The approval was announced on October 16, 2026, and was granted to Alcon. Although the decision clears the way for the product to enter the U.S. market, the FDA has not announced an exact retail launch date. The manufacturer expects the drops to reach major retailers and online stores in the coming months.

When will BRYTLY eye drops be available in stores?

BRYTLY is expected to become available at major U.S. retailers and through online stores in the coming months, according to Alcon. However, the company has not announced a specific date for when consumers will be able to purchase the product.

The FDA’s approval allows the eye drops to be marketed without a prescription for their authorized use. The agency’s announcement does not provide a retail price or a confirmed launch schedule.

What are the new eye drops used for?

BRYTLY is designed to relieve eye redness caused by minor irritations, which can result from factors such as dryness or dust. The active ingredient, apraclonidine, was previously available in higher-concentration prescription formulations used to lower eye pressure in patients with glaucoma or those undergoing certain laser eye procedures.

The nonprescription formulation is approved for adults and children aged 12 and older. According to the FDA, it should not be used more than twice a day.

What precautions should consumers know?

Consumers should read the product’s Drug Facts label before using BRYTLY. Those who wear contact lenses must remove them before applying the drops and wait at least 10 minutes before putting them back in. Anyone using additional eye drops should wait five minutes between products.

The FDA advises consumers to stop using BRYTLY and consult a doctor if they experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation, or if symptoms worsen or persist for more than three days. These precautions are intended to help consumers recognize when eye redness may require medical attention rather than continued self-treatment.

In that sense, salt and sparkling water are two allies that can help when what we are trying to remove is a wine stain, whether from clothing or the tablecloth. Combining these ingredients is one of the specific recommendations provided by the University of Georgia extension for spilled wine.

The trick to removing wine stains using salt and sparkling water

In its section devoted to textile care, the institution details that wine stains can be removed by following this procedure:

• Sprinkle the fresh stain as soon as possible with table salt (this will allow some of the liquid to be absorbed in the affected area)
• Clean the area gently using a sponge dampened with sparkling water or cold water
• Dry well with a cloth (dab on the stain)
• Let it dry completely

Although this is one of the recommended methods, alternatives are also recommended such as:

• Soak the garment for 15 minutes in approximately 1 liter of warm water, 1/2 teaspoon of detergent, and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
• Rinse well after the suggested time has passed
• If the stain is still there, it is recommended to dampen a sponge with isopropyl alcohol and clean gently. Then rinse again
• When putting the garment in the washing machine, it is best to add a bleach that is safe for the fabrics being cleaned

Important information about stain removal

Before applying any treatment, the institution’s warning is:

• Always check the instructions on each garment’s label and never use products that are contraindicated there
• Test the products to be used in a strategic, out-of-sight area to ensure the fabric is not damaged
• Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when disposing of or storing purchased products
• Ensure that you have adequate ventilation when applying cleaning procedures

According to Consumer Reports, its testing has shown that cold water cleans just as well for most everyday loads, and most modern detergents are designed to work at lower temperatures. The ACI agrees: today’s detergent enzymes perform well in cold water.

The reason is that cleaning depends on three types of energy: the detergent’s chemical action, the washer’s movement, and the water’s heat. “The more one type of energy is used, the less others are needed,” the ACI explains.

How much energy it saves

The biggest savings come from the water heater. ENERGY STAR estimates that heating water accounts for about 90% of the energy a washing machine uses. Switching from hot to warm cuts that roughly in half, and cold water reduces it even more.

Why your clothes last longer

Cold water is also gentler on fabric. It helps prevent:

• Fading and dyes bleeding in bright or dark colors.
• Shrinking in natural fibers like cotton and wool.
• Damage to stretchy fabrics such as spandex, since heat weakens elastic.

It also works better on some stains. Blood and other protein-based stains should be treated in cold water, because heat can “set stains,” according to the ACI.

When is hot water still better for washing clothes?

Experts say there are a few exceptions:

• Grease and oil: Cooking oil, butter, makeup, or car grease come out more easily in warmer water.
• Illness: For towels or sheets used by someone who is sick, the CDC recommends the warmest appropriate water setting and drying the laundry completely.
• Very dirty loads: Heavily soiled workwear or muddy clothes can benefit from extra heat.

In every case, the first step is to check the care label on each garment.

Placing a box of baking soda in the refrigerator: what it’s used for

Food odors can build up inside a refrigerator as different ingredients and prepared dishes share the same enclosed space. One simple way to address the problem is to place an open container of baking soda inside the appliance.

The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) recommends leaving an open box of baking soda in the refrigerator to absorb food odors. The advice appears in its publication on household substances and alternatives with relatively low toxic effects.

The method does not require mixing ingredients or applying the powder to refrigerator surfaces. The idea is simply to leave the box open so the baking soda is exposed to the air inside the appliance.

How to use baking soda to reduce refrigerator odors

To try this household tip, place an open box of baking soda in a stable spot inside the refrigerator. Keep the container uncovered so the product can remain exposed to the surrounding air.

This approach can complement other kitchen hygiene practices recommended by UF/IFAS, including wiping up spills promptly and storing food in sealed containers. These habits help keep the kitchen clean and reduce problems associated with improperly stored food.

If an unpleasant smell persists, check the contents of the refrigerator and clean any areas where food residue may have accumulated. Baking soda can help with odor control, but it does not replace regular cleaning or proper food storage.

How does baking soda neutralize refrigerator odors?

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a mildly alkaline compound that can help neutralize certain odor-causing substances. Some unpleasant refrigerator smells come from volatile fatty acids, which can be released as food spoils. When these acidic compounds react with baking soda, they can form less volatile substances that no longer produce the same noticeable odor.

This chemical reaction helps explain why baking soda can reduce some refrigerator odors. However, it does not work equally well on every type of smell, and its effectiveness depends on contact between the baking soda and the odor-causing compounds.

The Guide to Household Hazardous Waste of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) includes this resource among its alternative products.

The guide suggests replacing household products that could be toxic with less hazardous options. According to it, many of them can be replaced by safer, cheaper alternatives with equivalent effectiveness.

What spraying vinegar on the shower curtain is for

According to the Mississippi guide, undiluted vinegar is useful for removing a common problem on shower curtains: soap scum and mold. Both form through constant contact with water, soap, and moisture, and are usually seen as a dull film or as stains.

The document includes this instruction within a list of alternatives for household tasks. In that same list, vinegar appears in other uses such as a multi-purpose cleaner in diluted solution (with less water and more vinegar for tough stains), a feature that shows it is a versatile product.

How to use vinegar to clean shower curtains

The guide’s instruction is direct and indicates spraying undiluted vinegar on the shower curtain, specifically in areas where there is soap scum and mold.

As a complement, the University of Wisconsin–Extension guide (Rent Smart program) recommends, for cleaning shower curtains, spraying with undiluted vinegar and wiping with a sponge or a damp cloth.

These are some precautions mentioned in the document that should be kept in mind:

• Read the label and follow the directions for use of any product.
• Do not mix chemical products with one another. If vinegar is going to be applied, the curtain should not have leftover traces of other cleaners.
• Keep products out of the reach of children and animals.
• If a sprayer is used, the guide generally recommends choosing hand-pump containers rather than aerosols.

How to prevent mold from returning to a shower curtain

To help prevent mold and mildew from returning, keep the shower curtain fully extended after each use so it can dry evenly instead of remaining bunched up. Moisture trapped in the folds can encourage mold growth, particularly in bathrooms with poor ventilation.

The Florida Atlantic University recommends leaving the bathroom exhaust fan running for at least five minutes after showering and keeping the door open for at least 15 minutes to help moisture escape. Regular cleaning and proper ventilation can also help reduce the conditions that allow mold to develop.

To deal with this dirt, the University of Georgia in the United States recommends a procedure that uses baking soda, white vinegar and water as part of a deep cleaning of the oven.

As the Cooperative Extension Service of the University of Georgia explains, the vinegar and water mixture is applied after a baking soda paste is left to act on the interior surfaces.

What is spraying white vinegar inside the oven for?

White vinegar diluted in water is used as part of a procedure intended to remove grease, food residue, and dirt accumulated in the oven.

The university recommends first applying a baking soda paste and letting it sit for several hours, preferably overnight.

After that time, a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water is sprayed onto the treated surface. Next, it is scrubbed with a sponge or a nylon scouring pad to loosen the dirt.

The procedure can be repeated if stuck-on residue remains.

How do you clean the oven with vinegar and baking soda?

According to the University of Georgia’s instructions, the procedure consists of the following steps:

1. Remove the oven racks to make it easier to access the interior surfaces.
2. Remove loose food residue and dirt that can be taken out before starting.
3. Prepare a paste with approximately half a cup of baking soda and three tablespoons of water.
4. Spread the paste inside the oven and let it sit for several hours, ideally overnight.
5. Spray a mixture of equal parts white vinegar and water on the treated surfaces.
6. Scrub with a nylon scouring pad to help remove the dirt.
7. Wipe with a damp sponge and repeat the procedure if necessary.

Finally, the university advises wiping again with a damp sponge to remove the baking soda residue before putting the racks back in place.

What precautions should be taken when cleaning the oven?

Before starting, it is important that the oven be turned off and completely cool. It is also advisable to check the manufacturer’s instructions to see which products and materials are suitable for cleaning it.

The University of Georgia recommends protecting the heating elements during the procedure and testing cleaning methods beforehand in an inconspicuous area when there is a risk of damaging a surface.

In addition, the guide warns that removing very stuck-on residue may require several passes, so all the dirt is not necessarily removed in a single attempt.

Today, the herd numbers more than 2,000 animals and can grow to approximately 2,700 during the summer, when calves born in the spring are included. Their presence is part of a broader effort to protect a landscape that has lost most of its original range to agricultural development and other land-use changes.

How 300 bison became a herd of thousands

The original donation helped restore a species that once roamed the Great Plains in enormous numbers. By the late 19th century, commercial hunting and other pressures had brought American bison close to extinction.

The return of the animals to Oklahoma’s prairie was not simply an effort to increase their population. The Nature Conservancy reintroduced them as part of a strategy to restore the natural processes that sustain the tallgrass prairie ecosystem.

The preserve’s herd lives across tens of thousands of acres of protected grassland. Although the bison roam freely throughout the property, conservation staff monitor their health and manage the herd to support the long-term restoration project.

The annual roundup is one part of that work. Each fall, staff and experienced wranglers gather the animals for health checks, weighing and vaccinations.

Why bison are essential to the prairie

The tallgrass prairie once covered a vast area of central North America, extending across multiple states. Today, less than 4% of its original extent remains, making the protection of surviving grasslands particularly important.

Bison are considered a keystone species because their behavior helps shape the environment around them. Their grazing changes the amount and composition of vegetation, creating different conditions across the landscape rather than allowing the grassland to become uniform.

These changes can benefit native grasses, wildflowers and other plants, while helping create habitats for insects, birds and amphibians. In this way, the animals contribute to the ecological processes that sustain the prairie.

Their impact is reinforced by carefully managed, prescribed fires. The Nature Conservancy uses a patch-burn approach, in which different sections of the grassland are burned at different times. This helps limit the spread of woody vegetation, encourages native plant growth and maintains a varied landscape.

The Oklahoma preserve protecting a disappearing landscape

The Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve, near Pawhuska, Oklahoma, covers approximately 39,650 acres. The Nature Conservancy describes it as the largest protected remnant of tallgrass prairie left on Earth.

The preserve is home to hundreds of plant species, along with diverse bird and mammal populations. Its conservation work combines habitat protection, bison management and prescribed burning to maintain the natural character of the grassland.

Visitors can experience part of the landscape along a designated 15-mile driving loop, although bison are wild animals and may not always be visible. During the annual fall roundup, the herd may be temporarily out of sight while staff conduct health checks.

More than 30 years after the first 300 animals were released, the project demonstrates how restoring a native species can help recover the ecological processes of an endangered landscape. The bison are not just a symbol of the American West: their grazing is one of the tools being used to keep the tallgrass prairie alive.

What is the silent mistake that gets your ESTA rejected

Most people assume that ESTA is rejected for legal problems or for making mistakes when entering the data. But there is a much less well-known cause: having traveled in the past to certain countries.

Under a 2015 law (the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act), a citizen of a country in the program loses the right to use ESTA if they were in certain places, even if it was a tourist, work, or family visit, and even if a lot of time has passed.

What trips will keep you out

According to Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a person becomes ineligible for ESTA if they traveled to or were present, on or after March 1, 2011, in any of these countries:

• Iraq
• Iran
• Syria
• Sudan
• Libya
• Somalia
• Yemen
• North Korea

Added to that list, under a separate rule, is Cuba: anyone who was there on or after January 12, 2021, the date the United States again designated it a “state sponsor of terrorism,” is also generally ineligible.

Few people know it: the dual nationality factor

There is a second reason, which does not even depend on having traveled. Anyone who is a citizen of a Visa Waiver Program country but also has the nationality of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Sudan, or North Korea is ineligible for ESTA.

The same applies to those who are nationals of a program country and, at the same time, of Cuba. In these cases it does not matter whether the person set foot in those countries or not: dual nationality alone triggers the restriction.

The two details that make it “silent”

What makes this reason especially treacherous are two details. The first: an already approved ESTA can be revoked. If CBP later detects a trip or a dual nationality covered by the rule, it cancels the authorization and notifies the email address listed in the application. In other words, you can have an ESTA approved today and lose it before traveling.

The second: there are exceptions, but they are very limited. Traveling to those countries does not count against you if it was done to perform military service in the armed forces of a program country or to carry out official duties as a full-time employee of a government of a program country.

The toaster oven has a power of 1,050 watts, two quartz heating elements, and an adjustable timer of up to 60 minutes, features that make it useful for various everyday preparations.

The product also includes a rack and a baking tray, two accessories that expand its possible uses. Its compact design makes it easy to place on the countertop and helps save space, while the exterior can be cleaned with a cloth.

What can be prepared in the Mainstays toaster oven sold by Walmart?

The Mainstays toaster oven has three settings: toast, bake and broil. That means you can handle a range of foods in one small appliance instead of heating up a full-size oven for every meal.

It fits up to four slices of bread at once or a 9-inch pizza, and it works for sandwiches and other small dishes, making it a practical option for breakfast, snacks and quick meals.

Its compact size can be useful in kitchens with limited available space or in homes that require a complementary appliance.

What features does the toaster oven sold by Walmart have and what accessories does it include?

The Mainstays MS4502550614-05 model has a power of 1,050 watts and two quartz heating elements, a rotary dial that allows you to select the cooking settings and set the time since it has a timer of up to 60 minutes and an indicator light that shows when it is on.

