What is boiling orange peels in vinegar good for

The result of boiling orange peel in vinegar is a general-purpose liquid cleaner, designed mainly to cut kitchen grease. It can be used to degrease tile, sturdy countertops, the inside of the refrigerator, the outside of appliances and other washable surfaces. It also dissolves limescale and helps remove odors, leaving behind a citrus scent instead of vinegar’s strong smell on its own.

The trick combines two cleaners in one liquid. On one hand, vinegar provides acetic acid, which cuts grease, dissolves limescale and soap buildup, and helps lift dirt. On the other, orange peel releases d-limonene, a natural compound found in the outer layer of the peel that works as a solvent: it attacks and dissolves grease while also adding the characteristic citrus aroma.

Fuente: Canva

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Heat is used to speed up the process. Boiling the peel in vinegar is really a quick way to extract limonene: what would otherwise take two weeks of cold steeping, heat does in minutes. That’s why boiling the mixture is the express version of the classic orange-peel-in-vinegar cleaner. Once it cools and is strained, the liquid is ready to use.

Step by step: how to make the cleaner at home

The process is simple:

• Collect the peels from two or three oranges (the ones left after eating the fruit will do).
• Place them in a pot with white vinegar, using enough to cover them (it can be vinegar alone or half vinegar and half water, if a milder smell is preferred).
• Bring to a medium heat and let it boil for a few minutes, making sure the kitchen is well ventilated.
• Turn off the heat, let it cool completely and remove the peels by straining the liquid.
• Pour it into a spray bottle or a clean bottle. Use by spraying it on the surface and wiping with a cloth.

Among the issues this legal framework addresses are the unlawful presence of foreigners in the country, the immigration consequences this situation can trigger and the penalties that may apply in certain circumstances.

How does USCIS define “unlawful presence”?

According to the INA, “a foreigner is considered unlawfully present in the United States if the person remains in the country after the period of stay authorized by the Attorney General expires or if the person remains in the United States without having been admitted or paroled.”

When a person overstays the permitted period or remains in the country without any type of authorization, after a certain number of days that person could be considered “inadmissible” because of accrued unlawful presence.

What time periods does the INA set for applying this bar?

According to 8 U.S.C. § 1182(a)(9)(B), there are two time periods that carry different bars:

• If the foreigner remained unlawfully in the United States for more than 180 days but less than one year: the person will not be admissible for three years from the date of departure.
• If the foreigner remained unlawfully in the United States for one year or more: the person will not be admissible for 10 years.

In what context does this section of the INA apply?

In the first case, the law applies when the foreigner leaves the country voluntarily, before expedited removal proceedings (without a court hearing) or regular removal proceedings (with a court hearing) are applied.

In the second, it applies regardless of whether the person was removed or left the country voluntarily. However, both are triggered when the foreigner records a departure from U.S. territory.

What must be done to re-enter the United States once the bar period has passed?

Once the three- or 10-year bar period has passed, the person is no longer inadmissible for that specific reason.

However, that does not mean the person can enter the country automatically, since the expiration of these grounds of inadmissibility does not eliminate others. To return legally, the person must:

1. Verify that the applicable bar period has ended.
2. Apply for a U.S. visa, if one is needed, depending on the purpose of the trip.
3. Meet the immigration requirements of the category requested.
4. Pass the consular review and immigration inspection upon arrival in the United States.

The latest increase came from two Air Force deaths added Wednesday and Thursday to the Defense Casualty Analysis System. That database is the Pentagon’s official record of troops killed and wounded in wars and other military operations.

The Air Force classified both deaths as nonhostile, meaning enemy action did not cause them. One airman died of an illness, and the cause of the other death remains under investigation. Neither has been publicly identified.

The war began Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran. The Pentagon’s figures cover uniformed service members only. Civilian contractors killed or injured in the region are not part of the count.

How many US troops have died in the Iran war, and how many were killed by enemy fire?

Of the 23 deaths, 11 came from enemy fire and 12 were classified as nonhostile. With this week’s additions, deaths outside combat now narrowly outnumber those caused by Iranian attacks.

Half of the nonhostile deaths happened in a single incident. Six airmen were killed March 12 when a KC-135 refueling tanker went down in western Iraq. U.S. Central Command said the crash was not caused by hostile fire and involved another U.S. aircraft.

The Pentagon uses “nonhostile” for any death not caused directly by the enemy, from aircraft and vehicle accidents to illness. These deaths still count toward the war’s toll because they happened while troops were deployed for the operation.

The deadliest combat incident so far came on March 1, the war’s second day, when an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait killed six Army Reserve soldiers. Three more soldiers died July 17 in an Iranian attack on a target in Jordan.

Why were more than half of US troops wounded after the cease-fire?

The Pentagon has recorded 448 of the 865 wounded, about 52%, since July 7. That is the date President Donald Trump told Congress that U.S. military action against Iran had resumed. The other 417 were wounded before then.

The U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week cease-fire April 7, and Trump extended it indefinitely April 21. On June 17, the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding meant to turn that pause into a lasting truce.

The deal unraveled in early July, after Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. strikes on Iran followed, and Iran answered with retaliatory attacks on American forces in the region.

The share of troops wounded after the cease-fire may be even higher. Attacks continued during the spring truce, so some of the 417 recorded before July 7 could also have been wounded after the April agreement took effect.

How does the Pentagon count US troop casualties in the Iran war?

The Pentagon’s casualty database splits the war into two periods. Operation Epic Fury, the name for the campaign that opened Feb. 28, lists 15 deaths and 417 wounded. A second category, Overseas Operations, covers July 7 onward and lists eight deaths and 448 wounded.

The split dates to late July. Four soldiers killed that month briefly disappeared from the war’s death count, which dropped it from 18 to 14. A Pentagon spokesperson attributed the drop to temporary data problems, and the deaths reappeared days later under the new heading.

Since then, the Overseas Operations wounded tally has more than doubled, from 207 in late July to 448 now. The death count has also climbed in stages as new cases are entered, rising from 18 to 21 and now 23.

Entries can lag behind events by days or weeks, so the database reflects what the Pentagon has processed rather than a real-time count. The two Air Force deaths added this week, for example, were entered after the airmen had died.

The warning includes the Parks Highway corridor through Broad Pass, as well as Chulitna and the Denali Highway area. Visibility could drop to a quarter mile or less at times, while rapidly accumulating snow may make it harder for motorists to navigate the affected roads.

How much snow is expected in Alaska, and when will the warning end?

According to the NWS Anchorage office, total snowfall could reach between 7 and 15 inches in the affected areas. Light snow is expected to intensify, with the heaviest snowfall forecast from Thursday night through Friday morning.

The winter storm warning remains in effect until 2 p.m. Alaska Daylight Time on Friday. Forecasters also expect temperatures to rise above freezing during the afternoon, which could cause snow to mix with or change to rain.

The weather agency warns that travel could become very difficult because of low visibility and rapidly accumulating snow along the Parks Highway. However, the warning does not mean that the entire highway is closed.

What drivers need to know before traveling

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) provides several recommendations for motorists driving in winter weather conditions:

• Reduce speed. Drive according to road and weather conditions rather than the posted speed limit, which applies to dry pavement.
• Keep headlights on. Turn on your lights so other drivers can see your vehicle.
• Stay away from snowplows. Keep at least 200 feet behind snow removal equipment and never pass on the right.
• Leave more room to stop. Wet and icy roads increase stopping distances, particularly around bridges and overpasses.
• Prepare an emergency kit. Carry food, water, a flashlight, blankets, and other essential supplies in case your vehicle gets stranded.

Drivers should also make sure their vehicles are properly equipped for winter conditions before starting a long trip.

How to check road conditions in Alaska

Motorists can check the latest road conditions, closures and travel advisories through Alaska 511, the state’s official road information service. The service is available online at 511.alaska.gov or by calling 511.

The state transportation department also warns that some highways, including the Denali Highway, are not maintained during the winter months, generally from October through May. Drivers should check whether their planned route is maintained before setting out.

Full November payment schedule

The SSA sends payments throughout the month based on the type of benefit and the beneficiary’s birth date. For November 2026, the dates are as follows:

• October 30: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for November are sent early because November 1 falls on a Sunday.
• November 3: Payments go to people who started receiving benefits before May 1997 and those who receive both Social Security and SSI.
• November 10: Beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th of the month are paid. This is one day earlier than usual.
• November 18: Beneficiaries born between the 11th and the 20th are paid.
• November 25: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st are paid.

One group of beneficiaries is paid a day early

People born between the 1st and the 10th are normally paid on the second Wednesday of each month. In November 2026, that second Wednesday falls on the 11th, which is Veterans Day, a federal holiday.

When a payment date falls on a federal holiday or weekend, the SSA moves the deposit to the previous business day.

That is why this payment will be made on Tuesday, Nov. 10 instead of Wednesday, Nov. 11. It is not an extra payment or a permanent change: it is simply the same payment, moved up one day on the calendar.

The Holy See press office said Leo has voted as a U.S. citizen every time he was eligible, and did the same during his decades in Peru. “The Holy Father expresses his belief in the right and the duty of citizens to participate in democratic processes,” the statement said.

Leo, born Robert Francis Prevost, is still registered in Will County, Illinois, at his brother John’s address in suburban New Lenox. The county clerk’s office said he asked for the ballot Oct. 3, 10 days before surgery to remove a cancerous tumor from his lung.

He may also be the first pope to vote in any democratic election. Leo holds U.S. and Peruvian citizenship and leads the Holy See, an absolute monarchy that holds no elections.

Is Pope Leo XIV a Republican or a Democrat? What his US voting record shows

On paper, he is neither. Illinois doesn’t register voters by party, so state records list Prevost as “undeclared.” The only partisan clue comes from primaries, where voters have to request one party’s ballot.

Illinois State Board of Elections records show five primary votes since 2000, divided between the parties:

• 2008 and 2010: Democratic ballots, while he was registered in heavily Democratic Cook County
• 2012, 2014 and 2016: Republican ballots, after he moved to the more conservative suburbs of Will County

The records don’t reveal which candidates he chose. His midterm ballot will stay as private as any other Illinois voter’s.

He has also voted in every general election since 2000 except 2020 and 2022, including the 2024 presidential race. In 2025, a state elections official said federal law protecting Americans abroad would likely preserve his right to vote in federal races.

This year, Will County voters are choosing a governor, with JB Pritzker seeking a third term, and filling the U.S. Senate seat left open by Dick Durbin’s retirement. They also face county races and judicial retention votes, which decide whether sitting judges keep their seats.

Where does Pope Leo XIV stand on US politics, from immigration to the death penalty?

Leo’s public positions don’t line up with either party. He has repeatedly broken with President Donald Trump’s administration on war, immigration and capital punishment. On abortion and assisted dying, he holds to traditional church teaching.

The sharpest clash came earlier this year, when Trump called him “weak” and captive to the “radical left.” Speaking to reporters on a flight to Algeria in April, Leo said he wasn’t afraid of the administration and would keep speaking against war. The feud has cooled in recent months.

Here’s where he has landed on the issues most often debated in U.S. politics:

• War in Iran: He has repeatedly condemned the U.S.-Israeli war. In an Oct. 27 video message marking 40 years since an interfaith peace summit in Assisi, Italy, he said, “There is no such thing as a holy war.”
• Immigration: He has called for humane treatment of immigrants during the administration’s deportation push. As a cardinal, he shared posts criticizing deportations to El Salvador and Vice President JD Vance’s reading of Christian love.
• Death penalty: He has restated church teaching that executions are “inadmissible.” In 2011, he wrote to then-Gov. Pat Quinn thanking him for abolishing Illinois’ death penalty. In April, he marked the law’s 15th anniversary in a video message.
• Abortion: In 2025, as Cardinal Blase Cupich planned to honor Durbin despite the senator’s support for abortion rights, Leo urged respect for both sides. He also said opposing abortion while backing the death penalty isn’t truly pro-life.
• Assisted dying: He said he was “very disappointed” when Illinois legalized medically assisted death in 2025.
• Gender: As a bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, he opposed a government plan to teach “gender ideology” in schools.

According to Binance’s statement, an attacker sent unauthorized withdrawal transactions after gaining access to a system on the platform. The company said it would absorb the cost of the incident through its SAFU reserve fund and its own funds, and that it found no evidence that private wallet keys were leaked.

As immediate measures, Binance temporarily suspended deposits and withdrawals while it completes security checks, revoked the authorization of the affected address and called in law enforcement and blockchain intelligence partners to track down and recover the funds.

Deposits, or funds sent into the platform, are operating normally, according to co-founder Yi He. Withdrawals, by contrast, remain temporarily suspended, and Binance expects to begin restoring them within the next 48 hours.

According to U.S. blockchain analysis firms TRM Labs and Chainalysis, the perpetrators came from North Korea. The attackers targeted Binance wallets on 10 blockchains and moved most of the funds in about 20 minutes, according to a TRM statement.

TRM said several features of the attack matched previous North Korea-linked thefts, including the 2025 hack of the Bybit platform, which the FBI had attributed to Pyongyang. “We make this assessment with a high degree of confidence,” the firm said.

What Binance said

The company said it worked with partners to freeze the affected assets and that, so far, about $3 billion has been located. It did not say what happened to the remaining $3.3 billion.

Its co-founder, Yi He, said the platform will cover “all losses from the attack”.

In a statement posted on its X account, Binance detailed the possible source of the breach: “Binance’s initial investigation suggests the security incident may have involved a compromised DevOps engineer’s laptop, allowing an attacker to access a services container and send unauthorized withdrawal transactions”.

“We found no evidence of any leakage of private wallet keys. We will share a detailed technical report once the investigation is complete and the facts have been fully verified,” the company added.

In another statement, Binance said: “The incident is due to multiple factors. Our security team is tracing the attack’s full path through the compromised computer, which may be the incident’s entry point”.

On the losses, the statement said: “Binance will cover all losses with the SAFU fund and company funds. User funds are safe.” The platform also pledged to publish an updated proof of reserves once remediation is complete.

The SAFU is a secure asset fund for users, made up of a reserve held entirely in bitcoin and intended to protect assets in the event of security breaches, according to the company’s website.

“Our teams are working around the clock to resolve this issue safely and thoroughly. We are working closely with our law enforcement partners to confirm the identity of these criminals and bring them to justice,” the company said, urging users to rely only on its official channels for updates.

Binance also said its deposits were not affected and that it expects to resume withdrawals within the next 48 hours. “User funds remain safe,” it said.

Frozen assets

Several companies in the industry helped freeze the funds. Stablecoin issuer Tether said it froze nearly $1.57 billion linked to the incident, while Circle immobilized more than $800 million.

World Liberty Financial, a cryptocurrency company tied to U.S. President Donald Trump and his family, said Thursday that it worked with custodian BitGo to freeze the stolen funds.

According to Yi He, $27 million in stablecoins and about $2 million in World Liberty tokens were immobilized. Ripple also froze about $200 million, Yi He said.

Market reaction

Markets reacted immediately during Friday’s Asian session. Bitcoin fell more than 3% to a six-week low of $76,368, and ether slipped more than 3% to a two-month low of $2,178.

BNB, the token originally launched as Binance Coin and used to pay fees on the platform, fell 5% in the past 24 hours and traded at $709.70, according to CoinGecko.

Among stocks, Coinbase Global fell 4.8%, while Strategy, the company focused on buying bitcoin, dropped nearly 6% in after-hours U.S. trading.

Beyond the loss of assets, the breach is likely to have wider repercussions for the sector, which is already under pressure from higher U.S. interest rates and weaker demand from exchange-traded fund buyers, analysts said.

“This could further dampen risk appetite and lead investors to reassess the safety of assets held on centralized platforms, as well as counterparty, solvency and liquidity risks,” said Tim Sun, an analyst at Hong Kong-based HashKey Group.

The episode adds to other cryptocurrency thefts. Last year, attackers stole $2.9 billion in nearly 150 attacks, according to TRM Labs researchers. In September, the Bitget platform reported that about $350 million had been stolen.

Authorities have warned that organized crime groups are increasingly using cryptocurrencies to move funds across countries outside the traditional financial system.

The units have begun carrying passengers on the Amtrak Cascades corridor, which connects cities in the United States and Canada.

With four daily services, the launch marks the start of a rail modernization process that will continue through early 2027. The company will gradually add new units to replace the current trains and provide greater comfort, accessibility, and capacity.

What the new trains now running in the United States are like

The new Airo trains were designed to transform the rail travel experience, especially on trips lasting several hours.

Each unit has more than 300 seats and a range of features aimed at making rides more comfortable:

• Panoramic windows: Allow passengers to take in views of the Pacific Northwest during the trip.
• Free Wi-Fi: Makes it easy to connect to the internet during the ride.
• Ergonomic seats: Include adjustable headrests and more comfortable space.
• Individual power outlets: Include electrical outlets and USB ports.
• Renovated cafe car: Offers food and drinks inspired by regional cuisine.
• Greater accessibility: Includes adapted spaces, automatic steps and six large bathrooms with touchless controls.

Each unit, manufactured in the United States by Siemens Mobility with parts from nearly 100 suppliers across 31 states, has a dark green, cream, and mocha exterior design inspired by the Cascade Range landscape.

Which cities do the new trains connect?

The Amtrak Cascades route connects Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, with Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, Oregon, as well as other stops along the rail corridor.

The services that debuted the new fleet were the following:

• Train 516 | Seattle-Vancouver route | Scheduled time: 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Train 508 | Eugene-Seattle | 4:30 p.m. to 10:50 p.m.
• Train 503 | Seattle-Eugene | 7:10 a.m. to 1:48 p.m.
• Train 519 | Vancouver-Seattle | 4:45 p.m. to 9:10 p.m.

How many new trains Amtrak will add by 2027

The overhaul includes eight Airo trains, two new locomotives, and one spare cab car for the Amtrak Cascades corridor. According to updated official information, the fourth new train arrived in Seattle on October 26.

The modernization will also extend to other U.S. routes: Amtrak plans to later add Airo trains to Northeast Regional service, which is scheduled to launch at the end of 2027.

Sylvia ran strategy, plans and policy for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a post known inside the military as the J5. The J5 director drafts military plans and coordinates them with the chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the president.

The Atlantic first reported the firing, which a defense official later confirmed. No successor has been named. Sylvia is the second J5 director pushed out under Hegseth, after Lt. Gen. Joseph McGee, who was forced to retire in October 2025.

Sylvia’s case is an exception, since the Pentagon tied it to leaks. Most other removals have gone unexplained, though officials and defense reporting point to four reasons behind them.

Which senior officers has Pete Hegseth removed in the “Pentagon purge”?

Roughly two dozen generals, admirals and other senior leaders have been fired, forced into retirement or otherwise pushed out since Hegseth took over the Pentagon. Hegseth has also held up dozens of promotions.

The shake-up has reached the top of the services. In April, Hegseth fired Gen. Randy George, the Army chief of staff and the service’s highest-ranking officer. Army Secretary Dan Driscoll, the civilian who ran the service, resigned at the end of the summer after months of friction with Hegseth.

Sylvia, a West Point graduate, served 32 years in the Army. He commanded the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, until May 2025, and had earlier been the J5’s vice director.

He saw combat in Afghanistan and Iraq and earned a Purple Heart and six Bronze Star medals, one of them for valor. His official biography has since been taken offline, The Associated Press reported.

What are the 4 reported reasons behind the Pentagon purge?

The reasons below come from the Pentagon’s statement on Sylvia, officials who spoke to the press. The Pentagon hasn’t confirmed reasons 2 through 4, and several officers may fit more than one.

1. Leak investigations

The Pentagon said Sylvia was fired for what it called severe misconduct. A Pentagon official said in a statement that he is under investigation for leaking classified information about the Iran war, the war in Ukraine and other matters.

According to the official, Sylvia met with journalists outside the Pentagon to get around a rule requiring reporters to have escorts inside the building. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said an Air Force investigation led to the firing and that the case was referred to the Justice Department, though he didn’t name Sylvia.

Leaks have been a focus for Hegseth since early in his tenure. In 2025, three of his senior civilian aides were put on leave and later fired over leak accusations.

2. Disagreements with Hegseth

Multiple national media outlets have reported that some officers were removed after disagreeing with Hegseth, including over the use of U.S. troops on American streets and the modernization of the armed forces.

3. Past work on diversity policies

Officials told the press that some officers were pushed out for past work on policies Hegseth considers “woke,” such as diversity programs. It has been reported that Hegseth believed some officers owed their jobs to their race or gender.

4. Ties to Gen. Mark Milley

Perceived closeness to former Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Mark Milley has also cost officers their jobs, officials told The Atlantic. Milley is a frequent target of Trump’s criticism, and the Pentagon has investigated him over claims that he undermined the president.

Hegseth frames the shake-up as accountability. Last month, he said he had ordered the military to double planned cuts to its top ranks, eliminating 20% of the roughly 800 general and admiral positions by Jan. 1, 2027. The Pentagon has called claims that it is in disarray baseless.

What does the Pentagon purge mean as Trump weighs new US strikes on Iran?

Sylvia’s firing comes eight months into the war the U.S. launched with Israel against Iran. Trump has vowed to see the war through and said new strikes are an option after Tuesday’s midterm elections.

U.S. officials have told several Middle East countries and allies to prepare for renewed military action and possible Iranian retaliation, two diplomats briefed on the matter told AP. Trump hasn’t made a final decision. A third U.S. aircraft carrier and thousands more troops are heading to the region.

The J5 job covers long-range strategy, policy and assessments rather than day-to-day war operations. A Pentagon official said Sylvia was not a central planner on the Iran war, which is run by U.S. Central Command under Adm. Brad Cooper.

Critics in Congress say the cumulative toll is the bigger risk. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., a former Navy combat pilot, said last month that Hegseth is purging a generation of military leaders and that rebuilding will take a generation.

That’s what defines the story of Krista LeRay, a woman that turned her side hobby into a million-dollar business. She used to spend hours painting a single 4-by-4-inch cotton canvas with a tiny brush at her kitchen table.

“I would wake up and paint the entire day until 2 a.m.,” she told CNBC Make It. From that effort became the idea of Penny Linn Designs, a needlepoint company that brought in more than $4.4 million in sales in 2024.

A hobby that started in the pandemic turned up being a million-dollar business

Needlepoint was LeRay’s hobby in college. She picked it back up during the Covid-19 pandemic and decided to sell her own designs.

At the time, she worked full time as a lifestyle blogger in New York. She went on to spend $7,000 on supplies and launched her online store in September 2020. Her first 500 canvases sold out in two hours.

But the work she had to do was so time-consuming that, at first, her profits came out to roughly $2 an hour. “I was making really good money from blogging. It was my retirement plan,” she said.

From a time-consuming side hustle to full-time business

After her son was born in 2022, LeRay felt less comfortable sharing her personal life online. That same year, after her business passed $416,000 in annual sales, he turned her blogging as a hobby and turned Penny Linn into her full-time job.

Today, Penny Linn sells canvases from $30 to up to $100 with “coastal preppy” designs and pop culture themes. The company has 10 full-time and 24 part-time employees and was profitable in 2024 with a 36% margin.

LeRay says she stood out by making needlepoint feel younger and more affordable than in traditional shops. She also credits the thick skin she built as a blogger and her capability to surface critics.

