where the vehicle was manufactured by entering the Vehicle Identification Number on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website at www.nhtsa.gov.

How to Apply for a Withdrawal

If the car is assembled in the United States, the buyer must enter the VIN on Schedule 1-A to claim the deduction, according to Detroit Free Press financial columnist Susan Tompor, who said to look up page 2 of Schedule 1-A titled “No Car Loan Interest Tax.”

Tompor said the taxpayer should claim the “additional amount withheld” on Schedule 1-A, line 38, of your Form 1040, line 13b. A person can claim a car loan interest deduction if they are withholding regular income or if they itemize other deductions on Schedule A.

Masterson said car buyers will have to do the math to see if they’ll get a better deal by buying a car assembled last in the United States and taking what they can withhold from the tax or buying goods from other countries that may have better incentives attached to them. It also comes up with what the car is made of.

“Although you can save up to $10,000, there is no definitive answer because a lot of this depends on the buyer, his credit and what he spends on the car,” Masterson of the potential savings in the benefit of buyers may see. “It’s a very emotional goal because not everyone pays the same amount or is in the same boat.”

Jamie L. LaReau is a senior auto writer for USA TODAY Co. which includes Ford Motor Co. of the Detroit Free Press.

This article originally appeared in the Detroit Free Press: Does your car qualify for a tax deduction of up to $10,000? It might

Reporting by Jamie L. LaReau, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press

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Hyundai Halts Sales, Recalls 60K Palisade SUVs After Child Dies

Hyundai Halts Sales, Recalls 60K Palisade SUVs After Child Dies

The Hyundai company has announced that it will stop and plan to recall more than 60,000 of its Palisade vehicles following a serious incident that is currently being investigated, said a company report.

The Palisade is a mid-size family SUV model and is closely related to the Kia Telluride. It is South Korea’s largest SUV and one of its few models with three rows.

Hyundai’s Palisade has been getting a lot of attention from car reviewers and fans of the brand after its 2026 model year redesign. Why is it being recalled and what should Palisade owners do to avoid incidents?

Why does Hyundai remember Palisade?

Hyundai is recalling the Palisade because “in some cases, the second and third row power seats may not detect contact with an occupant or object as intended” according to Hyundai regarding the issue.

Power-operated second- and third-row seats that experience this detection problem may continue to fold even if a person or object is sitting in the row of seats.

The tragic death of a 2-year-old girl in Ohio on March 7 is being investigated in connection with Palisade, according to the company’s notice of suspension of sales.

“Although Hyundai does not yet have full details and the incident is still being investigated, a young child lost his life. Hyundai expresses its condolences to his family,” said the company’s statement.

Which Hyundai Palisade Models Are Being Recalled?

One model year and two parts have been recalled:

  • 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited
  • 2026 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy

These top trims come standard with power-folding third-row seats. Hyundai Motor North America has announced the sale of the 2026 Palisade Limited and Palisade Calligraphy models in the United States and Canada.

What Should You Do If Your Hyundai Palisade Is Recalled?

“Hyundai urges owners to be careful when using the second and third row power seats and to ensure that no person or object, including children, is sitting on the seat or in the folding area before using the power seat,” the company said in a statement.

If you own a 2026 Hyundai Palisade Limited or Palisade Calligraphy, “avoid hitting the reverse button while getting in or out,” Hyundai advises.

The safest way if you have to use the second and third row power folding features, is to only use them when the car is completely empty. This will allow owners to adjust their accommodation or cargo space to their needs without risking injury to passengers.

Owners who are aware of this recall should be very careful using these features before the repair is issued and used.

What is Hyundai doing to deal with the issue of power folding seats?

Hyundai is sending the completed recall information to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The fix for the cars is “currently under development” and Hyundai will offer rental cars to customers “until a complete solution is found.”

Over-the-air software updates are also being developed that “will improve the system’s response to contact with internal persons or objects.” This update will be available at the end of March according to Hyundai. While it may not solve the recall, it can help avoid accidents until all affected vehicles are repaired.

Owners can contact Hyundai’s customer service center for questions about the recall.

Charles Singh is the Autos Connect Reporter for The Tennessean, part of the USA TODAY network. Contact him at [email protected].

This article first appeared in USA TODAY: Hyundai halts sales, recalls 60K Palisade SUVs after child’s death

Reporting by Charles Singh, USA TODAY

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Can You Get Insurance on a $1M Car? Here’s How It’s Done

Can You Get Insurance on a M Car? Here’s How It’s Done

Every driver knows how car insurance works. Whenever you get a new car, you need to have insurance to be road legal in 49 of the 50 states (New Hampshire is an exception). Insurance prices vary depending on where you live.

Although many insurance companies offer different rates depending on the vehicle, there are certain vehicles that companies will not consider insuring because of their value. The cost of some cars is so high that if they are in an accident, the repair costs are higher than the insurance companies are willing to pay. So if the car is worth $1 million or more, how does the owner get insurance?

How Does Car Insurance Work?

You should not drive without insurance. It is a blanket to protect drivers if they damage the car in a crash. The insurance company will make sure that the damages are paid without the driver paying out of pocket, except for the deductibles that they may have to meet, depending on the policy. A mid-priced car is easy to insure, but exotic cars can be more challenging.

How Is Standard Car Insurance Different From Regular Insurance?

For the average car buyer, insurance premiums will be based on several factors such as driving record, geographic location, age of the driver and the value of the vehicle. Policies from many insurers can cover most vehicles on the road.