The product description indicates that its exterior can be cleaned with a cloth, which makes maintenance easier after use, and that it is sold in white or black. As for its accessories, the electric oven sold by Walmart includes a baking rack and a cooking tray.

The more than 60-year-old institution, founded in 1965, said that it does not have the financial resources needed to sustain its operations in the long term. It also said the closure will be carried out in a planned manner to protect, as far as possible, the academic future of its students.

Why Hampshire College is closing

The closure of Hampshire College is the result of a combination of financial difficulties, enrollment problems, and financial obligations that the institution can no longer meet.

Jenn Chrisler, president, wrote a statement together with Jose Fuentes 05F, chair of the board of trustees, and Elle Chan 87F, president-elect, in which they explained that the college tried to increase the number of enrolled students, refinance debt, and obtain new income through the sale of part of its land. But unfortunately, none of the strategies succeeded.

The institution also said that financial pressures worsened over time, and keeping the place operating as usual required cuts that ended up affecting its ability to offer an adequate academic education.

“We are faced with the clear, heartbreaking reality that progress on each of these three key factors has fallen far short of what we had hoped,” the authorities acknowledged.

Another aspect that influenced the decision had to do with the short-term debt tied to the land. According to the message, even a favorable sale of properties would not solve the long-term problems, even less so if enrollment were to remain at current levels.

Given this outlook, the Board concluded that “The College no longer has the resources to sustain full operations and meet our regulatory responsibilities.”

When will Hampshire College permanently close?

Hampshire College expects to complete its closure process by the end of December 2026, after offering students the possibility of continuing their studies during the summer and fall semesters.

According to the message, “The timing of this decision assures that we can leverage the institution’s limited financial resources to facilitate a transition that allows our current students to complete their undergraduate education (either here or at a partner institution), is respectful of our faculty and staff, maintains the value of a Hampshire College degree, and honors the lasting legacy of Hampshire and its alumni.”

It is worth noting that the closure date marks the end of the institution’s operations, but that does not mean its degrees and academic records will disappear. On the contrary, the college confirmed that it will retain the records and that they will remain available to former students.

What will happen to students and future graduates?

On the one hand, current students will have two paths:

• Finish their degree at the college through a completion program: Aimed at students who can complete the remaining academic requirements within the calendar.
• Transfer to another college. Hampshire College is working with the Five Colleges consortium and other institutions. The authorities recommend reviewing in advance the admission requirements, course equivalencies, and academic plans of the other colleges, since each one differs from the others.

On the other hand, the college said it is seeking to maintain its accreditation and authorization to grant degrees to future graduates. They are currently working with the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education and the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) to ensure that students can receive their Bachelor of Arts degree.

The academic records of these groups will be kept at Hampshire College until December 31, 2026. After that period, custody will pass to the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

With a score of 90.83 out of 100, the New England territory ranked first thanks to its 353 waterfalls, its extensive forests, its mountains, a network of 1,300 lakes and ponds, and a small stretch of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.

Why New Hampshire is the most beautiful state in the United States

The main factor explaining the result is the proportion of territory covered by forests. According to data collected by the ranking, approximately 83% of New Hampshire’s surface is covered by trees. Added to this are its waterfalls and mountainous terrain.

The result is striking because of New Hampshire’s size, one of the smallest in the country. This shows that a state does not need to be vast to stand out for its natural wealth.

The ranking compared the 50 states using six criteria: mountain elevation, extent of rivers and waterways, forest cover, national parks, volcanoes, and number of waterfalls.

After New Hampshire, the ranking was made up of:

• West Virginia, which came in second with 78.23 points.
• Virginia, which scored 74.50.
• Connecticut took fourth place with 74.48 points.
• Hawaii came in fifth with 72.78.

How many waterfalls, lakes, forests, and coastlines does New Hampshire have

New Hampshire has 353 waterfalls, according to World Waterfall; 1,300 lakes and ponds, according to the NH Department of Economic and Business Affairs; and 83% forest cover. Its natural attractions include rivers, conifer forests, and deciduous trees, as well as mountains that allow visitors to take in representative local landscapes.

The state is also known for its abundance of waterways: around 40 rivers run through its territory, with a total length of about 41,800 miles, according to NH.gov. It also has five major regional rivers that begin in its mountains and hills: the Connecticut, the Pemigewasset, the Merrimack, the Cocheco, and the Salmon Falls.

Another of its most distinctive geographic features is worth noting: its 29-kilometer ocean coastline. According to CountryReports, it is the second shortest of any U.S. state with a coastline. In this way, New Hampshire offers a short stretch of the Atlantic shoreline that contrasts with its extensive forests and mountainous areas.

How small New Hampshire is

New Hampshire is located in the northeastern U.S., in the New England region. It borders Quebec, Canada, to the north; Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east; Massachusetts to the south; and Vermont to the west.

Its total area is around 9,304 square miles (24,097 square kilometers), including 9,027 square miles (23,380 square kilometers) of land and 277 square miles (717 square kilometers) of inland water. Its size places it among the smallest states in the country, according to CountryReports.

The state capital is Concord, located along the Merrimack River, while Manchester is its most populous city.

What is the highest mountain

Located in the White Mountains, Mount Washington is the highest point in New Hampshire, at an elevation of approximately 1,917 meters above sea level, according to NH State Parks.

The mountain stands out both for its elevation and its weather conditions: on April 12, 1931, its weather station recorded a wind gust of 231 miles per hour (372 kilometers per hour). For decades, that measurement was recognized as the world record for surface wind speed.

Known as the Odello Artichoke Fields, the property was a former artichoke farm located beside the Carmel River in Monterey County. Eastwood purchased it in 1995 with his then-wife, Maggie Johnson. The land had development potential, but its location also made it valuable for managing the river’s floodwaters.

How Clint Eastwood helped preserve the California property

The land was transferred through two donations to Big Sur Land Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting natural areas in the region.

In 1997, Eastwood and Johnson donated 49 acres. In 2016, they contributed another 79 acres, expanding the amount of land available for environmental restoration.

Together, the donations totaled 128 acres, or approximately 52 hectares. The property is now part of a broader effort to restore the Carmel River floodplain and recover natural functions that have been reduced by human development and changes to the landscape.

The donations also helped prevent the transferred land from being used for residential development. Instead, the acreage became part of a conservation strategy intended to benefit both wildlife and nearby communities.

How the nature restoration project could help prevent flooding

The Carmel River FREE project aims to restore the river’s floodplain. These low-lying areas can temporarily hold and spread excess water during high flows instead of forcing it through a restricted channel or toward populated areas.

Plans include restoring riverside habitats and wetlands, improving water movement and removing or modifying certain barriers that interfere with the river’s natural flow. The project also includes measures to improve drainage beneath State Route 1 and reconnect natural areas separated by infrastructure.

The goal is to reduce flood exposure for homes and businesses while restoring habitats used by fish, birds and other wildlife.

Floodplain restoration cannot eliminate flooding altogether. Instead, it can give water more room to spread naturally and help reduce damage during certain high-water events.

Why the project matters for wildlife and local communities

Environmental recovery is another central part of Carmel River FREE. Wetlands and riverside habitats can provide shelter, food and breeding areas for wildlife while supporting the river’s broader ecosystem.

The initiative also envisions expanding public access to natural spaces through trails connecting areas such as Carmel River State Beach and Palo Corona Regional Park.

That means the project goes beyond flood management. It also aims to preserve the landscape, reconnect habitats and create more opportunities for residents and visitors to experience the area’s natural environment.

What remains before the Carmel River restoration is complete

Although Eastwood’s donations provided important land for the initiative, additional funding and infrastructure work are still needed to complete the project.

Published information about Carmel River FREE puts the remaining project cost at approximately $57.5 million. Some funding has been secured through grants, while other resources remain subject to funding processes and approvals.

The donated land is therefore a significant foundation for the restoration effort, but it does not mean all construction is finished or that the flood risk has been eliminated.

The story of the former artichoke farm illustrates how land with residential development potential can take on a lasting environmental role. The acreage contributed by Eastwood and his family is part of a wider effort to restore the Carmel River, protect wildlife and make nearby communities less vulnerable to flooding.

The announcement marks a shift in Starlink’s strategy. The company has largely relied on its satellite network and partnerships with traditional wireless carriers to extend mobile connectivity. With this transaction, SpaceX aims to develop a service that combines satellite connections with terrestrial infrastructure.

What Starlink’s spectrum deal includes

SpaceX has agreed to buy a portfolio of low-band spectrum licenses in the 800 MHz band from investment firm Grain Management. The agreement covers up to 14 MHz of paired spectrum and is valued at approximately $8 billion.

Radio spectrum carries wireless signals between devices and communications networks. Lower-frequency bands offer an important advantage for mobile services: they can cover broad areas and penetrate walls and other obstacles more effectively than higher-frequency bands.

For Starlink Mobile, that capability could help improve connectivity indoors, where satellite signals may weaken as they encounter roofs, walls and other structures.

However, the agreement still requires final approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The transaction does not mean Starlink Mobile is already available nationwide or that SpaceX can immediately provide comprehensive mobile coverage across the country.

How Starlink Mobile’s network could work

SpaceX plans to combine its satellite constellation with a terrestrial communications network. The goal is to use both technologies to expand connectivity and reduce the limitations of relying on either system alone.

The newly acquired low-band spectrum would complement the frequencies Starlink plans to use for satellite data transmission. SpaceX also envisions deploying radio equipment and antennas on towers, rooftops and other structures to strengthen its ground-based coverage.

The company has also announced that the FCC authorized an application related to the deployment of 15,000 satellites for Starlink Mobile. That decision marks another milestone for the project, although it does not eliminate the need to build terrestrial infrastructure or complete the regulatory process for the spectrum transaction.

SpaceX says this hybrid architecture will allow it to deliver broader mobile connectivity. The challenge will be turning that technical capability into a reliable service for everyday smartphone users.

Why AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile still have an advantage

The spectrum acquisition strengthens Starlink’s prospects of entering the mobile market, but it does not automatically put the company on equal footing with established carriers.

AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile already operate terrestrial networks and have extensive antenna infrastructure, commercial partnerships, customer service systems and large subscriber bases. Building a comparable operation would require substantial investment and years of development.

Network performance also depends on more than coverage. Handling heavy traffic, maintaining stable connections in crowded urban areas and delivering consistent service inside buildings will be crucial to competing with established providers.

SpaceX still faces technical and commercial challenges before it can become a direct rival to the major wireless carriers. Acquiring spectrum is a significant step, but it does not guarantee a competitive nationwide network.

The final rule, known as T.D. 10060, implements changes made by the Taxpayer First Act of 2019, but does not establish a specific payment service or announce when a new direct-payment option will become available.

How the new IRS tax payment rules work

Under the previous rules, the IRS generally relied on third-party payment processors to handle credit and debit card transactions. The agency was also prohibited from paying fees under contracts related to accepting these payments.

The new regulations allow the IRS to enter into contracts to process credit and debit card payments directly, without having to connect taxpayers to third-party payment processors.

The agency may pay fees under these contracts if it recovers the full amount from taxpayers who use the payment method. However, the regulations do not establish a specific payment process or contract.

Will taxpayers have to pay a fee?

If the IRS pays processing fees under a contract, it must recover the full cost from taxpayers who use the card payment method. The reimbursement fee must be collected at the time of the tax payment.

The regulation also specifies that this fee is not eligible for a refund or credit under Section 6402 of the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS must seek to minimize the amount of the processing fee, but the final rule does not establish a specific fee amount.

When will the new IRS payment rules take effect?

The final regulations allow the IRS to enter into contracts under which it pays fees for processing credit or debit card payments. If the agency pays a fee under such a contract, it must recover the full amount from taxpayers who use that payment method.

The reimbursement fee must be paid alongside the tax payment.

The rule does not set a specific fee amount. It also states that the reimbursement fee is not eligible for a refund or credit under Section 6402 of the Internal Revenue Code. The IRS must seek to minimize the fees it pays under these contracts.

At 2:00 a.m., the time will go back to 1:00 a.m., according to the federal Daylight Saving Time (DST) calendar. The change will mark the return to standard time and will make it possible to gain one hour that night.

The next time change is coming and the clocks will have to be updated

The time change in the U.S. is scheduled for next Sunday, November 1. The date follows the federal rule that establishes that daylight saving time begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November.

Cell phones, computers and many smartwatches usually update the time automatically. However, there are some devices that require a manual adjustment, such as wall clocks, alarm clocks, appliance clocks, radio-controlled clocks and some car clocks.

Which states will turn their clocks back

Most states will have to change their clocks to return to standard time. However, each has particularities related to its time zones:

• Florida: most of the state uses Eastern Time, while a section in the northwest belongs to Central Time.
• New Jersey: uses Eastern Time and will have to turn its clocks back one hour.
• Texas: most of the territory uses Central Time, but a western region follows Mountain Time.
• California: uses Pacific Time and will also have to turn its clocks back one hour.

The change also affects New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Colorado, Washington and Massachusetts, among others.

States that will not change the time

The exception to the time change includes:

• Hawaii
• Most of Arizona, except Navajo Nation
• Puerto Rico
• Guam
• American Samoa
• Northern Mariana Islands
• U.S. Virgin Islands

According to the United States Department of Defense, the new amounts took effect on October 1, 2026. One of the benefits doubled and now reaches $450 per month, while the other increased to $275.

What are the two special payments that increased in the United States?

The update applies to two payments intended for military personnel who face risky situations during service:

• Hostile Fire Pay (HFP): increased from $225 to $450 per month. It is granted to military personnel who meet the established conditions due to exposure to hostile actions.
• Imminent Danger Pay (IDP): rose from $225 to a maximum of $275 per month. It is calculated at a rate of $9.16 per day, depending on the length of service in a designated area.

The new amounts began to apply on October 1, 2026, coinciding with the start of the federal fiscal year.

Who can access the special payments for military personnel?

According to the Department of Defense, not all members of the Armed Forces receive these payments. Eligibility depends on the conditions under which the service is carried out.

Hostile fire pay applies to military personnel who meet the requirements linked to situations such as enemy attacks, hostile explosions or other events that expose them to serious danger.

For its part, imminent danger pay is intended for those who serve in officially designated foreign areas where there are threats of physical harm related to armed conflicts, terrorism, civil wars, or other risk conditions.

The agency also clarified that both payments cannot be received simultaneously for the same period of service.

How were the new amounts applied?

Hostile fire pay is set at $450 for the month in which a qualifying event occurs.

By contrast, imminent danger compensation is calculated proportionally, at a rate of $9.16 per day, up to the maximum monthly amount of $275.