That is the Magnolia grandiflora, a tree native to the United States that produces large white flowers and a distinctive fragrance. It also stands out for its broad canopy, which can grow to a considerable size as it matures.

Beyond its visual appeal, this species has traits that make it an option for those who want to add natural shade and keep green spaces looking good through the changing seasons. Growing it requires some specific conditions worth knowing before deciding where to plant it.

What the fragrant white-flowered magnolia grandiflora is like

Magnolia grandiflora, also known as southern magnolia, is an ornamental tree native to the southeastern United States that stands out for its large white or creamy white flowers, which give off a strong, pleasant scent. This species is used to beautify gardens and green spaces with its size and its appeal when it blooms.

Its flowers are cup-shaped, can reach about 20 centimeters in diameter, and appear mainly in spring and summer. According to the botanical guide from the University of Florida (UF/IFAS), they are very showy and fragrant, with large, thick leaves that are shiny dark green on top and lighter on the underside.

How big Magnolia grandiflora grows and how it provides shade

Magnolia grandiflora can grow into a large tree, making it an option for those looking to create natural shade in the garden. According to UF/IFAS, it can reach 18 to 24 meters in height and develop a canopy 9 to 12 meters wide.

The University of Florida lists this tree species among the recommended species for that use and notes that it can develop a dense structure.

How to care for Magnolia grandiflora and where to plant it

To grow properly, Magnolia grandiflora needs plenty of light, including direct sun or partial shade. UF/IFAS recommends well-drained soils and says it tolerates different soil types, though it prefers slightly acidic ground.

It is an evergreen species, meaning it keeps its leaves as new growth appears throughout the year. It is worth noting that during the first few years, it needs careful watering, especially during dry periods, while established plants show moderate drought tolerance.

The news comes after the Andes-Atlantic Corridor agreement was signed, under which Eximbank, the U.S. export-import bank, announced financing of $7 billion for strategic projects. The financing is aimed at exports and imports generated by companies from that country.

Later, the U.S. ambassador to Argentina, Peter Lamelas, said there could be $20 billion in financing through 2027, in a show of support for President Javier Milei.

However, during the recent visit of U.S. Undersecretary of State Cristopher Landau, the delegation told companies that the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) had the capacity to finance investments in the country for $20 billion, an option that is under review. That amount would represent 10% of the DFC’s total financing capacity.

At the same time, Eximbank is reviewing whether to improve Argentina’s category within its portfolio, which would open the door to financing of up to an additional $10 billion.

That was reported by Alejandro Diaz, president of the American Chamber of Commerce in Argentina (Amcham). However, both options are under review.

The financing mechanism would range from disbursements to guarantees and insurance. This could also attract additional financing since, in the case of the DFC, the agency does not operate as the sole lender, but instead sets maximum limits by project. It would also help channel other sources of financing with the agency’s backing.

In addition, at least 25 projects by companies operating in Argentina are under review within the DFC. However, the distinction remains that funds will not be channeled to companies under state control, which does not rule out companies that have shareholders from state-controlled firms.

The sector in focus in this regard is partly logistics, given its importance for strategic sectors for Argentina but also those covered in treaties with the United States, such as critical minerals. Expectations are centered on copper and lithium in this area. Oil and gas production is also part of the picture.

The latter sector stands apart amid the noise generated in recent months around the economic program. Market figures say they are confident the swings in economic policy will not be repeated, but that they do not view the election with particular concern anyway.

While they want to preserve the policies that drove the sector’s expansion in recent years, including the Large Investment Incentive Regime (RIGI), they say Vaca Muerta was the only state policy that held steady in recent years, and argue that all their investments are designed for the long term, although they do not rule out that major changes in sector policy could prompt unease at parent companies.

The expectation is that the sector’s growth will ultimately turn the trade balance from a problem for Argentina into a nonissue, especially given the growing weight it has taken on within the export mix.

The COLA is tied to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), according to the Social Security Act.

Which beneficiaries will receive the 3.6% increase before 2027?

The SSA confirmed that certain beneficiaries will receive their payment with the 3.6% increase on Thursday, Dec. 31, 2026, before the start of 2027.

According to the SSA’s official schedules, the groups that will receive payments that day are:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries.
• People who began receiving Social Security before May 1997.
• People who receive both Social Security and SSI.

The advance is due to Jan. 1, 2027, being a federal holiday and Jan. 3 falling on a Sunday.

These deposits are not extra payments, but early disbursements of the usual payment dates.

What will SSA’s main benefits look like with the 3.6% increase?

According to the SSA’s fact sheet, the estimated average monthly amounts will be as follows:

• Retired workers: $2,170.
• Retired couple, both beneficiaries: $3,355.
• Surviving spouse with two children: $4,074.
• Older surviving spouse: $2,005.
• Disabled workers, spouse and children (SSDI): $3,077.
• Disabled workers (SSDI): $1,701.
• Supplemental Security Income: $1.029 for an individual and $1.544 for eligible couples.

What are the remaining payment dates for 2026?

According to the SSA’s official calendar, the following dates apply:

October 2026

• Oct. 30: early SSI payment for November.

November 2026

• Nov. 3: beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 and those who receive both programs (Social Security payment).
• Nov. 10: beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th.
• Nov. 18: beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th.
• Nov. 25: beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st.

December 2026

• Dec. 1: SSI beneficiaries.
• Dec. 3: people who began receiving Social Security before May 1997 and those who receive both programs (Social Security payment).
• Dec. 9: beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th.
• Dec. 16: beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th.
• Dec. 23: beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st.
• Dec. 31: SSI beneficiaries, people who began receiving Social Security before May 1997, and those who receive both programs. Payments scheduled for Jan. 1 and Jan. 3, 2027, are moved up.

Contrary to what many people believe, this is not a small fixed percentage taken once but a withholding that can take most of the paycheck and repeats with every payment.

IRS Garnishes a Large Share of Some Debtors’ Wages Month by Month

A wage levy is an order the IRS sends to an employer so it can withhold part of an employee’s pay and send it directly to the agency toward an unpaid tax debt. The employer is legally required to comply: once it receives the notice (Forms 668-W), it must start deducting the required amount and sending it to the IRS.

The legal basis is Section 6331 of the Internal Revenue Code, which authorizes the IRS to seize the property and income of anyone with a final debt who does not resolve it. Wages are one type of income it can reach, along with bank accounts, refunds and other payments.

It Is Not a Fixed Percentage: How Much the IRS Can Withhold

This is where the biggest difference from other levies comes in. In the case of Social Security, for example, the IRS withholds at most 15% of the benefit. With wages, it works the other way around: instead of setting how much it takes, the law sets how much is exempt, and the IRS takes the rest.

That exempt amount is usually low, so the deduction can cover a large part of the paycheck.

The amount that remains protected is calculated based on the standard deduction and the number of dependents the worker can claim, according to IRS Publication 1494 tables, which are updated every year (the 2026 tables increased from those for 2025).

The IRS sends that publication with the levy order so the employer knows how to calculate it.

It Is an Ongoing Levy: It Repeats With Every Paycheck

Another key feature is that a wage levy is not a one-time collection. It is ongoing: once it hits a paycheck, it stays in effect and applies to each pay period, weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on how the worker is paid, until one of three things happens:

• The worker pays the debt in full
• The worker reaches another agreement with the IRS
• The agency releases the levy.

In the meantime, the deduction is automatically renewed paycheck after paycheck.

According to the University of Maryland Extension, there is a home trick that can be used to keep this pest under control.

To try it, you only need a glass jar, apple cider vinegar and dish soap.

Why people say you should put a glass jar with vinegar and dish soap in the kitchen

This trick is recommended to keep fruit flies under control, a type of brown or black insect that usually measures about 3 millimeters long and, as the name suggests, is drawn to overripe fruits and vegetables as well as fermenting foods.

Other foods that can attract this type of tiny fly include wine, beer, fruit juice and vinegar.

For that very reason, the institution’s advice is to make a homemade trap by covering the top of a glass jar filled with vinegar and a drop of dish soap. The plastic wrap should be secured with a rubber band around the rim, and then a small hole should be made in the plastic. This will let the flies get into the homemade trap, but not get out.

The vinegar attracts them, while the dish soap makes it harder for the flies to escape once they land on the surface.

Other tips to keep fruit flies under control

In addition to the jar with vinegar and dish soap, the institution recommends:

• Keeping spaces clean
• Eliminating food sources and breeding grounds for larvae
• Rinsing and draining any bottles or cans intended for recycling very well
• Draining and washing rags, since they can retain food residue and moisture.

As the school year moves forward, families can now check when the next break from classes will begin and what day students must return to the classroom.

Education: When will winter break begin

According to the SEP’s school calendar for 2026-2027, the first school break will begin on Monday, Dec. 21, 2026, and run through Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2027.

Wednesday, Jan. 6, is also a school holiday, so classes will resume on Thursday, Jan. 7, 2027.

This calendar applies to preschool, elementary, and middle schools, public and private, that are part of the National Education System.

What other important dates are included in the 2026-2027 school calendar

The SEP calendar also sets aside different teacher workdays, School Technical Council sessions and labor suspension periods during the school year.

In all, eight regular School Technical Council (CTE) sessions are planned. The dates are:

• Sept. 25, 2026
• Oct. 30, 2026
• Nov. 27, 2026
• Jan. 29, 2027
• Feb. 26, 2027
• April 30, 2027
• May 28, 2027
• June 25, 2027

The calendar also sets a second school break, which will take place from March 22 to April 3, 2027.

When the school year ends

Basic education schools will officially end the 2026-2027 school year on Friday, July 9, 2027.

In addition to class and break dates, the sets teacher labor suspension periods during the school year. These include Nov. 2 and 16 and Dec. 25, 2026, as well as Jan. 1 and 6, Feb. 1, March 15 and May 5, 2027.

For families with children who will enter certain grade levels next school year, the SEP sets the pre-enrollment period for preschool, first grade of elementary school and first grade of middle school, which will run from Feb. 2 to 12, 2027.

One example is a clean, dry tennis ball, which can be used to remove scuff marks from vinyl flooring. The technique was included in the University of Georgia Extension’s Healthy Indoor Environments newsletter, where housing and environment specialist Pamela Turner shared several practical tips for maintaining a healthier home.

Rather than treating the entire floor, the idea is to focus on the affected area and gently rub the mark until it disappears.

Why a tennis ball can remove marks from vinyl floors

The trick works as a simple mechanical cleaning method. Rubbing the surface with a tennis ball creates friction that can help lift superficial marks left by shoes or contact with other objects.

These marks are different from deep scratches, permanent stains or damage to the floor’s protective finish. They are generally superficial traces on the surface, which is why gentle rubbing may be enough to remove them.

The recommendation appears in a edition of the University of Georgia Extension’s Healthy Indoor Environments newsletter. Pamela Turner, a housing and environment specialist, specifically lists rubbing scuff marks with a clean, dry tennis ball as a household cleaning tip.

The important distinction is that the advice applies to vinyl floors. It should not automatically be extended to wood, stone, ceramic or other flooring materials, which may require different cleaning methods.

How to use a tennis ball to remove scuff marks

The procedure is straightforward and does not require mixing ingredients:

1. Identify the affected area: Look for superficial dark marks or streaks on the vinyl floor.
2. Use a clean, dry tennis ball: Make sure it does not have dirt or debris that could transfer onto the surface.
3. Rub the mark gently: Apply light pressure and use short movements directly over the affected spot.
4. Check the result: Stop once the mark has disappeared. Avoid excessive rubbing if the surface does not respond.

Before trying the method on a visible area, test it in a small, inconspicuous spot. This helps ensure that the floor’s finish is not affected.

What to consider before trying this cleaning trick

Although the method is simple, it is important to identify the type of mark before attempting to remove it. A superficial scuff is not the same as a scratch that has damaged the vinyl itself.

If the mark remains after gentle rubbing, applying more pressure may not solve the problem and could affect the finish. In that case, it is better to follow the flooring manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

The plunge followed Alphabet’s July-to-September results, released Wednesday after the market closed. Google’s search business brought in $63.35 billion, less than Wall Street analysts expected, and the company spent $9.07 billion more cash than it took in as it poured money into AI.

Google’s chief business officer, Philipp Schindler, said search took a hit partly because AI Mode, a feature that answers questions in conversation-style text instead of a list of links, earns less from ads. He said Google is now expanding ads in its AI features.

The fall topped Alphabet’s previous worst day, an 11.6% drop in March 2020. In dollar terms, only Nvidia has lost more value in a single day, about $593 billion in January 2025.

How did Alphabet’s stock drop affect your 401(k)?

Money in a 401(k) is usually invested in funds, which pool savings from many people to buy stocks, bonds or both. Many popular funds follow the S&P 500, a list of 500 of the largest U.S. companies, where Alphabet makes up between 5% and 6% of the total.

That share is big enough to matter. For every $10,000 invested in an S&P 500 index fund, Alphabet’s drop alone erased roughly $65 to $75 on Thursday.

However, the overall hit was smaller. The S&P 500 slipped just 0.3% that day, about $30 on a $10,000 balance, because gains in other stocks offset part of the loss. The Nasdaq, an index heavy with tech companies, fell 1.4%.

How much your own balance moved depends on how your money is invested. Many 401(k) savers use a target-date fund, which mixes stocks with safer investments like bonds and gets more cautious as retirement nears. The more bonds in your fund, the smaller the hit from a stock drop.

How are 401(k) plans affected by stock market swings?

A 401(k) is a retirement savings account offered through your job. Part of each paycheck goes into the account before taxes are taken out, and many employers add extra money, known as a match.

That money doesn’t sit in cash. Each plan offers a menu of investment choices, from safer to riskier. Because most of them include stocks, your balance goes up when the stock market rises and down when it falls.

For the 2026 tax year, the IRS raised the 401(k) contribution limit to $24,500, up from $23,500 in 2025. Workers 50 and older can save more through catch-up contributions:

• Ages 50 and older: an extra $8,000, for a total of $32,500 a year.
• Ages 60 to 63: a higher catch-up of $11,250 under the SECURE 2.0 Act, for a total of $35,750.

Americans held $10.8 trillion in 401(k) plans as of June 30, according to the Investment Company Institute, a trade group for fund companies. Nearly 70 million workers were actively contributing to these plans at the end of 2025.

What should 401(k) savers do after a big market drop?

A drop matters most if you need the money soon. If retirement is years away, prices have time to recover, as they did after past crashes such as the dot-com bust of 2000, the period after 9/11 and the 2008 financial crisis.

A drop is only a loss on paper until you sell. Selling after prices fall turns that paper loss into a real one, and you miss out if prices bounce back.

Taking money out early also costs extra. Withdrawals before age 59½ are generally taxed as income and may carry an additional 10% tax, unless you qualify for an exception or your plan allows a loan.

Retirees face a different situation. Starting at age 73, the IRS requires people to take out a minimum amount each year, so some may have to sell investments while prices are down.

Before making changes, check how your account is invested and when you’ll need the money. A financial adviser can help you match your investments to your timeline.

The schedule includes early deposits on Oct. 30 and Dec. 31, along with the usual dates assigned based on each beneficiary’s date of birth.

When Social Security pays in November 2026

The November payment schedule will start early this Friday, Oct. 30, when the SSI benefit for the following month will be paid. That is because Nov. 1 falls on a Sunday and, as planned, the payment is moved up to the last business day of October.

After that, the SSA will make regular Social Security deposits throughout November, depending on each beneficiary’s circumstances:

• Tuesday, Nov. 3: beneficiaries who have received Social Security since before May 1997 and those who receive both Social Security and SSI.
• Tuesday, Nov. 10 (Wednesday, Nov. 11, is a holiday for Veterans Day): beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th.
• Wednesday, Nov. 18: beneficiaries born between the 11th and the 20th.
• Wednesday, Nov. 25: beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st.

What are the Social Security payment dates in December 2026

During December, the Social Security Administration will keep the monthly distribution schedule, although the calendar has one important exception for SSI recipients.

The agency scheduled the following payments:

• Tuesday, Dec. 1: Supplemental Security Income recipients.
• Thursday, Dec. 3: people who have received Social Security benefits since before May 1997 and those who receive both programs.
• Wednesday, Dec. 9: beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th.
• Wednesday, Dec. 16: beneficiaries born between the 11th and the 20th.
• Wednesday, Dec. 23: beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st.
• Thursday, Dec. 31: early SSI payment for January 2027, subject to that year’s applicable schedule. Because Jan. 1, 2027, will be a federal holiday for New Year’s Day, the monthly SSI payment is moved up to the last business day of December.

It is worth noting that the early November payments in October and the January payments in December are not extra bonuses, but rather changes in payment dates because they fall on nonworking days.

A passport is a document that can be used to prove identity both inside and outside the country, so it must meet certain validity requirements, such as being current and free of scratches, stains, or torn pages.

What documents must be submitted to apply for an adult passport?

According to the State Department on its official website, U.S. citizens age 18 and older applying for a passport for the first time must submit three required types of documentation:

• Proof of U.S. citizenship and photocopy:
• • U.S. birth certificate.
  • Fully valid, undamaged U.S. passport (it can be expired).
  • Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Certificate of Citizenship.
• Photo ID and photocopy:
• • Valid driver’s license.
  • Learner’s permit with photo.
• DS-11 form

In addition, they must also submit a photo that meets official requirements and the corresponding fee.

How do you apply for an adult passport in the United States?

To apply for a U.S. passport for the first time, the State Department lays out the following process:

1. Complete and print the DS-11 form, but do not sign it.
2. Gather the documents that prove citizenship and identity.
3. Prepare photocopies of the documents to be submitted, along with a passport-style photo.
4. Go to an authorized acceptance facility, such as a post office, library, or government office.
5. Submit the documents, pay the required fees, and sign the application in front of the authorized agent.

The cost of an adult passport book is $130, plus the $35 passport acceptance fee, for a total of $165, not including any additional services.

When should the passport arrive?

According to the processing times published by the State Department, the turnaround time depends on the service selected:

• Routine: 4 to 6 weeks.
• Expedited: 2 to 3 weeks; costs an extra $60.
• Urgent: requires an appointment and proof of international travel within the next 14 days.

These time frames do not include mailing times. The State Department warns that the application may take up to two weeks to reach its facilities and that passport delivery can take another two weeks after it is issued.

How do you know if your application was rejected?

The State Department allows applicants to check the status of a passport application through the official Passport Status website. To access the information, the applicant must enter:

• Full last name.
• Date of birth.
• The last four digits of their Social Security number.

If the application has errors or missing documents, the State Department may send a letter or email requesting additional information. In that case, the process is put on hold, and the applicant has 90 days from the date of notification to respond.

This combination makes use of the aromatic compounds in each ingredient, which are released by the heat and carried through the rooms with the steam. The result is a fragrance that blends citrus notes, herbal and spicy scents, ideal for those looking to give the home a fresh aroma.

The preparation is simple and does not require special products; just keep the amounts right, let the ingredients release their scent over low heat, and make sure the pot always has enough water.

What boiling grapefruit peel with rosemary and bay leaves is good for

Boiling grapefruit peel with rosemary and bay leaves is a homemade trick used to freshen rooms without resorting to sprays or commercial air fresheners. When these ingredients are heated in water, their aromatic compounds are released and carried with the steam, allowing the fragrance to reach different areas of the house.

The result is a combination of citrus and herbal notes that can create a sense of freshness, especially in the kitchen and in other enclosed spaces.

What each ingredient adds to this aromatic blend

The mix brings together three ingredients with different aromatic profiles because grapefruit peel contains essential oils rich in limonene, a volatile compound typical of citrus fruits that gives off a fresh, strong scent. A study published in the International Journal of Food Science & Technology identified this substance as the main component of the essential oil extracted from grapefruit peel.

Rosemary, meanwhile, contains volatile compounds such as 1,8-cineole and alpha-pinene, identified in studies of its essential oil and infusions. Bay leaves also contain 1,8-cineole, along with other components such as linalool and eugenol.

When heated in water, the herbs’ volatile compounds are released and blend with those from the grapefruit, producing a fragrance different from each ingredient on its own. The strength of the scent will depend on the amount of ingredients, the heating time, and the size of the room.

How to make the homemade air freshener step by step

The preparation is simple and requires a few ingredients. To make it at home, you need:

• The peel of one grapefruit, washed beforehand.
• Two sprigs of fresh rosemary.
• Four bay leaves.
• Plenty of water.

The method is to place water in a pot and add the grapefruit peel, rosemary, and bay leaves. Then bring the mixture to a boil and, once it starts boiling, lower the heat to low so the ingredients gradually release their aromas.

The mixture can be kept over low heat for a while to freshen the rooms, as long as you keep an eye on the water level and add more if it evaporates. It is important not to leave the pot unattended or let it run dry, since it must stay under supervision while on the stove.

That’s the case in Dóris Dias and Robson Lopes’ story, a Brazilian couple who, after losing their income and being unable to pay rent, found a cheap solution by building their own home with thousands of recycled glass bottles.

The story of the couple who built their home with hundreds of glass bottles

In April 2020, Dóris Dias and Robson Lopes, from Foz do Iguaçu, a city in southern Brazil, were going through a difficult time. Robson had lost his job at a supermarket, and Dóris, who worked as a social educator, could no longer work because of health problems.

The couple moved in with Doris’ parents for a while, but they wanted to be independent again without spending a lot of money. That’s when the idea struck them.

In their own wedding, back in September 2019, they had decorated the venue with recycled materials and discovered how useful glass bottles could be. They thought they could use those same techniques to build up their independence back.

The couple gathered more than 10,000 bottles in five months

According to what they told the Brazilian news site UOL, the couple began walking the streets of their city to collect bottles that others had thrown away. Soon, family members, friends, and neighbors started donating to them too.

For the outside walls they used mainly 600-milimeter bottles, about 20 ounces each, combined with cement and sand instead of traditional bricks. Then, smaller bottles went into the inside walls with other materials like iron to help support the structure.

In just five months they had used more than 10,000 bottles and built the walls of a house of about 750 square feet.

By then they had spent up to 3,000 Brazilian reais, but they still needed a roof, doors, and windows, so they started a fundraiser to keep going.

How did they expand the home four years later?

In June 2024, H2FOZ, a local Brazilian journal, reported that the house had grown about 915 square feet and the couple had already used 20,000 glass bottles. They had also installed water, electricity, and sewer connections.

The design already includes a main bedroom, two bathrooms, a kitchen open to the living room, a laundry room, and a garage.

Dóris said she hoped to open the house to visitors who want to see the project once it is complete.

Provisionally named 2026 ED138, the object is located in a region beyond Neptune’s orbit. Initial estimates suggest it could measure between 370 and 930 miles in diameter, making it one of the largest potential dwarf planets identified in that distant region.

If additional observations confirm its characteristics, ED138 could become the sixth officially recognized dwarf planet, joining Pluto, Ceres, Eris, Haumea and Makemake. However, researchers have not yet established its exact dimensions or confirmed that it meets the necessary classification criteria.

What scientists know about the object discovered beyond Pluto

ED138 is currently located approximately 46 astronomical units from the Sun. One astronomical unit represents the average distance between Earth and the Sun. By comparison, Pluto orbits at an average distance of around 40 astronomical units.

This makes the newly identified body a trans-Neptunian object, a category that includes celestial bodies orbiting the Sun beyond Neptune.

