The project is located south of the city and seeks to turn the current secondary airport into Dubai’s main air connection hub and one of the most important in the world.

The plan covers an area of 70 square kilometers and a maximum capacity of 260 million passengers a year. The first works include the new terminals, boarding areas, and automated systems for baggage transfer.

The planned investment reaches 35 billion dollars, making the project one of the most expensive airport developments in history.

What Dubai’s new airport will be like

The final design will include five parallel runways and four large terminals. It will also have commercial spaces and green areas integrated into futuristic-looking architecture.

According to Architectural Digest, the project is led by the London firm Leslie Jones Architecture, which designed a structure with large white canopies and spacious interior areas.

The complex, known as Dubai World Central, will also be connected to the Dubai Metro network and to high-speed rail systems.

The infrastructure will also have sectors for executive and private jets, royal aircraft, and cargo operations. The projected capacity for this last segment will be up to 12 million tons per year.

When will Dubai airport be finished

The first stage of construction will take around ten years and will allow capacity for 150 million passengers a year.

However, the full completion of the megaproject will take several decades. According to the planned schedules, the works could extend until 2057.

The final goal is to progressively move operations from the current Dubai International Airport, known as DXB, to Al Maktoum.

DXB received close to 92 million passengers during 2024. Against that figure, the new infrastructure will have a capacity almost three times greater once it reaches full development.

Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, explained that keeping two major airport hubs so close to each other is not convenient and anticipated that DXB services will be moved to the new complex when it has the necessary capacity.

Why will it be the airport with the world’s largest passenger capacity?

Al Maktoum International Airport will have a capacity of more than 260 million passengers per year when it reaches its final development stage. The project includes five runways, four large terminals and 400 boarding gates, in addition to automated systems to speed up passenger and baggage movement.

To understand the scale of the project, the busiest airport in the world is currently Hartsfield-Jackson in Atlanta, in the United States. During 2025 it received 106.3 million passengers, while Dubai International Airport came second with 95.2 million.

The comparison also makes it possible to distinguish capacity from area. King Fahd International Airport, in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, is the largest in the world by land area. However, in 2025 it received 13.7 million passengers and plans to expand its capacity to 32 million a year, a figure far below the one projected for Al Maktoum.

By contrast, Al Maktoum aims to far exceed those figures: its final capacity will be more than 260 million passengers per year. The first expansion stage will allow it to handle up to 150 million passengers a year and, later, the complex will reach its maximum capacity.

In this way, Al Maktoum will not be the world’s largest airport by area, but the one with the largest projected passenger capacity.

Dubai South: the new urban hub around the airport

The airport construction is also part of a much broader urban development project in the area known as Dubai South.

Authorities expect growth in this area to create new jobs and housing for around one million people.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum also highlighted the project on his social networks and presented it as infrastructure designed for future generations.

In addition to expanding air transport capacity, the new airport aims to strengthen Dubai’s position as a connection point between Asia, Europe and Australia.

The infrastructure currently operating in Al Maktoum began operating in 2010, mainly for cargo flights, and already has runways prepared to receive large aircraft such as the Airbus A380.

With the incorporation of automated baggage systems and technologies aimed at speeding up immigration checks, the project seeks to completely transform the airport experience and concentrate a large part of Dubai’s air traffic in a single complex.

The promotion lets shoppers get the product for less than a quarter of its previous value and represents a savings of US$160. In addition, it has thousands of buyer ratings on the platform.

This is the 15-piece Astercook kitchen knife set, which Walmart is currently offering for US$39.99, compared with the US$199.99 listed as the previous price. In this way, the markdown reaches approximately 80%.

Walmart clears out a knife set for US$40: what features does it have?

The Astercook set is made of German stainless steel and has a coating designed to provide rust resistance, according to the description published by Walmart.

One of its main differentiators is the storage block with a built-in sharpener, which makes it possible to keep the knives organized and restore the edge without needing to use another accessory. In addition, the manufacturer indicates that the pieces are dishwasher-safe.

On the platform, the product has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars, based on more than 13,000 reviews.

How much do you save with Walmart’s offer?

The markdown represents a difference of US$160 compared with the previous price reported by Walmart:

• Previous price: US$199.99.
• Current price: US$39.99.
• Savings: US$160.
• Approximate discount: 80%.

Availability, price and delivery conditions may vary depending on the buyer’s location and may change while the promotion remains active.

UnitedHealthcare and Humana account for a large share of those affected. UnitedHealthcare confirmed that about 390,000 members are enrolled in plans that will be discontinued, while Humana expects its exits to affect roughly 600,000 members. Together, the changes affect close to 1 million people.

The decisions come ahead of the 2027 enrollment period, as insurers reduce their presence in some markets and reshape the plans they offer. Despite those pullbacks, data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shows that more than 99% of Medicare beneficiaries will have access to at least one Medicare Advantage plan in 2027, while 97% will have 10 or more options to choose from.

What a non-renewal letter means and what to do

The first warning for affected members will be a non-renewal notice. UnitedHealthcare said notices for members whose plans are being discontinued will be dated October 2, 2026.

Receiving the letter does not mean the beneficiary will suddenly lose health coverage. The notice is intended to explain what will happen to the existing plan and outline the available options for the following year.

One option is to select another Medicare Advantage plan available in the beneficiary’s area. Another is to return to Original Medicare, which consists of Part A and Part B, and then consider separate coverage such as a Part D prescription drug plan or Medicare Supplement insurance, also known as Medigap.

The important step is not to ignore the notice. Available plans can vary significantly depending on the beneficiary’s county, doctors, medications and expected healthcare costs.

When can affected beneficiaries choose new coverage?

For most Medicare beneficiaries, the enrollment window for 2027 coverage runs from October 15 through December 7, 2026. Choices made during that period generally take effect on January 1, 2027.

UnitedHealthcare said members whose plans are being discontinued can enroll in another Medicare Advantage plan between October 15 and December 31, with coverage beginning January 1, 2027. If they do not choose another plan, they will automatically return to Original Medicare.

Beneficiaries who return to Original Medicare because their Medicare Advantage plan is ending can also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period to select another Medicare Advantage plan. For the affected UnitedHealthcare members described in the company’s notice, that period runs through February 28, 2027.

What to check before choosing a new plan

A discontinued plan does not mean every replacement option will provide the same coverage. Beneficiaries should compare several details before making a decision.

• Doctors and hospitals: Check whether the healthcare providers you use are included in the new plan’s network.
• Prescription drugs: Review the plan’s formulary and the cost of your regular medications.
• Premiums and out-of-pocket costs: Compare premiums, deductibles, copayments and annual out-of-pocket limits.
• Extra benefits: Check whether dental, vision, hearing and other supplemental benefits are included.
• Plan type: Determine whether the plan is an HMO, PPO or another type, since the rules for seeing out-of-network providers can differ.

The reduction in offerings from some insurers does not mean Medicare Advantage itself is disappearing. CMS projects that approximately 5,532 Medicare Advantage plans will be available nationwide in 2027, compared with 5,553 in 2026. The agency also projects that the weighted average monthly premium will fall from $14.37 to $12.nt deadline.

The classification matters because employees and independent contractors are subject to different federal tax rules. The IRS looks at several factors to determine whether a worker is an employee or self-employed.

How the IRS classifies remote workers

The IRS says that a remote worker is generally an employee if the company has the right to control what the worker does and how the worker performs the job. This can apply even when the worker has the freedom to work remotely.

The IRS does not determine worker status based on a single factor. Instead, it considers the entire relationship between the worker and the business.

The three factors the IRS considers

The IRS groups the factors it uses into three categories: behavioral control, financial control, and the type of relationship between the parties.

• Behavioral control: This considers whether the business has the right to direct and control how the worker performs the job, including instructions, training, and other aspects of the work.
• Financial control: This looks at the business aspects of the worker’s job, such as how the worker is paid, whether expenses are reimbursed, and whether the worker has an opportunity for profit or loss.
• Type of relationship: The IRS considers factors such as written contracts, employee benefits, the permanency of the relationship, and whether the services performed are a key aspect of the business.

Why worker classification matters for taxes

The classification determines how federal employment taxes are handled. Businesses generally withhold income taxes and Social Security and Medicare taxes from employees’ wages and pay the employer share of certain employment taxes.

Independent contractors, by contrast, are generally responsible for their own income and self-employment taxes. Businesses typically report payments to independent contractors using Form 1099-NEC when the reporting requirements apply.

The IRS recommends that workers and businesses carefully determine the correct classification rather than relying only on the terms used in a contract. If a worker is unsure about their status, the IRS provides Form SS-8 to request a determination of worker status.

The discovery has been announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture and confirmed this Thursday by Angelikí Kottaridi, the archaeologist who leads the excavations in the region of Emathia.

Researchers have located the site in the ancient Macedonian city of Mieza, a complex of about three hectares that preserves teaching classrooms, banquet halls, a sports pavilion, an athletics stadium and a 200-meter covered running track. In this context, excavations in Mieza began in 2024 and this year will continue focused on the area of the sports pavilion and the teaching classrooms.

This is what the school where Aristotle educated Alexander the Great was like

“We are absolutely sure that this is the school founded by Philip II”, king of Macedonia from 359 BC until his assassination in 336 BC, the year in which his son, Alexander the Great, at the age of twenty, succeeded him on the throne, Angelikí Kottaridi tells EFE.

Among the ruins, coins, ceramics and four styli that ancient students used for writing have been found. These objects could provide new clues about the people who received training at the site.

In his work ‘Parallel Lives’, the Roman historian Plutarch recounts that Alexander the Great was a disciple of Aristotle between the ages of 13 and 16. During that period, the philosopher taught him ethics, politics, literature and natural sciences.

Two years later, the young man was already prepared to rule and to take command, in 338 BC, of the cavalry in the decisive Battle of Chaeronea, in which Philip defeated the combined forces of the Athenians and Thebans.

An elite school with classrooms and banquet rooms

Kottaridi stresses that Philip also founded other schools (gymnasia) in Amphipolis and in Aigai, the capital of the Macedonian kingdom, although the one in Mieza was “what today would be described as an elite school”, where the sons of the most illustrious Macedonians were trained for war with classes in tactics, strategy and physical training.

This year a complex of rooms adjoining the classrooms was discovered, including an antechamber and two banquet rooms. They preserve mosaic floors and raised platforms for placing couches that allowed for up to 20 diners.

The school also had a covered running track (xystós) of 200 meters, along which 64 Doric columns were erected. The space was used for physical training during days of extreme cold or heat.

In this structure and in other parts of the site, architectural and decorative elements similar to those of the Macedonian royal palace at Aigai (present-day Vergina), where Philip and Alexander lived, have been recovered, the archaeologist notes.

The education that accompanied Alexander in his conquests

According to Kottaridi, the “most impressive” thing about the discovery is that it shows that the “history of state concern for comprehensive and organized education” did not begin in democratic city-states like Athens, where only private schools existed in which philosophers such as Socrates or Plato taught, but in Philip II’s Macedonia.

“These gymnasiums, where letters, the art of war, culture and the Greek language were learned, will accompany Alexander on his military campaign and become the cornerstone of the Hellenistic period”, which spans from the conqueror’s death in 323 BC. until Cleopatra’s death in 30 BC and the subsequent Roman rule, she explains.

In 334 BC, Alexander the Great began the military campaign with which he defeated Persians, Egyptians and Phoenicians, consolidating in just one decade a vast empire that stretched from Greece to the Indus River valley and from Egypt to Central Asia.

Throughout that territory he founded dozens of cities, among them Alexandria in Egypt, whose most characteristic feature was precisely these schools, which helped spread Greek culture and language to “the peoples of the world of that time”, the researcher points out.

Installations of this type have even been found in places as far away as Afghanistan, in the ancient Hellenistic city of Ai-Khanoum, east of present-day Kabul.

Trump announced the group this Sunday Oct. 4 on Truth Social and said it will report to him and White House chief of staff Susie Wiles. The post set no timeline and gave no indication of what authority or oversight duties the group will have.

Tech leaders gathered for a White House lunch on Sept. 29 to talk about AI safety, the industry’s growth and the push to build more data centers. The pledge was signed as the meeting wrapped up.

That same day, Trump signed an executive order telling federal agencies to replace “artificial intelligence” and “AI” with “Super Intelligence” and “SI” in official communications, where the law allows. The order argues the old term no longer reflects what the technology can do.

What will Trump’s ‘Super Intelligence Force’ do?

Trump said the task force will coordinate federal efforts to keep the U.S. ahead in AI while protecting Americans’ interests. It will also handle the government’s dealings with consumers, public interest groups, religious organizations, critical infrastructure providers and AI companies.

Clayton has said the group will look at existing law and weigh what Congress could do. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, he pointed to finance, where regulators such as the Federal Reserve and the Securities and Exchange Commission worked out risk models together with the industry.

Who is on Trump’s ‘Super Intelligence Force’?

Clayton leads the group, which includes three other senior officials:

• Andrew Ferguson, chairman of the Federal Trade Commission
• Emil Michael, undersecretary of defense for research and engineering
• Scott Kupor, director of the Office of Personnel Management

Clayton, a former SEC chairman, is also expected to become the White House’s AI czar. He would take over from venture capitalist David Sacks, who left the post once his stint as a special government employee ran out.

What’s in the AI pledge Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and ChatGPT’s maker signed?

Executives from six of the biggest U.S. players in AI put their names on the agreement with Trump:

• Sundar Pichai, Google
• Elon Musk, xAI
• Dario Amodei, Anthropic
• Mark Zuckerberg, Meta
• Jensen Huang, Nvidia
• Greg Brockman, OpenAI

The White House Accord on Super Intelligence, as Trump named it, calls for outside reviews, risk assessments and internal checks on what the companies’ models can do and how they behave. Cyberattacks are among the main risks it targets.

Does Trump’s ‘Super Intelligence Force’ enforce the AI pledge?

Trump tied the two together, saying in his post that he formed the task force following the accord. Still, he had announced plans for an AI task force last month, and nothing released so far gives the group a role in enforcing the pledge.

Signing was voluntary, and the agreement seems to carry no legal force. Trump has framed it as the industry regulating itself.

Trump has also ruled out federal AI regulation, even though some industry leaders have asked Washington for it in recent weeks.

In that sense, Kristin Kirkpatrick, registered dietitian at Cleveland Clinic, offered recommendations in an institution article for properly cleaning these products, which can be implemented when washing lettuce or potatoes before using them in cooking.

How lettuce and potatoes should be cleaned, according to a food specialist

The technique recommended by the expert is very easy to put into practice: it consists of placing the fruits and vegetables that are going to be used under cold water and washing them using only this. In addition, she detailed the importance of removing any damaged or bruised area because they can harbor bacteria.

The University of Maryland advises implementing the same practice, especially for leafy greens such as lettuce, and indicates separating the leaves when doing so, as well as rinsing between the folds to remove any hidden dirt.

In the case of firm foods like potatoes or apples, Kirkpatrick’s advice is to rub with your hands to ensure that all exterior dirt has been removed.

As an additional trick for this food, Harvard advises never storing potatoes in the refrigerator because moisture can speed up their deterioration. “Store them in a dark, dry, and cool place,” it says.

When is the best time to clean vegetables

The Cleveland Clinic expert says that the ideal is to wash fruits and vegetables just before they are used for consumption.

Other important points to consider when cleaning fruits and vegetables

The University of Maine, for its part, lists other key points that should be taken into account when cleaning these foods before consuming them; some of the recommendations are:

• Wash your hands with hot water and soap before and after preparing food
• Clean and sanitize cutting boards and utensils before and after using them.
• Do not use soaps or detergents to wash vegetables.
• Use a vegetable brush when handling products with thick skins.
• Specifically in the case of lettuce, it is recommended to soak it for 1 or 2 minutes when washing it. The same goes for any vegetable with many crevices.
• Drain leafy greens using a colander and dry them with a clean towel or salad spinner.
• If using a salad spinner, it should be cleaned with warm soapy water and left to air dry after each use.

The discovery was made using MeerKAT, a network of radio telescopes in South Africa. Researchers detected recurring bursts as well as persistent radio emission from the Beta Pictoris system. The characteristics of the signal, including its strong circular polarization, offered important clues about where the emission originated.

What made the observation particularly significant was the ability to distinguish the planet from its host star. Previous radio detections associated with exoplanet systems had raised the possibility of planetary activity, but scientists could not always rule out the star itself as the source. This time, the radio source was localized directly to Beta Pictoris b, rather than to the star.

The signal is caused by magnetic activity

The discovery does not point to an artificial transmission or evidence of extraterrestrial life. Scientists believe the radio waves are produced by auroral activity generated by the planet’s powerful magnetic field.

A similar process occurs in our own Solar System. Earth’s magnetic field interacts with energetic particles from the Sun, producing the auroras seen near the planet’s poles. The same basic physics can also generate radio emissions, although the environment around Beta Pictoris b is vastly different from Earth’s.

Researchers believe charged particles in the distant planet’s magnetic environment are accelerated and produce radio waves through a process known as the electron cyclotron maser instability.

The resulting emission can travel across interstellar space and eventually be detected by radio telescopes on Earth.

A powerful magnetic field

The frequencies observed by MeerKAT provided another important piece of information. Because the highest frequency of this type of radio emission is related to the magnetic field strength at its source, the researchers were able to estimate the field in the region producing the signal.

The study indicates a magnetic field of at least 1.25 kilogauss at the source on Beta Pictoris b. That makes the observation particularly valuable because magnetic fields are among the most difficult properties of exoplanets to measure directly.

Magnetic fields can influence how planets interact with radiation and charged particles from their stars. They can also provide clues about a planet’s interior and its surrounding magnetosphere.

Beta Pictoris b is an especially interesting target because it is a young, massive gas giant. It belongs to the Beta Pictoris planetary system, located about 63 light-years from Earth, and its youth gives astronomers an opportunity to study planetary magnetic activity at an early stage of evolution.

Why this detection is different

Astronomers have detected radio emission from systems containing exoplanets before. One notable example is YZ Ceti, where researchers observed radio bursts that could be associated with interactions between a planet and its host star.

However, the evidence was not definitive because stellar magnetic activity could not be completely ruled out as the source of the emission.

The Beta Pictoris b observation takes the field a step further. By comparing the radio position with precise astronomical reference points, researchers were able to determine that the emission coincided with Beta Pictoris b and was inconsistent with the location of the host star.

That distinction could have major implications for the study of distant planets. Radio observations may now offer astronomers a new method for investigating exoplanet magnetic fields, allowing them to learn more about planetary interiors, magnetospheres and the interactions between young planets and their stars.

When the Social Security increase for 2027 is announced

The Social Security Administration (SSA) will announce its cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 on October 14, 2026. That day, the official figure is released, calculated from inflation data (the consumer price index) for the period used by the SSA.

How much could the increase be, and who estimates it

Projections before the announcement place the increase for 2027 at around 3.5% or 3.6%. The most cited estimate comes from The Senior Citizens League (TSCL), a U.S. organization advocating for older adults that closely tracks the benefit and calculates 3.6%. If confirmed in that range, it would be the largest adjustment in three years.

How the COLA is calculated

The figure does not come from a discretionary decision, but from a formula. The Social Security Administration takes the CPI-W (the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers), averages the values for the third quarter of the year (July, August, and September), and compares them with the same period of the previous year. That variation is the COLA.

That is why the official figure can only be known in October: it depends on the September inflation figure, which is published shortly before the announcement. Preliminary estimates, such as TSCL’s, are based on the inflation data available at the time and may differ from the final figure.

What the COLA is and who it affects

The COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) is the annual adjustment intended to keep Social Security payments from losing purchasing power to inflation. It is applied automatically: beneficiaries do not have to complete any procedure to receive it.

The adjustment reaches tens of millions of people in the United States, including retirees and other beneficiaries of the system, as well as those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Why this inflation figure matters so much

For those who depend on this income, every point of the COLA translates into concrete dollars every month. A higher adjustment means relief from the cost of living; a lower one means tighter purchasing power. That is why the October announcement is one of the most anticipated of the year for beneficiaries.

The date coincides with the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ September inflation report. The increase is based on the average annual change in the consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers from July through September.

The Senior Citizens League, an advocacy group, projects a 3.5% COLA, up from 2.8% in 2026. The index already registered 3.4% in July and 3.5% in August.

How much of your 2027 Social Security raise will Medicare take?

The 2026 Medicare Trustees Report projects the standard Part B premium could rise $ 6.60 a month, from $ 202.90. For beneficiaries who have it withheld, that amount comes off the raise before the payment is deposited.

A retiree receiving $ 2,000 a month would gain about $ 70 under a 3.5% COLA. After the projected premium increase, the net gain drops to roughly $ 63.

The figure is not final. The trustees’ previous report had put the 2027 premium at $ 218.60, and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services typically confirms the official amount in November.

The annual Part B deductible is also expected to rise, from $ 283 to $ 292. The trustees project the premium will reach $ 224.50 in 2028.

Can the Medicare Part B premium shrink your Social Security check?

A federal hold-harmless rule bars the premium increase from lowering a beneficiary’s net Social Security payment below the previous year’s amount. It covers about 70% of Part B enrollees, though several groups are excluded:

• Beneficiaries who pay an income-related surcharge, which in 2026 applies above $ 109,000 for single filers and $ 218,000 for joint filers
• Beneficiaries new to Medicare or to Social Security payments
• Beneficiaries whose premiums are paid by state Medicaid programs

Beneficiaries outside that protection pay the full premium increase, regardless of how much their benefit rises.

Notices showing each person’s new net payment arrive in December and are also available through a my Social Security account.

Medicare open enrollment runs Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. It is the window to compare plans before 2027 costs take effect.

These differences are too small to be perceived in everyday life, but they contain information about what happens in the depths of the planet.

Now, a study published in Nature found that one of the keys lies in the interaction between Earth’s inner core and the mantle that surrounds it.

Researchers Huifeng Zhang and Mathieu Dumberry, from the Department of Physics at the University of Alberta, developed a model to analyze how different forces inside Earth can modify its rotation speed.

The work concludes that the main mechanism behind the variations that occur over several decades would be a gravitational torque generated by the inner core, although other forces act in the opposite direction and moderate its effect.

Why a day does not always last exactly 24 hours

The 24 hours are a reference based on the time it takes Earth to complete one rotation on its axis. But the planet does not work like a perfectly uniform clock.

Earth’s rotation speed shows fluctuations caused by different processes. Some occur at the surface, such as the movements of ice masses, the oceans, the atmosphere and large earthquakes. Others originate much deeper, in the interaction between the core and the mantle.

When there is an exchange of angular momentum between these layers, rotation can speed up or slow down slightly. The result is a change of just a few milliseconds in the length of the day, but one that can be detected through high-precision geodetic measurements.

The variations that are of particular interest to this study are those that occur on decadal timescales. The authors point out that these fluctuations were already associated with the exchange of angular momentum between the core and the mantle, but it was still unclear which forces were responsible for the process.

What is at the center of Earth?

Earth’s core is made mainly of iron and is approximately the size of Mars. It is divided into two parts: a liquid outer core and a solid inner core.

The outer core is in constant motion and its liquid metal currents generate Earth’s magnetic field. Inside that fluid layer is the inner core, which can rotate differently from the rest of the planet.

That difference is essential to understanding the new study. The inner core is not a perfectly uniform sphere and contains regions with differences in density. At the same time, the mantle also does not have a homogeneous distribution of materials.

According to the model developed by Zhang and Dumberry, gravity tries to keep certain denser regions of the inner core aligned with density anomalies present in the mantle. When the inner core shifts from that position, gravitational attraction generates a torque that can modify the planet’s rotation.

The inner core maintains a kind of “tug of war”

The research describes a competition of forces. The gravitational torque tends to align the inner core with the mantle, while movements in the outer core generate effects that can oppose it. The researchers incorporated electromagnetic and topographic torques at the boundary between the core and the mantle into the model. By considering these mechanisms, the model better reproduces the observed variations in day length.

What the researchers analyzed

To reach these conclusions, they combined two types of information. On one hand, they used seismic reconstructions of the differential rotation of the inner core, that is, how it moves relative to the rest of the planet. On the other hand, they incorporated models of the outer core flow developed from observed changes in Earth’s magnetic field.

One of the foundations of the work was a study published in 2023 that used seismic waves produced by earthquakes to estimate how the rotation of the inner core had changed since the 1960s. Those data showed that the inner core was spinning slightly faster than the rest of the planet until around 2010 and that later it began to do so more slowly.

