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Every September, Americans mark the first Monday of the month with parades, barbecues, and a well-deserved day off. But Labor Day is more than the unofficial end of summer —it’s a tribute to the nation’s workforce and the achievements of the labor movement. Here’s a deep dive into the meaning, history, and modern traditions of Labor Day 2025 . What Is Labor Day? The Holiday’s Meaning, History & Traditions Origins of Labor Day History & Traditions The holiday traces back to the late 19th century, a time when American workers often endured 12-hour days and poor working conditions . Labor unions rose in strength, demanding shorter hours, fair pay, and safer environments. The first U.S. Labor Day celebration  took place on September 5, 1882, in New York City , organized by the Central Labor Union. Two men— Peter J. McGuire  and Matthew Maguire —are often credited with proposing the holiday. By 1894 , following nationwide strikes and unrest, Congress made Labor Day a federal holiday . The Meaning of Labor Day At its core, Labor Day is about honoring the contributions of American workers —from factory employees and farmers to teachers, healthcare professionals, and service workers. It represents: The dignity of work. The importance of workers’ rights. The progress of the labor movement in shaping fairer workplaces. Traditions and Modern Observances Parades and marches : Many cities hold parades celebrating unions and workers. Family barbecues and picnics : It’s a chance to relax and mark the end of summer. Sales and shopping : Retailers have turned the holiday into one of the biggest sale weekends of the year. Presidential proclamations : The White House issues annual statements honoring workers’ contributions. Labor Day vs. May Day While May 1 (International Workers’ Day)  is observed globally, the U.S. opted for a September date to distance itself from radical labor movements of the time. Both, however, celebrate the worker’s role in society. FAQs About Labor Day 1. What is the purpose of Labor Day? To honor the American workforce and the achievements of the labor movement. 2. When was the first Labor Day celebrated? On September 5, 1882, in New York City. 3. Who created Labor Day? Historians debate whether Peter J. McGuire or Matthew Maguire first proposed it. 4. When did Labor Day become a federal holiday? In 1894, after widespread labor unrest. 5. Why is Labor Day in September, not May? To separate it from the international labor protests linked to May 1. 6. Is Labor Day the end of summer? Culturally, yes—schools reopen and summer events wrap up. 7. How do Americans celebrate Labor Day? With parades, picnics, barbecues, shopping, and travel. 8. Do other countries celebrate Labor Day? Yes, though most observe it on May 1 as International Workers’ Day. 9. Is Labor Day a paid holiday? For most full-time workers in the U.S., yes—it’s recognized as a federal holiday. 10. What colors or symbols are tied to Labor Day? Red, white, and blue dominate celebrations, often paired with union banners and American flags.

Labor Day has always been a busy weekend for drivers, but in 2025, travelers are enjoying a pleasant surprise: gas prices are among the lowest in recent years . With millions of Americans on the move, this drop is easing the cost of road trips, though some states are still bucking the trend. Labor Day Gas Prices 2025: National Averages Near Multi-Year Lows National Average Prices According to Energy Information Administration (EIA) data and GasBuddy reports, the U.S. national average sits just above $3.15 per gallon —a multi-year low compared to the $3.80–$4.00 averages of previous years. For families driving long distances this holiday, the savings add up quickly.Labor Day Gas Prices 2025: National Averages Near Multi-Year Lows Regional Variations Not all states benefit equally: California  drivers continue to pay significantly more, with averages well above $5 due to taxes and stricter fuel blends. Southern states  like Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi enjoy some of the lowest prices nationwide, dipping under $3 per gallon in many areas. Midwestern states  are seeing mild fluctuations as refineries switch to fall blends. Why Prices Are Low This Year Reduced demand  as summer ends and travel tapers. Stable global crude oil prices  keeping wholesale costs steady. Increased refinery production  ahead of the seasonal transition. Experts note that barring hurricanes or refinery disruptions, prices should continue to ease through September and October. Travel & Budget Tips Fill up early  in the day before demand spikes. Use gas apps  like GasBuddy to track the cheapest stations nearby. Avoid premium fuel  unless required by your car manufacturer. Combine errands  to minimize mileage during heavy traffic. FAQs on Labor Day Gas Prices 2025 1. What is the national average gas price this Labor Day? Around $3.15 per gallon—lower than most recent years. 2. Why are prices cheaper in 2025? Reduced demand, stable oil prices, and higher refinery output. 3. Are gas prices the same across the U.S.? No. California and West Coast states are much higher than southern and midwestern states. 4. Is gas under $3 anywhere? Yes, in parts of Texas, Mississippi, and Louisiana. 5. Will gas prices rise after Labor Day? Typically, they decline further into fall unless disrupted by storms or refinery issues. 6. Why is California’s gas so expensive? Higher state taxes, environmental fees, and special fuel blends. 7. Are gas prices cheaper on Labor Day itself? Not always—demand can temporarily push prices higher at busy stations. 8. Does hurricane season affect prices? Yes. Gulf Coast storms can shut down refineries, causing sudden spikes. 9. Should I fill up before or after the holiday? If you’re traveling, fill up early—prices tend to climb slightly right before major weekends. 10. What apps can help find cheap gas? GasBuddy, Waze, and AAA’s mobile app are reliable for real-time prices.