The Department of Defense recommends that military personnel and their families consult the finance offices of their units to find out how the changes will appear on their pay statements and to confirm whether they meet the conditions to receive them.

Known as tactile paving or detectable warning surfaces, they make it possible to recognize through the touch of the feet or the white cane that one is reaching the edge of the sidewalk or a vehicular traffic area.

They help identify the moment when it is necessary to stop, pay attention to the surroundings, and assess whether it is safe to cross.

In the United States, these surfaces are covered by federal accessibility rules and guidelines. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the law that protects the rights of people with disabilities, sets standards to improve accessibility, while the U.S. Access Board develops technical guidelines for public pedestrian spaces.

What do the yellow bumps with dots at the corners mean?

Bumps with raised dots are tactile warning signals; their presence indicates that the pedestrian is approaching an area where special attention must be paid, such as the meeting point between a sidewalk ramp and the roadway.

According to the accessibility standards published by the United States Department of Justice at ADA.gov, these surfaces must have a texture formed by truncated domes and meet specific measurements.

Section 705 of the 2010 standards establishes that the raised portions must be approximately 5.1 millimeters high, in addition to having specified diameters and distances between them.

It requires the surface to visually contrast with the pavement around it, whether through a light-on-dark or dark-on-light combination.

That is why, although yellow is a common color on these tiles, it is not the only one allowed by those standards, since what matters is that there be visual contrast where the texture and the arrangement of the dots are essential for the warning to be recognized by touch, even when the person cannot distinguish colors or see the surface.

What are tactile paving tiles for, and how do they help people with visual disabilities?

The function of these tiles is to warn blind people or those with low vision that they are approaching a dangerous transition, especially when the sidewalk descends to street level. By detecting the raised surfaces with their feet or with the white cane, they can recognize that they are approaching the crossing and take precautions before moving forward.

The signal is important at corners with ramps, because these eliminate the difference in level that traditionally separated the sidewalk from the roadway. Without a clear tactile warning, it can be more difficult to identify where the pedestrian area ends and the area used by vehicles begins.

The U.S. Access Board explains that these surfaces provide a distinctive texture to warn of the proximity of vehicular areas and other hazards, such as the edges of train platforms.

However, the tiles do not indicate when to cross or replace other safety measures, such as pedestrian signals, audible signals, or attention to traffic, since their purpose is to provide an additional signal so that people can move around with greater independence.

It is not a decoration or a minor indication: it warns that, farther ahead, the road divides into two.

What the traffic sign with a black “Y” on a yellow background means

The sign warns that, a few meters farther ahead, the road on which you are traveling splits: the single road opens into two branches that go in different directions, forming a “Y”-shaped intersection.

In other words, a point is coming where you will have to choose which of the two sides to continue on, instead of going straight ahead.

The shape of the letter itself sums it up: the stroke coming up from below represents the road being traveled, and the two that open upward, the branches between which a choice will have to be made.

Because of its color and shape, it belongs to the group of preventive or warning signs, which in the United States are identified by the yellow diamond and black symbols. In the country’s official signage system it is classified as W2-5, among the signs that anticipate intersections.

Why it is important to recognize it

The value of this sign lies in allowing time to decide. Arriving at a fork without anticipating it, at night, with poor visibility or in an unfamiliar area, forces you to choose at the last moment, and that is where abrupt maneuvers appear: sudden braking, sudden lane changes or improper crossings so as not to miss the correct branch.

By warning in advance, the sign makes it possible to slow down and make the decision with room to spare. That is why, although it may seem like a simple indication, it is one of the warnings that help prevent accidents at points where the road splits.

The amount a soldier receives depends on factors such as rank, years of service, duty status and eligibility for additional compensation. Housing allowances and enlistment bonuses are not guaranteed for everyone, so applicants should review the terms of their contract before committing to military service.

How much does the US Army pay in 2026?

The Army determines basic pay according to rank and years of service. The Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), the federal agency responsible for military payroll, published the official 2026 military pay tables, effective January 1, 2026.

According to the enlisted pay table, the monthly basic pay for personnel with two or fewer years of service includes:

• Private (E-1): $2,407.20 per month, equivalent to $28,886.40 annually.
• Private (E-2): about $2,698 per month, or roughly $32,376 annually.

These amounts represent basic pay before housing assistance, food allowances, bonuses or other additional compensation. Actual earnings depend on the soldier’s circumstances and eligibility for specific benefits.

The Army also offers opportunities for additional compensation through certain assignments, specialized duties and military occupations. Soldiers serving on active duty full time are paid according to their rank and service history, while members of the Army Reserve and Army National Guard generally receive part-time military pay based on their service and training schedules.

Housing assistance and other benefits

Housing is another important part of the Army’s compensation package. Eligible active-duty soldiers may live in military accommodations or receive financial assistance toward housing costs.

The Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) helps eligible service members pay for housing when government-provided accommodations are unavailable. The amount depends on duty location, pay grade and dependent status. These allowances are generally tax-free and are intended to help cover housing expenses, including rent and utilities.

Newly enlisted active-duty soldiers often begin by living in barracks after completing initial training. Housing arrangements vary by location, rank, marital status and family circumstances. Soldiers who live off base may qualify for a housing allowance under the applicable rules.

Other benefits can include:

• Health care: active-duty soldiers receive medical coverage at no cost, while part-time personnel can access coverage at reduced costs.
• Food assistance: eligible service members may receive a food allowance or have access to covered meals, depending on their circumstances.
• Education and training: programs can help pay for college, graduate school, professional certifications and other training.
• Home loans: eligible service members can access programs designed to help them buy or maintain a home.

The value of these benefits varies. They should not be treated as additional cash payments automatically available to every recruit.

What enlistment bonuses can recruits receive?

The Army offers enlistment bonuses to eligible applicants who fill certain positions or meet specific recruitment conditions. GoArmy advertises opportunities to combine bonuses worth up to $50,000 for qualifying full-time recruits entering certain military occupations.

Some of the incentives listed by the Army include:

• Quick Ship Bonus: up to $10,000 for eligible recruits who report to Basic Training within 30 days of enlistment for certain in-demand jobs.
• Job Signing Bonus: up to $45,000 for selected enlisted positions.
• College Credit Enlistment Bonus: up to $6,000 for eligible applicants with qualifying college or vocational school credits who select a qualifying critical military occupation.
• Army Reserve Enlistment Bonus: up to $13,000 for qualifying Reserve recruits.

These amounts represent maximum advertised incentives, not guaranteed payments. Eligibility depends on factors such as the selected military occupation, qualifications, entrance test scores and the date the recruit can begin training. Bonus combinations and payment schedules are governed by the enlistment agreement.

Applicants should ask a recruiter which incentives are currently available for their chosen occupation and make sure all promised bonuses are documented in the contract.

What are the requirements to enlist?

According to GoArmy, applicants who want to enlist as soldiers generally must meet the following requirements:

• Age: between 17 and 42 years old (17-year-olds need parental consent).
• Citizenship or residency: U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residency with a valid Green Card.
• Education: a high school diploma or equivalent, such as a GED.
• Medical and physical fitness: candidates must meet the Army’s applicable standards.
• Entrance exam: applicants must achieve the minimum required score on the Army’s entrance test.

Some applicants may qualify for waivers, depending on the circumstances. Approval is not automatic, and medical qualifications, legal history and other eligibility issues are reviewed individually.

The requirements differ for people seeking to become commissioned officers. That path generally requires U.S. citizenship and a college degree by the time the candidate receives a commission, as well as additional qualifications.

How to start the enlistment process

The Army outlines five main steps for prospective enlisted soldiers.

1. First, contact a recruiter. A recruiter can explain eligibility requirements, available military occupations and the differences between full-time and part-time service.
2. Next, take the entrance test. The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) helps determine which military occupations may be suitable for the applicant.

Candidates then complete a medical evaluation at a Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS), explore available career options and review the terms of their enlistment agreement.

After signing the contract, the recruit takes the Oath of Enlistment and prepares for Basic Training. The timeline varies depending on the applicant’s circumstances, the selected occupation and training availability.

The technique consists of preparing a paste and applying it to the joints between the ceramic tiles with a nylon-bristle brush.

The University of Florida included this method in a guide on alternatives for household cleaning, with specific instructions for ceramic tile grout.

What is applying baking soda with water to bathroom tile grout for

Applying baking soda with water to the grout between bathroom tiles serves to remove built-up dirt, reduce surface stains, and restore some of their original color. The mixture forms a paste that helps loosen debris stuck between the tiles.

In its publication Hazardous Household Substances: Alternatives That Are Relatively Free of Toxic Effects, the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences at the University of Florida (UF/IFAS) recommends using a paste of baking soda and water to clean unsealed grout that looks dull or lackluster.

This resource can be useful for routine bathroom maintenance, where moisture and residue encourage the appearance of stains.

How to clean bathroom tile grout with baking soda and water

The procedure recommended by the University of Florida guide is simple and uses items that are usually available at home.

To do it, follow these steps:

• Prepare a paste: mix baking soda with a small amount of water until you get a thick consistency.
• Apply to the grout: spread the mixture directly over the joints between the tiles that show dirt.
• Scrub with a brush: use one with nylon bristles to work on the affected areas without resorting to abrasive tools.
• Remove the residue: rinse with clean water and wipe with a cloth to remove the residue from the mixture.
• Dry the surface: finish with a clean cloth to prevent unnecessary moisture from remaining.

Before applying the mixture to the whole bathroom, it is advisable to test it on a less visible area to make sure it does not alter the color or finish of the surface.

It is also necessary to check the manufacturer’s instructions if the grout has a sealant or special treatment.

What to keep in mind before using baking soda in the bathroom

The UF/IFAS guide also warns that homemade alternatives may require more effort to achieve the desired result. Effectiveness depends on the type of dirt, the condition of the surface, and how often maintenance is carried out.

If the grout has mold, persistent stains, or deterioration, it may be worth considering using a product to eliminate the bacteria and following its instructions for use.

The tax research and software provider released its estimates Sept. 11, ahead of the official figures the IRS publishes each fall. A 3.2% inflation adjustment would be larger than the 2.7% increase applied for 2026.

The seven federal income tax rates, from 10% to 37%, would stay the same. What moves up is the income range each rate applies to, along with the standard deduction, the flat amount filers can subtract from their income before tax.

Those rates were made permanent by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the tax and spending law President Donald Trump signed July 4, 2025.

How much could a $60,000 earner save under the 2027 IRS tax brackets?

The savings come from two changes working together. The standard deduction for single filers would climb to $16,600 from $16,100, lowering taxable income on a $60,000 salary to $43,400 from $43,900.

The 10% bracket would also widen, covering the first $12,800 of taxable income instead of $12,400. The rest would be taxed at 12%, bringing the total bill to $4,952.

Married couples filing jointly on $60,000 in combined income would see a larger cut under the same projections: about $136, with their bill falling to $2,704 from $2,840.

The example assumes wage income only, the standard deduction and no tax credits. It also assumes pay stays the same in 2027. Someone whose raise keeps pace with inflation would see the dollar amount of the bill go up instead.

Even then, taxes would take about the same share of income. That’s the purpose of the annual adjustment: to keep inflation alone from pushing workers into higher brackets, an effect known as bracket creep.

What are the projected 2027 IRS tax brackets and standard deduction?

Bloomberg’s projections cover all seven brackets. Here are the projected 2027 income ranges for single filers and married couples filing jointly:

The standard deduction would rise to $16,600 for single filers and $33,200 for married couples filing jointly, up from $16,100 and $32,200 in 2026.

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act also gives the 10% and 12% brackets an extra year of inflation adjustment. That makes those two lower brackets somewhat wider than they would be under the formula used for the higher ones.

When will the IRS confirm the 2027 tax brackets?

The IRS had not released its official 2027 figures as of Monday Oct. 19. The agency announces new brackets each fall in a formal notice called a revenue procedure.

The final numbers could differ from Bloomberg’s. The adjustment is based on the chained consumer price index for all urban consumers, an inflation measure published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The 2027 brackets would cover income earned from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2027. Taxpayers would apply them when they file their returns in early 2028, usually by mid-April.

Returns filed next spring, which cover 2026 income, will still use the 2026 brackets and standard deduction.

Until the IRS confirms the figures, taxpayers can use the projections to estimate next year’s bill. They should check the official numbers before changing their withholding, the amount taken out of each paycheck for taxes.

What began as a way to make friends in New York turned into Peak and Pace, a social fitness club that brought in more than $640,000 in 2025, according to CNBC Make It.

Akhibi moved from London to New York and, in July 2024, launched Peak and Pace to build community beyond nightlife. At the time, he worked full-time in algorithmic trading sales at the investment bank J.P. Morgan.

He promoted the club with daily social media posts, and by its fifth session, about 150 runners were showing up.

How a free club makes money

Running with Peak and Pace is always free. The money comes from its events: after the runs, Akhibi began organizing parties with DJs and food vendors, with tickets that usually cost $15 to $25. Over time, the club added hiking and ski trips outside the city.

More than 30,000 people attended its events in 2025. The company operates with an overall profit margin of about 15%, and Akhibi reinvests the profits instead of paying himself a second salary.

Growing the club came at a cost. For about a year, Akhibi worked 18-hour days to balance Peak and Pace with his demanding day job. “I had to keep performing at a very high level in my [day] job,” he said. “Keeping myself in a good mental mindset was probably the hardest thing.”

A business that runs without him

In March, Akhibi moved to San Francisco for a new job at an AI robotics lab. Today, a team of nine contractors runs Peak and Pace’s events in New York almost entirely on its own.

The biggest lesson, he says, has been patience: “If you can just learn to be patient and try to put yourself in their shoes, then you become understanding in almost any given situation.”

The change in the schedule will benefit those who receive the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program, administered by the SSA, intended for people over 65 and for blind or disabled people who meet certain financial requirements. These beneficiaries will collect in October the money corresponding to November, so they will have two SSI deposits during the same calendar month.

However, the advance does not apply broadly to all retirees who receive SSA benefits. The Social Security regular retirement, survivors, and disability payments maintain their own dates according to the official schedule.

Which SSA beneficiaries will be paid early in October 2026?

The advance is aimed at people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This federal program provides financial assistance to people aged 65 or older and to blind or disabled people who have limited income and resources, as long as they meet the eligibility requirements.

The SSA states that SSI payments are generally made on the first day of each month, but when the date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, the agency sends the money on the last business day before. For that reason, the November schedule includes an early deposit for beneficiaries of this program in all states.

On what day will the November payment be deposited, and why is it being moved up?

The SSI payment corresponding to November 2026 will be deposited on Friday, October 30; the usual date was Sunday, November 1, but since it is not a business day, the SSA moves the benefit delivery up to the last prior business day.