With that information, the researchers built a model capable of comparing the contribution of the different forces and reconstructing variations in day length over several decades.

The study was published on September 23, 2026 in Nature, under the title Gravitational torque drives multidecadal variations in length of day.

What they found and why it matters

In simple terms, the main result is that the model better explains changes in day length over several decades when the inner core’s gravitational torque is the dominant factor. Electromagnetic and mechanical effects act as resistance and moderate that movement.

This does not mean that the inner core is the only cause of changes in Earth’s rotation. Other processes that occur on different time scales are also involved.

The study also provides clues about regions of Earth’s interior that cannot be observed directly. The results suggest particular structures in the deepest part of the mantle and a layer rich in iron and highly conductive at its base. They also indicate that the inner core could deform over periods of a few years.

Ultimately, those small millisecond variations in day length make it possible to study processes that occur thousands of kilometers below the surface.

Among them are the requirements linked to mandatory insurance, financial responsibility, and the consequences drivers may face if they drive without the required coverage, such as registration suspension, penalties, and even vehicle impoundment in certain circumstances.

What are the minimum insurance requirements in California?

California requires that all vehicles registered in the state be covered with a type of liability insurance. This compensates the other person when an accident occurs.

According to the DMV, these are:

• Motor vehicle liability insurance policy.
• Cash deposit of $ 75,000 at the DMV.
• Self-insurance certificate issued by the DMV.
• Surety bond worth $ 75,000 issued by a company authorized to operate in California.

As for the minimum requirements that liability insurance must meet, they are:

• $ 30,000 for injury or death of one person.
• $ 60,000 for injury or death of more than one person.
• $ 15,000 for property damage.

What happens if the vehicle is driven without the corresponding coverage?

The California Department of Insurance warns that driving without the required liability coverage can lead to fines, license suspension, and vehicle confiscation.

The agency also states that the insurance company informs the DMV when a user runs out of coverage. If a policy expires, the owner must obtain new coverage and make sure the agency receives the new proof of financial responsibility.

What to do if the policy expires or is canceled?

When the DMV receives the cancellation notice, it notifies the owner, who has up to 45 days from the notice to prove that there is other coverage before the registration is suspended.

If the registration has already been suspended, the vehicle cannot be driven or remain parked on a public road until new proof of insurance is submitted and the process to reinstate the registration is completed.

On the other hand, if it will no longer be used, the owner must file a Non-Use Affidavit (ANU).

How do you get the vehicle back if it is confiscated for this reason?

If the vehicle was confiscated for driving without the required financial responsibility, first it will be necessary to normalize the problem that caused the measure. This may include obtaining valid coverage, submitting the corresponding proof, and reinstating the registration if it had been suspended.

If it is due to other reasons, the DMV should be consulted for the corresponding procedure. On the other hand, the DMV may also impound and directly sell a vehicle to collect certain debts linked to it, such as registration fees, vehicle license fees, transfer fees, parking violations, or unpaid use taxes.

Through the physical principle of refraction, the system makes it possible to channel sunlight into homes without windows or with little natural light, turning a plastic waste item into a daytime light point equivalent to a 40- to 60-watt bulb.

From a workshop in Uberaba to international expansion in more than 30 nations

The technique was developed in the early 2000s by Alfredo Moser, a mechanic living in the city of Uberaba, Brazil.

The proposal emerged during a critical period of power outages, which led the inventor to seek an inexpensive way to bring daylight into enclosed spaces using recycled PET plastic containers and water.

The project reached global prominence in 2011, when the MyShelter Foundation organization adopted the concept to develop the Liter of Light program in the Philippines.

The initiative promoted the use of easily accessible materials to improve living conditions in low-income sectors, achieving rapid community replication that was highlighted by UNESCO due to its implementation in more than 30 countries.

Solar refraction and maintenance: how the physics of the system works

The device operates as a sunlight diffuser based on the physical principle of refraction.

By drilling the roof and installing a transparent plastic bottle filled with water (leaving the upper half exposed to the sun and the lower half inside the room), the sun’s rays enter the container, change direction as they pass through the liquid, and spread the light in a 360° angle inside the room.

To preserve the system’s transparency and ensure its performance over time, the technique includes key maintenance aspects:

• Water disinfection: Adding a moderate amount of chlorine or bleach inside the container delays the appearance of algae or biological organisms that could dim the light flow.
• Coverage breadth: Water diffraction makes it possible to illuminate a larger area compared with direct light entering through a traditional skylight of the same size.
• Hermetic seal: The container must remain sealed to prevent water from evaporating or dirt from accumulating inside.

Precautions and limitations: the importance of safe installation on the roof

Despite the simplicity of the method, specialists in construction emphasize that direct intervention on the roof requires prior structural assessments.

Drilling a roof without checking the material’s strength or without considering the applicable building codes can cause major damage to the property or compromise the safety of its occupants.

The most decisive part during installation is the hermetic sealing of the edges. It is essential to use waterproof products around the entire perimeter of the opening to prevent water leaks and the subsequent formation of moisture during rainy days.

Likewise, technicians remind that the system depends entirely on the solar radiation present, so it acts only as a complement to daytime lighting and does not replace the use of electric power at night.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets out a series of recommendations for properly handling fresh produce and warns about a habit that many people may consider more effective for removing dirt and bacteria.

According to the agency, although washing can help reduce the bacteria present on the surface of fruits and vegetables, it does not eliminate them completely. That is why it is essential to do it the right way.

The FDA warns that fruits and vegetables should not be washed with soap or detergent

The FDA advises against using soap, detergent, or commercial products intended for washing fruits and vegetables. The reason is that these foods are porous and can absorb substances even after being carefully rinsed.

According to the agency, residue from soap and household detergents absorbed by food can cause illness. In the case of commercial products specifically intended for washing vegetables, the FDA says that the safety of their residue is unknown and that their effectiveness has not been proven.

The recommendation is important because fresh produce can become contaminated at different stages. Bacteria can come into contact with fruits and vegetables through soil or water during growth, but contamination can also occur after harvest, during storage or preparation.

How should fruits and vegetables be washed properly?

The FDA recommends thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables under running water before preparing or eating them, even when they were grown at home or purchased at supermarkets and farmers’ markets.

To do it safely, the agency advises:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
• Cut off and discard damaged or bruised parts and throw away products that show signs of rot.
• Wash fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, preparing, or peeling them.
• Scrub firmer produce, such as melons and cucumbers, with a clean brush intended for fruits and vegetables.
• Then dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel to further reduce any bacteria that may remain on the surface.

Even if the peel is going to be removed, the FDA recommends washing it first. This reduces the chance of transferring dirt or bacteria from the surface to the inside with the knife or during peeling.

On the other hand, fruits and vegetables that say on their packaging that they were “pre-washed” or are “ready to eat” do not need to be washed again. If one chooses to do so anyway, they should be kept away from dirty surfaces and utensils to avoid cross-contamination.

Zelle can be used through the app of the banks and credit unions that offer it to their customers, and to send money only the recipient’s email or U.S. mobile phone number is needed.

Since the process is quick and requires few steps, the recommendation is always to verify very carefully the details of the person to whom money is being sent because there are specific requirements to request that the transaction be canceled and cases where this simply will not be possible.

When can a Zelle transfer be canceled?

According to official information shared by Zelle, cancellations can only be made when the person to whom the money was sent has not yet enrolled in the service.

How to cancel step by step in these cases

• The person who sent the money must go to the activity page within Zelle
• Choose the payment to cancel
• Finally select “Cancel this payment”

There is time to carry out this action as long as the recipient is not enrolled. At the moment an account is created, the money will be deposited and the transaction cannot be reversed.

In which cases does the money return automatically to the account of the person who sent it?

When money is sent to the account of a person who has not yet enrolled in Zelle, the recipient receives an official notification by email or at the phone number used for the transaction, indicating that funds were sent to them.

With this notice, the steps to register and receive the money are attached. If these instructions are not completed within a 14-day period from the notification, the funds that could not be deposited are automatically returned to the account of the person who sent them.

It is important to note that the permitted sending limits must be checked with each bank or credit union.

Essential information for all people who use Zelle

When using this payment service, it is not only key to verify the recipient’s details, but also that the phone number or email address provided as the user are the ones used to register in the first place.

Those who made a mistake and provided incorrect data that have not yet been used to enroll in Zelle will have to contact their bank so that the registration can be completed.

Knowing them is essential in order to properly comply with what is established by local regulations and avoid fines or even the confiscation of the vehicle.

The list of places where parking is completely prohibited in California

According to what is indicated by Section 6: How to Drive on Streets (Continuation) of the handbook, in California, no vehicle should park in the following places:

• Where there is a sign indicating that parking is prohibited
• In a crosswalk, regardless of whether it is marked or not
• On a sidewalk, blocking a sidewalk, or in front of a driveway
• Within three feet of a disability ramp
• In front of or on a curb that provides access to people in wheelchairs
• In the diagonal cross-hatched area next to a parking placard for persons with disabilities
• In a space designated for the parking or fueling of a zero-emission vehicle, unless the vehicle is zero-emission
• In a tunnel or bridge, unless signs allow it
• Within 15 feet of a fire hydrant or the entrance to a fire station driveway
• Within 20 feet of a crosswalk or within 15 feet when there is a sidewalk extension
• Between a safety zone and the curb
• Double parked
• On the wrong side of a street or highway

Parking exceptions for California streets and highways

The vehicle may stop without complying with the rules when:

• There is an emergency
• A law enforcement officer stops it
• The stop is specifically permitted

If you have to stop on a highway, the instruction is to do so completely off the pavement and remain in the vehicle with the doors closed until the requested help arrives.

“A vehicle that is stopped, parked, or abandoned on a highway for more than four hours may be removed”, authorities indicate.

The service is available through a personal my Social Security account and can be accessed at any time. However, not everyone can complete the entire process digitally. Specific requirements determine whether an applicant can receive a replacement card through the online service or needs to visit an SSA office.

The agency also points out that replacing a lost card may not always be necessary. In most situations, employers, financial institutions, government agencies and other organizations only need the person’s Social Security number (SSN) rather than the physical card.

Who can request a replacement online

The fully online replacement option is primarily available to U.S. citizens age 18 or older who have a U.S. mailing address.

Applicants also need a my Social Security account and must be able to complete the agency’s identity verification process. In addition, they generally need a valid driver’s license or state-issued identification card from a participating state.

In certain circumstances, the online system can also handle a last-name change following marriage, provided the applicant meets the applicable requirements and lives in a participating jurisdiction.

People who do not qualify for a fully online replacement can still start the application online. The SSA system determines whether the request can be processed digitally or whether the applicant needs to schedule an appointment at a Social Security office or Card Center.

How to replace a Social Security card online

The process begins through the SSA’s online system. Applicants must sign in to or create a my Social Security account and verify their identity before submitting the request.

The basic process is:

1. Sign in to or create a personal my Social Security account.
2. Complete the identity verification process.
3. Submit the replacement request.
4. Wait for the new card to arrive by mail.

The SSA says submitting the request typically takes only a few minutes. If the applicant qualifies for the fully online service, there is no need to visit an office to complete the request.

The agency also stresses that going to an office does not mean receiving the card on the same day. The replacement still has to be processed and mailed. According to the SSA’s latest guidance, cards requested online generally arrive in less than two weeks.

There is no fee for a replacement card

The SSA does not charge a fee for a replacement Social Security card. There are, however, general limits on replacements: people are normally limited to three replacement cards per year and 10 over their lifetime. Certain situations, including legal name changes and some changes in immigration status, do not count toward those limits.

The agency also advises people not to routinely carry their Social Security card. In most cases, organizations that need the information only require the Social Security number, while the physical card should be kept in a secure location.

For people who do need a replacement, the online option can eliminate an unnecessary trip to an SSA office and allows applicants to begin the process at any time, including outside regular office hours.

State motor vehicle agencies use a nationwide data-sharing system to check whether people applying for a driver’s license or identification card already hold a credential in another state. The State-to-State (S2S) Verification Service allows participating states to exchange information during the licensing process.

The system is part of the effort to prevent people from holding multiple active driver’s licenses or identification cards issued by different states. It also plays a role in the verification process for states issuing REAL ID-compliant credentials.

How the State-to-State system works

The S2S Verification Service is an electronic system used by participating state motor vehicle agencies to check an applicant’s licensing information in other states.

The service is supported by the State Pointer Exchange Services (SPEXS), which allows state licensing systems to exchange information when checking for existing credentials. This helps states identify potential duplicate records before issuing a new license or identification card.

What happens when a duplicate license is identified

When a state identifies a possible duplicate credential, the states involved can review the records to determine which credential should remain active. AAMVA’s system allows states to exchange information and resolve potential duplicate records.

The process can also help states identify records that may require additional review. AAMVA provides states with tools to investigate potential duplicates and address records that may involve fraudulent activity.

How is S2S connected to REAL ID?

The S2S system also supports the requirements associated with REAL ID. For states participating in the system, it can help verify whether an applicant already has a REAL ID driver’s license or identification card issued by another state.

However, participation in S2S does not by itself mean that a state is REAL ID compliant. REAL ID compliance involves separate requirements established under federal law, while S2S is a system used by participating states to exchange driver and identification credential information.

What Is Form N-400

Form N-400 (Application for Naturalization) is the document with which a permanent resident (green card holder) applies to become a U.S. citizen.

It is filed with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), online or on paper, and is the formal beginning of the naturalization process.

¿How much does it cost?

The N-400 fee depends on how it is filed:

• USD 710 if filed online
• USD 760 if filed on paper

There is also a reduced fee (USD 380) for those who meet certain income requirements, and exemptions for cases such as members of the Armed Forces.

The main requirements to obtain U.S. citizenship

To apply for citizenship, in general you must meet:

• Be a permanent resident and be 18 years of age or older
• Have lived as a permanent resident for at least 5 years (or 3 years if married to a U.S. citizen and the conditions are met)
• Meet the continuous residence and physical presence requirements in the country (in general, having been present for half of the required period)
• Have lived for at least 3 months in the state or district where the application is filed
• Demonstrate good moral character
• Pass an English test and a civics test

The test: English and civics

The naturalization test has two parts:

• English: speaking, reading, and writing basic English are assessed
• Civics: questions about the history and government of the United States

For applications filed starting on October 20, 2025, the 2025 version of the civics test applies: a total of 128 questions are studied, of which the officer asks 20 during the interview, and 12 must be answered correctly to pass.

Those who filed their application before that date continue taking the previous version (2008): 100 study questions, 10 in the interview, and 6 correct answers to pass.

What determines which test each person takes is the filing date of the N-400, not the interview date. In addition, there are exceptions based on age and length of residence (such as the rule known as “65/20”) and exemptions for certain conditions.

The steps in the process

Broadly speaking, the naturalization path includes:

1. Confirm that the requirements are met
2. Gather supporting documentation
3. File Form N-400 (online or by mail) and pay the fee
4. Receive the receipt notice
5. Attend the biometrics appointment (photo, fingerprints, and signature)
6. Attend the interview, where the English and civics tests are administered
7. Receive the decision on the application
8. If approved, attend the oath ceremony, the moment when citizenship is officially obtained

The total time varies depending on the office, but it usually falls in the range of several months to around one year.

The son of former President Jair Bolsonaro — who is serving a 27-year sentence for plotting a coup after losing the 2022 election — and an ally of President Donald Trump, Flávio fell short of an outright majority, sending the race to an Oct. 25 runoff.

Flávio finished more than 2.2 million votes ahead of Lula, according to Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court.

Brazil’s Congress also shifted right. Flávio’s Liberal Party nearly doubled its Senate seats, from 15 to 28, a total no party has reached since 1985, and projections show it with the largest delegation in the lower house.

What would a Flávio Bolsonaro win mean for the US?

Brazil has held direct presidential elections since 1989, and in every runoff since then, the first-round leader has gone on to win. Analysts see Brazil as the biggest prize yet in Trump’s push for U.S. dominance over the Western Hemisphere, an approach dubbed the “Donroe Doctrine” by political analysts.

The policy treats the region as a U.S. sphere of influence. Its priorities include fighting cartels, curbing migration, securing critical minerals and countering China’s economic presence in Latin America.

Markets cheered the result, and the U.S.-listed iShares MSCI Brazil exchange-traded fund jumped as much as 15% in premarket trading in New York on Monday. Beyond Wall Street, a Bolsonaro government could reshape ties with Washington in several areas:

Regional security

Analysts expect Brazil would join the Shield of the Americas, the anti-cartel coalition Trump launched in March. Brazil and Mexico, Latin America’s two largest economies, are its most notable absences.

Organized crime

Flávio’s platform pledges to declare the PCC and Comando Vermelho, Brazil’s two largest gangs, narco-terrorist organizations. The U.S. gave both groups a similar designation in May, a step that could open the door to deeper U.S. involvement.

Trade and minerals

Flávio has floated a free trade agreement with the U.S. and pitched Brazil’s rare earths as a way to cut American dependence on China. His platform also promises to repair relations with Washington, which it says came close to a rupture under Lula.

China

China is Brazil’s largest trading partner and the top buyer of its soybeans, iron ore and oil. Flávio’s platform keeps China among Brazil’s negotiating partners, and analysts say those ties would limit how far Brazil could tilt toward Washington.

A Lula win, by contrast, would keep Brazil as the most prominent holdout to Trump’s regional agenda. Analysts expect Lula would work with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to push back on the Donroe Doctrine.

How have Trump’s clashes with Lula shaped Brazil’s election?

Lula’s Brazil has stood apart as governments aligned with Trump took power in Argentina, Chile and Colombia. The rift with Washington opened in mid-2025, when Trump hit Brazilian imports with 50% tariffs in protest of the coup case against Jair Bolsonaro.

The administration also placed Treasury sanctions on Alexandre de Moraes, the Supreme Court justice in charge of the trial. Neither move changed the outcome: The former president was found guilty two months later, and Lula gained ground in the polls.

Trump eventually eased duties on a range of Brazilian foods, but tensions flared again this year. He added a 25% tariff in July, the same month Brazil denied entry visas to two senior State Department envoys, saying they planned to interfere in the vote.

The U.S. canceled the visa of Brazil’s ambassador in Washington in August. Lula has framed the dispute as a matter of sovereignty, telling the U.N. General Assembly in September that Brazil “is nobody’s backyard,” a remark widely understood as a jab at Trump.

How close are the Bolsonaros to Trump?

Jair Bolsonaro, known as the “Trump of the Tropics,” questioned Brazil’s voting system and never clearly conceded in 2022. Days after Lula took office, his supporters stormed Congress, the Supreme Court and the presidential palace, in scenes compared to the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.

His third son, Eduardo Bolsonaro, later moved to the U.S. and lobbied the Trump administration for the tariffs and sanctions imposed in 2025. The Bolsonaro camp also pushed Washington to designate Brazil’s two largest gangs as terrorist organizations.

Flávio courted the American right at CPAC in Texas in March, and Trump has hosted him at the White House and praised him publicly. Flávio says his family’s ties to Trump benefit Brazil but insists he is not receiving help from the U.S. president.

Trump has not formally endorsed Flávio. Before the vote, Lula’s allies warned that Washington could refuse to recognize a Lula victory, citing the blocked U.S. observer mission. The State Department has denied trying to influence the election.

The official schedule establishes that the payment day depends on the range in which the beneficiary’s birth day falls.

The SSA schedule divides beneficiaries into three groups. In this way, those who were born between the 1st and the 10th will receive the deposit on the second Wednesday of the month; those born between the 11th and the 20th, on the third Wednesday; and those who have birthdays between the 21st and the 31st, on the fourth Wednesday.

SSA payment schedule: when are Social Security benefits paid in October 2026?

For October, the payment dates are organized as follows:

• Wednesday the 14th: beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th.
• Wednesday the 21st: beneficiaries born between the 11th and the 20th.
• Wednesday the 28th: beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st.

The SSA itself states in its schedule that benefits are paid on those dates according to the corresponding birth date range.

How do you know which day you will receive the SSA payment?

The easiest way to identify the date is to check only the day of the month on which the beneficiary was born. Thus, following the October 2026 schedule, a person born on the 7th of any month will have their payment scheduled for Wednesday the 14th, while someone born on the 18th will have it on Wednesday the 21st. In the case of those born on the 25th, they will have to wait until the last date on the schedule, that is, Wednesday the 28th.

What happens if the SSA payment does not arrive on the corresponding Wednesday?

The Social Security Administration explains what beneficiaries should do when the deposit does not appear on the expected date:

“If you do not receive your payment on the expected date, please wait three additional mailing days before contacting Social Security”.

Those who received the extension should make sure they complete their return and submit it by the October 15 deadline. Taxpayers who already paid their estimated balance when they requested the extension should account for those payments when completing their return.

What taxpayers need to do before October 15

The IRS allows eligible taxpayers to file electronically, which can help speed up processing and refunds.

Taxpayers can also use their IRS Online Account to access certain tax information, including payment history and documents that may help them prepare their return.

An extension does not delay tax payments

The IRS emphasizes that an extension of time to file is not an extension of time to pay. Taxes owed were still due by April 15, even for taxpayers who received an extension to October 15.

Anyone who has an unpaid balance may continue to face interest and applicable penalties. The IRS recommends paying as much as possible to reduce additional charges.

What happens after the October 15 deadline

For most taxpayers with a valid extension, October 15 is the final deadline to file their federal return without a late-filing penalty. Certain taxpayers may qualify for additional time due to specific circumstances, including certain federally declared disasters or qualifying military service.

Taxpayers who are unsure whether they received an extension or still have an outstanding balance can check their information through their IRS Online Account or review the confirmation they received when requesting the extension.

The story dates back to 1939, when the object was reportedly found on a farm near Edmore, Michigan. According to the account passed down by the property’s owners, the original owner had seen the object fall and later recovered it from the ground. It eventually became part of the farm’s everyday surroundings and was put to a practical use.

The rock went virtually unnoticed for years. It changed hands along with the property and ended up serving as a barn-door stop, despite the unusual story attached to it.

How the rock attracted scientific attention

Interest in the object returned decades later. In 1988, David Mazurek bought a farm in Edmore and acquired the rock along with the property. The previous owner told him that the object had fallen there decades earlier.

Mazurek kept the rock for years and continued to use it as a doorstop. That changed in 2018, when reports about meteorites found in Michigan prompted him to wonder whether the unusual rock he had owned for decades could also have come from space.

He took it to Central Michigan University, where geologist Mona Sirbescu examined it. The initial tests showed that the object was far more unusual than an ordinary terrestrial rock.

The specimen was roughly triangular, measured about 17 by 20 by 23 centimeters and weighed 10.22 kilograms, or more than 22 pounds. Its surface also contained large indentations and areas covered by a light brown fusion crust, a feature associated with material that has passed through Earth’s atmosphere.

From a Michigan barn to a laboratory

To determine its exact identity, a slice of the specimen was sent to the Smithsonian Institution. Researchers examined its chemical composition and internal structure using microscopic and analytical techniques.

The sample contained kamacite, taenite and schreibersite, minerals commonly associated with iron meteorites. Scientists also identified a Widmanstätten pattern, a distinctive structure produced as iron-nickel alloys cool extremely slowly.

Chemical analyses placed the specimen in the IIIAB group of iron meteorites. Its classification was later entered into the official meteorite record, where Edmore has been an approved meteorite name since January 1, 2019.

The specimen was also notable for its size. At 10.22 kilograms, Edmore became one of the largest meteorites recorded in Michigan.

Unlike other federal assistance programs, TANF does not have a national payment schedule for October 2026 since the date on which the money is delivered, the amount, and the requirements to receive it depend on the state or tribal territory where the applicant lives.

Beneficiaries who meet the requirements can use the aid to cover expenses such as food, housing, electricity, child care, and job training. The money may be delivered by debit card, direct deposit, and, in some states, paper checks.

What is TANF?

TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, a program funded by the federal government and administered by the states, which provides assistance to families facing economic hardship.

The goal is to provide help to needy families and, depending on the state program, may also include services intended to support job readiness and job training.

Who can receive TANF?

Each state has the option of administering TANF differently and may even use a different name for its program. For this reason, there is no single national income requirement or monthly amount that all families can receive, since eligibility conditions depend on the state.

However, in general terms, states assess factors such as the household’s income and resources, family composition, and residence in the state where the application is filed.

There may also be conditions related to employment or participation in work activities, according to the rules of each state program.

How much money does TANF provide, and how is it received?

The amount of the assistance is not the same across the United States; each state administers its program and determines the conditions applicable to households that apply for aid.