Labor Day 2025 status chart: Banks, Stock Market, Costco, Government closed; USPLabor Day is here again—the unofficial end of summer, the long weekend for barbecues, and one of the most important federal holidays in the United States. But beyond the cookouts and sales, millions of Americans wake up every year wondering the same thing: what’s open and closed on Labor Day? Labor Day 2025 status chart: Banks, Stock Market, Costco, Government closed; USP. From banks and post offices to grocery stores and the stock market, knowing the holiday schedule can save you from frustration. Below we break down what to expect on Labor Day 2025 (Monday, September 1) , along with frequently asked questions to help you plan the day smoothly. What’s Open & Closed on Labor Day 2025: Banks, Stock Market, USPS, Costco & More Banks and Financial Institutions Most banks and credit unions are closed  on Labor Day since it’s a federal holiday. That includes Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and regional institutions. ATMs, mobile apps, and online banking remain available. The U.S. stock market (NYSE and Nasdaq)  and bond markets are also closed for the day. Normal trading resumes Tuesday morning.Labor Day 2025 Postal Services and Shipping The U.S. Postal Service (USPS)  does not deliver regular mail on Labor Day. However, priority express services  still operate in select regions. FedEx  and UPS  mostly suspend pickup and delivery, though a few express/critical shipments continue. Always check the carrier’s website for your ZIP code. Grocery Stores and Retailers Most grocery stores—including Walmart, Target, Kroger, Publix, and Safeway —remain open, often with reduced hours. The big exception is Costco, which closes all warehouses nationwide on Labor Day . Department stores and malls are usually open, many featuring Labor Day weekend sales . Check your local branch hours, as they may close earlier than usual. Government Offices Since Labor Day is a federal holiday, government buildings, DMV offices, and courthouses  are closed. Public schools and libraries are also closed in most states. What’s Open & Closed on Labor Day 2025: Status on Labor Day 2025 Banks Closed Stock Market Closed USPS Mail No regular delivery FedEx/UPS Limited express only Walmart/Target Open (reduced hours) Costco Closed Government Closed FAQs About What’s Open & Closed on Labor Day 1. Are banks open on Labor Day 2025? No. Most major banks and credit unions are closed, but ATMs and online banking remain accessible. 2. Is the stock market open on Labor Day? No. Both the NYSE and Nasdaq are closed. Trading resumes Tuesday morning. 3. Does USPS deliver on Labor Day? Only USPS Priority Mail Express delivers; all other services are paused. 4. Are FedEx and UPS open on Labor Day? Most services are closed. FedEx Custom Critical and UPS Express Critical still operate. 5. Is Costco open on Labor Day? No. Costco is one of the few nationwide retailers that closes all its stores on Labor Day. 6. Is Walmart open on Labor Day 2025? Yes. Walmart stores are open, though some may shorten hours. 7. What about Target on Labor Day? Target locations stay open with reduced hours in certain cities. 8. Are pharmacies like CVS and Walgreens open? Yes. Most CVS and Walgreens pharmacies operate, though hours can be shortened. 9. Do government offices stay open? No. Federal, state, and local government buildings—including DMVs and courts—are closed. 10. Are restaurants open on Labor Day? Yes. Most fast-food chains and restaurants remain open, but always confirm local hours.