Its estimated size is particularly significant. To qualify as a dwarf planet, an object must have enough mass for its own gravity to pull it into an approximately spherical shape. Scientists believe ED138 could meet this condition because icy objects of its estimated dimensions are generally expected to become rounded under their own gravity.

Still, brightness and distance alone cannot establish its precise size. Further observations, particularly in infrared wavelengths, will help researchers determine its physical characteristics and whether it qualifies for the classification.

How the Vera C. Rubin Observatory detected the distant world

The discovery came from an analysis of observations collected by the Simonyi Survey Telescope at the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. On October 13, astrophysicist Matthew Holman identified the object while processing data with a computer program designed to track moving bodies.

The software compares billions of detections to identify observations that correspond to the same moving object. After noticing ED138’s unusual brightness and distance, Holman began checking the results to rule out possible errors.

Additional research uncovered more observations in Rubin’s own records, including images dating back to March 2026. Scientists also located the object in archival images from other surveys taken as early as 2016, allowing them to reconstruct more than a decade of its orbital path.

The object had remained difficult to identify because it appeared against a crowded region of the sky near the Milky Way’s plane, where millions of stars can obscure faint celestial bodies.

Why this discovery could change what scientists know about the solar system

The possible classification of ED138 is important beyond the number of dwarf planets in the solar system. Studying distant trans-Neptunian objects helps astronomers investigate how the solar system formed and how the giant planets influenced the movement of smaller bodies over billions of years.

ED138’s orbit is tilted by nearly 25 degrees relative to the plane of the solar system. Researchers classify it as a hot-classical trans-Neptunian object, a characteristic that suggests gravitational interactions with Neptune may have altered its original orbit.

It is really important to consider that some countries do not allow entry if the passport will expire in six months. Renewal can be done by mail or online, as long as the person meets the requirements.

However, not all passengers with current passports can renew them. There are some situations where the person needs to initiate the procedure, like the first time.

What time is convenient to renew the passport before traveling?

Authorities recommend starting the process in advance because it can take a few weeks or even months to complete.

Those planning to travel in November, December, or January should check their passport’s expiration date and consult current processing times before organizing their trip.

This condition may also depend on airline policies, so it is advisable to check the specific requirements for the destination country before departure.

How to renew an American passport?

American citizens can renew this document via mail or online. To start this process through mail, the following steps must be done:

• Complete Form DS-82: You can fill it out online and print it, download the PDF and complete it by hand, or pick up a copy at a passport acceptance facility.
• Get a passport photo: The photo must meet the official requirements.
• Pay the required fee: The cost depends on the type of passport you are applying for.
• Send your most recent Passport: Your old passport will be returned separately after your new one is issued.
• Include proof of a name change, if applicable: You must provide legal documentation if you have changed your name.

Who cannot renew their passport and must apply for a new one?

Not all US citizens are eligible to renew their passports. According to USAGov, those who fall into any of the following categories must apply for a new passport in person using Form DS-11:

• Their passport was issued before they turned 16.
• Their passport was issued more than 15 years ago.
• Their passport is damaged, lost, or stolen.
• Their passport shows a previous name, and they do not have legal documentation to prove the name change.

An expired passport can still be renewed as long as it was issued within the past 15 years and meets the other eligibility requirements.

Travelers who need to leave the country urgently can check the US Department of State’s expedited processing options, which may involve additional fees.

For that reason, the National Commission for Micro and Small Enterprises (CONAMYPE) in El Salvador announced a new trade agreement that will bring local products closer to the U.S. market. The initiative includes opening a store in Texas.

In which city will a new store selling Salvadoran products open in the United States?

On Oct. 28, 2026, El Salvador’s CONAMYPE signed an agreement with the U.S. company Millennium 3000 Enterprise Inc. to boost sales of Salvadoran products in Dallas.

The initiative includes opening a new store that will display and sell products from Salvadoran small businesses, with the goal of bringing them closer to U.S. consumers and Salvadorans living in the country.

What Salvadoran products will be available at the new Dallas store?

According to CONAMYPE, among the main products that could be included are:

• Handicrafts.
• Handbags.
• Clothing.
• Coffee.
• Footwear.
• Chocolate.

These products are also currently sold through its international network.

The opening of the Dallas store seeks to expand opportunities for small Salvadoran producers in the U.S. market.

According to CONAMYPE, one of the main goals is to build ties with buyers, distributors, and consumers, especially those in the Salvadoran community.

The U.S. company will also have the chance to learn about the entrepreneurs’ offerings, assess their production capacity, and identify sales opportunities.

In which other countries are Salvadoran products sold?

The new store in Dallas is part of CONAMYPE’s Marketing House Program, a strategy launched in 2019 to make it easier for Salvadoran micro and small businesses to export.

Countries where sales agreements are currently in place include the United States, Canada, Honduras, Colombia, France, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Germany, Spain, the Czech Republic, Italy, Israel, and China.

In this way, the initiative aims not only to open new opportunities for Salvadoran entrepreneurs, but also to bring a piece of home to those living far away and who want to keep their connection to their roots.

This method, known as a simmer pot or stovetop potpourri, uses the aromatic compounds found in citrus peels and spices. In addition to adding a sweet, fresh scent, it lets you reuse peels that would normally end up in the trash.

Why people recommend boiling orange peels with cinnamon and what it’s good for

The main reason to use this combination is its ability to naturally scent indoor spaces. Orange peel contains essential oils rich in limonene, a substance responsible for much of its distinctive citrus smell. Cinnamon, meanwhile, adds compounds such as cinnamaldehyde, which give it its warm, spicy fragrance.

The effectiveness of this homemade air freshener is also backed by home-care experts. In comments cited by the U.S. magazine Good Housekeeping, expert Holderman recommends heating oranges, cinnamon sticks and other spices in a pot of water. She says the “steam gently scents the air without synthetic fragrances,” offering an alternative to commercial air fresheners.

Meanwhile, the home-design magazine Better Homes & Gardens notes that this technique makes it possible to reuse citrus peels and other food scraps to create natural scents inside the home.

The mixture can also help mask odors that linger in the kitchen after cooking certain foods, such as fish, fried foods or onions. But its effect is mainly aromatic: It does not remove airborne pollutants or replace regular ventilation and cleaning.

How do you boil orange peels with cinnamon to scent the whole house?

The recipe takes just a few ingredients and does not require any special tools. For a pleasant fragrance, experts recommend using cinnamon sticks and fresh orange peels.

Ingredients:

• Peels from one or two oranges.
• Two or three cinnamon sticks.
• Between 750 milliliters and 1 liter of water.
• Optional: cloves, star anise or a few apple slices.

Step by step:

1. Wash the oranges thoroughly before peeling them to remove any dirt.
2. Place the peels in a small pot with the cinnamon sticks.
3. Add water to cover the ingredients.
4. Heat the mixture until it begins to boil.
5. Lower the heat to the minimum and leave the pot uncovered to help the aroma spread.
6. Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer for about 20 to 30 minutes, depending on how strong you want the fragrance to be.
7. Turn off the heat and let the mixture cool.

Good Housekeeping recommends simmering the mixture for 20 to 30 minutes and says the same ingredients can be reheated throughout the day, as long as they still smell fragrant and enough water is added.

As the water heats up, aromatic compounds are released and spread through the rooms near the kitchen. The strength of the scent depends on the amount of ingredients, ventilation and the size of the home.

It is important to monitor the water level to keep it from evaporating completely and not leave the pot unattended on the stove. Finally, it is worth remembering that boiling orange and cinnamon does not disinfect or purify the air. Its main purpose is to provide a pleasant scent using everyday ingredients.

According to recommendations from the hazardous waste management program in King County, Washington, United States, the process involves dampening the inside of the oven, spreading baking soda and, for tougher stains, adding lemon juice. The key is to let the mixture sit and remove all residue without scratching the surfaces.

How to Clean the Oven With Baking Soda and Lemon, Step by Step

To remove burned-on grease from the oven, there is no need to start with a stiff brush or scrub hard.

The technique recommended by U.S. experts prioritizes letting the mixture sit and cleaning with a microfiber cloth.

The steps for the process are as follows:

1. Turn off the oven and let it cool completely. Never apply the mixture to a hot surface.
2. Lightly dampen the inside. Spread a little water over the dirty areas and the door, without soaking the electrical components.
3. Add the baking soda. Sprinkle about half a cup over the dirty areas and the inside of the door, as long as the manufacturer allows this type of cleaning.
4. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This gives surface grime time to start loosening.
5. Add lemon for tough stains. Cut a lemon into thick slices and squeeze its juice over the baking soda.
6. Wait 15 to 20 minutes. Let the mixture work on the grease before wiping it away.
7. Wipe with a damp microfiber cloth. Gently go over the treated areas and rinse out the cloth as many times as necessary.

Why Baking Soda Helps Remove Burned-On Grease

Baking soda is an alkaline ingredient that can help loosen certain residues and make cleaning easier with a gentle action. When combined with water and left to sit, it forms a paste that can be used on stains without immediately turning to abrasive tools.

Lemon adds citric acid and can help treat certain residues, although its effectiveness depends on the type of dirt and the surface. It is worth noting that older stains may require several passes or a specific oven cleaner.

What Precautions to Take to Avoid Damaging the Oven

Even when using common kitchen ingredients, not all surfaces tolerate the same cleaning methods.

Before applying baking soda and lemon, it is important to check the appliance manual and see which products the manufacturer recommends.

These are the main precautions:

• Do not use metal sponges or abrasive scrub pads, since they can scratch the glass and damage the finish.
• Avoid the seals, heating elements and electrical components. Liquid should not be introduced into the appliance’s sensitive areas.
• Do not apply lemon to surfaces that could be damaged by acids. If the manufacturer advises against this ingredient, it is better to use only the approved method.
• Remove all the baking soda before turning the oven back on. Any residue can create buildup or smoke when heated.
• Do not mix cleaning products with one another. In particular, never combine bleach with acids, ammonia or other cleaners.

For ovens with a self-cleaning function, catalytic coating or special enamel, it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s specific instructions, since some home methods may not be suitable.

The basis of this technique lies in the chemical properties of vinegar, which contains acetic acid diluted in water.

This compound can react with certain mineral deposits and help remove them as the ice cube melts.

What freezing white vinegar cubes is used for

The main use of the cubes is to make the product easier to apply directly. As it melts, the vinegar comes into contact with the surface and can act on some residue compatible with its acidity.

Possible uses include:

• Removing limescale deposits: acetic acid can react with calcium carbonate, one of the compounds found in the mineral buildup left by hard water.
• Making it easier to clean certain stains: on compatible surfaces, vinegar can help loosen some residue. Its effectiveness depends on the makeup of the stain.
• Applying the product to small areas: a cube makes it possible to dispense a limited amount of liquid in a specific spot, although it does not guarantee the product will stay in contact with the dirt longer.
• Helping reduce some odors: vinegar can alter or counteract certain compounds responsible for unpleasant smells, but it does not eliminate all odors or replace cleaning the source of the smell.

What happens when vinegar freezes: the physical and chemical explanation

To understand why this method is used, it is necessary to separate two processes: the physical change in the liquid’s state and the chemical reaction that can occur when vinegar comes into contact with certain residues.

Acetic acid can react with limescale

One application with a chemical basis is the removal of certain calcium carbonate deposits. Acetic acid reacts with that mineral and produces calcium acetate, carbon dioxide and water.

The reaction can be represented as follows: CaCO₃ + 2 CH₃COOH → Ca(CH₃COO)₂ + CO₂ + H₂O

In simple terms, the acid helps transform part of the mineral deposit and makes it easier to remove afterward. The result depends on the vinegar concentration, the amount of limescale, the contact time and the characteristics of the surface.

The vinegar cube

The main difference from liquid vinegar is the way it is applied. As it melts, the cube releases the product onto a specific area.

How to make vinegar cubes for cleaning

• Use an ice cube tray reserved exclusively for cleaning.
• Pour in small amounts of white vinegar, without filling each compartment completely.
• Place the tray in the freezer and check whether the liquid solidifies.
• Apply the cube only to a surface compatible with acidic products.
• Remove residue with a cloth or soft sponge, rinse when appropriate and dry.
• Do not use the tray to make ice for consumption after using it with cleaning products.

Where vinegar should not be used

Vinegar’s acidity can damage certain materials, even when applied in small amounts. That is why it is not recommended to use it indiscriminately throughout the home.

The Natural Stone Institute warns that vinegar and other acidic products can dull or damage acid-sensitive natural stones, including those that contain calcium carbonate.

It is best to avoid it on:

• Marble, travertine and other acid-sensitive natural stones.
• Stone surfaces whose manufacturer advises against acidic cleaners.
• Unsealed wood and waxed surfaces, if the manufacturer does not authorize their use.
• Materials or finishes with specific cleaning instructions that prohibit vinegar.

Coffee grounds left over after brewing usually end up in the trash. However, they can have a second use around the home if combined with baking soda, a common ingredient in household cleaning tricks.

How to Remove Grease From Pots With Baking Soda and Coffee

The secret of this mixture lies in the complementary action of its ingredients: baking soda works as a mild abrasive, while the coffee grounds add particles that help lift dirt during scrubbing.

According to the method shared by the channel, the mixture can be used to treat light grease residue on kitchen utensils.

Its effectiveness, however, depends on the type of grime and the material being cleaned: for stubborn stains or burnt-on food, a specific cleaner may be needed.

How to Make the Used Coffee and Baking Soda Mixture Step by Step

The preparation is simple and makes it possible to use ingredients that are usually available at home. To put it into practice, follow these steps:

1. Let the grounds dry: after brewing the coffee, set aside the grounds and let them dry partially.

2. Add the ingredients: mix two tablespoons of used coffee grounds with one tablespoon of baking soda in a small container.

3. Combine the mixture: stir until you get a smooth blend. If you need a thicker paste, add a few drops of water.

4. Apply to the surface: spread a small amount over the greasy area, only if the material can withstand this type of cleaning.

5. Scrub gently: use a suitable sponge or cloth to remove the residue without applying too much pressure.

6. Rinse well: remove all residue and finish cleaning with water and your usual detergent if needed.

It is best to prepare only the amount you plan to use right away, rather than storing the mixture for several days.

What Other Uses Does Baking Soda and Used Coffee Have?

Beyond its possible use on light grease, the ingredients have household applications related to cleaning and odor control.

• Deodorize containers: baking soda can help neutralize some unpleasant odors.
• Clean durable surfaces: the grounds can help loosen certain residue through scrubbing.
• Reuse organic waste: reusing coffee helps reduce the amount of waste thrown away after brewing.

However, it is important to distinguish between cleaning and disinfecting. This mixture should not be considered a disinfectant, and it does not guarantee the elimination of bacteria.

What Are the Properties of Baking Soda and Used Coffee: Their Cleaning Action

Baking soda is commonly used in household cleaning because it can help lift dirt and neutralize certain odors. Used coffee grounds, meanwhile, provide a gritty texture that can help remove some residue through scrubbing.

When combined, the two ingredients make a mixture that can help remove light grease residue from durable surfaces.

It should be noted that before using this method, it is important to make sure the surface is compatible and avoid using it on nonstick cookware.

Although both are worn around the body, they do not work the same way because some no-pull models have a front clip that helps redirect the dog when it tries to move forward, while conventional harnesses usually attach the leash to the back.

However, design and fit also affect comfort and freedom of movement. In that regard, a scientific review published in 2025 in the journal Animals examined research on collars and harnesses for dogs and their effects on gait, body pressure and stress signals.

Standard or No-Pull Harness for Dogs: Which Can Make Walks Easier if Your Dog Pulls on the Leash

Noticing the dog’s behavior is essential when buying a harness. That is why, if it pulls on the leash or has trouble walking beside its owner, a front-clip no-pull model can help redirect it and make handling easier.

By contrast, if it walks calmly and does not need much correction, a standard harness with a back clip may be enough. The scientific review published in 2025 in the journal Animals analyzed 21 full articles and two research abstracts on collars and harnesses for dogs. The authors concluded that the choice should take into account both the dog’s needs and those of the person walking it.

For dogs that pull, the review notes that front-clip harnesses that do not tighten or constrict when the dog pulls can offer a balance between control and comfort.

Before buying, it is helpful to distinguish between two options:

• Standard harness with back clip: the leash attaches to the back. It may be enough for dogs that walk without constantly pulling.
• No-pull harness with front clip: the leash attaches to the chest and gently redirects the dog when it tries to move forward by pulling.

Which Harness Can Protect Your Dog’s Comfort Based on Its Size and Walking Style

In addition to making walks easier to manage, a harness should let the dog move without discomfort. To choose one, buyers can look at where the straps rest, how it fits the body and whether it limits the movement of the front legs.

The VCA Animal Hospitals guide, prepared by veterinary professionals and animal behavior specialists, warns that some front-clip harnesses can rest on the shoulder joints and restrict movement. For that reason, it recommends paying attention to design and fit, since the harness should fit snugly without rubbing behind the elbows or keeping the dog from moving its legs normally:

• Fit: it should stay secure without squeezing or causing chafing.
• Freedom of movement: the straps should not hinder the front legs or press directly on the shoulder joints.
• Design: Y-shaped models or those with a chest strap can be alternatives for dogs that do not need as much correction while walking, though it is worth checking how they fit the body.
• Special needs: if the dog has breathing problems, is older, has neck pain or has any mobility issue, it is advisable to consult a veterinarian about those specific cases to choose the right equipment.

Under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed into law on July 4, 2025, new Parent PLUS loans now have caps for the first time, according to the U.S. Department of Education.

What are the new limits on the federal college loan?

For parent PLUS loans taken out on or after July 1, 2026, parents can borrow:

• Up to $20,000 per year for each dependent student.
• Up to $65,000 in total per student, including amounts already paid off or forgiven.

Although there is an important exception. If the student or the parent already had a federal direct loan made before July 1, 2026, the loaner can keep borrowing under the previous rules.

According to Dartmouth College’s financial aid office, the limit is for three more academic years or the rest of the student’s expected time in school.

What do the new changes mean for students

The limits that students can borrow on their own, through direct subsidized and unsubsidized loans, did not change for undergraduates. Students also have a new lifetime limit of $257,500 across all their federal loans.

If a parent is denied a PLUS loan because of adverse credit, the student can borrow more in unsubsidized loans. But if the parents simply reach the new $20,000 or $65,000 cap, the student’s limit does not increase.

How will students and parents have to pay it back?

Parents with new loans will also have fewer repayment options. Parent PLUS loans can only be repaid under the new Tiered Standard Plan, which defines the monthly payments based on:

• The amount of your principal balance that you owe at the time that you enter the plan,
• The interest rate on your loans, and
• The length of the repayment period.

The maximum repayment periods are:

• 10 years: Less than $25,000 borrowed
• 15 years: Equal to or greater than $25,000 but less than $50,000
• 20 years: Equal to or greater than $50,000 but less than $100,000
• 25 years: Equal or greater than 100,000

The study The Effect of Sodium Bicarbonate on Powdery Mildew in Tomato, published in 1999 by the International Society for Horticultural Science, evaluated the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate against powdery mildew in three tomato varieties grown in a greenhouse. The results were previously presented at a symposium held November 3-5, 1997, in Antalya, Turkey.

What does the scientific study say about baking soda on plants?

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that produces a whitish coating on leaves, stems, and, in some cases, flowers. If the infection progresses, it can cause discoloration, deformities, and slower plant growth.

The study evaluated the effectiveness of sodium bicarbonate against powdery mildew in three tomato varieties grown in a greenhouse and found that it can help reduce the fungus’s growth and limit the spread of the disease.

How does baking soda work against the white powder on leaves?

The researchers compared this treatment with sulfur and a fungicide based on triforine. According to the results, five applications of baking soda were needed to control the disease, while sulfur was able to prevent it entirely after two applications.

No statistically significant differences were found in the yield of the three varieties. In that sense, the study shows that baking soda can be an alternative for controlling powdery mildew.

What precautions should be taken before applying it?

Although baking soda can help control some fungi, using it in excess can damage plant tissue. For that reason, it’s important to avoid overly concentrated mixtures and to test any treatment first on a small part of the plant.

It is also advisable to avoid applying it during hours of intense sun, since high-radiation conditions can increase the risk of phytotoxicity, that is, damage to plant tissue, according to a 2003 study published in the journal Communications in Agricultural and Applied Biological Sciences.

The United States Needs 349,000 Construction Workers in 2026 and Another 456,000 in 2027

According to ABC’s analysis, published in early 2026, U.S. construction needs to attract about 349,000 net new workers this year to balance labor supply and demand, and another 456,000 next year.

The estimate comes from the association’s own model, which cross-references construction spending (using Census data) with industry employment (using Labor Department data) and calculates that every additional $1 billion in construction spending translates into about 3,450 jobs.

Why Workers Are in Short Supply

The shortage does not stem from a single cause, but from a combination of factors:

• Retirements: according to ABC, most of the demand for new workers in 2026 is driven by veteran employees leaving the industry, rather than by growth in construction activity.
• An aging workforce: the industry’s workforce is getting older; among electricians, roughly one in five is over 55.
• The data center boom: the rapid construction of data centers, driven by artificial intelligence, has sharply increased demand for certain skilled trades, especially electricians able to do precision wiring.
• Immigration: ABC calls it a “wild card.” Fewer border crossings and more workers leaving the field could reduce the labor supply, though the extent is still unclear.

The association also points to other factors, including high material costs, tariffs and the sector’s rapid technological change.

Who Is Most in Demand

Within construction, not all trades are in equal demand. Electricians stand out as one of the most sought-after roles, for two reasons: the aging of that workforce (with a significant share nearing retirement) and the explosion in data centers, which require specialized, precision electrical work.

If the process is handled this way, it is important to note that the passport being renewed must be sent to the authorities, who will hold it until the process is completed and then return it separately in a sealed envelope to the person’s home.

Old passports will be invalid for international travel, but they can be kept in case they are ever needed as proof of citizenship.

Renewing an international ID by mail: who can do it

This process can be done by mail as long as the following conditions are met:

• The most recent passport can be submitted with the application
• The passport was never reported lost or stolen
• The passport was issued within the last 15 years
• The passport was issued when the holder was 16 or older and was valid for 10 years
• The document has the current name or legal proof of any name change can be provided
• The passport is not severely damaged

How long the passport being renewed is held during this process

One of the essential steps to renew by mail is submitting the previous passport in person. Routine passport processing takes 4 to 6 weeks, although it is possible to pay for expedited service.

This can add another 2 weeks after processing before the new passport is sent out and, in this case, authorities say the old passport being held can arrive at home up to 2 weeks after the new passport has been received.

Renewing an international ID by mail: steps to complete the process

To complete this process, you will need to:

• Fill out the online form and print it
• Provide the most recent passport with the application
• If changing names from the previous passport, submit documents legally proving it
• Provide a passport-size photo that meets the requirements. It must be stapled to the form and cannot be folded
• Pay the renewal fee
• Mail the application and supporting documents through the Postal Service

Those who want to check the status of their application can do so by visiting this link.

One important detail is that the November SSI payment will arrive on Friday, October 30. The payment is being issued before the month begins because November 1 falls on a Sunday. This is a calendar adjustment, not an additional benefit or an increase in the monthly payment.

