How is listening to music while driving prohibited in Florida?

The law prohibits driving while using headphones to listen to music, including devices that cover both ears. The restriction applies to the driver’s use of listening devices.

However, the rules include specific exceptions. Among them, they allow the use of a connected earbud linked to a cell phone when sound is transmitted through only one ear and the other remains free to hear surrounding sounds.

What are the exceptions to the ban on using headphones while driving?

Under Section 316.304, the restriction does not apply in certain circumstances:

• People with hearing difficulties: they may use hearing aids or devices designed to improve hearing.
• Drivers using cell phones: they may use an earbud that transmits sound through only one ear and allows them to hear their surroundings with the other.
• Motorcyclists: they may use devices built into helmets, as long as the speakers do not make direct contact with the ears and allow outside sounds to be heard.
• Police and emergency personnel: they may use certain devices needed to carry out their duties.

What penalty does Florida impose for driving with headphones?

Subsection 4 of Section 316.304 states that violating this prohibition is a noncriminal traffic infraction, punishable as a non-moving violation under Chapter 318 of the Florida Statutes.

Therefore, drivers who use headphones outside the exceptions may receive a traffic citation.

To qualify for this benefit, applicants must pass a series of evaluations and complete a selection process. The announcement sets specific requirements for age, education, citizenship and physical fitness.

Which branch of the armed forces offers up to $140,000 in incentives to join?

The U.S. Navy offers financial incentives of up to $140,000 through its enlistment bonus program (Enlistment Bonus). The initiative seeks to bring in personnel to fill different specialties and roles within the Navy.

The offer includes different types of bonuses, so the final amount depends on the chosen job, the terms of the contract and recruiting needs.

The Navy also sets specific conditions to access these benefits. These include the enlistment program, the training start date and the chosen specialty.

What requirements must interested applicants meet to join?

The Navy sets out a series of general conditions for those who want to enlist as personnel. According to its official website, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Age: be between 17 and 41 years old. Those who have not yet turned 18 need permission from a parent or guardian.
• Citizenship: be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident with a valid Green Card.
• Education: have a high school diploma or an equivalent GED certificate.
• Aptitude test: earn a qualifying score on the ASVAB (Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery), an assessment that measures knowledge and skills to determine which specialties each candidate can enter.
• Health: pass the medical exam at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS).
• Physical and personal conditions: meet the physical, mental and moral standards set by the branch.

In addition, there are other conditions that may affect applicants’ eligibility, such as:

• Medical history: certain illnesses or health problems that require long-term treatment may be a barrier to entry.
• Criminal record: some convictions or offenses may affect the ability to enlist.
• Drug and alcohol use: the branch has restrictions related to substance use and alcohol abuse.

How do you join?

Those who want to join the Navy must complete an application, evaluation and selection process. The process includes the following steps:

1. Contact a recruiter: learn about available opportunities, verify eligibility requirements and get guidance on specialties.
2. Submit the enlistment application: to complete the process, they must have the following available:
3. • Número de Seguro Social.
   • Información sobre sus estudios.
   • Historial laboral.
   • Antecedentes de servicio militar, si corresponde.
   • Preferencias sobre los puestos de trabajo.
4. Pass the entrance exams: take the ASVAB and complete medical and physical evaluations at a MEPS station.
5. Choose a specialty: select a job area based on the scores obtained, skills and available openings.
6. Sign the contract and take the oath: formalize the enlistment commitment and complete the required oath.
7. Begin basic training: report to the Navy’s training center (Recruit Training Command), where military preparation begins.

For that reason, those who got their last passport before turning 16 must submit a new application to obtain another document.

Why can’t children under 16 renew a passport?

Rules require minors to submit a new application in person using Form DS-11 to re-establish U.S. citizenship, verify identity and show consent from parents or legal guardians.

This process helps confirm that the requirements have been met to issue a new document to a minor. In addition, the restriction depends on the holder’s age when the previous passport was issued, so it also applies to people who are now 16 or older but received the document before that age.

What are the eligibility requirements to renew a passport?

The State Department sets a number of conditions for renewing a U.S. passport by mail:

• Submit the most recent U.S. passport.
• The document must never have been reported lost or stolen.
• It must have been issued within the last 15 years.
• The applicant must have been at least 16 when it was issued, and the passport must have been valid for 10 years.
• The document must be in good condition, aside from normal wear and tear.
• It must have been issued in the applicant’s current name, or the legal name change must be documented.

If these requirements are not met, a new application must be submitted in person.

What process must children under 16 follow to get a new passport?

Children under 16 must submit a new application using Form DS-11, accompanied by both parents or legal guardians.

The State Department’s process is as follows:

• 1. Complete and print Form DS-11, without signing it beforehand.
• 2. Gather the documents proving the child’s U.S. citizenship and the relationship to the parents or guardians.
• 3. Present the required IDs and photocopies.
• 4. Provide a photo of the child that meets official requirements.
• 5. Go with the child to an authorized office to submit the application, sign in front of the agent and pay the required fees.

When one parent cannot attend, additional documentation must be provided showing that parent’s consent or the legal authority of the parent handling the process.

What documents must be submitted to request a new passport?

According to the State Department, children under 16 must submit the following documents:

• Form DS-11: completed and printed, unsigned until instructed by the agent.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship: a U.S. birth certificate, a consular report of birth abroad, a certificate of naturalization or a previous U.S. passport that is fully valid and in good condition. These must be submitted in physical form; digital versions are not accepted.
• Proof of family relationship: a birth certificate, adoption decree, custody order or another document establishing the legal relationship with the parents or guardians.
• Photo ID for the parents or guardians: for example, a valid driver’s license.
• Photocopies: of the child’s proof of citizenship and of the front and back of the parents’ or guardians’ IDs.
• Photo of the child: an image that meets the official passport specifications.

If applicable, Form DS-3053 may also be required to show the consent of the parent who cannot attend.

What the photo must look like for a passport application

The photo must meet specific size and appearance requirements. According to the State Department, these are the main requirements:

• Age: taken within the last six months.
• Size: 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 millimeters).
• Position: face forward, head centered and eyes open.
• Expression: neutral, with mouth closed.
• Background: white or off-white, with no objects or shadows.
• Quality: color image, sharp and without filters or retouching.

In addition, the head must measure between 1 and 1 3/8 inches (25 to 35 millimeters), from the chin to the top of the skull.

What photos can cause an application to be put on hold

The agency warns that submitting the wrong image can delay the process and even put it on hold: “Unacceptable photos are the main reason passport applications are put on hold”.

Among the errors that can lead to a photo being rejected are:

• Blurry, dark or pixelated images.
• Colored or textured backgrounds.
• Faces that are partly covered or heads tilted.
• Photos with strong shadows.
• Images altered with filters or apps.
• Photos with red-eye or artificial colors.

Photocopies and scanned photos are not accepted either. For printed applications, the image must be on matte or glossy photo paper.

Can you wear makeup, glasses or head coverings in the photo?

The State Department prohibits the use of glasses, sunglasses and tinted lenses. The exception is for people who cannot remove them for medical reasons, as long as they provide a medical certificate.

Religious and medical head coverings are allowed, but they also require a statement. The face must remain fully visible and free of shadows.

Uniforms, camouflage clothing, headphones and wireless devices over the ears are also not allowed. Piercings and jewelry are allowed if they do not cover any part of the face.

Where you can get the passport photo taken

The options recognized by the State Department are:

• Passport application acceptance facilities.
• Businesses that offer photo services.
• A friend or family member.

What started as a love for animals has turned into a rescue that has already helped more than 250 dogs find a home.

How did Millie Bobby Brown’s love for pets start?

Her love for animals started early in her life. During a 2024 appearance on The Drew Barrymore Show, she recalled asking her parents for another dog when she turned 18. “They were like, ‘No, you can’t fit any more dogs in your room,’” she said on The Drew Barrymore Show.

Instead of giving up, as she grew older, she moved out and later settled on a farm in rural Georgia in 2022. There, she created Joey’s Friends, an organization that rescues dogs that have been abandoned, abused, neglected, or are at risk of being put down in overcrowded shelters.

More than 250 dogs adopted

The rescue gives dogs a safe place to stay, cares for their physical and emotional needs, and then matches them with families. In March 2025, Brown said on the SmartLess podcast that it had already helped more than 250 dogs find homes.

She is involved in every step. She picks up stray dogs, takes them to animal control to register them, microchips and vaccinates them, and grooms them. Many spend their first night inside her home before moving to kennels built on the property.

At one point in 2025, she was caring for 62 animals, including foster dogs, her own dogs, cats, goats, ponies, and a donkey. She lives there with her husband, Jake Bongiovi, who helps with the animals.

In March 2026, Joey’s Friends held its first annual gala. And despite the noise, Brown says she loves it. “There is so much chaos, and that is where I thrive,” she said.

So far, municipal authorities and recruitment officials have announced sessions in several cities, mainly for Sundays, Nov. 8, 15 and 22. The callups show where and when young men from the corresponding class and late registrants who previously completed the military ID card process must report.

Who must show up for the drawing?

The callups are aimed mainly at young men from the Class of 2008 and late registrants who processed their Military Identity Card during the designated period. Dates and venues may vary by municipality, so each participant must follow the instructions of their Municipal Recruitment Board.

The Defense Ministry says the drawing is held during one of the Sundays in November and that those who do not attend are considered to have drawn the white ball when they report for the January recruitment phase. For that reason, it is important to follow local authorities’ instructions and not assume that missing the session means being exempt from service.

Compulsory Military Service: Which municipalities announced the Nov. 8 drawing?

Three municipalities have callups for Sunday, Nov. 8:

• Ciudad Madero, Tamaulipas: the municipal government announced that the drawing will be held at 8:00 a.m. at the Américo Villarreal Guerra Auditorium. The callup is for young men from the Class of 2008 and late registrants registered with the Municipal Recruitment Board
• Durango, Durango: the City Hall Secretariat said the session will begin at 7:00 a.m. at the Polideportivo 450, located in Parque Guadiana
• Mérida, Yucatán: the city government website confirmed the drawing at 6:00 a.m. at the Poliforum Zamná. Participants will be those who obtained their Military Identity Card through the Municipal Recruitment Board.

Where will the Nov. 15 drawings be held?

For Sunday, Nov. 15, sessions were also announced in different cities:

• Juárez, Chihuahua: City Hall issued a callup for conscripts from the Class of 2008 and late registrants. The drawing will be held at the Estadio 20 de Noviembre at 9:00 a.m.
• Mexicali, Baja California: the municipal government called on young men to the Mexicali Gym. Check-in will begin at 6:00 a.m. and the drawing at 8:00 a.m.
• Cajeme, Sonora: the Municipal Recruitment Board invited participants to the Multiple Use Center (CUM) at 7:30 a.m.
• Ciudad Acuña, Coahuila: Municipal Recruitment Director Yessenia Barraza said the event will be at 10:00 a.m. in the central courtyard of City Hall
• Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz: City Hall, through the Municipal Recruitment Board, called on young men to the 20 de Noviembre Gym at 8:00 a.m.

Which municipalities will hold the drawing on Nov. 22?

On Sunday, Nov. 22, there will also be callups in three cities:

• Cuautla, Morelos: the municipal government said the drawing will be at 8:00 a.m. on the José María Morelos y Pavón esplanade in the main square. Participants must bring their National Military Service Identity Card
• Morelia, Michoacán: the session is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. at the Bicentennial Auditorium; doors will open at 7:00 a.m.
• Ciudad Valles, San Luis Potosí: the drawing will take place at 9:00 a.m. in the main square, according to the head of the Municipal Recruitment Board.

What do the white and black balls mean in military service?

The Defense Ministry says the drawing determines how enlisted Mexicans will fulfill National Military Service.

The white or blue ball corresponds to the trained-duty category, which means military training at military centers; the black ball means being placed on call.

Starting in 2026, training will include two tiers of 13 sessions, last three months and run from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

In Florida, the Chapter 64 of the state statutes provides a court process to resolve this type of dispute between co-owners. The law allows one or more heirs to ask for the property to be partitioned and, when it cannot be physically divided without harming its owners, a judge can order it sold.

However, the brother who lives in the house may also have options to keep it. Under certain conditions, the law allows the possibility of buying out the other family members’ shares and keeping the property.

What rights brothers have to the family home after their parents’ death

When a person dies and leaves a property to their children, each heir’s rights depend on how the home was legally transferred and the share each one is entitled to. If the siblings end up as co-owners, none automatically gains exclusive rights to the home simply by living there, since all of them have an interest in the property and can exercise the rights the law gives them.

In Florida, Chapter 64 of the state statutes, which covers partition of property, addresses disputes between co-owners who cannot agree on what should happen to a property. Section 64.031 says one or more owners can file a lawsuit against the others to request partition of the property. That means the brother living in the house does not, for that reason alone, have veto power over the other owners’ decisions.

When brothers can force a sale of the house through the courts

When the heirs cannot reach an agreement, one or more co-owners can turn to a partition action, a legal proceeding aimed at resolving the division of the property. But that does not mean the home must be sold automatically, because the court must first evaluate whether it can be physically divided without harming the owners’ rights.

Section 64.071 of Chapter 64 says that if the property cannot be divided without harming the co-owners, the court can order it sold at a public auction and distribute the proceeds among the owners according to each one’s share. So if one brother objects to selling the house, the others can ask the court to step in and the judge can order the sale when the legal requirements are met.

What the brother living in the house can do to avoid the sale

The law also provides an alternative for family members who want to keep the property: buying the shares of those who asked for it to be sold. Section 64.207 of Chapter 64 says this. When this process applies, the court first determines the home’s market value and then notifies the co-owners who did not request the sale that they can buy the shares of those who did. They have 45 days from the court notice to say whether they want to do so.

This protection applies to properties that meet the requirements of the so-called Uniform Partition of Heirs Property Act, set out in Sections 64.201 through 64.214. For it to apply, among other conditions, the property must be co-owned, at least one owner must have inherited it from a family member, and one of the kinship or ownership percentages set by law must be met.

In addition, Section 64.209 says that when considering a possible physical partition, factors such as the following must be taken into account:

The property’s value if it is divided versus what it would be worth if sold whole.

• How long the family has owned or occupied the home.
• The heirs’ emotional attachment to the house.
• How the family member living there uses the property.
• Each co-owner’s contributions to taxes, insurance and maintenance.

In this way, the brother who wants to stay in the home may have an option to keep it, but he does not automatically get that right just because he lives there. If the buyout does not happen and the court decides the property should be sold, it can order the sale and the proceeds to be divided according to the heirs’ shares.

The agency schedules another interview within 60 to 90 days of the initial one. Applicants only have to retake the sections they failed, rather than repeat the entire test.

How many can you take the US citizenship test?

The English portion of the naturalization test evaluates an applicant’s ability to read, write, and speak English. USCIS assesses speaking skills during the interview, while reading and writing are tested through separate exercises.

If an applicant fails one or more sections, USCIS schedules a second examination within 60 to 90 days. For example, someone who passes the reading and speaking portions but fails the writing section will only need to take the writing test again.

What happens if you fail the English test a second time?

Applicants who fail the required English or civics tests again during their second examination will have their Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, denied.

This means they will not receive US citizenship through that application. However, USCIS allows applicants who believe the decision was incorrect to request a hearing by filing Form N-336. The denial notice explains how to request this review.

Failing the English test does not automatically cancel a person’s lawful permanent resident status. It means they have not met one of the requirements for naturalization.

Regular consumption may help lower bad cholesterol, improve digestion and control blood sugar levels. In addition, its components promote cardiovascular health and help prolong the feeling of fullness, an important factor for those trying to lose weight.

According to an article published by the portal Tua Saúde, written by Karla Santos Leal, a graduate in nutrition from the University of Rio Grande, this grain contains beta-glucans and avenanthramides, two compounds that play a role in different bodily processes and explain much of its benefits.

What are the health benefits of eating oats

One of oats’ main benefits is its ability to help lower LDL cholesterol, known as bad cholesterol.

That is due to beta-glucans, a type of soluble fiber that reduces fat absorption in the intestines and helps prevent cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks and strokes (ACV).

It may also help control blood glucose. Its fiber content slows the absorption of sugars from food, while its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds support insulin function.

Another of its benefits is linked to weight control. By slowing digestion and extending fullness, oats help reduce appetite and can decrease the amount of food consumed during the day.

How oats help regulate blood pressure and improve digestion

Oats can also contribute to the cardiovascular system’s function thanks to their concentration of avenanthramides, antioxidants that promote the production of nitric oxide. This substance helps relax blood vessels, improves circulation and helps regulate blood pressure.

On the other hand, their insoluble fiber content stimulates the intestines’ natural movements, increases stool bulk and makes it easier to eliminate. In this way, it helps fight constipation and supports balance in the gut microbiota, since its fibers also serve as food for beneficial bacteria.

According to Karla Santos Leal’s analysis in the Tua Saúde article, these properties are complemented by the presence of minerals such as phosphorus, magnesium and zinc, as well as essential amino acids like tryptophan.

How to add oats to your daily diet

One of this grain’s advantages is its versatility, since it is sold in different forms and can be used in sweet and savory recipes. Some options for adding it to your diet include the following.

• Ground oats, ideal for mixing with fruit, milk or yogurt at breakfast.
• Oat flour, which can be used to make pancakes, breads and cookies.
• Oat bran, a high-fiber option that can be added to different meals.
• Oat drink, a plant-based option to go with breakfast and snacks.

An important note

Although oats can offer several benefits, eating them alone does not replace a balanced diet or the habits needed to protect cardiovascular and metabolic health.

What Is Form DS-11

The DS-11 is the form used to apply for a passport in person, the same one filled out by people getting one for the first time. Unlike mail renewal, it requires appearing in person at an authorized location and submitting original documents. In other words, it is the full application process, intended for cases in which the State Department needs to verify the applicant’s identity in person.

Who Cannot Use Standard Renewal

There are several situations that leave a person ineligible for mail renewal and require them to use Form DS-11. The main ones are:

• People with a passport issued before age 16.
• Passports for minors cannot be renewed by mail, even if the person is now an adult.
• People with a passport issued 15 years ago or more, which is too old for simplified renewal.
• People whose passport is damaged beyond normal wear and tear (torn, wet, with loose pages or unreadable printing).
• People who reported their passport as lost or stolen, since that document is canceled and a new one must be requested.

Also included are people who changed their name and do not have a document proving the change (such as a marriage certificate or court order), who also cannot renew by mail.

Who Can Renew by Mail

To understand the difference, it helps to know when the simple option (Form DS-82) can be used: generally, when the person has the most recent passport, in good condition, issued when they were 16 or older, within the past 15 years and in their current name (or with documents proving the name change). Anyone who meets all those conditions can renew by mail and, in many cases, online as well.

The object was part of the cargo of the Ann Francis, an English ship that was wrecked on Dec. 28, 1583 as it returned from Spain. Among the treasures found are Spanish silver coins and rare gold pieces minted during the reigns of Ferdinand and Isabella, the Catholic Monarchs, the EFE news agency reported Wednesday.

How They Cracked the Lock’s Code After More Than 400 Years

To solve the puzzle, the researchers used micro-computed tomography, a technique that makes it possible to see inside objects and reconstruct their structures in three dimensions. That allowed them to study the lock mechanism and determine how the notches lined up with the letters in the combination.

“The micro-CT let us look inside the lock without damaging it,” says David Williams, a researcher in the School of Engineering at Cardiff University. Williams, who normally uses this technology to study bones and other biological structures, acknowledged that examining an object like this was “a new experience.”

The result identified the sequence ANCE, a combination that had resisted numerous attempts over the decades. However, the researchers still do not know whether that word had any particular meaning for the owner of the lock.

Fuente: Shutterstock

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The Sunken Ship’s Treasure: Spanish Coins and Gold Pieces of the Catholic Monarchs

The Ann Francis sank as it returned from Spain after a violent storm knocked it off course and ran it aground on Margam Beach, near Port Talbot in Wales. The remains of its cargo stayed buried for centuries under the sand until erosion began to expose the objects.

Most of the pieces were recovered between 1996 and 2017 by Peter Hughes, a metal detector hobbyist. The National Museum of Wales later acquired the finds, which included Spanish silver coins, rare gold pieces from the Catholic Monarchs, two coin weights and the brass padlock.

Specialists believe the object was used to lock a small chest containing valuables, since it was found near the coins and weights. In their view, it may have protected that cargo or held other items that did not survive the shipwreck, such as documents or fabrics.

Where to See the 1583 Padlock and Other Objects Recovered From the Shipwreck

“Elizabethan-era combination locks are known in Britain, but this one is in an exceptional state of preservation and is tied to a shipwreck whose date we know, which makes it a unique find,” says Alastair Willis, chief curator of numismatics and Welsh economy at the National Museum of Wales.

Hughes recalled the moment he found the piece and was struck by how easily its mechanism still moved. “When I moved the combination rings, they turned easily after more than 400 years under the sand,” he says. Despite making numerous attempts over nearly 20 years, he never managed to open the lock.

The piece and other objects recovered from the cargo are currently on display at the Swansea National Waterfront Museum, in the Tides of Treasure exhibition, dedicated to Welsh maritime heritage.

The exhibit will remain open until June 2027 and offers a look at some of the items the English ship was carrying. Although researchers managed to solve the code after more than four centuries, one question remains unanswered: what the word ANCE meant to the person who used the lock.

However, there is a simple trick that lets you fold them properly in just a few steps, reduce wrinkles, and make better use of the closet space available.

Why is it hard to fold fitted sheets without wrinkles?

Unlike traditional sheets, fitted sheets have elastic edges and corners designed to fit the mattress. That design makes it hard to spread them out fully and get a rectangular shape when folding them.

When the corners are not lined up properly, the fabric tends to bunch up in certain areas, causing uneven folds and making the sheet bulkier.

What is the trick to fold them and save closet space?

The trick is to tuck the corners of the sheet into one another to keep the elastic edges in place and create a rectangular shape that makes folding easier.

To do it correctly, follow these steps:

1. Hold the sheet by two corners: put your hands in the top corners, keeping the long side stretched out in front of you.
2. Overlap the first corners: tuck one corner into the others until they are all layered together.
3. Bring all four corners together: repeat the process with the remaining corners until they are all layered together.
4. Spread out the sheet: place it on a flat surface and smooth the fabric to reduce wrinkles.
5. Fold it into thirds: bring the edges toward the center and repeat the process until you have a compact rectangle.

That way, the elastic edges stay tucked in and the sheet takes on a more uniform shape, making it easier to stack with other bedding and make better use of closet space.