USAGov explains that if a person qualifies, they can receive a monthly deposit that can be used for expenses such as food, housing, electricity, child care, and job training.

States may deliver benefits electronically through a debit card or via direct deposit, but some also allow payments to be received by paper checks. To check the balance, beneficiaries can review the information available on their card, use the app offered by their state, or contact the local TANF office.

How to apply for TANF in October 2026?

There is no single federal application for all TANF beneficiaries because each state administers its own program; interested people must contact the TANF office corresponding to the place where they live.

In this regard, USAGov has a search tool to locate the state or tribal TANF office and check the specific requirements for submitting the application. There, each person can learn the eligibility conditions, the necessary documentation, and the available ways to begin the process.

For those who already receive the benefit and have problems with a payment, the Government recommends contacting the local TANF office; this includes situations in which the money is late, incorrect, or has not been received.

The new directive limits vehicle chases and establishes that some maneuvers may only be carried out by officers who have specific training, with the aim of reducing risks during immigration procedures.

ICE’s role: What is its mission, and what is it not authorized to do?

The agency, part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is responsible for investigating federal crimes and enforcing immigration laws within the United States.

Within this agency, there is a special division of Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), which handles identifying, arresting, detaining, and removing people subject to federal immigration laws.

However, these powers have limits. Agents must act within the authority granted to them by the laws and the agency’s policies.

What is the new order for ICE?

ICE issued a new internal guide for ERO agents that prohibits vehicle chases and sets higher requirements for carrying out car stops.

The new directive states that ERO officers are not authorized to initiate high-speed vehicle chases.

This means that if a person flees, they must record data such as the license plate and the vehicle’s features in order to continue the investigation later.

To carry out certain vehicle stops, agents must meet conditions such as:

• Having received prior training.
• Having an operational camera.
• Using official vehicles equipped with visible lights and sirens.

In addition, some maneuvers are reserved exclusively for specially trained personnel. These include techniques to block a vehicle and prevent it from escaping, and the use of spike devices intended to deflate its tires.

Why was this new order given to ICE?

The decision comes after a series of incidents that occurred during ICE vehicle operations that even ended with drivers being injured. According to official reports, at least four people died, and others were injured.

One of the most recent cases is that of Wilber Rafael Garces Perez, which occurred on September 20 in Austin, Texas. According to federal prosecutors, the man hit an agent with the side mirror of his vehicle while trying to escape. He was then chased and shot.

The new guide seeks to prevent arrest attempts from turning into high-speed chases and to reduce the possibility of dangerous confrontations during vehicle checks.

What relationship does the new order have with ICE’s mass hiring?

This measure also appears in the context of questions about the rapid growth in the number of ICE agents. In January 2026, the agency reported that it had hired 12,000 new officers in less than a year, after receiving US$75 billion in funding approved by Congress to expand its immigration operations.

A complaint filed by a former agency official claims that, during this hiring campaign, some new employees began to be hired without having first completed basic background checks.

According to The Associated Press, Human Resources even made final job offers before preliminary checks such as fingerprinting, identity verification, and credit checks were completed.

The complainant argued that this situation represented an unprecedented reduction in hiring standards and could increase internal risks for the agency.

Unless they qualify for an exemption, the applicant must take an exam consisting of two parts. The first is on the English language and the second on civics.

What must be demonstrated in the USCIS exam?

Since it consists of two parts, the purpose of the exam is broad and aims to demonstrate both skills and knowledge.

The English exam seeks to demonstrate understanding of the language in areas such as reading, writing and speaking at least at a basic level.

The civics exam seeks to demonstrate knowledge about the history, government of the United States, and their rights and obligations as a citizen

How should you prepare for the USCIS exam?

USCIS makes study materials available to the public so that the applicant can prepare before having the interview to become a citizen.

It is necessary to clarify that the materials corresponding to the 2025 exam must be used, since the old 2008 version is no longer valid for new applications.

Who is exempt from the USCIS exam?

Not all exceptions mean being exempt from the entire exam. In certain cases, the applicant may avoid the English exam, but must still pass the civics portion.

IS establishes the following exceptions by age and time as a permanent resident:

• 50/20 exception: people 50 years old or older who have lived in the United States as permanent residents for at least 20 years. They do not have to take the English exam, but they must take the civics exam, which they may take in their language.
• 55/15 exception: people 55 years old or older who have been permanent residents for at least 15 years. They are also exempt from the English requirement, although they must pass civics in the language of their choice.
• Special 65/20 consideration: those who are 65 years old or older and have been permanent residents for at least 20 years can take civics in their language and receive special consideration, since they study a reduced selection of questions identified especially by USCIS.

A person with a physical, developmental, or mental disability that prevents them from meeting the English, civics, or both requirements may request a medical exemption through Form N-648, Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions.

What happens if you do not pass the USCIS exam to become naturalized?

Failing one part of the exam during the first interview does not mean that USCIS will reject your application.

If a person does not pass English, civics, or either one, USCIS schedules a second opportunity to take it between 60 and 90 days after the initial interview. At that time, they must take whatever was not passed the first time. If they fail again, USCIS may deny naturalization.

The drop will be abrupt, since as recently as Friday, October 2, the Interstate 95 corridor reached temperatures close to 29 °C. However, between Tuesday and Wednesday, a sharp cooling is expected, with lows capable of producing frost and even freezing in some inland areas.

Drastic drop in temperatures: What is expected for Tuesday and Wednesday?

A cold air mass from Canada will cause a sharp drop in temperatures in the Great Lakes region and the northeastern United States.

According to the AccuWeather report, it will be the coldest air recorded in months and will mark an important contrast compared with the temperatures recorded during the first days of October.

During the early hours of Tuesday, October 6, with clear skies and light winds, the first frosts or freezes of the season could occur in the coldest areas of the Great Lakes region.

By Wednesday, October 7, the risk will shift east and reach the Appalachians and the interior Northeast.

Which areas will be at risk of frost and for how long?

The risk of frost will begin during Tuesday morning in parts of the interior Great Lakes region and then shift east between Tuesday night and Wednesday morning.

The areas at highest risk are:

• Northern Pennsylvania, especially the mountainous areas.
• The Adirondacks are in northern New York State.
• The Green Mountains, in Vermont.
• Inland areas of Michigan and Ohio.
• Rural areas in the interior of New York.
• High-elevation areas of New Hampshire, Maine, and West Virginia.

The danger will be greater in rural areas, valleys, and higher-elevation sections, where temperatures can drop more sharply during the night.

What recommendations do meteorologists give to protect yourself during a frost?

The National Weather Service (NWS) recommends paying attention to the so-called “4 P’s”: People, Pets, Pipes and Plants.

Among the main recommendations are:

• Limit time outdoors during the coldest hours and wear several layers of clothing.
• Keep pets in warm, dry places whenever possible.
• Pay special attention to older adults and other people particularly vulnerable to the cold.
• Insulate exposed pipes to reduce the risk of freezing and bursting.
• Cover sensitive plants before the frost arrives.

The episode will last for two consecutive nights and will mark the arrival of temperatures more typical of autumn in much of the Northeast and the Great Lakes region.

In this regard, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has a database with the SNAP distribution schedules of the 50 states and Washington, D.C. The agency clarifies that, in most states, not all households receive the subsidy on the same day.

The program is federally funded, and households that meet the requirements receive the benefits monthly through an EBT card, which can be used to buy food authorized by SNAP.

What is SNAP and who can receive it?

SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and is the main federal food assistance program in the United States, where the states play a central role in its administration and distribution, although it is federally funded.

The eligibility conditions and amount that each American household receives are subject to factors such as income, household size, and applicable deductions, which may include dependent care, housing expenses, certain medical expenses, and, in some states, child support payments, according to the rules for the new fiscal year published by the USDA.

It is worth noting that the program benefits are not cash, but are provided through an electronic EBT card, which can be used like a credit or debit card to buy food in certain supermarkets.

When is SNAP paid in October 2026?

For California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania, the October distribution windows are:

• California: October 1 to 10.
• Texas: October 1 to 28.
• Florida: October 1 to 28.
• Pennsylvania: October 1 to 15.

These dates correspond to the state’s distribution period; it is not necessarily the exact day on which each SNAP beneficiary receives the amount on the electronic card, since the individual date may be set by the case number or another identifier used by the state administration.

SNAP in California: when deposits are made in October 2026

In California, where the SNAP program operates under the name CalFresh, the Department of Social Services states that the social assistance for households that already receive aid is distributed in stages during the first 10 calendar days of each month.

Therefore, the benefits corresponding to October 2026 are distributed between October 1 and 10, and the exact day depends on the last digit of the household case number; that is, those ending in 1 receive the benefit on day 1, those ending in 2 on day 2, and so on until those ending in 0, who receive it on day 10.

SNAP in Texas: When is the benefit deposited in October 2026

In Texas, SNAP benefits corresponding to October are distributed between the 1st and 28th of that month. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) states that households subject to the current schedule receive their benefits in stages according to the last two digits of the EDG number; for example, those ending between 00 and 03 receive the benefit on day 1, while those ending from 96 to 99 receive it on day 28.

Likewise, the HHSC notes that citizens who were already receiving SNAP before May 2023 may keep their previous issuance schedule.

SNAP in Florida: What is the payment schedule in October

Florida’s system uses certain digits of the case number to establish the benefit availability date; state documentation identifies the eighth and ninth digits of the case number as part of the staggered issuance mechanism.

For example, beneficiaries corresponding to the first group in the distribution table receive the benefit on October 1, while the last group is assigned October 28.

SNAP in Pennsylvania: payment in October 2026

In Pennsylvania, SNAP benefits are distributed from October 1 to 15, when the state’s Department of Human Services administers the program and distributes the benefits in stages.

As of October 1, 2026, new income limits and maximum SNAP amounts corresponding to the new benefit year took effect. Beneficiaries can check whether the payment has already been deposited through ConnectEBT, Pennsylvania’s official EBT card platform, although the state also allows benefit checks through myCOMPASS PA.

Where can SNAP payments be checked in California, Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania?

If the benefit does not appear on the date indicated in the schedule, citizens can go to their state’s official portal to check their EBT card balance:

• California: SNAP beneficiaries, called CalFresh in the state, can check their benefits through BenefitsCal, as well as contact the CalFresh line at 1-877-847-3663.
• Texas: beneficiaries can log in to Your Texas Benefits, the official portal that allows users to check benefit status, manage the case, report changes, and renew assistance. SNAP benefits are delivered through the Lone Star Card.
• Florida: The check is made through MyACCESS, the official portal of the Florida Department of Children and Families, where users can manage their SNAP benefits and check their case status. They can also call 850-300-4323.
• Pennsylvania: beneficiaries can check their benefits through myCOMPASS PA and review their EBT card balance and transactions through ConnectEBT.

The change is part of the current rules of Daylight Saving Time (DST), also known as daylight saving time. During this year, and following the NIST’s official publications, this period began last March 8 at 2:00 a.m.

When does the time change in the United States in 2026?

The time change in the United States will be on November 1. At 2:00 a.m., the time will go back to 1:00 a.m.

The regulations establish that daylight saving time begins each year on the second Sunday in March (“spring forward”) and ends on the first Sunday in November. When the end of DST arrives, the clocks are set back one hour and the day gains an extra hour.

The recommendation is to set the clocks back one hour before going to sleep on Saturday, October 31.

The change is known as “fall back” and, regarding it, NIST notes that the shift to standard time effectively moves one hour of daylight from the end of the afternoon to the morning.

How do you adjust the clocks?

In most cases, cell phones, computers, and other connected devices should update the time automatically, as long as the time zone is correctly configured and the operating system updates are up to date.

NIST clarifies that its time services transmit Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). Then, what relates to the local time zone and daylight saving time is handled by the device’s operating system.

It should be noted that the Internet Time Service mainly uses the Network Time Protocol (NTP), which does not include daylight saving time information on its own, meaning it depends on the operating system.

The official recommendation is to keep the software updated and, in the event of any error, check the date, time, and time zone settings.

What happens with radio-controlled clocks?

Radio-controlled clocks that receive the NIST time signal should make the change automatically. The WWVB signal that each device receives contains information that detects whether one schedule or the other is in effect.

If the clock does not change correctly, the agency advises checking whether it recently received the time signal, as well as reviewing whether the configured time zone is correct.

In which U.S. states does the time not change?

Although most of the United States will undergo a time change, it is worth noting that there are some exceptions.

According to NIST, daylight saving time does not apply in:

• Hawaii
• American Samoa
• Guam
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Arizona (the Navajo Indian Reservation does apply)

Is the end of daylight saving time coming to the United States?

Not yet. The time change once again became a topic of debate in Washington after the House of Representatives approved the Sunshine Protection Act last July, a bill aimed at keeping daylight saving time all 365 days of the year and eliminating the semiannual time changes.

However, since the proposal still requires Senate backing, there is not yet any current change to the rules.

Knowing how to handle this product safely is essential, given that in the United States chicken is the most chosen type of meat, according to data shared by the Economic Research Service.

Raw chicken: why it is important to prevent risks

Specialists explain that raw chicken can contain pathogens such as Campylobacter, Salmonella or Clostridium perfrings.

In that context, CDC details in an article published in April 2024 that chicken is one of the main sources of illness and that year after year approximately one million people become ill in the United States from consuming contaminated poultry.

Salmonella is one of the main health concerns in this context, with 1 in every 25 packages of chicken contaminated with this bacterium at the time of publication.

For this reason, cooking the chicken is not the only important thing: illnesses can be transmitted through the surfaces that raw chicken or its juices have come into contact with.

Washing chicken is not recommended: what are the risks of doing it anyway

“Raw chicken is ready to cook, so there is no need to wash it before. According to a USDA study, 1 in 7 people who cleaned the sink after washing chicken still had germs on the surface,” explains the federal agency.

The United States Department of Agriculture also discourages this practice and says it is one of the ways pathogens spread, commonly known as “cross-contamination”.

Although washing chicken goes against expert guidance, CDC explains that those who still want to wash it should do so by running water gently over the meat to reduce any chance of splashing, clean the sink as soon as possible with hot soapy water and then disinfect any item used. Finally, handwashing for at least 20 seconds is essential.

To minimize risks, the University of Connecticut also advises that raw poultry be prepared with utensils different from those used to handle other types of food.

“You may want to reserve a cutting board and label it for use only with raw meat, poultry or fish. Do not let poultry remain at room temperature for more than two hours during preparation,” the institution says.

At what temperature should chicken be cooked for its consumption to be safe?

CDC’s advice is to always use a thermometer to ensure that the chicken is being cooked to a temperature no lower than 74 °C.

The legislation provides for cuts of more than US$900 billion in Medicaid through 2034, a program jointly funded by the federal and state governments that provides health coverage mainly to low-income people and certain groups with disabilities.

Who do they want to leave without Medicaid coverage?

Starting this October 1, 2026, the law restricts access to Medicaid and CHIP for several groups of immigrants who are legally in the United States.

Those who may lose coverage include refugees or asylees who have not yet obtained a Green Card, victims of human trafficking, and some immigrants who collaborated with the U.S. Armed Forces in Afghanistan.

Who has the possibility of accessing coverage?

People who meet the program requirements and are:

• Permanent residents with a Green Card.
• Immigrants of Cuban or Haitian origin.
• People from countries included in the Compacts of Free Association (COFA).
• Children and pregnant women who legally reside in the country, in states that allow it.

What does the One Big Beautiful Bill Act say?

The One Big Beautiful Bill was enacted on July 4, 2025 and introduced a series of changes to Medicaid, intended to reduce the program’s federal spending by more than US$900 billion through 2034.

These are immigration restrictions and, starting in 2027, changes to work requirements for certain adults. As for immigration matters, as of October 1, 2026, eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP is limited and other groups beyond those previously named are excluded from federal funding.

States can still use their own funds to maintain medical assistance for those who lose federal eligibility. California, New York, and other states already have state programs or measures aimed at partially covering that gap.

How many legal immigrants could be left without health insurance?

According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), it is estimated that the new restrictions would initially affect at least 100,000 additional people.

On the other hand, the data collected by the states show that the impact is potentially greater. Nine states and the District of Columbia identified more than 281,000 immigrants who could lose Medicaid by October 2026.

Which states are most affected by this measure?

Among the states that have already reported concrete estimates, Florida has the largest number of affected people with about 177,000 immigrants who could cease to qualify for Medicaid.

They are followed by:

• California: around 148,000, although the state allocated US$365 million to maintain alternative coverage through July 2027.
• North Carolina: approximately 29,000.
• Arizona: about 28,000.
• New Jersey: between 15,000 and 25,000.
• Washington: around 11,000.

New York and Pennsylvania also have coverage funded with state funds for some of the immigrants affected by the federal change.

In addition, those who receive this benefit can already check the scheduled dates for the coming months and the current maximum amounts, while anticipation grows for the next Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) that will affect 2027 benefits.

Why will SSI recipients receive two payments in October?

The first payment is scheduled for Thursday, October 1 and corresponds to the installment for the current month, while the second will arrive on Friday, October 30. This other payment corresponds to the November benefit.

This is because SSA sends SSI payments on the first calendar day of each month, and if that date falls on a non-business day, the law requires the deposit to be made on the last preceding business day.

As a result, there are months in which two installments are paid because the payment for the following month is advanced. Therefore, there are no SSI payments scheduled during November.

When are the payments scheduled for the rest of 2026?

According to the official SSA calendar, the remaining dates for SSI-only beneficiaries are as follows: Social Security Administration

• October 1, 2026: payment corresponding to October.
• October 30, 2026: payment corresponding to November, advanced because November 1 falls on a Sunday.
• December 1, 2026: payment corresponding to December.
• December 31, 2026: payment corresponding to January 2027, advanced because January 1 is a federal holiday.

How much is the SSI amount and how much is it expected to increase due to COLA?

During 2026, the maximum federal monthly SSI amount is US$994 for an eligible individual and US$1,491. For a so-called “essential person,” the maximum is US$498. These amounts include the 2.8% COLA that took effect in January 2026.

The adjustment for 2027 has not yet been confirmed, as the official figure is expected to be released on October 14, 2026. However, several estimates place the increase between 3.5% and 3.6%.

A team of physicists, led by Philip Walther of the University of Vienna, created a quantum photonic processor that uses individual particles of light to perform complex operations through compact optical hardware.

What is quantum computing and what is its goal?

Quantum computing is an area of computer science that uses principles of quantum mechanics to process information and solve certain problems that are too complex for traditional computers.

Its main goal is to address certain complex calculations in a much more efficient way than classical computing, particularly those related to:

• The simulation of physical systems.
• The analysis of large spaces of possibilities.
• The identification of patterns.

Among its possible applications are chemistry and drug development, materials science, biology, and finance.

A quantum computer in space: How does it work and what was it used for?

According to the published research, the milestone consists of having successfully operated a programmable photonic quantum processor in space for the first time, installed aboard a nanosatellite in low Earth orbit.

The device was launched on June 23, 2025, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and was tested during its first months in orbit. It differs from other quantum machines by using photons to process information.

The experiment managed to generate, manipulate, and detect quantum light directly in orbit and observed a phenomenon known as two-photon interference, which showed that quantum states can be used as a processing resource even under the extreme conditions of space.

A breakthrough for quantum computing: Why is this advance important and what problem could it solve?

One of the current problems with satellites is the amount of information they generate. Normally, raw data must be sent to ground stations to be analyzed, but transmission capacity is limited and can create bottlenecks due to available bandwidth.

The possibility of incorporating quantum processing inside satellites aims to change this logic. Instead of transmitting all the information, the device could analyze it beforehand, select the relevant data, or perform certain calculations before sending them to Earth.

The challenges posed by quantum computing: What do the experts say?

The experiment also highlighted the obstacles this technology faces. Quantum systems are very sensitive to the external conditions to which they are exposed, and space is a particularly hostile environment.

According to the study, after launch three of the six photon detectors that had originally been installed stopped working. Despite this setback, the planned tests were completed.

To these technical challenges is added the global cybersecurity problem. Quantum computers that reach a sufficient level of development could compromise some algorithms that currently protect web pages, banking operations, passwords, and digital communications.

For this reason, post-quantum cryptography is being developed, which seeks to design algorithms capable of resisting possible attacks carried out using quantum computers.

Each camp is certain it is right. To try to bring the discussion to a close, two specialists presented their arguments.

History favours “over”

Ashley Iredale, a team leader at consumer group CHOICE, whose team tests whitegoods, laundry products and toilet paper, is unequivocal. In his view, the world is split between people who hang it over the top and people who are wrong.

His case is historical. The original 19th-century patent for perforated toilet paper shows the roll with the sheet passing over the top. Its inventor, Seth Wheeler, illustrated it that way in 1891.

What does science say?

The scientific argument comes from Dr Christian Moro, an associate professor of health sciences and medicine at Bond University on Australia’s Gold Coast. He says the key to a hygienic bathroom is minimising contact between people and surfaces.

With the roll hanging over, the paper sits away from the wall. Depending on the holder, this often makes it less likely that someone will brush the wall behind while reaching for a sheet, leaving germs that the next user could pick up.

Moro notes that germs can spread by touching the roll, through the air, and via surfaces around the bathroom. He lists streptococcus, staphylococcus, E. coli and the viruses behind the common cold. He also recommends lowering the lid before flushing and washing and drying your hands thoroughly.

In March 2023, through his personal website Gates Notes, the tycoon made an announcement to the world that did not go unnoticed: “The age of artificial intelligence has begun”. More than three years after that moment, it is not hard to agree that he was right. Today these models are used to work, to be entertained, and there are even those who establish deep emotional bonds with chatbots, available to anyone who can provide a registration email.

From the beginning of the rise of this technology, Gates was one of its greatest defenders, assuring that applied to fields such as health and education it could reduce gaps and maximize workers’ productivity. Although its good uses are still considered, today the tycoon no longer predicts only positive effects: “AI will be either the greatest equalizer ever invented, or the worst source of injustice. The challenge is enormous. Even in the best circumstances, the transition to this new era of AI will be one of the most turbulent moments in human history,” he states in a recent post on the same blog.

The “new era” of AI: growth we are not preparing for, according to Bill Gates

The philanthropist does not lose his optimism. He still maintains that the arrival of AI can be “a force for good” if the necessary measures are taken.

However, he does not believe that is what is happening globally at the moment. “I see no evidence that leaders, experts and communities are properly facing the challenges. There are no plans to ease the entry into the age of AI”.

The negative side, the one that is not used for immediate tasks and that in the wrong hands has shown its potential to wreak havoc, is the point that alarms him most. In a recent interview with NBC news, Gates said that “AI is, without a doubt, powerful enough to trigger events that cause a billion deaths”.

Gates’s statements are framed in a context with major security scandals related to AI -which a article in the Financial Times nicely compiles- such as Open AI hacking the website of a public health service in Australia or the Anthropic model, Claude, being attempted to be used by Yemeni militiamen for the control of ballistic missiles.

In addition, on September 8 Jacob Coxon, an artificial intelligence researcher who worked with Anthropic and OpenAI, announced on X that he resigned from his position at the first company because he considered that “neither company acts responsibly”.

In statements to the BBC the researcher’s remarks were even more alarming: “I think that, if we do not slow the current pace of progress, there is a great probability that we will all die in the immediate future”.

Bill Gates says AI has to go against the grain

“As long as I can remember, I have wanted innovation to happen faster. With AI, my feelings are more complicated,” he says and emphasizes that time is needed to prepare for the repercussions it can have socially, politically and economically.

Gates does not always speak about the severity of AI in extreme cases, but explains that its effects can be seen, for example, in job shortages, in the power it can grant certain people or other AIs to cause harm, and in the development of human relationships, if the right policies are not taken.

In fact, he says he would support whoever had a global plan to slow its advance and emphasizes the need to create a national and international framework to deal with AI.

“This unprecedented technology demands an unprecedented global response. If we do it right, the reward for humanity will be phenomenal and the world will be a more equitable place,” he assures.

This update takes effect with the start of fiscal year 2027 and modifies several priority and final action dates. Additionally, it reopens two categories that had temporarily run out of available visas.

How does the Visa Bulletin affect the Permanent Residence Application?

The Department of State publishes the Visa Bulletin monthly, which serves to determine when an immigrant visa applicant based on family ties or employment can advance in the process of obtaining permanent residence in the United States.

To organize this process, the Visa Bulletin uses two charts.

One corresponds to the dates for filing applications and, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), establishes when the applicant may begin submitting the necessary documentation to the National Visa Center (NVC).