The next regular SSI payment is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2026. In this regard, those who receive the early deposit will need to organize their expenses, taking into account that there will be no other payment from this program during November.

Will Social Security retirees also receive the money before November?

Not all retirees will be paid early since the October 30 change corresponds to the SSI benefit, while the regular retirement, survivors, and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) payments follow the schedule established by the SSA.

The preliminary injunction came after a lawsuit against Secretary of State Marco Rubio over the failure to open the registration period. The court later modified the schedule at the joint request of the parties.

The program offers the possibility of applying for an immigrant visa to obtain permanent residency in the United States. However, being selected does not guarantee that the visa will be granted, since participants must meet the legal requirements and complete the corresponding evaluation steps.

Why did the courts order the visa lottery to be reopened for 2027?

Federal judge Jinsook Ohta granted a preliminary injunction in the case Red Eagle Law, L.C. v. Rubio, filed against Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The lawsuit challenged the State Department’s failure to open registration for the Diversity Visa Program for fiscal year 2027.

According to Immigration Analytics, the order requires the government to announce the registration dates, identify the website where electronic applications will be received, publish the requirements to participate, and disseminate the information through the State Department’s usual channels, including the Federal Register.

What does the court order require from the State Department?

In addition to ordering the opening of registration, the ruling establishes specific obligations for the State Department. Among them, it must accept electronic applications that meet the legal and documentary requirements and process the cases in accordance with the applicable procedures.

The court also ordered the process to continue, subject to current law, until the visas allocated for fiscal year 2027 or until September 30, 2027, whichever comes first. The judge retains jurisdiction to enforce or modify the injunction if necessary.

When will registration open for the 2027 visa lottery, and what is the new deadline?

The original court order set a schedule for announcing and opening registration. After both parties requested changes to the deadlines, the judge approved a new calendar on October 14, 2026. According to the case tracking published by Immigration Analytics, the updated deadlines are as follows:

• October 29, 2026: deadline for the State Department to officially announce the registration period.
• November 1, 2026: deadline to open electronic registration.
• 30 days: length of the registration period.
• December 3, 2026: deadline to notify selected applicants.

The October 29 and November 1 dates are maximum deadlines, so the State Department may announce the call and enable the form before those dates. The visa issuance process may continue until the allocation for fiscal year 2027 runs out or until September 30, 2027, whichever comes first. It should be noted that being selected does not guarantee that the applicant will receive a visa before that date.

On the other hand, the State Department announced in August 2026 a pause in the issuance of diversity visas. The agency said applicants could submit their applications and attend interviews, but no visas would be issued while the measure remained in effect.

Who can participate in the U.S. visa lottery?

The United States Diversity Visa Program offers up to 55,000 immigrant visas per year to people from countries with historically low levels of immigration to the country. Selection is made at random, but being chosen does not guarantee permanent residency, since each applicant must meet the requirements and complete the consular screening stages.

According to official information from the U.S. government, the general requirements include:

• Eligible country: having been born in a country eligible to participate, according to the program rules. The list may change every year.
• Education or work experience: the principal applicant must have completed secondary education equivalent to that in the United States or have two years of work experience, within the last five years, in an occupation that meets the criteria established by the Department of Labor.

How do you enter the visa lottery?

To enter, interested parties must complete the electronic form during the period set by the State Department. The agency warns that it does not accept applications submitted after the deadline or paper forms, and that submitting more than one entry per person may result in disqualification.

The DV-2027 call includes specific requirements that should be taken into account before submitting the application:

• Passport: the final rule published in the U.S. Federal Register establishes that participants must provide the details of a valid, current passport and attach a digital copy of its biographical and signature page, except for exceptions provided for in the rule.
• Registration fee: a federal rule published by the State Department added a US$1 payment to register an application in the program, separate from the visa application fee that selected applicants must pay. Participants should review the official DV-2027 instructions when the call is published.
• Confirmation number: After successfully submitting the form, the participant must keep the confirmation number to check the result and follow the later instructions.

The form must be completed on the official portal when the call is enabled. Before submitting the application, the user can review the specific DV-2027 instructions and verify that all requirements are met.

Wiseman collected the award alongside pilot Victor Glover and mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, with whom he flew over the Moon for ten days in April. The astronauts shared their impressions of space exploration and explained how observing the planet from that perspective led them to reflect on peace, hope, and people’s responsibility, the EFE news agency reported.

What the astronauts felt when contemplating Earth from the Moon

The Artemis II commander highlighted the impact of observing Earth from space, where the planet looks as small as a thumb. That image, he said, awakens the need to call for “love, peace, hope and unity”.

For his part, Jeremy Hansen explained that contemplating Earth from its satellite made him wonder “what are we doing on that blue dot?” However, he clarified that there is no reason for despair, because on the planet “we have a lot of good around us”.

In this sense, the mission specialist stressed that “Humanity needs positivity, and you can give it a voice”.

Victor Glover highlights the importance of vision for the future of humanity

Pilot Victor Glover conveyed a message of gratitude from Christina Koch, the fourth member of the crew, who could not travel to Tenerife. Koch will take up the post of acting deputy director of engineering at NASA on November 1.

Glover also expressed his recognition of “the visionaries” who drove the Starmus Festival and recalled a phrase that appears in the Parliament of Ottawa: “Where there is no vision, humanity perishes”.

One of those visionaries is Garik Israelian, astrophysicist and founder of the festival. Israelian acknowledged that, when he began the event 15 years ago with the participation of space-race pioneers such as Neil Amstrong and Alexei Leonov, he could not imagine that humanity would return to the Moon three lustra later.

The Starmus Festival brings together science, music and international figures in Tenerife

The eighth edition of the Starmus Festival began in the port of Santa Cruz de Tenerife under the slogan “The search for truth”. During the opening ceremony, the first Jane Goodall Earth Medal was awarded to Christiana Figueres, a Costa Rican anthropologist, economist and analyst, for her pioneering work related to climate change.

Figueres received the award from family members of Jane Goodall and expressed her gratitude by imitating a chimpanzee greeting in honor of the late primatologist. A second Jane Goodall Earth Medal, which had not previously been announced, was also awarded to astrophysicist and Queen guitarist Brian May, for his participation in projects to “give wild animals a voice” and offer a second chance to animals rescued in shelters in Great Britain.

The festival had already awarded filmmaker Ridley Scott and physicist Brian Cox. In its “junior” edition, the awards went to the young science communicators Valeria Corrales and Aneeshwar Kunchala.

The opening ceremony, hosted by Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield, combined science and music with a concert featuring former Yes member Rik Wakeman, tenor Andrea Bocelli, soprano Sarah Brightman and Brian May, accompanied by the Las Palmas de Gran Canaria Symphony Orchestra.

For six days, Tenerife and La Palma will welcome Nobel Prize winners, astronauts and artists of world renown to celebrate science, space exploration, music and human creativity.

According to the California Courts, heirs can use simpler procedures when the estate is below certain values set by law. The most common is the small estate affidavit, a sworn statement that lets them collect the property directly.

How much heirs can collect

For deaths on or after April 1, 2025, the limit is $208,850. Before that date, it was $184,500 (for deaths since April 2022) and $166,250 (for earlier deaths). The amounts are adjusted every three years, and the next update is scheduled for April 1, 2028.

The affidavit is used for personal property, such as bank accounts, investments, and belongings. Heirs present it directly to the bank or institution that holds the assets.

The requirements are:

• At least 40 days must have passed since the death.
• No probate case can be open for the estate.
• The total value must be at or below $208,850, and debts or mortgages cannot be subtracted.

What doesn’t count toward the limit

According to the courts, some assets are not included when adding up the value of the estate:

• Cars, boats, and mobile homes.
• Real estate outside California.
• Property in a trust, including a living trust.
• Property owned jointly with someone else, including joint bank accounts.
• Property that passes directly to a surviving spouse or domestic partner.
• Life insurance and other benefits paid directly to a named beneficiary.

What happens with the family home on inheritance?

Real estate follows different rules. Since April 1, 2025, a state law allows heirs to transfer the deceased person’s main home through a simplified court process if it is worth $750,000 or less. For other real property, the limit for a simplified transfer is $69,625.

Even when probate is not required, attorneys note that some banks may ask for additional documents, so families should review the requirements carefully or consult a probate lawyer before filing.

The agency distributes benefits on different Wednesdays throughout the month to organize payments among recipients. For those who qualify for the October 21 round, the relevant date is the day of the month on which they were born, rather than their age or the amount of their benefit.

The date is part of the SSA’s official 2026 payment calendar, which establishes when beneficiaries should expect their money.

Social Security payment schedule for the rest of October

The October calendar includes additional payment dates for people who belong to different beneficiary groups.

• Wednesday, October 21: Retirement, SSDI and survivors benefits for recipients born between the 11th and 20th of the month.
• Wednesday, October 28: Retirement, SSDI and survivors benefits for recipients born between the 21st and 31st of the month.
• Friday, October 30: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments for November.

The final date is different from the regular monthly SSI schedule. Because November 1 falls on a Sunday, the SSA will issue the November SSI payment on the preceding business day, October 30. This is an advance payment under the calendar, not an additional SSI benefit.

Who does not have to wait until October 21?

Not all Social Security recipients follow the same Wednesday schedule. The agency uses separate payment dates for certain groups.

People who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, as well as some beneficiaries who receive both Social Security and SSI, generally receive their Social Security payment on the third day of the month. For October 2026, that date was Friday, October 2.

Meanwhile, SSI recipients generally receive their payment on the first day of the month, unless that date falls on a weekend or federal holiday. The October SSI payment was issued on October 1.

Beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the first and 10th received their October retirement, disability or survivors payment on October 14, the second Wednesday of the month.

How to check your Social Security payment date

Recipients can consult the SSA’s official Schedule of Social Security Benefit Payments to identify the date that applies to their benefit category and birth date.

They can also sign in to their my Social Security account to review information about their benefits. If a payment does not arrive on the expected date, the agency recommends checking with the financial institution first, as processing times can vary. If the payment remains missing, recipients can contact Social Security for assistance.

Mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems. In addition, some types of mold can produce mycotoxins, toxic substances that can cause illness, under certain conditions.

What is mold and why does it appear in food?

Mold is a type of microscopic fungus that grows on matter of plant or animal origin. It reproduces through spores that can be carried by air, water, or insects and settle on different foods.

According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), its growth is favored by warm and humid environments, although some species can develop at refrigeration temperatures.

Mold is usually identified by white, green, gray, or black spots, which sometimes have a cotton-like texture. However, the visible part represents only a portion of the fungus, since its filaments can extend into the interior of the food.

Why is it not safe to cut out part of it and eat the part that seems unaffected?

The USDA warns that removing only the visible part of the mold does not guarantee that the rest of the food is safe to eat.

This is because fungi develop root-like filaments that can penetrate deeply into food, even when no changes are visible on the surface. Some types of mold can also produce toxic substances and coexist with invisible bacteria.

Recommendations vary according to the type of food:

• Baked goods: they should be discarded completely.
• Soft fruits and vegetables: they should be discarded completely.
• Soft cheeses, yogurts, and jams: it is not recommended to remove only the affected part and eat the rest due to the risk of internal contamination.
• Hard cheeses and firm vegetables: at least 2.5 centimeters around and below the affected area can be removed, without the knife touching the mold.

How dangerous is it?

The USDA warns that some types of mold can cause allergic reactions and respiratory problems, while certain species also produce mycotoxins that can cause illness.

In any case, there are some that are used in a controlled way in the production of cheeses such as Roquefort, Brie, and Camembert.

How can mold growth be minimized?

The USDA notes that hygiene and proper storage are essential to reduce mold growth because its spores can accumulate in refrigerators, utensils, and kitchen surfaces.

The main recommendations are:

• Clean the refrigerator periodically.
• Keep cleaning utensils clean.
• Protect food and store it properly.
• Refrigerate perishable products.
• Consume leftovers in time.
• Control the humidity in the home.

Precautions to keep in mind if mold is found

First, the USDA recommends not smelling moldy foods directly, as this could cause respiratory problems.

In addition, it is important to properly discard the affected products and then clean the place where they were stored. It is also recommended to check nearby foods, as they may have been contaminated.

This home method stands out for its low cost and practicality. However, it is important to apply it with caution, since excess moisture can affect the materials and make drying difficult.

What is applying vinegar to the mattress for?

The mattress often accumulates odors, dust and dirt that are not always removed with a basic cleaning. This is where vinegar comes in, a key ally that helps improve bedroom hygiene, prolongs the mattress’s useful life, and helps achieve deeper, healthier rest.

One of the main reasons to use vinegar in this area is its ability to disinfect and neutralize odors. Although it does not completely remove stains, vinegar softens dirt and acts as a natural neutralizer, ideal for enclosed spaces or areas with poor ventilation.

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

In addition, this method is used as a repellent for small insects. The acidic aroma of white vinegar helps ward off pests that tend to hide in less visible areas.

For this reason, spraying vinegar on the mattress can be a practical alternative to more invasive chemical products.

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

How to apply it correctly

To take advantage of its benefits, simply prepare a simple mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, it is recommended to spray the mixture onto the mattress, let it sit for at least one hour, vacuum or scrub the stains, and let it dry.

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

How often should the mattress be cleaned?

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

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

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

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

How to make a homemade cleaner with vinegar and orange peels

The recipe asks for very little. You need the peels of four oranges, a quart-size glass jar and enough white vinegar to cover them. Once the jar is filled, it rests for about a week. After that, the liquid goes into a spray bottle and it is ready for everyday surfaces.

There is no cooking, measuring or special equipment. The authors, Amanda Griffin and Randall A. Cantrell, present it as an example of the cleaners you can make with a few inexpensive ingredients instead of buying commercial products.

What surfaces can you clean with vinegar and orange peels?

A mixture of white vinegar and orange peels can be useful for cleaning certain hard surfaces around the home, particularly those that tolerate acidic products. Once the mixture is ready, it can help remove light grease, everyday dirt and some unpleasant odors, while leaving a fresh citrus scent.

It may be suitable for ceramic tiles, certain kitchen countertops and other washable, acid-resistant surfaces. However, it is important to test the mixture on a small, inconspicuous area before using it more broadly.

Avoid using it on marble, granite, natural stone, terrazzo and other acid-sensitive materials, as vinegar can damage their finish. It is also best to avoid unsealed wood, waxed surfaces and delicate finishes.

Why people reach for it

The first reason is the budget. The fact sheet opens by asking whether you are running low on cleaners and suggests making your own rather than heading to the store.

The second is reuse: the peels would otherwise be thrown away, and the jar can be a recycled one.