“Form DSP-150 is both a Border Crossing Card and a B1/B2 visitor visa, but it is generally known as a Border Crossing Card (BCC),” authorities explain.

What Form DSP-150 Is

Form DSP-150, also known as a Border Crossing Card (BCC), is not issued as a stamp in a passport, but as a laminated card similar to a credit card with graphics and security features.

Only applicants who are Mexican citizens and live in Mexico can apply for it. It is generally used for short trips, up to 30 days, by sea or land to border areas with the United States designated by authorities. In these cases, it can be presented as a stand-alone document for direct entry by land or sea.

“However, if you present the card along with a passport, the BCC functions as a visa and would allow you to enter the U.S. by land, sea or air,” USA.gov explains. USA.gov. In that case, it can be used to travel anywhere in the country.

Requirements to Apply for Form DSP-150: What Documents Applicants Need

In addition to being Mexican and living in Mexico, the State Department says the following are required to apply for this document:

• Meet all eligibility requirements for a B1 and/or B2 visa.
• Not plan to travel for more than six months.
• Submit documents showing strong ties to Mexico that convince authorities there are reasons to return to the country.

In addition, a valid Mexican passport throughout the entire application process is a required document and necessary to complete the process.

When applying, it is essential to follow the steps and provide any other documents specified by the U.S. embassy or consulate in Mexico where the application is filed.

How Much Form DSP-150 Costs

According to the official information, in November 2026 the fees are:

• Age 15 and older: $185 (valid for 10 years)
• Children under 15 if a parent has a BCC or is applying for one: $15 (valid until they turn 15)

“If the full fee is paid, the child receives a BCC valid for the full 10 years,” authorities say.

Turek is the first Democrat to win a Senate race in Iowa since former Sen. Tom Harkin in 2008. Libertarian Thomas Laehn took 3% of the vote, with all 99 counties reporting.

The 47-year-old will be sworn in Jan. 3, replacing Republican Sen. Joni Ernst, who chose not to run again. Democrats needed a net gain of at least four seats to win the Senate majority.

Turek centered his campaign on the cost of living. He tied Hinson to President Donald Trump’s tariffs and to the war with Iran, which pushed up fuel prices across the state.

Who is Josh Turek, the Paralympian who flipped Iowa’s Senate seat?

Turek was born with spina bifida, a condition he links to his father’s exposure to Agent Orange during a Navy tour in Vietnam. He had undergone 21 surgeries by age 12.

Around that age, he took up wheelchair basketball. He went on to play in college, professionally in Europe and at four Paralympic Games, winning gold in Rio de Janeiro and Tokyo and bronze in London.

After his playing days, he supplied mobility equipment to people with disabilities. In 2022, he won a seat in the Iowa House from Council Bluffs by six votes, becoming its first member with a permanent disability.

In Washington, he says his top priority is a public health insurance option, a government-run plan people could buy into. He also campaigned as a moderate, saying he would work with Trump on border security and had no interest in impeachment.

Why did Josh Turek’s transgender ad split Iowa Democrats?

In the final weeks of the race, Turek ran an ad saying “no Iowan should face discrimination” but that he opposes “males competing in female sports” and is “against taxpayers paying for sex changes.” The ad restated positions he had taken before.

It followed millions of dollars in Republican ads on the issue. One ad from Hinson and the National Republican Senatorial Committee, the Senate GOP’s campaign arm, said he backed taxpayer-funded surgeries. Turek told CNN he wanted to “set the record straight.”

Days before the election, Osceola County Democratic Party Chair Kathy Winter said his stance contradicts the state party’s platform on transgender health care. She later said she had voted absentee before the ad aired and left the Senate race blank over his earlier comments.

The LGBTQ+ advocacy group One Iowa Action also condemned the ad. State party Chair Rita Hart and other Democrats defended Turek. Democratic state House candidate Adam Peters said he disagreed with the ad but could “talk to him and make my concerns heard,” something he said he couldn’t do with Hinson.

What is the IRS Criminal Investigation

It is the IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), the agency’s criminal arm. Unlike the rest of the IRS, which collects taxes and reviews returns, this division investigates crimes. And it has one notable distinction: its special agents are the only IRS employees authorized to carry and use firearms.

In effect, they are federal law enforcement agents, with about 2,200 special agents in a force of roughly 3,300 people worldwide.

It investigates like the FBI

The comparison with the FBI is no exaggeration. IRS-CI agents are trained to execute search and arrest warrants, conduct undercover operations, and follow the money in complex investigations.

Its reach goes far beyond taxes: it pursues tax fraud and tax evasion, but also money laundering, refund fraud and identity theft involving tax returns, drug trafficking finances, corruption, terrorism financing and cryptocurrency crimes. In all of those cases, the crime leaves a financial trail, and that is where this unit comes in.

Why It Almost Never Loses

The most striking figure is its effectiveness. According to the IRS itself, the conviction rate in criminal tax cases has never fallen below 90%, one of the highest of any federal law enforcement agency in the United States. In other words, when this division takes a case to trial, the vast majority end in conviction.

That effectiveness rests on long, well-documented investigations, built precisely on following the money. To gauge its scope, in fiscal 2025 alone, the unit identified more than $10.590 billion in financial crimes.

According to the National Park Service on its official website, the date is meant to honor those who served in the U.S. armed forces. However, free admission will be limited to U.S. citizens and residents.

Who can enter national parks free on Nov. 11?

According to the NPS official free-admission calendar, the benefit on Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026, will be available to U.S. citizens and residents.

That day, visitors who meet those requirements will be able to enter without paying the standard admission fee at NPS sites that normally charge for access.

Foreign tourists who do not live in the United States, by contrast, will have to pay the required admission fees, including additional charges for nonresidents when applicable.

That distinction is part of the terms set for the 2026 free-admission days.

Which national parks will offer free admission for Veterans Day?

The day will apply to sites managed by the National Park Service that normally charge an entrance fee.

Among the national parks that usually charge admission and will be covered by the benefit are:

• Yosemite, in California.
• Yellowstone, in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho.
• Grand Canyon, in Arizona.
• Grand Teton, in Wyoming.
• Acadia, in Maine.

The agency notes that many of its sites already offer free admission year-round. As a result, the November 11 waiver will especially benefit those visiting parks that normally require an entrance fee.

In addition, the maximum earnings subject to the Social Security tax will rise from $184,500 to $192,300. Both changes are part of the program’s annual update and follow different rules.

How much retirees can earn in 2027 without losing part of their benefits

The limit will depend on the beneficiary’s age. For those who remain below full retirement age throughout 2027, the threshold will be $25,560 a year, or $2,130 a month.

If they go over that amount, the SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 they earn from work.

By contrast, those who reach full retirement age during 2027 will have a limit of $67,920 a year ($5,660 a month). In those cases, $1 will be withheld for every $3 above that amount, but only for income earned before the month they reach full retirement age.

Who can work without an income limit and still collect Social Security?

Retirees who have already reached full retirement age will be able to work and earn wages without an annual limit that would trigger benefit withholding.

Full retirement age depends on each worker’s year of birth. That is why it is important to check when you reach it before calculating how much money you can earn without deductions.

Also, the withholding applied for going over the limits does not necessarily mean a permanent loss: when the beneficiary reaches full retirement age, the SSA adjusts payments to account for the months when benefits were withheld.

Why the Social Security earnings cap subject to tax will rise to $192,300

Another change confirmed for 2027 is the increase in the maximum earnings subject to the Social Security tax, which will rise from $184,500 to $192,300. This amount determines how much earned income is subject to the tax. It is not a limit on collecting retirement benefits, nor does it mean that people who earn more than that amount lose their benefits.

The SSA also confirmed that tax rates will remain unchanged: employees will continue paying a combined 7.65% rate for Social Security and Medicare, while self-employed workers will pay a 15.30% rate.

New Social Security income limits for 2027

Here are the main changes announced by the SSA, comparing 2026 amounts with those that will take effect in 2027:

Maximum earnings subject to the Social Security tax

• $184,500 in 2026
• $192,300 in 2027

Limit before reaching full retirement age

• $24,480 in 2026
• $25,560 in 2027

Limit in the year full retirement age is reached

• $65,160 in 2026
• $67,920 in 2027

Income allowed after reaching full retirement age

• No limit in either year

He spread the blame across Truth Social posts, phone interviews and remarks to reporters at the White House. In a live call to Fox News on election night, he said he didn’t see the defeat as “a hit on me.”

Pundits called the sweep a tsunami rather than a wave because Democrats flipped seats in states usually favorable to Republicans, including Texas, South Carolina and Kansas.

Why did Donald Trump blame Fox News and Greg Abbott for the midterm losses?

As results came in, Trump posted that Fox News “bears responsibility for these losses” because it kept giving airtime to Democrats. He also went after the network’s polls and Democratic commentator Jessica Tarlov.

He still called in to the network around midnight. On air, he told anchor Bret Baier that Fox needed a better pollster, and Baier replied that the results closely matched the network’s own polling.

Abbott was next. Shortly after the governor conceded to Democrat Gina Hinojosa, Trump posted that Abbott wouldn’t have lost if he hadn’t become a “RINO,” or Republican in name only, during his last six months in politics. Earlier that day, Trump had praised him as “strong and highly respected.”

Did Donald Trump blame gas prices and his own candidates for the ‘blue tsunami’?

On Wednesday, a reporter at the White House ballroom construction site asked Trump about Vice President JD Vance’s claim that the Iran war cost Republicans the election. Trump said Vance’s view was “largely true” but added that he would make the same decision again. His reason was that the war “drove the gasoline up a little bit short term.”

That answer went further than his comments on election night, when he told The Wall Street Journal the war was only a “piece” of the defeat.

He also blamed the candidates, telling Fox they “just didn’t inspire the people to get out and vote.” Many of those who lost were his own picks, including Ken Paxton in Texas, Michael Whatley in North Carolina, Mike Collins in Georgia and Darline Graham in South Carolina.

He offered other explanations too: a “mood in the air,” the history of the president’s party losing midterms, and his not being on the ballot himself. Even so, he told Politico he didn’t “want to blame anybody.”

Did Donald Trump accept the Democrats’ ‘blue tsunami’ win?

He did. On his election night call with Fox News, Trump congratulated Democrats and said they “did a good job” and had “fought hard.” He added that he could work with them on “many things.”

He made the same offer in a separate call with CBS News, saying he looked forward to working with Democrats “for the good of our country.” In the same call, he reminded them of his veto power and said he would “just veto everything” if they didn’t cooperate.

Accepting the result marked a break from his 2020 presidential loss, which he never conceded. In October, he had said he would accept the midterm results “if they’re honest elections.”

The Democrat beat Republican Rep. Mike Collins on Tuesday in a state Trump carried by about 2 points in 2024. Ossoff first won his seat in a January 2021 runoff at age 33.

Before entering politics, he was an aide to the late Rep. John Lewis and ran a documentary film company that investigated corruption.

What do 2028 betting odds show for Jon Ossoff and JD Vance?

As of Thursday morning, Ossoff ranked first in a Polymarket field that includes candidates from both parties. Behind Vance were Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York at 13% and Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 9%.

Each contract pays $1 if that candidate wins, so a 21-cent price works as a 21% implied probability. The odds reflect where traders put their money, not what voters think.

The lead comes with a caveat. About $6.5 million has been traded on Ossoff, compared with about $18.3 million on Vance. Polling still favors Vance as Trump’s successor.

Why does Donald Trump call Jon Ossoff a ‘Pee-wee Herman lookalike’?

The insult came after a campaign rally in August. At that rally, Ossoff said Trump would rather “build his ballroom and travel with Natalie,” a reference to Natalie Harp, a close Trump aide. The clip went viral and angered the White House.

Trump answered by comparing Ossoff to Pee-wee Herman, the boyish, bow-tied character comedian Paul Reubens made famous in the 1980s. Later, a Republican-aligned super PAC ran ads showing AI-generated videos of Ossoff in a salon chair.

Will Jon Ossoff run for president in 2028?

Ossoff says no. “I have zero interest in running for president,” he said during a debate. He also pledged to serve his full six-year term, which runs through January 2033.

Bernard Fraga, a political science professor at Emory University in Atlanta, also considers a 2028 bid unlikely. He said Democrats’ priority now is proving they can govern from Congress.

The agency announced the policy in May 2026, saying that adjustment of status should be granted only in extraordinary circumstances.

USCIS limits green card applications from inside the US

Under the new guidance, temporary visa holders seeking permanent residency will generally be expected to complete the process through consular processing. This means applying for an immigrant visa at a US embassy or consulate abroad rather than changing their immigration status while staying in the country.

USCIS said officers must review each application individually and consider the circumstances of the case. The agency also instructed them to weigh positive and negative factors when deciding whether an applicant qualifies for adjustment of status.

Who can still apply for a green card without leaving the country?

The guidance does not eliminate status adjustment or automatically require every temporary visa holder to leave the United States. USCIS said the process may still be available in extraordinary circumstances.

Applicants must therefore meet the requirements for adjustment of status and have their cases evaluated individually. Those who do not qualify for an exception may need to pursue consular processing abroad to obtain permanent residency.

The guidance is based on a USCIS policy memorandum issued on May 21, 2026, and announced by the agency the following day.

One important change is that part of the credit is now refundable. This means eligible taxpayers may receive up to $5,120 per child as a refund, even if they do not owe federal income taxes. However, the full $17,670 is not automatically paid to every family, and eligibility depends on the adoption, expenses and household income.

How much is the IRS Adoption Tax Credit in 2026?

For tax year 2026, the maximum Adoption Tax Credit is $17,670 per eligible child. The amount available generally depends on the qualified adoption expenses paid or incurred, subject to the applicable rules.

The credit is divided into two parts:

• Refundable portion: Up to $5,120 per qualifying child. This amount may be paid as part of a tax refund, even when the taxpayer has no federal income tax liability.
• Nonrefundable portion: The remaining eligible credit can reduce the federal income tax owed, but it cannot generate a refund by itself. Any unused amount may be carried forward for up to five years.

The refundable portion is particularly important for families who have little or no federal income tax liability. It allows them to receive a payment that would not be available through a nonrefundable credit alone.

Still, $5,120 is the maximum refundable amount, not a guaranteed payment. The final benefit depends on the taxpayer’s eligibility and the amount of credit they can claim.

Who qualifies for the $17,670 adoption credit?

To qualify, taxpayers must meet the IRS requirements for an eligible adoption and child. The child must be under 18 years old or physically or mentally incapable of caring for themselves.

Qualified adoption expenses may include:

• Adoption agency fees.
• Attorney fees and court costs.
• Travel expenses, including meals and lodging while away from home.
• Other expenses directly related to the legal adoption.
• Certain expenses paid before an eligible child is identified, such as home-study fees.

The credit applies to eligible domestic and international adoptions, including private and public foster-care adoptions. Special rules determine the tax year in which expenses can be claimed, depending on whether the adoption is domestic or international and whether it has been finalized.

There is also a specific rule for special-needs adoptions. If a state agency or an Indian tribal government determines that the child qualifies as having special needs under federal tax rules, the family may claim the maximum credit even if it did not pay qualified adoption expenses.

Income limits for the 2026 tax year

The Adoption Tax Credit is subject to income limits based on modified adjusted gross income (MAGI):

Taxpayers who are married generally must file a joint return to claim the credit, although the IRS provides exceptions for certain circumstances.

How to claim the IRS Adoption Tax Credit

Eligible taxpayers must complete Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, and attach it to their federal income tax return.

The form is used to calculate the adoption credit and report information about the eligible child. The IRS accepts a Social Security number, an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), as applicable.

Those claiming the refundable portion must also complete Schedule 3-A (Form 1040), as instructed by the IRS. It is important to keep adoption-related documentation and receipts in case the agency requests supporting information.

Families who receive adoption assistance from an employer may also qualify for an income exclusion of up to $17,670 in 2026 through a qualified employer program. However, the same expenses cannot be used both for the exclusion and for the adoption credit.

This ID allows people to board domestic flights and enter certain federal facilities, and to get one, applicants must submit documentation that proves four general requirements.

What requirements must a person prove to get a REAL ID-compliant identification card or driver’s license?

New York’s DMV says people seeking a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or identification card must provide documents that verify four general requirements:

1. Identity.
2. Social Security number.
3. New York residency.
4. Legal status in the United States.

In addition, the documents must verify the applicant’s full legal name. If the name has changed because of marriage, divorce or another reason, the corresponding proof must also be provided.

What documents can be presented to prove these requirements?

According to New York’s DMV, applicants can present different documents depending on the requirement they need to prove. Accepted proof includes:

Identity

• Valid U.S. passport.
• U.S. birth certificate.
• Other DMV-accepted IDs.

Social Security number

• Social Security card.
• Other documents that include the corresponding number.

New York residency

• Bank statements.
• Pay stubs.
• Utility bills.
• State driver’s license.

Legal status

• U.S. passport.
• Certificate of naturalization.
• Permanent resident card.
• Other valid immigration documents.

To prove residency, applicants must present two different documents showing their current New York address and issued within the past 365 days.

How does a REAL ID differ from an Enhanced ID?

Both the REAL ID and the Enhanced ID meet federal identification standards, but they differ in their functions and requirements.

The REAL ID allows domestic air travel and access to certain federal facilities, while the Enhanced ID adds another feature: it allows people to re-enter the United States by land or sea from Canada, Mexico, and certain Caribbean countries.

However, they differ in several ways:

REAL ID:

• Does not necessarily require U.S. citizenship.
• Has no additional fee.
• Identified by a star.

Enhanced ID:

• Requires U.S. citizenship.
• Costs an additional US$30.
• Identified by a U.S. flag.

Why is it important to have a REAL ID-compliant ID?

The REAL ID law was passed by the U.S. Congress in 2005 and set minimum security standards for driver’s licenses and identification cards issued by states.

As of May 7, 2025, people age 18 and older must show a REAL ID-compliant ID or another document accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to board domestic commercial flights.

However, it is not required to get a REAL ID to drive in New York, since standard licenses remain valid for operating vehicles. It is also not needed to vote, receive federal benefits, or access medical services.

The citizenship test got harder

The new test returns to a stricter version. There are three main changes:

• The study question bank has grown from 100 to 128. In other words, there are 28 more questions to prepare for.
• On the exam, the officer no longer asks 10 questions but 20.
• To pass, applicants must answer at least 12 of those 20 correctly, instead of 6 out of 10 under the previous test.

In addition, some questions have been reworded so they are not as direct, and some answers now require more detail or precision. Taken together, the test is clearly more demanding than the version in place until now.

When it takes effect and who it applies to

The new test went into effect on Oct. 20, 2025. One key point to avoid confusion: which version each person takes depends on the date they filed their citizenship application, Form N-400.

Those who filed on or after Oct. 20, 2025, will take the new, more demanding version; those who filed before that date will continue with the previous version, the 2008 test with 100 questions. So before studying, it is worth checking which version applies based on the application date.

How to prepare

The best preparation is still to study the official materials. USCIS publishes the complete list of current questions and answers, which forms the basis of what is covered on the exam.

The method involves letting the product sit overnight so the grime loosens on its own. A Spain-based content creator, @marianordichouse, shared the trick on her Instagram account. She said she used to rely on pumice stone to scrape off the limescale, but this method made cleaning much easier.

The explanation lies in the acidity of vinegar, which helps dissolve mineral calcium deposits. Concentrated cleaning vinegar has a higher acid content than cooking vinegar, so it can be more effective for this kind of buildup.

How to use concentrated cleaning vinegar to remove limescale from the toilet rim, step by step

The trick takes just a few steps:

1. Line the toilet rim, underneath the seat, with paper towels.
2. Soak the paper well with concentrated cleaning vinegar.
3. Let it sit overnight.
4. Remove the paper in the morning and check the area.

For the bottom of the bowl, the content creator suggests another mix: vinegar and baking soda. This combination creates a fizzing reaction and helps loosen dirt. After that, all that is needed is a quick scrub with the toilet brush.

Fuente: Freepik

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Why concentrated cleaning vinegar works

The reason this trick works is the composition of concentrated cleaning vinegar. According to Powervin, a company that makes this type of product, it is formulated with a higher percentage of acetic acid than food-grade vinegar. One with 8% contains about 60% more acetic acid per liter than table vinegar at 5%.

It also contains no added sugars, colorings or fragrances, so it does not stain or leave a film on surfaces. That higher concentration also makes it possible to dilute it depending on the task.

Three other uses for cleaning vinegar at home

The same trick can be used in other areas of the home, such as:

• Windows and shower screens: Spray vinegar mixed in equal parts with hot water and dry with paper towels, which leave no streaks or lint.
• Washing machine: Add one cup of vinegar and one cup of baking soda and run a short cycle with hot water. Repeat every one or two months to prevent brown stains on clothes.
• Dishwasher: Clean the door and corners with active oxygen, where the most grease builds up, then place a glass of vinegar on the top rack and run a short cycle.

Precautions when cleaning with concentrated vinegar

The same acidity that dissolves limescale also attacks some materials. Powervin warns that marble, granite, terrazzo and any natural stone will be irreversibly dulled, and that it also should not be used on unfinished wood. And it should never be mixed with bleach or ammonia.

Another important point is that vinegar cleans, but it does not disinfect. Disinfection is done with approved products such as biocides, so if a surface requires it, that step should be done afterward and separately.

Mercadona sells concentrated cleaning vinegar for 0.90 euros a liter

For those who want to try the trick, Mercadona offers the concentrated Bosque Verde Cleaning Vinegar on its website, in a 1-liter bottle. Its price is 0.90 euros per unit.

During the project, the animal learned more than 120 signs and began combining them to communicate. However, later analysis of his responses led researchers to question whether he had actually acquired the language skills they hoped to demonstrate.

The story of Nim Chimpsky, the chimpanzee raised like a human at Columbia University

The project began in 1973 under the direction of psychologist Herbert S. Terrace, who wanted to determine whether a primate could learn to communicate using a system of human signs.

The chimpanzee was born in November of that year and was brought to New York when he was about a week old. His name, Nim Chimpsky, was chosen as an ironic reference to linguist Noam Chomsky, who argued that language was a distinctively human ability.

According to an explanation in Columbia News, the animal was first raised by a human family and later lived with his trainers in an environment designed to encourage his learning.

How did they teach more than 120 signs to Nim Chimpsky the chimpanzee?

Researchers used American Sign Language (ASL), a visual communication system that allows words and concepts to be expressed through hand movements.

Nim received daily training to learn signs related to objects, actions and needs. These included expressions equivalent to eat, drink, play, hug and give me more.