What are the Social Security payment dates for November 2026?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) sets payment dates according to the beneficiary’s situation. The November schedule includes the following dates:

• Friday, October 30: November’s SSI payment for eligible recipients.
• Tuesday, November 3: Social Security recipients who began receiving benefits before May 1997, as well as people who receive both Social Security and SSI, under the agency’s payment rules.
• Tuesday, November 10: Social Security beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month. The payment is scheduled a day earlier because November 11 is Veterans Day, a federal holiday.
• Wednesday, November 18: Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th.
• Wednesday, November 25: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st.

The schedule is published in the SSA’s official 2026 payment calendar.

Why is SSI paid before November begins?

The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program generally pays benefits on the first day of each month. When that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday, the payment is typically issued on the preceding business day.

Since November 1, 2026, falls on a Sunday, the SSA has scheduled the November SSI deposit for Friday, October 30.

Receiving the money in October does not mean beneficiaries will receive an extra SSI payment for November. It is the regular monthly benefit, paid early because of the calendar.

SSI provides financial assistance to eligible people who have limited income and resources and are aged 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability. Children with qualifying disabilities may also be eligible.

What should beneficiaries do if a payment is late?

The SSA recommends allowing three additional mailing days after the expected payment date before contacting the agency if the money has not arrived.

Beneficiaries can also check their bank account or designated payment method and review the official calendar to confirm which date applies to their benefit. For the most reliable information, they should use the Social Security Administration’s official website and payment resources.

The flight came more than two years after the Air Force retired its entire KC-10 fleet in September 2024. Rather than returning to military service, this aircraft is beginning a new stage under civilian ownership.

From the aircraft boneyard to a new destination

The aircraft, previously identified as 86-0034, had been stored at Davis-Monthan since 2021. It was among 10 retired KC-10 tankers offered for sale through a government auction in 2025.

Its return to flight highlights how retired military aircraft can find another use after leaving active duty. In this case, the new owner specializes in contracted aerial refueling, a service that helps military aircraft extend their range and remain airborne longer.

Photographs taken after the aircraft reached San Antonio showed it without its original aerial refueling boom. Omega has not announced when the KC-10 will begin operational missions or what modifications it may receive before entering service with the company.

The KC-10’s legacy in U.S. military aviation

The KC-10 Extender entered Air Force service in 1981 and remained part of its fleet for more than four decades. Built from the three-engine McDonnell Douglas DC-10, it was designed primarily to refuel aircraft in flight while also carrying personnel and equipment.

The tanker supported U.S. and allied military operations, helping aircraft travel longer distances without landing to refuel. Its cargo capacity also allowed it to transport supplies and personnel, making it a versatile asset for overseas deployments.

The Air Force retired the KC-10 in 2024 as it transitioned to newer aircraft, including the KC-46A Pegasus. The farewell marked the end of the type’s military service, but the return of 86-0034 to the skies shows that retirement does not necessarily mean the end of an aircraft’s flying life.

Omega already operates modified Boeing 707 and DC-10 aircraft for contracted aerial refueling. The company has not yet disclosed the timetable for the KC-10’s next steps, leaving its future operational role to be determined.

The refundable amount is particularly relevant for taxpayers whose federal income tax liability is lower than the credit they qualify for. However, the maximum is not an automatic payment: the amount a family receives depends on its eligibility and qualifying expenses.

Families will claim this benefit when filing their 2026 federal income tax returns in 2027, covering eligible adoption expenses and income from the 2026 tax year.

Which adoption expenses qualify for the IRS tax credit?

The Adoption Tax Credit is designed to help families cover reasonable and necessary expenses directly related to the legal adoption of an eligible child. According to the IRS, these costs can include:

• Adoption fees and other expenses directly related to the legal process.
• Attorney fees incurred during the adoption.
• Court costs associated with finalizing the adoption.
• Travel expenses, including meals and lodging when traveling for adoption-related purposes.
• Home study fees and certain other expenses paid before an eligible child has been identified.

Not every expense qualifies. Costs reimbursed by an employer or paid through a federal, state or local assistance program generally cannot be claimed again as eligible adoption expenses. Expenses related to adopting a spouse’s child or to a surrogacy arrangement are also excluded.

The maximum credit applies separately to each eligible child, although taxpayers must account for amounts previously claimed for the same adoption.

Who qualifies for the Adoption Tax Credit in 2026?

Eligibility depends on the child, the taxpayer’s income and the circumstances of the adoption.

The IRS generally considers a child eligible if they are under 18 years old or are physically or mentally unable to care for themselves. The credit can apply to domestic and international adoptions, as well as adoptions through public or private foster care.

Income is another key factor. For the 2026 tax year, the IRS sets the following modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) thresholds:

• $265,080 or less: taxpayers may qualify for the full credit.
• Between $265,081 and $305,079: the available credit is reduced.
• $305,080 or more: taxpayers generally cannot claim the credit.

Married taxpayers generally must file a joint return, although exceptions apply in certain circumstances. Families adopting a child with special needs may qualify for the full credit even if they did not pay qualifying adoption expenses, provided the applicable requirements are met.

How to claim the adoption benefit

Eligible taxpayers must complete IRS Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, and attach it to their federal income tax return. For the refundable portion in 2026, the IRS also requires Schedule 3-A (Form 1040).

The credit is subject to specific rules about when expenses can be claimed, particularly for international adoptions and adoptions that have not yet been finalized. Families should consult the IRS instructions to determine the appropriate tax year and amount.

An ITIN is a nine-digit number used for federal tax purposes by people who need a US taxpayer identification number but are not eligible for a Social Security number. The IRS says taxpayers only need to renew an expired ITIN if they plan to use it on a federal tax return.

Who needs to renew an ITIN before December?

Taxpayers whose ITINs were not included on a federal tax return for all three consecutive tax years — 2023, 2024 and 2025 — will see their numbers expire at the end of 2026. They should check their tax records to determine whether their ITIN is still valid.

However, not everyone with an ITIN needs to renew it. If the number is used only on information returns, such as Form 1099, to report payments received, renewal is not required for that purpose.

How to renew an expired ITIN

Taxpayers who need to renew their ITIN must complete Form W-7, Application for IRS Individual Taxpayer Identification Number. In most cases, they must submit the form with a federal tax return and the required supporting identification documents.

An expired ITIN can delay the processing of a tax return, and taxpayers may be unable to claim certain tax credits until they renew it. The IRS recommends checking the number’s status and submitting a renewal application if it will be needed for an upcoming federal tax return.

That range is an estimate from the plaintiffs’ attorneys, and the final amount could be higher or lower. Judge Leigh Martin May of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia granted preliminary approval Aug. 17.

The case stems from a coding error in one of Equifax’s older servers that sent inaccurate information to lenders and other businesses from March 17 to April 8, 2022. Equifax denies wrongdoing.

Who qualifies for a payment from Equifax’s $100M credit score settlement?

The settlement covers people in the U.S. whose credit score or credit attribute was reported to a third party with an error caused by the glitch. An attribute is a single data point in a credit file, such as the number of recent inquiries.

Eligibility comes from Equifax’s internal review of the error, not from your own judgment. People on that list were notified by email or U.S. mail. Anyone who didn’t get a notice can call the settlement administrator, Verita Global, at 1-888-808-1542.

How do you claim your Equifax settlement payment by Dec. 28?

The fastest option is to file online at EquifaxFairCreditReportingSettlement.com, using the Claim ID and PIN from your notice. Filing online is also the only way to get paid electronically.

Paper forms must be postmarked by Dec. 28 and mailed to Equifax FCRA Litigation, P.O. Box 301132, Los Angeles, CA 90030-1132. People who file by mail are paid by check, and incomplete forms can be rejected.

There are other options, and their deadline is Nov. 27:

• Opt out: Mail a signed request to be excluded. You give up the payment but keep the right to sue Equifax on your own.
• Object: Tell the court in writing why you oppose the deal. You can still file a claim.
• Do nothing: You get no money and lose the right to sue over the error.

When could Equifax settlement payments of $95 to $280 arrive?

Payments can’t start before Jan. 22, 2027, when Judge May will hold a hearing on final approval. After approval, the money waits out the appeal period, so any appeal would delay checks.

Each valid claimant gets an equal share of what’s left after court-approved costs. Those include up to $33,333,333 in attorneys’ fees and $500,000 in expenses that the lawyers plan to request. The more people file, the smaller each share.

The State Department requires an in-person identity check for the applicant and several additional forms of documentation, and also uses different forms depending on when the document was issued and the circumstances of the change. All of that would mean more steps and more delay.

The requirement is especially important for people who began using another last name after marriage, divorce or for personal or professional reasons, but never formalized that change with an authority.

United States Blocks Routine Passport Renewal for Citizens With an Undeclared Name Change

According to the federal government, there are circumstances that prevent use of the normal passport renewal process, including: “Your passport does not have your legal name and you do not have a legal document to prove the name change”.

A lack of legal documentation can prevent someone from getting a standard passport renewal, but not necessarily from getting a document in the name they currently use. In these cases, the State Department provides for a special process that requires proof of identity and additional documentation.

What to Do if There Is No Legal Document

Anyone using another name but who does not have a court order, divorce decree or marriage certificate must apply for the passport in person and also submit:

• Form DS-11.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship.
• A valid ID issued in the name currently used, with a photocopy.
• A color passport photo.
• Payment of the applicable fee, which varies by age.

In addition, if the current name differs from the one on the citizenship document and the change cannot be proven through marriage or a court order, Form DS-60 must be completed, an affidavit of name change. It must be signed by two people who know the applicant by both names, and three public records, original or certified, must be attached showing use of the new name for five years or more.

What Documents Prove a Name Change

The State Department says people who have already legally changed their name must submit documentation that can verify that change, such as:

• A marriage certificate showing the new last name.
• A divorce judgment or decree establishing the name change.
• A court order authorizing the change.

It should be noted that the form to complete depends on each applicant’s personal circumstances:

• Form DS-5504: applies to people who legally changed their name within one year of the passport being issued. It is mailed with the most recent passport, the document proving the change and a photo. There is no fee, except for expedited service, which costs US$60.
• Form DS-82: for mail renewal when more than a year has passed, as long as the requirements are met and a certified copy of the legal document is submitted.
• Form DS-11: to apply for the passport in person when it cannot be renewed by mail.

Now retired as a librarian, she decided to look for an unconventional solution. Along the way, she gave up a very special childhood possession and found a way to build that allowed her to turn her project into reality without relying on a traditional construction job.

Her story ended up becoming a commitment to green building in the seaside town of Los Angeles, near Necochea, Argentina. There, she built a home with thousands of recycled bottles and showed that, with ingenuity, help, and persistence, a dream that once seemed far away could take shape by the sea.

How did she get the money to buy a beachfront lot?

In 2011, Elina Monferrer discovered the seaside town of Los Angeles, a coastal community about 30 kilometers from Necochea, in Buenos Aires province. The scenery convinced her she wanted to live there, but the lot she liked cost $7,500, and she had just $900 to put down as a deposit. Instead of giving up on the project, she turned to a personal loan and got help from her aunt Herminia, who also took out a loan to help with the purchase.

At the time, she was still working as a librarian and used part of her salary to keep up with the payments. The opportunity came when she remembered that she had kept a collection of Donald Duck comic books since childhood and decided to sell them to a Brazilian buyer for $1,800, money that brought her closer to her goal, along with the loan her father took out to cover the closing costs.

With the lot secured, she still had to figure out how to build a house without the budget for a conventional project. That is why Elina began researching eco-friendly building options, such as adobe homes, the use of discarded materials, and walls made with reused bottles.

How she built her house walls with 14,500 recycled bottles

To find an alternative to bricks, Elina got in touch through Facebook with Ingrid Vaca Diez, a Bolivian lawyer promoting homes built with reused materials, who guided her in gathering the containers she needed to build the walls. She asked relatives, friends, and neighbors not to throw away empty bottles and also went out looking for the ones she found on the street.

On her trips from Tandil to the seaside town, she carried the containers in the trunk and on the seats of her car to fill them with compacted sand and place them in rows, joined with a mix of cement and sand, much like bricks. With help from her aunt, a mason friend, and advice from a master builder, Elina was able to build her house with the money she had, putting it into cement, iron, and other materials, without setting a deadline to finish.

What is the eco-friendly house she built to live near the sea like

The walls are 37 centimeters thick and are made mostly of plastic bottles and glass containers to let in light. It is worth noting that Elina designed a home with a bedroom, a bathroom, a powder room, and a large living room that could also serve as a kitchen and host relatives during visits, but the house has conventional foundations, columns, and roofs because the bottles were used to build only the walls.

Elina finished the roof in 2018, after buying the wood little by little and getting flexibility on labor payments. In May that year, she retired as a librarian, and on July 1, she moved permanently to the seaside town of Los Angeles, after eight years and with a few things still left to finish, such as plastering less visible areas and painting the walls.

The home is about 70 to 80 meters from the beach, she told Infobrisas. Her daily life is not limited to enjoying the scenery, either, as she runs a small grocery shop, makes chipa for visitors, and crafts handbags from soda can tabs.

Six years later, Bowen was back working at the resort. In an interview with Business Insider, he talked about his experience and why he decided to return to a job he had left for personal reasons.

Why did Michael Bowen leave his job to become a Disney driver?

For much of his adult life, Bowen worked in churches.

He studied at a university and a Bible school to become a minister, although over time he began to question whether that profession was really what he wanted for his future.

While working at a small church that could not pay him a full-time salary, he got an additional job as a school bus driver.

In 2017, during a vacation in Florida, he visited Disney World and realized he could combine his driving experience with his interest in the resort.

In January 2020, he moved to Florida. After getting the proper driver’s license and waiting for an opening, he started working at Disney.

What benefits did he find in working as a Disney driver?

Bowen said one of the biggest changes was having job stability and benefits he had not always had in previous jobs.

Among the advantages he highlighted were paid vacation, retirement benefits and health insurance, coverage he said he had not had for a long time.

However, in May 2022 he left the job after going through a separation and divorce. He moved to Oregon, where he continued working as a city bus driver, although he said he was not happy.

In 2025 he returned to Florida with his current wife. While waiting for another opportunity at Disney, he worked for a company that provided transportation services to Universal Studios. Finally, in April 2026 he returned to driving buses at Walt Disney World, at age 50.

In the interview, Bowen acknowledged that his job is not usually considered especially prestigious, but he highlighted the small interactions with visitors and the chance to enjoy the parks.

The study describing it for the first time was published April 24, 2025, in the scientific journal Science, which highlights how rare the discovery is: “Worldwide, predatory caterpillars account for less than 0.13% of the nearly 200,000 species of moths and butterflies.”

What the New and Strange Hawaiian Caterpillar Scientists Found Is Like

This insect is a member of the Hawaiian caterpillar family known as Fancy Case or Hyposmocoma. It is among the few that are carnivorous and survives in webs built inside rock cavities or tree hollows.

Experts explain that its evolutionary origins date back at least six million years, which places them long before the Hawaiian Islands even existed as they are known today. That suggests they may once have lived in a much larger area that is now underwater.

At the time of the discovery, it was determined that this caterpillar is endangered, since it was seen only in a 15-square-kilometer patch of forest in the Waiʻanae Range on the island of Oʻahu.

Why the “Bone Collector” Caterpillar Is So Strange

Experts describe a strange habit that sets these caterpillars apart: they live in webs where different insects get trapped and feed on the carcasses when they find them, though they can also eat insects caught by spiders. The study says they can even chew through the web’s silk threads to reach their food.

“They are not only the only caterpillars in the world that decorate their homes with body parts, but perhaps even more remarkably, they make a living hanging around spider webs. This is something we never imagined possible. But in Hawaii, it happens,” said Dan Rubinoff, a university professor and co-author of the study.

Because they can eat one another, there is usually only one of these caterpillars per web.

The Caterpillars That Decorate Their Homes With Insect Parts

Experts spotted remains from more than six different insect families in the caterpillars’ “home” -- their silk structures.

“When decorating their portable silk cases, the caterpillars are very selective. The body parts are carefully measured for size before the caterpillar adds them to its collection,” the experts said.

The study emphasizes the importance of “conservation attention” to preserve specimens of this strange species, which we now know is part of the Hawaiian ecosystem.

According to the Internal Revenue Code (IRC), these penalties can vary depending on the type and severity of the violation and whether the taxpayer properly reported certain transactions.

Who could face penalties for underreporting taxes?

Under IRS section 6662, taxpayers who report less tax than they actually owe could face financial penalties from the IRS.

The rules cover several situations that can trigger penalties:

• Failing to report all taxable income.
• Claiming deductions or tax credits for which the taxpayer does not qualify.
• Acting negligently or failing to comply with tax rules.
• Substantially underreporting income tax.
• Incorrectly reporting the value of certain property or assets.

For individuals, a substantial understatement generally exists when the difference exceeds 10% of the tax that should have been reported or $5,000, whichever is greater. The penalty is not applied automatically.

Who could face penalties for omitting certain transactions from a tax return?

According to IRC section 6662A, those who incorrectly report certain tax transactions and as a result reduce the taxes they owe could face additional penalties.

The provision covers two types of transactions:

• Transactions on the IRS list: transactions the agency identifies as tax-avoidance arrangements or substantially similar to them.
• Other reportable transactions: transactions whose significant purpose is to avoid or evade federal income tax.

In these cases, failing to report the transactions as required by law can increase the penalty rate.

How is the penalty rate determined?

The Internal Revenue Code sets different penalty rates depending on the type of violation and the circumstances of each case:

• 20%:
• • Regla general para determinadas subestimaciones de impuestos, negligencia y otras infracciones del artículo 6662.
  • Subestimaciones relacionadas con las transacciones comprendidas en el artículo 6662A, cuando se cumplen con los requisitos de divulgación.
• 30%: understatements tied to Section 6662A transactions that were not properly disclosed.
• 40%: certain aggravated violations, such as grossly incorrect valuations or certain undisclosed transactions lacking economic substance.

The percentages are calculated on the portion of tax not paid or on the tax understatement determined under the applicable provision. The 20% and 30% penalties under Section 6662A do not stack on the same understatement. The 30% rate replaces the 20% rate when the conditions set by law are met.

What should you do if you made an unintentional mistake on your tax return?

The IRS allows taxpayers to correct certain errors on their tax returns through Form 1040-X, which is used to amend previously filed individual returns.

• Review the original return and identify the incorrect information.
• Determine whether an amended return should be filed.
• Complete Form 1040-X and include the necessary documents.
• Pay any additional tax owed, if applicable, to avoid more interest and possible penalties.
• Request a reduction or removal of the penalty if there are grounds that justify the failure to comply.

The IRS allows exceptions for certain taxpayers who can show they acted with reasonable cause and in good faith.

According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), these drivers’ licenses must be renewed every five years. Although the application can be started online, it is mandatory to go to an office to complete the process.

What process must drivers 70 and older complete in California?

The DMV says motorists 70 and older must renew their license in person when the expiration date arrives.

To complete the process, they must meet the following requirements:

• Submit a renewal application, which can be started online.
• Appear in person at a DMV office.
• Take and pass a vision test.
• Update their license photo.
• Complete other evaluations if the agency deems them necessary.

Since October 2024, the DMV has stopped requiring the written test for most drivers renewing their license, although it may still require one in certain cases.

The vision test and in-person renewal remain mandatory for people 70 and older.

What happens if a driver 70 or older does not renew their license?

California drivers who do not complete the process before their license expires will not be able to keep driving legally until it is renewed.

The DMV says anyone 70 or older at the time of expiration must go to an office to renew the document and pass the vision test.

The application can be started online, but the process is not complete without the in-person step. For that reason, the agency recommends starting the process early to avoid letting the license lapse.

Some think it means “one-way,” and others simply do not know what it means. In fact, it warns of something very specific about what lies ahead on the road.

What the traffic sign with two arrows in opposite directions around a center divider means

The sign is part of the warning category, which alerts drivers to a road condition ahead. It is a yellow diamond with a black symbol that shows how the road splits in two: the drawing shows a center divider, a median or landscaped strip, with traffic moving on either side.

Its message is that, from that point on, the road becomes a divided highway: the two directions of travel no longer share the same pavement and instead run on separate roadways, with a median in the middle. In other words, from that point on there will be no oncoming traffic until the divider ends.

What to do when you see it

The correct response when you see the sign is to stay to the right of the center divider. Because the road splits, each direction has its own roadway, and drivers must stay on the one that applies to them.

While the median continues, there will be no vehicles coming toward you, but you also cannot use the other side to pass, because that is the roadway for traffic in the opposite direction.

Why it is important to recognize it

Beyond the maneuver itself, the value of this sign is safety. Divided roads reduce head-on crashes precisely because they separate traffic in opposite directions, but the points where that division begins or ends are transition zones where a misreading can be serious.

Understanding in time that the road splits, and especially when it joins back together, is key to avoiding driving the wrong way.

“I figured I’d just sit down, and instead of writing you a letter, just make use of tape. It would be a hell of a lot easier,” he said in the recording. “You know how much I hate writing.” Kowalczyk added on the recording available on the official National Postal Museum’s website.

The result is a letter you can hear

The soldier’s idea turned out to be a tape of about 43 minutes and more than 8,600 words, according to Smithsonian Magazine. His mother was supposed to record her own message on the other side and mail it back.

Audio letters were not new and were used during World War II, where soldiers could record short messages that then were sent home. By the Vietnam era, some used tape records to send longer personal messages.

What did Kowalczyk tell in his 43-minute-long audio letter?

In an almost nonstop monologue, Kowalczyk asked whether his father was back to working 12-hour shifts, how his siblings were doing, and even whether a neighbor named Carol had married. “Billy still the big Casanova, or has Paulie taken over his place now?” he asked.

But the war kept breaking in. He mentioned a soldier from his company who bled to death in a bunker because no one came to help him. At one point, a helicopter can be heard passing overhead.

“That’s a moment that you can’t get in a written letter,” said Lynn Heidelbaugh, a curator at the Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum, who acquired the tape from the family in 2011 for its permanent exhibition.

What happened to Kowalczyk after the letter?

Frank Kowalczyk returned from Vietnam, and the tape just sat in a basement for years. Like many veterans, he didn’t talk much about the war, according to his daughter.

When he agreed to donate it, he found the idea funny: “He did remark that it’s funny that somebody would want this. That it’s just him talking about the weather and bugs,” said Manda Kowalczyk, his daughter, who works at the same museum.

Frank died in 2024. But for his daughter, the recording revealed a side of him she had never known. “To be able to hear his voice and Chicago’s accent. And hearing it just sound like home,” she said

While several requirements must be met, those who have been married for more than 10 years to someone who receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits could receive money based on the ex-spouse’s earnings even after the separation.

“Your marriage may be in the past, but Social Security benefits may still be in your future,” the agency says.

“Divorced spouse benefits”: those who were married for at least 10 years could receive them

According to the official information, these benefits may still be available after divorce for those who meet the following requirements:

• They were married for at least 10 years
• They are 62 or older
• They have not remarried or are divorced again

It is important to note that people who have been divorced for at least two years and meet the requirements above may apply for benefits even if the ex-spouse has not filed an application of their own.

How to apply and what documents are required

The application can be started online, and the following information must be submitted:

• Social Security Number (SSN)
• Place of birth information
• Employer names, dates worked, hourly wage, and earnings from the last 5 years
• Ex-spouse’s SSN and date of birth
• Date of divorce
• Place of marriage
• Bank routing number and account number

“When you apply, we will review your record and check all the benefits you may be entitled to. If we need documents or more information, we will contact you,” it says.