For foreign cars with six figures, insurance companies willing to deal with these cars will tell the owner how much the car is worth and set the premium based on that number. For cars worth up to $1 million or more, things are more complicated. While many mainstream insurance companies don’t focus on these types of vehicles, owners may have to look elsewhere to companies like Hagerty or Chubb for insurance.

What Do Insurance Companies Say?

Brian Rabold, vice president of auto intelligence at Hagerty, tells the Detroit Free Press in an interview about how multi-million dollar vehicles are insured. The Free Press is part of the USA TODAY Network.

“We have what we call an agreed price policy. Hagerty looks at the market, gathers all the information we can on these types of vehicles and then decides what the price is,” said Rabold. “We produce a price guide, we publish those prices online, so we’ll sit down and talk to that client and set that rate, and then agree that’s the price covered.”

Abe Barnett, vice president of global collections at Hagerty, said there are additional factors to consider.

“When we look at insuring a hypercar, we consider factors including where the car is kept, its use, expected mileage and even if it is part of a collection, as many of our members have many cars that show their incredible passion. The driver’s experience can play a big role. Having previous ownership and experience in that type of operation is a huge advantage.”

Decreasing the average amount of premiums is tricky due to a variety of factors, but one thing is clear: Payments will be higher for more expensive cars.

How Do Luxury Car Companies Feel About Insurance Plans?

Car manufacturers who sell these expensive cars consider insuring them as a simple process, similar to insuring other high-end assets such as a luxury home, private jet or yacht. Sascha Doering, CEO of Bugatti of the Americas, tells the Free Press in an interview how their wealthy customers go about insuring these types of cars.

“Typically, they’re the highest value people who insure the highest value assets on a regular basis. They work with their individual insurance partners to make it work. They’ve always been very smart about it.”

Keenan Thompson is an auto culture reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Contact Keenan at [email protected]. Follow him on Instagram at @keenanautos. To sign up for our automotive newsletter. Become a subscriber.

This article appeared in the Detroit Free Press: Can you get $1M car insurance? Here’s how to do it

Reporting by Keenan Thompson, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press

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Navient Settlement Checks: Which Borrowers Will Receive Payments

Navient Settlement Checks: Which Borrowers Will Receive Payments

Some student loan borrowers receive checks in the mail for up to $2,000, which appear to be unavailable.

But it’s not a mistake. The payments are part of a year-old lawsuit between the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and student loan servicer Navient. In a 2024 settlement, the CFPB under former President Joe Biden ordered Navient — formerly known as Sallie Mae — to pay $120 million for alleged misconduct that harmed borrowers. The agreement also prevented the company from servicing many student loans, even though the company had voluntarily stopped servicing them at the time.

Of that fine, $100 million is earmarked for direct repairs to affected borrowers. The CFPB, now under President Donald Trump, began sending checks to Navient on Feb. 13, according to an update on the agency’s website.

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“Affected consumers received a check as a result of the settlement of this case,” the CFPB’s review said. “The payments do not change or reduce any student loans affected consumers may have, and they should continue to work with student loan servicers.”

Neither the CFPB nor Rust Consulting, the firm responsible for the settlement, responded to Money’s request for comment.

What you need to know about Navient’s lawsuit

The case of CFPB v. Navient was initiated in January 2017 and settled in September 2024, but the settlement payments have only recently started to come out.

In the lawsuit, the CFPB alleges that Navient “unlawfully directed borrowers into forbearance, rather than income recovery programs.” During forbearance, borrowers’ payments were temporarily suspended, but they accrued interest on the loan and did not receive any of the benefits they would have received under an income-driven repayment plan. Most notably, they missed out on making accrued payments that could count toward forgiveness under income-driven programs, which allow borrowers’ outstanding balances to be canceled after completing several decades of payments.

“This practice was cheap and easy for Navient, but dangerous for borrowers,” the CFPB said at the time.

The agency also alleged that a subsidiary of Navient provided inaccurate credit reporting information to some borrowers, damaging their credit in the process.

Navient denied wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement and fine. Payments through the CFPB’s consumer settlement fund are not a class action, and affected borrowers have the right to take independent legal action against Navient.

How to get a Navient settlement payment

Borrowers who may be eligible for assistance include those whose loans were serviced by Navient or Sallie Mae in 2017 or earlier. (Note that Sallie Mae split into two companies in 2014, after which Sallie Mae focused on private student loan innovation, while Navient focused on loan servicing.) The CFPB did not respond to Money’s request for how many borrowers are expected to receive settlement payments.

However, when the deal was announced in 2024, Biden officials said hundreds of thousands of borrowers would receive checks.

In most cases, borrowers are automatically identified and will not have to take action to receive the payment, which can range from $50 to $2,000.

While the automatic payment method helps ensure that eligible borrowers are paid, it also causes a few borrowers to question the “surprise check” on social media, questioning the validity of the check and the lack of information from the CFPB about eligibility.

For questions about the settlement, the CFPB directs borrowers to the settlement manager, Rust Consulting, and toll-free:

  • Call:1-800-711-8418 (toll free)
  • Email: navient_info@rustcfpbconsumerprotection.org
  • Write: CFPB v Navient
    PO Box 2561
    Faribault, MN 55021-9561

The automated call service says it currently only accepts calls from borrowers who have received a check.

For borrowers who want to check their eligibility, the operator says to go back from March 30.

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Some TSA Lines Are Minutes, Others Hours. What’s going on?

Some TSA Lines Are Minutes, Others Hours. What’s going on?