Over time, the chimpanzee came to use 128 signs and produced combinations of two or more signs. Some of his sequences seemed like short phrases, which initially led Terrace to believe he may have been developing a linguistic structure.

The project sought to determine whether those combinations were spontaneous and whether they followed rules similar to those humans use to build sentences.

Why did scientists question the results of the experiment?

In 1979, Terrace and his colleagues published a study in the scientific journal Science titled Can an Ape Create a Sentence?

To produce the paper, they analyzed more than 19,000 Nim expressions containing two or more signs. Although some combinations appeared to show a degree of regularity, the analysis of the recordings revealed a problem.

The researchers observed that, on many occasions, the trainers made a sign before Nim repeated it. That suggested the chimpanzee may have been copying his teachers’ cues to get rewards, rather than creating spontaneous messages.

The research concluded that there was not enough evidence to say Nim had learned to form sentences with human grammatical structure.

What happened to Nim Chimpsky when the project ended?

In 1977, after about four years of training, the experiment came to an end. Nim was moved back to the Oklahoma Institute of Primate Studies.

He was later sold to a biomedical research laboratory. His situation raised concern among animal welfare groups and, eventually, he was moved to Black Beauty Ranch, a sanctuary in Texas.

He spent his final years there. Nim died on March 10, 2000, at age 26, of a heart attack, according to The Washington Post.

While this astronomical event is always one of the most eye-catching, skywatchers will also be able to see Mars and Jupiter closer than usual and, days later, enjoy a supermoon on Nov. 24.

In addition, this month will be a very special one for the aerospace industry, which could reach a milestone with one of its most remembered missions, Voyager 1, which was launched in 1977.

When to look up and how it recommends doing it

According to information released by the space agency, the Leonids will peak on Nov. 17 and 18 before dawn and after the Moon sets, when a maximum of 15 meteors per hour could be seen in ideal conditions.

“To improve your viewing experience, you’ll want to find a dark place, let your eyes adjust for about 30 minutes, and take in as much of the sky as you can,” NASA recommends.

Other meteor showers in November

The Southern Taurids peak today, Nov. 5, with an average of five meteors per hour in optimal conditions, and fireballs may appear at times.

The Northern Taurids will peak on Nov. 12, producing about five meteors per hour and an occasional fireball.

Mars and Jupiter Together Without a Telescope

In addition, on Nov. 15 and 16, Mars and Jupiter may appear closer than usual in the sky if viewed before dawn.

“Both planets are easy to see with the naked eye. They are still far apart in space, but from Earth they appear almost side by side,” it says.

NASA Makes History in November: What Will Happen to Voyager 1

On the 17th of this month, the Voyager 1 spacecraft is expected to set a record for humanity by becoming the first human-made object to reach a distance of one light-day from Earth.

“That means a signal traveling at the speed of light takes 24 hours to reach the spacecraft, and another 24 hours for us to reply!” NASA says.

Even so, the law provides tenants with different protections against unjustified increases for illegal reasons, such as retaliation for exercising their legal rights.

When can landlords raise rent without a limit?

In Texas, there is no state law setting a maximum percentage for rent increases, as there is in other states. Therefore, landlords can propose increases without a general limit when a lease ends and renewal is negotiated.

However, during the term of a lease, the landlord must abide by the agreed terms unless the document includes a clause allowing the rent to be changed.

In addition, Section 92.331 of the Property Code prohibits raising rent in retaliation against a tenant who in good faith exercises their legal or contractual rights.

What rights do tenants have in Texas?

Chapter 92 of the Property Code sets out various protections for tenants, both regarding habitability and against certain actions by landlords.

The law recognizes, among others, the following tenant rights:

• Request repairs, under Section 92.052, which establishes obligations for certain conditions that affect the health or physical safety of occupants.
• File complaints, under Section 92.331, which protects those who in good faith report certain housing code violations or utility problems.
• Participate in tenant organizations, also under Section 92.331, which protects those who create or take part in these groups.
• Exercise their contractual rights without landlords retaliating against those who demand that the lease be honored.

What is considered landlord retaliation?

Under Section 92.331 of the Texas Property Code, retaliation occurs when a landlord takes certain harmful actions against a tenant for having in good faith exercised their rights.

The law sets a six-month protection period after certain tenant actions and prohibits a landlord from retaliating through:

• Rent increases.
• Ending the lease.
• Starting eviction proceedings, except where allowed by law.
• Cutting back on services provided.
• Illegal restrictions on use of the home.
• Bad-faith conduct that substantially interferes with the tenant’s contractual rights.

Affected tenants may seek a civil penalty equal to one month’s rent plus US$500, in addition to actual damages, court costs and attorney’s fees.

Why does Texas not allow statewide rent control but does allow it at the city level in certain situations?

Section 214.902 of the Texas Local Government Code states that municipalities may impose rent controls only when certain extraordinary conditions are met:

To approve these measures, two main requirements must be met:

• Housing emergency: municipal authorities must determine that there is a housing emergency caused by a disaster, as defined in Section 418.004 of the Texas Government Code.
• Governor’s approval: the municipal ordinance must be approved by the governor of Texas before it takes effect.

What documents are needed to apply for a U.S. passport for the first time

The State Department requires two main original, physical documents for adults applying for a U.S. passport for the first time.

The first is proof of U.S. citizenship. To meet this requirement, applicants may submit any of the following documents:

• U.S. birth certificate: must be the official document that proves birth and citizenship.
• Previous U.S. passport: must be in good condition and have been issued with full validity.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad: birth documentation issued by the State Department is also accepted.
• Certificate of naturalization or citizenship: this shows the person acquired U.S. citizenship through the proper process.

The second required document is an official photo ID. Applicants must bring the physical document that can be used to verify their identity.

• A valid driver’s license is the most common form of ID accepted by the agency.
• An enhanced photo ID can also be used.

How to submit the required documents to the State Department

The State Department also requires photocopies - on 8.5-by-11-inch sheets and printed on one side only - of the documents to complete the file:

• A photocopy of the proof of U.S. citizenship.
• The original citizenship document or a replacement version with the appropriate seal or stamp.
• A photocopy of the front and back of the photo ID.

In addition, Form DS-11 must be completed and printed on one side only. It is important to note that the applicant must not sign it before arriving at the office, where an agent will verify the applicant’s identity and administer the oath.

Do you need to submit a photo to apply for a passport?

Yes. In addition to the documents, each applicant must include a photo that meets U.S. government specifications; otherwise, the passport application will be suspended. The image must be in color and taken within the last six months. It must also meet the following requirements:

• Measure 2 by 2 inches (51 by 51 millimeters).
• Have a white or off-white background, with no objects, textures or shadows.
• Show the full face, centered and looking directly at the camera.
• Have a neutral expression, with eyes open and mouth closed.
• Be printed on matte or glossy photo paper.
• Have no filters, retouching or digital alterations.

This home method stands out for being inexpensive and practical. However, it is important to use it with caution, since too much moisture can damage the materials and make it harder to dry.

What is vinegar on a mattress good for?

The mattress often collects odors, dust and dirt that are not always removed with basic cleaning. That is where vinegar comes in, a key ally that helps improve bedroom hygiene, extends the mattress’s useful life and helps create a deeper, healthier night’s sleep.

One of the main reasons to use vinegar on this area is its ability to disinfect and neutralize odors. Although it does not remove stains completely, vinegar loosens dirt and acts as a natural neutralizer, ideal for closed-off or poorly ventilated spaces.

Vinegar contains acetic acid, a compound that gives it useful properties for certain cleaning tasks. It can help remove some residue and reduce certain odors.

In addition, this method is used as a repellent for small insects. The sharp smell of white vinegar helps drive away pests that often hide in less visible areas.

That is why spraying vinegar on the mattress can be a practical alternative to more aggressive chemical products.

In fact, the Tuft & Needle mattress cleaning guide recommends using vinegar, baking soda or mild detergents to treat certain spills and odors.

How to apply it correctly

To take advantage of its benefits, simply mix white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then spray the mixture on the mattress, let it sit for at least an hour, vacuum or scrub the stains and let it dry.

Ideally, apply the mixture to both sides of the mattress and wait until it is completely dry before putting it back on the bed.

How often should you clean the mattress?

Keeping the mattress clean is key to preventing stains, mites, moisture and premature wear. Although for a long time people believed it should not be touched, the reality is that it requires regular care.

With simple habits, such as airing it out every day for 15 to 20 minutes and changing the sheets once a week, it is possible to extend its life, improve bedroom hygiene and sleep much better.

As for cleaning frequency, it is recommended to vacuum the mattress every 7 to 15 days to remove dust and particles that encourage mites. It is also important to wash the mattress protector every 15 days or once a month, since it acts as the first barrier against dirt.

The Mayo Clinic recommends washing sheets weekly, using protective covers for the mattress and pillows, and keeping indoor relative humidity below 50% to help reduce dust mites. These measures help maintain a more hygienic sleeping environment.

For Matt Pannela, that first important decision came much earlier than for most. At 15 he was about to become a father as his now-wife was expecting their first child. In that context, while his parents told he needed to earn money, his school encouraged him to stay on track for college.

That’s when he had to choose his own path, and the decision he made would change his life forever.

The hard decision changed Matt Panella’s life at 15 years old

“It was conflicting,” Panella, now 29, told Fortune. “Ultimately what I ended up doing was dropping out of high school, which I don’t condone.” He went to work with his father on construction sites, becoming the latest builder in a long family line.

Panella started as a laborer earning $8 an hour, picking up trash and helping experienced carpenters. He learned by watching them and studying online forums. By 18, he earned about $18 an hour. By 21, $30.

After working weeks of up to 100 hours, by 22 he was making around $200,000 a year between construction and social media. But how did he build a viral media profile as a construction worker?

A construction worker went viral on YouTube

In 2018, he began posting construction tutorials as @MattBangsWood. One video on framing a wall drew nearly 4 million views, and the pandemic boosted his audience. Today, his 550 videos have more than 118 million views.

Now he buys, renovates, and rents or sells homes and works on development projects in California. He is also building GEN1, an AI platform to simplify construction. The idea came from a “dark chapter,” as the architect designing his own house died, and the plans could no longer be used.

His best advice for other workers

Panella says office workers can also move into the trades. “If you just clock in, clock out, and don’t enjoy anything that you do, I feel like you’re doing it for the wrong reason,” he said.

Demand is strong. According to Associated Builders and Contractors, the construction industry will need 456,000 new workers in 2027, and a 2025 FlexJobs report found that 62% of white-collar workers would switch to a trade for more stability and better pay.

What the law says about illegal street racing and maneuvers

SB 1764 targets three related offenses: illegal street racing, stunt driving, and, above all, street takeovers.

The law defines the latter as a coordinated event involving 10 or more vehicles operated in an organized way to take over a street or intersection — the kind of gathering where traffic is blocked so drivers can spin out, burn rubber and perform other maneuvers. Participating in or organizing that kind of event is what triggers the harshest penalties.

When is a driver’s license suspended, and for how long

License revocation is one of the law’s main changes, and the length depends on the offense and whether it is repeated. For illegal street racing, a first conviction brings a 1-year license revocation; a second within five years, 2 years; and a third or later within that same period, 4 years. For a coordinated street takeover, the revocation is 2 years, regardless of whether it is a first offense.

There can also be fines, criminal charges, and vehicle seizure

The financial and criminal penalties also increase with the severity of the offense and repeat violations. The first illegal street racing offense is a first-degree misdemeanor, with a fine of between $500 and $2,000. The second becomes a third-degree felony, with a fine of $2,500 to $4,000. The third or later is a second-degree felony, with a fine of $3,500 to $7,500.

Taking part in a coordinated street takeover is, from the outset, a third-degree felony with a fine of $2,500 to $4,000. In addition, the vehicle used in the maneuver may be impounded for 30 business days if the person arrested is the registered owner or co-owner. What’s more, under Florida’s asset forfeiture law, the law enforcement agency making the arrest can begin the process of permanently taking the vehicle.

The law also harshly punishes anyone who obstructs an emergency vehicle during one of these maneuvers, which is also a felony.

The delay is part of the Protecting Americans from Tax Hikes (PATH) Act, a law designed, among other things, to give the IRS more time to detect errors and prevent refund fraud. The rule applies to the entire refund, even if only part of the amount comes from one of these credits.

When will the IRS release refunds for EITC and ACTC filers?

The IRS says taxpayers who claim either credit can generally expect their refunds by March 2 if they meet three conditions:

• They file their tax return electronically.
• They choose direct deposit as their refund method.
• The IRS does not identify any problems with their return.

Some taxpayers may receive their money a few days earlier. The agency says its Where’s My Refund? tool should display an updated status by February 21 for most early EITC and ACTC filers.

These dates are not a guarantee for every taxpayer. Processing problems, requests for additional information, weekends and bank holidays may affect when the money becomes available. Financial institutions may also need extra time to post a direct deposit.

Why does the IRS hold the entire tax refund?

The delay is required by the PATH Act. When a taxpayer claims the EITC or ACTC, the IRS must wait until mid-February to issue the refund. The restriction covers the full amount owed to the taxpayer, not only the credit that triggered the hold.

The measure gives the agency additional time to review returns and identify possible errors or fraudulent claims before sending the money.

The hold does not automatically mean that a taxpayer made a mistake or that the IRS has opened an investigation. However, if the agency needs more information to process a return, it may send a letter requesting documentation.

What are the EITC and ACTC tax credits?

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal tax benefit for workers and families with low or moderate earned income. The amount depends on factors such as income, filing status and the number of qualifying children. Eligible taxpayers may receive the credit as part of their refund.

The Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) is the refundable portion of the Child Tax Credit. It may allow eligible families to receive a refund when the credit exceeds the amount of federal income tax they owe, subject to the applicable rules.

Both credits can increase the amount a taxpayer receives from the IRS. However, claiming either one can trigger the mandatory refund delay.

How to track an IRS refund

Taxpayers can check their payment status through the IRS Where’s My Refund? online tool, their IRS Online Account or the IRS mobile app.

The agency updates its refund tools once a day, usually overnight, so checking several times a day will not provide new information.

If the IRS needs additional documents or detects an issue with the return, it will contact the taxpayer by mail. In that situation, the refund may take longer than the standard timeline.

The ruling applies to asylum applicants who leave the United States and return to the country they fled while their cases are pending.

Returning to your home country could end your asylum claims

The case involved a man from Nepal who had applied for asylum in the United States. He received advance parole, which allowed him to travel abroad, and returned to Nepal for about two months in 2016.

He explained that he needed to visit his family because of his mother’s health problems and the effects of an earthquake. However, the BIA found that his reasons were not compelling enough to justify the trip.

As a result, the board determined that he had abandoned his asylum application and other requests for protection.

What exceptions can asylum seekers claim?

Under the ruling, returning to the country where someone fears persecution can be considered evidence that they have abandoned their request for protection.

However, applicants may argue that compelling reasons forced them to return. The circumstances of each case matter when determining whether the trip should count as an abandonment of the application.

The decision also clarifies that the consequences can extend beyond asylum to withholding of removal and protection under the Convention Against Torture.

In his message, posted Nov. 3, the businessman denounced the lack of protection, the difficulties in accessing sick leave and the lack of political backing for this group.

“The self-employed are second-class people. The new slaves in this society,” he wrote at the start of his reflection, in which he also lamented that many workers have to keep working even when they are going through difficult personal situations.

José Elías denounces the financial difficulties facing self-employed workers

The chairman of Audax Renovables focused on the conditions of those who work for themselves and explained that some have had to go months without a paycheck. He also pointed to the difficulty of stopping work when they get sick or need to deal with personal matters.

In that context, he cited some of the situations he said these professionals face. Among them, he mentioned those who “have worked for months without getting paid,” those who “could not take sick leave because if they stop, so does their business” and even those who “could not become parents because they did not have the time to do so.”

For the businessman, these circumstances reflect a system that hurts those trying to get an economic activity off the ground. “We are creating a system that systematically crushes anyone trying to get a business off the ground,” he warned.

The businessman criticizes the lack of political support for self-employed workers

Another central point in his post was the lack of institutional backing. Elías said no political party has consistently taken up the defense of self-employed workers’ rights and questioned why their problems continue to receive so little attention.

“No political party has ever been interested in taking up the cause of the self-employed or defending our rights,” he said on X.

In this regard, he called on political leaders to recognize the difficulties involved in keeping a business running and to act to improve the conditions of this group. “And until some leader has the loyalty these people truly deserve, we will continue to see how we are mistreated,” he added.

José Elías warns about the neglect of those trying to keep a business afloat

The businessman also lamented that the difficulties facing self-employed workers have become normalized. In his view, the problem is not limited to financial or work-related sacrifices, but also includes a lack of support and social recognition.

“And somehow, we have normalized being treated this way. But what hurts most is the absolute abandonment,” he said.

Elías ended his reflection with a pessimistic message about the chances of the situation changing soon. “Honestly, I have already given up,” he admitted.

Finally, he insisted it is necessary to understand the effort it takes to keep a business open: “Until someone understands the punishment that opening up shop means these days, we will keep being completely alone.”

The person listed as the contract holder is the one responsible for making the payments and also has the authority to carry out different procedures with the company. These include filing complaints about outages or failures, requesting rate changes, canceling the service and resolving other problems related to the supply.

When is the electricity service holder changed?

One of the most common reasons to request a change in account holder is the purchase or rental of a home. When the electric service remains in the name of the previous owner or tenant, it can create problems when carrying out procedures with the CFE or using the bill as proof of address with other institutions.

The death of the person listed on the contract also requires the information to be updated. In these cases, family members or heirs must handle the process and submit the corresponding documents to prove their relationship to the previous holder or establish their rights to the property.

Likewise, situations such as a divorce, a separation or the move of the person listed on the account can justify this change. Keeping outdated information could create payment or administrative responsibilities for someone who no longer uses the service.

How to change the holder on a CFE electric bill

The procedure to change the contract holder’s name with the CFE is free and must be done in person at a Customer Service Center. To begin the process, the account must have no unpaid bills.

Among the requirements and documents that must be submitted are:

• Valid official ID.
• Updated proof of address.
• Proof of registration in the Federal Taxpayer Registry (RFC).
• Recent photo of the meter reading.

If the request is made because the holder has died, documentation will also be required to prove the relationship to the deceased person or the legal connection to the property.

To complete the process, the interested party must go to the nearest CFE branch. The location of the service centers can be checked on the company’s official website or requested by calling 071.

Pay varies by position and responsibilities, with starting pay of $35 an hour for electricians with a journeyman license. One of the most attractive openings, however, is aimed at people who do not yet have experience and want training in the industry.

Through its official jobs page, the company detailed the open positions, the pay offered and how to apply.

What Jobs Wattsmith Electric Offers and How Much They Pay Per Hour

According to the information posted in Wattsmith Electric’s jobs section, the company has four full-time openings in San Antonio. The opportunities cover different experience levels and responsibilities, from specialized electrical work to administrative tasks.

These are the positions and the posted pay:

• Journeyman electrician: from $35 an hour.
• Wireman electrician: $20 to $26 an hour.
• Electrician apprentice: $13 an hour.
• Dispatcher and customer service: $9 to $15 an hour.

What Are the Requirements to Apply?

One of the standout features of the posting is that Wattsmith Electric allows applicants to start as apprentices with no prior experience. On its official page, it says it offers paid training and guidance from experienced electricians so new workers can learn the trade.

The company also helps apprentices register with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), the state agency that oversees the industry. That way, people starting from scratch can gain skills and work toward higher-responsibility positions.

For experienced electricians, the requirements vary by category:

• Journeyman: must have the corresponding Texas license.
• Wireman: performs electrical installation work and hands-on tasks on projects.
• Apprentice: can start with no experience and receive on-the-job training.

The company also asks applicants to list any licenses and certifications they have, such as OSHA 10 and NFPA 70E.

How to Apply for Wattsmith Electric Jobs

Interested applicants can submit their application through the form available on the company’s official website. There, they must select the job they want and fill out personal information, availability, work experience, and professional background, depending on the case.

Applicants may want to have the following information ready before starting the application:

• TDLR license number and expiration date, if applicable.
• Dates and names of the last three employers.
• The earliest date they could start work.
• Professional certifications, such as OSHA 10 or NFPA 70E.

The company says a person reviews each application and that candidates who fit the profile receive a response within two business days. It also allows phone inquiries at (210) 446-5446.

The U.S. retirement system includes a minimum age to apply for benefits, a set number of work credits, and a calculation based on each taxpayer’s earnings history.

How does the U.S. retirement system work?

The U.S. retirement system is administered by the SSA, the agency responsible for providing retirement benefits to workers who meet the age and contribution requirements set by the federal government.

During their working lives, workers contribute to Social Security through payroll taxes. These contributions help fund benefits for current retirees and also build a work record that is used to determine future eligibility.

The system works through the accumulation of Social Security credits, which are earned from work income. However, earning the required credits does not mean everyone can retire at the same age or receive the same amount.

What are the requirements to retire?

According to the SSA, workers need to earn at least 40 Social Security credits, equivalent to 10 years of work, to qualify for retirement benefits.

In addition, workers must meet the age requirements set by the program:

• Age 62: the earliest age to claim retirement benefits, although the monthly payment is permanently reduced for starting before full retirement age.
• Between 66 and 67: full retirement age, depending on the worker’s year of birth.
• Age 70: the age through which delayed retirement credits can be earned, boosting the monthly benefit for delaying the claim beyond full retirement age.

How are credits earned?

According to the SSA, credits are earned from work income subject to Social Security taxes, for both employees and self-employed workers.

During 2026, the set amounts are:

• Two credits: after earning $3,780.
• Three credits: after earning $5,670.
• Four credits: after earning $7,560.

Workers can earn up to four credits per year, regardless of how much they earn above the set limit.

Credits stay on a worker’s Social Security record even if they change jobs or stop working temporarily.

How is each person’s retirement benefit calculated?

The SSA calculates retirement benefits based on the work income recorded over a worker’s lifetime and the age at which they begin receiving payments.

To determine the monthly benefit, the agency considers factors such as:

• work earnings, adjusted under Social Security rules.
• Contributions to the system: income subject to Social Security taxes is counted, up to the annual limit.
• Retirement age: claiming benefits before full retirement age reduces the monthly amount, while delaying until age 70 can increase it.

In 2026, the annual limit on earnings subject to Social Security tax is $184,500. That means income above that amount will not be counted toward boosting that year’s benefit. For 2027, that limit will rise to $192,300.

