On PR Newswire: Best and Worst States for Quality of Life, Solar Eclipse Sunglasses, Trader Joe’s Celebrates 50 Years

With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire for Journalists. Here are some of this week’s most newsworthy releases you might have missed.

Source: PRNewsfoto/GOBankingRates

These are the Best and Worst States for Families to Live a Better Life

For the second consecutive year, New Hampshire ranks as the No. 1 state for families to live richer lives, finds a new study by personal finance website GOBankingRates. Wyoming and Virginia have moved up in the rankings as the second- and third-best states for families. New Mexico saw the most dramatic decline on the list, replacing California as the worst state for families to live richer in 2017. To identify locations that offer the best quality of life for families, GOBankingRates evaluated all 50 states. The rankings were determined by analyzing 12 key factors grouped into five categories.

Motor Vehicle Deaths Drop Slightly in First Half of 2017, But Remain 8% Higher Than at the Same Time Two Years Ago

Preliminary estimates from the National Safety Council indicate motor vehicle deaths in the first six months of 2017 are 1% lower than they were during the same six-month period in 2016. However, the country is fresh off the steepest estimated 2-year increase in motor vehicle deaths since 1964, and it is too early to conclude whether the upward trend is over. The estimated deaths during the first six months of 2017 still are 8% higher than the 2015 six-month estimates, and the final six months of the calendar year – July to December – tend to be deadlier than the first six. An estimated 18,680 people have been killed on U.S. roads since January and 2.1 million were seriously injured. The total estimated cost of these deaths and injuries is $191 billion.

Trader Joe’s Celebrates 50 Years of Serving the Best

Trader Joe’s is marking its 50th anniversary milestone by saying thank you to its customers with in-store customer celebrations on Saturday, Aug. 19 and Sunday, Aug. 20.  Festivities will include: special product tastings, giveaways, and more.  A limited-edition 50th Anniversary reusable bag will also be offered to customers for only 50 cents.  Trader Joe’s introduced its first reusable bag to customers 40 years ago. The first Trader Joe’s store opened on Aug. 25, 1967 in Pasadena, Calif., on Arroyo Parkway, and still remains in operation today. Trader Joe’s has since grown to 467 stores in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

Source: PRNewsfoto/7-Eleven, Inc.

7-Eleven Eclipse Sunglasses are the Real Deal

Sun-worshippers not wanting to be left in the dark when the “Great American Eclipse” crosses the U.S. can hit 7-Eleven stores for special sunglasses to view the Aug. 21 phenomenon. Available in a two pack and single pack, the “Explore Scientific Sun Catcher” solar eclipse glasses offered by 7-Eleven are approved for viewing by the American Astronomical Society (AAS). Solar eclipse sunglasses continue to sell out of stores fast, so get yours today! “An opportunity like this only comes along once in a blue moon,” said Tony Stapleton, 7-Eleven senior product director. “People will be buying eclipse glasses right up until the sun starts to pass behind the moon, and we are ready for them with a product that is a great value and assured safe by AAS.” 7-Eleven is one of a handful of U.S. retailers listed on the AAS website selling glasses with the “ISO 12312-1” seal, indicating they meet international safety standards for filters to view the sun directly.

ALDI Delivers to Your Door With New Instacart Partnership

ALDI announced a partnership on Aug. 14 with Instacart, the technology-driven, nationwide on-demand grocery delivery service. The pilot program from ALDI, already a leader in convenient shopping, will give people even more access to high-quality groceries at the low prices ALDI is known for. The new partnership allows customers to conveniently complete their grocery shopping by ordering award-winning ALDI products for delivery in as little as one hour. Starting later this month, ALDI will launch the service in Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles, with potential for future expansion.

Source: PRNewsfoto/UMe

98° to Release New Christmas Album on Oct. 13 and Embark on Their First Ever 31-Date Christmas Tour Nov. 10

98° have made their Christmas plans for this year. The vocal quartet comprised of Nick Lachey, Drew Lachey, Justin Jeffre, and Jeff Timmons who are renowned for signature R&B-tinged, four-part harmonies will release Let It Snow, their new Christmas album on Oct. 13 via UMe. It is their first new album in four years and a follow-up 18 years in the making to the now-classic and platinum-certified album This Christmas. The album, recorded at Sound Factory in Los Angeles, was produced by Andy and Thom Mak and executive produced by Grammy-nominated music, TV and film producer Adam Anders (Glee, Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Backstreet Boys and the Jonas Brothers).

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Larry Grady is online content manager at PR Newswire for Journalists.  He has worked in business media for nearly 30 years and enjoys reality TV and daydreaming about travel and wine.