The other, corresponding to the final action dates, determines when a visa number is available and, therefore, when the Government can make a final decision on the case.

USCIS reports month by month which of the two charts may be used to determine whether the corresponding application may be filed in the case of those applying for adjustment of status.

Two categories reopen: Which are they and how do they apply?

Among the most relevant changes is the reopening of the EB-2 and EB-5 categories, particularly for applicants born in India within these two employment-based immigration categories.

• The EB-2 is intended for professionals with advanced degrees and individuals with exceptional ability.
• The unreserved EB-5 is intended for certain immigrant investors.

How is the new fiscal year related to the Visa Bulletin?

October 1 marks the start of the U.S. fiscal year 2027, which means the availability of a new annual allocation of immigrant visa numbers.

The Department of State confirmed that, cwith the renewal of visa quotas, filing and final action dates also advance in different family and employment categories.

The system establishes an annual minimum of 226,000 family preference visas and at least 140,000 employment-based visas.

Additionally, there is also a per-country limit equivalent to 7% of the combined total of these categories.

Other changes announced in the October 2026 Visa Bulletin

The bulletin also updated the status of different family and employment categories:

• F2A, corresponding to spouses and minor children of permanent residents, appears as available in the filing chart for all countries.
• In the final action chart it maintains cutoff dates: for most countries, including Argentina, the date is September 22, 2026, while for Mexico it is March 22, 2026.
• EB-4 for certain religious workers received an extension of the deadline until December 11, 2026.

The explanation is simple, and so is its limit: this is not a bonus, but an advance made by the Social Security Administration (SSA). The agency’s official 2026 calendar also lays out the rules that determine each payment date.

Who will receive two payments

The double deposit applies to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. It covers everyone who receives SSI, regardless of whether they also collect other Social Security benefits, such as retirement, disability or survivors benefits. SSI is a federal program that provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources and, unlike regular Social Security, is based on need rather than work history.

The reason is a calendar rule. The SSA moves a payment earlier when its usual date falls on a weekend or a federal holiday. Because November 1, 2026, is a Sunday, the November SSI payment is deposited on Friday, October 30. December works the same way: the second deposit, on Thursday, December 31, is the payment for January 2027.

SSI payment dates

• October: Thursday, October 1 (October payment) and Friday, October 30 (advance November payment).
• December: Tuesday, December 1 (December payment) and Thursday, December 31 (advance January 2027 payment).

For all other beneficiaries, the SSA’s official calendar applies: payment arrives on the second, third or fourth Wednesday of the month depending on the beneficiary’s birth date (the 1st to 10th, the 11th to 20th and the 21st to 31st, respectively).

In October, those dates are Wednesdays, October 14, 21 and 28. Applying the same rule, the December dates are Wednesdays, December 9, 16 and 23.

There is one exception. People who have received Social Security since before May 1997, and those who receive both SSI and Social Security, are paid on the 3rd of each month, with SSI paid on the 1st. In October, because the 3rd falls on a Saturday, the payment moves up to Friday, October 2. For some people this can mean three deposits in the month: SSI on October 1, Social Security on October 2 and the advance SSI payment on October 30.

How payments are made

The SSA maintains its policy of issuing payments entirely electronically, so it is worth keeping the details of the account where deposits are received up to date.

Nothing is final yet. The Social Security Administration (SSA) is expected to announce the official figure on October 14, 2026, after the September inflation data are released. The calculation uses the average CPI-W for July, August and September, and September is the only month still missing.

2027 Social Security COLA estimates

The data already published points upward. The CPI-W rose 3.5% over the 12 months ending in August, compared with 3.4% in July. Separately, gasoline prices were 27.4% higher than a year earlier in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Forecasters don’t fully agree. AARP estimates 3.6%, while The Senior Citizens League (TSCL) estimates 3.5%. Other analysts have offered lower projections. A 3.5% COLA would increase the average Social Security retirement benefit by roughly $72 a month, based on the SSA’s January 2026 average of $2,071.

Higher benefits won’t necessarily translate into the same increase in retirees’ disposable income. The CPI-W tracks the spending patterns of urban wage earners and clerical workers, rather than retirees specifically. In addition, Medicare Part B premiums are projected to rise to $209.50 a month in 2027, from $202.90 in 2026.

The National Eye Institute (NEI) of the United States explains that more than 150 million Americans have a refractive error and many of them do not know it.

Now, a new technique that was discovered completely by mistake could eventually replace this laser surgery, and the details were presented at the fall meeting of the American Chemical Society.

What LASIK surgery is and what it consists of

The NEI explains that LASIK surgery is the most common type for correcting refractive errors.

During the procedure, a laser is used to shape the cornea and make vision clearer. It is usually used for adults with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism, not for presbyopia.

“For LASIK to work properly, your vision must remain stable (that is, the prescription for your glasses or contact lenses stays the same over time),” it is explained. This is why many young people must “wait” to have surgery.

The new method that experts discovered by accident and could help correct vision

The technique is called electromechanical reshaping (EMR) and was presented as a gentler approach to shaping the cornea compared with LASIK surgery, whose procedure reduces corneal strength and carries the risks of a surgical procedure.

This new method was discovered accidentally by Brian Wong, a surgeon-engineer at the University of California, Irvine, who, while working on techniques to shape cartilage tissue, noticed that cartilage could change shape when electricity was applied to it.

The scientist teamed up with Michael Hill, a chemist at Occidental College, and they delved deeper into the effects this technique could have on different tissues.

What the new technique scientists are working on is like

The process, in simplified form, can be explained as follows

1. Small electrical pulses are applied to the cornea, generating a chemical reaction
2. The electricity temporarily alters its pH
3. This change affects collagen and makes the cornea much more moldable, temporarily
4. At that point, a mold, similar to a contact lens, is placed with the curvature that is desired
5. To finish, the pulses are stopped and the cornea’s pH returns to normal, so the tissue adopts the new shape

On January 12, 2023, the scientists published a paper in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering in which rabbit eyes were used to show that the cornea could be shaped without loss of optical transparency.

Hill says this was published to ask whether the method was really possible and, after more than two years of work, he says that the parameters were reviewed and that the technique can be carried out.

Wong, for his part, says this method may be cheaper than surgery because it does not depend on laser machinery. However, experts say there is still a long way to go before their finding can be implemented to correct the vision of human beings.

According to the US Navy’s news release, the exercise brought together units from US Task Forces 65, 67, 68, 69 and 1060, alongside the UK Royal Navy and the US Air Force. The aim was to hone tactics, targeting and live-fire skills against a surface target at sea.

The guided-missile destroyer USS Paul Ignatius (DDG-117) demonstrated the maximum range and damage of an anti-surface variant of the SM-6 missile. The final blow came from the submarine USS Massachusetts (SSN-798), whose Mk 48 ADCAP torpedo delivered the hit that sank the former frigate.

A British first and a message to potential adversaries

The exercise also let the Royal Navy confirm its newest anti-ship missiles, the Naval Strike Missile (NSM) and Sea Venom. The NSM was fired from the frigate HMS Portland (F-79), and Lt. Cmdr. Louise Kirkaldy, the ship’s principal warfare officer, called the launch a milestone for Britain’s maritime strike capability. Also taking part were P-8 maritime patrol aircraft from both countries, a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter, US Air Force F-15E Strike Eagles and personnel from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 8 (EODMU 8).

Capt. Kelechi Ndukwe, commander of Task Force 65, said the exercise validated the power of both countries’ offensive weapons and sends a message to potential adversaries: the two navies remain a ready allied force.

Before the exercise, Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock and Naval Information Warfare Center Pacific placed sensors on the ship to assess damage. The data will help identify system failures, determine repair needs and improve the Navy’s response in real-world situations.

USS Klakring: a frigate with a history and environmental safeguards

USS Klakring belonged to the Oliver Hazard Perry class. She was laid down in February 1982 at Bath Iron Works in Maine, launched that September and commissioned in August 1983. She was named for Rear Adm. Thomas B. Klakring (1904-1975), who earned three Navy Crosses commanding the submarine USS Guardfish in World War II. The ship was decommissioned in March 2013.

Hulks used in these exercises are prepared under US Environmental Protection Agency rules and thoroughly cleaned before being towed out. During Atlantic Thunder 2026, trained personnel also monitored above and below the surface to reduce risk to the marine environment and marine mammals.

The document is issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and serves as an alternative for those who need to prove their identity in elections.

What is the Election Identification Certificate?

The EIC is a photo document issued by the DPS that can be used as identification to vote in person in the state. It is intended for voters who do not have any other photo identification accepted by Texas for voting.

It is valid for six years, and in the case of certificates for people over 70, it has no expiration date.

What are the requirements?

To apply for this document, the following requirements must be met:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Be a resident of the county in which registration is requested.
• Be 18 years old or older by Election Day.
• Not be serving a sentence for a felony.
• Not have been declared wholly or partially mentally incompetent to vote by a competent court.

What other documents can be used to vote?

In addition to the Election Identification Certificate, Texas also accepts six other forms of photo identification:

• Texas driver’s license.
• Texas personal identification card.
• Texas license to carry a firearm.
• U.S. military photo identification.
• U.S. citizenship certificate with photo.
• U.S. passport, both in booklet and card format.

For voters between 18 and 69 years old, any of these identifications may be expired for four years, and in the case of those 70 years old or older there is no set amount of time.

If a person does not have one of these identifications and cannot obtain it, they may complete a Reasonable Impediment Declaration at the polling place and present a supporting document, such as:

• Voter registration certificate.
• Recent utility bill.
• Bank statement.
• Government check.
• Paycheck.
• Certain official documents with name and address.
• Certified birth certificate or another document accepted as proof of birth.

How long is there to register as a voter?

The next general elections will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. However, the deadline to register in Texas is next Monday, October 5.

As a general rule, the application must be submitted at least 30 days before the election. Early voting for this election is scheduled between October 19 and 30.

According to the specification, there are circumstances in a beneficiary’s living conditions that can directly affect their eligibility for the benefit and the amount they are receiving.

“By reporting these changes to Social Security as soon as they occur, you help ensure that your payment remains correct and avoid overpayments, underpayments, or penalties,” the statement says.

The list of “life changes” that SSI recipients must report

Any applicant or recipient of SSI must report:

Changes in income

• Wages
• Pensions
• Unemployment benefits

Changes in resources

• Changes related to bank accounts, vehicles, or property

Changes in employment status

• Starting, leaving, or changing jobs

Changes of address

• Moving must be reported so that communications can be maintained

Changes in living arrangements

• Entering a nursing home/correctional institution
• Leaving a nursing home/correctional institution
• Someone moving into or out of the household

Status changes

• Any change in immigration status
• Changes with citizenship

Changes in marital status

• Marriage
• Divorce
• Separation

Other changes

• In eligibility for other benefits or payments
• Entering or leaving another institution
• Changes in school attendance, if under 22 years old
• Trips outside the United States during a full calendar month or 30 consecutive days or more
• Having a pending felony conviction or an arrest warrant for evading justice

Although there are different ways to report these events, one of the simplest when it comes to wages is to use the personal my Social Security account. For changes that are not related to wages, the instruction is to contact the local SSA office or call -800-772-1213.

Important information for people with disabilities who receive SSI

In these cases, the instruction is to report:

• Any improvement in medical condition
• Changes related to work and wages
• Changes in Ticket to Work status
• Changes in expenses under the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

When any of the changes on the list must be reported

The official instruction is to report any of these changes before the tenth day of the month following the month in which they occur. For example, those who move in October must report it before November 10.

When what must be reported is a change in wages, the advice is to report it before the sixth day of the month of payment to avoid overpayments.

Penalties for failing to declare changes on time

The federal agency details that failing to report changes on time has consequences such as:

• Reduced payments and a delay in crediting the correct amount
• Overpayments that must be returned
• Penalties, where the SSI payment is reduced by between 25 and 100 dollars each time a change is not reported or is not reported on time.

Those who intentionally make false statements may face sanctions that involve withholding of payments and, in some cases, criminal penalties.

What do you need to make pumpkin bread?

• ½ cup vegetable oil, plus extra for the pan.
• 2¼ cups all-purpose flour.
• 1 teaspoon baking powder.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• ¾ teaspoon salt.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda.
• 1 can (15 ounces) pumpkin purée.
• 1 cup granulated sugar.
• ¾ cup packed brown sugar.
• 2 large eggs.
• ¼ cup full-fat sour cream or plain yogurt.
• 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract.

How to make the perfect pumpkin bread

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8½- or 9-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides to make the bread easier to remove later.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
3. In a separate, larger bowl, mix the vegetable oil with the pumpkin purée and both types of sugar. Add the eggs, sour cream or yogurt, and vanilla, then stir until the mixture is smooth.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the pumpkin mixture. Stir just until everything comes together, without overmixing the batter.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly across the top.
6. Bake for about 60 to 75 minutes. The bread is ready when it has risen, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
7. Let the loaf rest in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then use the parchment paper to carefully lift it onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.

If you would like to enjoy one of these events, here are the dates and the precise times to watch them.

Saturn at opposition

• When to see it: Saturn will be in opposition around 8 a.m. ET on October 4, bringing the planet especially close to Earth. The days leading up to the event will also offer good viewing opportunities.
• Where to look: Around 11 p.m., Saturn will appear in the south-southeastern sky. It will continue rising over the following hours, improving visibility.
• What you need: A small backyard telescope or powerful binoculars can help you see Saturn’s rings, which are made primarily of ice and rock.
• About the rings: Saturn’s rings span roughly 170,000 miles and are highly reflective because of their icy composition.

Moon-planet conjunction

• When to see it: The crescent moon and Mars will meet in the predawn sky.
• When to see it: The crescent moon and Mars will appear close together in the predawn sky on October 5.
• Where to look: Look toward the eastern horizon before sunrise. Jupiter will also be visible later in the morning, positioned diagonally below the moon and Mars.
• What else to see: The Beehive Cluster will appear just below the moon. It contains around 1,000 stars and is about 600 light-years from Earth.
• How to see it: Under dark skies, the cluster may appear as a faint smudge to the naked eye. Binoculars or a small telescope can provide a clearer view.

Draconid meteor shower event

• When to see it: The Draconids will reach their peak overnight from October 8 to 9, with the best viewing conditions about one to two hours after sunset.
• What to expect: The shower can produce around 10 meteors per hour under dark skies away from light pollution.
• Why this year may be easier to watch: The peak will coincide with a thin, waning crescent moon, meaning less moonlight should make fainter meteors easier to spot.
• What else to see: Saturn will also be visible in the southern sky that night.

October’s full moon

• When to see it: The Hunter’s Moon will reach its peak just after midnight on October 26. For the best view, look for it around moonrise or moonset.
• Where to look: The full moon will rise above the eastern horizon around sunset and set in the west around sunrise.
• What to expect: The moon can appear larger than usual near the horizon and may take on an orange hue.
• Why it’s called the Hunter’s Moon: The name is linked to seasonal preparations for winter food.

Data from 8,957 adolescents from 21 centers in the United States who participated in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study were analyzed. One of the findings showed that 12-year-old adolescents who owned a smartphone had a 61% higher prevalence of binge-eating symptoms. In addition, they were more than twice as likely to link their self-esteem to body weight.

What happens during adolescence and how does smartphone use affect it?

According to the American Psychological Association (APA), during adolescence the individual goes through numerous physical, hormonal, and social changes, and enters a more complex stage of transformation, in which they may feel confused by bodily changes and experience changes in their relationship with their surroundings, particularly with their family.

The emotional and social changes typical of this stage can increase vulnerability to certain risk situations, including EDs, addictions, or self-harming behaviors.

It is also a period in which the person begins to build their identity and recognize their likes and preferences, a process necessary for the transition to adulthood. However, the constant physical changes can also generate difficulties related to accepting one’s own image.

How is it related to Eating Disorders?

According to the research, due to the vulnerability characteristic of this stage, early access to smartphones and, particularly, to social media may be related to changes in the adolescent’s self-perception and may favor self-esteem being linked to body weight and physical appearance.

Constant comparison with other people’s images, which are often edited, distorted, or adapted to the digital environment, can affect the perception of one’s own image and be related to risk behaviors such as binge eating, compensatory behaviors to avoid weight gain, and excessive concern about body shape.

According to the study, in the United States alone, EDs are estimated to affect between 3.4% and 3.8% of adolescent girls and between 1.2% and 1.5% of adolescent boys.

Additionally, there are digital communities that share content that validates and promotes this type of perceptions and harmful eating behaviors, such as content known as “pro-ana,” “pro-mia,” “thinspo” or “fitspiration.”

In the group studied, it was observed that adolescents who had smartphones at age 12 showed, two years later:

• A 67% higher risk of developing binge-eating symptoms.
• A 50% higher risk of developing inappropriate compensatory behaviors.
• Approximately twice the risk of linking their self-esteem to body weight.

What behaviors did the researchers detect?

The researchers mainly detected four types of symptoms or behaviors related to EDs:

• Binge eating: episodes characterized by excessive food consumption.
• Inappropriate compensatory behaviors: aimed at avoiding weight gain.
• Concern about gaining weight.
• Linking self-esteem to body weight.

Among the adolescents studied who had a smartphone at age 12, 9.2% had binge-eating symptoms, 8.2% compensatory behaviors, 2% concern about gaining weight, and 2.6% linked their self-esteem to body weight. In other words, 16.1% had at least one of these four symptoms.

At age 14, 24.2% of those who had a smartphone at age 12 reported at least one symptom related to an ED.

What other conditions can be associated with early smartphone use?

According to the research and previous studies cited by its authors, early access to or problematic use of smartphones and other electronic devices has been associated with different health problems, including:

• Depressive symptoms.
• Sleep disturbances.
• Suicidal behaviors.
• Compulsive use of electronic devices.

In all these cases it is important to clarify that these are mainly associations observed in different studies and not a direct cause-and-effect relationship. Other factors, such as family or social problems, bullying situations, and mental health history, can also significantly influence these behaviors, without ruling out the possible role of the digital environment.

What Eating Disorders exist?

EDs are characterized by presenting persistent disturbances in eating and by an obsessive concern with weight, body image, and food.

Among the best known are:

• Anorexia nervosa: significant restriction of food intake, fear of gaining weight, and distortions of one’s own body.
• Bulimia nervosa: presents recurrent episodes of binge eating along with compensatory behaviors to avoid weight gain such as self-induced vomiting, fasting, or excessive exercise.
• Binge-eating disorder: recurrent episodes in which large quantities of food are consumed and there is a feeling of loss of control.
• Avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder: limiting the amount or variety of food due to fear of certain consequences not necessarily linked to weight or body image.
• Pica: persistent consumption of non-nutritive substances such as dirt, paper, or similar materials.
• Rumination disorder: occurs when a person repeatedly regurgitates food after eating, possibly chewing it again, swallowing it, or spitting it out.

There are also people who experience significant symptoms but do not meet the criteria for a diagnosis.

Under Trump’s Administration, more than three million people have lost SNAP assistance over the past year because of the signature tax and spending law. Nearly 1 million of these are children.

Every year in October, the government adjusts its monthly SNAP benefits to account for inflation, and these changes apply to all states.

“The Thrifty Food Plan (TFP) calculates the cost of a market basket for a family of four. TFP is an estimate by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of how much it costs to provide nutritious, low-cost meals for a household. Maximum allotments are calculated from this cost every June. The calculation takes economies of scale into account. Smaller households get slightly more per person than the four-person household. Households larger than four people get slightly less per person,” according to the Food and Nutrition Administration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture website.

What are the major SNAP changes from October 2026 to 2027?

Starting October 1, 2026, SNAP benefits and income eligibility limits were adjusted for the new federal fiscal year. The changes include higher maximum monthly benefits, higher income limits, and an increase in the minimum benefit and certain deductions.

• Higher maximum benefits: In the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the maximum monthly benefit rises from $298 to $306 for one person and from $994 to $1,023 for a household of four.
• Higher income limits: The gross monthly income limit increases from $1,696 to $1,729 for a one-person household and from $3,483 to $3,575 for a household of four.
• Higher minimum benefit: The minimum monthly SNAP allotment for households of one or two people in the 48 states and D.C. increases from $24 to $25.
• Higher standard deductions: The standard deduction for a household of one to three people increases from $209 to $217 in the 48 states and D.C.
• Higher shelter deduction: The maximum excess shelter deduction increases from $744 to $789 in the 48 states and D.C.
• Different amounts apply in some areas: Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have separate SNAP maximum allotments and income limits.

Who qualifies for SNAP under the new limits?

At the same time, because of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, some eligibility requirements will change. The major changes impact work requirements for most recipients through age 64 and also remove some benefits for noncitizens who don’t have a green card.

One of the main changes affects how SNAP is funded. States will now cover 75% of administrative costs, compared with the previous 50-50 split with the federal government, and could also be required to help pay for benefits based on their error rates.

Starting in October 2027, states with an error rate above 6% could have up to 15% of their total SNAP benefit costs shifted to them. The rate is based on both overpayments and underpayments.

The 3.5-metre animal was first spotted on September 18 in a narrow waterway at North Port. As days passed without it finding its way to the ocean, authorities stepped in.

Two failed rescue attempts

On Tuesday, September 29, authorities tried to steer it toward the sea using vessels fitted with water jets, but the shark swam away from them and stayed in the canal. he Coast Guard and other agencies sprayed water behind the animal to nudge it gently toward open water, to no avail.

The second try came on Friday, October 2. This time authorities used a net 50 metres long and 6.8 metres high to keep the shark from turning back toward the canal, but it stayed put. The animal is now heading into its third week in the waterway.

A celebrity with a name

Meanwhile, the shark has become a star. Media dubbed it “Bukangi,” a nickname blending “Buk Hang,” the Korean name for North Port, with the Korean suffix “-i.” Experts say it could be a bronze whaler, a species typically found in warm temperate waters that has been seen off South Korea’s coasts.

The craze shows in the crowd numbers. During the four-day Chuseok holiday, about 480,000 people visited the waterfront park where it is stranded, compared with a usual weekend average of around 2,000 a day. And on Tuesday Busan named it an honorary public relations ambassador, after an Instagram poll drew 91% approval from about 8,000 participants.

Between affection and concern

Hundreds gathered along the canal to watch the second rescue. Some visitors said they would be sad to see it go, while others said it should be returned to its natural habitat as soon as possible.

Bukangi’s visit has also drawn attention to changes in the waters around South Korea. An analysis by the National Institute of Fisheries Science counted 46 sightings of large sharks along the east coast in the first half of this year, versus 12 in the same period last year.

During the days included in the official schedule, banking institutions stop in-person service, limiting the transactions that can be carried out.

Columbus Day: history of this holiday in the United States

This day commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus on October 12, 1492, in America. The Library of Congress of the United States explains that the 400th anniversary inspired the first official celebration in the country, and since then, school programs, plays, and festivities have been held to remember the date.

The first state to observe this day as a holiday was Colorado, on April 1, 1907. New York, for its part, declared Columbus Day in 1909, and, finally, Franklin D. Roosevelt declared it a federal holiday during his presidency in 1934.

Fuente: Shutterstock

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Since 1971, when it was determined that Columbus Day would be celebrated on the second Monday of October, parades have been part of the tradition of this holiday.

Banks will close their doors on Monday, October 12: what to keep in mind

USA.gov specifies that, during federal holidays, banks across the country remain closed and completely stop in-person service. Although those matters that must be handled in person cannot be carried out, ATMs operate normally during these days for basic transactions.

Banking apps and websites also operate normally, although the recommendation is always to check each institution’s official website in case there is any schedule change that should be known.

Other institutions that close their doors during the October 12 holiday

Nonessential government offices and various private-sector businesses that observe these dates also lower their shutters.

Should those who work on October 12 receive extra pay?

According to the United States Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), the answer is no. Employers do not have to pay extra to those who must remain working during:

• Weekends
• Holidays
• Days off

Extra pay only applies if the employment contract provides for that specific arrangement.

Other holidays that will be observed in the United States in 2026

The official calendar also lists:

• Veterans Day: November 11.
• Thanksgiving: November 26.
• Christmas: December 25.

Among the main focuses are the president’s private businesses, cryptocurrency transactions, international deals and possible conflicts of interest. They also said they could review decisions by different federal agencies and do not rule out resorting again to tools such as impeachment.

Why do they allege “illicit enrichment” on the part of Trump and his family?

One of the strongest criticisms is related to the growth in income and businesses linked to Donald Trump and his family since the president returned to power.