Estimated average monthly benefits: 2026 vs. 2027

According to SSA figures, benefits will increase 3.6% in 2027:

• Retired workers:
• • 2026: $2,095.
  • 2027: $2,170.
• Retired couples (both receiving benefits):
• • 2026: $3,238.
  • 2027: $3,355.
• Aged widows and widowers:
• • 2026: $1,936.
  • 2027: $2,005.
• Disabled workers:
• • 2026: $1,642.
  • 2027: $1,701.

These are estimated average amounts, so what each beneficiary receives will depend on their earnings history, contributions, and benefit conditions.

According to WhatsApp's official Help Center, starting Nov. 30, 2026, only iPhones with iOS 15.15 or later installed will be compatible.

Which iPhone models will stop being compatible with WhatsApp starting Nov. 30?

The change will affect iPhones that cannot be updated to iOS 15.5. Older models that do not support this version include:

• Original iPhone, iPhone 3G and iPhone 3GS.
• iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s.
• iPhone 5, iPhone 5c and iPhone 5s.
• iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus.

By contrast, iPhone 6s, iPhone 6s Plus, first-generation iPhone SE and later models compatible with iOS 15.5 will be able to keep using WhatsApp if they have that version or a newer one installed.

How can you tell whether your phone will still work with WhatsApp?

iPhone users can check which operating system version is installed by going to Settings > General > About.

If the device is running iOS 15.1, 15.2, 15.3 or 15.4, it will need to be updated to iOS 15.5 or later to keep using the app after Nov. 30.

To look for an available update, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

WhatsApp says it will send notifications inside the app before dropping support for an operating system and will remind users that they need to update it.

If the iPhone does not allow a compatible version to be installed, users will need to use another device that meets the requirements to keep using WhatsApp.

At those moments, trying to turn it off the usual way can be difficult, and many users do not know how to get the device working again.

However, there is a simple procedure that can help resolve the problem without downloading apps or heading straight to a repair shop: press and hold the power button for about 60 seconds, an option Google recommends.

What pressing your phone’s power button for 60 seconds does

According to Google’s instructions, holding down the power button for about 60 seconds forces the phone to restart when it is frozen and the screen stays on.

This option is useful when the device stops responding to touch commands, apps freeze or the user cannot access the usual menu to turn it off or restart it.

The procedure is meant to break the lockup and get the system running again. In this way, the phone can return to normal operation without having to turn to more complex options.

It is important to keep in mind that this is not a method for repairing physical damage, battery problems or internal components. Its goal is to try to recover a device that stopped responding because of a system lockup.

How to restart a locked Android phone, step by step

Google recommends a simple procedure to try to recover a phone that remains frozen with the screen on.

The steps are as follows:

1. Find the power button: locate the physical key used to turn the device on and off.
2. Press and hold it: hold the button down for about 60 seconds without letting go.
3. Wait for the restart: let the phone complete the restart process.
4. Check that it works: once it turns back on, see whether it responds to touch commands and opens apps normally.

The recommendation is to keep pressing for about one minute. So if the phone does not react after a few seconds, wait until the full time has passed before giving up on the procedure.

What to do if the Android phone still does not respond after restarting

If the phone remains locked after trying the forced restart, Google recommends moving on to other checks to identify the source of the problem.

One of the first steps is to check whether any Android updates are pending. To do this, go into the device settings, select System and look for the software update option. Menu names may vary by manufacturer.

It is also important to check available storage space. According to Google, phones can start having problems when they have less than 10% free storage. In that case, it is important to review which files or apps take up the most space and delete those that are no longer needed.

Another possibility is that a downloaded app is causing the lockup. To identify it, Google recommends trying safe mode, which temporarily disables user-installed apps.

If the problem goes away in that mode, an app may be interfering with the device’s operation.

Its main capabilities include launching Tomahawk missiles, used to strike land targets at long range, and the use of anti-submarine weapons to fight threats underwater.

The destroyer belongs to the Arleigh Burke class, Flight III, and features the AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system. It was formally commissioned into the fleet on Oct. 3, 2026, at a ceremony in Alaska.

What the USS Ted Stevens is like and why it entered the fleet

The USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128) is an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, designed to operate in high-threat environments and carry out strike, air defense and anti-submarine missions.

One of the main differences from earlier versions of the class is the addition of the AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system. It also has upgrades to electrical power generation and distribution and to cooling systems, needed to support its next-generation electronics.

How its 96 vertical launch cells work and which Tomahawk missiles it can fire

The warship has 96 MK41 vertical launch cells, arranged in two sets installed on deck. Unlike conventional launchers that must point their tubes at the target, this system allows missiles to be fired from vertical compartments and readied for launch in different directions.

Compatible weapons include Tomahawk cruise missiles, used to strike land targets at long range, since they fly at low altitude along programmed routes and have navigation systems that allow them to hit specific targets. The newest versions include navigation and communications upgrades; the Tomahawk family also includes variants designed to expand its strike capabilities.

What weapons it uses to locate and destroy enemy submarines

To fight submarines, the USS Ted Stevens can use ASROC (Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket), an anti-submarine weapon fired from the MK41 system. Its job is to carry a lightweight torpedo to a point near the detected submarine and release it into the water so it can continue the subsurface attack without having to come directly close to it.

That capability requires sensors and detection systems to locate and track submarines.

How the SPY-6 radar works to detect air threats and ballistic missiles

The USS Ted Stevens incorporates the AN/SPY-6(V)1, an air and missile defense radar made up of four fixed panels that provide 360-degree surveillance around the ship. It is designed to detect and track aircraft, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles, even in environments with electronic interference. Its greater sensitivity allows it to identify threats at longer ranges and provide precise information on their location and trajectory.

The radar works with the Aegis Baseline 10 combat system, which integrates sensor data and coordinates the destroyer’s response, allowing it to track multiple threats and use compatible weapons, such as ballistic missile interceptors.

According to an announcement by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, the defendants allegedly used three transportation companies based in Schenectady to bill Medicaid for services that were never provided or were falsely reported.

The investigation identified three alleged methods: billing for rides that never took place, presenting unauthorized group trips as multiple individual rides, and inflating mileage. Investigators also allege that the defendants paid kickbacks to passengers who helped with the scheme.

Who are the three family members charged in the Medicaid fraud case?

The defendants are Ismat Farhan, from Slingerlands, her brother Effat Rizwan, and his wife, Fouzia Rizwan, both from Schenectady.

According to the comptroller’s office, Farhan was charged with one count of grand larceny in the first degree. Effat Rizwan faces one count of grand larceny in the first degree and another of grand larceny in the second degree. Fouzia Rizwan was charged with one count of grand larceny in the first degree.

All three appeared in Schenectady City Court and were arraigned before Judge Teneka Frost. They are scheduled to return to court on December 7, 2026.

The three relatives were connected to USA Medical Transport Inc., NYS Med Transport Inc. and EZ Medical Transportation Inc. Farhan operated USA Medical Transport with her brother from a used car dealership. Effat Rizwan ran the other transportation businesses from the same location, including EZ Medical, which was owned by his wife.

How the alleged $4.7 million Medicaid scheme worked

The investigation began in December 2024, after the comptroller’s Division of Investigations received a complaint about USA Medical Transport. The office worked with the New York State Police Special Investigations Unit to examine the companies’ Medicaid claims.

A forensic review of claims covering January 1, 2020, through December 21, 2024, identified allegedly fraudulent billing across the three businesses.

The amounts attributed to each company were:

• USA Medical Transportation: more than $2.9 million in allegedly fraudulent invoices for group trips, plus $340,000 for rides that never occurred.
• NYS Medical Transport: more than $79,000 in allegedly fraudulent group rides and over $4,500 for trips that did not take place.
• EZ Medical Transportation: more than $1.1 million in allegedly fraudulent group-trip claims and $184,000 for rides that never happened.

Together, the claims amounted to more than $4.7 million in alleged losses to New York’s Medicaid program.

What Medicaid rules apply to medical transportation?

Medicaid allows eligible patients to use transportation services to attend legitimate medical appointments. Approved providers can then bill the program for the services they provide.

However, the rules impose specific limits on group transportation. Group rides require prior authorization, and providers can only bill for mileage once for a group. The alleged conduct involved claims that investigators say violated those requirements.

The case is part of a broader effort by the comptroller’s office to investigate fraud involving public funds. Over the previous 18 months, DiNapoli’s Medicaid fraud investigations had resulted in 61 arrests and more than $50 million in ordered recoveries, according to the agency.

According to the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, compounds in this grain, commonly used to make breakfast, are linked to a range of positive effects on digestion and cholesterol, among others.

What happens to your body when you eat oats

The school notes that one of the main benefits of adding oats to your daily routine is its soluble fiber, which comes in the form of beta-glucan and can slow digestion and increase feelings of fullness.

It also explains that the fiber in this food helps bind cholesterol-rich bile acids in the intestine, carrying them through the digestive tract and making it easier for the body to eliminate them.

On the other hand, when the oat grain is eaten whole, it also provides phenolic compounds and phytoestrogens that may act as antioxidants and reduce the effects of chronic inflammation, which, as Harvard explains, is linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Fuente: Shutterstock

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How to make oats for breakfast and take advantage of their benefits

One of the recipes shared by the school suggests preparing the oats the night before so breakfast is ready when you wake up. The steps are:

• Add 1/2 cup of non-instant oats to a medium jar
• Add between 1/2 cup and 1 cup of cow’s milk or plant-based milk
• Add 1/2 cup chopped fruit
• You can add spoonfuls of Greek yogurt, some chia or flax seeds, nuts or spices (optional)
• Cover the jar and shake until all the ingredients are mixed
• Refrigerate overnight

“The oats will soften and the mixture will thicken to a pudding-like texture,” it says.

According to the SSA’s official payment schedule for 2026, this group receives benefits on the third day of each month. The same date also applies to people who receive both Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Which retirees and pensioners will receive their payment on Thursday, Dec. 3?

The Social Security Administration explains that the third-of-the-month payment applies to people who were receiving or applied for Social Security benefits on or before April 30, 1997.

Those who receive both Social Security and SSI also get their Social Security benefits on that date.

However, the agency says SSI payments are usually made on the first day of each month. As a result, people who receive both benefits have different payment dates for each one.

When will other retirees and pensioners be paid in December 2026?

For those who applied for Social Security benefits after April 30, 1997, and follow the regular schedule, the payment date depends on the birth date of the person on whose record the benefits are paid.

According to the official SSA schedule, December 2026 deposits are set for the following dates:

• Wednesday, Dec. 9: beneficiaries with birth dates from the 1st to the 10th.
• Wednesday, Dec. 16: beneficiaries with birth dates from the 11th to the 20th.
• Wednesday, Dec. 23: beneficiaries with birth dates from the 21st to the 31st.

The SSA also says that if a beneficiary does not receive payment on the scheduled date, they should wait three additional mailing days before contacting the agency.

The process applies, among other cases, to people with a 10-year green card that has already expired or is about to expire. The agency allows documents to be filed online or by mailing a paper application, although it requires applicants to follow the instructions and pay the required fee to avoid rejections or delays.

How much does it cost to renew a green card with Form I-90?

The cost to renew a Green Card depends on how the application is filed. According to USCIS fee schedules, the costs for Form I-90 are:

• Online filing: $415
• Mail filing: $465

However, there are situations in which the card can be replaced without paying the fee. These include cases in which USCIS issued the Green Card with incorrect information because of an agency error or when the card was returned to the agency because it could not be delivered to the recipient.

There is also a waiver for certain residents who turn 14 and whose card will expire after they turn 16.

How to renew a Green Card

USCIS offers two ways to file Form I-90: online or through a package sent by mail. Both let applicants start the process without leaving the country.

Filing the application online

This is the least expensive option. To begin, the resident must create an account on the USCIS official portal and complete Form I-90. Once inside the system, they can:

• Complete and submit the application.
• Pay the required fee.
• Check the status of the case.
• Receive notifications about the process.
• Respond to any requests for evidence.
• Update contact information and address.

Mailing Form I-90

Those who prefer to file on paper can also print and complete the application to send it to USCIS. The mailing address depends on the delivery service used:

• USPS: USCIS, Attn: I-90, P.O. Box 21262, Phoenix, AZ 85036-1262.
• FedEx, UPS and DHL: USCIS, Attn: I-90 (Box 21262), 2108 E. Elliot Rd., Tempe, AZ 85284-1806.

How to pay for the renewal

The payment method depends on the filing option chosen. For online applications, the USCIS system directs users to the Pay.gov platform, where the transaction can be completed.

For mail filings, the agency says applicants may use:

• Form G-1450: authorizes payment by credit or debit card.
• Form G-1650: allows payment by ACH transfer from a U.S. bank account.

Who can renew a Green Card with Form I-90

Form I-90 is for lawful permanent residents who need to renew or replace their green card. Not all immigrants have to use it: the reason they need a new document determines which process they should follow.

Applicants may file if they:

• Have a 10-year Green Card that has already expired.
• Have a card that will expire within the next six months.
• Need to replace a lost, stolen, destroyed or damaged card.
• Received a card with incorrect information.
• Legally changed their name and need to update the document.
• Turned 14 and must replace their card under the agency’s rules.

The young cyclist from Kebbi State, in northwestern Nigeria, has no engineering degree and grew up facing difficulties. “My childhood was not always easy, but the challenges I faced motivated me to work hard, believe in myself, and pursue my dreams,” he told the Nigerian news site Legit.ng.

And against all odds, he built a bicycle that went viral on social media and earned him the recognition of his whole state, an economic prize, and the Guinness World Record.

A bicycle almost as tall as a basketball hoop

Muhammad spent about two months building his bicycle, which stands 9 feet 5 inches (2.9 meters) tall, almost as high as a basketball hoop. The hardest part, he said, was keeping it balanced and stable despite its unusual height.

In many of his social videos, you can see he struggles to climb on top of the bicycle, but once he is up there, the balance is immaculate. To earn himself the international record recognition, he had to climb up, ride, and get down of the handmade vehicle without any help.

On September 22, 2026, he rode it in Kebbi State, getting on, riding, and getting off without any outside help. That earned him the Guinness World Records title for the tallest bicycle ridden unsupported.

He became known through his viral social media posts

Muhammad’s talent became known through his videos online. “There was no lobbying involved. His talent was discovered through social media and other media platforms,” said Abubakar Kalgo, patron of the local cycling association, adding that the videos reached an audience of about two million followers.

Before the record, Muhammad had already won a competition at the Argungu International Fishing Festival, beating 507 other participants.

Honored by his state

On October 28, Kalgo presented the Guinness certificate to the Kebbi State government. Officials praised Muhammad’s creativity and determination, and the state awarded him ₦1 million, about $740.

Now, Muhammad hopes to keep growing. His goal, he said, is to become a professional cyclist.

According to AccuWeather, isolated heavy showers and thunderstorms will still be possible Wednesday, Nov. 4, especially in parts of Florida. However, the rain will be less widespread than it was Sunday and Monday.

The forecast also warns that the arrival of a cold front could bring more rain toward the end of the week, both in Florida and in areas farther north along the Atlantic coast.

Which areas could see more thunderstorms on Wednesday, Nov. 4?

The heaviest rainfall from the storm system was concentrated in parts of central and eastern Florida, where some communities recorded totals of between 127 and 254 millimeters from Sunday through Monday.

The highest amounts were seen in a band stretching from southeast Orlando to north of Fort Lauderdale. In the hardest-hit areas, rainfall totals over several days reached between 305 and 610 millimeters.

For Wednesday, the forecast still calls for rain and isolated thunderstorms in Florida. However, AccuWeather does not identify any specific cities that are certain to see new storms during the day.

Will the rain continue after Wednesday, Nov. 4?

Meteorologists expect humidity to rise again in Florida toward the end of this week, as a cold front moving in from the north brings moist air from the Gulf and the Atlantic Ocean.

Although there is still uncertainty about how much rain this system could produce, the rain is expected to be considerably less intense than what fell between Sunday, Nov. 1, and Monday, Nov. 2.

The agency also says areas farther north along the Atlantic coast could see heavy rain toward the end of the week, especially in places that have not had rain for several weeks.

Meanwhile, specialists identified a medium risk of a tropical or subtropical system developing between the Bahamas and Bermuda this week. Any possible formation would be gradual and, for now, does not amount to confirmation of a new tropical storm.

Rain in recent days caused flooding in both coastal communities and inland areas of Florida.

The situation came after exceptionally high tides and strong surf also caused flooding and beach erosion along the state’s Atlantic coast last week.

The new rule expands the factors that U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can consider, including certain public benefits received by applicants. The change is part of a regulatory rewrite that voided the 2022 immigration rule.

The provision took effect on Sept. 18, 2026, and sets new guidelines for reviewing residency applications.

What USCIS changed under the Trump order to review Green Card applications

The Donald Trump administration changed the criteria the United States uses to determine whether an immigrant can get permanent residency. The move involves removing the 2022 rule on the factors and public benefits immigration officials could consider when reviewing certain applications.

According to the final rule published by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in the Federal Register on July 20, 2026, scrapping that regulation gives immigration officers greater discretion to assess each applicant’s circumstances. The change took effect on Sept. 18, 2026, and applies, among other cases, to adjustment-of-status applications filed on or after that date using Form I-485.

What public benefits can USCIS consider when reviewing a Green Card application

USCIS can take into account whether a person received or applied for certain public benefits subject to a means-tested review. In its guidance on the new policy, the agency cites different forms of aid that may be part of the analysis:

• Food stamps, such as the SNAP program.
• Housing assistance: certain housing aid programs.
• Financial aid for college.
• Cash assistance is intended to maintain income.
• Means-tested health benefits: such as Medicaid and CHIP.
• Other similar government-funded programs are subject to means testing.

The date those benefits were received also matters because the rule says aid received before Sept. 18, 2026, is evaluated under the 2022 regulation; by contrast, aid received or requested on or after that date can be considered under the new framework. That does not mean receiving public assistance automatically leads to a Green Card denial. USCIS must assess its relevance along with the applicant’s other circumstances.

Which immigrants does the new rule affect, and what factors does USCIS review

The change applies to certain immigrants seeking permanent residency in the United States through Form I-485. USCIS says the public charge ground applies to applicant categories that are not exempt by law. Those who may be subject to it include certain relatives of U.S. citizens and permanent residents, foreign workers, investors and diversity visa applicants. By contrast, protected categories such as refugees and asylees are exempt from this ground of inadmissibility.

To decide each case, officers must consider at least five factors set by law:

• Age.
• Health.
• Family status.
• Assets and financial resources.
• Education.
• Job skills.

They may also review the Affidavit of Support, Form I-864, and other relevant factors. The decision must be based on the totality of each person’s circumstances, so receiving public benefits is one element of the analysis and does not by itself determine the outcome of the application.

“If your child is under 16 and their passport has expired or will expire soon, you must apply for a new passport at a passport acceptance facility,” USA.gov explains USA.gov.

Passports processed in 2026 for a child under 16 will be valid only through 2031

Because passports for children under 16 are issued in the United States with a validity of only five years, those in this group who have applied for or are about to apply for their international travel document in 2026 will need a new passport in 2031.

“Passports for children under 16 cannot be renewed and are valid for five years”, authorities say.

How minors under 16 must apply for an American passport

The State Department outlines the following steps for parents or guardians to complete the process:

• Complete the DS-11 Form and print it on one-sided paper.
• Submit proof of the child’s U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a consular report of birth abroad. Only paper originals are accepted.
• Provide proof of the legal relationship between the minor and the parents/guardians. A birth certificate is one example.
• Photo ID for the parents or guardians, such as a driver’s license.
• Provide photocopies of the proof of citizenship and the parents’ IDs.
• Provide a photo of the child; it must not be stapled to the form.
• Go with the child to submit the documents and pay the fees ($135 for the passport book with all fees included and $50 for the passport card with all fees included).

“Both parents or guardians must appear in person with the child applying. If one or both parents or guardians cannot appear with the minor, they must provide additional documents,” the notice says.

Once all the steps are completed, the application status can be checked here.

Noncitizens can collect Social Security benefits

Social Security is not limited to citizens. A noncitizen can receive the benefit if they are legally in the country and meet the general requirements. Broadly speaking, those who may qualify include lawful permanent residents, people with a visa that authorizes them to work in the United States, and those admitted under certain immigration provisions. The key in all cases is the combination of legal status and having paid in enough through work.

The work-credit requirement

Like any worker, to qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you need enough work credits. In general, you need 40 credits, which equals about 10 years of work contributing to the system with a valid Social Security number. In other words, what makes someone eligible is not citizenship, but having worked and contributed for the required time on the record.

What happens to people who worked without papers

Anyone who worked and paid in using a valid Social Security number earns the right to the benefit just like any other worker. By contrast, undocumented immigrants often pay taxes into the system (including FICA deductions that fund Social Security), but rarely end up collecting those benefits because they do not meet the status and registration requirements the law sets for receiving payment.

What documents the SSA asks foreigners for

In addition to the documents requested from any applicant, such as proof of birth and the W-2 form or tax return, people not born in the United States must provide one key additional document to the SSA:

• Proof of citizenship or legal status.

As with the rest of the paperwork, it is best to submit the originals or certified copies the agency requires, and not mail sensitive immigration documents, but bring them in person to an office.

What happens if you leave the United States

While a U.S. citizen can generally keep receiving Social Security almost anywhere in the world, a stricter rule applies to noncitizens, known as the “alien nonpayment rule”. In broad terms, if a noncitizen beneficiary stays outside the United States for more than six consecutive months, payments may be suspended, unless they fall under one of the exceptions provided.

Those exceptions include, for example, being a citizen or resident of a country that has a Social Security agreement with the United States, or having met certain residency requirements in the country.

The Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) can suspend these offenders’ driving privileges for six months and place them on one year of probation.

Who could face an extension of their driver’s license suspension?

According to California’s Vehicle Code, the department may impose a six-month driver’s license suspension and NOTS probation to keep the offender under supervision.

During the six-month suspension, the driver is prohibited from driving and if they do, they risk having the DMV extend the suspension period. Once driving privileges are restored, they must continue complying with the imposed conditions for another six months, until the one-year suspension period is complete.

The measure applies at the third level of the NOTS system, which is reached by accumulating four points in 12 months, six points in 24 months or eight points in 36 months.

How does the negligent operator treatment system’s point accumulation process work?

California’s Negligent Operator Treatment System (NOTS) assigns points to drivers’ records for certain traffic violations and crashes in which they are found at fault.

Violations can add between 0 and 3 points, depending on their severity:

• 1 point
• • Speeding.
  • Driving an unsafe vehicle.
• 2 points
• • Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Leaving the scene of an accident (hit-and-run).
• 3 points
• • Violations committed while driving a commercial vehicle.