What it does not promise

The University of Florida calls this mix an all-purpose cleaner. It does not describe it as a disinfectant. For sanitizing hard surfaces such as cutting boards or doorknobs, the same university gives separate diluted bleach solutions, with their own instructions.

Safety rules that matter more than the recipe

The most important warning has nothing to do with oranges. Never mix bleach with vinegar, ammonia or rubbing alcohol, because the reaction can release toxic fumes that harm the lungs. Since this cleaner is vinegar-based, keep it away from any bleach product.

The fact sheet adds a few habits worth adopting:

• Label the jar or bottle clearly.
• Never use food containers, especially ones children associate with food.
• Store the cleaner out of children’s reach.
• Mix only what you need and use it up.

According to property records obtained by Realtor, the couple sold their home in Toluca Lake for $14.25 million in a deal that closed on February 13, 2026.

Culkin and Song bought the property in 2022 from actor Kiefer Sutherland for $8 million. The four-bedroom, five-bathroom home spans 4,879 square feet, was built in 1935 and sits on more than half an acre.

The mansion was sold without even going on the market

The house was never publicly listed. Because of that, it’s unknown whether the couple made any changes while they lived there, and no new photos of the home have been released.

The secrecy matches the way the couple has handled their private life. In a 2025 interview with Cosmopolitan, Culkin said he was proud that many people still didn’t know they were together and had two children: “That means we did our job.”

After the sale, the couple bought a new home in Sherman Oaks for $10.3 million, according to TMZ.

The first real estate win for Macaulay Culkin was back when he was 19 years old

Culkin already had experience making money from property. At just 19 years old, he bought a loft in New York for about $1.7 million. He kept it for more than 20 years and sold it in 2025 for $7.75 million, also in an off-market deal.

Today, the actor who became famous at 10 as Kevin McCallister has stepped away from big movie roles to focus on his family and smaller projects, while his real estate moves continue to pay off.

Although these options can be applied for together or separately, each is used for a specific purpose, and they are not equivalent in scope.

Passport card: the international identification that does not accept visas and fits in a wallet

According to the details provided by the official information, the card is a version of the U.S. passport that, as its name indicates, is the size of a plastic card and has no space for visas.

This document serves as proof of U.S. citizenship and identification for many procedures (for example, to fly within the country without a Real ID driver’s license) and is mainly intended for Americans who travel by land or sea to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and some Caribbean countries.

What is the main difference between the passport card and the passport book?

It is essential to consider that the passport card will never be accepted for international flights, and for this purpose, you must choose the passport book.

In addition, it is much cheaper: the card costs 65 dollars for those over 18, considering the two types of payment that must be made, while the passport book for the same age has a total cost of 165 dollars.

How to apply for the passport card

To obtain this document, the same forms and procedures are used as for the passport book; only the applicant must select during the process whether they want a book, a card, or both documents. If applying for the first time, it will be necessary to:

• Fill out all the fields of Form DS-11
• Print it
• Have proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate (it can only be presented in physical form)
• Have a valid photo ID
• Make a photocopy of the proof of citizenship and the ID
• Have an acceptable photograph for the application
• Submit the application to an authorized center

Like the passport book, the passport card is valid for up to 10 years for adults and 5 years for those under 16.

When the requirement is not met, the applicant not only risks the process being delayed or canceled but could also face a fine of 500 dollars.

What all Americans with SSN must do when applying for a passport

According to what the authorities indicated, federal law requires all applicants who have an SSN to provide it obligatorily when carrying out the process.

If you do not have this information, the official instruction is to submit a signed statement dated and including the following statement:

“I declare under penalty of perjury, pursuant to the laws of the United States of America, that the following is true and correct: I (or my child) have never received a Social Security number from the Social Security Administration”.

What happens if the SSN is not presented when required?

When the information is not provided properly, the authorities can halt the passport process, as well as deny the application.

For its part, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) can also apply a fine of 500 dollars as a penalty for not complying with what is established.

How to apply for an American passport for the first time

Those who have to carry out the full procedure must:

• Fill out Form DS-11 with all the necessary information and print it
• Gather proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a birth certificate or naturalization certificate (only paper copies may be submitted)
• Provide photo identification, such as a driver’s license
• Bring photocopies of proof of citizenship and photo ID. It is also necessary to meet additional application requirements, if applicable
• Provide an acceptable photo
• Find a place to submit the application and pay the fees

Among the available options is the REAL ID-compliant license, which meets federal identification standards and allows you to carry out certain procedures and board domestic commercial flights without needing to present another form of identification.

Driver’s License in Arkansas: what documents are required to apply for a REAL ID

The DFA establishes a series of requirements to obtain a driver’s license that complies with REAL ID federal identification standards.

According to the DFA, applicants must present:

• A document proving identity:
• • Birth certificate
  • U.S. passport
  • Certificate of Naturalization
  • Permanent Resident Card (green card)
• A document proving legal presence in the United States.
• • Valid driver’s license
  • School ID
  • Marriage certificate
  • Vehicle registration
• Proof of Social Security Number.
• • Social Security card
  • Form W-2 or Form 1099
• Two proofs of residence in Arkansas.
• • Utility bills
  • Bank statements
  • Lease agreements
  • Tax returns
  • Insurance policies showing the applicant’s address

How do you apply for the REAL ID driver’s license in Arkansas?

The procedure is carried out in person at Arkansas State Revenue Offices. The DFA explains that the identification can be obtained at any of its 134 offices.

To apply, interested parties must follow these steps:

1. Gather the required documents.
2. Visit the DFA official website and use the REAL ID Quiz tool to verify the requirements.
3. Locate a state revenue office and schedule an appointment.
4. Appear with the documentation and complete the corresponding procedures, which may include vision or driving tests.
5. Pay the fee.

What other types of driver’s licenses does Arkansas issue?

In addition to REAL ID-compliant licenses, Arkansas issues different categories of driver’s licenses depending on the applicant’s age and the type of vehicle they need to drive.

Among the main ones are:

• Class D license: Intended for drivers over 18 years old who operate non-commercial private vehicles.
• Learner’s License: Aimed at teenagers aged 14 and 15. It allows driving accompanied by a person with a license who is at least 21 years old.
• Intermediate License: Available for young people aged 16 and 17. It authorizes driving non-commercial vehicles, but imposes restrictions.
• Class M license: Allows driving motorcycles and can be obtained starting at age 16.
• Class MD license: Intended for young people aged 14 and 15 to drive motorcycles of up to 250 cubic centimeters.
• Commercial license (CDL): Authorizes the driving of commercial vehicles and includes different classes depending on the vehicle’s characteristics.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) states through Publication 559 that the federal government can claim assets from an estate to recover unpaid tax obligations.

How can the Government seize the assets of an inheritance?

The Government can take action on the assets of an estate through different collection procedures when there are unpaid taxes.

The main mechanisms are:

• Tax debt claim: the IRS can demand that the estate representative pay the outstanding taxes of the deceased person or of the estate itself.
• Federal tax lien: this is the Government’s legal right over the taxpayer’s assets, serving as security for payment of a tax debt. It can make it difficult to sell or transfer the affected properties.
• Tax levy: allows the IRS to legally seize assets or rights to assets subject to collection in order to recover unpaid taxes.

To reach this last mechanism, the IRS must determine the debt, demand payment and send a Final Notice of Intent to Levy (CP504 notice), along with information so that the affected person can request a hearing. Once the notice is issued, at least 30 days must pass before the measure is carried out.

In which two cases can the IRS claim and seize?

The IRS can claim and intervene in assets linked to an inheritance when there are outstanding tax debts. However, the procedure will depend on who is responsible for these obligations:

• Tax debts of the deceased person or of the estate
• • Si el titular de los bienes murió sin pagar impuestos federales, IRS puede reclamar el dinero adeudado a la sucesión.
  • También puede intervenir cuando el propio patrimonio genera obligaciones fiscales que no fueron pagadas.
• Tax debts of the beneficiary
• • Si la persona que recibe la herencia tiene impuestos federales pendientes, IRS puede embargar los bienes o derechos hereditarios que legalmente le pertenezcan para recuperar la deuda.

In the first case, the debts must be settled before distributing the assets among the heirs, and in the second, it is not necessary since it only applies to the portion corresponding to the beneficiary.

Which inheritance assets can the Government claim?

The IRS can claim different types of assets belonging to the deceased person or the estate, as long as they are legally subject to tax collection. Among them are:

• Real estate: houses, apartments, lots and other properties.
• Money: cash and funds deposited in bank accounts.
• Investments: stocks, bonds and other financial instruments.
• Personal property: cars, boats and other items of economic value.
• Estate income: rents and other funds generated by the estate after death.

What procedure must not be skipped before distributing an inheritance?

Before distributing the assets among the heirs, the estate administrator must verify, declare and pay the outstanding tax obligations of the deceased person and the estate.

According to Publication 559, this procedure may require:

1. Identifying the assets and debts that make up the estate.
2. Filing the deceased person’s final tax return using Form 1040 or 1040-SR, when applicable.
3. Filing Form 1041 if the estate must report its own income.
4. Determining whether a federal estate tax return must be filed using Form 706.
5. Paying the tax obligations before distributing the assets, following the legal order of priority.

The IRS allows filing Form 5495, through which the administrator can request to be relieved of liability for certain federal taxes. Once the request is received, the agency has nine months to inform the amounts owed.

If the determined amounts are paid, or the IRS does not report a debt within that period, the administrator may be released from personal liability for future tax differences.

Jason A. Clarck, a board-certified dermatologist in Atlanta, explains in an article from the American Academy of Dermatology Association that the best time to use this product if you have dry skin is after showering.

How to make the most of the benefits of moisturizer

The expert indicates: “Apply moisturizer to the skin just after getting out of the shower to prevent water loss”. The explanation is that when the skin is damp, both creams and thicker ointments can spread better.

In addition, it is explained that the product is used more efficiently because it can retain the skin’s water and prevent it from evaporating.

Which moisturizer to choose according to skin type

Although within the world of moisturizers there are creams, ointments, gels, and lotions, the specialist emphasizes that to choose these products, it is necessary to know each person’s skin type very well.

The advice is as follows:

For normal skin, lotion is usually the best option. However, as the years go by, moving to cream is recommended.

In the case of those with dry skin, the recommended alternative is to avoid lightweight formulas and opt for thicker creams and ointments.

On the other hand, those with oily skin should not apply too much moisturizer since it encourages pore blockage and the resulting appearance of acne. In these cases, the best option is gel, according to the specialist.

Finally, the expert indicates that those with combination skin should distinguish between the T-zone and the rest of the face when applying a moisturizing product. Dry areas should be moisturized with creams, and oily areas should be avoided.

According to recommendations from the University of Minnesota, the best thing to do is wait until the time of consumption to wash them with cold water, instead of doing so before storing them.

Why is it not advisable to wash strawberries before storing them?

Strawberries are especially sensitive to moisture. For this reason, washing them in advance and storing them wet can harm their preservation and cause them to spoil faster.

The University of Minnesota recommends washing fresh fruits and vegetables before eating or preparing them, using cold running water, and avoiding cleaning products.

In addition, the university advises against soaking fruits, since this procedure is not necessary to carry out an adequate cleaning.

How should strawberries be washed and stored properly?

To maintain the quality of strawberries during storage, it is important to avoid unnecessary moisture and wash them when they are going to be consumed.

According to recommendations from the University of Minnesota, the following is advised:

• Wait until the time of consumption to wash them.
• Rinse them with cold running water, without soaking them.
• Do not use soap or detergents, because these products are not recommended for washing fresh foods.
• Avoid storing them while wet, to better preserve their quality.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), eggs should be kept in their original container and on an interior shelf of the refrigerator, where the temperature has fewer variations.

Why is it not recommended to store eggs in the refrigerator door?

According to the USDA, the temperature of the compartments located in the door fluctuates more than that of the inside of the refrigerator due to exposure to warm air every time it is opened.

For this reason, even though the refrigerator has a specific space for placing eggs, the agency recommends keeping them on an interior shelf.

In addition, the USDA points out that temperature fluctuations are important for food safety, since proper refrigeration helps reduce the growth of bacteria such as Salmonella.

What is the best way to store eggs in the refrigerator?

The USDA recommends keeping eggs in their original carton and placing them in the coldest part of the refrigerator, avoiding the door compartments.

For proper preservation, the agency also advises:

• Keep the refrigerator at a temperature of 4.4 °C or less.
• Store eggs in their original container, on an interior shelf.
• Avoid opening the door unnecessarily and close it as soon as possible.
• Refrigerate eggs after buying them, without leaving them at room temperature for extended periods.

These recommendations aim to maintain proper storage conditions and reduce the risks associated with temperature variations.

For that price, the Mainstays combines several basic functions in a compact unit: adjustable temperature, timer, automatic shutoff and nonstick components. Its main appeal is combining a price below $30 with features that may be useful in a small kitchen.

What are the air fryer’s features?

The Mainstays air fryer has a capacity of 2.2 quarts and a power output of 1150 W. Its small size makes it possible to place it in small kitchens, apartments with limited storage space, and college dorm rooms where the use of this type of appliance is allowed.

According to the product description, it includes controls to adjust the temperature between 175 °F and 400 °F (79 °C and 204 °C). It also has a timer that can be set between one and 30 minutes to control cooking time.

The product is available in different colors, including black and white. It also has an automatic shutoff function and comes with a series of nonstick parts.

Is the air fryer easy to clean?

One of the highlights of the model is its nonstick parts system: it includes a basket, a pan, and a tray with this surface, designed to make handling food and cleaning up after cooking easier.

In turn, the basket is dishwasher-safe, according to the commercial information. This feature can save time for those who use the appliance frequently and prefer to avoid washing each component by hand.

The American magazine Good Housekeeping, specialized in home and lifestyle, published a selection of homemade costumes that can be put together with clothing, accessories, and easy-to-find materials.

Among its ideas are movie and TV characters, music figures, and creative options that can be adapted to whatever each person has available at home.

What are the 7 easy, inexpensive costumes for Halloween 2026?

These are seven ideas included in Good Housekeeping’s selection that can serve as inspiration for putting together a costume without needing to buy a full outfit.

1- Bob Dylan

To recreate the style of the American musician, you can use a black shirt, pants in the same color, and sunglasses.

The magazine highlights that dark clothing makes it possible to put together a good part of the outfit. As a finishing touch, you can add some musical accessory.

2- Inside Out characters

The characters from the movie Inside Out are an alternative for those looking for an individual or group costume.

The idea is to choose an emotion and use clothing in colors that identify it. For example, blue clothing can serve as a starting point to represent Sadness.

