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Linda Bell, Bankrate.com When my husband and I refinanced our mortgage in 2009, we were sure we were in the right direction. We both had exceptional credit and we knew we could reduce our mortgage rate by more than 1 percentage point, as it would be considered de rigueur when refinancing. It’s easy isn’t it? Looking back, I wonder. Other factors beyond the rate should have been considered, ranging from the overall cost of refinance to the impact on our home equity stakes. And instead of rushing to the current bank, we should have made some comparisons among lenders. Below…

Gainesville, Fla. (AP) – The world’s tallest teenager is trying out what’s out of reach of his hands in football. Florida basketball player Olivier Riuxs recently worked for the Gators soccer team at a 7-foot-9 center that played for the under-19 Canadian national team this summer. Rioux wore an orange helmet and snapped a snap to a special team. The Florida assistant coach hopes his huge wingspan will become a different maker when it comes to blocking field goals and extra points. “We did it again”: Florida fans celebrate Nailbiter National Championship victory “I like the idea,” Gators basketball coach…

(Hill) – President Trump told reporters Friday that he had not thought of Githlane Maxwell’s pardon as the longtime Jeffrey Epstein Associate was scheduled to meet Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche on the second day. “That’s something I didn’t think about. I’m allowed to do it, but that’s something I didn’t think about,” Trump told reporters when asked about Maxwell’s pardon and tolerance. Justice Department officials meet Jeffrey Epstein and Gislaine Maxwell, Jeffrey Epstein’s imprisoned ex-girlfriend “I certainly can’t talk about pardons,” he added as he later left the White House for a trip to Scotland. When asked at the…

Universal Orlando has identified two shows that will be part of the 2025 Halloween Horror Night lineup. Both have formats that are familiar to HHN fans. The Nightmare Fuel Series continues with “Circus of Decay.” A social media post from the Universal Team stated, “This once-vibrant circus has fallen into an endless nightmare. It is an ominous sight of pyros, aviation doctors and fantasies.” The fuel show started in 2021 and has a reputation for hard rock. Hhn also features a lagoon show called “Haunt-o-Phonic: A Ghoulish Journey” at the theme park. “The ghost story rises from a watery grave,…

National Wine & Cheese Day will be celebrated on July 25th. This is a holiday honoring the timelessness of this pairing that combines salt, fat and acidity, tannins and many other factors that create something close to perfection in the palate. And the recent collaboration between two local businesses – a good pour, first-ever wine and spirits shop, is a Ground Zero, for your own celebration, whether it’s on the forefront of your business, and whether it’s on its holidays or future. Good pour to open college park location January 7th Located inside the Good Pour’s College Park Location, Simply…

At the grand opening of the Carnival Cruise Line’s Celebration Key, Shaquille O’Neal looked omnipresent. The former NBA star and Carnival’s “Chief Fan Officer” was waving to the passengers of the carnival view boat before disembarking to enjoy the new exclusive destination. He joined the company leader, ceremonially unlocking Sandcastle Gates, officially opening the Celebration Key, and taking some selfies at the request of fans before the handler stolen him off. The key to the carnival celebration begins at the Grand Bahama with sightings of shacks, colorful fanfares He ran down the water slides at Sandcastle, throwing his first shot…

The long-awaited nighttime parade for Magic Kingdom has hit the streets. Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away is now regularly scheduled for two runnings per night at the theme park. Lately, new Orlando park offerings have been just as advertised. Sure enough, Epic Universe boasts distinct, immersive worlds. SeaWorld Orlando’s Expedition Odyssey is, indeed, a picturesque virtual tour of the Arctic. And Walt Disney World’s lead-up to Starlight was spot-on, with a drip-drip-drip release of float designs, music details, expected characters and back story. But there’s nothing like the real thing, right before our eyes. Here are some musings I…

Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) – Federal regulators on Thursday approved Paramount’s $8 billion merger and SkyDance, clearing a way to close the deal that combines Hollywood glamour and political intrigue. The seal of approval from the Federal Communications Commission comes after months of confusion centered around President Donald Trump’s legal battle with “60 minutes,” a crown jewel of Paramount-owned broadcast network CBS. Paramount agreed to pay a $16 million settlement with the president earlier this month, as the ghost of the Trump administration could hamper the contract for a fierce battle with Skydance. Critics of the reconciliation…

Henry Payne, Detroit News In the US market, there are no boring moments when automakers navigate God’s consumer trends, federal regulations, juggle tariff-driven plant production, and head towards Dodge activists Molotov cocktails. In the first six months of 2025, solid sales were on track with 16.3 million sales per year as gasoline prices fell and tariffs rose. The American romance between trucks and SUVs continued to sell, accounting for 82% of the lightly sold vehicle market. Just 10 years ago, cars accounted for 43% of the market. this year? Only 18%. According to AutoData figures, General Motors Co. Brands led…

Matt Ott Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern confirmed that they are in “advanced” merger talks to create a single US railroad with services that extend from the east to the west coast. The Associated Press reported last week that companies were discussing the partnership, but neither company allowed it until Thursday morning. A potential merger will combine the largest and smallest of the country’s six major freight railroads. Independent rail analyst Tony Hatch said the railroad disclosure suggests that negotiations are further than previously thought. “What people interpret from that is that they somehow understand what the profit is,” Hatch…