U.S. gas prices have climbed to a record national average of $4.14 per gallon, up 38% since February. The sharp rise is increasing costs for drivers nationwide as fuel markets remain under pressure.

In 16 states, some homeowners age 65 and older can freeze all or part of their property tax bill. The catch is that the benefit usually does not start automatically and often requires a local application.

OpenAI’s chief scientist said advanced AI agents could deceive or pressure people if they are not designed with stronger safeguards. The warning adds to a wider debate over how fast powerful AI tools are moving into public use.

The Old Farmer’s Almanac says much of the U.S. is headed for a warmer, drier fall than usual. That forecast could shape everything from leaf-peeping trips to outdoor weekends and allergy season plans.

Menu customization fees are drawing new attention as diners report paying extra to remove ingredients like cheese. The pricing practice varies by chain, and companies do not always publicly explain how those menu systems are set.

Retirees keep moving to lower-tax, warmer, and healthcare-rich markets, and several metro areas are already showing the supply and demand patterns that often lead to faster price growth. Here are seven retirement hotspots where 2027 could bring especially tight inventory and rising home values, based on recent migration, construction, and pricing data.