For travelers hoping to board a flight this week, inclement weather and long security lines are likely to cause headaches at the airport.

As the partial government shutdown affecting funding for the Transportation Security Administration moves forward, TSA officials have been walking out of work in high numbers after missing out on their first paycheck.

“It hurts their finances,” Johnny Jones, Secretary-Treasurer of the AFGE TSA Council 100 and a Dallas-based TSA employee, told USA TODAY. “My family had to leave our travel plans, everyone has problems.

Jones acknowledged that TSA agents have been out of work, and said many have had to find other ways to earn money as the shutdown continues.

“There is no end, they don’t know how long it will last,” he said.

For travelers, long lines can be frustrating and stressful.

Are Long Airport Security Lines Real?

Yes, but they can vary.

At Austin-Bergstrom International Airport in Texas, the line was out the door to check in on March 16, while at Reagan National Airport in Washington, DC, wait times were reportedly less than 5 minutes.

AUS posted a photo to X showing the general security line of its Checkpoint 1 extending from the outside of the building, well past the sidewalk and into the walkway at 4:30 am local time on March 16. The video passes flyers with backpacks and rolling suitcases, alternately inching forward and standing still under a dark sky as they move into position on a home screen. By 5:30 a.m., the line had shortened and he got inside at 5:41, according to a subsequent post, although the airport noted that “we were still seeing some lines outside for general CLEAR checks.”

Since TSA agent calls are not scheduled, wait times at airports are unpredictable.

Erik Hansen, senior vice president of government relations at the US Travel Association, told USA TODAY that even the threat of long security lines can disrupt travel.

“The calls are not organized, which is why travelers face the risk of really long lines and the unpredictability of whether it will be a waiting time of 15 minutes or a waiting time of three hours,” he said, noting that travelers should prepare for the worst case when going to the airport, even if in the end they do not have to wait in long lines.

The USTA is asking members of Congress to pass legislation to end the shutdown and restore fair play.

Many flyers have taken to social media to note how unusual and confusing this situation can be.

“I’ve never seen anything like the TSA lines at LaGuardia yet. INSANE,” one user wrote on Bluesky. “I’m sure the line goes back to Midtown.”

“We’re making it clear as a result that we want to make sure (TSA officers) are paid, that they’re working and getting the checks they deserve to keep Americans safe when they fly,” Hansen said. “We are telling (members of Congress) that this is unacceptable, that they are keeping America waiting, that they are bringing America down.”

What If I Miss My Flight Due to Long Lines at TSA?

You are not entitled to a refund if you miss your flight due to long security lines, so be sure to leave extra time at the airport if you are traveling during the closure.

American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Southwest Airlines did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s request for comment on whether there has been a significant change in passengers missing their flights. United Airlines said it had no data to share.

When Will TSA Lines Return to Normal?

It depends.

A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security (TSA is part of DHS) told USA TODAY in a statement that security screening delays are likely to increase as the shutdown continues.

“American travelers across the country are facing hours-long airport lines, which will only get worse as these closures continue,” the statement said. “More than 300 TSA officers have walked off the job since the DHS shutdown began and callouts are nearly double the normal rate.”

A spokeswoman said DHS expects the number of resignations and recall to extend the extended shutdown period. While TSA agents missed their first full paycheck on March 13, most had received only a small payment last pay period.

“If you get a partial salary, if you expect $2,000 and you get $500, then you expect $2,000 and you get zero, now you’re $3,500 in the hole,” Jones said. “I don’t have anyone to call and ask for $3,500.”

For travelers, the best thing to do right now is to leave extra time at the airport and check your airport’s website and social media for the latest information on wait times, as TSA pages are not updated during the closure.

Also, remember to treat TSA officers who show up to work with respect.

“If you’re stuck in a long line and you’re in a situation where you’re going to miss your flight, just know, or if your lines are long and you make your flight, just know that it’s not the TSA officer’s fault. The people who come to work make sure they follow policies and procedures to make sure you get to your destination safely,” Jones said. “Because the line is long, we cannot deviate from those policies and procedures; the risk is too high in the situation we find ourselves in.”

Zach Wichter is a travel journalist and writes the Cruising Altitude column for USA TODAY. He is based in New York, and you can find him at [email protected].

This article first appeared in USA TODAY: Some TSA lines are minutes, others are hours. What’s going on?

Reporting by Zach Wichter, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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Hurricane Cancels 3,000+ Flights As Airports Long TSA Snarl

Hurricane Cancels 3,000+ Flights As Airports Long TSA Snarl

As the powerful storm barrels toward the Northeast on Monday, March 16, flights are already facing widespread disruption while travelers face another obstacle at the airport: unusually long security lines tied to a lack of funding at the Department of Homeland Security.

Airlines have begun canceling and delaying flights ahead of the system, as hundreds have been pulled from schedules and more are expected as heavy snow, strong winds and poor visibility move into the region. More than 3,700 US flights have been canceled as of 3 p.m. ET, according to flight tracking website FlightAware. Chicago O’Hare International Airport, La Guardia Airport, and Charlotte Douglas International Airport are the hardest hit so far.

Even Transport Secretary Sean Duffy warned in X of a “major storm today affecting flights across the country” on Monday.

Carriers have begun rolling out travel fees that allow passengers to change flights without penalty to ease airport congestion.

At the same time, Transportation Security Administration checkpoints reported significantly longer wait times due to reduced staffing during the cash outage. Travelers should plan to arrive earlier than usual, as airlines are not required to refund tickets if a passenger misses a flight due to long security lines or airport delays beyond the airline’s control.