However, for now these are accusations and lines of investigation into possible conflicts of interest or corruption, not a judicial determination that “illicit enrichment” exists.

One of the main points raised by the Democratic Party is the cryptocurrency businesses, since Trump’s financial disclosure recorded that he obtained around US$1.2 billion during 2025 through ventures linked to digital assets.

Democrats will have to determine whether these operations and businesses were benefited by decisions adopted by the Government.

What other operations will they investigate?

One of the matters of interest for the investigation is the Government’s handling of the files and everything related to the Jeffrey Epstein case.

On the other hand, there are also the operations of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Service (ICE), especially because of allegations of possible civil rights violations.

In turn, the decisions adopted regarding the war with Iran and the intervention in Venezuela will also be analyzed.

Finally, projects promoted by Trump will be investigated, such as modifications to the White House and other federal ventures that they called “vanity projects.”

The history of Trump’s impeachments: What happened on those occasions?

Donald Trump is the only U.S. president who was subjected twice to an impeachment by the House of Representatives. On both occasions, the Senate acquitted him, as the two-thirds majority needed to convict him was not reached.

The first was for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress between 2019 and 2020. On the second occasion, he was accused of incitement to insurrection.

A promise for the future: What happens if Democrats win the November elections?

Democratic leaders said that, if they regain control of the House of Representatives in the November 2026 legislative elections, they will use Congress’s oversight powers to deepen investigations into Trump, his family and various members of this administration.

Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic leader in the House, did not confirm whether they will push for a new impeachment, but it was clarified that it is not ruled out: “We have ruled nothing out and we have confirmed nothing either”.

In addition, during a press conference in Washington on Wednesday, September 23, he warned: “If there are people who have been stealing from the American people, scamming the American people or screwing the American people, we are going to make the criminals accountable”.

So far, no specific batch, code, or production date has been determined, so the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) confirmed the recall of all the products included in the list in its statement.

What causes the harmful toxin-producing bacterium?

E. coli O26 produces Shiga toxin, which can cause symptoms between 2 and 8 days after ingestion. It usually causes diarrhea, sometimes with bleeding, abdominal cramps, and in some patients, also fever and vomiting.

If the condition worsens, it can cause kidney failure known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which usually mainly affects young children and older adults. This disease is characterized by hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, and kidney failure. In addition, it can be fatal.

So far, 13 poisoning cases have been identified, and the FDA, together with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is already investigating a possible multistate outbreak.

What products were recalled?

According to the FDA statement, the following products were recalled:

• Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack
• • Paquete: cuadrado de 8 oz
  • UPC: 6-87652-16400-9
• Graziers Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack
• • Paquete: cuadrado de 8 oz
  • UPC: 6-87652-16403-0
• Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar
• • Paquete: cuadrado de 8 oz
  • UPC: 6-87652-16506-8
• Graziers Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar
• • Paquete: cuadrado de 8 oz
  • UPC: 6-87652-16507-5
• Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar
• • Paquete: ladrillo de 16 oz
  • UPC: 6-87652-16501-3
• Graziers Raw Milk Monterey Jack Loaves
• • Paquete: pan de 5 libras
  • Artículo: 6425
• Graziers Raw Milk Jalapeño Jack Loaves
• • Paquete: pan de 5 libras
  • Artículo: 6426
• Graziers Raw Milk Medium Cheddar
• • Paquete: pan de 5 libras
  • Artículo: 6510
• Graziers Raw Milk Sharp Cheddar
• • Paquete: pan de 5 libras
  • Artículo: 6511
• Graziers Raw Milk Cheddar Block
• • Paquete: bloque de 40 libras
  • Artículos: 6515 y 6516

Why was production halted?

According to what the FDA reported, the company halted production of these products in part because the source of contamination has not yet been identified.

When could they return to the market?

Because the batch, code, production date, and source of contamination have still not been determined, it is not yet known when these products could return to the market.

Recommendation for consumers: What should you do if you have any of these products in your home?

The FDA recommends that consumers who have purchased any of the Graziers raw milk cheeses included in the recall not consume or serve them. Instead, they should return them to the place of purchase for a refund or discard them.

Likewise, those with questions can contact Sierra Nevada Cheese Company through its main customer service channels.

Passport application halted by child support debt: what to do in these cases

The State Department explains on its official website that it cannot issue passports when there is a child support debt of more than 2,500 dollars and even in these cases a valid passport could be revoked.

Those who applied and saw their process halted for not having paid child support on time should keep in mind that the steps to resume the process are:

• Pay the outstanding amount to the Child Support Enforcement Agency in all the states where it is owed
• Then the corresponding state has to inform the Office of Child Support Enforcement (HHS) that it has been paid
• HSS then removes the debtor’s name from the records and reports it, a process that can take between 2 and 3 weeks
• The State Department verifies that HHS removed the name from the list
• Once all the above steps have been completed, the process can continue

Passport processing halted by seriously delinquent debt: what to do in these cases

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS), for its part, explains that by law it must notify the State Department when a taxpayer has what is known as “seriously delinquent debt”.

“In general, the State Department will not issue passports to taxpayers after receiving a delinquent debt certification from the IRS”, it states.

These are pending federal tax obligations that exceed the limit set for that year. In 2026 the maximum amount is 66,000 dollars. They include personal income taxes, trust fund recovery penalties, business taxes for which taxpayers are responsible, and other civil penalties.

When it is determined that a taxpayer has this outstanding debt, IRS will notify them with a CP508C notice. The certification will be revoked if:

• The tax debt is paid in full or is considered legally unenforceable
• The obligation is no longer seriously delinquent
• The certification is erroneous

Once it is revoked, the tax agency notifies the State Department within 30 days from the moment the debt was resolved.

If a passport was requested with this active debt, it is stated that the State Department will notify the taxpayer about the paused process and will keep the application open for 90 days. During that time, they must:

• Make a payment agreement with the IRS
• Pay the tax debt in full
• Resolve any certification issue

If no agreements are made within the established deadline, the passport application will be denied and closed, so a new one will have to be submitted from scratch once the outstanding amount has been resolved.

“America.gov implements modern technology and Super Intelligence (SI) to dramatically improve how the Federal government serves Americans, all while preserving personal privacy.”, as it’s written on a recent White House Fact Sheet.

America.Gov, the new website with more than 25,000 websites with official American information

To simplify Americans’ access to federal information on benefits and other services, the Trump Administration has created “America.gov”. According to the White House, the site “implements modern technology and Super Intelligence (SI) to dramatically improve how the Federal government serves Americans, all while preserving personal privacy.”

The main goal of the website is to give Americans a single place to ask questions about federal services and find information from government agencies. Users can search for guidance on topics such as filing taxes, renewing a passport, applying for benefits, immigration procedures, and other federal services.

The website is designed to connect users with official government information without requiring them to search through different federal agency websites. It includes information from agencies such as the Internal Revenue Service, Social Security Administration, Department of State, and Department of Homeland Security.

How America.gov works

Users can use the website to find official information about federal services, including:

• Taxes: Guidance on how to file a federal tax return and access IRS information.
• Passports: Information on applying for or renewing a U.S. passport.
• Benefits: Resources about federal benefits and assistance programs.
• Immigration: Information on federal immigration procedures and services.
• Social Security: Access to information about Social Security programs and services.
• Other federal services: Links and information from different government agencies.

Do I have to download an App?

For now, users do not need to download an app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to access America.gov. Anyone looking for official government information can simply open the website in a web browser and access its resources.

These heavy rains will be caused by the arrival of a surge of tropical moisture and could cause flash flooding in several of the affected areas, with rain accumulations of between 2.5 and 7.5 cm.

The outlook for the weekend: What is expected for each day?

On Friday, October 2, a cycle of storms will begin that will hit New Mexico and Texas head-on, while the system continues moving east. During the day, eastern Texas will be one of the areas most affected by the heavy rain.

On Saturday, October 3, tropical moisture will continue to favor new rounds of rain and storms over the Southeast. Among the areas with the highest rainfall are:

• Louisiana.
• Florida.
• Mississippi.
• Alabama.
• Tennessee.
• Georgia.
• North Carolina and South Carolina.

On Sunday, October 4, the systems will reach parts of the Mid-Atlantic, and the moisture could move farther north. However, the arrival of drier Canadian air should keep precipitation mostly south of the Interstate 80 corridor.

Which areas could flood over the weekend?

AccuWeather warns of possible flooding, mainly in low-lying areas, urban areas, and places with poor drainage systems, especially when a large amount of rain falls in a short period of time.

Accumulations of between 1 and 3 inches of rain are expected, although higher amounts could be recorded if storms repeatedly affect the same areas.

What about the Northeast?

In much of the Northeast, the passage of the cold front will leave a drier scenario over the weekend. AccuWeather also expects next week to begin with cooler conditions, lower overnight lows, and highs slightly below the historical average.

For this reason, a pause in precipitation is expected in states such as:

• Maine.
• New Hampshire.
• Vermont.
• Massachusetts.
• Rhode Island.
• Connecticut.
• New York.
• New Jersey.
• Pennsylvania.

This practice is officially known as “inner dialogue” and can help us organize thoughts, reduce feelings of stress, and even increase confidence.

Benefits of talking to yourself: what experts say

Cleveland Clinic psychologist Grace Tworek, PsyD, explains in an article from the institution that talking to yourself is “a useful way to check in with yourself and organize thoughts and feelings”.

Among the possible benefits she highlights of this practice are:

• Encouraging critical thinking: for example, by asking yourself questions about how to solve a situation. For the expert, this allows you to make a plan and sustain it in the future.
• Helping concentration: the example she gives is “pay attention to the deer on this street”.
• Regulating emotions: when we tell ourselves that everything is going to be okay
• Motivation: encouraging yourself can increase confidence. In fact, the psychologist notes that there is evidence that athletes can improve their performance thanks to inner dialogue.
• Personal check-in: for example, telling yourself that it is time to take a break from an activity for our own good.

In the same vein, an article published by Harvard University recommends speaking to yourself “as you would to a friend” when negative thoughts become overwhelming: “Positive self-talk can be motivating and reassuring, and keeping it up can drown out the negative filter in your head, easing your anxiety”.

Speak out loud or just think it?

Although both options have their benefits, Tworek explains that speaking out loud -as long as you are aware that it is happening with yourself- is completely normal and even externalizing ideas can be beneficial.

According to the expert, speaking out loud is only concerning when the person believes they are talking to another person who does not actually exist.

How they recommend doing it

One of the key points is always to maintain a positive dialogue and, in any situation, highlight your own strengths rather than your negative traits.

Another piece of advice from Tworek is to use our own name while we keep the conversation going. It is one of the simplest ways to create distance and process ideas.

When it is used to put an end to negative thoughts, affirmations can also help. Harvard recommends:

• I can get through this
• I am safe and in control
• This feeling is only temporary
• My best is enough
• I can get through this difficult moment
• I can handle whatever happens

As long as it is in the proper context, breaking down everyday situations with yourself can then be an easy tool to implement to stay calm and face different challenges in the best possible way.

Borrowers who enroll in autopay by the new deadline, as well as those who are already enrolled, can receive a 1% interest rate reduction in their interest rate through June 30, 2028, as long as they remain enrolled and meet the eligibility requirements. The benefit applies to eligible Federal Direct Loans originated after July 1, 2012, including loans held by student and parent borrowers.

How the 1 percentage point interest rate reduction works

Autopay allows a student loan servicer to automatically withdraw the borrower’s monthly payment from a checking or savings account. Before July 1, 2026, borrowers enrolled in autopay generally received a 0.25% interest rate reduction.

Under the temporary benefit, eligible borrowers can instead receive a 1% interest rate reduction in their interest rate. This means that a loan with a 6% interest rate, for example, would have a 5% rate while the benefit applies. The reduction affects the interest rate, not the amount of the borrower’s outstanding balance.

Borrowers who are not currently enrolled can sign up through their student loan servicer’s website. Those who were already enrolled when the benefit was announced had their rates automatically adjusted, according to the Education Department. Borrowers must remain enrolled in autopay and continue meeting the eligibility requirements to keep the reduction.

What borrowers in default need to know

The Education Department and the Treasury Department also launched a new Defaulted Loans Support Center on StudentAid.gov for borrowers with federal student loans in default.

The online portal allows borrowers to review the consequences of default, compare options for leaving default, apply for loan rehabilitation or consolidation, make payments, and review repayment and loan-discharge options. It also allows borrowers to complete the rehabilitation process online and track their applications.

Borrowers who are in default must first bring their eligible loans back into good standing before they can access the temporary 1% interest rate reduction through autopay. According to the Education Department, they can use the new portal to consolidate eligible loans and then apply for a repayment plan before enrolling in autopay.

The refunds began going out at the end of September, with eligible recipients expected to receive the money during the following weeks. The program covers more than 950,000 people across 30 states, according to information released by the administration.

The payments are different from a new federal stimulus check. They are described by the administration as refunds of excess marketplace user fees rather than a new benefit available to the general population.

Who will receive the $500 Obamacare refund?

The payments are primarily intended for people who purchased ACA coverage through the federal marketplace and paid the full premium without receiving federal premium assistance.

According to the administration, most recipients have incomes above 400% of the federal poverty level. Some people with incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level may also qualify if they did not receive premium subsidies.

The refund is issued on a per-person basis, meaning some households could receive more than one $500 payment if multiple members of the family meet the eligibility requirements.

The program is not available to every person enrolled in an Obamacare plan. Eligibility depends on factors including the state where the coverage was purchased, the type of marketplace used and whether the enrollee received premium assistance.

Which states are included in the $500 payments?

The refunds are being sent to eligible enrollees in 30 states that rely on the federal ACA marketplace.

The states are:

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Delaware
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

People in states that operate their own ACA exchanges are not included in this refund program.

Texas and Florida are expected to have the largest number of recipients, followed by several other states with large numbers of people enrolled through the federal marketplace.

Why is the government sending the Obamacare refunds?

The Trump administration says the refunds come from excess user fees collected through the federal ACA marketplace.

Those fees are charged to insurance companies that participate in the federal exchange and help fund its operations. The administration argues that the fees collected in previous years exceeded the amount needed to operate the marketplace and that the excess should be returned to consumers who paid the associated costs through their premiums.

The White House announced the program in September and said nearly 1 million Americans would receive $500 per person beginning in October.

The administration has also said it subsequently reduced the marketplace user-fee rate. For 2026, CMS set the user fee for federally facilitated exchanges at 2.5% of monthly premiums, while its final rule for 2027 lowered that rate to 1.9%.

Researchers from Emory University examined whether vitamin D supplement intake was associated with cognitive function in people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and disrupted sleep. The findings were published in the journal Sleep Medicine.

The study focused on 54 adults with diagnosed or suspected MCI who also reported sleep problems. MCI is a condition involving changes in memory and other thinking abilities that are greater than expected with normal aging but do not necessarily interfere significantly with daily activities.

Participants completed the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), a screening tool commonly used to evaluate cognitive abilities. They also reported whether they took vitamin D supplements and, if so, the type and daily amount.

What the researchers found about vitamin D and cognition

Participants who reported taking 5,000 IU or more of vitamin D per day had higher MoCA scores than those who did not take vitamin D supplements. The association remained after researchers adjusted for factors including age, sex, body mass index, vitamin D type and education.

The researchers also found that the results did not significantly differ between people taking vitamin D2 and those taking vitamin D3. Lower doses of vitamin D were not significantly associated with differences in overall MoCA scores.

The study’s authors described the findings as an indication that higher daily vitamin D intake may be associated with better cognition in people experiencing both sleep disturbances and mild cognitive impairment. They said this population may represent an important stage for studying factors that could potentially be modified as cognitive changes emerge.

Sleep problems are particularly relevant in this population. The researchers noted that sleep disturbances affect a substantial proportion of people with MCI and that sleep problems and cognitive decline may be interconnected.

Scientific research suggests that the answer depends largely on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the microorganism being targeted and how long the surface remains in contact with the solution.

A study published in the Journal of Food Protection tested several household products against three foodborne pathogens: Listeria monocytogenes, Escherichia coli O157 and Salmonella Typhimurium.

Researchers tested hydrogen peroxide at concentrations of 1.5% and 3%, along with vinegar, baking soda, bleach and other household compounds.

What science says about hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant

The study found that 3% hydrogen peroxide produced a greater than 5-log reduction in both Salmonella Typhimurium and E. coli O157 after one minute at 25°C. A 5-log reduction corresponds to a reduction of 99.999% in the number of microorganisms under the conditions of the test.

However, the results were not identical for all three pathogens. Listeria monocytogenes was more resistant to the tested household compounds, and greater reductions were observed when the hydrogen peroxide treatment lasted 10 minutes at an initial temperature of 55°C.

The researchers compared the effectiveness of the products and found that, among the substances tested, household bleach was more effective than 3% hydrogen peroxide, followed by undiluted vinegar and other acidic compounds. Baking soda showed the lowest effectiveness against the pathogens tested.

The findings therefore suggest that hydrogen peroxide can have meaningful antimicrobial activity, but its effectiveness cannot be generalized to every type of bacteria or every household cleaning situation.

The CDC also recognizes hydrogen peroxide as a disinfectant

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists hydrogen peroxide among chemical disinfectants with documented germicidal activity. According to the agency, hydrogen peroxide has bactericidal, virucidal, sporicidal and fungicidal properties and is active against a wide range of microorganisms.

The CDC explains that hydrogen peroxide works by producing destructive hydroxyl free radicals that can damage cell membranes, DNA and other essential components of microorganisms. The agency also notes that commercially available 3% hydrogen peroxide is a stable and effective disinfectant when used on inanimate surfaces.

The concentration and contact time are important. CDC-reviewed research found that a 0.5% accelerated hydrogen peroxide formulation demonstrated bactericidal and virucidal activity within one minute and mycobactericidal and fungicidal activity within five minutes. Other studies cited by the agency found different exposure times depending on the concentration and microorganism involved.

This means that simply applying hydrogen peroxide to a surface and immediately wiping it away may not produce the same disinfecting effect observed in laboratory tests. The product’s concentration and the required contact time matter.

Unlike Earth, however, a year on Mars lasts almost twice as long. The planet needs 687 Earth days to complete one orbit around the Sun, meaning a Martian year lasts about 1.88 Earth years.

Why does Mars have its own calendar?

The Martian calendar is based on the planet’s movement around the Sun and its seasons. The beginning of a new Martian year coincides with the northern spring equinox, when spring begins in Mars’ northern hemisphere, and autumn begins in its southern hemisphere.

The current system for numbering Martian years dates back to 1955. That year was designated as the beginning of the first Martian year after a major global dust storm observed on the planet in 1956.

Mars also has four seasons, like Earth, but they do not all last the same amount of time. Because Mars follows a more elliptical orbit around the Sun, its seasons vary in length.

How long is a day on Mars?

A Martian day, known as a sol, is surprisingly similar to an Earth day. It lasts approximately 24 hours and 39 minutes, just over half an hour longer than a day on Earth.

The difference becomes much larger when measuring a full year. While Earth completes its orbit in about 365 days, Mars needs 687 Earth days. For someone living on Mars, birthdays and other annual events would therefore occur much less frequently than they do on Earth.

The next Martian New Year will not arrive until August 17, 2028, according to ESA’s calendar.

Although mechanical watchmaking still moves millions and retains strong appeal among collectors and luxury consumers, the problem is that there are fewer and fewer people specialized in repairing and keeping these pieces running.

Faced with this scenario, the Horological Society of New York (HSNY) promotes courses, scholarships and training programs with the aim of preserving the trade and attracting a new generation of watchmakers.

What is the Horological Society of New York?

The HSNY is an organization dedicated to the study, teaching, and preservation of watchmaking. It was founded in 1866 by German immigrants with the aim of promoting a watchmaking industry that was in full expansion in the United States.

Today, it has more than 2,000 members and is headquartered in Midtown Manhattan. In addition, it offers courses, scholarships, and access to a specialized watchmaking library considered one of the most important in the world.

Fuente: Freepik

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What happened with watch sales?

The appearance of smartphones made the wristwatch stop being a necessary object for checking the time. However, this did not cause the market to disappear; it not only remains active but also shows strong movement, especially in the luxury segment.

Additionally, the advance of the digital age and technological transformation has mainly changed the function and type of watch consumers demand.

That is why, while traditional mechanical watches maintain an important market associated with luxury, design, and collecting, smartwatches occupy another part of the market by offering functions adapted to current needs.

Why did the number of watchmakers decrease?

According to HSNY, this is mainly explained by the lack of generational renewal. Mechanical watchmaking requires years of training, practice and very specific knowledge to repair mechanisms made up of tiny, high-precision parts.

The lack of new people interested in learning the trade and replacing those who retire or leave the activity means that there are fewer and fewer qualified professionals.

Additionally, the growth of smartwatches and devices reduced the visibility of this trade among younger generations.

What is HSNY’s proposal?

The proposal of the Horological Society of New York mainly consists of making watchmaking more accessible and sparking interest in the trade, with the intention of ensuring that this knowledge can be passed on to new generations.

To carry out this goal:

• It offers scholarships for students at full-time watchmaking schools.
• It organizes introductory courses open to people with no prior experience.
• It teaches how mechanical movements work and are assembled.
• It preserves and makes available to the public one of the most important horology-specialized libraries in the world.
• It provides support to professional watchmakers and to people interested in joining the sector.

Although these benefits are enjoyed at any time of day and drinking water is a positive habit regardless of the time, Adrienna Jirik, a gastroenterologist at Cleveland Clinic , explains in an article from the institution the benefits for the body of having a glass of water as the first drink upon waking up.

Drinking water upon waking: why it is recommended

“People have a lot of gastrointestinal water loss, what we call insensible losses. So, in a typical eight-hour sleep, you would lose between 300 and 400 cc of water while sleeping. And that happens through your breathing, for example, your skin. You sweat quite a bit during the night,” the expert explains in depth.

She also says that a habit as simple as drinking water when getting up can help speed up metabolism, promote digestion and prevent urinary tract infections.

The most striking thing is that it does not necessarily have to be cold, room temperature, or hot water, because what matters is staying hydrated. For those who do not find the idea of drinking a glass of water on its own appealing, adding fruit could be an option.

Is it necessary to drink 8 glasses of water a day?

It depends. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that recommendations vary according to factors such as:

• Age
• Sex
• Physical activity
• Whether or not the person is pregnant

As a general conclusion, Mayo Clinic cites studies that recommend between 2.7 and 3.7 liters of total fluid per day. This includes beverages and the water that can be obtained from food.

It is important to consider that the body demands more water in warm climates, when exercising, when having a fever, and if there has been vomiting or diarrhea.

Which foods can help you stay better hydrated?

Harvard points out that approximately 20% of water intake comes from food and lists some of the options that represent a considerable contribution:

• Leafy green vegetables
• Cucumber
• Peppers
• Summer squash
• Celery
• Berries
• Melons

Expert tips to increase water intake

To meet this goal amid the hustle and bustle of the day, CDC recommends practices such as:

• Always carry a reusable water bottle
• Freeze water bottles to have cold drinks
• Replace sugary drinks with water
• Choose this drink when eating out

For their part, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) add to the list:

• Drink water whenever you feel thirsty, even before
• Stay hydrated with other low-calorie drinks, such as tea
• Drink water before, during and after exercising

Frequent headaches, dark urine, low physical performance and memory problems are some of the symptoms that can be taken as warning signs that you are not drinking enough water, according to Mayo Clinic.

Although in most cases this will be the only copy needed until the validity period ends, there are those who may be forced to request a second booklet at the same time while the first one is valid.

In what cases may it be necessary to request another passport booklet

According to what is detailed by the Department of State, this procedure is intended for those who are in specific situations where another copy is needed to travel, even though the first one is valid. The cases mentioned are:

• The original passport has a stamp that shows travel to a destination problematic for other nations
• You travel abroad regularly and need to apply for many visas at the same time. This could be the case for those who work for an international airline
• An embassy or consulate of another country is processing a visa application and has kept the original passport when it is needed to travel
• A special validation is needed to travel
• It is desired to prevent the cancellation of a U.S. passport that has a valid visa
• An annotation must be modified due to an emergency situation
• More space is needed for official annotations

How to apply in each case

In the event of having a passport valid for 10 years physically present to include in the application, what the authorities indicate is to sign the declaration “Sample Statement for a Second Passport” and renew. When you do not have the physical document, you must sign the same declaration, but apply in person using Form DS-11.

