How to snag daily deals and stretch your holiday budget all month long

• Dollar General is running a 24 Days of Savings promotion from December 124, with a new featured deal every day.

• Deals include big discounts on holiday dcor, food, everyday essentials, gifts and more often deeply discounted brand-name items.

• Offers are in-store only; keeping an eye on the retailers app, website, or store signage each week is the best way to catch the daily drops while supplies last.

Dollar General is rolling out its holiday 24 Days of Savings starting December 1.

For 24 days straight through December 24 (Christmas Eve), shoppers can check their local Dollar General store for a new mega deal each day offering deep discounts on holiday dcor, gifts, food, household items and more.

Serving others is at the heart of everything we do, Bryan Wheeler, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, said in a news release.

Were proud to offer everyday essentials alongside fun finds that help make the season brighter. Dollar General is committed to helping our customers celebrate the season without compromising on value.

The deals

Heres a sampling of some of the one-day deals you might spot:

• 50% off 6' pre-lit holiday trees, assorted varieties

• 30% off Roblox gift cards

• 2 for $3 Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls (must buy two, assorted varieties)

• $1.50 Pepsi or Mountain Dew two-liter, assorted varieties

• $5 True Living tote, 18 gallon

• $4.50 DiGiorno Rising Crust Pizza

• $1 holiday gift bags and wrapping paper

• $15 jumbo plush

• 50% off Roughneck tools

On top of the daily deals, Dollar General will continue to offer over 2,000 items at just $1 for the holiday season.

We recognize the dollar price point is important in helping customers stretch their budget, especially at the end of the month when funds may be limited, Wheeler added. Our $1 finds include great stocking stuffers, gift wrap, ornaments, and more.

Tips for shopping smart this december

Because the deals change every day and are while supplies last, its a good idea to:

• Check the Dollar General app, website or store signage weekly deal lists are announced ahead of time.

• Visit early in the day, especially for hot-ticket items like holiday trees, plush toys, or tools they tend to go fast.

• Combine the daily deal with Dollar Generals ongoing sale items you might score even deeper discounts on other essentials while youre there.
  

This weeks Auto Safety Recall Derby spans the full range of motorized transportationfrom sport motorcycles to heavy trucks

This weeks Auto Safety Recall Derby spans the full range of motorized transportationfrom sport motorcycles to heavy vocational trucks and even volumetric concrete mixershighlighting how varied and persistent safety issues can be across the automotive landscape. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued new recall notices tied to engine stalls, faulty lighting systems, airbag defects, camera display failures, and equipment separations that could pose a major risk on the road.

Nissan Sentra: Windshield Visibility Defect (25V807)

Nissan is recalling2025 Sentrasedans becauseair bubblescan form in the windshield and obstruct visibilityanother FMVSS violation, this time under Standard 205 relating to glazing materials. Visibility impairments, even minor ones, significantly increase crash risk.

Hyundai Recalls: Rear Camera Failures & Airbag Deployment Issues (25V808 & 25V809)

Hyundai issued two major consumer-facing recalls:

1. Rearview camera image may not displayin20242025 Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybridmodels. Back-up cameras are required safety equipment under FMVSS 111.

2. Side curtain airbags may not deploy properlyin several 20252026 Hyundai and Genesis models, including theGV70,Santa Cruz,Santa Fe (gas and hybrid), andTucson. Airbag failures remain one of the highest-severity recall categories due to increased injury risk.

Kawasaki Ninja ZX-6R: Engine Stall Risk (Recall 25V798)

Kawasaki is recalling 20242026 Ninja ZX-6R motorcycles due to a crankshaft bushing that can seize, potentially causing the engine to stall without warning. Sudden power loss at highway speeds is especially hazardous for riders, who rely on continuous engine feedback for stability, lane control, and safe overtaking. Kawasaki advises owners to stop riding until repairs are completed.

Truck Recall Cluster: Load Lock Clamp Failures (25V801 & 25V802)

Two separate manufacturersMack Trucks and Volvo Trucks North Americaissued nearly identical recalls involving load lock clamp failures.

• Macks recall covers 20252026 Pioneer (PR) trucks.

• Volvos affects 20242026 VNL (4) models.

Load lock clamps are essential for securing cargo or internal mechanisms. Their failure can increase the likelihood of cargo shift or equipment instability, raising crash risk for both truck operators and surrounding traffic. The overlap across brands suggests a supplier-level quality issue, likely affecting a wide production window.