What to Do When You’re Planning to Fly

Be prepared for disruption. Be aware of your airline’s updates and consider rebooking if you can. More information about airline-specific rebooking policies related to this storm in the section below.

If you have to go all out, be prepared to roll with the punches. Many flights may be delayed or canceled as the storm progresses. Research your rebooking options and alternatives in advance, and use the airlines’ self-service tools to avoid long lines at airport agent desks or long phone holds.

“Speed ​​is going to be critical,” Katy Nastro, travel expert at Going, previously told USA TODAY. “We want those flying to make other arrangements as soon as possible to make sure they get a reservation that works best for them. There won’t be endless seats to get you back to … there’s no time like the present to give yourself the best chance at a decent rebooking.”

It’s also a good idea to pack extra supplies when you’re headed to the airport.

According to Matas Cenys, head of product at eSim company Saily, it brings extra clothes and doses of any medicine you might be taking, as well as essentials like charging cables, which can come in handy if you get stuck.

Travel Waivers by Airline

Terms vary, but these waivers generally allow travelers to rebook without penalty or receive flight credit if they cancel their trip.

Customers can find details, including affected airports and key dates, on each carrier’s website linked below.

  • American Airlines
  • Delta Air Lines
  • Frontier Airlines
  • JetBlue
  • Southwest Airlines
  • United Airlines

What Happens If The Flight Is Canceled?

Airlines will automatically rebook you on another flight if your flight is cancelled. Usually, it’s on the same airline, but depending on the reason for canceling with the carrier, others may be able to rebook you on a partner flight.

If your flight is canceled for reasons beyond the carrier’s control – say, due to crew or aircraft maintenance – you are entitled to a meal if you have to wait more than three hours for the next flight. If you end up stranded overnight, most airlines will reimburse you for your hotel and ground transportation if the cancellation was under their control.

The weather is significantly outside the control of the aircraft.

If your flight is canceled for any reason and you choose not to fly, Department of Transportation regulations require the airline to provide you with a refund, regardless of ticket type.

You can find airline-specific information on the DOT’s Airline Customer Service Dashboard.

What happens if my flight is delayed?

Airlines are required to get you to your destination, but they owe you nothing for delays due to weather or anything else outside of their control.

It’s a different story of major delays due to issues beyond their control.

All airlines will rebook customers on their own airline due to significant delays (at least three hours) under their control, but some will rebook customers on partner carriers.

Airlines will also cover meals for controlled delays of at least three hours. Most airlines will also cover hotel stays and ground transportation due to overnight delays under their control.

Also, the weather is out of the plane’s control.

More information can be found on the DOT dashboard. It is important to note that US regulators do not require cash payments for delays. And, even when not required, airline customer service representatives may have the ability to provide meal vouchers, mileage credit or other compensation for your problem, per se.

This article first appeared in USA TODAY: Storm cancels 3,000+ flights as TSA lines consume airports

Reporting by Eve Chen and Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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How One Wrinkle Can Affect Heart Disease

How One Wrinkle Can Affect Heart Disease

You probably don’t spend a lot of time checking your ears. But a quick check in the mirror may reveal a subtle physical issue related to cardiovascular health. A deep, diagonal line across the base of your ear can be more than just a normal sign of aging.

Medical professionals refer to this particular combination as Frank’s sign. The name comes from Dr. Sanders T. Frank, a pulmonologist who first noticed the connection in the early 1970s. He noted that many of his patients with confirmed coronary artery disease shared this unique characteristic.

Since that first observation, many studies have examined the connection between this diagonal lower-earlobe crease and heart problems. According to a recent report from NBC’s TODAY, having this disease does not guarantee that you will have heart problems, but research also lists it as a possible warning sign.

The crease usually runs from the tragus — a small bump of cartilage near your face — down at a 45-degree angle to the outer edge of the ear. Here are some examples from a scientific journal.

It can appear in just one or both ears. If it is present on both sides, the association with heart risk is even stronger.

You may be wondering how the wrinkles in your ear connect to the veins that pump blood to your heart. The exact biological mechanism remains controversial among researchers.

However, scientists have proposed several powerful theories. Another leading idea centers on the type of blood vessels that supply the ears and heart muscle. They rely on last veins, which means they have no blood backup. If blood circulation is impaired, tissues in both areas can be damaged.

Another theory points to the degeneration of the elastic fibers. The process that causes your earlobe to lose elasticity may be happening inside your body. Loss of elastin can cause the blood vessels around your heart to tighten and narrow.

Some skeptics argue that the earlobe crease is simply a result of aging, as both heart disease and skin wrinkles increase with age. However, many studies show that the crease remains an independent predictor of heart problems, even if age, smoking habits and diabetes are taken into account.

It is important to distinguish the true sign of Frank from the temporary crease of sleep. The mark from your pillow will fade soon after you wake up. A true diagonal earlobe crease is permanent and remains visible no matter where you lie or how you move your head.

If you see this line in your ear, there is no need to panic. It’s just one factor in your overall health profile. Most people with creases have healthy hearts, while others who have heart attacks have smooth ears.

Instead of worrying, use the discovery to take immediate action. Bring it up at your next treatment appointment. Your doctor can assess your risk factors and recommend appropriate tests to ensure proper heart function.

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Patrick’s Day Food and Drink Specials include Freebies, Discounts

Patrick’s Day Food and Drink Specials include Freebies, Discounts

Whether you have some Irish ancestry or just enjoy being lazy, St. Patrick means fun.