What happens if the ex-spouse dies

In these cases, you may qualify for benefits if:

• You are at least 60; 50 if you have a disability; or any age if you care for the ex-spouse’s child under 16 or older than that but with a disability
• You were married for 10 years before the divorce
• You are not currently married
• You are not entitled to a higher benefit based on your own work record

“The amount you receive will not reduce the benefits paid to your ex-spouse’s current spouse or other family members,” it explains.

The change comes under Assembly Bill 3138 (AB 3138), signed into law in 2024. The measure does not require drivers to replace their traditional plates, but allows them to opt for approved alternatives under specific conditions.

What alternatives will California drivers be able to use?

Under AB 3138, any vehicle may be offered an alternative device to a traditional license plate or registration card that includes vehicle location technology. The law also expands the types of specialized license plates that may be replicated on alternative devices.

The devices must be approved by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and the California Highway Patrol before they can be used. Drivers can choose whether to use an alternative device instead of a conventional plate or registration document.

What rules apply to digital license plates?

The law establishes privacy protections for devices that include vehicle location technology. Drivers must be able to manually turn tracking on or off from inside the vehicle, without needing an app, password, or online account. Once disabled manually, the tracking function cannot be reactivated remotely.

Alternative devices also cannot record or transmit personally identifiable information. Data shared with the DMV must be limited to what is necessary to verify registration compliance. These requirements are intended to give drivers more control over location tracking while allowing alternative devices to be used under the state’s vehicle registration program.

According to Utah State University, overwatering is one of the main causes of problems in houseplants. The university warns that keeping soil too wet can encourage organisms that cause root rot.

Why can overwatering cause yellow leaves on plants?

When soil stays saturated, roots can be damaged by a lack of oxygen. This makes it harder for the plant to absorb water and affects its growth.

Experts warn that too much moisture can cause symptoms similar to drought, such as wilted or yellowing leaves. That is why watering again without checking the soil can make the problem worse.

The university also says that a growing medium that is too wet can encourage organisms that cause root rot, especially in houseplants.

How can you tell if a plant needs water before watering it?

The university recommends checking the soil moisture instead of following the same watering schedule for every plant.

To tell whether they need water, experts recommend:

• Insert a finger a few inches into the soil: This lets you check whether the growing medium is still moist below the surface.
• Look at the soil: if it is light in color, cracked and pulling away from the sides of the pot, it may be too dry.
• Watch for excess moisture: a dark, slimy growing medium can indicate too much water and a risk of root rot.
• Check the drainage: when watering, the water should be able to drain through the holes in the pot. After about an hour, it is a good idea to remove any water that has collected in the saucer.

The watering frequency depends on factors such as light, temperature, humidity, pot size and the type of growing medium. That is why there is no single number of days between waterings that works for every plant.

The find came in a region of rocky formations and natural caves, where researchers observed several specimens. But it was the analysis of DNA that solved the mystery and determined the animal did not belong to any species known at the time.

The snake has physical traits that set it apart from other pit vipers in its genus, but researchers still have questions about its range and the danger it poses to people.

What the new venomous pit viper looks like: It measures 82.5 centimeters and has an orange snout

The new species identified by researchers is Protobothrops flavirostris, a venomous pit viper distinguished by its orange snout and triangular head. The reference specimen used to describe it was an adult female measuring 82.5 centimeters in total length, with a dark brown head, a brown or grayish-brown body and large reddish cross-shaped markings edged in black.

The combination of its physical traits set it apart from other pit vipers in the genus Protobothrops. Among its distinguishing features are keeled dorsal scales, small longitudinal ridges on their surface. But scientists did not rely on appearance alone, since genetic analysis was key to confirming it was a species different from those already known.

Where the viper was found and how DNA confirmed the unexpected

The main specimen was collected on Oct. 21, 2024, near Khan Kham Cave in Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, Laos. Researchers also photographed three other individuals in nearby caves, where they observed the snakes on walls, stalactites and limestone surfaces. These records linked the species to karst environments, marked by limestone formations and caves.

To determine whether it was a new species, the team analyzed 6,092 base pairs of DNA from five mitochondrial genes and two nuclear genes, and compared the results with those of other pit vipers in the same genus. The analysis revealed genetic differences from known species, including Protobothrops kelomohy, its closest known relative.

Likewise, a 7.8% divergence in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, along with the physical differences, supported its formal description as a new species in a study published in Herpetozaa on Feb. 25, 2025.

What is known about the danger of its venom and the snake’s conservation

Protobothrops flavirostris belongs to the group of Asian pit vipers, venomous snakes that have heat-sensing organs between the eyes and nostrils. However, the study does not specifically determine the potency of its venom or show that its bite is fatal to humans. For that reason, it should not be presented as a lethal species without further evidence.

The known scientific records come from three caves in the Vang Vieng area, although researchers do not rule out the possibility that the species lives in other karst formations in Laos. Because of its limited range, the researchers recommended classifying it as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

A study published in 2012 in the scientific journal Diabetes Care analyzed what happened when adults ages 45 to 65 broke up sitting time with walks of just two minutes. Researchers compared light- and moderate-intensity breaks with a day without interruptions to assess changes in glucose and insulin.

The results showed a better glucose and insulin response in the hours after a test drink among those who took the walks.

What effect does walking 2 minutes every 20 minutes have on blood sugar and insulin

Walking for two minutes every 20 minutes could help control the body’s response to sugar after eating. Science confirmed this through a study published in 2012 in the scientific journal Diabetes Care, which analyzed how physical activity patterns affected glucose and insulin levels in adults who remained seated for long periods.

Researchers found that breaking up sitting with brief walks reduced cumulative glucose response over the five hours after consuming a test drink by between 24.1% and 29.6%, compared with sitting without interruptions. Insulin response was also about 23% lower in both walking conditions tested, at both light and moderate intensity.

How the study was done and what people over 45 should know

The trial included 19 adults ages 45 to 65 who were overweight or obese. The researchers compared three experimental conditions:

• Sitting without interruptions.
• Walking for two minutes at light intensity every 20 minutes.
• Taking breaks of the same length at moderate intensity.

During the day, participants consumed a standardized drink containing glucose and fat. From that point on, researchers measured metabolic responses over 5 hours, comparing the different conditions in the same participants.

For people over 45 who spend many hours sitting, adding short walking breaks can be a simple way to break up sedentary time. It is worth noting that this research did not assess the effects of maintaining the same habit for months, nor does it guarantee that everyone will get the same results.

It is a Norway spruce that is about 75 years old, 23 meters tall, and weighs 11 tons, and it will be decorated with more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights and a stunning 408-kilogram Swarovski star.

What the 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be like

The tree chosen for this Christmas is notable not only for its size but also for its age. It grew in West Edmeston for about 75 years before being selected to become the centerpiece of Manhattan’s famous holiday celebrations.

Rockefeller Center released the tree’s details:

• Age: about 75 years.
• Height: 23 meters, or 76 feet.
• Diameter: about 15 meters.
• Weight: around 11 tons.
• Origin: West Edmeston, New York.
• Lighting: more than 50,000 multicolored LED lights.
• Wiring: about 8 kilometers of cable to distribute the lights.
• One of the most striking details will be at the top: A Swarovski star designed by architect Daniel Libeskind will be installed there, weighing about 408 kilograms and measuring 2.84 meters in diameter. The structure also features 3 million crystals distributed across 70 spikes.

When will the New York Christmas tree arrive, and on what day will the lights be turned on

The Rockefeller Center schedule includes two important dates:

• Saturday, Nov. 7, when the tree arrives in Manhattan, a free celebration will be held to welcome it. There will be Christmas workshops, family activities, photo areas and meet-and-greets with the Care Bears.
• Wednesday, Dec. 2, when the long-awaited official lighting ceremony will take place, scheduled between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m.

Where New York’s Christmas tree will be and until when it can be visited for free

The Christmas tree will be located at the Rockefeller Center’s central plaza in Midtown Manhattan, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues and 49th and 50th Streets, and will remain on display until mid-January 2027. After that, it will have a second life: The wood will be donated to Habitat for Humanity, which will reuse it to benefit different communities.

No tickets will be needed to see it from public areas. But those who want to view it from another angle can buy tickets for Holiday Top of the Rock, which offers 360-degree panoramic views of New York from the 70th floor and privileged access for photos near the tree.

The effort was known as Project West Ford and aimed to develop a communications system that could work even when traditional transmissions were disrupted.

Why did the United States launch millions of copper needles into space in 1963?

Project West Ford began to take shape in the late 1950s at the MIT Lincoln Laboratory, with support from the U.S. Air Force.

At the height of the Cold War, the military needed to ensure that its communications could remain active in the face of possible enemy attacks or natural interference.

At the time, long-distance radio communications depended in part on the ionosphere, a region of the atmosphere that reflects certain radio waves, a system that could be affected by:

• Interference.
• Solar disturbances.
• Jamming attempts.

How was the ring of copper needles around Earth built?

The experiment involved sending into space a device containing hundreds of millions of tiny copper filaments, designed to spread out gradually and form an artificial belt in orbit.

According to the project’s historical records, the needles had the following characteristics:

• Quantity: about 480 million copper needles, a figure cited in the program’s technical records.
• Length: about 1.78 centimeters each.
• Thickness: about 18 micrometers in the version used in 1963.
• Altitude: an orbit about 3,640 kilometers above Earth’s surface.
• Function: to reflect certain radio signals to enable long-distance communications

The first attempt took place in October 1961, but it failed because the dispersal mechanism did not work properly, and instead of spreading out, the needles stayed clumped together.

The second attempt took place in May 1963. According to an official NASA report, the device was launched on May 9 and the needles began to be released the next day.

The belt finished circling the Earth on June 18 of that same year, about 40 days after launch.

What did the United States achieve with Project West Ford?

The experiment showed that it was possible to transmit information through radio signals reflected off the small copper needles.

According to NASA’s 1963 annual report, researchers were able to establish communications between two U.S. stations.

• Camp Parks, California: one of the stations used for the tests.
• Westford, Massachusetts: the site of a communications antenna built to support the project.

The tests made it possible to transmit voice, teletype messages and high-speed digital data. In fact, the experiment was deemed successful. The space agency also says the Westford radio telescope, built in 1961, continued to be used later for various scientific and technological studies.

Why did the copper ring worry scientists?

From the outset, Project West Ford drew criticism from astronomers and international researchers, who questioned the possible consequences of releasing millions of metallic objects into space.

The main concerns were:

• The needles could affect observations made with optical telescopes and radio telescopes.
• The scattering of millions of artificial objects raised questions about their long-term consequences.
• Some researchers questioned whether the United States should carry out experiments on this scale without first establishing international consultation mechanisms.
• There was concern about the consequences of developing space projects tied to national defense.

What happened to the millions of copper needles that surrounded Earth?

Project West Ford was conceived as a temporary experiment and not as a permanent communications infrastructure.

After showing that radio signals could be reflected by small metallic objects in orbit, the program did not move forward with creating new permanent belts.

Over time, the needles began to disperse and their concentration decreased.

There is no federal voting leave law, so each state sets its own rules. The other 22 states have no requirement for private employers, and Connecticut joined them when a temporary law expired in 2024.

Colorado, Georgia, Minnesota, Oklahoma, Texas and D.C. also cover early in-person voting.

Where is time off to vote paid, and how many hours does your boss have to give you?

In these 20 states and D.C., at least part of the time off is paid:

• One hour: Wyoming
• Up to two hours: California, Colorado, D.C. (at least two), Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska, New York, Oklahoma, South Dakota and Utah
• Up to three hours: Arizona, Missouri, Tennessee and West Virginia
• One to three hours, depending on distance to your polling place: Nevada
• No set limit: Alaska, Minnesota and Texas

Some of that pay comes with conditions. Maryland and Oklahoma require proof that you voted, and Missouri and Wyoming pay only if you cast a ballot.

In eight states, the time off doesn’t have to be paid. Alabama allows up to one hour, Georgia and New Mexico up to two, Wisconsin up to three and Kentucky at least four.

Massachusetts grants the first two hours after polls open, but only at manufacturing, mechanical and mercantile businesses. Arkansas and Ohio set no amount.

Do you have to ask your boss for time off to vote before Nov. 3?

In most of these states, yes, and some deadlines fall this week:

• Friday: New York and California
• Saturday: Oklahoma and West Virginia, which requires a written request
• Noon Nov. 2: Tennessee
• Before Election Day: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, Utah and Wisconsin

Alabama, Georgia and D.C. allow employers to ask for reasonable notice. Nebraska accepts requests as late as Election Day.

When can your boss refuse to let you leave work to vote?

Most of these laws apply only if your shift leaves too little time to vote while polls are open. The cutoff is two free hours in states such as Iowa, Maryland and Texas, three in Arizona, Colorado and Missouri, and four in New York.

Even when you qualify, your employer can usually choose when you go. Colorado and Utah must honor a request to leave at the start or end of a shift.

In D.C. and Oklahoma, employers can also send workers to vote on an early in-person voting day instead of giving them time off on Election Day.

This article provides general informational guidance and does not constitute formal legal advice. Employment laws and local rules vary.

For companies, it is important to distinguish between obligations that have already been incorporated into the Federal Labor Law (LFT) of México and those aspects that still must be defined through general provisions issued by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare (STPS).

What does the Federal Labor Law say about electronic record-keeping?

On May 1, 2026, the government gazette published the decree that amended several provisions of the Federal Labor Law related to the reduction of the workweek.

Among the changes is the addition of subsection XXXIV to Article 132, which requires employers to keep an electronic record of each worker’s hours.

The provision covers three main points:

1. The record must be kept through electronic means
2. It must include the start and end time of the workday
3. The information must be available to authorities when requested

The same subsection says that the ministry will be responsible for issuing the general provisions to determine the scope of application and any possible exceptions.

That’s why, although electronic record-keeping is already contemplated in the law, it is still necessary to distinguish between obligations established directly in the statute and the technical requirements that will be defined later.

When will electronic time tracking become mandatory?

The decree took effect on May 1, 2026 and set a transition period for employers and workers that will run through Dec. 31 of this year.

After that, the fifth transitional article states that the general provisions related to electronic workday tracking will begin to apply on Jan. 1, 2027.

The rest of the year will be a key period for companies to review their attendance-control systems and begin preparing for the changes they will need to implement.

The reform also includes a gradual reduction in the standard weekly work schedule. By 2027, the maximum will be 46 hours; in 2028, 44; in 2029, 42; and by 2030, it will reach 40 hours a week.

According to the decree, reducing the workweek must not mean lower pay or benefits for workers.

That’s why the changes planned for 2027 will not be limited to electronic record-keeping. Companies will also have to review how they distribute schedules, shifts, hours actually worked, and payroll-related processes.

What requirements will electronic record-keeping have in 2027?

The law says the workday must be recorded electronically and that the system must identify the start and end times of work.

However, the decree does not expressly say that all companies must use a specific platform, a particular time clock, facial recognition, fingerprinting, or geolocation.

These issues, as well as the scope of application and possible exceptions, will have to be reviewed based on the general provisions issued by the STPS.

For that reason, companies should not assume that any electronic system available on the market will automatically meet the requirements starting in 2027.

What penalties does the law include?

The reform also added subsection IV Bis to Article 994 of the Federal Labor Law, which sets fines of between 250 and 5,000 Units of Measurement and Update (UMA) for required employers that fail to comply with Article 132, subsection XXXIV.

The specific application of any sanction will depend on the relevant provisions and the procedure set by authorities.

For that reason, companies will need to identify which requirements actually apply to them and have information that can show they are complying.

According to the SSA on its official website, for certain overpayments reported since April 25, 2025, the agency may withhold 50% of monthly benefits if the debt is not resolved. In the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, the set deduction is 10%.

Who can have 50% of their benefits deducted?

The policy applies to beneficiaries who received payments above the authorized amount and have an outstanding debt with the SSA.

Overpayments can happen because of incorrect or incomplete information, as well as changes in income, employment status, address, or marital status that affect the amount of benefits.

The agency sends a letter explaining the reason for the overpayment and asking for repayment. If the issue is not resolved, it waits at least 30 days from the date the notice is sent before it begins recovering the money through monthly deductions.

How can you avoid Social Security withholding if you received a letter?

Beneficiaries have several options for responding to the notice:

• Request an appeal: If they believe there was no overpayment or the amount being claimed is incorrect.
• Request a waiver of repayment: If they believe the error was not their fault and meet the conditions for the SSA to forgive the debt.
• Repay the money: Through the payment methods made available by the agency.
• Request lower monthly deductions: If they acknowledge the debt but cannot afford the proposed withholding.

The SSA says that if an appeal or waiver request is filed within 30 days of the notice, it will not begin recovering the money until it makes a decision. This deadline should not be confused with the general 60-day limit to appeal, while a waiver can be requested at any time.

To request a waiver, beneficiaries may use Form SSA-632-BK. Those who need to reduce the amount withheld can request a change using Form SSA-634.

That is why a home trick has grown popular that almost does the work on its own: line a container with aluminum foil, baking soda and hot water, then soak the pieces in it.

The trick for cleaning silverware with aluminum foil, baking soda and hot water

The goal of this trick is to restore shine to tarnished silver, in other words, remove the grayish or blackish tone it picks up over time. It works especially well for silverware, trays and other silver pieces that have become stained, and it does so without scrubbing or using abrasive or expensive products.

The trick does not cover up or scrape off the stain: it reverses it through a chemical reaction. Silver tarnish is actually silver sulfide (Ag₂S), a compound formed when silver reacts with sulfur in the air. When tarnished silver and aluminum are combined in hot water with baking soda, an electrochemical reaction takes place: aluminum has a greater affinity for sulfur than silver, so it takes it away. The silver sulfide turns back into silver, and the sulfur moves to the aluminum.

Baking soda acts as a conductor in the water and helps clean the coating on the aluminum, allowing the reaction to take place. And hot water speeds up the whole process.

Step by step: how to mix it at home

The process is simple:

• Line the bottom of a container (a dish, a pot or the sink) with aluminum foil, shiny side up.
• Place the silver pieces on top, making sure they touch the aluminum.
• Sprinkle baking soda over the pieces (about one or two tablespoons per liter of water).
• Cover everything with very hot water, almost boiling.
• Let it sit for a few minutes: the tarnish starts to disappear almost immediately. For heavier stains, you can leave it a little longer or repeat the process.
• Remove the pieces carefully (they will be hot), rinse them with water and dry them with a soft cloth.

Why it is recommended

Beyond the result, the main appeal has to do with the silver itself. Products and abrasive creams remove the tarnish, but along the way they also take away a small amount of silver, in other words, they wear down the piece.

This method, by contrast, does not scrape anything off: it turns the silver sulfide back into silver, so the object does not wear down. On top of that, it is a natural, very inexpensive and readily available alternative, using kitchen ingredients and requiring no scrubbing.

Why Social Security Will Move November’s SSI Payment to October

The Social Security Administration (SSA) confirmed in its official calendar on Friday, Oct. 30, that because Nov. 1 falls on a Sunday, program payments are moved up when they fall on a weekend or federal holiday. For that reason, the money will be sent this Friday, the last business day before the start of the new month.

It’s worth noting that the money arriving in October is not a bonus, a raise, or a second extra benefit. It is the regular November payment, just deposited early.

Who Will Be Paid on Friday, Oct. 30

The Oct. 30 deposit is for “people with disabilities and older adults who have little or no income or resources”, according to the SSA.

The agency’s general requirements include:

• Be 65 or older, have a qualifying disability, or be blind.
• Have limited income.
• Have few financial resources.
• Meet the other SSI eligibility requirements

The amount each beneficiary receives can vary depending on income, resources, living arrangements, and other circumstances.

Social Security Payment Schedule for November 2026

After the Oct. 30 payment, regular Social Security benefits will follow this schedule in November:

• Tuesday, Nov. 3: people who have received Social Security since before May 1997 and certain beneficiaries who receive both Social Security and SSI.
• Tuesday, Nov. 10 (Wednesday, Nov. 11, is the Veterans Day holiday): beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th.
• Wednesday, Nov. 18: beneficiaries born between the 11th and the 20th.
• Wednesday, Nov. 25: beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st.

Using the router settings, you can identify which devices are connected, block the ones you do not recognize and take security steps to keep them from getting back on the network.

How can you tell if someone else is connected to your internet?

According to the official Digital Trends site, one of the most effective ways to check is to review the list of devices connected to the router. To do that, follow these steps:

• Open the browser on a device connected to the network.
• Go to the router’s admin page.
• Enter the router administrator credentials.
• Look for a section called “Connected Devices,” “Wireless Status” or “DHCP Client List.”
• Check the names, IP addresses and MAC addresses of the registered devices.
• Compare the information with the phones, computers, TVs and other devices in the home.

What do you need to do to kick them off the connection?

There are two ways to remove unknown devices from a WiFi network:

• Change the password.
• Block the device from the router settings.

The first is the most recommended, since it prevents someone from continuing to use a password they already know.

• Log in to the router’s admin panel.
• Find the WiFi settings or wireless security section.
• Select the option to change the network password.
• Set a new, strong password and save the changes.
• Reconnect only authorized devices using the new password.

When you change the password, devices connected with the old one automatically lose access and must enter the new credentials.

Another option is to use device-blocking features or MAC address filtering. However, this method does not guarantee permanent protection, because MAC addresses can be changed or spoofed.

How can you keep them from reconnecting?

According to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC), it is recommended to take several security steps:

• Use strong passwords: set a long, unique password that is hard to guess.
• Turn on WPA3 or WPA2: these protocols encrypt the information transmitted over the network. WPA3 is the most modern option.
• Change the administrator credentials: the password used to configure the router should be different from the one used to connect to WiFi.
• Update the router: install any available security updates from the manufacturer.
• Turn off WPS: this feature makes it easier to connect devices, but it can create security risks.
• Create a guest network: it lets you share internet without giving out the main network password.
• Check connected devices regularly: this helps detect connections you do not recognize.

The measure is part of the city’s efforts to strengthen protections for app-based delivery workers. It applies to contracted workers who deliver through apps and will take effect on January 17, 2027.

What the new law means for delivery app workers

Under Local Law 34 of 2026, delivery services will generally be allowed to deactivate workers only for just cause, legitimate economic reasons, or when required by law. Companies will also have to follow progressive discipline before deactivating a worker for just cause, except in cases of egregious misconduct.

The law establishes different notice requirements depending on the reason for deactivation:

• For deactivations based on just cause, companies must provide written notice explaining the reasons within 72 hours.
• For economic reasons, workers must receive at least 120 days’ advance notice.

How can workers challenge a deactivation?

Workers who believe their accounts were wrongfully deactivated will be able to challenge the decision through an informal resolution process with the delivery service or ask the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) to investigate. The agency is not required to investigate every complaint.

If a deactivation is found to be wrongful, available remedies include reinstatement and payment of lost earnings. The law takes effect on January 17, 2027, so these protections will not apply to deactivations that occurred before that date.

According to the IRS on its official website, LT11 and Letter 1058 notices inform taxpayers of the intent to levy assets and warn them that they must contact the agency to resolve their situation. These notices also explain the right to request a hearing before the action moves forward.

How long do you have to respond to an IRS LT11 Notice or Letter 1058?

Taxpayers have 30 days from the date of the notice to request a hearing and challenge the proposed levy.