The system sets out four intervention levels:

• Warning letter: 2 points in 12 months, 4 in 24 months or 6 in 36 months.
• Notice of intent to suspend: 3 in 12 months, 5 in 24 months, or 7 in 36 months.
• 6-month suspension and 1-year probation: 4 in 12 months, 6 in 24 months or 8 in 36 months.
• New suspension or revocation: failure to comply with probation conditions.

What happens after the license suspension, and what precautions should be taken?

California’s DMV can impose one year of probation (NOTS Probation), which includes a six-month driver’s license suspension. Once the suspension ends, the driver may regain driving privileges but must continue complying with the stated conditions until the probation period is complete.

To avoid new penalties, the driver must:

• Obey traffic laws and avoid new violations.
• Not drive while the license remains suspended.
• Avoid crashes for which they could be held responsible.
• Appear in court when summoned for a traffic violation.
• Comply with any additional restrictions the DMV has set.

What happens if violations are committed during probation after the license is restored?

The DMV can impose additional penalties on those who fail to comply with probation conditions, even after they regain permission to drive.

The consequences depend on the number of violations:

• First violation: six-month suspension and extension of probation for one year from the date of the violation.
• Second violation: another six-month suspension and extension of probation for one year from the date of the violation.
• Third violation: revocation of driving privileges for one year.

Section 14252 of California’s Vehicle Code authorizes the DMV to take away a provisional license and order the suspension or revocation of driving privileges when a failure to comply with the established conditions is confirmed.

The measure was issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the U.S. federal agency, on Oct. 22 and amended a few days later to clarify its scope. Its goal is to reduce the risk of Ebola entering the country by air.

Who is affected by the ban on boarding flights to the United States

The order applies to Colombians, Mexicans, Argentines, and citizens of any other nationality. It also includes Americans, U.S. nationals, and permanent residents with green cards.

The measure covers commercial, private and cargo flights, as well as crew members. So the traveler’s passport does not matter: everyone must comply with the certification, unless they have an official exemption. Those who do not present the document will not be allowed to board any flight to the U.S.

Which country should those who want to travel to the United States avoid

The territory identified by the authorities is the Democratic Republic of the Congo in central Africa. Anyone who has been there during the 21 days before the flight will not be allowed to board a plane to the United States. The restriction also applies to anyone who has made a layover at a Congolese airport, even if they did not get off the plane or leave the terminal.

The CDC states that the day of departure from Congo is day zero and that the passenger may travel to the United States starting on day 22, as long as they meet the other entry requirements.

What declaration must passengers sign before boarding?

Travelers must complete a paper or digital certification confirming that they were not in the Democratic Republic of the Congo during the 21 days before boarding.

The CDC allows the use of a physical signature, a verified digital signature, or an electronic declaration via a checkbox. Passengers do not necessarily have to print the form before going to the airport: each airline will tell them how to complete the process.

Airlines are responsible for collecting the documents and keeping them for at least 42 days after the flight arrives.

According to the official calendar from the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the break will begin Monday, Dec. 21, 2026, and end Friday, Jan. 8, 2027. Students will return to the classroom Monday, Jan. 11, when the second semester of the 2026-2027 school year begins.

When do the 23 consecutive days off begin?

The calendar published by LAUSD says the winter break will run for three weeks, from Dec. 21 to Jan. 8.

Including weekends, students will rack up 23 consecutive days off, from the start of the break through Sunday, Jan. 10, 2027.

The key dates on the calendar:

• Saturday, Dec. 19, 2026: start of winter break.
• Friday, Jan. 8, 2027: end of the district’s scheduled break.
• Monday, Jan. 11, 2027: start of the second semester and return to class for students, teachers, and administrators.

The measure applies to public schools that follow the Los Angeles Unified School District’s instructional calendar in Los Angeles, California.

According to official information, LAUSD covers most of the city of Los Angeles, California.

What other days off does the 2026-2027 school calendar set?

In addition to winter break, Los Angeles Unified School District includes other school closure dates during the 2026-2027 school year.

The official calendar includes the following days and periods:

• Nov. 11, 2026: Veterans Day.
• Nov. 23-27, 2026: fall break.
• Jan. 18, 2027: Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
• Feb. 15, 2027: Presidents Day.
• March 22-26, 2027: spring break.
• March 31, 2027: Cesar Chavez Day.
• May 31, 2027: Memorial Day.

The document also says the last day of classes for the school year will be June 4, 2027.

The answer is in Article 4 of the Estates, Powers and Trusts Law (EPT), which governs so-called intestate succession. Its Section 4-1.1 says assets that were not distributed through a will must pass to certain relatives, following an order of priority.

Who inherits in New York when someone dies without a will?

New York law covers different scenarios depending on which relatives survive the person and how close they were. Not everyone receives the same share, and having a spouse or children directly affects how the estate is divided.

Under EPT Section 4-1.1, the distribution order covers these situations:

• Spouse and children: the surviving husband or wife receives the first $50,000 and half of the remaining estate. The children receive the other half, distributed by representation.
• Spouse with no children: the husband or wife receives 100% of the inheritance.
• Children with no spouse: the descendants receive the entire estate, by representation.
• Parents with no spouse or children: the surviving father or mother receives all the assets.
• Siblings with no spouse, children or parents: the inheritance goes to the deceased person’s brothers and sisters, by representation.
• Grandparents and certain descendants of grandparents: if there are no relatives in the categories above, the distribution passes to the family branches on both sides of the family, according to the conditions set by law.

In what order relatives receive an inheritance if there is no will

If the deceased had no spouse, descendants, or surviving parents, the law allows other family members to claim the assets.

The law says that when relatives from both sides of the family exist, the inheritance can be divided between the maternal and paternal sides. If there are only relatives on one side, they may receive everything, as long as they meet the legal requirements.

The distribution is calculated after deducting the deceased’s debts, estate administration costs, and reasonable funeral expenses. That is why the percentages apply to the remaining estate.

When can New York State keep an inheritance

The state government can receive a deceased person’s assets when there is no heir, beneficiary, devisee, or individual owner with the right to claim them.

This situation is covered in Section 4-1.5 of the Estates, Powers, and Trusts Law. The law says assets located in New York that do not have an individual entitled to receive them will pass to the state as abandoned property. It also says they must be held under the provisions of the Abandoned Property Law.

That means the state cannot automatically take a home, a bank account, or a person’s savings simply because they died without leaving a will. It must first be determined whether there are relatives or other rightful heirs.

The formula appears in a National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) document, an agency within the CDC, and is included in a series of simple recipes for household cleaning.

How do you make the seven-drop detergent-and-water mix for cleaning the house?

According to the CDC’s official guide, the mixture requires only two ingredients and a spray bottle.

To make it, follow these steps:

1. Get a 24-ounce spray bottle, which is about 710 milliliters.
2. Add seven drops of dish detergent.
3. Fill the bottle with water and shake.
4. Clean as usual.

The document includes this preparation among the simple cleaning recipes that can be made with products available at regular stores.

According to the published guide, the mix is meant for cleaning counters, floors and walls.

What precautions are recommended when using homemade cleaning products?

In addition to sharing the formula, NIOSH sets out a series of recommendations to reduce the risks associated with exposure to cleaning products.

Among the main guidelines are:

• Identify what’s in each container: put a label on each bottle, especially when storing homemade mixtures.
• Read the labels: follow the instructions on the products you use.
• Keep containers closed: avoid leaving them open when not in use.
• Do not mix different cleaning products: the guide especially warns never to combine bleach and ammonia, because the fumes can be deadly.
• Stop using the product if you develop symptoms of exposure: stop using it and move to a place with fresh air.

The rules it publishes cover the ordinary situations in soccer, but also those that rarely happen and could cause a lot of confusion, for example, what happens if a team’s ball hits the referee and that incident ends in a goal.

What happens in soccer if the ball hits the referee and ends in a goal

According to the official rules, the ball is no longer in play when it hits a referee or any other member of the officiating crew if that contact results in the ball going into the goal and becoming a score. In those cases, the goal is completely disallowed.

The ball is also considered out of play if it hits a referee and that incident leads to the start of an attack that favors the opposing team or if the contact causes the ball to go out of the possession of the team that had it at that moment.

What happens next after the incident, according to IFAB

In all cases in which the ball must be stopped because of direct contact with the referee in one of the situations above, the play is restarted with a dropped ball.

That means the ball is dropped freely so play can continue, with no goal, restart or free kick awarded.

If the ball was in the penalty area when play was stopped, it is dropped and goes to the goalkeeper.

If it was outside the penalty area, the referee tries to make sure the ball goes to the team that would have been entitled to it before play was stopped. If that cannot be determined, it is dropped for the player who last touched it.

The rest of the players must stay at least 4 meters away from the ball until it is in play.

However, this small fruit tree is also grown in Spain, which has even become the largest quince producer in Europe.

Against that backdrop, the harvest and peak-ripeness period for this fruit runs from September through November. Specifically, quinces reach peak ripeness and a golden color between the Indian summer of St. Michael’s Day (late September) and the Indian summer of St. Martin’s Day (mid-November).

It is therefore a good idea to take advantage of this fruit during the fall season to make quince cheese, a tasty preserve that is easy to prepare. In addition, this recipe is ideal for serving with toast or cheese, as well as for adding to other desserts and recipes.

Ingredients for quince cheese

To make this sweet preserve from quince pulp with sugar, you only need a few easy-to-find ingredients:

• 2 kg of fresh quinces.
• Between 900 grams and 1 kg of sugar for each kilogram of pulp obtained.
• Enough water to cover the quinces during the first cooking.
• Juice of one lemon per kilogram of pulp.

You also need to follow a series of specific steps to achieve a firm, dense texture with intense sweetness that is not cloying.

Preparing the quinces

First, wash the quinces with water and gently rub the skin to remove the fuzz that covers the fruit. Although some traditional recipes call for peeling them, it is also possible to make quince cheese with the skin on.

Then cut the quinces into quarters and remove the core and seeds, that is, the small brown seeds found inside the quince fruit.

Cooking the quinces

Place the quince pieces in a pot with enough water to cover them and cook until tender. The time will depend on the size of the pieces and how ripe the fruit is.

Once cooked, drain the quinces, let them cool slightly and remove the seed core. Then blend the pulp with a blender or food processor until you have a smooth, even puree.

Cooking the quince cheese

Weigh the pulp to calculate how much sugar is needed. It is recommended to use between 900 grams and 1 kilogram of sugar for each kilogram of prepared pulp.

Place the puree in a pot, add the sugar and cook over medium-low or low heat, stirring frequently to keep it from sticking to the bottom.

As it cooks, the mixture will begin to thicken and take on a firmer consistency. The time needed may vary, so check that the cheese has reached the right point before removing it from the heat and spooning it into clean molds.

Pour into molds and let cool

After removing it from the heat, transfer the quince cheese to a large glass mold or several small molds.

Then, let the quince cheese cool at room temperature for several hours before carefully unmolding it and cutting it into pieces once it has set. Also, once it is cool, it is recommended to keep the cheese covered in the refrigerator.

Other tips for making quince cheese

To make this recipe, it is best to use quinces in season, which starts in late September and lasts through November.

When using them to make the cheese, they should be ripe but still firm. That is because the texture of the cheese could be affected if they are too soft. Likewise, it is recommended to remove the hard parts of the fruit to achieve a smooth cheese.

As for the sugar, it is recommended to use an amount equal to the quince. Although it is possible to slightly reduce the proportion for a less sweet result, this ingredient also acts as a preservative, so cutting back too much could shorten the shelf life of the preparation.

According to the U.S. Army on Oct. 30, the project seeks to improve the ability to detect threats from greater distances and gather information in complex military environments.

In addition, the technical requirements published for the program call for altitudes above 15,000 meters and speeds of at least 830km/h.

What is HADES, the new military aircraft tested by the United States?

HADES, short for High Accuracy Detection and Exploitation System, uses a commercial jet platform adapted for military missions.

According to a U.S. Army technical requirements document published in January 2026, aircraft assigned to the program must meet the following characteristics:

• Altitude: ability to operate between 41,000 and 51,000 feet, equivalent to approximately 12,500 to 15,545 meters.
• Speed: at least 450 knots, or about 833 km/h, at maximum operating altitude.
• Range: a minimum of 12 hours of flight without refueling, plus the required fuel reserve.
• Payload capacity: at least 14,000 pounds, or approximately 6,350 kilograms.

These figures correspond to the requirements set for the aircraft in the program.

The goal is for HADES to allow military commanders to gather information from greater distances and make decisions more quickly.

What tests did the Army conduct with the new HADES aircraft?

The first flight was completed with the participation of the Army Fixed Wing Project Office and Sierra Nevada Corporation, following an aircraft readiness review.

To reach this stage, technical teams carried out structural modifications, integrated mission system components and conducted preliminary airworthiness checks.

After the test, the Army will move forward with integrating and evaluating the intelligence and surveillance systems.

The next tests will aim to verify detection capabilities in different operational areas and signals intelligence, as well as its effectiveness and readiness for future demonstrations.

For now, the first flight marks progress in the development of HADES, while the evaluations needed to verify its operational capabilities continue.

One key detail is that the penalty spot is located at an exact distance from the goal, a measurement used in every official match. In addition, there are restrictions on how the kick must be taken and what happens if the player touches the ball again.

The rules of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) explain why that distance was set and what penalty applies when the kicker touches the ball twice before another player intervenes.

Why the penalty spot is exactly 11 meters from the goal

The distance between the penalty spot and the goal line is not up to the referee, nor can it vary from stadium to stadium. Law 1 of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) states that the spot from which penalty kicks are taken must be 11 meters from the center of the goal.

This mark is inside the penalty area and must be clearly marked. The measurement is part of the regulation dimensions of the playing field and ensures that all teams play under the same conditions, regardless of where the match is held.

What happens if a player takes a penalty, the ball hits the post and comes back to him

IFAB Law 14 says the player taking a penalty cannot touch the ball again until another player has touched it. That means if he shoots, the ball hits the post and comes straight back to him, he cannot take a second shot to try to score.

If he does so deliberately, the referee must award the other team an indirect free kick. The situation is different if the ball rebounds off the goalkeeper, since the goalkeeper is another player, and the kicker can then touch it again.

IFAB also covers accidental double touches, such as when a player slips and touches the ball with both feet during the kick. If the ball goes into the goal, the penalty is retaken; if it does not, an indirect free kick is awarded to the defending team.

Management informed employees of the decision in writing on Oct. 27, 2026, according to the local newspaper El 9 Nou. The move affects all factory employees and comes amid financial difficulties and a lack of orders, reasons the company cited to union sources

However, closing the plant does not mean Hispano Tex will disappear. The company will keep its headquarters and commercial operations in Sant Cugat del Valles.

Hispano Tex Announces Layoff Plan to Fire All 67 Workers at Its Moia Factory

The company filed the termination layoff plan for its entire Moia production site. According to ACN, citing union sources, management justified the closure by pointing to an adverse financial situation and a lack of orders.

They also say nearly half the workers are close to retirement age, a circumstance that could affect negotiations over severance terms.

The filing must be finalized during the consultation period between the company and worker representatives. For that reason, although the company has already said it intends to close the factory, the final terms of the terminations are still subject to negotiation.

The Textile Company Was Founded in 1956 and Exports Its Products to 58 Countries

Hispano Tex was founded in Barcelona in 1956 as a family business dedicated to fabric manufacturing. According to its corporate website, over the years it expanded its facilities and industrial activity to develop different production stages, including design, weaving, dyeing, printing and finishing.

The company also added a line of technical fabrics and recycled and sustainable materials. In its corporate presentation, it says it has 60,000 square meters of facilities and an annual production capacity of 30 million meters. It also says it exports 85% of its production and sells its products in 58 countries.

Hispano Tex Will Keep Its Headquarters in Sant Cugat After the Factory Closure

The end of production in Moia does not mean the company will disappear. Hispano Tex will keep its headquarters in Sant Cugat del Valles, from where it will continue to manage its business and commercial operations, according to information published by El 9 Nou.

According to information published by El Nacional, Hispano Tex posted 19.1 million euros in revenue in 2025, about 2 million more than the previous year, although it recorded losses of nearly 254,000 euros.

These figures reflect the factory’s financial situation before the closure announcement. Despite ending production in Moia, the company will keep its headquarters and commercial operations, allowing it to retain part of its operating structure. However, the move marks the end of an era for a company with nearly seven decades of history in the textile sector.

According to the agency, some factors have only a small effect on costs, while others -such as speeding- have a much bigger impact.

One of the recommendations for helping fuel go farther is to lighten the load and remove unnecessary items from the trunk that can add to the vehicle’s weight.

Why the EPA recommends removing unnecessary items from the trunk to save fuel

“Reduce the load. Don’t carry unnecessary items in the trunk,” the EPA says in its guidance.

A publication from the U.S. Department of Energy gives the same advice and explains that for every additional 100 pounds of weight (about 45 kilos), fuel economy drops by 1%.

That is because the heavier the vehicle, the more force the engine needs to get it moving and, as a result, it burns more fuel.

Other tips the EPA recommends for saving fuel

In addition to keeping the vehicle light, the agency advises:

• Drive at lower speeds.
• Accelerate and brake gently.
• Avoid idling when the vehicle is not moving.
• Reduce the use of the air conditioner and other car accessories.
• Use cruise control.
• Keep the vehicle properly maintained.
• Keep the tires properly inflated.
• Buy tires with lower rolling resistance.
• Combine several short trips into one longer trip.

Authorities say the following actions can also reduce fuel use:

• Driving in hilly areas.
• Stopping and starting again in heavy traffic.
• High outdoor temperatures, because they encourage the use of the air conditioner.
• Driving on roads in poor condition.

There are two main reasons this can happen: the first is an adjustment to the tax return, and the second is an offset for outstanding debts. However, the IRS also allows for the possibility of an error, so if the taxpayer believes the reduction is improper, they can challenge the decision by following the instructions in the notice they received.

What tax return errors can lead to a reduced refund?

According to the IRS, adjustments to tax returns are the most common reason refunds are reduced. Among the main errors that can lower the amount are:

• Math errors: mistakes when adding, subtracting, or entering figures on the return.
• Ineligible tax credits: claiming benefits without meeting the requirements, such as claiming the Child Tax Credit for a child who does not qualify.
• Improper deductions: claiming deductions for which the taxpayer does not qualify.
• Underpayment of estimated taxes: paying less estimated tax than required during the year.

What other reasons can the IRS reduce your refund?

The refund can also be reduced when certain debts are outstanding. This process is known as a debt offset and is handled by the Treasury Department’s Bureau of the Fiscal Service (BFS).

Debts that can trigger a reduction include:

• Past-due child support.
• Non-tax debts owed to federal agencies.
• Unpaid state income taxes.
• Certain state debts related to unemployment compensation.

What should I do if I receive a reduced refund and disagree with the reason?

If the taxpayer disagrees with the reason their refund was reduced, they can file a claim. However, the process varies depending on the cause of the reduction:

• If it is due to an adjustment on the tax return, the taxpayer should review the notice sent by the IRS and contact the number listed on the notice to request a review.
• If it is due to a debt offset, they should contact the agency responsible for the debt directly. If they did not receive the corresponding notice, they can call BFS at 800-304-3107.

The island’s National Defense Council reported that the military exercise aims to “continue raising the level of preparedness and cohesion” among the country’s leadership and command structures, troops, territorial defense system, and economy at all levels to face any form of aggression.

The council’s statement, widely circulated by Cuban state media, also announced that Friday, November 6, will be National Defense Day. The population will participate in “various activities related to defense preparedness.”

The Moncada exercise is “the highest and most complex form of training for the country’s leaders and governing bodies,” according to a report by the Prensa Latina news agency.

The report also indicated that these exercises “are carried out in the field, through the occupation of practice command and control posts, and allow participants to exchange information and organize cooperation under conditions as close as possible to those of actual warfare.”

For months, the Havana government has repeatedly denounced what it describes as threats of military intervention by Washington. In response, it has resumed its strategy of involving the entire population in preparedness drills for that potential scenario.

On October 23, U.S. President Donald Trump said during a campaign rally in Florida that American ships would “pass by” Cuba after the war in Iran and that Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be responsible for resolving the island’s situation.

“What we’re going to do with Cuba is, we’re going to come back from Iran, those beautiful ships, we’ll pass by Cuba, we’ll have one of them stop about 50 yards (45 meters) off the coast. They’ll raise their hands, and then we’re going to send Marco Rubio in to close the deal,” Trump said.

The U.S. administration has been pressuring the Cuban government since January to implement sweeping reforms to its economic system and political regime. Havana has rejected those demands, arguing that these matters fall “within national sovereignty and are not negotiable.”

To increase pressure on the island, Washington has imposed an oil blockade, which has worsened the energy crisis Cuba was already experiencing. It has also introduced additional sanctions targeting individuals and entities operating in key sectors of the island, including energy, defense, finance, and mining.

These U.S. measures, combined with failed domestic policies, have worsened the economic and energy crisis that has affected the island for several years. The consequences include prolonged power outages, shortages of basic goods, disruptions to essential services, soaring inflation, and growing partial dollarization.

Source: EFE

According to MLB’s spectator interference rules, these situations can happen when someone reaches over, under or through a barrier and interferes with a live ball or a fielder. Depending on the circumstances, umpires can declare the batter out or change the outcome of the play.

What does the MLB rule say about fans interfering with a home run?

MLB says spectator interference occurs when a fan enters the field of play or reaches for a ball or a player through the barriers that separate the stands from the field.

One of the most common cases is when someone reaches over the outfield wall and prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball.

If the interference clearly prevents the player from making the catch, umpires can rule the batter out, even when the ball appeared to be headed into the stands.

However, the rule distinguishes this from another situation in which the fielder is trying to catch a ball that has already crossed the plane of the wall.

In that case, if the player reaches into the stands and a fan touches the ball, the action does not necessarily count as interference. If the ball had already crossed the boundary of the field as a home run, the run could stand.

When interference is ruled, the ball is dead, and umpires apply the rulings they deem necessary to nullify its effects.

What MLB games were changed by fan interference?

MLB cites several episodes in which fan involvement affected umpiring decisions during important games.

One of them came in Game 4 of the 2024 World Series, when a Yankees fan grabbed the glove of Dodgers player Mookie Betts as he tried to complete a catch. Umpires ruled Gleyber Torres out for interference.

Another case came in Game 1 of that same World Series. Torres hit a ball that initially looked like a home run, but a fan reached over the wall and caught it before it crossed into the stands.

Umpires ruled that there was interference and the play was scored as a double, since the umpires determined the fan had interfered with the ball.