How to Check Your IRS Refund Status in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide Waiting for your tax refund can feel like waiting for a package to arrive—except this package is your hard-earned money! If you’ve filed your taxes and are wondering, “Where’s my refund?” you’re not alone. Millions of taxpayers ask this question every year. The good news is that the IRS makes it easy to track your refund status online. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about checking your IRS refund status in 2025. From step-by-step instructions to common questions and troubleshooting tips, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in! | check IRS refund status 2025 Why Checking Your IRS Refund Status Matters Before we get into the how , let’s talk about the why . Checking your refund status isn’t just about satisfying your curiosity—it’s about staying informed and proactive. Here’s why it’s important: Peace of Mind : Knowing where your refund is in the process can ease your worries. Catch Issues Early : If there’s a problem with your return, checking your status can help you address it quickly. Plan Your Finances : If you’re counting on your refund for bills, vacations, or savings, knowing when it will arrive helps you plan better. Now that you know why it’s important, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how to check your refund status. Step-by-Step Guide to Check Your IRS Refund Status 2025 The IRS offers a simple, user-friendly tool called “Where’s My Refund?” to help you track your refund. Here’s how to use it: Step 1: Gather Your Information Before you start, make sure you have the following details handy: Your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN). Your filing status (e.g., Single, Married Filing Jointly, etc.). The exact refund amount you’re expecting (as shown on your tax return). Step 2: Visit the IRS “Where’s My Refund?” Tool Go to the official IRS website: www.irs.gov . Click on the “Refunds” tab at the top of the page. Select “Where’s My Refund?” to access the tool. Step 3: Enter Your Information Enter your Social Security Number (SSN) or ITIN. Select your filing status from the dropdown menu. Enter the exact refund amount (round to the nearest dollar). Step 4: Check Your Refund Status Once you’ve entered your information, click “Submit.” The tool will display one of the following statuses: Return Received : The IRS has received your tax return and is processing it. Refund Approved : Your refund has been approved and is scheduled for payment. Refund Sent : Your refund has been sent to your bank account or mailed as a check. Step 5: Understand the Timeline The IRS updates the “Where’s My Refund?” tool once every 24 hours, usually overnight. Here’s a general timeline to expect: E-filed Returns : Refund status is available within 24 hours of filing. Paper Returns : Refund status is available within 4 weeks of mailing your return. Step 6: Set Up Direct Deposit (If You Haven’t Already) If you want your refund faster, make sure you’ve provided your bank account details for direct deposit. Otherwise, the IRS will mail you a check, which can take longer. What If There’s a Problem with My Refund? Sometimes, things don’t go as smoothly as planned. If your refund status shows a delay or an issue, here’s what you can do: Check for Errors : Double-check the information you entered in the “Where’s My Refund?” tool. A typo could lead to incorrect results. Look for Notices : The IRS may send you a notice or letter requesting additional information. Check your mail regularly. Contact the IRS : If it’s been more than 21 days since you filed your return and you haven’t received your refund, call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 . FAQs About Checking Your IRS Refund Status Here are answers to some of the most common questions about checking your IRS refund status: 1. How long does it take to get my refund? E-filed Returns : Most refunds are issued within 21 days. Paper Returns : Processing can take 6-8 weeks or longer. 2. Can I check my refund status on my phone? Yes! The IRS has a mobile app called IRS2Go that allows you to check your refund status, make payments, and more. Download it from the App Store or Google Play. 3. What does it mean if my refund status says “Still Being Processed”? This means the IRS is reviewing your return. It could be due to a minor error, missing information, or random verification. If it takes longer than 21 days, contact the IRS. 4. Can I change my bank account information after filing my return? No. Once your return is filed, you can’t change your bank account details. If the IRS can’t deposit your refund, they’ll mail you a check. 5. What if I didn’t get the full refund amount I was expecting? The IRS may have adjusted your refund due to unpaid taxes, child support, or other debts. You’ll receive a notice explaining the change. 6. Is the “Where’s My Refund?” tool available year-round? Yes, but it’s most active during tax season (January to July). After that, updates may be less frequent. 7. Can I check the status of a prior year’s refund? Yes, but you’ll need to call the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 for refunds older than the current or previous tax year. Tips for a Smooth Refund Process To avoid delays and ensure you get your refund as quickly as possible, follow these tips: File Electronically : E-filing is faster and more accurate than paper filing. Choose Direct Deposit : This is the fastest way to receive your refund. Double-Check Your Return : Errors can slow down processing. File Early : The earlier you file, the sooner you’ll get your refund. Final Thoughts Checking your IRS refund status doesn’t have to be stressful. With the “Where’s My Refund?” tool, you can track your refund in just a few minutes. Remember to have your information ready, check the tool regularly, and reach out to the IRS if you encounter any issues. By staying informed and proactive, you’ll not only get your refund faster but also gain peace of mind knowing exactly where your money is in the process. Happy refund tracking!