3- Severance characters

The series Severance offers an easy option for those who have office clothes in their closet.

You can use a shirt, dress pants, and other formal-style clothing. The idea is especially practical for putting together a costume at the last minute.

4- Peppa Pig

To portray Peppa Pig, the magazine suggests using a red or pink dress and rain boots.

Details made with craft materials can be added to complete the character. It is also an alternative for putting together family costumes.

5- Gilmore Girls characters

The series Gilmore Girls makes it possible to recreate the style of characters such as Rory, Lorelai, or Luke using everyday clothes.

According to Good Housekeeping, it is an option that can be adapted both for one person and for a group of friends.

6- Abbott Elementary characters

Another alternative is to take inspiration from the teachers in the series Abbott Elementary.

The idea can be put together with common clothing, such as dresses, shirts, or cardigans. The magazine notes that much of the clothing is probably already in the closet.

7- Beanie Babies

The classic Beanie Babies stuffed animals can also become a homemade costume.

To recreate them, you can use a hoodie, ears made with felt, and a red cardboard tag in the shape of a heart. The latter can be fastened with a ribbon around the neck.

How can you prepare a Halloween costume without spending too much money?

The ideas presented by the magazine show that it is possible to make use of clothing and accessories available at home to recreate recognizable characters.

Before buying new materials, it is advisable to check the closet and choose a costume that can be adapted to the clothes you already have.

You can also use cardstock, ribbons, and other craft items to add details that help improve the character.

“These are the oldest known remains of a seagoing ship yet found,” Karin Sowada, an archaeologist at Macquarie University in Australia who worked on the project, told People.

What archaeologists found on the seabed

The ship’s wooden structure disappeared long ago, but its cargo did not. At a depth of nearly 100 feet, the team led by underwater archaeologist Hakan Öniz found more than 30 large ceramic jars, known as amphorae, along with three stone anchors.

To date the find, the researchers compared the decorations on the jars with others found in Egypt and the Middle East that are known to be 4400 to 4700 years old. “We can definitely say our wreck is early Bronze Age. This is 100 percent,” Öniz told the BBC.

Until now, the title of the world’s oldest known shipwreck belonged to one found near the Greek island of Dokos, dated to about 4200 years ago.

The surprise inside the jars

When the jars reached the laboratory, the team got an unexpected surprise: some still had visible traces of the liquids they once carried. “I looked inside and nearly fainted. I could not believe how much [residue] was visible,” Sowada said.

According to Turkey’s Culture and Tourism Minister Mehmet Ersoy, the jars were likely made in the Jordan Valley. Öniz believes the ship was carrying olive oil or wine westward, perhaps toward Troy or the island of Crete.

Still, Sowada noted that the residue could also come from later uses, since these large jars were often emptied and reused for years.

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A “missing piece” of ancient trade

Researchers believe the vessel was a sail-powered cargo ship about 33 feet long. For Sowada, the discovery helps explain how goods moved across the eastern Mediterranean thousands of years ago.

The wreck represents “a ‘missing piece’ of the story about ancient trade relations in the eastern Mediterranean,” she said. The jars are now being studied and preserved, and the analysis of their residue could reveal exactly what they carried.

According to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), this obligation also applies to certain delays and applies even when the ticket was purchased as nonrefundable.

When is a refund due for a delayed or canceled flight?

According to the DOT, passengers have the right to get their money back when the airline cancels the flight, regardless of the reason, or significantly changes the travel conditions.

In the case of delays, the agency sets as a reference an arrival at the destination at least three hours late for domestic flights and six hours late for international flights, compared with the originally scheduled time.

The following situations are also considered significant changes:

• Change of departure or arrival airport.
• Addition of more connections than initially planned.
• Departure brought forward by three hours or more on domestic flights and six hours or more on international flights.
• Involuntary change to a lower class of service.

In these cases, the passenger may choose not to travel and receive the refund instead of accepting an alternative flight or a credit for future travel.

How do you claim a refund of the ticket price?

The Department of Transportation states that refunds must be issued automatically when a refund is due and the passenger does not accept the alternatives offered by the airline.

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Deadlines depend on the payment method used.

• Credit card: up to seven business days.
• Other payment methods: up to 20 days, depending on the applicable conditions.

If the ticket was bought through a travel agency, responsibility for the refund may fall to the company listed as responsible for the charge.

Passengers can check their rights and refund conditions on the official website of the United States Department of Transportation.

If the airline does not issue the corresponding refund, passengers can file a complaint with the United States Department of Transportation through its official complaints portal.

The appliance is listed at US$180.50, down from its previous price of US$369.99. This represents a savings of US$189.49 and a discount of more than 51%, according to the information published in the online store of Walmart.

What is the coffee machine Walmart sells with more than 50% off?

The LINKChef coffee machine is a semi-automatic stainless steel model that has an integrated milk frothing system, designed to make preparing different coffee-based drinks easier.

Its main features include the ability to make single or double espresso, cappuccino and latte, as well as a removable milk tank and an adjustable spout.

The machine also has a cleaning function to make maintenance easier, a power rating of 1300 W and includes filters for making one or two espresso servings.

How much does the coffee machine cost at Walmart and how can you buy it?

The LINKChef coffee machine has a price of $180.50.

Interested buyers can review the product features and make the purchase through Walmart’s official website.

It is important to keep in mind that the price and availability may vary at the time of purchase.

Those who want to move away from abrasive products sold in supermarkets and choose a homemade, low-cost option can follow the step-by-step guide prepared by the university, based on the functions these two products can perform.

The ideal way to clean the toilet and leave it sparkling with two products

The university put together a list of homemade cleaners and green ones created for different appliances or surfaces, depending on the need.

In the case of toilets, a formula was created based on vinegar (acid) and baking soda (alkalis).

Its basis is that alkalis are good for removing dirt and grease, ideal for tiled and moldy surfaces.

Meanwhile, acids break down things like rust, mineral deposits, hard-water stains; ideal for glass, windows, brass, copper, tiles, and mold. The combination, then, is an ideal formula for fighting toilet dirt.

So the recipe for cleaning consists of the following amount:

• 1/4 cup of baking soda.
• 1 cup of vinegar.

First, the ingredients should be mixed and the formula poured into a blade. Then, let it sit for between 3 and 30 minutes. Once ready, scrub the toilet with a brush and, finally, rinse.

In this context, the ideal thing is to brush the toilet well, especially in places where limescale or dirt can build up.

What you need to know about baking soda and vinegar

According to the university, baking soda is a mild abrasive alkaline powder that can be used for almost all household cleaning purposes.

• Absorbs odors.
• Removes stuck-on food from pans and ovens.
• Removes stains from glass, tiles, and porcelain.
• It is useful for cleaning carpets before vacuuming.

Meanwhile, vinegar is good for eliminating germs and deodorizing.

It can be used to clean:

• Countertops.
• Coffee makers.
• Kitchen utensils.
• Carpet stains.

In conclusion, having these two products will be very beneficial for cleaning the home because they can provide solutions for different surfaces or objects, and they are also available at a low price at any supermarket.

His proposal, known as Earthship, seeks to reduce dependence on conventional services through its own electricity systems, rainwater harvesting and food cultivation.

How the eco-home project began

The initiative began after Reynolds graduated in Architecture from the University of Cincinnati in 1969. Concerned about the buildup of garbage and the difficulties in accessing affordable housing, he began experimenting with elements that normally ended up as waste.

His first innovation was a block built with empty steel and tin cans, joined with wire. In 1973 he obtained a patent related to one of these components and continued refining his designs over the following decades.

Reynolds’ first constructions were much simpler than the current ones. Over time, he incorporated tires filled with compacted earth to build sturdy walls that also help regulate indoor temperature.

The idea consists of making use of abundant materials and reducing waste. The organization describes these components as “structural, load-bearing and retaining walls made with rammed earth clad with steel-reinforced recycled tires”.

Cans and glass bottles can also be part of the walls. In the latter case, they are integrated with bonding materials and can create decorative effects that let light through.

How Earthship homes work

Earthship homes are designed to take advantage of natural and recycled materials, as well as renewable energy sources. According to the concept developed by Reynolds, construction is organized around six principles: use of recycled and natural materials, passive heating and cooling, solar or wind power generation, food production, water harvesting and wastewater treatment.

• Solar panels allow electricity to be generated.
• The orientation of the windows and the thermal mass of the walls help retain heat. Some models also incorporate buried pipes to promote natural cooling.
• Rainwater is collected from the roof and stored in cisterns for later filtration.
• Attached greenhouses make it possible to grow foods such as tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers and aromatic herbs.

How much it costs to build an Earthship home in the United States and where they can be found

The price depends on the model, size, location and features of each project. The organization published these initial reference values (it is necessary to confirm what each final budget includes):

Among the models mentioned are Refuge and Encounter, with a reference value of approximately $350 per square foot; the Unit model, at about $400; and the Global Earthship, at approximately $425 per square foot.

It is worth noting that the project, which originated in New Mexico, went beyond the United States and reached France, Germany, Mexico and Canada.

In a support document on its website, the company warns users directly: “Don’t put your iPhone in a bag of rice. Doing so could allow small particles of rice to damage your iPhone.” Beyond that risk, tests have also suggested that rice is not particularly effective at drying a device.

Why charging a wet phone is a problem

Recent iPhones can show a “Liquid Detected” alert when there’s moisture in the charging port. Apple advises against charging the phone until both the device and the cable are completely dry.

“If you charge your iPhone while the Lightning or USB-C connector is wet, the pins on the connector or cable can corrode and cause permanent damage or stop functioning,” the company explains.

What Apple recommends doing instead

If your phone gets wet, Apple suggests these steps:

• Unplug the cable from the phone and from the power adapter.
• If it was splashed with something other than water, rinse the area with tap water.
• Wipe it with a soft, lint-free cloth.
• Tap it gently against your hand with the charging port facing down to remove excess liquid.
• Leave it in a dry place with some airflow. A fan blowing cool air into the port can help.

After at least 30 minutes, you can try charging it again. If the alert appears again, there’s still liquid inside, and it can take up to 24 hours to dry completely.

What you should avoid doing if your phone got wet

Apple also lists two other common mistakes:

• Don’t use heat or compressed air, such as a hair dryer, to dry the phone.
• Don’t insert objects like cotton swabs or paper towels into the charging port.

Although many recent iPhones are water-resistant, that protection is not unlimited. If the phone still doesn’t work after drying, the best option is to contact Apple support or an authorized repair provider.

According to data released by Outside Online, the park stands out for its isolated location and the difficulties of access, since it is only possible to get there by boat or seaplane.

Where is Isle Royale, and why is it one of the least visited islands in the U.S.?

Isle Royale is located in Lake Superior, near the border with Canada, and is part of a group of islands that make up the national park.

According to the survey published by Outside Online, it was the fourth least visited national park in the United States in 2025 and the one that received the fewest visits among the parks in the contiguous 48 states.

Only three parks in Alaska recorded lower figures: Kobuk Valley, with 7,786 visits, Gates of the Arctic, with 14,923, and Lake Clark, with 19,778.

How to get to Isle Royale, the hidden island of Michigan?

One of the distinctive features of Isle Royale is that it cannot be accessed by road. Due to its location in Lake Superior, visitors must use one of these means of transportation:

• Ferry: boats that allow you to reach the park by water.
• Seaplane: an aircraft that can land on water and offer another access alternative.

Its remote location and limited transportation options make it an alternative for those looking to visit destinations far from the busiest tourist circuits.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a household cleaning booklet on its website that includes a recipe based on baking soda and detergent, two products that, when combined, produce a creamy cleaner for cleaning stuck-on dirt from different surfaces.

What is the effect of mixing baking soda with detergent?

The combination of baking soda and detergent produces a creamy cleaner that helps remove stuck-on dirt from different surfaces in the home, especially in the bathroom.

Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that makes it easier to remove residue through friction, while the detergent helps remove grease and other substances that build up on the surface.

According to the Green Cleaning Brochure: Non-toxic cleaning recipes for your home published on the EPA’s official website, this preparation is an alternative for cleaning the bathroom.

Step-by-step preparation of the mixture

According to the recipe published on the EPA website, the following ingredients are needed to prepare this cleaner:

• Half a cup of baking soda.
• Liquid soap or detergent in enough quantity to obtain a creamy consistency.
• Optionally, 5 to 10 drops of aromatic essential oil, such as rose or lavender.

Place the half cup of baking soda in a container and slowly add the detergent or liquid soap while stirring constantly. Continue mixing until you obtain a thick, creamy consistency, similar to frosting. If you want to add the essential oil, now is the time.

The brochure recommends preparing only the amount that will be used.

How should this mixture be used to clean the bathroom?

According to the instructions included in the EPA document, the mixture should be applied directly to a sponge to clean surfaces.

With the sponge soaked in the mixture, scrub the surface to be cleaned and rinse with water to remove the dirt and any residue from the preparation.

It is not necessary to let the product sit for any period of time; the brochure recommends cleaning and rinsing.

Where can this mixture be used?

The brochure published by the EPA identifies four surfaces on which the preparation can be used:

• Bathtubs.
• Sinks.
• Formica tables.
• Shower stalls.

The regulation establishes that the only driver’s licenses accepted for boarding the aircraft are those with the official Real ID seal. However, there are other identifications that can be shown and that will be accepted in California, Florida, Texas, New York or any other state in the country, one of them is the American passport in all its formats.

All states allow flying within the United States by showing a passport

According to what was stated by the State Department and by the Transportation Security Administration, both the passport book and the passport card are valid alternatives accepted in place of Real ID for flying within the country.

It is important to consider that TSA will consider them valid even with up to two years past expiration, just like any of the official documents on the list released by the authorities, which also includes:

• Enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or Enhanced Identification Card (EID)
• Mobile driver’s licenses (mDL) -the approved ones for domestic use-
• DHS trusted traveler cards
• U.S. Department of Defense identification
• Permanent resident card
• Border crossing card
• Acceptable photo ID issued by a federally recognized tribal nation or Native American community
• HSPD-12 PIV card
• Foreign passport
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Indian and Northern Affairs Canada card
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC)
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Employment Authorization Card (l-766)
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)

The following are also accepted:

• Apple Digital ID
• Clear ID
• Google ID pass

Which passports may be problematic for travel

According to what authorities explained, when a traveler’s passport is severely damaged, it may be rejected for any trip.

This is only if the document has considerable tears or stains, not if it shows normal wear and tear, such as fanned pages.

When a passport is severely damaged, it is not eligible for the renewal process, but must be processed from scratch by submitting Form DS-11.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that used oil can contaminate soil and water sources. For this reason, it recommends recycling it through processes that make it possible to recover the material and use it again instead of throwing it away as trash.