The second passport booklet will not have the same validity as the first

When applying for a second booklet while already having another valid one, keep in mind that the new document will only be valid for 4 years.

In addition, it will be issued with a different passport number and an annotation code that does not appear in the first passport.

Important information that all U.S. travelers should consider

The validity of the American passport is not the only piece of information that must be considered when traveling, since each destination has its own minimum validity requirements for this identification.

Those who have to travel with the U.S. passport can check the specific document requirements that must be met on the “International Travel” site.

To understand the distribution logic established by the federal agency, it is important to note that the date on which each beneficiary will receive their benefit will depend directly on when they were born and on the type of payment they are due to receive.

SSA payment schedule: scheduled dates for the remainder of 2026

For the last quarter of the year, the official calendar distributes the payments as follows

October 2026

November 2026

December 2026

“If you do not receive your payment on the expected date, please wait three additional mailing days before contacting Social Security,” authorities say.

SSA payment advance: In what situations is this measure taken

When the first of the month falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the payment of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is advanced to the nearest previous business day, as can be seen in the case of October, when two deposits are received: this month’s and next month’s.

If the payment date falls on a Wednesday, but it is a federal holiday, the money will be delivered on the previous Tuesday, as happens in November because Veterans Day will be observed on the 11th.

The New Hampshire Division of Motor Vehicles joined the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators’ Driver History Record platform on August 17, 2026. The system allows participating states to exchange information about driving records, including out-of-state convictions and suspensions.

Why old violations can affect New Hampshire licenses

The system allows the New Hampshire DMV to identify unresolved matters involving its license holders in other jurisdictions. These can include outstanding court matters, convictions, suspensions, or other unresolved driving issues. Some of the cases now being identified date back many years.

Since joining the platform, the DMV has sent more than 700 notification letters to New Hampshire license holders regarding unresolved out-of-state motor vehicle matters. Additional notices are expected as participating states upload historical information.

What happens if a driver receives a notice?

Drivers who receive a notice must address the underlying matter with the state where it occurred. New Hampshire law provides that the DMV can suspend or revoke a New Hampshire license after notifying the driver, unless the person requests an administrative hearing within 30 days.

The New Hampshire DMV cannot resolve an out-of-state ticket, conviction, or court matter itself. Once the issue is resolved in the other jurisdiction, the driver can take the appropriate steps with New Hampshire to address their state driving status.

The payment is aimed at certain enrollees who purchased health coverage through the federal marketplace and paid the full cost of their premiums without receiving financial assistance.

What is the Affordable Care Act, and how does it work?

The ACA allows people who do not have health insurance to obtain coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. In states that use this system, enrollment is done through HealthCare.gov.

Depending on income and household composition, enrollees can access a premium tax credit, which reduces the monthly amount they have to pay for their insurance. On the other hand, some users pay the full cost because they do not receive this assistance.

When and why are $500 refunds received?

On September 10, the current administration announced a one-time $500 refund per person for nearly one million ACA enrollees. The checks will begin to be sent starting in October 2026.

According to the Government, during the previous administration, user fees were charged linked to the operation of the federal marketplace, which generated a surplus above the operational needs of HealthCare.gov. For that reason, it was decided to return part of those funds to certain consumers who paid their premiums without receiving assistance.

The payment is not a new ACA tax credit or a refund obtained when filing a tax return

What are the eligibility requirements?

According to the official information, the refund is aimed at people who:

• We’re covered through the ACA insurance marketplace.
• Paid the full cost of their premiums without receiving premium assistance.
• We’re enrolled through the federal marketplace and not through a separate state marketplace.
• Lived in one of the 30 states included in the program.

It is estimated that about 950,000 people will be reached by the “Working Families Obamacare Refunds” program.

The states included are Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

When choosing a tray in supermarkets, there are key differences that should be known to make an informed purchase, as well as recommendations on how to handle this type of meat.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) explains that, although any food can contain pathogenic bacteria, grinding the meat allows them to be distributed throughout the product, which increases the risk of illness if the necessary precautions are not taken.

Buying ground meat: what you need to know before choosing a tray

The first point to consider is that meat labeled as “Hamburger” and that presented as “Ground Beef” are not the same: USDA explains that in the first case fat from the cow may be added to the product -although a maximum of 30% is allowed- while in ground beef trays this practice is prohibited.

“Both ground meat and ground meat may contain seasonings, but no water, phosphates, extenders, or binders are added,” it says.

In addition, to ensure that the product being purchased was inspected by the USDA, you must verify that the package shows the establishment number, presented as “EST” followed by the corresponding numerical combination.

Buying recommendations

In addition to the above considerations, it is recommended:

• Choose a tray that feels cold and is not broken
• Place the package in a plastic bag to avoid any incident with leaks
• Look for the product as one of the last steps of shopping
• In the cart, keep the tray separate from already cooked products
• Place it in a separate bag when transporting it

What are the risks of ground meat

The agency specifies that bacteria such as Salmonella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus are present in foods of animal origin.

Grinding makes it easier for them to spread throughout the meat. In addition, the University of Connecticut explains that certain cuts are tenderized, a process in which needles are used that can transfer bacteria from the surface to the inside of the meat.

How to store ground meat properly

The general advice based on FSIS recommendations is to refrigerate or freeze the meat as soon as possible after purchase, since this can help not only preserve the product but also slow bacterial growth.

If it is placed directly in the refrigerator to be consumed, the recommended temperature is 4.4 °C -or less- and use it within no more than 48 hours.

If frozen, the advice is to consume it within no more than 4 months, although it is clarified that ground meat can be safe for consumption indefinitely if kept in the freezer.

How to thaw ground meat and at what temperature to cook it to avoid illness

The agency explains that keeping ground meat cold while it thaws is an essential point to prevent bacterial growth and, for this reason, the safest way to do it is to move it from the freezer to the refrigerator. If it is thawed in the microwave, it must be consumed immediately afterward.

Once all the recommendations detailed above have been followed, the most important point for destroying any pathogen is the cooking temperature, which must be at least 71 °C.

When does a tray of ground meat stop being fit for consumption?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the United States shared a clear rule to identify this moment, whether with ground meat or any other perishable food: if it remained at room temperature for 2 hours or more, it is no longer safe to consume.

The extension applies to deadlines that fall between September 30, 2026, and September 30, 2027. The new guidance builds on previous IRS relief issued for taxpayers affected by events in Israel since October 2023.

Who qualifies for the IRS tax relief?

The relief generally applies to taxpayers affected by the conflict in the covered area. This includes:

• Individuals whose principal residence is in Israel, the West Bank or Gaza.
• Businesses and sole proprietors whose principal place of business is in the covered area.
• Relief workers affiliated with a recognized government or philanthropic organization who are assisting in the covered area.
• Taxpayers whose tax return preparer or necessary tax records are located in the covered area.
• Spouses of eligible taxpayers, for purposes of a joint tax return.
• Certain individuals who were visiting the covered area were killed, injured, or taken hostage as a result of the events.

The IRS says it will generally identify eligible taxpayers whose principal residence or principal place of business is in the covered area based on previously filed returns and apply the relief automatically.

What deadlines are being postponed?

Eligible taxpayers can receive additional time for a wide range of federal tax obligations, including filing certain returns, making tax payments and completing other time-sensitive actions. The postponement covers qualifying deadlines during the period specified in the IRS guidance and, for eligible taxpayers under the series of related notices, can extend relief dating back to October 7, 2023.

Taxpayers who believe they qualify but whose filing address is outside the covered area can contact the IRS disaster hotline at 866-562-5227. International callers can use 267-941-1000 to request the relief.

However, the attraction would have caused unimaginable consequences. Several users reported brain injuries and later sued the park. In addition, the death of a 22-year-old man was recorded.

Was the attraction declared unsafe after the safety tests?

No. According to Six Flags, the X2 attraction was not declared unsafe after the safety tests. On the contrary, it would have passed multiple checks and examinations intended to ensure the well-being and physical safety of users.

Despite this, the park decided to remove it permanently after the complaints of serious injuries and amid the risk that the situation would affect visitors’ confidence.

What type of brain injuries were caused by the attraction, according to several visitors?

According to the complaints, the brain injuries recorded were varied, and some were extremely serious:

• Subdural hematomas: collections of blood between the brain and one of the membranes covering it.
• Brain compression caused by hemorrhages.
• Injuries associated with sudden acceleration and deceleration movements during the ride.
• Cases that required emergency brain surgery, including opening the skull.
• Loss of consciousness, seizures, and even prolonged comas.

Were there deaths from this attraction?

At least one death was recorded, occurring in 2022. The forensic report determined that the cause of death was a blunt traumatic brain injury that occurred in an accident linked to the attraction.

After the tragedy, the family of Christopher Hawley, the 22-year-old who died, filed a wrongful death lawsuit and reached a settlement with the park in August 2026.

How can an attraction result in a death?

In 2010, Julijonas Urbonas, then a doctoral candidate at the Royal College of Art in London, designed an artistic concept for a steel roller coaster whose purpose was to cause the death of its riders.

The creator of the concept had previously worked at an amusement park and explained that the goal of this roller coaster was to take lives with “elegance and euphoria.”

The ride would begin with a very steep 510-meter ascent to the top, which would take approximately two minutes. Once at the top, the car would stop for a few moments to allow passengers to reconsider their decision to end their lives. If they wished to continue, they would have to press a button.

From there, the car would fall down a 510-meter descent at an approximate speed of 360 km/h before leveling out and heading toward the first of seven inversions. Each one would have a smaller diameter than the previous one to subject passengers to an acceleration of between 8 and 10 G, while the train would lose speed. After a sharp turn to the right, the train would enter a straightaway.

The result would be explained by prolonged cerebral hypoxia, that is, an insufficient supply of oxygen to the brain. With each turn, passengers would experience symptoms such as progressively gray or tunnel vision and fainting. From the first or second inversion onward, cerebral anoxia could occur, that is, an almost total absence of oxygen in the brain, which would ultimately lead to death.

The change applies when drivers register a vehicle for the first time or renew an existing registration. Instead of receiving a new sticker and paper registration card automatically, vehicle owners will have access to their registration electronically.

What North Carolina drivers need to know

Drivers will still be required to register their vehicles and renew their registration every year. They must also continue to pay the required registration fees and vehicle property taxes and maintain continuous insurance coverage.

The renewal process itself is not changing. Drivers can still renew their vehicle registration online, by mail, in person at a license plate agency or through a self-service kiosk. NCDMV will also continue mailing renewal notices 90 days before a registration expires.

Drivers also do not need to keep a physical registration card in their vehicle. Law enforcement can verify registration electronically through its systems. If drivers want a paper copy, NCDMV allows them to download and print a free PDF or obtain a printed copy for $5.

What happens to the old license plate sticker?

NCDMV recommends that drivers remove their old registration sticker from their license plates on or after October 1, 2026. New stickers will no longer be issued under the electronic registration system.

The state says the change will also reduce costs and opportunities for registration sticker fraud. The new system does not eliminate registration requirements; it only changes how registration information is provided and verified.

This table with a variety of foods to combine - usually served before main meals - was the star of a historic milestone in Paris last July 8, which was recorded in the famous world ranking Guinness World Records.

The French food brand Michel et Augustin created in Paris the largest snack board in history with a weight that reached 1,103 pounds, that is, about 500.626 kg.

The largest snack board in history: a milestone recorded in the Guinness World Records

According to the information provided by the official ranking website, the products displayed belong to a specific line of the brand that has the AOP label.

The National Institute of Origin and Quality of France explains that the label (AOP) “refers to a product in which all stages of production are carried out according to the know-how recognized in the same geographical area, which gives it its characteristics.” This designation is valid throughout the European Union and under that category:

• The raw materials and products must come from the same territory
• Producers have to follow specific requirements, defined by professionals with processes approved by the EU.
• The products are subject to spot checks

The chefs worked for two days to have ready the seven different types of cured meats and seven cheeses, eleven varieties of vegetables and fruits, and five types of jams and chutneys that made up the snack board. Then, it took them 5 hours to weigh all the products before placing them on the table.

What foods were part of this board

According to what was reported, among the types of meat were Coppa, Chorizo, serrano ham, Bayonne ham, Saucisson sec and Rosette, while the cheeses were Beaufort, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, Roquefort, Cantal, Parmigiano Reggiano, Ossau-Iraty and Comté.

There were jams in varieties such as fig, strawberry and cherry, and onion chutney along with cherry tomatoes, pepper, pickles, carrots and other fruits and vegetables.

Thus, there were 25 employees of the brand in total in charge of putting together this snack board, which was then shared with Parisians so they could taste and witness this record-breaking moment.

The payment calendar shows that, during this month, payments will start in the second full week of October 2026.

October’s Social Security payment dates confirmed

The retirement benefits are issued on Wednesday based on birth-date ranges, but Supplemental Security Income (SSI) checks are paid the first business day of each month.

• Recipients born between the 1st and the 10th will receive Social Security payment on October 14th.
• Recipients born between the 11th and 20th will receive their checks on October 21.
• Those born between the 21st and 31st will be paid on Wednesday, October 28.
• Recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997 are scheduled to be paid on October 3.

October schedule SSI payment for recipients

Supplemental Security Income is another type of benefit from the SSA for eligible recipients. These payments arrive on the first business day of the month, but if the date falls on a federal holiday or a weekend, the payment will be released on the business day before the original date.

• October 2026: Thursday, October 1.
• November 2026: Friday, October 30.
• December 2026: Tuesday, December 1.
• January 2027: Thursday, December 31, 2026.

Beneficiaries who receive both Social Security benefits from the Social Security Administration and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may receive two payments in October because they are eligible for both programs. These are separate payments corresponding to each benefit.

There is an alert for flooding, as rainfall totals will range between 1 and 3 inches (2.7 cm and 7.62 cm), although these values could be even higher in areas where the storms recur.

Weekend with thunderstorms and flood risk: which areas will be most affected

According to the AccuWeather forecast, starting this afternoon, Thursday, heavy rain is expected in eastern Texas, which will begin this stormy weather.

For the weekend, it is indicated that precipitation and storms will reach as far north as the Delmarva Peninsula.

Experts warn that the flood risk will be localized and will mainly affect low-lying areas, urban areas, sectors with poor drainage, and those areas that have already received large amounts of water.

Alert for heavy rain on Interstate 70

Specialists anticipated the advance of a fast-moving cold front, which will bring air from Canada into the northeast during the weekend.

On Friday, as this front crosses the region, rain and thunderstorms may occur, but widespread precipitation is not expected.

From Saturday to Sunday, on the other hand, it is estimated that Canadian air moving south will keep most of the rain south of the Interstate 70 corridor and, in that strip, heavy rainfall is expected.

What to do during thunderstorms: this is what the NWS says

The National Weather Service (NWS) explains that approximately 25 million lightning strikes occur each year in the United States and, in that sense, offers general recommendations on how to prepare for these events:

• When you hear thunder, move quickly to a safe shelter
• Stay in the shelter even 30 minutes after hearing the last thunderclap

NWS tips for those who are at home during a thunderstorm

For this context, it is indicated:

• Do not use corded phones, plugged-in computers, or any other equipment that makes direct contact with electricity
• Avoid plumbing
• Stay away from windows and doors
• Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against walls made of the same material

What to do if there is a thunderstorm and I am outdoors

In cases where circumstances do not allow sheltering, the NWS advice to reduce risks is:

• Leave any elevated area, such as hills
• Never lie on the ground
• Never shelter under an isolated tree
• Do not use cliffs or rocky ledges as shelter
• Leave any pond, lake, or body of water
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity

Staying informed about weather updates is essential when alerts are issued. This way, any relevant change can be quickly known.

For noncitizens, this is a fundamental procedure, especially if they plan to work or receive certain government assistance payments. Here we tell you what documents are needed in each case and how the process can be carried out.

What documents are needed to apply for the Social Security Number (SSN) for the first time as a noncitizen

SSA indicates that to carry out this process, all of the documents listed below must be presented:

Proof of immigration status

Form I-551 with a foreign passport, Form I-766 or I-94.

F-1 or M-1 students must show their Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status and J-1 or J-2 exchange visitors must show their Certificate of Eligibility for Exchange Visitor Status.

Work eligibility

The I-94 or a stamp in the passport showing work-eligible admission will be sufficient.

F-1 students eligible to work on campus must present a letter with identification, current school status, employer identification, and type of work. In addition, proof of that employment will be needed, such as a signed and dated letter from the employer. This letter must describe:

• The work to be performed
• Employment start date
• Number of hours to be worked
• Name and phone number of the supervisor

If you are an authorized F-1 student to work in curricular training (CPT), you must provide Form I-20 with the employment page completed and signed by the responsible party. If you have a DHS I-766 work permit, you must present it. J-1 students must provide a letter from their sponsor.

Those who do not have work authorization may also apply, but receive government benefits that require an SSN. In these situations, a letter from the corresponding agency is needed.

Age

The birth certificate issued abroad must be presented. Children under 12 must be interviewed.

Identity

An updated DHS document will also be requested, such as a Lawful Permanent Resident Card, an I-94, or a work permit.

Important information about this process

SSA specifies that the Social Security number cannot be obtained solely to apply for a driver’s license

Social Security Number and card: how to apply for them for the first time

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), those who are in the United States can complete the process online and then go to an office to submit the corresponding documentation. The process can be started by clicking here.

“Once your application is approved, you will receive a Social Security card with your number by mail within 5 to 10 business days,” the authorities say.

States including California, North Carolina, and Rhode Island currently offer online driver’s license renewal for eligible drivers. However, the requirements differ by state.

Which drivers can renew their license online?

Online renewal is generally available only to drivers who meet specific conditions established by their state DMV. For example, California allows eligible drivers to renew online if they are within the permitted renewal period, do not need to change their address or personal description, and are not renewing a commercial driver’s license.

North Carolina also allows eligible non-commercial drivers to renew online, while certain restrictions — including a suspended license, outstanding debt or specific license types — require an in-person visit.

Rhode Island allows driver’s license renewal online with a credit card, although obtaining a REAL ID for the first time must be done in person.

What do you need to renew online?

The information required depends on the state, but drivers should generally have their current driver’s license and personal information available. North Carolina, for example, requires the driver’s license or ID card and Social Security number for its online renewal process.

Drivers should also be prepared to pay the renewal fee online and provide any additional information requested by their state DMV.

State DMV rules can vary

There is no single nationwide process for online driver’s license renewal. Each state determines who qualifies, how often a driver can renew online, and when an in-person visit is required.

Before starting the process, drivers should check the official DMV or driver’s licensing agency website for their state to confirm their eligibility and the documents they need.

Many of those recipients lived in the house in question year-round. On Tuesday, a judge agreed with them on the essentials: this is not how it’s done.

What the judge said

Wayne Ozzi, a state Supreme Court justice in Staten Island, concluded that the Department of Finance violated the due process rights of the homeowners who sued. His central reasoning was that the city had enough tax data at hand to distinguish a primary residence from a second home, and did not use it. By skipping it, the city shifted onto owners a burden that was not theirs to carry: proving something as basic as where they live.

According to the ruling, that burden is no minor detail. Many owners, especially those less familiar with bureaucratic procedures, might need lawyers or accountants just to document information the administration itself had within reach. The notices, the judge added, made owners spend time and money unnecessarily and did not explain what evidence they were expected to submit.

What he ordered

The decision has several parts:

• Cancel all notices sent so far.
• Replace the broad roll of potentially affected homes with a narrower one that reflects only the properties that actually owe the surcharge.
• Send new notifications only after an individualized determination, based on all the resources and information available to the Department of Finance and backed by records supporting each case.

According to Politico’s coverage, picked up by other outlets, the ruling also eliminates the exemption mechanism the city had set up, which the judge described as unlawful shifting of the burden of proof.

A lawsuit against the method, not the tax

It is worth being precise about the scope. The three plaintiffs did not challenge the city’s ability to collect the surcharge, but how it went about applying it. They argued that owners whose homes are their primary residences were wrongly identified as potential taxpayers. Among them are the wife and father of Republican Staten Island Councilmember Frank Morano. They are represented by Randy Mastro, a former deputy mayor.

The surcharge reaches homes worth more than $5 million held by people who do not live in the city, as well as co-ops and condos valued at $1 million or more. According to the administration’s estimates, it would affect about 10,000 properties and raise $500 million to close the budget deficit. It was approved in April, alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul.

Mistakes from the start

The case exposed flaws in the method. The city acknowledged that it did not check personal income tax returns before mailing the letters. When it did, thousands of properties that had received the notice turned out to be primary residences. In addition, after the mailing, it obtained more recent tax forms from the state six months ahead of schedule and told hundreds of people that, after all, they did not owe the tax.

The ruling came one week before October 6, the deadline to request an exemption.

The parties respond

Mastro said he was gratified and criticized that it took a lawsuit for the administration to correct course. In his view, City Hall should have admitted its errors and fixed them instead of spending time and public money defending them in court.

From the mayor’s office, spokesperson Matt Rauschenbach called the ruling wrong and defended the surcharge as a matter of fairness: anyone who can afford a luxury home in the city can contribute to the schools, streets and parks.

City Hall appealed that same night and invoked the automatic stay provided by state law, which puts the ruling on hold and allows the surcharge to keep being implemented while the case moves forward. It was not the first time: in August, Ozzi issued a temporary restraining order, and the city’s appeal kept it from taking effect.

A widening judicial front

The same Tuesday, a group of Suffolk County homeowners and a co-op sued the State of New York. They argue that the law discriminates against nonresidents, applies retroactively and imposes unconstitutional burdens on owners and co-op buildings. Unlike the Staten Island case, this one attacks the legality of the tax itself.

With the premise that the immense number of existing federal agencies can generate doubts and confusion, the president stated that it is “a digital home designed around your time, your life” during his speech at the launch event.

What can the America.gov website be used for?

The website that was presented to the public on Tuesday, September 29 can be used to ask questions and obtain answers based on official information, without having to search separately on the agencies’ websites.

The project aims for, at a more advanced stage, procedures to be carried out directly from the platform, such as:

• Renew a passport.
• Enroll in Medicare.
• Search for information on benefits, programs, and other federal services.
• Access forms and government procedures from a single place.

Tax filing services before the IRS and certain systems linked to defense and intelligence would be excluded.

How does the system on this government website work?

The website works with a conversational interface based on artificial intelligence. The platform allows users to ask questions directly or explain what they need without having to first investigate which agency is responsible for the procedure.

As agencies incorporate it into their systems, the plan is for users to also be able to complete certain operations only through America.gov.

To ensure security, for those procedures that require identity verification, the integration of Login.gov is proposed, a federal authentication system.

America.gov will not obligatorily replace existing channels, since citizens will be able to continue carrying out procedures by phone, mail, in person, or through each agency’s specific websites

In the case of premiums for drug coverage, a 38% reduction is expected. In addition, the agency anticipated that premiums for standalone Part D prescription drug plans could increase by less than US$1 a month.

How do private Medicare plans work?

Also known as Part C, Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

A person can access one of these plans if they are enrolled in Original Medicare, that is, both Part A, which covers hospital coverage, and Part B, which covers medical services and outpatient care.

Part C plans combine the benefits of both parts of Original Medicare into a single coverage. In addition, in some cases they can include Part D for prescription drugs.

What would the prices of these Medicare plans be?

According to the CMS press release, the average monthly Medicare Advantage premium is expected to fall from US$14.37 in 2026 to US$12 in 2027, representing a reduction of nearly 16.5%.

This is not an exact or universal cost. The amount will depend on the company, the type of plan, the state and the benefits purchased. CMS says that nearly eight in ten people currently enrolled in Medicare Advantage will be able to stay in their same plan in 2027 with a premium equal to or lower than that of 2026.

What happens with Part D and prescription drug plans?

For standalone Part D plans, CMS projects that the average monthly premium will increase by less than US$1 and will go from US$35.09 in 2026 to approximately US$36 in 2027.

According to the agency, 88% of beneficiaries who do not receive low-income subsidies will have access to a basic plan with a monthly premium of US$10.30 or less.

In the case of those who have Part D included in Medicare Advantage, the average premium for drug coverage would decrease from US$11.32 in 2026 to US$7 per month in 2027, a reduction of approximately 38%.

Is the number of people enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans expected to increase in 2027?

CMS estimates that around 34 million people will enroll in Medicare Advantage during 2027, which would represent 47.4% of the total Medicare beneficiaries.

More than 99% of beneficiaries will have access to a Medicare Advantage plan and 97% will be able to choose among ten or more options. CMS projects the availability of 5,532 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027.