According to the IRS, to exercise this right they must file Form 12153, called Request for a Collection Due Process Hearing, with the address listed on the notice.

When the request is filed within the required deadline, the IRS generally cannot carry out the levy for the tax periods included in the hearing while that process is underway, except for the exceptions provided by law.

It is important to make clear that the 30 days do not represent an automatic levy date, but rather the deadline to formally request review of the action.

What happens if you do not respond to the notice, and how can you avoid the levy?

If the taxpayer does not respond or resolve the debt, the IRS can move ahead with the levy once the legal requirements are met.

The agency identifies different assets and income that can be affected, including bank accounts, wages, vehicles, personal property and business assets. Some assets are subject to additional protections and requirements.

To try to resolve the situation, the IRS says affected taxpayers can.

• Pay the outstanding debt in full.
• Request a payment plan, if they qualify.
• Provide proof if they believe they have already paid.
• Contact the agency if they cannot afford to pay the debt.

These options do not by themselves guarantee that a levy will be suspended. For that reason, the agency recommends acting as soon as you receive the notice and following the instructions provided.

The General Law on Mobility and Road Safety says that age can affect how long a license is valid. That is because physical conditions such as vision, hearing, reflexes, and the ability to respond to unexpected situations are important factors in road safety.

For that reason, medical evaluations and paying attention to your own driving habits can help identify possible problems before an accident happens.

Drivers over this age will have a one-year license

For drivers over 80, the license is valid for one year.

Under the rule in Mexico, people younger than 60 can get documents valid for up to 10 years, while for those between 60 and 80, the term drops to five years. For drivers older than 80, the license is valid for one year.

That means that once someone passes that age, renewals must be done more often. The measure does not mean a person has to stop driving as they get older, but rather allows authorities to regularly check whether they still meet the conditions needed to drive.

How does age affect driving ability?

One thing drivers should pay attention to is mobility. Muscle and joint stiffness can make it harder to make the movements needed to turn the wheel, shift position or turn your head to check blind spots. Likewise, a slower reaction time can make it harder to respond to an unexpected situation on the road.

Vision also plays an important role. Over time, some people may have more difficulty with:

1. Distinguishing traffic signs
2. Identifying obstacles
3. Quickly recognizing the movements of other vehicles

Hearing problems, meanwhile, can reduce the ability to hear horns, alerts, and other important sounds while driving.

Other factors include fatigue and difficulty driving in rain, fog, or heavy traffic.

Signs to watch for before driving

Beyond the age listed on an ID, there are behaviors that can indicate it is necessary to review whether someone is fit to drive.

For example, feeling unsafe on familiar routes, becoming disoriented more often or needing more time to complete known trips are situations that require attention. It is also important to watch for parking mistakes or incidents that did not used to happen often.

Another sign may be difficulty understanding what is happening around the vehicle. If it becomes hard to anticipate the movements of motorcyclists, cyclists, and pedestrians, or to react to the maneuvers of other drivers, it is worth assessing whether the abilities needed to drive are still in good shape.

These signs do not necessarily mean a person should stop driving, but they may indicate that it would be wise to consult a health professional and review driving skills before continuing behind the wheel.

However, the Texas Property Code sets certain conditions for ending the rental relationship. Notice periods and legal restrictions depend on the type of lease and the circumstances of each case.

What does the Texas Property Code say about renewing leases?

The Texas Property Code allows both landlords and tenants to end certain rental relationships, as long as they follow the lease terms and the procedures set by law.

A landlord can refuse to renew a lease when it expires, even if the tenant pays on time and meets their obligations, without having to justify the decision.

However, that does not mean a landlord can end an existing lease early without a legal or contractual basis to do so.

How far in advance must a landlord give notice that they do not want to renew the lease?

According to Section 91.001 of the Texas Property Code, the notice period depends on the type of lease and the agreements between the parties.

• Monthly leases: generally, the landlord must give at least one month’s notice.
• Leases with payment periods shorter than one month: the notice period is calculated based on the length of the payment period.
• Fixed-term leases: the notice period depends on the agreed-upon terms, since state law does not set a universal notice period.
• Special agreements: the landlord and tenant may set a different notice period through an agreement signed by both.

In what cases can a landlord not refuse to renew the lease?

Although Texas law allows landlords to decide not to renew a lease, there are circumstances in which that decision may be illegal.

According to the Property Code, the restrictions include:

• When the refusal is in response to the exercise of protected rights, such as requesting repairs. Section 92.331 provides protections against certain retaliation for six months after those actions.
• When the decision is based on characteristics protected under fair housing laws, such as race, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or family status.
• In properties covered by the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program, the landlord must have good cause to terminate the tenancy.

What happens if the tenant does not move out when the lease ends?

If the lease has legally ended and the tenant remains on the property without permission, the landlord can begin eviction proceedings in court.

According to the Texas State Law Library, the process generally includes the following steps:

• Notice to vacate: The landlord must give notice to leave the property, generally at least three days in advance, unless the lease sets a different deadline.
• Lawsuit: If the tenant does not leave the property, the landlord can file an eviction lawsuit.
• Court ruling: A court determines whether to order the tenant to vacate the property.
• Carrying out the eviction: If there is a valid court order, a sheriff or constable can step in to recover possession of the property.

The landlord cannot evict the tenant on their own or remove their belongings at will without following legal procedures.

Drivers at or above this age get a license valid for no more than one year

In New Mexico, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) rule is clear: drivers age 79 or older receive a one-year license and must renew it every year. That is the shortest term in the system.

The difference from other drivers is stark. Those between 71 and 78 renew on a four-year cycle, and younger drivers can choose four- or eight-year terms. In other words, when drivers turn 79, the term drops from several years to just one.

Step by step: how to renew a driver’s license

Renewal is generally done in person at any DMV office (and, for those who qualify, online). These are the steps for an in-person renewal:

• Go to a DMV office; no appointment is needed.
• Bring the required documents: your current license and, to get a Real ID, additional proof of identity, proof of your Social Security number and two proofs of address in New Mexico.
• Take the vision test, required at every renewal for older drivers.
• Pay the required fee and hand over the current license, which is returned punched along with a temporary license valid for 45 days.
• Receive the new license by mail, which arrives within 45 days.

Renewal can be done starting 90 days before expiration and up to 30 days after. For drivers age 79 or older, it is worth checking with the DMV whether the process can be done online in their case, with the vision test submitted electronically by a professional, or whether it must be done in person.

The standard appears in internal planning documents reviewed by Fox News Digital, which reported it Sunday. The Pentagon has not made it public.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced FORTRESS — Federal Operations for Resilience, Troop Resources, Energy, Supply, and Survivability — in a Sept. 30 speech. At the time, his promise for bases covered only electricity: each major installation would produce its own, off the civilian grid.

How would US bases run 90 days on their own power, water and fuel?

According to the documents, bases would rely on battery banks, microgrids and portable nuclear reactors. A microgrid is a self-contained local power network that can separate from the civilian grid and keep a base running through an extended blackout.

Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, who led the initiative, told Fox News Digital that “power is combat now.” A base that loses electricity, he said, also loses water, logistics, communications and its command structure.

To keep communications up, the plan would protect navigation and satellite systems so troops can keep operating if GPS is jammed or space assets go down.

What else is in the Pentagon’s FORTRESS plan for a global war?

Hegseth pitched FORTRESS as a “national insurance policy for the American homeland,” and much of it deals with supplies rather than base utilities. It would build stockpiles of fuel, munitions, medical supplies, spare parts, electronics and critical minerals.

Each stockpile would be sized to how fast the item gets used in wartime and how long production takes to catch up. The military’s most critical needs would also require at least two qualified sources, so no single plant or vendor becomes a point of failure.

Civilian industry is part of the plan as well. FORTRESS absorbs the Civil Reserve Manufacturing Network, an existing program that lines up commercial factories ready to retool for defense work, with contracts and cybersecurity terms settled before any crisis.

Why is the Pentagon preparing US bases for a global war?

Parnell told Fox News Digital that running national defense on civilian municipal infrastructure is “an intolerable risk.” He said the next major conflict will likely be fought on several fronts and will break global supply chains.

The Pentagon hasn’t said which country FORTRESS is aimed at. In his speech, Hegseth said, “We are not looking for war, but we will be prepared if one comes.”

In a February 2024 advisory, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the National Security Agency and the FBI said a Chinese state-sponsored group called Volt Typhoon had gained access to U.S. energy, water, communications and transportation networks.

The agencies said the hackers may have been preparing to disrupt those services in a future conflict.

When will the Pentagon’s FORTRESS 90-day standard for US bases take effect?

There’s no timeline or cost estimate yet. About 500 bases in the continental U.S. are still being assessed, a senior defense official told reporters Oct. 20, adding that meeting the goal everywhere could take decades.

Some programs are already underway, the official said, while other parts of the plan could take years.

Hegseth’s follow-up memo gave Pentagon teams until Friday Oct. 30 to set up a FORTRESS office, which will report to Michael Duffey, under secretary for acquisition and sustainment. The department now also goes by the Department of War.

It is not a fixed amount: the bonus is tiered and depends on how much money is deposited by direct deposit in the first few months.

Bank of America is offering up to $500 to open a new account

The bonus is calculated in tiers, based on the total amount of direct deposits the person receives within 90 days of opening the account. One key detail: these are ranges, not amounts that apply from that point on. Here are the levels:

• Between $2,000 and $4,999 in direct deposit: a $100 bonus.
• Between $5,000 and $9,999: a $300 bonus.
• $10,000 or more: a $500 bonus.

In other words, to qualify for the maximum $500, you must receive at least $10,000 in direct deposit during that 90-day period.

What counts as direct deposit

Not every incoming payment qualifies: direct deposits of regular income count, such as a salary, pension, or Social Security payments sent electronically by an employer or payer.

Transfers between accounts, wire transfers, and deposits made at an ATM or teller window do not count.

Who is eligible?

The promotion has narrow eligibility requirements:

• It is only for new checking customers: you must not have had, or been a co-owner of, a personal Bank of America checking account in the past 12 months.
• It is limited to one bonus per account and per customer, and it cannot be combined with other checking account promotions.
• You must enroll in the offer through the promotion page or with a Bank of America or Merrill advisor when opening the account.

Once the requirements are met and the 90-day deposit period ends, Bank of America deposits the bonus within the next 60 days. To receive it, the account must remain open and in good standing through the payment date.

How long the offer is available

The offer has a deadline: you must open the eligible account by January 31, 2027. The bank also says it may change or end the promotion before then, without notice.

One of the most direct effects has to do with the baby’s last name: if paternity is not established through marriage, by completing a Paternity Affidavit or, if that is not possible, by a court order, the child will be registered only with the mother’s last name.

How paternity is established so the child carries both last names

According to what the authorities say, a man will be presumed to be the child’s legal father automatically when:

• He and his wife are married at the time of the birth
• The child is born within 300 days after the marriage ends

If that does not happen, it is necessary to complete a Paternity Affidavit or request a court order.

What a Paternity Affidavit is

“A paternity affidavit is a legal document that allows a man and a woman to state, under penalty of perjury, that the man is the biological father of a child,” the explanation says.

This document establishes paternity, rights and responsibilities without the need for a court order.

The deadline to complete it at the hospital is within 72 hours of the child’s birth or at any time before the child is emancipated, but in that case it must be filled out at the local health department.

When a Paternity Affidavit is completed, authorities will add the father’s name to the birth certificate.

Responsibilities of completing a Paternity Affidavit

The authorities say that, when paternity is established, the following rights and responsibilities are acquired:

• The father may place his last name on the child’s birth certificate
• He has the right to spend time with his child according to the Indiana Parenting Time Guidelines, unless the court decides otherwise
• He must provide financial and medical support for the child

Signing a Paternity Affidavit is voluntary and, to be valid, it must be completed by both parents.

Court order: who can request it and what will happen

It is important to note that paternity can also be established through a court order. In these cases, either parent can file a petition and the court will review the situation.

“At the hearing, the parties may agree on paternity without the benefit of genetic testing, request genetic testing to determine paternity, or the court may review evidence and decide whether paternity should be established,” it says.

Hydrogen peroxide is sold as a 3% solution at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Stronger versions exist, but the 3% bottle is the most common one and the right one for this job.

The method works because of a chemical reaction that starts the moment peroxide touches blood. That means less scrubbing and less risk of damaging the mattress fabric.

Why does hydrogen peroxide work on blood stains on a mattress?

Hydrogen peroxide is water with an extra oxygen atom attached, which makes the molecule unstable and quick to break apart. Blood speeds that up dramatically because it contains catalase, an enzyme found in red blood cells and most other cells in the body.

When the two meet, catalase splits the peroxide into water and oxygen gas almost instantly. That’s the white fizz on the stain. The bubbles help push blood out of the fibers so it can be blotted away.

Peroxide also oxidizes the pigment that gives blood its red color, which lightens whatever is left. Because that’s a mild bleaching effect, it’s worth testing first on a hidden spot of a dark or patterned mattress cover.

Temperature matters, too. Blood is full of proteins, and heat makes them bond to fabric the way an egg sets in a hot pan. That’s why every step uses cold water and why a hair dryer is off the table.

How do you remove blood from a mattress with hydrogen peroxide?

Before starting, open a window or turn on a fan so the room is well ventilated. Then strip all the bedding off the mattress and follow these steps:

• Pour a few teaspoons of hydrogen peroxide directly onto the stain.
• Blot up the foam with a clean cloth as it forms.
• Let the peroxide sit for about 15 minutes.
• Dampen a clean microfiber towel with cold water and dab the area to rinse it.
• Blot, don’t rub, to pull out as much moisture as possible.

Let the spot air-dry. If it needs to dry faster, aim a fan at it. Don’t put the sheets back on until the fabric is completely dry, because trapped moisture can lead to mold.

Stubborn stains may need a second round. Another common approach is to mix hydrogen peroxide and dish soap in a 2-to-1 ratio and repeat the same steps.

Why should parents teach children the hydrogen peroxide trick for blood on the mattress?

Nosebleeds and period leaks often happen at night. A child who knows what to do can treat the stain before it dries, without waking anyone up or feeling embarrassed about it.

Tweens and teens can usually learn the steps after one walkthrough. Keeping a bottle of 3% peroxide and a microfiber towel in the bathroom or a nightstand drawer makes it easy to start right away.

Younger kids should leave the peroxide to an adult. It can irritate the eyes and shouldn’t be swallowed, so it belongs out of reach of small children.

The one rule worth repeating at any age is no bleach. It can damage mattress fibers and irritate the lungs when inhaled, however bad the stain looks. A washable mattress protector also helps: it catches stains, sweat and dust mites, so the next cleanup is just a trip to the washing machine.

With year-end approaching, knowing how much money will actually reach the bank account is becoming one of workers’ main questions. The year-end bonus often represents an important source of income to cover December expenses, pay debts, make purchases, among other things.

However, when doing the math, it is important to consider that the amount listed in the contract or calculated based on days of pay will not necessarily match the amount the worker will ultimately receive. One factor that can change the payment is precisely the ISR withholding.

How much ISR does SAT withhold, and what is the tax-free limit?

The ISR-free amount is tied to the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA). For 2026, Mexico’s National Institute of Statistics and Geography (INEGI) set the daily value of the UMA at 117.31 pesos.

Tax law sets an exemption equal to 30 UMAs for certain annual bonuses, including the year-end bonus. Multiplying 117.31 pesos by 30 gives a tax-free limit of 3,519.30 pesos.

For example, a worker who earns 400 pesos a day and is entitled to the legal minimum of 15 days of year-end bonus would receive 6,000 pesos before taxes, provided they worked all year.

Of that amount, 3,519.30 pesos would be exempt, while the remaining 2,480.70 pesos would be considered taxable income.

That does not mean the worker will pay 2,480.70 pesos in ISR. That amount applies only to the part of the benefit used to calculate the tax.

The final withholding amount will depend on the worker’s taxable income and the tax procedure applied by the employer.

When will the year-end bonus be paid in 2026?

The Federal Labor Law (LFT) says the year-end bonus must be paid by Dec. 20. Therefore, in 2026, employers have until Dec. 19 to meet this obligation.

Companies may make the payment before that date, but they cannot delay it beyond the deadline set by labor law.

Article 87 of the LFT establishes the right to receive a minimum benefit equal to 15 days of pay for each year of service.

That is the floor set by law, although some companies pay more and provide 20, 30 or even more days of pay. In those cases, the worker should consider the terms set out in their contract or the benefits recognized by the company.

Those who have not worked the full year are also entitled to it, although in that case the payment must be made proportionally to the time worked.

Which workers receive a year-end bonus?

This benefit is not limited to permanent workers. The right also includes:

• Rank-and-file employees
• Trusted employees
• Unionized employees
• Temporary employees
• Workers hired for a specific job or a fixed term

It may also include commission-based workers, salespeople, and commercial agents when there is an employment relationship regulated by the Federal Labor Law.

For that reason, before calculating how much money will be received in December, it is worth considering three factors:

1. Number of year-end bonus days established
2. Time worked during the year
3. Portion of the benefit that will be exempt or subject to ISR

That way, the worker can get an estimate of the amount they will ultimately receive and avoid confusing the taxable amount with the tax that will be withheld.

But in his 40s, just when he thought his life was going to go down the same way until his retirement, he made a decision that surprised even him. He left it all to drive buses at Walt Disney World.

“I went into this line of work thinking it would make someone else happy and didn’t really think about what would make me happy,” Bowen, now 51, told Business Insider.

The vacation that changed Bowen’s life

For years, Bowen worked at a small church that could not pay a full-time salary, so he took a part-time job as a school bus driver to pay the bills.

In 2017, on his trip to Disney World, he sat by a pool on the last day of his vacation, dreading the return to New Jersey’s stormy weather. “I felt I had to make some kind of change, or I was going to sentence myself to a miserable life,” he said.

That’s when he had the idea that would change his life: Disney also needed bus drivers. “I could actually do that,” he recalled thinking.

A dream job at Disney World

Getting hired was not easy. The process took months, and he needed a Florida driver’s license before receiving an offer. He moved to Florida in January 2020, at 44, and finally started the job on February 15.

For the first time in his life, he had a stable job with benefits such as paid time off, retirement savings, and health insurance.

But in May 2022, after a difficult divorce, he left Disney and moved to Oregon, where he drove a city bus. “It was the most gut-wrenching feeling that I had ever had,” he said about leaving.

Life gives second chances, and he went back to Disney World’s “magic”

In Oregon was where he met his wife through his YouTube channel about Disney, “Incognito Mouse.” In 2025, they moved to Florida together, and after waiting almost a year for an opening, Bowen returned to Disney as a bus driver in April 2026.

He admits the job is not seen as prestigious, but small moments make it worth it, like a little boy who proudly showed him two toy buses before boarding. “Little things like this just make my day,” he said.

His advice is simple: “Life is too short. If you are not happy or you want to do something else, you have to make it happen.”

New York’s Family Court Act governs these obligations and sets the criteria for calculating payments, as well as the consequences parents may face if they fail to comply with a support order.

Who has to pay child support?

Regardless of whether they are married, separated or divorced, both parents must contribute financially to the support of their children under 21.

However, the support payment is the responsibility of the parent who does not have primary custody of the child, while the parent living with the child generally contributes through everyday expenses.

New York courts also consider exceptional cases:

• Both parents: may have to pay support if the child lives under the care of a relative or a third party.
• Parents who live together: one may be ordered to pay if they refuse to contribute to the child’s expenses.

In what cases does New York law require support until age 26?

According to section 413-b of Article 4 of the Family Court Act, a court may order support to continue until age 26 when the child has a developmental disability and depends financially on their parents or caregivers.

To authorize this extension, the following conditions must be met:

• The child has a developmental disability recognized under state law.
• The child lives with the parent or family caregiver requesting support.
• The child depends primarily on that person for financial support.
• The disability is supported by a diagnosis and report from a licensed health care professional.

The extension is not granted automatically. The parent or family caregiver must file a request with the court, which will assess the conditions and determine the amount due.

How is child support calculated in New York?

According to the report Review of the New York Child Support Guidelines (2023), the support amount is calculated by considering both parents’ incomes and the number of children who must receive financial support.

The law sets the following percentages based on the parents’ combined income:

• 1 child: 17%.
• 2 children: 25%.
• 3 children: 29%.
• 4 children: 31%.
• 5 or more children: no less than 35%.

To determine the payment, the court adds both parents’ incomes after allowed deductions and calculates how much each must contribute based on their share of total income. Other expenses such as health care, child care and education may also be considered.

According to the official 2026 child support table, the percentages generally apply up to a combined parental income of US$193,000 a year. Once that threshold is exceeded, the court may use additional criteria to determine the amount.

What are the consequences of child support debt?

The New York Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) sets out different measures to recover past-due support payments.

Depending on the amount owed, the length of the delinquency and other conditions, authorities may impose the following penalties:

• Tax refund interception: use state or federal tax refunds to cover debts.
• Asset seizure or freezing: hold funds in certain bank accounts and other property.
• Driver’s license suspension: when the requirements established by the program are met.
• Professional license suspension: restrict certain state licenses or permits.
• Passport restrictions: deny an application for or renewal of a U.S. passport when the debt reaches US$2,500 and federal criteria are met.
• Credit bureau notification: report outstanding child support debts.

These measures are not applied automatically in every case, and each process has specific conditions and ways to request a review if an error was made.

According to a shutter care guide from Made in the Shade, one low-cost option can be useful in certain cases for removing dirt: diluted white vinegar in water.

What is spraying vinegar on the shutters in your home for?

One of the main reasons to use diluted vinegar on certain shutters is its ability to help neutralize lingering odors.

According to the care guide, a mixture of white vinegar and water can be used to treat odors in shutters made of composite materials, vinyl or polymer. Before applying it, the recommendation is to test the solution on a small, hidden area to make sure it does not affect the finish.

Regular maintenance also helps remove dust and dirt that build up between the slats, frames and joints.

For this task, the guide recommends prioritizing microfiber cloths and vacuum attachments with soft brushes.

How to use vinegar to clean shutters without damaging them

Before preparing any mixture, it is essential to identify the shutter material and check the manufacturer’s instructions. Not all surfaces react the same way to the acidity of vinegar or to moisture.

If the shutters are made of vinyl, polymer or composite materials compatible with this method, follow a careful routine:

1. Remove dust: use a dry microfiber cloth or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment.
2. Prepare the solution: mix white vinegar with water, without using the concentrated product directly on the surface.
3. Test it: apply a small amount to a hidden area and make sure there are no changes in color or finish.
4. Clean gently: lightly dampen a cloth with the mixture and wipe the slats, without soaking the joints or mechanisms.
5. Remove residue: wipe with a clean cloth slightly dampened with water, if appropriate for the material.
6. Dry the surface: use another soft cloth to prevent moisture from lingering in the joints and hardware.

The key is to use little moisture and gentle motions: spraying large amounts of liquid directly on the shutters is unnecessary and can affect some components.

Why experts recommend using vinegar to clean surfaces

White vinegar contains acetic acid, a chemical compound responsible for its acidity and much of its cleaning power.

Its action is explained by its ability to react with mineral residue, such as limescale, and make it easier to remove from some surfaces.

Its acidity can also change the chemical conditions of compounds that cause bad odors, which helps neutralize them in certain situations.

New residents have 30 days after moving to Texas to register their vehicles. They must also provide the required documents and complete any applicable vehicle inspection before registration.