The Irish started celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, which falls on Tuesday, March 17, for more than 1,000 years. Here in the US, cities across the country hold parades and festivals to celebrate the holiday — a tradition that dates back hundreds of years, according to History.com. Restaurants and bars have food and drink specials for St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick – yes, of course, there is green beer.

Less than 10% of the US population has Irish ancestry, according to the US Census. But that doesn’t stop people from celebrating.

More than one-third (36%) of consumers plan to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick, according to research firm Numerator, which surveyed more than 5,300 US consumers in January 2026. The top shopping targets are food (61%), alcoholic beverages (48%), and decorations (35%). Beer is a popular alcoholic beverage for St. Patrick’s Day drinkers. Patrick (58%), Irish beers such as Guinness or Smithwick are favored by 44%, according to Numerator.

If you’re planning to celebrate, here are the deals and specials for this holiday.

Krispy Kreme

Visit a Krispy Kreme dressed in green on Monday, March 16, and Tuesday, March 17, and get one free Green O’riginal Glazed donut (no purchase necessary; present good at store or drive-thru).

Also, during that time 4,000 guests will also be randomly selected to win a “Lucky You Golden Dozen Pass,” which includes a year’s supply of Original Glazed donuts — a dozen per month from April 2026 to March 2027, the company said in a news release.

Burger King

Members of the Royal Perks loyalty program can get a large order of onion rings for $2 (offer good through the BK app or by visiting bk.com). There are also digital food specials including a Maple Bourbon BBQ Whopper, with fries, apple pie, and a drink.

McDonald’s

The Shamrock Shake, a green shake made with artificially flavored green syrup, vanilla soft-serve ice cream, and a whip top, returned to the McDonald’s menu in Feb. 17 limited time. The earthquake usually goes away soon after St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick, so if you want to repeat, you better hurry.

Also available in green and for a limited time: the Oreo Shamrock McFlurry.

7-Eleven

Get food for your party – at a discount – with the 7NOW Delivery app. In-store customers can get a St. Patrick’s Day Donut. A limited-time Patrick with a white crust and finished with green shamrock sprinkles.

Throughout the month, members of the 7Rewards and Speedy Rewards loyalty programs can get $1 deals on a variety of treats, including Snyder’s Mini Pretzels, Rice Krispies Treats, Snickers, and 7-Select Gummi Bears and Worms (offers good at participating 7-Eleven, Speedway, and Stripes stores).

Also available for a limited time: 7-Select Replenish Zero Slurpee Cherry Piña Colada, a zero-sugar hydration drink with electrolytes and vitamins. For a limited time, you can get two for $3.50. Another deal: when you buy any 7-Select Replenish beverage, you get a free small Slurpee (offer good through April 28).

St. Patrick’s Day Deals Many Patrick

  • Pure Juice: Loyalty program members get $2 off a Green Glow Acai Bowl on Tuesday, March 17.
  • Cinnabon: On St. Patrick, members of the Cinnabon Rewards loyalty program can get any size or extra flavor for $1 with the purchase of any baked good at participating locations.
  • Cody’s Original Roadhouse: On St. Patrick, there’s a limited-time Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner ($15.99), and a 2 for 1 drink deal all day, with limited-time green beer.
  • California Tortilla: Get a free small order of chips & queso, chips & salsa, or chips on March 17. Dining in? Say the secret password “Lucky Cheese” when you exit. Ordering online or on the app? Enter code LUCKYCHEESE at checkout.
  • Del Taco: Members of the Del Yeah! The rewards loyalty program can buy one Epic Fresh Guac Burrito, get one free on St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick and March 18 with orders placed or scanned through Del Yeah! Rewards app or on the Del Taco website.
  • Dog Haus: The restaurant chain’s biergarten has specials including $7 Jameson shots; you can add pickleback for just $1.
  • Duffy’s Sports Grill: The Florida-based chain has several St. Louis specialties. Patrick’s Day that includes $15.99 Corned Beef & Cabbage, as well as $4 green pints of Miller Lite, $6 Jameson shots and $7 Guinness pints.
  • Friendly Restaurants: Get $5 off your order of $50 or more from St. Patrick’s Day until Friday, March 20.
  • Good Times Burgers & Frozen Custard: Wear green and get a free scoop of Irish Cream Frozen Custard on March 17. No purchase necessary; limit one per customer.
  • Gopuff: Customers 21 and older who spend $40 or more on alcohol products will receive $10 off their order using code LUCKY10 (offer good through March 17). FAM delivery service subscription members (about $72 regular annual price) can get 40% off select green food and beverage products, on St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick.
  • Greene Turtle: St. Patrick’s Day Specials Patrick’s include $4 celebratory shots, $5 Guinness drafts and $6 Irish Car Bombs. The menu features limited-time dishes including the Reuben Sandwich and Fish ‘n Chips – available for dining only.
  • Huddle House: Members of the Huddle House Rewards loyalty program get $1 off any order of $10 or more on St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick.
  • Jason’s Deli: St. Patrick’s Day specials (good Monday, March 16, and March 17) include a Beef Sandwich Box Meal starting at $13.09, with a light portion of a beef sandwich on rye with chips, dip, and a cookie. For larger groups, there’s the Corned Beef Slider ($72.39), a tray of 24 snack sandwiches. Deli Dollars rewards members can unlock a “Lucky You” mystery reward, too.
  • Marco’s Pizza: Get $3 off any size Specialty Pizza, like The Philly, Hawaiian Chicken, and Deluxe (to get the deal, use code LUCKY).
  • McAlister’s Deli: Members of McAlister’s rewards loyalty program can earn a $1 Lucky Lemonade with any incoming purchase.
  • Mo’ Bettahs: Members of the Makana Rewards loyalty program receive a $5 discount to use on Tuesday, March 17.
  • Mountain Mike’s Pizza: Members of the Mountain Rewards loyalty program receive 20% off their orders on St. Patrick.
  • Outback Steakhouse: On St. Patrick’s Day Patrick, get a Bloomin’ Onion and a drink (a 16-ounce domestic non-craft beer or Coca-Cola product) for $10. Just mention the “$10 Bloom and Beverage” deal to your server (offer good at participating US locations).
  • Pancheros: On Monday, March 16, watch the Pancheros social media, Burritos with Benefits app, email, and SMS for a code to get free chips & queso, valid March 16-22. Also, there is free delivery on Tuesdays, including St. Patrick.
  • Paris Baguette: Members of the PB Rewards loyalty program receive a free baguette with any drink purchase on March 17.
  • Party Fowl: Get 10-ounce green beers for $2 on March 17 and there’s a new Boozy Slushie Flight with six different flavors to sample.
  • Penn Station East Coast subscribers: Members of the Penn Station Rewards Club loyalty program can get a free small order of “Lucky Fries” with the purchase of any small portion through March 17. Use promo code STPATRICKS26.
  • Pollo Campero: From St. Patrick through Thursday, March 19, Campero Rewards members can get a BOGO 3-piece deal on the Pollo Campero app.
  • Randy’s Donuts: The donut chain has donuts in St. Patrick’s Day raised deluxe with a green and gold glitter coating. Randy’s Rewards loyalty program members get double points until March 17th.
  • Red Robin: St. Patrick’s Day specials Patrick’s include $8 margaritas and $5 Coors light pints and the Big YUMMM Deal menu has meals starting at $9.99.
  • Teriyaki Madness: Members of the Mad Rewards loyalty program on Monday, March 16, can get $2 off their Mad Dash Curbside order by entering the code MADDASH2 in the app.
  • Twin Peaks: Get a free Fried Pickles with any order of $25 or more on St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick.
  • White Castle: Members of the Craver Nation Rewards loyalty program can buy one, get one free on St. Patrick’s Day. Patrick.