What to do with used motor oil according to the EPA?

The EPA recommends recycling or reusing used motor oil instead of discarding it because it can contain toxic chemicals and heavy metals capable of contaminating soil and water.

According to the agency, the oil used in a single engine oil change can contaminate up to one million gallons of fresh water, an amount equivalent to the annual supply of 50 people.

For those who change their vehicle oil at home, the EPA recommends following these guidelines:

• Collect used oil carefully to avoid spills.
• Store it in a sturdy, airtight container that does not leak.
• Consult with auto repair shops, waste collection services, or local authorities about where recycling centers are located.
• Drain used oil filters and take them to authorized collection centers.

In this way, the oil can enter a recycling process that allows its properties to be recovered and used again.

How does the used oil recycling cycle work?

According to what the EPA specifies on its official website, motor oil does not completely lose its usefulness through use, but rather accumulates impurities such as dirt, metal particles, water and other substances that affect its operation.

With a good recycling process, this material can be used again. In general, the following steps are followed:

1. Collection: used oil is stored in suitable containers and delivered to authorized facilities.
2. Re-refining: used oil is subjected to industrial processes to obtain new lubricant bases.
3. Processing as fuel: recovered oil can also be transformed into fuel for certain industrial uses.
4. Use as raw material: it can be used in oil refining and petrochemical industries.
5. Reuse: re-refined oil can be used again as a lubricant in engines and other machines as long as it meets the corresponding standards.

The EPA notes that re-refined oil must meet the same refining standards, composition, and performance as new oil in order to be used in vehicles and machinery.

What are the benefits of recycling used oil?

The EPA highlights that recycling motor oil offers environmental benefits and helps reduce the consumption of natural resources.

Among the main benefits observed:

• Pollution prevention: it prevents used oil from reaching soil, rivers, and other water sources.
• Resource use: it allows a material that still retains useful properties to be recovered.
• Energy savings: producing a re-refined lubricant base requires less energy than obtaining it directly from crude oil.
• Reduction in oil consumption: one gallon of used motor oil yields approximately 2.5 quarts of lubricating oil, the same amount obtained from 42 gallons of crude oil.

What do they recommend avoiding?

The EPA warns about the dangers of handling or improperly disposing of used oil and urges avoiding:

• Throwing oil on the ground or into drains because it can contaminate water sources.
• Discarding it with household trash instead of delivering it to an appropriate management system.
• Causing spills during collection, storage, or transport.
• Abandoning used oil filters without draining them or properly managing their waste.

These warnings are based on the fact that oil is insoluble in water and can adhere to different surfaces.

What the historic mansion sold by Angelina Jolie is like

The residence, which belonged to the legendary film director Cecil B. DeMille, is located in Laughlin Park, an exclusive residential area in the Los Feliz neighborhood. The main house has approximately 11,000 square feet, equivalent to about 1,022 square meters, and is surrounded by nearly two acres of land.

Among its main facilities, it has six bedrooms, 10 bathrooms, a 40-foot-long pool, a library, a tea house, a detached garage with capacity for three vehicles, a security station, a wine cellar, a gym, a laundry room and a separate guest house, with a fireplace and private access.

The property also offers views of the Hollywood Hills, the city’s famous sign and the Griffith Observatory.

Why the mansion is a historic property

The residence has a history dating back to the early 20th century, when it was designed by architect B. Cooper Corbett in 1913.

Three years later, in 1916, the property passed into the hands of Cecil B. DeMille, one of the key directors in the American film industry. His family kept the residence for decades, until the late 1980s.

The house’s history was thus linked to a decisive stage in Hollywood’s cinematic development. Regarding this, the real estate listing from Sotheby’s International Realty highlighted: “This iconic property is more than a remarkable house, it is a true piece of Hollywood history”.

How much Angelina Jolie paid for the mansion and why she sold it

The actress bought the residence in June 2017 for $24.5 million, after filing for divorce from Brad Pitt a year earlier. The place became the home of the actress and her six children.

The sale became known after the twins Knox and Vivienne turned 18 in July of this year. Jolie had explained in a 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter that she hoped to leave Los Angeles when all her children reached adulthood. She had also expressed her desire to spend more time in Cambodia.

At just 19, the New Yorker runs CruiseCup, a brand of 3D-printed drink coolers that brought in $808,000 in gross revenue in 2025, according to CNBC Make It.

While many of his high school classmates are now in their second year of college, Satterlee chose a different path. “Every day I wake up, I’m excited to go to work,” he says.

“I don’t really even see it as work. I love what I do, I love building stuff and it makes it not even feel like work. It’s just fun.”

From his parents’ basement to a warehouse

Satterlee learned to use a 3D printer in a high school design class. In 2022, he used savings from Christmas, birthdays, and earlier ventures to buy his own printer for about $500.

In June 2023, he launched his first business from his parents’ basement: Solefully, which made charms for Crocs and brought in about $250,000 in 2024.

That success allowed him to rent a warehouse in Clifton Park, New York, for $3,600 a month. A few months before graduating, he decided the business was strong enough to skip college and work on it full-time.

The product that went viral

Looking for a way to use his extra printers, he created CruiseCup. Its key product is a cooler that holds two cans and lets users reload a new one from the top or the bottom. After a social media post went viral in August 2025, the brand brought in $100,000 in a single month. In November, sales reached $315,000, he told Entrepreneur.

Part of that growth, he explains, comes from treating his brand like a personal story. “No one wants to just follow a company. They want a story,” he said.

Growing without losing focus

Today, CruiseCup operates with 160 printers and one other full-time employee and also sells stainless steel versions made overseas. Satterlee has two patents pending and plans to bring his products to store shelves.

Despite the numbers, he keeps a modest lifestyle: he still lives with his parents and only takes $500 to $1,500 a month from the business, reinvesting the rest. Hiring help, he says, was key: “You can only get so far running your company entirely by yourself.”

New York does not charge a tax when someone makes a gift. But according to the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, large gifts can still come back into play when the person who made them dies.

How the three-year rule works

When a New York resident dies, the estate must add back any taxable gift made during the three years before death that is not already part of the estate.

In practice, that means adding the amount of each gift above the federal annual exclusion, which in 2026 is $19,000 per recipient.

Gifts below that limit are not added back. Therefore, a parent who gives a large sum to a child and dies within three years does not reduce the size of the estate for New York tax purposes.

Why it matters: the estate tax “cliff”

The rule becomes especially costly because of how New York’s estate tax works. In 2026, estates of up to $7.35 million are exempt.

But if the estate goes more than 5% over that limit, above $7,717,500, the exemption disappears completely, and the entire estate is taxed from the first dollar.

That means a gift that is added back can push a family from paying nothing to owing hundreds of thousands of dollars.

New York’s estate tax rates go up to 16%

How families can plan ahead of the inheritance

The key, according to estate planning specialists, is timing:

• Give earlier. Gifts made more than three years before death are not added back.
• Use the annual exclusion. Gifts of up to $19,000 per person each year do not count.
• Plan as a couple. Unlike the federal system, New York does not let a surviving spouse use the unused exemption of the spouse who died.

According to the AccuWeather forecast, the storm could remain near the Atlantic coast for several days and bring adverse weather conditions for much of the week.

How long will the storm last?

The new storm will begin to develop during the weekend of October 17 and intensify starting Monday the 19th. From that day on, strong winds, coastal flooding, and beach erosion could be recorded.

The system will advance slowly and could remain near the Atlantic coast for several days, so its effects could extend throughout much of the week of October 19 to 25.

Meteorologists warn that the duration of the storm could cause recurring flooding during the different high-tide cycles, especially in North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Delaware.

What dangers could this storm bring?

AccuWeather meteorologists warn about the possible effects of the storm, especially in the Outer Banks, North Carolina, southeastern Virginia and the coastal communities of Maryland and Delaware.

Among the main dangers are:

• Coastal flooding: water levels could rise between 0.6 and 0.9 meters above normal, with local maxima of between 1.2 and 1.8 meters in sections of Virginia and North Carolina.
• Beach erosion: strong waves could carry away sand and cause damage along the coast.
• Road closures: some coastal streets and highways could be flooded, especially Outer Banks Route 12.
• Rough surf: offshore, waves could reach between 4.6 and 7.6 meters in height, making navigation difficult.
• Rip currents: dangerous conditions for swimmers could extend to Florida’s Atlantic coast.
• Heavy rain: if the system gets close enough to land, heavy rainfall could be recorded from New Jersey to eastern Carolina.

Recommendations and precautions to keep in mind during the storm

With the arrival of a new storm on the east coast of the United States, the National Weather Service (NWS) recommends taking preventive measures to reduce the risks associated with strong winds and possible flooding.

• Check weather alerts.
• Prepare an emergency kit.
• Secure items outdoors.
• Avoid driving through flooded areas.
• Stay away from beaches.
• Stay in safe places.
• Be prepared for possible evacuation orders.
• Take precautions against possible power outages.

The date also affects the Payment Calendar of the Social Security Administration (SSA), which distributes payments according to birth dates every Wednesday.

What is commemorated on Wednesday, November 11 in the United States?

On this day, Veterans Day is commemorated, a federal holiday that honors the people who served in the country’s Armed Forces.

The date coincides with the anniversary of the armistice that ended the major fighting of World War I on November 11, 1918.

Initially, the observance was conceived under the name “Armistice Day,” but in 1954 it was renamed Veterans Day to honor those who served in the Armed Forces.

It differs from Memorial Day, which commemorates those who died during service, because Veterans Day also honors those who are still living.

What happens with Social Security payments for those born from the 1st to the 10th?

The SSA establishes that beneficiaries born between the 1st and 10th of any month receive their payments on the second Wednesday. However, in November this date coincides with Veterans Day, so payments will be moved up to Tuesday, November 10.

According to the SSA, when a payment date coincides with a Saturday, Sunday, or federal holiday, benefits are delivered on the previous business day.

Which establishments will remain closed?

Due to the federal scope of the date, various agencies will remain closed and suspend their usual activities:

• Federal government offices: nonessential administrative offices will remain closed.
• Social Security Administration (SSA): its in-person service offices will be closed for the entire day.
• United States Postal Service (USPS): post offices will be closed and regular mail delivery will not take place.
• Banks: banking operations subject to the Federal Reserve holiday calendar will be suspended. Branches may have different hours depending on the institution.
• Schools and educational establishments: some school districts will suspend classes, depending on their calendars.
• State and municipal offices: some agencies could also remain closed, depending on the provisions of each jurisdiction.

For their part, supermarkets, restaurants, shopping centers, and other private businesses may continue operating normally or apply special hours.

These signs cover the rules of Alternate Side Parking (ASP), a system that requires moving vehicles from certain sections of the street to allow cleaning of public roads.

What the sign means with a black P crossed by a red broom inside a white and red circle

The sign with a black P crossed by a red broom inside a white and red circle means that on certain days and at certain times, which vary by area, parking is prohibited on the side of the street that must be cleaned.

According to the official NYC 311 site, the restrictions remain in effect throughout the entire period indicated on the sign, even if the sweeping vehicle has already passed.

The ASP system allows sanitation crews to clean the space along the curbs, where leaves and dirt often accumulate. To do this, the city requires drivers to remove their vehicles during the established periods.

Can you park if the sweeping truck has already passed?

No, the restriction remains in force throughout the entire indicated time, even when the cleaning crew has already gone down the street.

When the cleaning sign is suspended

ASP has some restrictions on certain legal and religious holidays. It may also change due to adverse weather conditions or emergency situations. It should be noted that it is not in effect on Sundays.

The city publishes an annual calendar with the dates on which these rules do not apply. The suspensions include:

• Thursday, January 1 New Year’s Day
• Tuesday, January 6 Three Kings’ Day
• Monday, January 19 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
• Thursday, February 12 Lincoln’s Birthday
• Monday, February 16 Washington’s Birthday (President’s Day)
• Monday, February 16 Lunar New Year’s Eve
• Tuesday, February 17 Lunar New Year
• Wednesday, February 18 Ash Wednesday
• Wednesday, February 18 Losar (Tibetan New Year)
• Tuesday, March 3 Purim
• Friday, March 20 Idul-Fitr (Eid Al-Fitr)
• Saturday, March 21 Idul-Fitr (Eid Al-Fitr)
• Thursday, April 2 Maundy Thursday
• Thursday, April 2 Easter
• Friday, April 3 Good Friday
• Friday, April 3 Easter
• Wednesday, April 8 Passover (seventh and eighth day)
• Thursday, April 9 Passover (seventh and eighth day)
• Thursday, April 9 Maundy Thursday (Orthodox)
• Friday, April 10 Good Friday (Orthodox)
• Thursday, May 14 Feast of the Ascension
• Friday, May 22 Shavuot (2 days)
• Saturday, May 23 Shavuot (2 days)
• Monday, May 25 Memorial Day
• Wednesday, May 27 Idul-Adha (Eid Al-Adha)
• Thursday, May 28 Idul-Adha (Eid Al-Adha)
• Friday, June 19 Juneteenth
• Friday, July 3 Independence Day (Observed)
• Saturday, July 4 Independence Day
• Thursday, July 23 Tisha B’Av
• Saturday, August 15 Feast of the Assumption
• Monday, September 7 Labor Day
• Saturday, September 12 Rosh Hashanah
• Sunday, September 13 Rosh Hashanah
• Monday, September 21 Yom Kippur
• Saturday, September 26 Sukkot (2 days)
• Sunday, September 27 Sukkot (2 days)
• Saturday, October 3 Shemini Atzeret
• Sunday, October 4 Simchat Torah
• Monday, October 12 Italian Heritage Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day
• Sunday, November 1 All Saints’ Day
• Tuesday, November 3 Election Day
• Sunday, November 8 Diwali
• Wednesday, November 11 Veterans Day
• Thursday, November 26 Thanksgiving Day
• Tuesday, December 8 Immaculate Conception
• Friday, December 25 Christmas Day

If there is snow, ice, or other emergencies, the authorities may announce an extraordinary suspension.

How to know if alternate-side parking is in effect today

Drivers can check the updated status of the program at:

• NYC 311: official portal, where information on alternate-side parking status is published.
• SweepNYC: official tool to check street-cleaning rules.
• NYC DOT: traffic sign map, which allows you to review posted parking regulations in different blocks.
• @NYCASP: official account on X, which reports on the status of the program and its suspensions.

Behind the challenge was one main reason: his wife had survived breast cancer. With the goal of contributing to research into the disease, Reyelt turned an extreme test of endurance into a charitable campaign aimed at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

How did Brian Reyelt manage to do 11,988 burpees in 24 hours and break a world record?