What insurance coverage do Texas drivers need?

Texas requires drivers to carry minimum liability insurance to cover injuries and property damage caused in an accident. The required coverage limits are:

• $30,000 for bodily injuries per person.
• $60,000 for total bodily injuries per accident.
• $25,000 for property damage per accident.

These amounts refer to the insurer’s coverage limits, not money drivers must pay out of pocket to register a vehicle. Drivers must show proof of insurance as part of the registration process.

How to register a car in Texas as a new resident

New residents must visit their local county tax assessor-collector’s office to register their vehicles. They must bring their insurance card and proof of ownership, such as the vehicle’s title or registration from their previous state.

Depending on the county, drivers may also need to pass an emissions inspection before registering their vehicles. First-time registrants must complete Form 130-U, the Application for Texas Title and/or Registration.

The state’s base registration fee is $50.75, plus $1 for TexasSure and related initiatives. Counties may charge additional fees, and new residents may also owe sales tax-related fees.

The state sets a maximum 24-month expiration period for renewal eligibility. If that time is exceeded, the license holder must get a driver’s license from scratch, as if applying for the first time.

For that reason, anyone with a driver’s license that expired in October 2024 or earlier will not be eligible to renew in New York in October 2026 if the two years have passed and will need to apply for a new license.

Driver’s licenses that expired in October 2024 have reached the two-year mark and can no longer be renewed

Under the two-year rule, anyone whose driver’s license expired in October 2024 or earlier is no longer eligible to renew and must apply for a completely new original license through the standard process.

“If your license expired 2 years ago or more, you must apply for an original. You must pass the vision test and the written test, complete a pre-licensing course and pass a driving test,” the DMV explains.

When you can renew a driver’s license

The driver’s license can be renewed up to one year before it expires and no later than two years after expiration.

Completing the process within that time means you will not have to pay the fees again.

Those who already have a Real ID or an enhanced driver’s license can choose to renew online. The same applies to those who want to keep their standard license.

Important information for anyone with an expired driver’s license

Driving with an expired license can result in fines of:

• $25 to $40, plus surcharges, if it has been expired for 60 days or less.
• $75 to $300, plus surcharges, if it has been expired for more than 60 days.

A stranger had offered to buy a piece of bread for the boy, who was just seven, but he was never seen again. From that day on, his sister devoted much of her life to finding him, with an old photograph as her only clue.

The search came to an end when Chinese police managed to identify and locate Li Xin using facial recognition technology, an old family photo, and biometric technology.

According to the South China Morning Post, the reunion took place on March 23, 2026, at a police station in Jiangxi province, where the two embraced in tears after more than three decades apart.

What is known about Li Lin and her brother’s childhood?

The story began in Xiantao, a city in China’s Hubei province, when the siblings were left almost entirely on their own after their mother died of cancer. Their father, local media reported, suffered a psychological breakdown, left home, and never returned. At the time, Li Lin was 11, and her brother was just seven.

With no relatives to care for them, the children survived on leftover food they found on the streets. One day, while they were seeking shelter from the rain in the back of a truck, they fell asleep and woke up in an unfamiliar city.

During their journey, an elderly woman approached the siblings and offered to buy bread for the younger boy. Li Lin agreed because she thought the woman was willing to help them. However, her brother never came back.

“He was kidnapped while I was in charge of him. I have lived with that guilt my whole life”

Li Xin said

According to Li Xin, after being kidnapped he tried to escape to find his sister, but his captors caught him, beat him and denied him food. He also said he was kept locked in a dark room.

In the end, the boy managed to flee and survived by begging on buses until he reached Guangdong province in southern China. There, he was adopted by a family that gave him the surname Han, although he never forgot that he had an older sister.

How he managed to find his brother after 33 years

For more than three decades, Li Lin traveled through different parts of China in hopes of finding her brother. To fund the search, she took jobs in factories, restaurants and construction sites, where she carried bricks and did cleaning work.

According to information published by the South China Morning Post, the woman handed out tens of thousands of missing-person flyers and spent nearly 1 million yuan, equivalent to about $145,000, over the years.

The main obstacle was that she did not have DNA samples from her parents to help identify her brother. Her only clue was an old family photo she had kept since childhood.

The breakthrough came in 2026, when a police officer in Jiangxi used facial-recognition technology to identify a man with the surname Han living in Guangdong. Later, DNA tests confirmed the relationship between the two.

On March 23, the siblings reunited at a police station. Li Lin brought several bags of bread as a symbol of the food they had used to lure her brother when he was little. During the reunion, he told her he had never blamed her for what happened.

The next day, she took him to his hometown, where she organized a red-carpet welcome with fireworks, a birthday cake, and tangyuan, traditional glutinous rice balls associated with family unity.

One of the most emotional moments came when Li Lin accompanied her brother to their mother’s grave, where she said she had finally managed to bring her son back home.

After the reunion, the woman said her next goal is to find their father, learn why he disappeared, and ask him to come back. For his part, Li Xin said the greatest blessing of his life had been having a sister who never stopped looking for him.

“The One About Matthew Perry,” a three-part series from director Mary Robertson, premiered on Netflix on Tuesday. It arrives nearly three years after Perry died at 54 from the acute effects of ketamine.

The series draws on archival interviews with Perry and new ones with his sister, Mia Perry Bowick, and close friends. His “Friends” co-stars chose not to participate.

Did Matthew Perry really spend $9 million trying to get sober?

The $9 million figure is Perry’s own. He shared it while promoting his 2022 memoir, “Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing.” In the docuseries, Bowick puts the total at roughly $7 million.

Whatever the exact amount, it paid for treatment that rarely held. Bowick says her brother seldom made it a full year before returning to drugs or alcohol.

One 2011 rehab stay kept him away from the wedding of Roger Castillo, a friend he had known for decades.

How did Matthew Perry’s addiction start, according to the Netflix documentary?

Three years after “Friends” premiered in 1994, Perry hurt himself on a Jet Ski while filming “Fools Rush In.” A doctor gave him Vicodin, which he says brought “incredible euphoria.”

By 2000, withdrawal was making work on the sitcom harder. Production on his film “Serving Sara” was halted so he could enter rehab. In archival footage, he says he had begun to doubt he would survive.

What does the Netflix documentary say about Matthew Perry’s assistant?

The series takes aim at Kenneth Iwamasa, Perry’s live-in assistant, who is serving 3 1/2 years in prison for distributing ketamine. Bowick had known him since childhood, through his 30 years working for Perry’s manager.

Iwamasa earned $150,000 a year from Perry. In his plea agreement, he admitted buying unlicensed ketamine from several sources. Bowick describes the family’s sense of betrayal and says he could have quit or warned them.

Physician Salvador Plasencia and drug dealer Jasveen Sangha are among the others sentenced in connection with Perry’s death.

As October draws to a close, the schedule calls for new deposits between Friday, Oct. 30, and the first days of November. These dates are important for people who need to plan their expenses and know when their benefit money will be available.

The federal agency also sets a payment order for the rest of the month, with dates that can depend on when the person began receiving benefits or on their date of birth. Checking the official schedule allows you to see which day applies to each group and anticipate upcoming deposits.

Who gets Social Security on October 30, 2026?

The SSA scheduled the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) deposit for Friday, Oct. 30, for November. The payment is being made early because Nov. 1 falls on a Sunday, and the agency does not make this program’s payments on weekends.

SSI is a program for people aged 65 and older, and people who are blind or have disabilities and have limited income and resources. Unlike regular retirement benefits or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), eligibility for SSI does not depend on earning work credits, but on meeting the program’s financial and other requirements.

Which beneficiaries will receive their next payment on November 3?

Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026, will be the payment date for two groups: people who started receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 and those who collect Social Security and SSI at the same time.

For those who receive retirement, survivor benefits, or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the usual date depends on when they began receiving benefits and the applicable payment rules. For most people who entered the system on or after May 1, 1997, the schedule is organized by the birth date of the person whose work history determines the benefit:

• Second Wednesday of the month: people born from the 1st to the 10th.
• Third Wednesday of the month: people born from the 11th to the 20th.
• Fourth Wednesday of the month: people born from the 21st to the 31st.

In November, those dates will be 10, 18, and 25, respectively. The first group will be paid on Tuesday, Nov. 10, because Wednesday, Nov. 11, is Veterans Day, a federal holiday.

Its ability to tolerate low-light conditions, go for long periods without watering, and stay in good shape with minimal care explains why horticulturist Gerald Klingaman, who published an article on the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Extension Service, says it is a plant that “simply does not die”.

Why the snake plant is one of the hardiest plants

The main advantage of the snake plant is its ability to stay alive even when it does not get the constant attention that other houseplants need.

Its thick, fleshy, elongated leaves, which can reach between 90 and 120 centimeters in some varieties, are part of a structure adapted to conserving resources and tolerating challenging environmental conditions.

According to Klingaman, this species is so hardy that it is especially well-suited for people who are just starting to care for plants. In fact, the expert also says it is a good option for children because “its resilience builds confidence, and its slow growth teaches patience.”

How much water a snake plant needs and where to place it in the home

The snake plant does not need frequent watering to survive, which makes it an especially convenient choice for people who spend much of the day away from home or tend to be forgetful.

The University of Arkansas explained that Sansevierias can survive with the light levels typically found inside a home: “In corners with very little light, they will stay there without a problem.”

To care for it properly, keep the following recommendations in mind:

• Watering: Let the potting mix dry out before watering again and avoid leaving the roots waterlogged.
• Lighting: Place it where it can receive indirect light. It tolerates low-light conditions.
• Temperature: Protect it from frost and extremely cold drafts.
• Pot: Use a container with drainage holes to prevent water from collecting.
• Fertilizer: Apply fertilizer sparingly during the growing season, without considering it essential to keep it alive indoors.

The rituals took place between September 1975 and June 1976; according to historical reconstructions, the young woman suffered disturbing episodes and reached a state of extreme malnutrition and exhaustion.

Anneliese died on July 1, 1976, when she weighed about 68 pounds. Two years later, her parents and the two priests who took part in the exorcisms were convicted of negligent homicide.

What Was Happening to Anneliese Michel Before the Exorcisms Were Authorized

Anneliese Michel was 23 and living in Germany when her story became one of the best-known exorcism cases of the 20th century. According to a reconstruction published by the public broadcaster WDR, she suffered epileptic seizures and ended up injuring her knees after doing 600 kneelings. She was also said to have adverse reactions to religious objects such as crucifixes, which those around her increasingly interpreted as signs of alleged demonic possession.

Michel said she heard voices, saw demonic faces and had negative thoughts telling her she would end up in hell. However, the symptoms and their causes were interpreted differently, since medical explanations linked the condition to neurological and psychological problems, while her family and the priests said she was possessed, leading them to seek a religious answer through extensive rituals.

Why She Underwent 67 Exorcisms and What Behaviors Were Recorded During That Time

The exorcisms were authorized by the Bishop of Würzburg, Josef Stangl, and carried out by Arnold Renz and Ernst Alt between September 1975 and June 1976. In less than a year, 67 sessions were held, a figure that appears in historical reconstructions of the case published by the Evangelische Zentralstelle für Weltanschauungsfragen (EZW), a German institution specializing in the study of religious issues.

During that period, Anneliese’s health worsened, as accounts of the case describe episodes of screaming, violent movements and resistance during the rituals carried out in her parents’ bedroom, which is why she was chained to a chair. Some sessions were recorded, and the tapes were presented during the later trial, making part of what happened known beyond the family and religious setting.

Accounts of the case also describe how severely her health deteriorated during this period. Anneliese reportedly slept only two hours a day, ate very little and eventually reached a state of extreme malnutrition and exhaustion.

According to a reconstruction published by The Washington Post in 2005, Anneliese reportedly ate spiders and coal and spent periods under a table while barking like a dog. These behaviors are part of the accounts circulated about the case, whose interpretation was shaped by those around her belief in alleged demonic possession.

How Anneliese Michel Died and What the German Courts Ruled

Anneliese Michel died on July 1, 1976, at 23, weighing 68 pounds and in a severely deteriorated physical condition. Historical reconstructions link her death to malnutrition and exhaustion, but the controversy went beyond religious belief and focused on the decisions of those involved in her care.

After hearing the exorcism recordings in 1978, a German court convicted her parents and the two priests who had taken part in the exorcisms of negligent homicide and handed them suspended three-year sentences, as the case examined the responsibility of the adults around her and the lack of proper medical care while her health worsened.

Weeks later, a friend of the deceased alerted the West Midlands Cat Rescue Team. That was when they were able to find Nibbles, the cat who had been trapped in the home for weeks, with no one knowing where she was.

How long was this cat locked inside after her owner died?

According to rescuers who spoke to local outlet The Independent, Nibbles was trapped in her deceased owner’s home in Shrewsbury for about a month. The property was infested with flies, was in poor condition and had the doors and windows shut.

Although the house was full of food, toys and litter boxes, showing that the owner had a cat, police were not able to find Nibbles during the first search.

The rescue team described the case as one of the most “heartbreaking” situations it had faced.

How did she survive for a month?

According to rescuers, Nibbles survived by eating from a bag of dry food she managed to get into and drinking water from the toilet.

Access to those resources was crucial to her survival, since no one had gone into the house to feed her during that time.

When rescuers entered the property, they feared the cat might already be dead. However, they found her alive, curled up in her owner’s room, after spending weeks completely alone.

After the rescue, Nibbles was taken to a safe place and placed in the care of volunteers. Meanwhile, the team filed a complaint with police for failing to find the animal during the initial search.

Although the traditional recipe includes flour among the ingredients, the McGovern School of Medicine offers an alternative that can be made using only bananas, milk, cocoa powder, and peanut butter.

According to the details, making this version takes just 10 minutes, plus another 20 to bake, so it can be ready to eat in half an hour.

What ingredients are needed to make flourless brownies?

The institution states that this healthier version of the classic chocolate dessert uses:

• 3 bananas, the riper the better
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup peanut butter
• Cooking spray

These proportions are for a 12-serving recipe with 105 calories per serving.

How to make flourless brownies: the ideal recipe

To make this dish, follow the steps below:

• Preheat the oven to 175°C
• Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until you get a smooth mixture (if you do not have a blender, mash the bananas with a fork and combine the ingredients in a medium bowl)
• Spray the baking sheet with cooking spray, making sure all surfaces are covered to prevent sticking
• Pour the batter into the baking sheet
• Bake for 18 to 22 minutes (to check whether the batter is done, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean)

Another flourless brownie recipe to try

Another option for replacing flour with black beans was provided by the University of Illinois Extension, and it is made with the following ingredients:

• 425 g black beans
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Step-by-step preparation

• Preheat the oven to 175°C
• Rinse and drain the black beans
• Place the beans, 1/4 of the chocolate chips, and the oil in a food processor and blend until the ingredients are combined.
• Then add the eggs, sugar, cocoa, vanilla extract, and baking powder, and process again
• Pour the batter into a pan lined with parchment paper or coated with cooking spray, and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top
• Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the toothpick comes out clean
• Cut into 12 pieces

According to the nutritional information provided, this version has 167 calories per brownie.

But since a few years ago, a new reusable alternative is gaining ground. We are talking about silicone storage bags. This new product promises more thorough cleaning, greater comfort, and long-term savings.

The alternative that replaces plastic zip bags, and more and more people are choosing it

Made from food-grade silicone, these new storage bags are designed to store snacks, leftovers, liquids, and other everyday items.

Most of them are leakproof and can go in the freezer, microwave, and dishwasher. If used with proper care, silicone bags can be used for years.

Market research firm The Insight Partners expects the silicone storage bag market to keep growing steadily through 2034, with North America playing a major role

Why more people are switching to silicone storage bags

The biggest driver for customers is the move away from single-use plastics. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States generated about 4.2 million tons of plastic bags, sacks, and wraps in 2018, and only about 9% of them were recycled.

The clearest sign of this shift was seen when SC Johnson, the company that owns Ziploc, acquired Stasher, one of the most important and best-known silicones bag brands. Also, Ziploc has launched its own reusable line, Ziploc Endurables.

Product testers such as Consumer Reports and Serious Eats now regularly review and rank silicone bags, a sign of how common they have become in American kitchens.

What should you know before changing from plastic zip bags to silicone storage bags?

There is a key catch behind the idea that the silicone storage bags are instantly more beneficial to the environment. These benefits depend on how they are used.

According to Wirecutter, the product review site of The New York Times, they are only truly more sustainable if people reuse them many times, since making and washing them requires more energy than producing a disposable bag.

For many households, the switch is not about giving up plastic bags overnight, but about using one bag hundreds of times instead of throwing hundreds away.

However, since they also cannot file a joint return if they are not married, they must follow IRS rules to determine who can file as head of household when both contributed to household expenses.

They have a child and live together, but are not married: How should they file taxes to claim tax credits?

Couples who have children together and live under the same roof, but were never married, must meet certain requirements to file their tax returns with the IRS.

According to the IRS official website, both parents cannot file as head of household using the same child, even if both contribute to household expenses. To determine who can do so, household maintenance expenses and dependency rules must be considered.

How is it determined who can file as head of household?

When two parents were never married but live together with their child, only one can use the child as a qualifying person to file under head of household status.

To qualify for this status, the taxpayer must meet certain requirements:

• Not be married or be considered unmarried for tax purposes at the end of the year.
• Have paid more than half of household maintenance costs during the tax year.
• Have shared the home with the qualifying child for more than half the year, except in certain cases.
• Meet the IRS conditions for the child to be treated as a qualifying person.

If both parents claim the same child and meet the conditions for treating the child as a dependent, the IRS applies tie-breaker rules to determine who gets to claim the child. However, those rules do not replace the requirement to have paid more than half of household expenses to file as head of household.

What about separated or divorced parents?

The IRS says separated or divorced parents also cannot claim the same child as a dependent on two different tax returns in the same tax year. The right to claim the child belongs to the custodial parent, meaning the one who lived with the child for the greater part of the tax year.

The IRS exceptions are:

• The custodial parent can allow the other parent to claim the child with Form 8332, as long as the applicable requirements are met.
• The noncustodial parent who receives that authorization may qualify for the Child Tax Credit, if they meet the required conditions.
• The custodial parent may still qualify as head of household, even after giving up the right to claim the child as a dependent, if they meet the other requirements.

This does not automatically transfer the right to file as head of household or to claim other tax credits.

When can you file a joint return?

Joint filing is available to taxpayers who are legally married at the end of the tax year. This means having a child together or living together for the entire year does not make you eligible to file jointly.

The options vary depending on the situation:

• Parents who were never married: They must file separate returns, using single or head of household status, as applicable.
• Legally married parents: They may choose to file jointly or separately.
• Parents divorced by year-end: They generally must file as single or head of household, if they meet the requirements.
• Parents who are separated but still married: They generally must file as married, jointly or separately, unless they can be considered unmarried for tax purposes and qualify for another status.

The one situation in which you must ignore traffic lights and signs

The only case applies when an authorized person is directing traffic by hand. The most common example is a police officer standing in the middle of an intersection, signaling with hand motions to stop or allow vehicles through. At that point, that officer’s instructions take priority over the traffic light and any traffic sign.

That means if the officer signals drivers to go, even if the light is red, they must go; and if the officer tells them to stop, even if the light is green, they must stop. The general traffic rule of always obeying the control device has exactly this exception: the instructions of the person directing traffic by hand override everything else.

Who Has That Authority

Not just anyone can override the traffic light. Priority goes to authorized people directing traffic, including:

• Police officers, when they take control of an intersection.
• Authorized flaggers in work zones, who regulate traffic with a STOP/SLOW paddle or a flag.
• Uniformed school crossing guards at crossings near schools.

In all of these cases, under traffic laws, those people’s signals take precedence over traffic lights and signs. Following them is not a violation; ignoring them is.

Although many people turn to scented products to mask the problem, proper cleaning helps remove residue and dirt that contribute to unpleasant odors.

How to remove bad odors from your trash can with white vinegar, baking soda, and hot water

The Darebin City Council in Australia recommends a process that combines these three ingredients in different stages. The key is using each product correctly: hot water to loosen dirt, diluted white vinegar to clean surfaces, and baking soda to control odors after washing.

The care routine consists of:

1. Empty the trash can: remove the bags and any residue stuck to the bottom.
2. Add hot water: let it sit for a few minutes to make it easier to remove built-up grime.
3. Prepare the cleaner: mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
4. Scrub the surfaces: use a long-handled brush to clean the inside walls, the bottom, and the lid.
5. Rinse thoroughly: remove the solution and any remaining dirt with clean water.
6. Let it dry: place the container in a sunny spot until it is completely dry
7. Apply baking soda: sprinkle a small amount in the bottom of the can to help reduce future odors.

How to keep your trash can from smelling bad again

To reduce unpleasant odors, the maintenance recommendations are:

• Tie bags securely: keep loose waste from sitting inside the container.
• Use a double bag when necessary, especially for diapers and pet waste.
• Keep the lid closed: limit access for insects and other pests.
• Store the container in the shade: avoid prolonged exposure to heat when possible.
• Clean it regularly: wash the can whenever it gets dirty or starts to smell bad.

Utah State University Extension explains that this staple in almost every kitchen does not always need to be thrown out after use, but sheets that are not too worn can be washed and used again.

You don’t always have to throw away aluminum foil: How the sheets can be reused

This item, commonly used in cooking preparations — for example, to cover a baking sheet — can stay useful if it is cleaned at home and kept in usable condition.

The institution says aluminum foil is dishwasher-safe, and recommends placing the sheets — as long as they do not have large amounts of food residue — on the top rack of the dishwasher, on top of or between the dishes, to get clean sheets of foil ready to use again.

If the material is badly damaged, for example because it was used to cook meat, there is still a way to get some use out of it before throwing it straight in the trash.

In that case, the advice is to fold it several times and cut it with scissors as a way to sharpen the blades, thanks to the material helping remove built-up residue.

Other everyday items that can be reused

While creativity can give many everyday objects another use, some of the ideas shared by the institution are:

• Use an egg carton as a seed starter: Put soil and the seed you want to plant in each cup. Eggshells that are still mostly intact can be used for the same purpose if they are rinsed and dried upside down.
• Old CDs can be attached to a bicycle to work as reflectors, for example.
• Using gloves and safety glasses, old light bulbs can be reused by cutting off the bottom and adding plants or other decorations.

For William Dan Moss and his wife, Brenda Moss, a fight that began with his mother’s will has ended with them losing the right to stay on the 70 acres of land where they lived, in Sulphur Springs, Texas.

On October 22, the Sixth Court of Appeals of Texas rejected the couple’s challenge and upheld the eviction judgment against them. The couple responded that the property had belonged to their family for decades, but that was not enough.

Why did his mother’s will left him out?

According to court records, William’s mother owned a share of the land, but when she died, her will specifically excluded him from her estate.

Moss challenged the will in a Hunt County court, which rejected his claim. He then filed another case in Hopkins County to try to prove his right to the property. He lost again and did not appeal.

Mark Lawrence, representing a group known as the Garner Heir Group, then asked the couple to leave. Lawrence said the group had never given them permission to live there. When they stayed, he filed an eviction case.

A local justice court ruled in his favor. The Mosses, who represented themselves, appealed and asked for a jury trial. On March 9, the jury also decided that the Garner Heir Group had the stronger right to the property.