Special St. Patrick’s Day Food and Drink

  • Baked by Melissa: Available in stores and online are special St. Patrick’s Day, available in the Pot O’Gold 25 pack ($37) and other varieties.
  • BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse: Blue is the color of this Monster Pizookie, available for $5 on March 17.
  • Carvel: The ice cream company has its Cookie O’Puss ice cream cake available for a limited time.
  • Dairy Queen: You can choose from two limited-time St. Patrick’s Day, including a Mint Crunchin’ Cookie Dipped Cone and a Mint Oreo Blizzard Treat.
  • Eddie Merlot’s: On St. Patrick, sip featured cocktails including the Sake Sunset ($16), Spicy Pineapple Margarita ($15), and Grasshopper ($16).
  • Honey Dew: The New England-based donut and coffee chain has holiday-themed drinks including Chocolate Pistachio Blas, Mocha Pistachio coffee drink, Irish Cream gourmet coffee, and Pistachio Muffins.
  • Insomnia Cookies: The bakery chain has a special Rainbow Dream Cookies N’ Cream cookie, made with rainbow sprinkles, marshmallows, and Hershey’s Premier White Chips (while supplies last).
  • Jamba: The March Monthly Mystery smoothie flavor, Lock of the Tropics, is available through March 31.
  • Margaritaville: Two limited-time cocktails — the Leprechaun Marg O’Rita and the Island Shamrock — for $7 or $16 in their Blender Cup.
  • Milkshake Factory: Limited-time Strawberry Matcha Milkshake, available through March 29.
  • 99 restaurants: Festive cocktails include Irish Cream Martini ($11.99), and Irish Corned Beef Poutine ($11.99) and Corned Beef-Baked Potato ($4.99) after 4 p.m.
  • PJ’s Coffee: Iced Strawberry Macha with St. Patrick’s Day green. Patrick.
  • Shipley Donuts: Holiday-themed donuts with white, green, or chocolate frosting, white and gold sprinkles, and shamrocks at participating locations.
  • Sonic Drive-In: Slush Shamrock Slush, green apple slush with sour candies, rainbow candy floss, and whipped cream.
  • Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Seasonal cocktails include the Shamrock Martini ($16) and the Four-Leaf Clover Old Fashioned ($15).

Contributors: Greta Cross, Melina Khan, and Kate Perez

Mike Snider is a national trends reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, X, and email him at [email protected].

This article first appeared in USA TODAY: St. Patrick’s Day food and drink deals. Patrick includes freebies, discounts

Mike Snider, USA TODAY / USA TODAY reports

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War’s Impact on Oil Prices Changes Interest in Used EV Market

War’s Impact on Oil Prices Changes Interest in Used EV Market

Jessica Caldwell has been weighing in on Russia’s invasion of Ukraine for the past few weeks.

That attack in February 2022 caused an oil price shock that sent gasoline prices soaring and prompted many consumers to consider electric vehicles.

In some ways, it is a global event that is most comparable to the current US and Israeli war against Iran for its impact on fuel prices and the initial increase in interest in EVs, according to Caldwell, head of Insights for Edmunds.