These examples show that fan interference does not always lead to the batter being out. The ruling depends on where contact occurred, the path of the ball, and the defender’s chances of completing the play.

The recommendation is aimed especially at silver pieces that lose their shine and develop dark spots over time. According to Martha Stewart magazine, this combination allows for a homemade cleaning method through a simple process that does not require scrubbing the items.

The method has a chemical explanation, since a electrochemical reaction occurs between the aluminum and the silver that helps remove the tarnish.

How to clean silver items with aluminum foil, baking soda and hot water

A homemade method for cleaning silver items involves placing aluminum foil on the bottom of a container, adding hot water and baking soda, and submerging the pieces with dark spots. The process removes some of the tarnish without the need to scrub the surface with abrasive products.

Martha Stewart magazine explains this technique as an alternative for restoring the shine of silverware and other silver items. To do it, they recommend using a dish, lining it with aluminum foil, adding hot water, baking soda and salt, and stirring until the ingredients dissolve.

Once the container is prepared, the silver pieces should be placed inside and kept in contact with the aluminum, since during the process a chemical reaction occurs that helps remove the tarnish. When finished, remove the items, rinse them with water and lift them out carefully with a soft cloth.

What chemical reaction occurs between aluminum foil and silver

Silver tarnish forms when the metal comes into contact with sulfur compounds in the environment. That interaction creates silver sulfide, a dark layer that changes the appearance of silverware, trays and other items.

The University of California, Davis explains that contact between the silver and the aluminum triggers an electrochemical reaction in which the aluminum loses electrons and oxidizes, while the silver sulfide is reduced and turns back into metallic silver. In this way, the tarnish is transferred to the aluminum without needing to remove silver from the piece through abrasive polishing.

The baking soda and hot water help the reaction take place because they take part in a chemical exchange, while the temperature helps the process develop. It is worth noting that direct contact between the aluminum and the silver is essential for the electrochemical circuit to be completed.

The restrictions cover employment, certain types of study, and professional performances, among other activities. Some purposes require a different visa category, even if the visitor plans to stay in the country only temporarily.

Which activities are allowed with a US visitor visa?

According to the State Department, people entering the country with a B-1 or B-2 visa, or even a combined B-1/B-2 visa, cannot use these categories for the following activities:

• Studying: Enrolling in an academic program or a course that requires a student visa. Short recreational classes that do not count toward a degree, such as a two-day cooking class, are allowed.
• Working: Accepting employment or working in the United States without the appropriate authorization.
• Paid performances: Performing professionally or appearing before a paying audience for compensation.
• Joining a ship or aircraft crew: Arriving in the country to work as a crew member.
• Working in foreign media: Performing duties as a journalist or working in radio, film, print journalism, or other information media.
• Seeking permanent residence: Using a visitor visa to move to the United States permanently.

The department also specifically states that birth tourism is not permitted. This refers to traveling to the United States primarily to give birth so that the child can obtain U.S. citizenship.

What can visitors do with a B-1 or B-2 visa?

The two visitor visa categories cover different purposes. A B-1 visa is intended for certain temporary business activities, such as attending professional conferences, consulting with business associates, negotiating contracts, or settling an estate.

A B-2 visa is designed for tourism, vacations, visiting friends or relatives, and receiving medical treatment. It also allows participation in certain social events and unpaid amateur sports or musical activities.

Some exceptions and specific requirements apply. For example, the State Department allows certain personal or domestic employees to work in the United States under a B-1 visa in limited circumstances. Visitors should check the rules for their particular situation before making travel plans.

The department also warns that a visa does not guarantee entry into the country. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers make the final decision at the port of entry.

The rulings were issued by the full bench of the high court on May 20, 2026, as it decided two cases related to criminal proceedings in the state of Nuevo Leon.

Specialized support in criminal proceedings

In the first case, the court reviewed a criminal proceeding for the offense of unlawful occupation of property against two older adults. The debate focused on whether the hearing to determine the penalties and restitution for damages could be held by a different judge from the one who had originally issued an acquittal.

The full bench ruled that another judge may preside over that hearing when an appeals court overturns the acquittal and finds that the offense and criminal liability have been proven. That is because the question of guilt has already been decided, and the next stage is limited to determining the applicable penalties and restitution for damages.

The ruling also reaffirmed the importance of respecting the principles of immediacy and impartiality during judicial proceedings. The first requires the judge to have direct contact with the relevant proceedings, while the second ensures that decisions are made without bias or personal interests.

The SCJN also highlighted that older adults must receive protection and specialized support during criminal proceedings , depending on the specific needs of each case. To that end, they have the right to assistance from an agent of the System for the Protection of Older Adults, with the aim of helping them understand the proceedings and ensuring an adequate defense.

For that reason, judges must inform them of the option to receive that support, taking into account each person’s circumstances and any possible vulnerability.

Finally, the full bench overturned the ruling by the appellate panel that had denied the amparo and ordered a new ruling that reflects these protection and adequate-defense standards.

The ban on punishing the same crime twice

In a second ruling, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that a person cannot receive a duplicate penalty when the same circumstance is used both to establish a crime and, at the same time, to increase the sentence.

The standard is based on the constitutional principle of non bis in idem, set out in Article 23 of the Mexican Constitution, which bars a person from being tried or punished more than once for the same acts.

The case stemmed from the conviction of a person for spousal rape, as defined in the Nuevo Leon penal code. During the proceedings, an aggravating factor tied to the marital relationship and domestic violence was also applied.

After reviewing the case, the full bench determined that it is not valid to use the marital relationship twice to establish criminal liability and then increase the sentence. That is because that condition was already included as part of the definition of the offense of spousal rape.

In August 2023, the agency stopped most unannounced visits by revenue officers, saying fraudsters had made home visits confusing and that the change would improve safety. But the shift changed how contact begins, not whether it happens: today a visit is arranged through an appointment letter (725-B) or a phone call that sets a date and place.

The agency still describes these visits as uncommon, and only four types of employees can make them: revenue agents, revenue officers, criminal investigation special agents, and fuel inspectors.

When visits with advance notice still happen

1. Collecting unpaid taxes: If you owe a balance or have unfiled returns, a revenue officer writes or calls to set up a meeting. Several notices go out first, and a visit follows when those attempts to reach you go unanswered. To confirm the appointment, call the number printed on your letter.
2. Payroll tax problems at businesses: When a business falls behind on employment taxes, it receives a Federal Tax Deposit (FTD) alert. The officer calls before a balance due notice goes out and mails Letter 5857 with a call time, and may schedule follow-ups.
3. Audits: A revenue agent reviews your financial records to verify what you reported. Contact starts by mail, and a phone call may follow. The meeting can take place at an IRS office, your home, your business, or your accountant’s office, and may include a tour of your premises or the presence of your authorized representative.
4. Questions to third parties: If the agent needs information from someone else, a letter goes out first, followed by a possible call. Sometimes a summons is issued by mail or delivered in person.

The IRS can also temporarily deploy officers outside their usual area, to regions with limited field presence or to handle priority cases.

The exceptions that still come without warning

A few narrow cases remain: serving summonses and subpoenas and sensitive enforcement actions involving the seizure of assets at risk of being moved out of reach. Criminal investigation special agents may show up unannounced during a criminal probe. They are the only armed IRS employees, and they neither handle civil cases nor demand payment. Fuel inspectors, who wear uniforms, make unannounced visits to refineries, terminals, and other regulated sites.

How to tell it’s the real IRS

Officers and revenue agents must carry an official credential and an HSPD-12 card, both showing a photo and serial number. You can ask to see them. If something feels off, call the number on the card or the letter, and dial 911 if you feel unsafe.

Be wary of any unexpected contact that rushes or threatens you, asks for personal or financial information, or demands immediate payment. The IRS says it never reaches out through social media direct messages.

For 2026, the figure came in at $1,200 per person, but the payment calendar causes confusion because the money doesn’t reach everyone on the same day. With November underway, the useful question isn’t whether Alaska pays, but which round you fall into and what to check so you don’t get left out.

One dividend, several payment dates

The 2026 PFD is $1,200 per person, and it includes a $200 energy relief payment. It doesn’t land all at once: the state pays it in rounds, depending on when each application is approved.

The first round went out on Oct. 1 by direct deposit for people cleared by Sept. 18. The second came on Oct. 22, with deposits and mailed checks.

What happens in November

If your application shows “Eligible-Not Paid” status on Nov. 11, payment arrives on Nov. 19. Anyone who misses that cutoff moves to the Dec. 17 run, which closes on Dec. 9.

Unpaid applications from earlier years are included too. The quickest way to check yours is myPFD, the official portal.

Who qualifies, and who doesn’t

This year’s dividend required living in Alaska for all of 2025 and intending to stay indefinitely. Absences longer than 180 days are only allowed for reasons the law specifically lists.

Applications are accepted only from Jan. 1 to March 31. Late filings are denied by law, with narrow exceptions for people with disabilities or service members in hazard zones. It’s too late to apply for 2026.

Details that prevent surprises

• If you moved, update your address: checks are never forwarded and aren’t sent to addresses where mail was returned.
• If your bank rejects the deposit, you’ll get a check instead.
• Garnishments can take part or all of the payment.
• If your name or Social Security number doesn’t match federal records, 24% is withheld for the IRS.
• Your 1099 tax form is available through myPFD.

It is the last formal warning before a levy, and the agency itself says anyone who receives it should get in touch right away.

A lien and a levy are not the same thing

The terms are often mixed up. A lien is a legal claim on your property that secures the debt. A levy goes a step further: the IRS actually takes the property to collect. It can reach:

• Wages, which are withheld on an ongoing basis, though a portion is protected.
• Money in bank accounts and other financial accounts.
• Retirement accounts, dividends, rental income, commissions and accounts receivable.
• Assets the agency can seize and sell, such as your car, a boat or a home.

The path the IRS must follow first

A levy doesn’t come out of nowhere. Generally, the agency acts only when four conditions are met:

1. It assessed the tax and sent you a formal bill for the debt.
2. You neglected or refused to pay.
3. It sent you the Final Notice of Intent to Levy at least 30 days before acting. The notice can be handed to you, left at your home or usual place of business, or sent by certified mail to your last known address.
4. It notified you that it may contact third parties about determining or collecting your tax debt.

There is one exception: if the levy targets your state tax refund, the notice with the right to a hearing can arrive after the action.

What happens when the levy reaches your bank

Once the IRS serves a levy on a financial institution, the funds in the account are held, and after 21 days they are sent to the agency. That gap is short but useful. It’s the window in which you can still object, which is why acting before the order reaches your bank matters.

What to do if you get the notice

First, don’t leave it in a drawer. IRS guidance points to several routes:

• Contact the agency promptly, as the notice itself instructs.
• Arrange a settlement, such as a payment plan, which is the most common way to avoid a levy.
• Exercise the hearing right the letter describes, before the IRS Independent Office of Appeals.
• If a levy has already been issued, ask for its release. It can be lifted if it causes immediate economic hardship or was issued in error.
• Turn to the Taxpayer Advocate Service or to Publication 594 on the collection process.

The takeaway is simple: that notice is an invitation to negotiate while there is still time. If the letter arrives, the 30-day clock is already running.

The measure was established in Decree 1324/2026, published Tuesday in the Official Gazette. The procedure says any possible disputes will be resolved under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Arbitration Rules in proceedings based in Boston, Massachusetts, United States.

From Denmark to the United States: the background of the F-16 contracts

The new authorization follows earlier agreements tied to the fighter jets. In April 2024, Decree 315/2024 authorized an arbitration mechanism in Denmark for the original contract to buy the F-16s.

Later, Decree 423/2025 established a similar procedure for another agreement aimed at upgrading the aircraft’s avionics hardware and software.

What is different about the new decree is the venue and the institution chosen to resolve possible disputes: while the earlier agreements called for the Danish Institute of Arbitration, this time the International Chamber of Commerce, based in Boston, United States, will handle the case.

How many F-16 fighters Argentina has received and how the program is progressing

The new authorization comes as the Argentine Air Force continues bringing in the 24 fighter jets purchased from Denmark. On Sept. 29, 2026, with the arrival of a second batch at the Rio Cuarto Material Area in Cordoba, the country reached 12 aircraft received.

That means Argentina has now taken delivery of half of the fleet planned under the Peace Condor Program. It also has one aircraft designated for maintenance training, which will help prepare the technical teams responsible for working on this weapons system.

The addition of the F-16s also requires a range of adaptation, maintenance and technology upgrade work. That includes changes to the electronic systems and operational software needed to tailor the aircraft to the Air Force’s needs.

In March 2025, the U.S. government awarded Lockheed Martin a contract to update the operational flight program for Argentina’s F-16s and provide support during the aircraft transfer from Denmark.

F-16 Fighting Falcon: what are the fighter jet’s features

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a multirole fighter jet designed to carry out both air defense missions and attacks on ground targets. According to the U.S. Air Force, it stands out for its high maneuverability, its ability to operate in a range of weather conditions and its navigation and target-detection systems.

One of its main features is its ability to perform different roles in a military operation. In air-to-air missions, it is designed to intercept and engage other aircraft. In air-to-ground operations, it can strike ground targets with precision weapons and return to base, even after traveling long distances.

The fighter jet also has an electronic flight control system known as fly-by-wire, which transmits the pilot’s commands through electrical signals. It also includes inertial and GPS navigation systems, radar and electronic countermeasure devices to respond to different threats.

As a reference, the U.S. Air Force fact sheet for the F-16C/D versions says these aircraft can reach a top speed of Mach 2, equivalent to about 2,400 kilometers per hour at high altitude, and can operate above 15,000 meters.

Its armament can include an M61A1 20-millimeter internal cannon and different types of air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles and munitions carried on external pylons. The configuration depends on the mission it must carry out.

Because of its combination of speed, maneuverability and ability to carry out different missions, the F-16 has become one of the most widely used multirole fighter jets by air forces around the world.

How the benefit works

The money doesn’t arrive as a refund or a check. The IRS deposits it directly into the retirement account you designate, where it keeps growing alongside your own contributions. For married couples filing jointly, the benefit is calculated separately for each spouse.

Eligible vehicles include workplace plans such as a 401(k), 403(b) and governmental 457(b), plus IRAs, both traditional and Roth. The program replaces the Saver’s Credit for those contributions, although ABLE accounts can still qualify for the older credit.

Who qualifies

Five conditions must be met at the same time:

1. You made contributions
2. You are 18 by the end of the tax year
3. You are not a student under the IRS definition
4. You are not claimed as a dependent on someone else’s return
5. You are a U.S. resident for tax purposes.

Residents of U.S. territories must file through their territory’s tax agency. You don’t need to owe taxes, either: you can qualify even if you pay little or nothing.

The match rate depends on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI), which starts from adjusted gross income and adds back certain amounts, including pre-tax retirement contributions. The higher the income, the smaller the match:

The thresholds will be adjusted for inflation after 2027.

The IRS example

Contributing $20 a month during 2027 adds up to $240. With the full match, the government adds $120, so the first year ends with $360 saved. The agency notes that the effect grows over time and published a projection based on 6% annual growth.

What to do and when

There is nothing to do in 2026. The timeline looks like this:

1. 2027: contribute to an eligible plan, or open an IRA if you don’t have one. From that year, TrumpIRA.gov will list institutions offering IRAs compatible with the program.
2. Throughout the year: keep records of every contribution.
3. 2028: claim the benefit by filing Form 8880-A with your 2027 federal tax return.

The benefit is not automatic. If you don’t file the form, you don’t get the money. And as with any retirement account, withdrawals before age 59½ may trigger additional taxes and restrictions.

Among its most widely shared recommendations is a simple ritual: placing a glass of water and salt in the bedroom to carry out an energy cleansing.

According to its principles, the combination of both elements is associated with purification, protection and the symbolic removal of negative energy that can build up in a space.

What Is the Purpose of Putting a Glass of Water and Salt in the Bedroom, According to Feng Shui?

Within beliefs linked to Feng Shui, salt is considered an element associated with cleansing and energy protection. Water, for its part, represents purification, renewal and movement.

By combining both ingredients, those who practice this tradition seek to create a symbolic tool to neutralize negative energy and restore balance to the space.

Among the main purposes attributed to this ritual are:

• Absorb negative energy: according to this belief, the mixture would help gather the heavy energy that accumulates in the bedroom.
• Encourage harmony: it is used as part of a routine to create a calmer, more balanced environment.
• Promote energy renewal: it represents the intention of leaving negative situations behind and starting a new stage.
• Support rest: it aims to turn the room into a space of calm, relaxation and well-being.

How to Prepare the Glass-of-Water-and-Salt Ritual in the Bedroom

This practice does not require special products or hard-to-find items. The preparation is simple and uses ingredients that are usually found in any kitchen.

The items needed are:

• A clear glass.
• Drinking water.
• One or two tablespoons of coarse salt.

Once the ingredients are gathered, the process is:

1. Choose a clean glass: preferably a clear glass reserved exclusively for this ritual.
2. Add the salt: place one or two tablespoons of coarse salt in the bottom of the container.
3. Add the water: fill the glass until the salt is covered and let both elements combine.
4. Place it in the bedroom: choose a quiet corner where it cannot be knocked over accidentally.
5. Remove it afterward: some versions of this tradition recommend replacing the contents every so often and not reusing it.

Where Should You Place the Glass of Water and Salt to Attract Good Energy?

The placement of the container also has meaning within Feng Shui recommendations.

Those who follow this ritual usually advise placing it in a discreet area of the bedroom, preferably in a stable spot away from walkways.

Some of the chosen locations are:

• In a corner of the bedroom: to keep the container in a quiet area.
• On a side table: as long as it is kept away from objects that could contaminate the water.
• Near a window: in a space protected from direct sunlight and where it cannot be knocked over.

The main recommendation is to avoid placing it in spots where it could pose a risk or interfere with everyday activities.

How Often Should the Salt Water Be Changed?

In the different versions of the ritual, some people recommend changing the mixture every day, while others prefer to renew it after several days.

One popular custom is to remove the glass in the morning and prepare a new one when you want to repeat the practice.

It is also important to keep the container clean: the water used should not be consumed, and it should be kept out of the reach of small children or pets.

It is the largest submarine the country has ever built, designed to spend months hidden on the ocean floor and carrying missiles capable of reaching another continent.

What the SSBN-826 is

The USS District of Columbia is the first in a series of Columbia-class submarines the U.S. Navy is bringing into service. Its role is strategic: it will be the naval arm of the so-called nuclear triad (the combination of missiles launched from land, air and sea), and it will replace Ohio-class submarines, which are beginning to be retired. It is one of the central pillars of U.S. nuclear deterrence.

What it fires: 16 nuclear missiles from the water

Its main weapon is ballistic missiles. The submarine has 16 launch tubes, each with a Trident II (D5) missile with intercontinental range and capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The key is that it can launch them while submerged, without surfacing: from the depths of the ocean, hidden, it can fire missiles that can hit targets thousands of kilometers away. That ability is, precisely, the heart of its deterrent power.

It never needs refueling

Another striking fact is its endurance. The submarine runs on nuclear power, and its reactor is designed to last the vessel’s entire service life, so it never needs refueling during its decades in service. In practice, its range is unlimited: what ends a mission is not fuel, but supplies and the crew’s endurance.

Why it is almost impossible to detect

In a strategic submarine, stealth is everything: its value depends on no one knowing where it is. That is why the Columbia class was designed to be the quietest submarine ever built by the United States, with technology intended to minimize the noise it emits and make it extremely difficult to track.

A submarine that cannot be found is precisely the one that guarantees a retaliatory capability: even if everything else failed, it would remain hidden and operational somewhere in the ocean.

When it will be ready

Building a submarine of this scale takes years. By early 2026, the USS District of Columbia was about 65% complete, with delivery scheduled for 2028 and entry into service planned for the following years. The keel was laid in 2022, so the vessel is moving forward, but it still has a way to go before it submerges for the first time on a real mission.

The adjustments are tied to inflation and affect certain fees established under the H.R. 1 law. Not every immigration application became more expensive, however, and some fees, including the initial asylum application fee, remain unchanged.

Which immigration fees will increase in 2027?

USCIS raised several fees by $3 to $30, depending on the type of application. The updated amounts include:

• Annual fee for pending asylum applications: increased from $102 to $105.
• Initial work permit for asylum applicants: increased from $560 to $570.
• Initial work permit for parole recipients: increased from $560 to $570.
• Initial work permit for TPS beneficiaries: increased from $560 to $570.
• TPS application fee (Form I-821): increased from $510 to $520.
• Immigration parole fee: increased from $1,020 to $1,050.

These adjustments are part of the annual inflation review required by H.R. 1. USCIS calculated the increases using the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers between July 2025 and July 2026.

Which immigration fees did not change?

Not all asylum-related costs increased for fiscal year 2027. The initial fee for filing an asylum application using Form I-589 remains $100, while the fee to renew or extend an asylum applicant’s work permit remains $275.

Comprehending this distinction is crucial because the annual asylum fee is separate from the initial application fee. People with pending asylum applications may have to pay the annual charge, but the amount they pay to file Form I-589 has not increased.

What happens if you submit an application with the old fee?

USCIS requires applicants to use the updated amounts for covered requests postmarked on or after October 16, 2026. Applications submitted with an incorrect payment may be rejected, according to the agency.

Before mailing an application, applicants should check the current fee for their specific form and category on the USCIS website. The adjustment does not apply to every immigration filing, so using a general fee amount instead of checking the requirements for the individual application could lead to a rejection.

The idea is to place a paper towel soaked in undiluted vinegar over the faucets.

This method is intended to help loosen the mineral deposits left by hard water on the fixtures, without having to use a more elaborate solution.

What Is the Purpose of Putting Vinegar-Soaked Paper on Faucets?

According to Utah State University Extension, vinegar can help loosen mineral deposits that build up on sink faucets. The recommendation is to take advantage of the product’s contact with the areas where these residues collect.

In its Quick Kitchen Tips guide, the institution includes this procedure among its cleaning tips. The instruction is specific: soak a paper towel in undiluted vinegar and place it over the faucet handles.

How Do You Apply This Cleaning Method at Home?

To put this recommendation into practice, the procedure involves the following steps:

• Soak a paper towel: use undiluted vinegar.
• Place it on the faucet: cover the areas where the mineral deposits are located.
• Apply it to the sink handles: the goal is to help loosen the residue left behind by hard water.

Utah State University Extension’s guide presents this as a recommendation for treating mineral deposits on sink faucets. Although it is a simple procedure, the institution’s specific guidance is limited to loosening these residues.