Another Dual Recall: Automatic High-Beam Malfunction (25V803 & 25V804)

Mack and Volvo appear once again in two related recallsthis time involving lighting systems that may not automatically switch from high beams to low beams, violating Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 108.

Affected models include:

• 2026 Mack Anthem AN (4)

• 20252026 Mack Pioneer (PR)

• 20242026 Volvo VNL (4)

• 2026 Volvo VNR (4)

Faulty automatic lighting can blind oncoming drivers, increasing the likelihood of nighttime collisions. With modern trucks often operating around the clock, lighting compliance is a critical safety issue.

Cemen Tech Volumetric Mixer Separation Hazard (25V805)

Cemen Tech issued a high-severity recall for multiple C60 and M60 volumetric mixer models (model years 20182025). According to the notice, the mixer assembly may separate from its mountingan extreme hazard that could put workers, nearby drivers, and pedestrians at risk. Equipment separation events can be catastrophic, especially given the weight and rotational force of industrial mixer drums.

International LT & RH Trucks: Auto-Neutral Failure (Recall 25806)

International Motors recalled 20232026 LT and RH models because the auto-neutral function may fail, resulting in unexpected vehicle movement. Any unintended motion in a Class 8 truck poses immediate danger, especially during yard operations, hitching, or maintenance. Drivers rely on auto-neutral systems to prevent rollaway incidents.

The Big Picture

This weeks recalls highlight three recurring trends:

• Supplier cross-contaminationwhen one defect affects multiple OEMs.

• Electronics/automation failurescameras, lighting logic, and airbag modules.

• Heavy equipment hazardsunderscoring the need for strict quality controls in commercial vehicle manufacturing.

For consumers, the most urgent action remains the same: check your VIN, schedule repairs promptly, and avoid operating affected vehicles until fixes are complete.

PREVENTION TIPS

• Check your VIN monthly on NHTSA.gov, especially if you drive a newer model with ongoing software updates.

• Pay attention to unusual smells, noises, or dashboard lightstheyre often early signs that correspond to recall-related systems.

• Do not ignore intermittent issues, especially with lighting, cameras, or braking behavior.

• For motorcycle owners: inspect your bike before every ride; engine performance changes can escalate quickly.

• For truck fleets: implement a recall-response protocol so affected VINs are pulled from rotation immediately.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR VEHICLE IS AFFECTED

1. Locate your VIN (windshield corner, door jamb, registration).

2. Verify the recall at NHTSA.gov/recalls.

3. Contact your dealerrepairs are free, even if the warranty expired.

4. Ask whether parts are in stock; waitlists are common for large fleet recalls.

5. Request a loaner vehicle if the recall affects safe operation.

6. Document all communicationsespecially important for commercial truck owners.

7. Do not continue operating vehicles with stall risks, airbag failures, or visibility issues.

Data on more than 10 million students was revealed in a breach

• Over 10 million students' personal data was exposed in a major breach at Illuminate Education

• The company failed to secure student health records, addresses, and other sensitive information for years

• Parents can take steps now to protect their children's data at school

If your child attends public school, there's a good chance their personal information is stored by education technology companies you've never heard of. A major FTC action announced this week shows just how vulnerable that data really is.

What happened to millions of students' data

The Federal Trade Commission took action against Illuminate Education on December 1, 2025, after the Wisconsin-based company suffered a massive data breach that exposed personal information of more than 10 million students.

Here's what went wrong: In late December 2021, a hacker used login credentials from a former employee who had left the company three and a half years earlier. The breach exposed students' email addresses, home addresses, dates of birth, student records, and health information.

The company had promised schools it would protect student data "like it's our own" and claimed to use industry best practices. But the FTC found Illuminate failed to implement basic security measures, including storing student data in plain text format until at least January 2022.

Even worse, some school districts weren't notified about the breach for nearly two years, affecting over 380,000 students whose families had no idea their children's data had been compromised.