“We have a model,” Caldwell said, pointing to similar uncertainties arising from the country’s conflicts in the early stages of two events with no clear end time.

How global conflict is changing fuel prices – and buying cars

The expectation before the United States and Israel hit Iran late last month was that the influx of electric rental cars would lead to good deals on used EVs this year. Edmunds projects that the share of battery electric vehicles is expected to grow from 2% of rental returns in 2025 to 8% in 2026.

Caldwell said that good deals are possible, and the cars that will be rented will be better than four years ago when the electricity was difficult.

“We’re looking at cars that were bought in 2023. Those EVs are very good. We’re not really talking about 10-year-old compliance EVs,” he said, referring to vehicles designed to meet the demands of the law.

By 2022, those leased cars represented the first crop of EVs that promised less range and technology.

But many buyers see value there and choose to buy their rental properties when they can, she said. Now, with low used EV prices and residual values ​​set at different expectations, statistics mean that lease owners are more likely to return those vehicles when the deal is up.

That means more used EVs will be entering the market.

Consumer consideration of EVs and hybrids jumped from 20.7% to 22.4% in an Edmunds.com automotive survey from the week of March 2, days after the start of the US-Iran war. As of March 13, the national average for a gallon of regular gas was $3.63, while California hit $5.42, according to AAA. Last month, that national average price was $2.94.

Interest in EVs and hybrids at Edmunds.com also increased almost immediately following the 2022 Russian invasion, according to Edmunds, “rising from 17.5% of all auto research activity in February to 25.1% in March as gasoline prices rose nationwide.”

A surge in EV sales followed, growing year-over-year.

EVs are still a niche market in the US

Despite any similarities, however, much has changed in those intervening four years to cloud the picture, and EVs remain a niche market in the United States, according to Caldwell.

Federal EV tax credits are gone, interest rates have risen and automakers have deviated from their EV policies of the past. On Thursday, March 14, Honda announced that it will cancel the development of three EVs scheduled for production in North America.

And the continued expansion of higher gas prices would be necessary to slow down a major shift in consumer choice from gas power to full-electric power, although, as Caldwell notes, gas prices “have a psychological effect beyond human control.”

The picture becomes more complicated as higher fuel prices can lower interest rates and prices for less fuel efficient cars while increasing interest rates and prices for more efficient cars.

Not every seller is convinced

Not everyone sees EVs the same way, however.

Eric Frehsee, president of The Tamaroff Group, which has locations in Southfield and Roseville and sells Nissan, Acura, Honda and Kia vehicles, wasn’t thinking about the EV deals that have worked when asked about the impact of more EVs for lease.

He noted that EVs have had “good circulation” at first by early adopters, and believes there is more to be done in the EV space. But he said that consumer demand is pushed by the government.

He said: “You see a lot of people being abandoned in the market as it relates” to electric vehicles.

EVs, new and used, represent only about 2% of his business.

“We don’t see a lot of pre-owned EVs in our market. If you find one, yes, it’s a good value because … some of these vehicles are 60% off what they were new.”

But he cautioned that there are many unknowns, such as what happens when you buy a used EV and what happens to the battery if it’s out of warranty.

“It’s kind of buyer beware,” he said.

Frehsee noted that while he doesn’t stock many used EVs, “if someone comes to my place looking for a (Honda) CR-V, I have 30 pre-owned CR-Vs. I have every color, everything, with all different mileages and prices,” he said of the compact SUV with gas and hybrid options.

Eric D. Lawrence is a senior auto reporter for the Detroit Free Press. Post your tips and suggestions about cool car stuff [email protected]. Become a subscriber. Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters.

This article first appeared in the Detroit Free Press: War’s impact on oil prices is changing interest in the used EV market.

Reporting by Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press

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Will USPS Raise Prices Again? Debate Surrounds the Future of Finance

Will USPS Raise Prices Again? Debate Surrounds the Future of Finance

Six months after getting a new postmaster, the US Postal Service faces major challenges as it tries to cut costs and eliminate heavy losses while delivering mail by hand to nearly every address six days a week.

The service’s plight comes as President Donald Trump continues to attack mail-in voting, which he says is linked to “Mass Voting Corruption. However, there is no evidence of widespread voter fraud with mail-in ballots, and voting rights groups fear that his attacks will undermine the overall credibility of the postal service. Trump has floated the idea of ​​privatizing the service or merging it with another federal agency.

Congress is holding postal service oversight hearings on March 17, and postal officials are expected to ask officials to borrow billions of dollars to keep operating through 2027, as well as to protect their ability to raise rates. Unlike the military or Homeland Security, the postal service is supposed to be able to cover its costs but often falls short.

“Funds are bad and they’re losing billions,” said Leo Raymond, executive director of the Virginia-based Mailers Hub, an industry association. “Congress must decide what the postal service should do in the 21st century, because taxpayers can no longer support the full cost of the postal service. The economy is changing but no one wants to deal with it.”

The Postal Service’s internal inspector general has repeatedly identified financial failures in the system, including last year’s use of nearly $19 million in unexpectedly high labor costs as part of other cost-cutting measures. Last fall, the service reported an annual loss of $9 billion, which was a slight improvement over the $9.5 billion loss the year before.

For many Americans, the postal service is the most visible connection they have to the federal government, as its 640,000 employees go out every day to deliver holiday cards, drop off packages and dispense prescriptions. And it’s still one of the most popular government agencies: A 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that 72% of Americans have a favorable opinion of the service, behind only the National Park Service and 10 points ahead of NASA.