In the United States, the answer runs up against a longstanding legal doctrine known as the “Baseball Rule,” which generally protects clubs and stadiums from these kinds of claims.

The legal doctrine that shields teams and stadiums from lawsuits

The “Baseball Rule” is a principle that applies in many states and is based on one core idea: The risk of a ball reaching the stands is inherent to the game.

Under that logic, if the stadium uses netting to protect the most dangerous areas, especially the section behind home plate, where most impacts occur, fans sitting in the other seats are considered to have accepted the risk of being hit by a ball when they chose to sit there. As a result, a claim over that kind of injury usually has little chance of succeeding.

The rule protects the team and the stadium owner or operator, who are the ones an injured spectator could sue. It is not a protection for players: the baseball player who hits the foul ball or home run is not the one facing the claim.

What it is based on

The rule’s legal foundation is the doctrine of “assumption of risk”. That doctrine holds that when a person knows about a danger and still chooses to expose themselves to it voluntarily, they cannot later seek damages for harm caused by that danger.

Applied to baseball, teams argue that fans know balls can leave the field and still choose to attend and enjoy the game. That decision, under the doctrine, means accepting the risk.

Two factors reinforce that protection. The first is protective netting: Installing it behind home plate is standard in Major League stadiums, and in recent years MLB expanded that coverage down the baselines, beyond the dugouts, after a series of spectator injuries.

The second is the warning printed on the ticket: Tickets usually include a clause warning of the risk of being hit by a ball or bat.

If you were born between the 1st and the 10th, your November payment won’t arrive on the day you expect.

The Wednesday that isn’t

People who started collecting after May 1997 receive their Social Security benefits according to their birth date. Those born on the 1st through the 10th are paid on the second Wednesday of the month, which in November 2026 is the 11th, Veterans Day, a federal holiday.

SSA policy leaves no room for doubt: when a payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the deposit is made on the business day before. That means people with birthdays from the 1st to the 10th will be paid on Tuesday, November 10, one day ahead of schedule.

The full November calendar

The 21st–31st group is paid the day before Thanksgiving, which doesn’t affect their date.

If the money doesn’t show up

The agency asks beneficiaries to allow three extra mailing days after the expected date before contacting it. With a payment arriving early this month, check your bank account on the 10th before assuming it’s late.

The SSN is used to report workers’ earnings to the federal government and determine whether they qualify for Social Security benefits.

Why do they have to present two documents to the SSA?

According to the SSA, foreign nationals authorized to work in the United States must submit at least two different documents to prove:

• Identity.
• Age.
• Immigration status with work authorization.

A single document can be used to prove more than one condition. All documents must be originals or certified copies issued by the agency that created them. The SSA does not accept photocopies, notarized copies or proof of document application.

What documents can be submitted to prove the conditions required by the SSA?

According to the SSA’s official publication, at least two different documents must be submitted.

To prove immigration status with work authorization and identity:

• Form I-551: permanent resident card, known as a Green Card.
• Form I-766: Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
• Form I-94: arrival/departure record showing work authorization granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
• Valid foreign passport: with an admission stamp showing the immigration category that allows work.

To prove age:

• The SSA asks for a foreign birth certificate or, alternatively, a passport or DHS-issued document.

International students with F-1 or M-1 visas and certain J-1 exchange visitors must provide additional documentation, such as Forms I-20 or DS-2019.

How do foreign workers apply for a Social Security number?

The SSA sets out different options for applying for a Social Security number, depending on immigration status and whether the applicant is inside or outside the United States.

• From abroad: those applying for an immigrant visa can request the SSN through the Enumeration at Entry (EAE) program, using Forms DS-230 or DS-260.
• Through USCIS: people lawfully in the United States can apply through the Enumeration Beyond Entry (EBE) program by completing the relevant questions on Forms I-765 or I-485.
• Directly with the SSA: those not using the options above can start the application online and schedule an appointment at a local Social Security office or Card Center to present the required documents.

Among the most popular choices for adding greenery are cala, umbrella papyrus and rush. These three varieties have characteristics that allow them to adapt to different light conditions and grow in pots or in areas with abundant moisture.

Cala, papyrus and rush: three plants that withstand excess water.

Umbrella papyrus (Cyperus alternifolius) has upright stems with thin leaves that fan out. It tolerates having its roots constantly wet and needs bright spaces to grow.

Cala (Zantedeschia aethiopica), meanwhile, stands out for its large leaves and funnel-shaped flowers. It grows in moist, organic-rich soil, in both sun and light shade.

As for rush (Juncus effusus), it forms clumps of cylindrical, upright stems. It is resistant to wet soils and can grow in areas with poor drainage.

How do you grow these plants in pots and on balconies?

Although the three species tolerate excess moisture, they need different conditions to grow properly.

• Cala: can be placed in sun or partial shade and needs moist soil.
• Umbrella papyrus: requires plenty of light, large pots and constant moisture at the roots.
• Rush: adapts to sun and shade, although it grows best with abundant light.

What care do plants need after rainy days?

It is worth remembering that on cloudy days, evaporation decreases and plants use less water. So before watering them again, it’s a good idea to check how wet the soil is a few inches below the surface.

It is also important to empty saucers under pots where water collects. Although these species tolerate moisture, other plants can deteriorate when the growing medium stays saturated.

In an interview with Entertainment Tonight at the 2024 SAG Awards, when he won for his role at The Last of Us, Pascal looked back on his early years. “My entry level lasted about 15 years,” he said.

During that time he struggled to pay basic needs, such as paying the rent to keep his home. “I had less than $7 in my bank account,” he recalled.

The check that saved his actor career

Just when he had almost nothing left, a residual payment arrived, the money actors receive when a show they once appeared in is aired again.

It came from a small role he had in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, where he played a college student in a 1999 episode, credited at the time as Pedro Balmaceda. He later adopted his mother’s last name, Pascal, after her death.

According to Pascal, that payment “literally is the reason I was able to stay in it and not give up.”

The long road Pascal had until reaching fame

Pascal’s breakthrough came in 2014, when he played Oberyn Martell in Game of Thrones. He then starred in Narcos and, in 2019, landed the lead role in The Mandalorian. In 2023, The Last of Us made him a global star.

He has reflected on how late success came for him. In a card to his The Last of Us co-star Bella Ramsey, he wrote: “How interesting that something so huge and life-changing should happen so early in your life and so late in mine.”

In the Senate, where Republicans held a 53-47 majority, the opposition took at least seven seats, including those in Kansas, Iowa, Texas, Ohio, Maine and both Carolinas. Counting continues, but it was enough to give them the majority.

They also won the House of Representatives and the governorships of Georgia, Ohio, Iowa and Texas. In Texas, Gina Hinojosa became the first woman and first Latina to prevail in that historic Republican stronghold.

Starting Jan. 3, 2027, the opposition Congress will control committees and be able to investigate the administration. Trump, however, retains veto power. In an interview with Fox News, he acknowledged the defeat, though he said he does not see it as a personal blow.

The opening was cautious and then improved. Tech stocks had fallen sharply in Asia and Nasdaq futures slipped on fears of tighter regulation of artificial intelligence, but investors turned more positive as the result was digested. The bet is that a divided Washington will limit abrupt policy changes.

Among the tech giants, Amazon was up 7.1%, Alphabet 3.4% and Meta 1.6%. But companies tied to the buildout of AI infrastructure moved the other way: IREN, Hut 8, Applied Digital and Core Scientific fell between 1.2% and 13%. The sector will remain under the spotlight because Democrats made gains in key data center states such as Texas and Georgia, where public opposition is growing to the industry’s rapid expansion.

Chipmakers were steady, even after AMD forecast stronger-than-expected growth for 2027, driven by data center sales. Its shares were up 4.8% in a volatile session.

Tesla and SpaceX, Elon Musk’s companies, were among the worst performers, falling 3.9% and 1.9%, respectively. The mogul had spent about $500 million backing Republican candidates, including efforts to preserve the party’s control in Texas, the state where both companies are headquartered.

The dollar was weakening against most currencies and long-dated Treasury yields were falling. The benchmark 10-year yield dropped 2.1 basis points to 4.9291%, and the 2-year yield fell nearly 1.2 basis points to 4.6017%. Earlier, both had hit their lowest levels in nearly two months, but they trimmed some of those losses as global stocks moved back into positive territory.

Overnight, the 10-year yield briefly fell to around 4.89%, its lowest level since early September. On Tuesday, by contrast, it had climbed toward 4.95% after a stronger-than-expected JOLTS job openings report. The 30-year yield eased to around 5.29%.

The market view is that the Democrats’ decisive win complicates Trump’s agenda in Congress. That limits the room for new tax cuts and more government spending, and eases concerns about federal borrowing.

In addition, tighter regulation of AI could slow growth and reduce the need for further rate hikes. The odds of the Fed raising rates by 25 bps in December are around 77%, down from 84% a week ago.

What is happening in Europe and the crypto market

European stocks were in the green: the STOXX 600 was up 0.5% at 0816 GMT, the DAX and the CAC 40 also advanced, and Italy’s FTSE MIB rose 1.2%. STOXX futures had fallen as much as 1.4% at the open, but rebounded once the Democratic majority was confirmed and Trump accepted the result.

Banks were up more than 2% and clean energy names, the hardest hit by Trump’s policies, led the gains: Vestas rose 5%, Orsted 7% and Nordex 4.7%. Novo Nordisk gained 4.6% after raising its full-year outlook, and European tech stocks rose 0.4% on AMD’s solid forecast.

Cryptocurrencies saw a brief drop: bitcoin hit a six-week low and then recovered to trade nearly flat at $78,070, while ether was trading at $2,292 (+1%). A Democratic Congress could be a setback for the sector, which spent more than $300 million backing pro-deregulation candidates. Tim Sun of HashKey warned that political changes could slow structural legislation on crypto assets.

Bitcoin is down 41% from its October 2025 peak above $122,000, and last week’s cyberattack on Binance, which stole $6 billion, also weighed on sentiment.

Argentine bonds: relief after days of pressure

The improved mood also spread to emerging-market debt. Argentine sovereign dollar bonds were up as much as 0.6%, led by the Bonar 2037 and Global 2038, the longer-dated maturities, in line with Brazil and Chile.

The rebound follows days of selling: the bonds had fallen more than 1% and the country risk premium topped 830 basis points. The country risk premium, meanwhile, edged down slightly to 827, although it remains at its highest level since October 2025.

If prices keep recovering, pressure on the JP Morgan index could ease, but its performance will also depend on U.S. Treasury yields.

The broader question is how U.S. trade, fiscal and financial policies will change, and what effect they will have on rates, the dollar and flows into emerging markets.

A more hostile Congress could complicate Trump’s agenda on tariffs, spending and the deficit, but the impact on emerging-market assets is not automatic: it depends on Treasury yields, inflation expectations and the dollar. In Argentina’s case, domestic factors still matter: reserve accumulation, fiscal sustainability and access to external financing.

How long is a license suspended for refusing a breath test

Section 1(b) of Section 322.2615 sets out two suspension periods, depending on the driver’s record:

• First refusal: suspension of the driving privilege for one year.
• Second refusal: suspension for 18 months if the license had already been suspended before for refusing this type of test.

The rule covers refusals to submit to lawful breath, blood or urine tests. It also makes clear that the suspension period begins on the date the official notice is issued.

Can the suspension be appealed?

Drivers who receive a suspension notice may request a formal or informal administrative review with the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

But there is a deadline they must keep in mind: the request must be filed within 10 days after the suspension notice is issued, according to Section 322.2615(1)(b)(3).

During that process, authorities may review the documents submitted and the arguments from both the officer and the driver to determine what to do with the measure.

It is worth noting that requesting review does not automatically stop the suspension.

What happens to the license during the first 10 days of suspension

When the officer issues the suspension, he or she must take the driver’s license and, if the person qualifies, give them a temporary driving permit. This document expires at midnight on the 10th day after the notice is issued.

That means the driver does not necessarily lose the ability to drive right away, but must pay attention to the permit’s expiration date. Once that period ends, they can no longer drive under that document.

The midterm elections were held this Tuesday, Nov. 3, in the United States. The full House of Representatives and a third of the Senate were up for election in a vote that determined control of Congress for the final two years of Donald Trump’s presidency, with a historic Democratic victory.

From doctor to Senate candidate

El-Sayed was born in 1984 in Rochester Hills, Michigan, and is the son of Egyptian immigrants. He studied at the University of Michigan, was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford, where he earned a doctorate in public health, and received his medical degree from Columbia University. Although he is trained as a doctor, he does not practice medicine.

His professional career has been tied to public health administration: he led Detroit’s Health Department from 2015 to 2017 and later held a similar position in Wayne County. In 2018, he ran in the Democratic primary for governor of Michigan and finished second behind Gretchen Whitmer, with about 30% of the vote.

In April 2025, he launched his Senate bid after Democrat Gary Peters announced he would not seek reelection. His platform calls for a universal health care system, paid leave, greater unionization and the abolition of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He also decided not to accept donations from political action committees.

A primary marked by divisions and accusations

To secure the Democratic nomination, El-Sayed faced Rep. Haley Stevens, a strong supporter of Israel. In that primary, the United Democracy Project committee, linked to the pro-Israel AIPAC lobby, spent $30 million to back Stevens. El-Sayed won the August primary and became the party’s nominee.

His critical stance toward Israel and his response to the March attack on Temple Israel synagogue led to accusations of antisemitism from Republican and Democratic leaders. El-Sayed condemned the attack, but a later remark about people’s suffering was interpreted as an attempt to justify it. In August, he admitted: “I made a mistake.”

The primary left wounds that deepened in the final stretch. On Sunday, Nov. 1, Stevens announced her support for Republican Mike Rogers after Democratic leaders excluded her from a unity event. The decision drew sharp criticism within the party, while El-Sayed dismissed the episode and said he was not focused on his former rival.

KFC and Taco Bell Confirm the Closure of All Their Locations in This U.S. Territory

Yum! Brands announced the simultaneous closure of all KFC and Taco Bell locations in Puerto Rico. The decision came after the company ended its business relationship with Encanto Restaurants, the local company that operated those brands on the island under a franchise arrangement. Once that tie was cut, the restaurants stopped operating.

According to reports, the shutdown is temporary: the chain is urgently seeking a new franchise partner to reopen and run the locations.

Part of the impact of the news lies in the brands’ long history. KFC opened its first restaurant in Puerto Rico in 1967, giving it about 59 years of uninterrupted presence on the island, a brand that several generations grew up with. Taco Bell, meanwhile, arrived later, in 1985, with just over four decades of local history.

How Many Locations Closed and How Many Workers Were Left Out of Work

As for the scale of the shutdown, reports say KFC had about 83 locations in Puerto Rico. The exact number of workers affected by the closure of both brands was not officially specified.

What is known is that Encanto Restaurants, the operator, employs more than 3,000 people, but across its four brands on the island. In addition to KFC and Taco Bell, it runs Pizza Hut and IHOP, so the direct impact of this shutdown affects only part of that total. In any case, it involves thousands of employees whose job status has been left in limbo.

“I think part of it had to do with Iran. But at the same time, people understood the importance of what I did with Iran,” Trump said. The president said his actions toward Tehran will have historical significance because, as he put it, “you can’t allow the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism to have a nuclear weapon”.

Trump said Iran is “the most dangerous country in the world” and claimed the United States has all but eliminated its ability to pose a nuclear threat. “I think, historically, it’s going to be much more important than tonight,” he said, referring to U.S. policy toward Tehran.

Trump acknowledged Democratic gains

The comments came after Democrats took control of both chambers of Congress in a midterm election that marked a sharp shift in the balance of power in Washington.

The president admitted the war with Iran may have hurt Republican candidates, though he said voters understood the importance of his foreign policy decisions. In this way, Trump avoided directly questioning the election result and also acknowledged his opponents’ performance.

“I think the Democrats did a good job. I really do. I think they did a good job. They fought hard,” he said. He added: “They’ve been fighting for a long time. They’ve been fighting me for a long time. This fight has been going on for a very long time.”

Earlier, he distanced himself from the defeat in a post on Truth Social, saying Republicans lost because his name was not on the ballot. “I wasn’t on the Ballot and if I was, we would have won IN A LANDSLIDE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.” he said.

The new landscape leaves Trump facing a Congress controlled by the opposition in the second half of his term. The president will have to negotiate with Democrats to advance his agenda, while opposition lawmakers will have greater ability to block White House initiatives and push their own bills.

Trump’s veto threat

In that context, Trump recalled that the president still has a tool to stop measures approved by Congress: the veto power. “They’ll send over things that are insane, and I’ll veto them,” he said during the interview.

The president, however, said vetoes will not necessarily prevent Republicans and Democrats from reaching deals. As he explained it, after a series of rejections, both sides could be forced to negotiate to break the deadlock on legislation.

“And after a couple of months of vetoes, they’ll go out and they’ll say, ‘How do we get this stuff done?’ And we’ll work together.” Trump said.

The president also sought to distance himself from a permanent confrontation with the Democratic Party and said he maintains personal ties with members of the opposition. “I have a lot of Democratic friends, believe it or not,” he said.

The new makeup of Congress opens a new period of greater political negotiation for the White House, while Trump will have to manage a more complicated relationship with an opposition that made gains in the legislative elections.

According to the U.S. Department of State, applicants must use Form DS-5504 and mail in the required documents. The agency also sets different validity terms for the new passport, depending on when the error is reported.

What errors qualify for a free replacement of a U.S. passport?

The State Department says citizens can request corrections to errors involving personal information or the passport’s printing.

Among the problems that can be corrected are:

• Name errors: incorrect information in the passport holder’s personal details.
• Sex errors: information that does not appear correctly in the passport.
• Place of birth errors: incorrect information about the citizen’s birth.
• Fading: printing defects that affect the document.
• Misaligned printing: problems with how the information was printed.
• Missing information: information missing from the passport’s biographical page.

The agency says these corrections are made free of charge as long as the passport is still valid.

In addition, if the photo has a printing error, the holder can also request a free correction through Form DS-5504.

How do you request a free passport correction with Form DS-5504?

To complete the process, citizens must gather the documents required by the State Department and mail them in.

The required documents are:

1. Form DS-5504, available in English, with the corresponding mailing instructions.
2. Current U.S. passport that contains the error.
3. A passport-size color photo.
4. Proof of the error, such as a U.S. birth certificate that can verify the correct spelling of the last name.

In addition, the date the error is reported determines how long the corrected passport will be valid.

If the citizen reports the problem within the first year after the incorrect passport was issued, the new document will be valid for 10 years.

If the error is reported after that period, the corrected passport will keep the expiration date of the original document.

The agency also says that people who have simply changed addresses do not need to update their valid passports.

The new amounts took effect on Oct. 16 and will remain in place through November. This is an inflation adjustment and affects people seeking certain immigration benefits, so it is important to know the updated prices before submitting documents.

What are USCIS fees for November 2026?

According to the official USCIS statement, the increases apply to fiscal year 2027 and were calculated taking into account inflation recorded between July 2025 and July 2026. The updated fees are as follows:

• Annual fee for pending asylum applications: from $102 to $105.
• Immigration parole, Form: from $560 to $570.
• TPS application, Form I-821: from $510 to $520.

Which immigration procedures are affected by the increases?

The increases announced by USCIS affect certain humanitarian protection procedures, temporary stay and work authorization in the United States:

• Asylum: annual fee for applications that remain pending.
• Immigration parole: fee for certain temporary stay permissions, linked to Form I-131.
• Employment authorization (EAD): initial Form I-765 applications for asylum seekers, parole recipients and people covered by TPS.
• Temporary Protected Status (TPS): applications using Form I-821.

What does H.R. 1 establish?

H.R. 1, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was enacted on July 4, 2025, and set new fees for certain immigration procedures, among other provisions.

Among its provisions, the law requires the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to update its fees year after year based on inflation, starting in fiscal year 2026.

To determine the adjustment percentage, the agency must consider the change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U). This time, USCIS used the 3.36% change and applied the rounding rules set out in the law.

What happens if a request is filed with the wrong fee?

USCIS says all applications for covered procedures postmarked on or after Oct. 16, 2026, must include payment of the updated fee.

If the applicant submits the documents without paying the required amount, USCIS may reject the application.

In Florida, Law 322.27 includes a point system that penalizes different traffic offenses and allows a driver’s license to be suspended when certain thresholds are reached. The severity of the penalty depends on the violations on record and how much time passes between them.

But not all offenses carry the same weight, since some add more points than others and can bring drivers closer to a suspension.

What Law 322.27 says and when a driver’s license can be suspended

Florida Law 322.27 sets up a point system to penalize drivers who accumulate traffic violations. According to the official text of the Florida Statutes, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles can suspend a license when its records show that a driver was convicted of offenses totaling 12 points or more.

The rule applies in Florida and provides different penalties depending on repeat offenses. To calculate the points, the department uses the date each violation was committed as the reference point, as set out in section 4 of the same law.

How many points does each traffic violation add to a driver’s license

Section 3 of Law 322.27 sets out how many points apply to different violations. Some of the offenses covered by the law are:

• Speeding: 3 points if you are not more than 15 miles per hour over the limit, and 4 points if you exceed it by more than that.
• Reckless driving: 4 points.
• Leaving the scene of a crash that caused more than $50 in property damage: 6 points.
• Passing a stopped school bus: 4 points, or 6 if the violation causes serious injury or the death of a person.
• Failing to obey a traffic signal: 4 points, with the exceptions provided by law.
• Driving illegally through a railroad crossing: 6 points.
• Other moving violations: 3 points, except where the law provides otherwise.

The law also says a traffic violation that causes a crash can add 4 points, except for certain offenses, such as speeding and the illegal use of wireless devices, which have a specific assignment. It also sets 2 additional points when a violation is committed, along with the illegal use of a wireless device in a school zone.

What happens when a driver reaches 24 points within a 36-month period

Law 322.27 establishes a progressive suspension scale in which a driver can temporarily lose their license before reaching the maximum point total covered by the one-year penalty.

The timeframes are:

• 12 points in 12 months: suspension of up to 30 days.
• 18 points in 18 months: suspension of up to 3 months. This includes the points that led to the previous suspension.
• 24 points in 36 months: suspension of up to 1 year. This also includes the points counted in earlier stages.

The rule also authorizes the department to send a warning letter when a license holder reaches a risk zone, to let them know that additional traffic convictions could lead to a suspension of their driver’s license.

Through Form DS-82, the State Department authorizes mail renewal only for those who meet six requirements related to the age, condition, and features of the previous passport. If any of these conditions are missing, the applicant is excluded from the standard process.