Why the appeals court ruled against the marriage

The couple argued that they could not be evicted because they were not Lawrence’s tenants and that the courts should have first decided who owned the land.

The appeals court disagreed. Under Texas law, an eviction case can also be filed against someone who occupies a property without permission, even without a landlord-tenant relationship.

The court also noted that William’s claim to the land had already been decided against him in the earlier Hopkins County case.

What does the final ruling mean?

With this decision, the eviction judgment stands, and the Garner Heir Group keeps the right to possess the land.

The case shows how disputes over a will can affect the inheritance and also define who gets to stay in a family home that belonged to the same lineage for decades.

The contract, awarded July 29, 2026, by the Department of War, also includes investments to improve shipyard productivity and strengthen the industrial capacity the Navy needs to deliver these vessels.

The deal involves General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII-Newport News Shipbuilding, two key companies in the construction of U.S. military submarines.

Which submarines will the United States build?

The contract is split into three line items covering different U.S. Navy needs. Although all 14 vessels will be nuclear-powered, they will not serve the same mission or be equipped with the same weapons systems.

According to details released by USNI News, the funding is distributed as follows:

• $42.1 billion: nine Virginia Block VI attack submarines and materials for a 10th unit. These models are designed for attack operations and multidomain missions.
• $29.5 billion: five Columbia Build II ballistic missile submarines. They will carry nuclear ballistic missiles as part of the United States’ strategic deterrent capability.
• $5 billion: initiatives to improve productivity and capacity at General Dynamics Electric Boat and HII shipyards.

The Department of War described the deal as a strategic investment to modernize the U.S. submarine force. In the announcement, the department said the contracts represent a historic investment in the country’s modernization and maritime supremacy.

“This historic investment underscores the Department’s continued commitment to undersea superiority and the recapitalization of our nuclear triad,” said Rear Adm. Robert Gaucher, director of submarine programs.

Will the new submarines be able to launch Tomahawk and hypersonic missiles?

Yes. The Virginia Block VI submarines will include a Virginia Payload Module configuration designed to carry long-range strike weapons. Planned capabilities include Tomahawk cruise missiles and the Navy’s future long-range hypersonic missile.

Tomahawk missiles can strike land targets from long distances. Fired from submarines, they give U.S. forces a platform that can move closer to an operational area without being as exposed as a surface ship.

The Virginia design prioritizes stealth, strike capability and the ability to operate in different military scenarios. Because they are nuclear-powered submarines, they can remain submerged for extended periods, with their operational endurance limited by supplies, crew, and the needs of each mission.

The Columbia submarines, meanwhile, bolster the sea-based component of the U.S. nuclear triad, which also includes land- and air-based nuclear forces. Their ability to carry ballistic missiles is meant to ensure the country maintains a deterrent force that can operate even in the event of an attack on other military installations.

How many submarines will the United States have

According to the Department of War, the country has 26 operational Virginia submarines and 23 more under construction. With the new contract, the Navy will expand its commitments to add additional units of this class, designed for attack, reconnaissance and maritime operations.

As for Columbia, the Navy now has seven submarines of this class under contract. The program calls for a planned fleet of 12 boats, meant to gradually replace the Ohio-class strategic submarines that carry out nuclear deterrence missions.

The Navy’s budget estimates put the total cost of the 12 Columbia submarines at about $128 billion.

The first of the class, the District of Columbia, is slated for delivery in March 2029, while the Wisconsin is expected in April 2030, according to projections cited by USNI News.

According to the South Carolina Code of Laws, the Department of Motor Vehicles (SCDMV) may suspend a license when a driver accumulates 12 points. The length of the suspension depends on the number of points on record.

What are the four violations that add 6 points to a driver’s license?

Section 56-1-720 of the Code of Laws lists four violations that carry six points each:

• Reckless driving: driving in a dangerous manner that puts road safety at risk.
• Passing a stopped school bus: passing a stopped school vehicle in circumstances prohibited by law.
• Leaving the scene of an accident: leaving after a crash that caused only property damage.
• Speeding: driving 25 miles per hour or more over the posted limit.

These offenses are part of the state’s point system and can bring a driver closer to the threshold that allows authorities to suspend the license.

How many points are needed for a driver’s license to be suspended?

Under Section 56-1-740, the SCDMV may suspend the license when a driver accumulates 12 points or more.

The length of the suspension depends on the number of points:

• 12 to 15 points: three-month suspension.
• 16 to 17 points: four months.
• 18 to 19 points: five months.
• 20 points or more: six months.

A suspension is not automatic for committing a single six-point violation. Authorities evaluate the accumulated points under state law.

How can you reduce four points from your driver’s license?

The section says drivers can reduce four points by completing a defensive driving course from the National Safety Council or an equivalent course approved by the SCDMV.

To qualify for this reduction, certain conditions must be met:

• Complete the course after the points have been assessed.
• Take an approved course of at least eight hours.
• Have not used this benefit in the past three years.

This option can help lower the point total before a possible suspension.

This is the second high-speed train accident in 10 months, after two trains, the Iryo 6189 and the Alvia 2384, collided on Jan. 18 in Adamuz, in Spain’s Cordoba province, leaving 46 dead and 292 injured.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared three days of national mourning over the train collision and pledged a thorough investigation into the cause of the tragedy. It was also reported that firefighters from the Alcazar de San Juan and Orgaz stations were working at the scene, along with Civil Protection teams from several nearby towns, three medical helicopters and two mobile intensive care units.

Train crash in Spain: The cause under investigation

The first indications, according to Civil Protection, point to the Iryo train being stopped on the tracks and the AVE train hitting it from behind, causing the cars to tumble down an embankment. The Iryo train driver had begun speaking with the Adif control center to resume the trip, although 10 minutes later, before it could get moving again, it was hit by the Renfe train, sources close to the company told EFE.

Those sources said the Iryo train had stopped at 8:30 a.m. because the LZB safety system had failed, but after the ASFA signaling system was activated, it resumed its trip. However, after encountering a “blank signal,” the Iryo train stopped and, “as the protocol requires,” began talks with the control center to manage restarting its journey. Before that could happen, at 8:48 a.m., it was struck by the AVE train.

At a news conference in Madrid, Transport Minister Oscar Puente said a failure in the computer communications system deactivated the LZB rail safety control system, causing trains to stop automatically along a 63-kilometer stretch of the line.

However, the control center later authorized a Renfe train to resume its journey despite the red signal that barred it from continuing. The minister said that an “inexplicable” decision by a rail control center to allow a train to keep moving despite a red signal could be the cause of the deadly collision.

Spain’s Transport minister rules out resigning

“Right now, what I’m thinking about is clarifying this. I’m not thinking about myself,” Puente said when reporters asked whether he planned to resign or had offered his post to the prime minister after two serious accidents hit Spain’s high-speed rail network in just 10 months, the Adamuz crash and the Toledo crash.

The official defended the safety of the rail network. “Our system is reliable and safe within certain limits, which include the limits of the equipment and human action, which also plays a role. There are many systems, rules and protocols that in this case are very clear. Failures can happen, but we have a railway system that is safe and comparable to that of the countries around us,” he concluded, RTVE reported.

According to section 316.2004 of the Florida Statutes, the restriction does not cover all stickers, only opaque materials that significantly obstruct, hide or hinder the driver’s view.

Which stickers are banned on vehicles in Florida?

Section 316.2004 (2) (b) prohibits driving with signs, notices or other opaque materials that significantly affect visibility when placed on:

• The front windshield.
• The side windows, including the small side windows.
• The rear window.

The key condition is that these items prevent a clear view of the road or the roads that intersect with it.

So having a sticker does not automatically count as a violation. What determines whether this rule is being broken is whether the material significantly affects the driver’s view.

What penalty can drivers face for breaking this law?

Section 316.2004(3) says violating this rule is a noncriminal traffic offense, punishable as a non-moving violation under Chapter 318 of the Florida Statutes.

That means drivers can be fined if they are driving with materials that significantly block their view.

The rule also prohibits driving with cargo or passengers positioned in a way that makes visibility harder or interferes with control of the vehicle.

According to manufacturers such as Tefal, Lodge and Le Creuset, the key is identifying the material before trying to remove burned-on food. In some cases, the cookware will need to be replaced to avoid contamination risks when preparing food.

How should burned ceramic pots or pans be cleaned?

According to Tefal’s recommendations, ceramic-coated pans or pots should preferably be cleaned by hand with water and mild detergent. If food burns and sticks, the recommendation is:

1. Let it cool completely.
2. Add warm water with detergent and let it soak to soften the residue.
3. Add a small amount of white vinegar to the water if the stains persist.
4. Carefully clean the surface and rinse thoroughly with plenty of water.
5. Dry the cookware before putting it away.

Tefal says permanent stains on the ceramic coating do not necessarily mean the utensil is dangerous.

What do they recommend doing with burned Teflon pots or pans?

Teflon is the trade name associated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a material used in nonstick coatings.

It is recommended to avoid abrasive products and metal scrubbers, since they can damage the surface of the pans. If food burns, the advice is:

1. Wait until it reaches room temperature.
2. Wash with warm water and dish detergent.
3. Use a soft or nylon sponge to remove the residue.
4. Repeat cleaning if grease remains stuck.
5. Rinse and dry thoroughly.

The manufacturer warns that cleaning only with paper towels or rinsing with water is not enough.

How are enameled cast-iron pots or pans supposed to be cleaned?

Unlike nonstick cookware, uncoated cast-iron pans need to maintain a protective layer of oil, known as seasoning, which helps prevent rust.

The U.S. company Lodge Cast Iron recommends following three steps:

1. Wash with warm water, a little detergent and a stiff-bristled brush.
2. Dry with paper towels or a clean cloth.
3. Apply a thin layer of cooking oil.

They warn that these utensils should not be left to soak because of the risk of rust.

Cleaning stainless steel pans or pots

According to Le Creuset, stainless steel pots and pans can be cleaned with hot water, mild detergent and baking soda to remove burned-on food without damaging the surface.

The manufacturer recommends following these steps:

1. Wait until the utensil reaches room temperature before washing it.
2. Use a soft sponge or nylon brush to remove surface residue.
3. If burned residue remains, fill the pot with warm water and baking soda.
4. Place the utensil on the stovetop and boil the water for 10 to 15 minutes to soften the stuck-on residue.
5. Repeat cleaning with a soft sponge and dry immediately to avoid water spots.

Tips for caring for these kitchen utensils

Manufacturers agree that proper maintenance helps preserve the properties of the cookware and prevent premature damage.

• Avoid sudden temperature changes.
• Use appropriate utensils.
• Do not heat empty nonstick pans.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

The official website of the Canadian government, Health Canada, recommends not using nonstick cookware at temperatures above 260° and keeping the kitchen ventilated while cooking.

When should they be replaced because of contamination risk?

Not all stains or marks mean a pot should be thrown out. However, damage to the coating, cracks and certain structural damage may justify replacing it.

• Ceramic or enameled cast iron: cracks, chips or pieces missing from the interior enamel.
• Teflon: coating that is flaking, peeling or visibly damaged.
• uncoated cast iron: structural cracks.
• Stainless steel: major warping or damage that compromises safe use.

This rule aligns with the federal rollout of the Real ID law in May last year and, when it cannot be met, travelers are given the option to pay a fine for an alternative screening.

Although this requirement applies at the federal level, minors under 18 (currently those born between 2008 and 2026) are not required to meet this requirement to board the plane.

Children Born Between 2008 and 2026 Do Not Need to Show a Real ID or Acceptable Alternatives

According to the official information shared by authorities, minors under 18 do not have to meet the requirement to present a Real ID or valid identification when traveling within the United States.

This requirement, however, is mandatory for everyone 18 and older, who can present documents on this list or complete the official screening process, known as TSA ConfirmID.

It is important to note that those who must provide acceptable documents may do so with documents that are up to two years expired.

What Parents of Children Born Between 2008 and 2026 Need to Do

Although federal rules do not require minors to present acceptable identification to fly, authorities say to always contact the airline they plan to travel with to learn the specific requirements each carrier may impose.

Exception to the Rule

Minors traveling alone who meet the requirements to travel under TSA PreCheck must present valid identification if they want to receive expedited screening.

From physical appearance and fitness to workplace productivity, the word reflects a growing interest in getting the most out of nearly everything. But it can also be used ironically to poke fun at the pressure to constantly improve.

What does “maxxing” mean, and how do people use it?

The term comes from words such as “maximum,” “maximize,” and “max.” It gained traction online through expressions such as “looksmaxxing,” which refers to efforts to improve physical appearance, and later expanded into other areas of life.

For example, “proteinmaxxing” describes prioritizing protein intake, while “tokenmaxxing” refers to maximizing the use of artificial intelligence tools at work. Even an ordinary night at home watching movies and eating snacks can become “cozymaxxing.”

Dictionary.com said searches for “maxxing” rose sharply in 2026, with the word increasingly appearing on its own rather than only as part of longer expressions. Its growing popularity reflects how the term has moved beyond its original online communities.

What the word says about life in 2026

Dictionary.com sees “maxxing” as a reflection of a culture that increasingly values optimization. The idea of pushing something further can apply to personal appearance, health, work performance, and everyday routines.

However, the term does not always celebrate the pursuit of improvement. Some people use it seriously, while others exaggerate the concept for humor or use it to describe stepping away from the pressure to do more.

The other words on Dictionary.com’s 2026 shortlist were “affordability,” “data center,” “odyssey,” and “unc.” Together, the selections reflect themes ranging from economic concerns and artificial intelligence to internet slang and popular culture.

The closure will last 16 months and force drivers who use this link on State Route 47 to find alternate routes.

According to the California Department of Transportation, 53,000 vehicles cross the structure each day, including trucks carrying goods to and from the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach.

Why California is closing the bridge

The Vincent Thomas Bridge opened in 1963 and has been part of Southern California’s road network for more than six decades. Although its main structure remains sound, the roadway used by vehicles has shown progressive wear linked to heavy traffic, age and environmental conditions.

Caltrans said leaving the current surface untouched could worsen the damage and make more emergency closures necessary to carry out spot repairs. For that reason, officials decided on a full, extended closure.

The project also includes replacing the railings, fencing, median barrier and seismic sensors. The goal is to improve safety and extend the life of this key link.

What alternate routes drivers will need to take

Drivers will have to change their usual routes during the 16 months of construction. Among the main roads expected to absorb some of the traffic are the following:

• Interstate 710 (I-710): one of the highways planned to carry traffic.
• Interstate 110 (I-110): another main link for rerouting traffic.
• State Route 103 (SR 103): an alternative within the area road network.
• Harry Bridges Boulevard: a local corridor included in the planned detours.

Connections through streets such as Alameda Street and Henry Ford Avenue are also under consideration, according to the detour plan and traffic needs.

The impact will not be limited to private vehicles; commercial trucks will also have to adjust to the traffic management measures.

Will there be traffic control?

Caltrans will deploy traffic-control officers at 18 key intersections to manually direct traffic and address problems that may arise at the most congested crossings.

Monitoring of commercial trucks will also be stepped up to keep heavy traffic from diverting onto residential streets not designed to handle that volume.

How much the project will cost and when the bridge will reopen

The project has a total budget of $750 million, and the official schedule calls for a complete 16-month shutdown, with reopening expected in early March 2028, ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

During the work, crews will operate around the clock to meet the schedule. According to the project documents, the single-phase approach was chosen for safety, efficiency and cost reasons, though it will mean a prolonged disruption for those who depend on the crossing.

Although specialized products are sold for this purpose, the official Metro government website in Oregon recommends using a homemade mixture made with two easy-to-find ingredients: olive oil and vinegar.

“Natural homemade cleaners are safe to use around children and pets, and they are just as effective at removing dirt and grime,” it explains.

Mixing olive oil and vinegar to make leather garments look like new: how to do it

The advice for treating this type of garment is to mix half a cup of olive oil and a quarter cup of vinegar in a spray bottle. This vegetable oil, which can make leather shine, is combined with the acetic acid in vinegar, which helps dissolve residue.

The official recommendation is to shake the mixture before each use so the ingredients blend as well as possible, then spray it onto a soft cloth and wipe the garment.

The mixture is said to work both for cleaning and conditioning.

Other recommendations for caring for leather

The Canadian Conservation Institute recommends protecting leather from extreme temperatures and from too little or too much humidity. Very dry climates can cause the material to become brittle, while high humidity encourages mold and the deterioration of the fibers that hold the material together.

It also recommends protecting this material from light, limiting exposure to direct lamps or sunlight to prevent fading and damage to the garment.

If there is surface dust or loose dirt, the recommendation is to clean the garment with a soft brush.

The BNSF Railway network is essential infrastructure for transporting agricultural products, consumer goods, coal, and industrial freight.

The relationship between the two companies was cemented in 2010, when Berkshire Hathaway completed its purchase of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation shares it did not yet own. The surviving entity was renamed Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC, and BNSF Railway became its wholly owned subsidiary. Today, BNSF Railway belongs to Burlington Northern Santa Fe, LLC, which is part of Berkshire Hathaway.

How many rail miles does the company control

BNSF Railway Company operates more than 32,500 miles of rail lines in 28 U.S. states and also has a presence in three provinces of Canada. That figure refers to the routes it uses to operate, not including additional main lines, rail yards, or sidings.

In its annual report filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Berkshire Hathaway describes the scale of this infrastructure. The document says that BNSF operates one of the largest freight rail networks in North America.

The company also says it owns more than 23,000 miles of track, including rights of way, and uses trackage rights on more than 9,000 miles of track owned by other railroads. If single-track and multiple-track main lines, yards, and sidings are included, the system exceeded 50,000 miles operated as of Dec. 31, 2025.

How much did BNSF Railway Company invest in the United States in 2025

BNSF Railway Company’s investment in 2025 totaled about US$3.8 billion, according to the company’s financial statements and Berkshire Hathaway’s annual report.

The SEC report lists $3,796 million in capital expenditures for BNSF’s rail business during the year. In the document, spending is broken down into $3,272 million in capital investments excluding equipment purchases, and another $525 million used to buy equipment.

BNSF’s report says its capital program aims to increase capacity, strengthen safety and efficiency, extend the life of its assets and provide new services to customers.

How much money does BNSF Railway earn in 2025

The 2025 financial results show the economic scale of Berkshire Hathaway’s rail business. According to the annual report filed with the SEC, BNSF reported $23.5 billion in rail operating revenue and $8.055 billion in rail operating income. That latter figure was up 7.8% from the US$7.469 billion reported in 2024.

It is also worth noting that the company cut its rail operating expenses: They fell from US$15.886 billion in 2024 to US$15.295 billion in 2025, a decline of 3.7%.

The first higher payment depends on the program you receive. Most people collecting Social Security retirement, disability or survivor benefits will see the increase in their January 2027 payment, while SSI recipients are scheduled to receive their adjusted benefit on December 31, 2026, ahead of the New Year’s Day holiday.

When the 2027 Social Security COLA takes effect

The SSA announced the 3.6% increase on October 14, 2026. The adjustment applies to benefits beginning with December 2026, which are generally paid in January 2027.

For most people receiving retirement, disability or survivor benefits, this means the first payment reflecting the increase will arrive in January. The exact deposit date depends on the recipient’s payment group.

The schedule differs for people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Their increased payment for January 2027 is scheduled to arrive on December 31, 2026, because January 1 is a federal holiday.

That earlier deposit does not represent an extra check or a bonus. It is the regular SSI payment for January, delivered ahead of the usual date.

When you’ll receive your first higher Social Security payment

The payment date depends on the type of benefit you receive and, for many Social Security beneficiaries, your date of birth.

• December 31, 2026: SSI recipients receive the January payment with the 3.6% increase.
• January 3 payment group: Some beneficiaries, including those who began receiving Social Security before May 1997, follow a different schedule from the standard Wednesday groups. Because January 3, 2027, falls on a Sunday, the applicable payment date should be checked against the SSA’s official calendar.
• January 13, 2027: Under the regular schedule, retirement, disability and survivor beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of the month receive their January payment on the second Wednesday.
• January 20, 2027: Beneficiaries born between the 11th and 20th generally receive their payment on the third Wednesday.
• January 27, 2027: Beneficiaries born between the 21st and 31st generally receive their payment on the fourth Wednesday.

People who receive both Social Security and SSI may have different deposit dates for each benefit. Checking the official payment calendar is the best way to confirm when the increased amount will arrive.

How much more money will Social Security recipients get in 2027?

The 3.6% COLA will not translate into the same dollar increase for everyone. The amount depends on the benefit a person currently receives.

The SSA estimates that the average monthly retirement benefit will rise by approximately $75. That figure is an average, not a guaranteed increase for every retiree.

For example, a beneficiary currently receiving $1,500 per month would see a gross increase of $54 after applying the 3.6% adjustment. The new amount would be $1,554 before any applicable deductions.

The amount deposited into a bank account may differ from the gross benefit increase. Medicare premiums, withholding and other deductions can affect the final payment, so recipients should review their individual notices before calculating how much additional money they will have available.

How to check your new Social Security benefit amount

Beneficiaries do not need to wait for the first increased payment to learn their new monthly amount.

The SSA said people with a personal my Social Security account can access their personalized COLA notice online. Recipients who enroll in paperless notices can receive the information digitally, while those who continue receiving paper notices will get them by mail in December.

The notice includes the updated benefit amount and any applicable deductions. Medicare enrollees can also check information about their 2027 premiums through their account.

The University of Arkansas System recommends a mixture of lemon, olive oil and water that is applied directly to the surface to restore some of its luster and leave a shinier finish.

How to make a homemade furniture polish with lemon and olive oil

The recipe shared by the University of Arkansas System uses three common household ingredients to make a polish that should be prepared right before each use.

The mixture combines lemon juice with a small amount of olive oil and water, so it does not require specialized cleaning products.

To make this homemade solution, you need the following ingredients.

• 1 lemon.
• 1 teaspoon of olive oil.
• 1 teaspoon of water.

The process is to squeeze the lemon juice and mix it with the olive oil and water until the ingredients are fully combined.

It is also important to prepare only the amount you will use right away, since the university recommends making the mixture just before applying it.

Step by step: How to restore the shine to wood with this mixture

Once the solution is ready, the next step is to spread it on tthe surface of the piece of furniture and let it sit for a few minutes. The application should be done carefully to avoid leaving overly wet spots or residue from the mixture.

To follow the method recommended by the institution cited, take these steps.

1. Prepare the mixture with the juice of one lemon, one teaspoon of olive oil and one teaspoon of water.
2. Apply a thin layer to the wooden surface you want to polish.
3. Let it sit for five minutes, as the recipe states.
4. Buff with a soft cloth to remove any remaining mixture and improve the finish of the surface.

Using a soft cloth makes it possible to work on the wood without abrasive materials that could leave marks or scratches.

What precautions to take before using the home remedy

Although it uses common ingredients, this preparation is not suitable for all finishes. The lemon juice is acidic and the oil can leave residue, so it is best to first test a small amount on a hidden area and see how the surface reacts.

It is also advisable to avoid using it on unfinished wood, antique furniture or delicate surfaces without first checking the manufacturer’s care instructions. In these cases, the mixture could cause stains or alter the original finish.

To keep furniture in good condition, it is a good idea to dust regularly and use products compatible with the treatment of each surface. In this way, the home remedy can be considered a one-off option, as long as the material and finish can handle the ingredients.