How to protect your child's school data

You can't control every tech company your school district uses, but you can take these steps to minimize risks:

1. Ask your school district which education technology companies have access to your child's data and what information they collect

2. Request a copy of your child's educational records to see what personal information is being stored

3. Find out your district's data breach notification policy and ask to be contacted immediately if any breach occurs

4. Review and limit what optional information you provide on school forms - only give what's absolutely necessary

5. Monitor your child's school email account regularly for any suspicious activity

6. Teach older children about protecting their login credentials and recognizing phishing attempts

What schools must do differently now

The FTC's settlement requires Illuminate Education to implement stronger security measures, including deleting unnecessary personal information and establishing a comprehensive data security program. The company must also notify the FTC about any future breaches involving consumer data.

This case sends a clear message to other education technology companies that they'll be held accountable for protecting student privacy.

The bottom line: Your child's personal information is only as secure as the weakest link in your school district's technology chain. While you can't control every company that handles student data, staying informed about your district's privacy policies and asking the right questions can help protect your family from future breaches.

The year shoppers said Sorry, Target my wallet picked Walmart

• Walmart is grabbing shoppers by offering cleaner stores, better quality, and lower everyday prices on basics

• Target feels pricier and less polished, so its becoming more of a treat stop than an everyday store

• Shop smart by using Walmart for staples and Target only when theres a good sale or clearance deal

Walmart has officially pulled away from Target in their long-running big-box rivalry. And the reason is pretty simple. Turns out people are broke, picky, and tired of overpaying.

As everyday costs climb, shoppers are looking for value at every turn. Thats sending them to Walmart for groceries, cleaning supplies, clothing, and even electronics. The result? Targets once-beloved Tar-zhay vibe is starting to lose its shine.

Why Walmart is winning right now

The numbers dont lie. Walmart saw its sales rise by 4.5% last quarter, while Targets dropped 2.7%. This is the clear result of how each retailer is currently showing value to their shoppers.

A few key reasons Walmart is resonating with consumers right now:

• Everyday low prices, not just sale prices. Walmart sticks to an everyday low price strategy which really resonates with shoppers who want a low price without having to chase sales and confusing app promotions. So, while they have fewer flashy sales, they have consistently lower prices on the basics that we all need.
• Stores look and feel better than they used to. Over the last decade, Walmart has cleaned up stores, remodeled locations, and improved the first impression shoppers get when they walk in. This is especially evident in key areas like produce and bakery goods.
• Better quality and more brands. Walmart has upgraded apparel, improved fresh food quality, and added more premium brands online that once avoided the chain.
• Broader appeal across income levels. Those improvements didnt just keep budget shoppers loyal they pulled in more middle- and higher-income shoppers who want to save on staples without feeling like theyre trading down.

The result: Walmart is gaining market share from rivals across all income brackets and product categories. Its value message is landing at a time when consumer confidence is low, job growth has slowed, and lower-income shoppers are especially stretched.

Targets Tar-zhay glow has dimmed

Target built its reputation on being the fun, stylish place to pick up home dcor, clothing, and trendy must-haves. But that formula works best when people feel like they can splurge, and right now many dont.

Heres what shoppers have noticed at Target and the reason why theyre revamping their store experience.

• Prices have crept up. Analysts say Targets prices are now closer to Kohls and higher than Walmart on many basics.
• Store experience has slipped. Shoppers are reporting more out-of-stock items, messier aisles, longer lines, and more merchandise locked behind glass.
• Non-essentials are a tougher sell. When budgets are tight, cheap-chic home dcor items and accent pieces are the first things many families cut.

How to shop smarter between Walmart and Target

If youre choosing where to shop as budgets stay tight, heres how to think about it:

• Use Walmart for true staples. Its smart to shop and save at Walmart on groceries, cleaning supplies, paper products, school snacks, and kids basics. Youll find that Walmarts everyday low pricing almost always wins in these categories. This is especially true if you dont want to spend your time chasing weekly promotions.
• Be selective at Target. Target can still be great for home dcor, clothing, and seasonal items. This is especially true when things are on promotion or in the clearance section. But treating it as your everything store can be more expensive.
• Watch the store experience. Messy aisles, lots of locked cases, and frequent out-of-stock items cost you time and frustration. If one local store feels like a hassle, it may be worth shifting more of your shopping elsewhere.
• Compare total trip value. Factor in gas, time, and how many stops you have to make. A slightly higher price might still be worth it if youre saving a lot of time or combining errands.

For consumers, this rivalry is ultimately good news. It means both retailers are working harder to earn your business and convince you that theyre the place where your money goes the furthest.