In addition, the federal authority sets special rules for limited-validity documents and explains what those who do not qualify for this option must do.

What are the six conditions the U.S. government requires to renew a passport by mail?

The U.S. State Department sets six conditions citizens must meet to renew their passport by mail using Form DS-82. These rules determine who can use the mail-in process without having to appear in person at an authorized office.

The requirements include having the previous passport, not having reported it lost or stolen, that it was issued within the last 15 years, and was obtained after age 16. In addition, the document must have a 10-year validity period, show no significant damage, and be issued in the holder’s current name or accompanied by legal documentation proving the name change.

The six conditions are:

• Have the previous passport: the citizen must submit their most recent U.S. passport along with Form DS-82.
• Not have reported it lost or stolen: the document must not have been reported to authorities for either of those reasons.
• Have been issued less than 15 years ago: the issue date must fall within that period.
• Have obtained it after age 16: the passport must have been issued when the holder was already that age and have a 10-year validity period.
• Keep the same name or prove the change: if the current name does not match the one on the document, legal proof must be provided, such as a marriage certificate or court order.
• The passport must not be damaged: normal wear from use is allowed, but not damage that affects the document’s integrity.

Failure to meet any of these conditions prevents use of the standard mail renewal process.

What requirements do those with a limited-validity passport have to meet

The U.S. government also addresses a special case for citizens who have a passport with a validity shorter than the usual 10 years. In these cases, the State Department allows mail renewal only if three additional conditions are met.

According to the federal authority, the holder must previously have had a passport valid for 10 years, and the limited-validity document cannot have been issued because of repeated passport losses or repeated submission of damaged documents. These restrictions are meant to determine whether the citizen can use the mail process or must file another application.

What if you can’t renew your passport by mail?

Citizens who do not meet the requirements set by the State Department must apply for a passport in person. That means they cannot use the Form DS-82 mail-in process and must follow the instructions to submit a new application in person.

The authority also notes that passports for children under 16 are not renewed because they are valid for five years and, when a new document is needed, a new application must be submitted. Among adults who also cannot use mail renewal are those who lost their passport, reported it stolen, or have a document issued more than 15 years ago.

These services can reduce processing times, but they do not include mailing times, which can add up to two more weeks to the estimated time to complete the process.

How long does the standard passport process usually take?

According to the State Department, people applying for a passport through the standard service may face the following wait times:

• Your application can take up to 2 weeks to arrive if you mail it, unless you pay for faster delivery.
• Processing for regular service can take 4 to 6 weeks, during which a passport agency will review the application and supporting documents.
• Then, standard shipping can take up to 2 weeks, unless you pay a fee to have it returned in 1 to 3 days.

Who can use the expedited service to get a passport in 2 to 3 weeks?

The State Department offers an expedited service that cuts passport processing time to between 2 and 3 weeks.

This option is available to U.S. citizens who need the document faster, especially if they plan to travel abroad in less than six weeks.

How do you request expedited service to get a passport faster?

The service can be requested in two ways:

• People applying for a passport for the first time or filing a new application can go to an authorized acceptance facility.
• People who qualify to renew by mail can apply to renew by mail.

Processing time must always be added to mailing time.

How much extra does this service cost?

The expedited service costs an additional US$60, and it must be paid along with the passport application or renewal fee.

In addition, the State Department also offers an optional faster book delivery service that allows it to be received 1 to 3 days after issuance for an additional US$26.87.

Urgent travel: What does the State Department recommend?

In serious situations, the State Department recommends scheduling an appointment at a passport agency or center when a citizen needs to travel abroad in less than two to three weeks.

To use this option, there are two scenarios:

• Urgent international travel: You can request an appointment when you have 14 calendar days or less before travel, and if the destination requires a foreign visa, the window extends to 28 days.
• Life-or-death emergencies: People who need to travel within the next 14 days because of the death, a life-threatening illness, or a serious injury of an immediate family member who is abroad may request an emergency appointment.

The federal agency warns that appointments must be requested in advance and that slot availability is not guaranteed.

The clinical trial included 235 postmenopausal women ages 55 to 75 and compared the results of those who ate different amounts of prunes with those of a group that did not consume the fruit. Researchers found that a daily intake of 50 grams helped improve hip bone density compared with the decline seen in the control group.

The findings were published in 2022 in the scientific journal The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, under the title Prunes preserve hip bone mineral density in a 12-month randomized controlled trial in postmenopausal women: the Prune Study.

Why prunes help protect bones after 50

Scientific interest in prunes is tied to their phenolic compounds, bioactive substances that could play a role in the processes that regulate bone health.

According to the researchers, these components can support bone metabolism and act on certain inflammatory signaling pathways linked to bone loss.

This is especially important during postmenopause. At this stage, lower estrogen levels speed up bone deterioration and can contribute to the development of osteoporosis, a disease that reduces bone mineral density and weakens bone structure.

Penn State Distinguished Professor of Kinesiology and Physiology Mary Jane De Souza highlighted the importance of the trial results: “In our study, we observed that daily prune consumption affected factors related to fracture risk. That has incalculable clinical value.”

“We were able to maintain and preserve bone in the weight-bearing area, the cortical bone of the tibia, and maintaining cortical bone and bone strength are key to preventing fractures,” she added.

How many prunes should you eat a day to help protect bone density?

The study compared two daily amounts over 12 months:

• 50 grams a day: roughly equivalent to four to six prunes.
• 100 grams a day: roughly equivalent to 10 to 12 prunes.

Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: one that did not eat prunes, another that ate 50 grams a day, and a third that received 100 grams per day.

The most consistent results for hip bone mineral density were seen in the group that consumed 50 grams a day.

At the end of the 12 months, women in the control group had experienced a 1.1% decline in total hip bone mineral density. By contrast, those who ate 50 grams showed a change of just -0.3%, which researchers interpreted as a preservation of bone density.

The 100-gram dose was also studied, but it presented a major challenge: 41% of the women assigned to that group dropped out of the trial, a much higher rate than among those who ate 50 grams (15%) and participants in the control group (10%).

What to keep in mind

Adding prunes to the diet can be an interesting nutritional option, but it should not replace medical checkups or prescribed osteoporosis treatment.

Bone health also depends on a balanced diet, adequate calcium and vitamin D intake, and physical activity, among other factors.

It is worth noting that most of the participants were white women from a region of Pennsylvania, so the results cannot necessarily be applied to all populations. The researchers also said more studies are needed to better understand the mechanisms involved and confirm the possible long-term benefits.

In this regard, authorities provide specific instructions when completing this application, which must be followed to obtain the international ID without any issues.

How to Submit Form DS-11 to Apply for a Passport

The Form DS-11 must be used by people applying for a passport for the first time, as well as by those who need to renew their ID because they have:

• A passport issued more than 15 years ago
• A passport issued before age 16
• A stolen, lost, or badly damaged passport
• A name change that cannot be documented

To complete it, authorities say to use the form filler tool. “If you do not provide all relevant information on Form DS-11, we may pause your application,” Travel State warns.

The official instruction is to submit it printed on one side only because double-sided forms are not accepted.

In addition, it is important not to sign the form until a passport acceptance agent instructs you to do so.

All the documents needed to apply for a passport with Form DS-11

According to the official guidance, when submitting the application, you must:

• Bring the completed, printed Form DS-11
• Provide evidence that you are a U.S. citizen
• Bring a photo ID
• Provide photocopies and additional documents, if needed
• Find a location where the application can be submitted

I Can’t Go to a Regular Center: What Other Options Do I Have to Apply for a Passport?

Those who cannot go during the centers’ regular hours and days can check the Special Passport Acceptance Fairs.

“They are held in the afternoon and on weekends, or at special locations. The fairs are organized by passport application acceptance offices such as post offices, court clerks, and libraries,” authorities explain.

The monthly events are already scheduled and can be viewed by clicking here.

The decision puts on hold a lower court order that could have restored protections starting November 6.

On November 3, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit said it would issue a 14-day administrative stay beginning Friday. The move temporarily pauses the order while the legal fight over the termination of Venezuela’s TPS designation continues.

Why did the court delay TPS reinstatement?

The case stems from the Trump administration’s decision to end Venezuela’s TPS designation and cancel an extension granted under the previous administration.

A federal district court ruled in September 2025 that former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem had exceeded her authority when she took those actions.

Previously, the Ninth Circuit allowed the lower court’s order to move forward, denying the administration’s request to block it on October 30.

What happens to Venezuelan TPS holders now?

The new ruling means the lower court order will remain on hold during the 14-day administrative stay. TPS protections will not be reinstated on November 6 as previously expected.

Venezuelan immigrants affected by this case will have to wait for further court action to learn whether the protections will be restored. The appeals court’s temporary pause does not, by itself, settle the case.

What ESTA is and who it is for

ESTA, the Electronic System for Travel Authorization, is tied to the Visa Waiver Program, which allows citizens more than 40 eligible countries to travel to the United States for tourism or business, for up to 90 days, without applying for a visa.

In other words, it does not replace a visa for everyone: it works only for passports from those countries included in the program. And that is exactly where the restriction many people do not know about comes in.

The silent mistake that can get your ESTA denied for travel to the United States

The rule says that people who, even with a passport eligible for ESTA, traveled to or were present in a list of countries as of certain dates lose the ability to use ESTA and must apply for a regular visa. The reason for the trip does not matter, whether it is tourism, work, family visits, or humanitarian work: the simple fact of having been there triggers the restriction.

Visiting these countries means you have to apply for a visa: the full list

The countries and dates that count are the following:

• Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen: anyone who traveled to or was present in any of them on or after March 1, 2011 is disqualified.
• Cuba: This applies to anyone who traveled to or was present there on or after January 12, 2021, the date Cuba was designated a state sponsor of terrorism.

Added to this travel restriction is another based on nationality: people who, in addition to a passport from a participating country, have the nationality of Iran, Iraq, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria also cannot use ESTA, whether or not they have traveled to those places.

Lost or stolen passports are immediately canceled

When a passport is reported lost or stolen, the State Department invalidates it. It is a security measure aimed at preventing someone from using the document to impersonate the holder or commit fraud. The direct consequence is that the passport is taken out of service from that moment on, and the agency makes it clear: it cannot be used even if it is found.

One key detail is that how quickly the passport is canceled depends on how the report is filed. The fastest way is online, by completing Form DS-64 (statement regarding a lost or stolen passport). When it is reported this way, the State Department cancels the passport within one business day.

It cannot be used even if it turns up later

Many people report the passport, assume it is gone, and then days or weeks later find it in a drawer or a suitcase. The instinct is to think that once it is recovered, it works again.

That is not the case: once it has been reported and canceled, the document does not regain its validity. Trying to travel with a passport listed as lost or stolen can end at the worst possible moment, at immigration control or at the airline counter, with the risk of being unable to board.

That is why, even if it turns up, you should not use it or try to travel with it.

How to apply for a replacement

Because the document has been canceled, this is not a routine renewal: a new passport must be requested. Inside the United States, the process is done in person with Form DS-11, the same route used by people applying for a passport for the first time, and it cannot be handled by mail.

Abroad, you must contact the nearest embassy or consulate. In general, the loss report (DS-64) is submitted along with the replacement application.

Lawmakers are scheduled to return to Washington on Nov. 9, six days after Election Day, for a session expected to last until Christmas with a Thanksgiving break in between. Party control in that stretch doesn’t change, whatever the results mean for next year.

The same rules cover lawmakers who retired instead of running again. Until the clock runs out, every sitting member of the House and Senate can introduce bills, vote on them and confirm nominees, whether or not they’ll be back in January.

Can members of Congress who lost Tuesday still vote and pass laws?

Yes. The 20th Amendment to the Constitution sets the end of each congressional term at noon on Jan. 3 of odd-numbered years. Any time the outgoing Congress meets between the November election and that date is called a lame-duck session.

What sets these sessions apart is who votes: the sitting members of the current Congress, not the winners who will take over the next one. A defeated lawmaker’s vote counts exactly the same as it did before Election Day.

These sessions are now a fixture of every election cycle. Both chambers have reconvened after every election since 2000, according to the Congressional Research Service, and in seven of the eight Congresses before the report, the sessions stretched into the new year.

Major laws have come out of these weeks. The 2022 session produced the Respect for Marriage Act, and the 2018 session passed the First Step Act on federal sentencing. In 1998, the House used its post-election session to impeach President Bill Clinton.

What laws does the lame-duck Congress have to pass in its last 2 months?

The most urgent item is money to keep the government running. Federal funding expires Dec. 11 unless Congress passes the full-year spending bills or another stopgap measure. If lawmakers miss that date, parts of the government would shut down.

Several other bills are competing for the same short window:

• The National Defense Authorization Act, the yearly bill that sets Pentagon programs and spending.
• A farm bill covering federal food, agriculture and rural development programs.
• A renewal of a federal surveillance law that has already lapsed.

A debt-limit increase could also join the list. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has said one could come during the lame-duck session. Any such move would target a borrowing limit expected in 2027, not the December funding deadline.

Recent history suggests spending will dominate the calendar. In 10 of the 12 lame-duck sessions held from 2000 through 2022, Congress approved regular spending bills or stopgap funding to keep federal agencies open.

Do members of Congress who lost keep collecting their $174,000 salaries?

Yes, but only until their term ends. Members of Congress are paid only for the terms they were elected to serve, according to the Congressional Research Service. A defeated lawmaker’s paychecks stop when the new Congress takes over Jan. 3.

The $174,000 figure is an annual rate. It works out to $14,500 a month, so the remaining weeks are worth about $29,000 per member. Leaders earn more: the speaker of the House is paid $223,500, while the Senate president pro tempore and the majority and minority leaders of both chambers make $193,400.

That pay continues even if the government shuts down after Dec. 11. Congressional salaries come from a permanent appropriation, not the yearly spending bills, so a funding lapse doesn’t stop them. Members can choose to give part or all of their pay back to the Treasury.

The salary itself hasn’t moved in years. Congress last got a raise in January 2009, a 2.8% increase to $174,000, and has blocked every scheduled raise since. Adjusted for inflation, that pay lost roughly 33% of its value from 2009 through 2025.

The financial assistance is being provided through a partnership involving the Florida Disaster Fund, Volunteer Florida and the Florida Sheriffs Association. According to the governor’s announcement on October 19, 2026, the grants recognize the work of first responders who faced personal hardship while helping their communities recover.

Who will receive Florida’s $5,000 Hurricane Isaias assistance?

The $5,000 grants are specifically designated for eight first responders in two counties:

• Escambia County: emergency personnel personally affected by Hurricane Isaias.
• Santa Rosa County: first responders whose homes were impacted by the storm while they continued working.

The announcement does not establish a general $5,000 payment for every Florida resident affected by the hurricane. Instead, the assistance is restricted to the eight emergency personnel identified through the program.

The money comes through a partnership between the Florida Disaster Fund and Volunteer Florida, with coordination from the Florida Sheriffs Association. The grants are intended to provide additional financial support as these workers recover from the damage.

Florida also provides temporary housing to families displaced by the hurricane

The $5,000 grants are separate from another recovery initiative announced by DeSantis: temporary shelter trailers for residents whose homes sustained significant hurricane damage.

The program is being carried out through a partnership between the Florida Division of Emergency Management and Emergency RV, a nonprofit organization that provides temporary housing to people affected by disasters.

According to the governor’s October 19 announcement, the first two travel trailers had already been awarded to displaced families. At that time, the program had received nearly 300 applications.

Residents who need temporary shelter can submit an application through Emergency RV’s official website.

What other disaster assistance is available to Hurricane Isaias survivors?

Florida also requested a federal Major Disaster Declaration to obtain additional recovery resources for communities affected by the hurricane.

On October 29, 2026, FEMA announced that federal assistance had been authorized for eligible individuals in Bay, Escambia, Gulf, Holmes, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Walton and Washington counties.

Depending on individual eligibility and the programs authorized, this assistance can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, as well as other disaster-related support.

Residents who experienced losses should first contact their insurance providers and then apply through DisasterAssistance.gov, call 1-800-621-3362 or use the FEMA mobile app.

The $474 million isn’t an official total. It’s a tally of Musk’s disclosed donations to federal and state political groups since Jan. 1, 2025, compiled from Federal Election Commission, IRS and state campaign finance filings.

The real number is likely higher. Federal records run only through Oct. 14, and some of his money went to dark-money groups, which don’t have to disclose donors. Other published estimates come in lower, depending on which donations and dates they count.

Among people who weren’t on the ballot, no one has spent more in a single U.S. election cycle. Democrats have secured at least 54 Senate seats, and 231 House seats to 144 for Republicans, with 62 congressional races, two in the Senate and 60 in the House, still uncalled as of Wednesday morning.

How much did Elon Musk spend to keep Congress Republican?

According to that tally, most of the money went to super PACs, committees that can raise and spend unlimited sums as long as they don’t coordinate with candidates:

• About $216 million to America PAC, the super PAC Musk founded.
• $168 million to the Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC backing Senate Republicans.
• $30 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund, its House counterpart.
• About $44 million to other Republican groups and candidates at the federal level.
• About $16 million to state efforts in Michigan, Texas and Wisconsin.

Musk spent about $290 million in 2024. In May 2025, he said he planned to do “a lot less” political spending, but after a brief public split with President Donald Trump that June, he ramped up again this year.

Which races did Elon Musk lose, including Texas?

Candidates in 106 House and Senate races had support from Musk or from groups he funded. As of Wednesday morning, 44 of them had lost and at least 19 had won, including Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts in Nebraska, with more than 40 races still uncalled. Money from a Musk-funded group doesn’t mean it decided a race, but the losses cut across the map.

Senate races Elon Musk lost

Republicans backed by Musk-funded groups lost Senate races in 10 states:

• Georgia
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Maine
• Michigan
• New Hampshire
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• South Carolina
• Texas

Two more Senate races, in Alaska and Mississippi, were still too close to call Wednesday morning.

Texas was by far his biggest bet. Musk put an estimated $212 million behind Paxton through direct donations and America PAC spending, and with $12.3 million more to Texas groups, his total there reached roughly $224 million.

It didn’t come close. Democrat James Talarico defeated Paxton 55.1% to 43%, with about 97% of the vote counted.

Outside Texas, America PAC’s biggest Senate spending went to Ohio ($9.7 million), Michigan ($9.2 million), Iowa ($3.3 million) and Maine ($2.3 million). Democrats won all four.

House races Elon Musk lost

Musk-backed candidates lost 34 House races, listed here by state and district:

• Alabama: 2nd
• California: 4th (the Musk-backed candidate was eliminated in the top-two primary)
• Colorado: 8th
• Florida: 14th, 22nd and 25th
• Iowa: 1st, 2nd and 3rd
• Kentucky: 6th
• Michigan: 8th
• Missouri: 2nd
• Nebraska: 2nd
• New Hampshire: 1st and 2nd
• New Jersey: 7th
• New Mexico: 2nd
• North Carolina: 11th
• Ohio: 1st, 7th, 13th and 15th
• Pennsylvania: 1st, 7th, 8th and 10th
• Texas: 15th, 23rd, 28th, 34th and 35th
• Virginia: 2nd
• Wisconsin: 1st and 3rd

Other races Elon Musk lost

Musk also gave $10 million to the Republican Governors Association, $2 million to the Republican Attorneys General Association and $5 million directly to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who lost to Democratic state Rep. Gina Hinojosa.

Republicans lost competitive governor’s races in Georgia, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Texas and Wisconsin, and attorney general races in Georgia, Michigan and Wisconsin.

The losing streak started before this year. In 2025, America PAC spent about $47 million on a high-profile state judicial race in Wisconsin, and Musk’s candidate lost.

What could Elon Musk’s losses in Congress mean for him next?

Democratic lawmakers have signaled they plan to scrutinize Musk’s time leading the Department of Government Efficiency, his companies’ federal contracts and his role in the Russia-Ukraine war.

Starting in January, Democrats will run the committees that can hold hearings and issue subpoenas.

In cases where a child is considered emancipated, parents are no longer legally required to support them financially. There are different situations in which a child may be considered emancipated.

How old do parents have to support their children under state law?

In New York, both parents are required to provide financial support and health insurance coverage for their children until age 21. This obligation can be extended to age 26 when children have a developmental disability and remain financially dependent on their parents.

In the case of married parents, both are responsible for contributing financially to their children’s care. If one refuses to help cover expenses, the other can request a child support order.

When parents are separated, the custodial parent may receive support from the other parent, even if they have enough money to support the child without financial help.

If the child is in foster care, both parents must contribute financially to their support.

In what cases can child support end early?

Under state law, parents must financially support their children until they turn 21 or become emancipated.

A child is considered emancipated when they stop living with their parents and can support themselves. However, if they remain financially dependent on either parent, they are not considered emancipated.

In addition, an emancipated child can become financially dependent on their parents again before turning 21.

When is a child considered emancipated?

A child under 21 may be considered emancipated when any of the following situations occurs:

• Gets married.
• Enters military service.
• Is at least 18 and works full time. Summer or vacation jobs are not considered.
• Leaves the family home permanently and cuts ties with both parents without a valid reason. This does not apply when the child leaves home because of abuse by one of the parents or similar circumstances.

If the penalty is imposed, the taxpayer will have to pay extra on top of what was originally owed, with an amount calculated based on the balance they tried to pay without sufficient funds, and when the penalty is applied, authorities will notify them with an official notice.

The IRS will hit those who try to pay taxes without enough funds with extra charges

According to the tax agency, this penalty is known as the Dishonored Check or Other Form of Payment Penalty and is imposed when the bank account used to pay a tax does not have enough money to cover the amount owed.

The same thing happens if the payment was attempted by check. In both cases (check or electronic payment), the bank rejects the payment and reports the amount that could not be paid.

How the IRS calculates this penalty

The calculation the agency uses is as follows:

• When the amount owed is less than $1,250: the penalty will be the amount due or $25, whichever is less
• If the amount owed is more than $1,250: the penalty will be 2% of the amount owed

If the taxes and the penalty are not paid on time and properly, the agency says it will add interest to the fine.

“The date from which we begin charging interest varies depending on the type of penalty. Interest increases the amount you owe until you pay the full balance,” the IRS says.

When the penalty can be waived or reduced

The IRS explains that the fine is reduced if you can show that the payment was made in good faith and that there was a reasonable basis for believing there were enough funds to make the payment.

The steps to follow are:

• Submit a written statement explaining why the penalty should be reconsidered
• Include documents showing there was money in the bank account to cover the payment
• Sign and date the written statement and mail it to the address listed in the notice

“We will review your written statement and let you know whether we accept it as reasonable cause,” the IRS says.