Medicare enrollment: What is the period?

Interested parties will be able to enroll from October 15 to December 7, 2026. Coverage options can be compared through the Medicare Plan Finder.

They can also call 1-800-MEDICARE for advice on plans and costs.

In that context, although there are various risk factors that can favor this condition, there are also key lifestyle points that should be given special attention both to combat and to prevent this problem.

High blood pressure: when it occurs and what consequences it has

High blood pressure occurs when the force with which blood travels through the blood vessels is above healthy parameters.

Official data indicate that this condition is a risk factor for heart disease, which is currently the second leading cause of death among Hispanic women in the United States.

In addition, when it is not controlled, it can cause:

• Stroke
• Heart disease
• Eye problems
• Kidney failure
• Other severe health problems

The American Heart Association also notes that there is increasingly strong evidence that hypertension is linked to greater cognitive risk and dementia.

How to measure blood pressure correctly

The official recommendation is to always follow these steps when measuring these values at home:

1) Sit in a chair with a backrest

2) Keep both feet flat on the floor

3) Extend the arm on which the measurement will be taken and rest it at heart level

4) Stay still

What habits do experts recommend to keep blood pressure under control

If needed, in addition to taking the corresponding medication, health specialists indicate:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Do at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most weekdays
• Eat a healthy diet
• Reduce salt intake
• Drink alcohol in moderation
• Do not smoke
• Maintain a good sleep schedule

“Many people can prevent or delay the development of high blood pressure by making lifestyle changes designed to lower it,” emphasizes MedlinePlus.

Unlike others on the market, this product goes through a process intended to remove the whey, which results in a thicker and creamier texture compared with other yogurts available on the shelves.

The appeal behind this alternative is explained not only by its taste —slightly acidic— but also by the amount of protein it can provide, as well as calcium and beneficial probiotics.

Greek yogurt: the dairy product that 20 years ago nobody knew and now is one of Americans’ favorites

A publication by Harvard Health published in July of this year explains that Greek yogurt, which 20 years ago went completely unnoticed, today leads dairy sales in the United States.

According to data shared by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in the last decade this dairy product’s market share grew from 2% to approximately 45%, showing in numbers the product’s growing popularity.

What are the benefits of Greek yogurt

Harvard explains that the protein content of this dairy product does not go unnoticed, offering approximately twice as much protein as regular yogurt. It is also a source of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, vitamins A and B12 and, in some cases, vitamin D.

In addition, it is a food rich in probiotics -healthy bacteria for the gut-, which benefits digestive health and the immune system.

Medical News Today, for its part, explains that consuming Greek yogurt can benefit metabolism, because a high intake of protein in the diet contributes to calorie burning.

Recommendations when consuming Greek yogurt: expert advice

Frances Parpor, a dietitian from the Brigham and Women’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program affiliated with Harvard advises:

• Check serving sizes when comparing options
• Choose plain Greek yogurt whenever possible
• If choosing fruit, look for alternatives that include it separately
• Avoid artificial sweeteners, as well as granola mixes
• Be cautious with saturated fats

The downside of Greek yogurt

The USDA explains that the production process for Greek yogurt not only leaves a creamy result, but also a problematic residue known as acid whey (AW).

“It is estimated that more than 3 million tons of AW are generated each year in the United States alone,” the agency notes.

The main challenge is that, because of its acidic, salty taste and low nutritional appeal, it does not allow the food industry to include it in other production streams, so along with growing demand there is also a need to find a solution to a problem that is capable of growing at the same rate.

Now, SB 1058, Local Meals for Children, which will take effect on January 1, 2027, will modify the factors that districts must take into account when contracting services for food programs.

The Golden State seeks to prioritize a healthy proposal, which can become difficult if, in every contract, priority is given to the lowest price on the market.

The official text of the new regulation details the arguments in favor of the entry into force of this amendment to the current law will make it possible to place other factors, such as quality, at the center of the scene.

What is California’s SB 1058 bill

According to current laws, at the moment when a school district must carry out contracts intended for child nutrition programs, the law determines that the main factor to consider must be the price of the products.

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SB 1058 seeks to change this so that, first and foremost, a bid considered more “appropriate and responsible” can be prioritized and not necessarily the one with the best price.

However, when IFB (Invitation for Bids) procurement procedures are used, used to directly purchase meals or food, suppliers submit product values without room for negotiation, and the regulation states that the contract must still prioritize the one offering the lowest value.

What changes for California schools

The text, as its main measure, removes from the law the requirement that price be the main driver behind the purchasing decision.

This is especially relevant for the types of procurement known as RFP (Request for Proposal), where proposals are submitted to be evaluated based on different criteria, not necessarily limited to price. These are used, for example, when a school authority contracts a company to manage the food service.

Those promoting the measure argue that the entry into force of SB 1058 will provide greater freedom to consider other factors in contracts and favor a possible presence of healthier products in institutions.

On one hand, there is the traditional booklet, and on the other, a standard-size card. They do not have the same uses and also do not cost the same when processing the application.

How do the passport card and passport booklet differ?

According to the State Department: “The U.S. passport card is a wallet-sized plastic passport that does not have pages for visas”.

For this reason, unlike the passport booklet, it does not allow international air travel. It only enables the following actions:

• Enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and certain Caribbean countries.
• It can be used for certain land crossings to Canada and Mexico.

The passport booklet allows travel by air, land, or sea outside the United States.

On the other hand, the cost is not the same either. Those applying for a new passport will find the following costs:

• US$165 for the booklet
• US$65 for the card

For those who meet the renewal requirements:

• US$130 for the booklet.
• US$30 for the card.

Both are valid for 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16 years old. Both the card and the booklet can be used as an alternative to a REAL ID identification to board domestic flights within the United States.

Requirements to meet: What is needed to obtain a passport?

Those applying for a U.S. passport for the first time as adults must submit Form DS-11 and complete a series of requirements established by the State Department.

Mainly, documents such as the following are required:

• Physical proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Photo ID.
• Photocopies of the documentation used to prove identity and citizenship.
• A passport photo that meets the official requirements.
• Completed Form DS-11: it must be signed before the acceptance agent.
• Payment of the corresponding fees for the type of document requested.

The State Department clarifies that it does not accept digital versions of these documents, such as electronic birth certificates stored on cell phones.

Who can obtain a U.S. passport?

Anyone who can prove citizenship can obtain a U.S. passport in either of its forms. This includes:

• Citizens by birth.
• Citizens born abroad who obtained citizenship through their parents.
• Citizens by naturalization.

Who can renew the passport?

To renew the passport, certain eligibility requirements must be met:

• That the passport to be renewed had full validity.
• That it was issued when the holder was 16 years old or older.
• That it was issued less than 15 years ago.
• That it is in good condition, without severe damage such as stained, torn, or missing pages.
• That it has not been reported lost or stolen.

To renew it online, other requirements must also be met:

• Be 25 years of age or older.
• Have a passport that was valid for 10 years.
• That it is set to expire within the next year or expired less than five years ago.

Lawful permanent residents in the United States

Having lawful permanent residence in the United States is not enough to obtain a U.S. passport.

A summer of legislative work

Both chambers worked on similar versions during the hot months. The House of Representatives gave its approval by voice vote earlier this month. The Senate, for its part, had already passed an identical version by unanimous consent in August.

The text that reached the final stretch differs slightly from another version that made its way through the Capitol earlier this year. That one ordered the Treasury to stop minting pennies, but did not explicitly establish the end of the coin.

A penny that is nearly dead

In practice, the penny was already on its way out. This year, collector’s pieces were issued for the country’s 250th anniversary, but none has been struck for circulation since last fall.

The law would make that situation official, though it would still allow one-cent coins to be made “as numismatic items.” Those already in circulation would keep their value: they would remain legal tender for paying debts, taxes and public charges.

Paying in cash, without the headaches

Since businesses began reporting penny shortages last summer, paying in cash has become clunky. Some businesses rounded on their own, and others offered gift cards or promotions in exchange for coins. The paradox is that there are pennies to spare: it is estimated that more than 300 billion exist, about $8 per resident. They just don’t make it to the cash registers, and the law would not change that.

What it would change is legal certainty. Businesses would be authorized to round cash payments to the nearest nickel, something some states and localities prohibit today. That was the point highlighted, in separate statements, by the National Retail Federation and the National Association of Convenience Stores when celebrating the bill’s passage.

The nickel, at center stage

With the penny gone, the nickel becomes the country’s smallest coin, and it has its own cost problem. In fiscal year 2025, making one cost more than 13 cents, a figure slightly lower than the 13.78 cents of the previous year.

The law does not eliminate this coin, although at least one expert has argued it would have been simpler to do without it instead of the penny. What it does do is authorize the Treasury Secretary to test and evaluate new compositions and to propose one if it reduces production costs and has a minimal adverse impact on machines designed to accept coins. One option would be to make it from zinc with an outer layer of nickel. Today only the penny and the $1 coin use zinc, which last year cost nearly $7,000 less per tonne than copper, according to the Mint.

Changing a coin’s composition, however, is not simple. Earlier attempts to make the penny cheaper failed.

What remains

Trump’s signature is still needed. The president had already asked the Treasury, early last year, to stop minting pennies, calling them “wasteful.” If he enacts the law, that administrative decision will become a legal mandate.

To see the full calendar for the rest of the year, you can check the scheduled dates here. Additionally, if the deposit is not received on time, SSA recommends following a series of steps to claim it.

When will SSA beneficiaries be paid?

For October, 5 deposit dates are set, plus one additional date corresponding to a November benefit.

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries: Thursday, October 1.
• Social Security beneficiaries from before May 1997 or those who also receive SSI: Friday, October 2.
• Beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th of any month: Wednesday, October 14.
• Beneficiaries born between the 11th and the 20th of any month: Wednesday, October 21.
• Beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st of any month: Wednesday, October 28.

In addition, on Friday, October 30, SSI beneficiaries will receive the November payment.

SSA recommendations if payments are not received on the corresponding date

SSA recommends checking through the My Social Security account whether the payment was made, is still pending, or does not appear as scheduled:

• If the deposit does not appear on the date indicated by SSA in the official calendar, you should contact the bank because it could be a delay in processing the deposit.
• If the bank confirms that it did not receive the money, the beneficiary can report a late, lost, or stolen payment to SSA.

Additionally, it is recommended to keep the information updated, since if there is a mismatch, the deposit could be delayed until it is updated.

Check whether your benefit is still active: How can it be verified?

Beneficiaries can use their My Social Security account to manage and review information related to benefits.

You can also check the status by phone through the SSA automated service, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in English and Spanish, at 1-800-772-1213.

The new model introduces aesthetic changes to the card, but also promises enhanced security compared with previous versions.

Florida driver’s license changes: what the new model looks like

The authorities explain that the current design aims to pay tribute to Florida’s history.

El Castillo de San Marcos, a historic fortress for the United States, appears as the background image on the front of the driver’s license.

The state’s distinctive orange is placed as an orange in the O of “Florida”, which appears in the upper left corner of the credential.

For its part, the typical manatee was included along with the Real ID star, which guarantees compliance with federal standards for official purposes, located at the top right.

On the back side, the inscription “Let Us Alone” is included, which was the first unofficial flag of the state. The iconic Discovery space shuttle was chosen as the background image.

In addition, the security features were reinforced on these cards, which include repeated data in different places, ultraviolet ink, tactile elements, and symbols that change depending on the viewing angle.

Other features of Florida driver’s licenses and ID cards

The state also explains that issued licenses are distinguished by their header colors (for example, CDL licenses are marked in blue, driving licenses in green, and licenses for those under 21 in orange).

In addition, there are distinctions for athletes, boaters, hunters, veterans, organ donors, deaf people, and people with certain disabilities.

What will happen to current driver’s licenses and ID cards

The DLHSMV states that the launch of this new model does not mean that the previous ones must be replaced. All copies remain valid until the specified date, and the change will be made progressively.

When the time comes for an old license to be renewed, another one with the updated model will be issued.

What requirements must applicants meet to obtain a driver’s license

According to the Florida Driver License Handbook, all first-time applicants must meet basic requirements such as

• Present a primary identification document (such as a birth certificate)
• Proof of Social Security Number or secondary identification
• Two documents proving Florida residency
• In addition, the Traffic Law and Substance Abuse Education (TLSAE) course must be completed
• Pass vision, knowledge, and driving skills tests
• Pay 48 dollars

The procedure can be completed at the different service centers, where the license is already available. Those who need to update their license can do so online by clicking here, but the new model will take time to arrive. It is indicated that for online procedures, it will only be available around the end of November.

The agency is seeking to contract what it calls “mobile detention facilities”: vans equipped to hold people at the scene of the arrest itself, without immediately transporting them to an office or processing center. The plan, still in the bidding stage, targets Pennsylvania first.

How the new ICE system works

The document is part of a broader expansion of the immigration detention system, with 10-year contracts for four regions and a total capacity of 5,500 beds. In Pennsylvania, ICE proposes using these vehicles as temporary detention spaces at the arrest site itself, so agents can keep working in the field instead of stopping the operation to transport each detained person. The documents describe these units as a mobile extension of detention centers: they would stay near arrest teams and function as such until the vans filled up or the operation in that area ended.

Michael Wriston, co-founder of Project Salt Box and a retired military intelligence analyst, summed up the project with a concrete image: what they describe is a network of vans that would follow agents into the field as they carry out arrests. Wriston noted that the document conspicuously lacked any mention of operating standards — it doesn’t explain how long a person could remain inside a van, how they would access a bathroom, or how they would be fed.

The idea echoes something ICE’s acting director, Todd Lyons, had floated publicly in April 2025. At the Border Security Expo in Phoenix, Lyons said the agency needed to start treating this like a business, adding that he wanted to see a deportation process that was like Amazon Prime, but with human beings. In that same appearance, he spoke of his hope for squads of trucks crisscrossing the country to arrest immigrants, the same way Amazon vans crisscross cities delivering packages.

For the Philadelphia region, which covers Pennsylvania and Delaware, ICE is requesting 12 additional transport teams per day, seven days a week, spread across seven locations, plus new operations centers in Pittsburgh and Dover (Delaware). The units would be run by GTI, the transportation subsidiary of GEO Group, one of the country’s largest private detention contractors.

The vans and their gray areas

The requirements call for interior cages, acrylic panels separating the driver from passengers, locks on doors and windows, backup radios, and at least one unit adapted for people with disabilities. Each trip would require two agents, and all transport personnel would have to be armed.

Despite that technical detail, information about the conditions of the people held inside them is scarce. The only concrete restriction states that, except in emergencies, women cannot be transported by bus for more than 10 hours. There is no equivalent limit for men, nor a specific duration set for how long someone could remain in the vans used as mobile detention facilities. There are also no rules on food, water, restrooms, temperature or medical care during transport. The only provision related to the treatment of detainees requires that transport be “safe and humane,” with no further detail.

The project also involves dozens of routes and hundreds of thousands of miles a year. The Pennsylvania routes alone would add roughly 372,000 miles (598,000 km) a year, while the ones planned for Miami would reach about 784,000 miles (1.26 million km). Some routes out of Denver would exceed 10 hours of travel: one between Denver and Phoenix, for instance, covers 865 miles (1,392 km).

The fixed system behind the vans

The solicitation calls for four detention centers in Pennsylvania, Colorado, Washington and Florida, with capacities ranging from 700 to 1,800 people each. Those centers would include immigration courts, offices for ICE attorneys, spaces for asylum interviews, medical care, food service and other operations tied to the deportation process. In Pennsylvania, the vans would function as an extension of that model: holding detainees until the operation is complete or the vehicles fill up, before transferring them to those fixed centers.

The geographic focus on Pennsylvania is no accident. According to Wriston, it reflects the fact that it’s a large state where many police departments are barred from cooperating with ICE, which means detained migrants can’t be held in local jails. The mobile facilities would function, in that sense, as a workaround to sustain operations in areas where the agency lacks fixed detention capacity. The idea also comes after another expansion project stumbled: ICE had begun buying up large warehouses to convert into mega detention centers, but that plan failed, and the agency ended up selling off most of those properties.

Where the record budget for ICE expansion comes from

The pivot toward mobile units comes amid a much broader expansion of detention infrastructure. The Sunday before these documents came to light, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) signed construction contracts worth more than $7 billion to expand immigration detention in New York, Texas, Arizona, Florida and California, and announced further expansion in Colorado, Washington and Pennsylvania.

Behind this expansion is an unprecedented jump in funding: an additional $75 billion from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act made ICE the best-funded law enforcement agency in the United States. During a GEO Group earnings call in August, an investor asked CEO George Zoley whether ICE was still aiming for 100,000 operational beds. Zoley said yes, for the most part, and specified that the agency had 68,000 beds at the time — of which GEO Group operates 24,000, more than a third of the total — leaving roughly 30,000 more to reach that figure.

The affected product: when and where it was sold and how it was detected

The product is Lior Cinnamon Ground Seasoning, with UPC 794711005484. It is sold in 90-gram transparent plastic containers, packed in cases of six. The key identifier is the lot code GAP11304, printed on the side of the container, below the ingredient line.

According to the company, the product was distributed to retail stores, grocery stores, delis and supermarkets in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, Florida and Illinois. Distribution ran from November 18, 2025 to September 7, 2026.

The alert did not come from consumer complaints. The recall resulted from a sample collected and analyzed by the Maryland Department of Health (MDH), which found elevated levels of lead. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The company’s response

Galil Importing Corp immediately launched a voluntary recall. The company is notifying its customers to stop distributing and selling the product and to place remaining inventory on hold.

It has also opened a supplier investigation and put in place enhanced testing and supplier verification measures to prevent a recurrence.

Why lead is a concern

The announcement warns that short-term exposure to very low levels may cause no symptoms, and that elevated blood lead levels may be the only apparent sign. Signs and symptoms are more likely with acute exposure to high levels or with chronic exposure. The effects depend on the amount and duration of exposure, as well as age and body weight.

The greatest risk is to children. If a child is exposed over a prolonged period, from weeks to months, permanent damage to the central nervous system may occur, leading to learning disorders, developmental defects and other long-term health problems.

What consumers should do

The guidance is clear: do not consume the product. Anyone who has it at home should discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund. Questions can be directed to Galil Importing Corp at 1-516-496-7400, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Eastern Time).

“When your body is too hot at night, you do not sleep well. You sweat, toss and turn more and feel less comfortable”, says Brian Chen, MD, a sleep specialist at the Cleveland Clinic in an article by the institution.

The expert’s explanation is clear: body temperature should drop as much as possible as part of the cycle that prepares the body for sleep.

What is the ideal temperature for resting well?

The expert’s advice is to maintain a temperature ranging between 60 and 67 °F, which is approximately between 16 and 19 °C.

To achieve this goal, it is not only important to control the room temperature, but also other factors, such as:

• Adjust the thermostat before going to bed
• Use a fan, if necessary
• Use light bedding
• Avoid caffeine before going to bed
• Avoid sugary foods before going to bed

How much sleep do you really need? This is what Harvard says

An article from Harvard University on sleep answers this common question, although it indicates that the recommendation will depend on each case.

The standard number for adults between 18 and 60 years old is at least seven hours per night, but the number of hours of sleep needed increases with age.

From 61 to 64 years old, 7 to 9 hours are needed, while those over 65 require 8 hours.

For children, the recommendation is as follows:

• 1 or 2 years: between eleven and fourteen hours when they are
• 3 to 5 years: between ten and thirteen hours with naps
• 6 to 12 years: between nine and twelve hours
• 12 to 18: between eight and ten hours

To meet these recommendations, in addition to maintaining an optimal temperature in the bedroom, the university advises:

• Keep a regular sleep schedule
• Wear comfortable clothing and sleep on an optimal mattress
• Eliminate sources of noise or bright lights
• Eliminate alcohol
• Exercise daily

“Changes that favor sleep in your environment and in your daily habits are usually the best way to treat and manage insomnia”, says Harvard.

The company initiated the voluntary recall on September 3, 2026, after the tablets failed to meet dissolution specifications. The FDA classified the recall on September 17, meaning patients should check their medication to determine whether their prescription is part of the affected lot.

Which blood pressure medication was recalled?

The recall involves Chlorthalidone Tablets, USP, 25 mg, sold in bottles containing 100 tablets. The medication is manufactured by Inventia Healthcare Limited, a company based in India, and was distributed nationwide in the US.

Chlorthalidone is a diuretic commonly used to treat high blood pressure. It helps the kidneys remove excess salt and water from the body, which can lower blood pressure.

Patients should not assume that every chlorthalidone prescription is affected. The FDA recall applies to a specific product and lot.

Why was the medication recalled?

According to the FDA, the tablets failed dissolution specifications. Dissolution testing measures how a medication breaks down and releases its active ingredient. If a tablet does not dissolve as expected, the amount of medication available for absorption can be affected.

The recall involves approximately 13,567 bottles, each containing 100 tablets. The affected product can be identified using the following information:

• Medication: Chlorthalidone Tablets, USP, 25 mg.
• NDC: 64980-599-01.
• Lot number: RISA24002.
• Expiration date: April 2027.
• Recall number: D-0852-2026.
• Manufacturer: Inventia Healthcare Limited.

The FDA classified the recall as Class II. According to the agency’s classification system, this category applies when use of or exposure to a recalled product may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, or when the probability of serious adverse health consequences is considered remote.

What should patients do if they have this medication?

Patients taking chlorthalidone should check the information on their prescription bottle against the affected lot and expiration date. If the medication was repackaged by a pharmacy, the original lot number may not appear on the prescription label, so patients can contact their pharmacist to verify whether their medication is affected.

Patients should not stop taking a prescribed blood pressure medication without first speaking with a doctor or pharmacist. A health care professional can determine whether the medication should be replaced and what alternative treatment, if any, is appropriate.

The recall remains ongoing. Patients and health care professionals with concerns about the affected product can also report problems or adverse events through the FDA’s MedWatch program.

A 2024 study published in BMJ Open Sport & Exercise Medicine examined injury patterns among 1,049 runners preparing for and participating in the New York City Marathon. Researchers found that 42.6% of the runners reported an injury during the training period or the race, with the foot and knee among the most commonly affected areas.

The research highlights how common injuries can be among marathon runners. More recently, sports medicine doctors, physical therapists, and running coaches interviewed by The New York Times identified several habits that can help runners reduce their risk of injury.

Build mileage gradually

Increasing your running distance too quickly can place more stress on the body than it can safely handle. Sports medicine experts recommend gradually increasing weekly mileage rather than making large jumps in training volume.

One general guideline cited by experts is to increase total weekly mileage by no more than 10% to 20%. Runners preparing for a marathon may also benefit from giving their bodies at least 12 to 16 weeks to adapt to the increased workload, particularly if they are new to the distance.

Keep easy runs at an easy pace

Not every training session needs to be intense. Experts recommend keeping most long runs at a genuinely easy pace, allowing runners to build aerobic endurance without constantly placing their bodies under high stress.

One practical way to measure the effort is the ability to maintain a conversation without struggling for breath. Runners training with a group or using fitness apps may feel pressure to increase their pace, but matching someone else’s speed is not necessarily appropriate for every workout.

Make time for rest and recovery

Rest is an important part of training because the body needs time to recover after physical stress. Experts recommend including recovery days rather than filling every day with demanding workouts.

Sleep is also part of recovery. According to sports medicine experts, adequate sleep can help the muscles and bones repair themselves and may also affect athletic performance.

Add strength training to your routine

Running alone does not necessarily develop all of the strength needed to support the body during training. Experts recommend strengthening the legs, glutes, and core to address weaknesses and improve stability.

Exercises such as squats, lunges, Romanian deadlifts, glute bridges, and planks can target these areas. A simple routine performed at least twice a week can be enough to complement running, with the difficulty gradually increasing over time.

Do not ignore persistent pain

Continuing to train through recurring pain can allow a minor problem to become more serious. Experts recommend paying attention when discomfort persists or worsens during training rather than simply hoping it disappears.

Persistent pain can also affect a runner’s gait, potentially placing additional stress on other parts of the body. If pain continues or gets worse, sports medicine specialists recommend having it evaluated.

Use fitness trackers as a tool, not a coach

Running watches and fitness apps can help runners monitor distance, heart rate, and other training information. However, experts caution against relying exclusively on metrics such as a device’s “readiness score” to determine how hard to train.

Technology cannot account for every factor affecting performance and recovery, including weather, terrain, and other forms of physical or life stress. Experts recommend paying attention to how your body feels and adjusting training accordingly.