The postal service is being pressured by the growth of online retailers such as Amazon and the decline in first-class mail volume: Since the late 1990s, first-class mail volume has declined by 80%. Unlike UPS or FedEx, the postal service must charge the same price to send a letter anywhere in the United States, no matter how far. The service receives no taxpayer funding for ongoing operating costs.

Mail volume peaked in 2006 when 213 million pieces were delivered, and fell to about 112 million pieces in fiscal year 2024, the latest year for which data was available.

The postal service is overseen by a five-member Postal Regulatory Commission whose members are appointed by the president. Congress also has jurisdiction over the service, and members often lobby to stop post office closings in their states and other proposed cost-cutting measures.

Other groups representing paper manufacturers, greeting card companies and publishers of magazines and newspapers say the postal service should improve its first-class mail service and work to keep rates stable.

The Postmaster General is Committed to Continuous Change

Postal service leaders say they intend to continue at least the changes introduced in 2021 under the “Delivering For America” ​​plan that have seen first-class mail prices rise along with consolidation, and in some cases slower mail delivery.

Today, a first-class stamp costs 78 cents, up from 55 cents for most of 2021. Businesses that depend on sending a large number of letters say it’s unfair to charge 41% more, especially when first-class letters are now usually delivered slower than in years past.

Speaking to the postal service’s governing board last month, Postmaster General David Steiner acknowledged the challenges ahead. Steiner was a longtime board member at FedEx, and unionized postal service workers criticized his appointment as postmaster over concerns that he was too aligned with private package delivery services. The board appointed Steiner in May and he took the position in July.

“We can’t choose whether the market changes. We can only choose whether we adapt. And as I’ve said before, we can’t cut corners on our way to success,” Steiner told the board.

The Postal Service has a current goal of delivering first-class mail 88% of the time, which is significantly lower than its goal of 92.5% by 2023. Part of the challenge, the inspector general has previously reported, is that the postal service has not adequately adjusted its system to compensate for the decline in first-class mail volume while maintaining its obligation to deliver all first-class mail volume.

Before former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy stepped down in the spring of 2025, he signed an agreement with Elon Musk’s DOGE team for a cost-cutting review.

Among the changes Steiner is exploring is whether the postal service could help Americans make returns on things like Amazon purchases, and allow small businesses to contract for delivery the way Amazon and other large retailers have historically.

Steiner earlier this month told reporters that the postal service could run out of money next year unless the agency gets approval to borrow billions more to cover costs. Since 2007, the postal service has lost money nearly every fiscal year, according to the US Government Accountability Office. Losses from fiscal years 2007 to 2024 have reached $109 billion, the watchdog agency said.

The postal service declined an interview request. Steiner is scheduled to appear before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on March 17.

Raymond, of trade group Mailers Hub, said he will be watching closely to see how Steiner is received by Congress. He said that Dejoy’s “Delivering For America” ​​program is not very popular in Congress, but he also agreed that the postal service must take a closer look at how it works if few people send first-class mail. Raymond said those changes could be anything from reducing delivery to changing union contracts to allow for more part-time workers.

“There’s a romantic idea of ​​what the post should be, based on what it was,” he said. “But the world has changed.”

Union Workers Concerned About Privatization

Most postal service workers are unionized, and the American Postal Workers Union has been fighting efforts to privatize parts of the service. The union argues that the service is just that: a service to the American people, not a company meant to extract every last dollar from customers.

The union said Trump’s proposals on privatization would enrich private investors while weakening one of the federal unions created by the Constitution.

“Such a move would raise prices, lead to service cuts, and threaten the concept of mail and package services with one affordable price for everyone regardless of where they live — a blow to America’s heartland, especially rural communities and seniors who rely on the mail for prescriptions,” the union said in a statement.

The Postal Debate and the Role of the Post Office

The ongoing financial challenges facing the postal service come as Trump has repeatedly questioned voting by mail, a common practice across the country. Trump says the votes can be trusted, although he has not provided any evidence that they are not safe.

“And there are no more voting rights that are invalid except for sickness, disability, war or travel,” Trump said during his State of the Union speech in February. “Nothing.”

In January, the postal service notified voters of a change in the way it places ballots, which affects whether they will be counted in the election. In the last presidential election, nearly 48 million people voted by mail, according to the United States United Democracy Center, a nonpartisan voting rights organization.

In the past, voters who returned their ballots on Election Day could hope to quickly mark and count them even if election workers did not receive them for several days. Under the new procedures, ballots may not be marked several days after they are sent, meaning they may not be counted. The postal service recommends sending ballots back at least a week before the election deadline.

Tammy Patrick, chief programs officer for the nonpartisan Association of Election Officials, said Trump’s comments about mail-in voting have muddied the waters in a way that undermines confidence in both elections and the postal service. Although millions of Americans vote by mail, the number of votes is not significant enough to have a financial impact on the postal service if Trump succeeds in shutting down voting by mail.

“We keep hearing that there are all these problems with postal voting, that there is all this fraud, that voters can’t trust the postal service.” But the truth of the matter is that millions of Americans for many years have received their ballots from a postal worker and they chose to return them the same way,” Patrick said. “People should trust that ballot line … but it’s hard when they’re constantly being fed information that isn’t based on facts.” The challenge is that when the president of the United States talks like this, some people will question whether they can trust the postal service.”

This article first appeared in USA TODAY: Will USPS raise prices again? Debate swirls about the future of finance

Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY / USA TODAY reports

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