The 2024 marathon study underscores why injury prevention matters: injuries were reported by 38.4% of runners during training, while 14.1% of those who started the marathon reported an injury that affected their finishing time or required medical care afterward. Overall, 50.1% of the runners who reported an injury received medical care.

This year, the new guideline from the American Collage of Cardiology/American Heart Association changed the game as far as LDL cholesterol is concerned: a cardiovascular risk calculator was added and the goals were adjusted according to each patient’s risk.

Within the field of health, a common goal is to keep these levels regulated through lifestyle. However, a new study by researchers at Mass General Brigham published on July 20 in JAMA revealed a concerning picture: in the United States, nearly 1 in 3 adults without prior illnesses do not meet the recommended values.

“The gap between where the country’s cholesterol levels actually are and where the new guidelines say they should be is much wider than most people imagine,” the study’s lead author, Shady Abohashem, an instructor of radiology at Harvard Medical School, told Harvard Gazette.

The “bad cholesterol” values changed and the study revealed a clear problem in the United States

The research not only revealed that nearly 1 in 3 adult Americans without disease could not align with the new recommendations, but also showed that 4 in 5 adults who had previously suffered cardiovascular events also did not meet the recommendations.

The problem raised by the research is not limited to values being exceeded, but also shows that not enough is being done to reduce this “bad cholesterol”: among the group that exceeds the values, approximately 3 in 4 people are not in treatment.

In the case of those who had previously had illnesses, around 62% were already receiving treatment, but they were not reaching their goals at their lowest level and the remaining 35% were not treating their cholesterol.

“The new guidelines give us a clearer target than ever. For clinicians, that means reassessing patients against the updated goals. And for the public, the message is simpler: know your LDL number, know your personal goal, and if you do not know either, ask your doctor,” Abohashem says.

How this study was conducted

The researchers analyzed data from around 2,300 adults across the United States who were between 30 and 79 years old and participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2021-2023, which is understood to be representative of 178 million American adults.

The experts explained that the new guidelines indicate that the higher a patient’s cardiovascular risk is, the lower their LDL levels should be.

In the case of adults at low risk, specific goals are not set; instead, the levels at which medication is recommended are indicated, which for adults between 30 and 59 years old at low risk is an LDL of 160 to 189 mg/dL, while when there is high risk the value is 55 mg/dL.

It is important to consider that high cholesterol does not present symptoms, so it is essential to always get all the tests done.

“Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death in this country,” the experts explain, and in that context, keeping all checkups up to date is the key to early prevention.

Despite the large number of myths surrounding this behavior, specialists say it is not necessarily harmful to health, but rather its real effect will depend on the pressure exerted on the joints.

What experts say about cracking your fingers

“Research tells us that there are no definitive reasons to believe that cracking your knuckles can have negative consequences”, says sports medicine specialist Wesley Baker, in an article by the Cleveland Clinic.

According to the expert, what matters is not feeling pain or swelling after doing it.

What happens in the body when a person cracks their fingers

A 2015 study published in Plos One and cited by the institution contradicted the established idea that the sound caused by the typical crack occurs as a consequence of the change in pressure in the stretched joints. This research suggests that when the joint is separated, a gas-filled cavity forms and that process produces the “crack”.

However, the fact that it is not always harmful does not mean that it cannot have consequences. Applying more pressure than you should can cause injuries and even dislocations.

The expert’s recommendation is not to induce the sound by stretching the fingers or applying too much force on the bone.

Cracking your fingers: what Harvard says about this practice

An article written by Robert H. Shmerling, former clinical chief of the rheumatology division at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and member of Harvard Medical School, explains that one of the “most convincing tests” that cracking knuckles has no consequences is based on an experiment carried out by a California doctor.

Throughout his life he cracked the knuckles of only one of his hands so that x-rays could be reviewed for decades of this behavior. There were no differences between the hand that had been cracked and the one that had not.

“If you want to crack your knuckles, it is unlikely to harm you. But if you want someone to stop cracking their knuckles, you will need a better reason than telling them they are wrecking their joints,” says the expert.

According to the statistics for 2025, California has a total of 25,742,093 registered vehicles.

In this context, renewing online is one of the most practical options for the millions of people who must carry out this procedure, but in order to do so through this channel, it is necessary to meet essential requirements.

Who is eligible for online vehicle registration renewal in California

In order to complete the procedure virtually, it is necessary

• To have a credit card, a debit card, or a checking account
• To know the last 5 digits of the vehicle’s VIN or its HIN
• To have insurance for the vehicle or a vehicle that does not require insurance
• The DMV already has registered information that the vehicle passed the smog certification

If these requirements are not met, it will be necessary to complete the process by another method.

How to complete the online registration process

The process is carried out through the DMV’s official website by clicking here and filling out the fields with the required information.

It is important that the fees imposed are paid within no more than 20 days. Otherwise, a late fee will be applied.

How long does it take to renew the registration if the process is completed online?

The processing time indicated for this type of procedure is approximately one week.

What should those who have changed their address do but still want to renew online

Renewing online is possible after an address change, but in these cases, it is recommended to wait 3 business days between the change and the time the online process is completed.

Important information for minors: those who cannot register their vehicle

Vehicle Code, DIV 6.5, Chapter 1 prohibits by law minors without a valid driver’s license from requesting, leasing, buying, or receiving a vehicle in their name as a gift, so in these cases, the process cannot be carried out by any means.

In addition to having been one of the favorites for years, it is also one of the most controversial in the field of health, with conflicting opinions about its effects.

In this sense, a new study by APC Microbiome Ireland, a research center at University College Cork, sheds light on the effects of coffee -both with and without caffeine- on the gut microbiome, stress and mood.

The work was published in Nature Communications and was sponsored by the Scientific Information Institute on Coffee (ISIC).

How this study of coffee’s effects was carried out

The study analyzed the behavior of 31 coffee consumers (who drank between 3 and 5 cups a day) and 31 non-consumers through psychological tests, urine tests, stool samples and diaries of their consumption.

To evaluate the effects, the coffee consumers went two weeks without drinking coffee, continuously carrying out all the aforementioned evaluations.

Then this beverage was reintroduced into their diet, but without specifying who drank decaffeinated coffee and who had caffeine.

What the experts observed with this coffee study

The specialists explain that during the period in which coffee consumers did not drink the beverage, important changes occurred in the substances associated with the activity of microorganisms in the gut.

One of the most striking findings is that at the moment coffee returned to the participants’ daily routine, both those who drank caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee reported lower levels of stress and self-reported depressive symptoms.

“Reintroduction of caffeinated or decaffeinated coffee significantly reduces impulsivity, while decaffeinated coffee alone reduces emotional reactivity. Caffeinated coffee improved anxiety and some aspects of cognitive performance, while decaffeinated coffee improved memory, sleep quality and physical activity, which suggests distinct benefits depending on the type of coffee,” the study says.

The study emphasizes the importance of caffeinated and decaffeinated coffee being associated with different positive factors, given that this may have implications for health recommendations.

As for its effects on the microbiota, the bacteria associated with the secretion of intestinal gastric acids and bile acid synthesis increased in those who consumed coffee compared with those who did not.

Experts explain that Firmicutes bacteria, associated with positive emotions in women, also increased.

“As the public continues to reflect on dietary changes to achieve the proper digestive balance, coffee also has the potential to be leveraged as an additional intervention within a healthy and balanced diet,” says John Cyran, author of the study and researcher at APC Microbiome Ireland.

Not all coffee is the same

A publication from the Harvard School of Public Health explains that to take advantage of coffee’s benefits, other factors should be considered, such as

• Sugar
• Extra calories
• Saturated fats

All of these additives “can offset any health benefit that may be found in a basic black coffee,” experts explain.

Simply called “IRS,” this new version of the app changes both the name and the functions available to users, which can be viewed in English and Spanish.

The authorities explained that the name change is because IRS2Go was originally created to conveniently monitor refunds in process from a phone. Now, the new version aims to broaden the possibilities and include more transactions.

What are the functions of the IRS application?

Once you log in or create an account from scratch, the following functions can be performed

• Payments: an outstanding balance can now be paid, a payment can be scheduled, a payment plan can be set up, the history can be checked, etc.
• Refunds: The status of the refund or return can still be checked
• Records: access tax records that are in the history in order to download them
• Notifications: receive notices and official letters
• Information: update email and banking information

Both payments and obtaining information to file documents and checking the status of the refund can be done without logging in.

How to download the IRS application and who should not do it

Those who already have IRS2Go downloaded do not need to take any extra action, since the app itself updates automatically in the background. If the change did not occur, the update can be done manually through the Apple Store or Google Play, as appropriate.

To use the new functions, you will be asked to log in with ID.me and, once your identity has been verified, the new version will open.

If you have never installed the previous version and need to download it from scratch, the app must be downloaded from the aforementioned stores.

Requirements to be able to download the app from the Apple Store or Google Play

The app’s spec sheet specifies that it can be installed as long as you have the following versions

Apple Store

• iPhone: requires iOS 15.1 or later
• iPad: requires iPadOS 15.1 or later
• iPod touch: requires iOS 15.1 or later

Google Play

• Devices on which it is downloaded must have Android version 7.0 or later version

The federal agency says it is working on new functions to incorporate.

Gias Foods, based in New York, is recalling two lots of bettergoods Authentic Italian Lemon Alfredo Fettuccine because the product may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The company’s announcement was posted by the FDA on September 15, 2026. As the agency itself makes clear, it publishes these notices as a public service and does not endorse either the product or the company.

What the product is

It is a frozen pasta sold under the bettergoods brand and distributed nationwide at Walmart stores. Its popularity is explained by its reach: it made its way onto shelves across the country. The affected product can be identified as follows:

• Yellow plastic package, 22 oz.
• UPC 194346442706.
• Lot L6079C or L6080C.
• Expiration date 09/19/2027 or 09/20/2027, stamped on the back of the package.

How the problem was detected

The recall did not stem from consumer complaints. According to the company, it resulted from a routine sampling program run by the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Those tests indicated the finished product may contain the bacteria. Gias Foods has stopped distribution, and both the FDA and the company are still investigating what caused the problem. No illnesses have been reported to date.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, elderly or frail people, and those with weakened immune systems. In healthy people it usually causes short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. In pregnant women, however, the infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

As the FDA notes, this bacterium can survive and grow even under refrigeration. The CDC describes two forms of illness. One is a milder gastrointestinal form, with fever, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea lasting one to three days. The other is an invasive form, which occurs when the bacteria spread beyond the intestines and can include headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and seizures.

This second form is especially dangerous for newborns, adults over 65 and people with weakened immune systems. During pregnancy, symptoms may be mild or go unnoticed and still have serious consequences.

What consumers should do

1. Check the freezer. Look for a 22 oz tray of this fettuccine and verify the UPC, lot number and date on the back of the package.
2. Don’t eat it if it matches. Anyone with a product from the listed lots should return it to the place of purchase for a full refund.
3. Contact the company. Questions can be sent to sales@giasfoods.com, with a response promised within 24 hours.
4. Watch for symptoms. Anyone who has eaten the product, especially those in a high-risk group, should monitor for symptoms and consult a health professional if any appear.

Of the more than 6,300 exoplanets cataloged so far, most do not meet the condition of being rocky, and only in some were signs of an atmosphere detected.

Scientist Brandon Park Coy, from the University of Chicago, leads a research group that managed to study a particular case that could help investigate what primitive Earth was like. It is a rocky super-Earth located about 154 light-years away, in the constellation Pisces.

What is the exoplanet that astronomers encountered during their research like?

The exoplanet was named HD 3167 b. It orbits so close to its star that it completes one orbit in just one Earth day, which is why it also receives enormous amounts of radiation and has extreme temperatures.

Its equilibrium temperature is around 1,786 K, about 1,510 °C, while the temperature it would reach directly beneath the star is even higher.

The researchers classified it as a “lava world” because it receives enough radiation from its star for the silicates on its surface to melt on the day side.

What is the particular feature of this exoplanet according to astronomers?

The main feature is that there is evidence that HD 3167 b retains an atmosphere despite the extreme conditions it is subjected to. Planets located so close to their stars receive huge amounts of radiation, which in principle could facilitate the loss of their atmospheric gases.

The discovery helps define a possible transition between lava worlds that appear to be bare rocks and those capable of maintaining dense or highly reflective atmospheres.

How is it determined whether an exoplanet has an atmosphere?

During the eclipse analysis, the value turned out to be lower than would be expected from a dark rock with no atmosphere, heated to the maximum by its star.

An atmosphere can explain that cooling in two ways:

• It can transport part of the heat from the day side to the night side.
• It could contain clouds or highly reflective components that send part of the star’s radiation back into space.

The study still could not determine what that atmosphere is made of. The models consider scenarios with rock vapor mixed with volatile substances such as water, oxygen, or carbon dioxide.

What is the importance of this discovery and how does it affect the history of our planet?

The discovery is important because it allows researchers to investigate under what conditions extremely hot rocky planets can retain atmospheres.

It also provides information to study a stage that the rocky planets of the Solar System probably went through. During their formation, the primitive Earth had large amounts of molten rock and went through a magma ocean phase. In that stage, the interaction between the molten interior and the gases released by the planet was fundamental to the evolution of its first atmospheres.

These worlds function as natural laboratories to study how a magma surface exchanges materials with an atmosphere, how gases are released from the interior, and under what conditions those gases can remain around a rocky planet.

That information can help reconstruct processes that were also important during the early stages of Earth’s evolution.

Each state has its own system for assigning points, suspending, and even revoking a driver’s license, as well as violations that, on their own, can trigger these consequences.

How does New York’s Points System work?

According to the New York DMV on its official page in the “Points and Penalties” section:

“For points to be added to your driving record, you must be convicted of the traffic violation. The total points are calculated based on the date of the violation, not the date of the conviction. To calculate your point total, the violations committed in the last 24 months are added up.”

When the 24 months pass, the points are no longer counted, but they remain on your record while the conviction remains in effect, something your insurance company could use to raise your premium.

On the other hand, if a driver receives 6 or more points in an 18-month period, they must pay a Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA) fee.

When 11 or more points are accumulated, the DMV can suspend the driver’s license.

Which violations automatically add 11 points?

The number of points assigned depends on the severity of the violation:

• Speed limit not specified: 3 points.
• Speeding 1 to 10 mph over the permitted limit: 3 points.
• Driving 11 to 20 mph over the permitted limit: 4 points.
• Driving 21 to 30 mph over the permitted limit: 6 points.
• Driving 31 to 40 mph over the permitted limit: 8 points.
• Driving more than 40 mph over the permitted limit: 11 points.
• Speeding in a work zone: 8 points.
• Alcohol- or drug-related driving incident: 11 points.
• Aggravated unlicensed operation: 11 points.
• A high-clearance vehicle striking a bridge: 8 points.
• Reckless driving: 5 points.
• Passing a stopped school bus: 8 points.
• Leaving the scene of an accident involving personal injury: 5 points.
• Failure to exercise due care: 5 points.
• Facilitating aggravated unlicensed operation: 5 points.
• Engaging in contests or speed races: 5 points.
• Inadequate brakes on an employer’s vehicle: 4 points.
• Following too closely: 4 points.
• Using a mobile phone or portable electronic device while driving: 5 points.
• Improper passing, unsafe lane change, driving left of center or in the wrong direction: 3 points.
• Violation related to a traffic light, stop sign, or yield sign: 3 points.
• Failure to yield the right of way: 3 points.
• Violation at a railroad crossing: 5 points.
• Leaving the scene of an incident involving property damage or injury to a domestic animal: 3 points.
• Violation of safety rules for children under 16: 3 points.
• Inadequate brakes while driving an employer’s vehicle: 2 points.
• Any other traffic violation: 2 points.

Suspensions: Defined or indefinite?

The DMV distinguishes between fixed suspensions, that is, those that have a start and end date, and indefinite suspensions, which do not end until the driver meets the requested requirements or actions.

A driver’s license is usually suspended for a set period when:

• The driver was found guilty of charges for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Too many points were accumulated.
• They did not follow the rules established for young drivers.
• The corresponding insurance was not paid.

By contrast, an indefinite suspension may occur when the driver:

• Did not respond to a traffic ticket.
• Did not pay the Driver Responsibility Assessment (DRA).
• Did not file the corresponding report after an accident.
• Owes child support.
• Owes tax debts to the state of New York.
• Did not have liability insurance.

What the numbers say: 2026 road crashes

The New York City Police Department reported the figures for September 2026 compared with 2025.

According to the report, during 2026, the following were recorded:

• 61,331 collisions: -2.03%
• 27,040 injury collisions: -0.98%
• 36,655 total injuries: -0.07%
• 22,910 motor vehicles: -0.15%
• 3,790 two-wheeled motor vehicles: +3.19%
• 147 deaths: -6.37%

What does Vision Zero propose?

Vision Zero is New York City’s Road Safety strategy, based on the premise that deaths and serious injuries from traffic crashes can be prevented through changes in street design, enforcement, education, and public policy.

This initiative began in 2014 and has a municipal investment of US$4.5 billion through fiscal year 2028. In September 2026, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani presented Vision Zero Reimagined, a 10-year plan that aims to:

• Redesign the streets considered the most dangerous.
• Install enhanced natural lighting and other improvements at at least 1,000 intersections per year.
• Deepen the enforcement of Sammy’s Law, which allows speed limits to be reduced in certain areas.
• Expand automated enforcement systems.
• Create the Super Speeder program, aimed at drivers who repeatedly accumulate serious violations, in addition to strengthening enforcement against the so-called ghost plates used to evade cameras and fines.
• Encourage more secure forms of transportation, such as walking, using public transit, bicycles, and other micromobility options.
• Establish stricter safety rules for electric bikes and scooters.

According to City Hall, since the launch of Vision Zero, traffic deaths have fallen by around 30%, and the goal is to bring them to zero.

The latest is that he launched the Bronx’s first exclusive corridor, a project on one of the most heavily traveled avenues that seeks to reduce travel times for about 39,000 people who use the Bx36 line daily.

The busway operates every day between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m. and is part of a broader program to speed up bus service in New York City.

Where will the exclusive traffic lane be located in the Bronx?

The new corridor is on Tremont Avenue, one of the Bronx’s main east-west traffic arteries. The project covers approximately one mile of busway and another 0.26 miles of exclusive bus lane.

The configuration changes according to the direction of travel:

• Heading east, the busway extends from Third Avenue to Southern Boulevard.
• Heading west, it runs from Southern Boulevard to Belmont Avenue.
• In addition, between Webster Avenue and Third Avenue, heading east, a shared lane for buses and bicycles was added.

The corridor especially benefits passengers on the Bx36 line, whose buses have been recorded traveling at speeds below 5 miles per hour during periods of heaviest congestion. It also facilitates connections with eight subway lines, Metro-North and other bus services.

Which vehicles will be allowed to travel, and which will have restricted access?

The busway operates seven days a week, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. During that period, buses, trucks with six wheels or more, emergency vehicles and Access-A-Ride units may travel the full corridor.

Other vehicles, including taxis, private cars and ride-hailing or transportation service vehicles, may not use the corridor as a through route. They may enter from side streets to make local access, such as dropping off or picking up passengers, but must exit at the next available right turn.

To enforce compliance with these restrictions, the project includes fixed cameras installed along the corridor, cameras mounted on buses and inspections by the New York City Police Department (NYPD).

The new safety changes: Where will they apply?

The New York Department of Transportation (NY DOT) incorporated safety modifications at eight intersections on Tremont Avenue and nearby streets:

• Tremont Avenue and Webster Avenue.
• Tremont Avenue and Third Avenue.
• Tremont Avenue with Southern Boulevard and Crotona Parkway.
• Third Avenue and East 175th Street.
• Southern Boulevard with Crotona Parkway and 180th Street.
• Crotona Avenue and 180th Street.
• Third Avenue and 180th Street.
• Tremont Avenue and Washington Avenue.

Among the main interventions are painted curb extensions, intended to shorten the distance pedestrians must walk to cross and to force drivers to slow down when turning. These areas were reinforced with flexible bollards, granite blocks and bicycle parking spaces, also with the aim of discouraging improper parking.

The program this project is part of: What does Vision Zero propose?

The decision to add these measures responds to the record of crashes on Tremont Avenue, a corridor included among the priority areas of New York’s Vision Zero program. According to data released by city authorities, between 2020 and 2024, about 630 people were injured in traffic crashes and four lost their lives on this stretch.

The redesign aims not only to improve bus speeds, but also to reorganize traffic and reduce conflict points between vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.

The city also seeks for the reduction in space available for general traffic and the greater delineation of crossings to force drivers to slow down when entering intersections, especially in areas where several avenues converge or there is heavy public transit passenger movement.

On September 24, 2026, Michigan Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens introduced the Blue Collar Social Security Fairness Act, a bill that would allow workers in physically demanding jobs to collect full benefits at age 60.

What would change

Under current law, Americans born after 1960 reach full retirement age at 67. They can start collecting at 62, but with a 30% reduction that shrinks gradually between ages 63 and 66. Stevens’ proposal would cut that wait by seven years for those working in construction, roofing, nursing, manufacturing and similar trades, a list the bill itself describes as open-ended.

The lawmaker argues that many manual workers cannot keep working until 67 because of the toll on their bodies. In her view, people who work with their hands should not have to wait until their health gives out to retire.

How the points system would work

Eligibility would not require spending an entire career in physical work. According to her press release, the bill creates an age-weighted points system:

• 0.5 points for each year worked between ages 18 and 34.
• 1 point for each year between 35 and 44.
• 1.5 points for each year between 45 and 54.
• 2 points for each year from 55 onward.

Anyone who accumulates 15 points, or 20 years of physically demanding work over a career, could retire at 60.

In addition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) would have to compile and publish the list of covered occupations and update it every three years. Under the text, a job would qualify if it imposes substantial physical demands that could reduce a person’s ability to keep working at an advanced age.

The backdrop: a trust fund at risk

The initiative comes amid a broader debate over how to fund the program, whose outlays continue to outpace its revenue. The latest trustees report projects that the trust fund that pays benefits to retirees and survivors would be depleted by the end of 2032, earlier than previously forecast. That could trigger a cut of more than 20% in benefits. The average retired worker received $2,071 a month in January, according to the SSA.

Among the alternatives being discussed are eliminating the cap on income subject to the Social Security tax, currently $184,500, and raising the payroll tax. In July, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren and Republican Sen. Bernie Moreno called for lifting that cap. A 2025 poll by the Bipartisan Policy Center found it was supported by 65% of Democrats and 62% of Republicans.

What criticism does the project receive

The bill has its skeptics. Labor economist Teresa Ghilarducci of The New School noted that the measure would leave out millions of people in jobs that are physically and emotionally demanding, such as care and service work.

She also warned that it could open the door to raising the retirement age and cutting benefits for those who don’t qualify. In her view, it would be a bad idea if it paves the way for that for everyone else, because it assumes older people can do and get those jobs.

This Act sets higher security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards (IDs). This means that if you do not have a REAL ID, you must present a passport or another valid document to travel, now that a standard driver’s license will not be enough.

Why do I have to upgrade my license to a REAL ID?

According to official information, if you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID, you would need a different TSA-acceptable form of identification to travel between states.

Also, you will not be able to use it to access federal government facilities or military installations or enter nuclear power plants.

A REAL ID would appear, depending on the state’s policies, as a gold star on the upper right side of the driver’s license.

How to apply for a REAL ID?

You must follow the process established by your state’s driver’s licensing agency and provide the required documents. In most cases, you will need to present:

• Proof of identity, such as a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
• Proof of your Social Security number, such as your Social Security card, Form W-2, or a pay stub or paycheck from your job.
• Proof of residency in the state, such as a deed, mortgage statement, lease agreement, utility bill, or bank statement.

The exact requirements and application process vary by state, so applicants should check their state driver’s licensing agency’s website before applying.

Can I fly without a REAL ID?

There is no obligation to apply for a REAL ID, but you have to know that you will need to travel with TSA-acceptable identification to fly within the country.

If you do not have a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID, TSA accepts several other forms of identification for domestic air travel, including:

• U.S. passport.
• U.S. passport card.
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
• Foreign government-issued passport.
• DHS Trusted Traveler cards, such as Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST.
• U.S. Department of Defense ID, including IDs issued to dependents.
• Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID).
• Border crossing card.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (I-766).
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).
• Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized Tribal Nation or Indian Tribe.
• HSPD-12 PIV card.
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card.