Brian Reyelt, a personal trainer from Georgia, U.S., completed 11,988 burpees in 24 hours between November 11 and 12, 2023, in Roswell. According to Guinness World Records, he was 45 years old when he set the mark that surpassed the previous men’s record of 10,856 repetitions, set by Joe Reverdes in 2022.

The challenge required a strategy to manage the effort throughout the day since Reyelt began at a pace of about 750 repetitions per hour during the first four hours and then slowed down to save time for rest. He took 10-minute breaks per hour and maintained a relatively steady pace until hour 16, when exhaustion forced him to reduce the repetitions per set and add shorter rest periods. On average, he did nearly 500 burpees per hour.

The physical strain had consequences since two days after the attempt, Reyelt was hospitalized for five days with a staph infection that originated in a wound on a knuckle. The trainer explained to Guinness that he did the burpees resting on his fists because of a wrist injury.

Why did he do the challenge to raise more than $22,000 for breast cancer research?

Behind the record was a personal motivation, paying tribute to his wife, a breast cancer survivor. Reyelt decided to link his physical challenge with a charitable campaign to raise funds for research into this disease at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a center specializing in cancer research and treatment in Boston, Massachusetts.

The initiative managed to raise more than $22,000, according to Guinness World Records’ March 19, 2024 publication. In addition to seeking a world record, Reyelt wanted to show that it was possible to overcome the limits a person believes they have and raise awareness about a disease that had affected his family closely.

In that sense, the University of Georgia extension provides tips on how to use it correctly to take advantage of its benefits.

Removing deodorant stains using dish soap: how it is used

The university sets out two different ways to use dish soap to remove this type of stain.

The first consists of applying it to the stain and rubbing it undiluted, and then washing as usual. If the affected area has not improved, the advice is to use bleach, sodium perborate bleach, or hydrogen peroxide.

Another way to take advantage of this item found in homes is to apply the preferred commercial cleaner to the reverse side of the stain in the fabric and rub with undiluted dish soap, a process that should be repeated until the stain disappears.

Other tips for those who want to remove deodorant stains from clothing

In addition to the trick for removing the stain, the institution advises:

• Always read the care label before trying any stain removal method.
• Always test the cleaning products used beforehand in an inconspicuous area to see how they react with the garment’s color.
• Store cleaning products as recommended.
• Always maintain adequate ventilation.

The mistake you should never make with garments that have deodorant stains

“Never iron or apply heat to a material with a deodorant stain. The combination of chemical and thermal interaction will ruin most fabrics,” the institution warns.

Just when it seemed that Trump was willing to pressure Russian President Vladimir Putin, the drop in Republicans’ opinion polls led him once again to turn his back on Kiev and its European allies, just as he did as soon as he arrived at the White House.

As happens in every vote in the U.S. for the past ten years, Russia has slipped into the election campaign. This time Trump put the rise in fuel prices and the escalation of Russian bombings in Ukraine, where the UN reported a dramatic increase in the number of civilians killed in September, on the same scale before American voters.

More ammunition for the Russian army

First, Trump agreed on October 9 with Putin on the supply of diesel to the U.S. and the rest of the world, supposedly with the aim of stabilizing international markets and lowering the cost of fuel.

Aside from the harsh criticism from Kiev and the European Union, European politicians, U.S. lawmakers, and international experts have cast serious doubt on whether such a measure can have any positive effect, when the figures being discussed are, to begin with, a drop in the ocean of consumers’ needs in the U.S.

The conclusion drawn by the most skeptical is that Trump wants to use Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, whom he is demanding suspend attacks on Russian refineries, as a scapegoat for his own mistakes in Iran, the true trigger of the current energy crisis, according to what the Russian Foreign Ministry acknowledged this week.

“The key to the total normalization of that market is the urgent stabilization of the situation around the Persian Gulf and the settlement of the conflict in Iran. Let us hope that the conflict in Iran will soon be overcome (...) Statistics tell us that much of the diesel came from the Persian Gulf countries before the Strait of Hormuz was closed as a consequence of the U.S. and Israeli aggression against Iran,” said Georgy Borisenko, Russian deputy foreign minister.

Be that as it may, Moscow will not miss the chance to cash in just as the budget deficit is soaring as defense spending rises - $200 billion in 2027 -, arguing that the 3.5 million tons per month it expects to export by the end of the year will represent 10% of the international market.

Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexandr Novak said last night that the U.S. Department of Energy has already handed Moscow the list of companies interested in Russian diesel.

“And now, right at this very moment, we are working on the commercial terms, the contracts for supplying fuel to the U.S.,” he explained to state television and added that Moscow will devote 50% of its diesel to exports now that it has repaired the refineries damaged by Ukrainian drones.

Fewer sanctions for the Kremlin

Now, Trump has decided to suspend -in defense of the national interest- the enforcement of the sanctions package he himself enacted a month ago, which contemplated tariffs of up to 100% against importers of Russian hydrocarbons, namely China and India.

The president, who made the decision three months after the author of the law, Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, died, had said he would use those sanctions to pressure Putin during the tripartite negotiations on Ukraine, whose resumption is farther away than ever.

The Kremlin’s envoy, Kirill Dmitriev, did not hesitate to call the decision on Saturday a “historic moment”. He added that, “instead of sanctions and confrontation,” the White House had chosen “mutually beneficial cooperation and joint responsibility for global stability.”

“Economic cooperation between Russia and the U.S. serves the interests of both countries, contributes to the stability of the world economy and creates the conditions for strengthening trust and achieving lasting peace,” he noted on Telegram.

In his view, the law could have practically and completely halted economic cooperation" between Moscow and Washington “and caused serious damage to the entire U.S. economy and international markets.”

If the agreement on Russian diesel is in force until April 2027, the exemptions to the Graham law will remain in place until Trump or the secretary of state says otherwise.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) states that these earnings are subject to federal taxes, so omitting them can create additional tax obligations.

What is the IRS rule for reporting tips

The IRS states that employees must report cash tips to their employer in a written statement before the tenth day of the month following receipt. For example, those who received tips during September must generally report them by October 10.

If the 10th falls on a Saturday, Sunday or federal holiday, the worker may submit the report on the next business day. In addition, the employer may require tips to be reported more frequently, as long as it follows the conditions established by the IRS.

There is an important exception: when cash tips received from the same employer total less than US$20 during the calendar month, it is not mandatory to report that amount to the employer under this rule. However, that does not mean the income is automatically tax-free.

Failing to report tips can create differences between the worker’s actual income and the amounts recorded with the IRS. If a person omits part of this income, they still have the obligation to include it in their federal return and pay the corresponding taxes. In addition, failing to comply can leave amounts unpaid and generate interest or possible penalties, depending on the circumstances.

What workers must do to avoid problems with their taxes

The IRS recommends keeping a daily record of tips received and complying with reporting obligations. This control helps compare actual income with the amounts reported to the employer and with the data used when filing taxes.

In short, employees must fulfill three responsibilities:

1. Record tips daily: note how much they received and keep records of tips that were not in cash.
2. Report cash tips to the employer: do so within the corresponding monthly deadline, except when the less-than-US$20-per-employer exception applies.
3. Report all tip income: include it in the federal personal income tax return.

If a worker did not report part of their cash tips to the employer, they must still report them to the IRS. In certain situations, they must use Form 4137 to report that income and calculate the corresponding taxes.

Do all tips have to be reported to the IRS?

Yes. According to the agency, cash tips and non-cash tips are income subject to federal income tax. Therefore, workers must include them on their tax return, even if some did not have to be reported monthly to the employer.

The IRS notes that “All cash and non-cash tips received by workers are income and are subject to federal income tax”. This includes:

• Tips given directly by customers.
• Tips received via credit or debit cards.
• Tips distributed among employees through arrangements.
• Items of value given as thanks for a service.

The agency also notes that tips are subject to Social Security and Medicare taxes.

New federal deduction: are tips tax-free?

Not necessarily. Although from tax year 2025 certain workers may qualify to claim a deduction for qualified tips, that does not eliminate the obligation to record and report that income.

The IRS indicates that the deduction applies to tax years 2025 to 2028 and that it can reach an annual maximum of $25,000 (subject to eligibility conditions and established income limits). In addition, it only covers certain qualified tips and eligible occupations.

To claim it, the tips must meet the corresponding requirements and be properly reported or, where applicable, on Form 4137.

Workers should not interpret this deduction as permission to stop reporting their income.

Although the combination is often discussed as a natural alternative to commercial air fresheners, its main practical use is freshening the air with fragrance, not disinfecting a home or treating health conditions. Understanding what the mixture can and cannot do is important before incorporating it into a household routine.

What is boiling rosemary with cloves used for?

The combination of rosemary and cloves can be useful when lingering cooking odors make a kitchen or dining room smell unpleasant. Fish, fried foods and other strongly scented meals can leave persistent odors, and simmering aromatic ingredients in water offers a simple way to introduce a different fragrance.

Rosemary has a fresh, herbal scent, while cloves provide a warm, spicy aroma. When heated in water, volatile compounds from both ingredients are released into the surrounding air, temporarily changing the room’s smell.

The mixture may be particularly appealing to people who prefer the fragrance of herbs and spices over some commercial air fresheners. However, its effect is limited. The aroma gradually fades after the pot is removed from the heat, and the preparation does not eliminate the underlying source of an unpleasant smell.

Boiling rosemary and cloves may be used in several situations around the home:

• After cooking: to introduce a herbal and spicy fragrance after preparing fish, fried foods or other meals with persistent odors.
• Before visitors arrive: to create a more pleasant-smelling kitchen or dining area.
• As an occasional home fragrance: to add a natural aroma without relying exclusively on commercially manufactured scented products.

There is an important distinction between improving how a room smells and improving its air quality. This preparation does not replace proper ventilation, cleaning or the removal of odor sources.

Why do rosemary and cloves release such a strong aroma?

Rosemary and cloves release a strong aroma when heated because they contain volatile compounds, chemical substances that can evaporate into the air. As the water warms, these compounds are released from the plant material and spread throughout the room, creating a noticeable fragrance.

Rosemary contains aromatic compounds such as 1,8-cineole, camphor and alpha-pinene, which contribute to its fresh, herbal scent. Cloves, meanwhile, are rich in eugenol, a compound responsible for much of their distinctive warm, spicy aroma.

When rosemary and cloves simmer together, their different aromatic profiles combine to create a more complex fragrance. The heat helps disperse these compounds, while the water vapor carries some of the aroma into the surrounding air.

However, the strength and duration of the fragrance depend on factors such as the amount of herbs and spices used, the temperature of the water, the size of the room and its ventilation.

How long does the aroma of rosemary and cloves last?

The aroma released by boiling rosemary and cloves can linger in the kitchen for some time after the pot is removed from the heat. However, how long the fragrance lasts depends on factors such as ventilation, room size, and the amount of ingredients used.

In a well-ventilated room, the scent may fade relatively quickly, while in a closed space, it can remain noticeable for longer. As the mixture cools, it stops releasing as much aromatic vapor, and the fragrance gradually weakens.

To make the scent last longer, allow the mixture to simmer gently for a short period while keeping an eye on the water level. Avoid leaving the pot unattended, and turn off the heat before the water evaporates completely.

How to prepare rosemary and cloves at home

Preparing the mixture requires only a few common kitchen ingredients. The amount can be adjusted according to the desired fragrance, although more ingredients do not necessarily mean better results.

1. Fill a small pot with water.
2. Add several whole cloves and a few sprigs of rosemary.
3. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.
4. Allow the ingredients to release their aroma for a few minutes while monitoring the pot.
5. Turn off the heat when finished and let the mixture cool before handling it.

Keep the pot under supervision throughout the process and ensure there is enough water to prevent it from boiling dry. Hot water and steam can cause burns, so the pot should remain out of reach of children and pets.

If you intend to keep the cooled liquid for later use as a home fragrance, strain it into a clean container and store it carefully. Discard the mixture if its smell or appearance changes.

What precautions should you take?

Even though rosemary and cloves are commonly used in cooking, a homemade aromatic preparation should not automatically be considered risk-free in every situation. Strong fragrances may bother people with sensitivities, and adequate ventilation remains important when heating aromatic ingredients indoors.

The mixture should not be used to mask persistent odors caused by mold, dampness, sewage or inadequate ventilation. Those problems require identifying and addressing their underlying causes. It is also important not to confuse the aroma of a homemade infusion with the concentrated properties of essential oils.

The University of Georgia recommends placing kitchen paper dampened with white vinegar over limescale deposits to help soften them and make them easier to remove.

The advice is part of a home cleaning guide published by the institution, which brings together different homemade preparations for the maintenance of surfaces and household fixtures.

What is the purpose of placing kitchen paper with vinegar on faucets?

According to the University, this method is intended to treat the limescale deposits that build up around faucets.

The procedure consists of covering the affected areas with absorbent paper soaked in white vinegar and leaving it on for a set period of time.

The institution notes that this technique softens mineral deposits so that they are easier to remove during cleaning.

How to use kitchen paper with vinegar to remove limescale

The University of Georgia recommends using only two items:

• White vinegar.
• Absorbent kitchen paper.

To apply the method, you must follow these steps:

1. Dampen the kitchen paper with white vinegar.
2. Place the paper over the limescale deposits around the faucet.
3. Leave it on for approximately one hour.
4. Remove the paper and clean the surface to eliminate the softened residue.

According to the guide, the goal is to make it easier to remove limescale deposits without having to prepare mixtures with other ingredients.

The University of Georgia recommendation is aimed specifically at the limescale deposits that build up around faucets.

However, before applying this method, it is important to verify that the faucet material and finish are resistant to the acidity of vinegar, to avoid possible damage to the surface.

Several countries around the world have begun to apply laws to regulate the use of these and other devices on public roads, since this behavior can contribute to accidents with injuries and fatalities. Honolulu, a city in Hawaii, United States, has a rule in its state code that prohibits this practice under certain circumstances and establishes penalties for those who fail to comply.

What does Honolulu’s traffic code establish?

According to section 15-24.23 of chapter 15 of the Honolulu Code, no pedestrian may cross a street or road while looking at a mobile electronic device.

However, there are exceptions. The regulation states that “it shall be a valid defense to any fine imposed for a violation of subsection (a) that the person sanctioned was using a mobile electronic device to make an emergency communication to 911”.

In addition, members of emergency services who use these devices while performing their duties are also exempt from this prohibition.

What devices are included in this law?

By “mobile electronic device” is meant any portable or handheld equipment capable of enabling wireless communication or data exchange between two or more people, or of providing entertainment.

Among the devices included are:

• Cell phones.
• Text messaging devices.
• Pagers.
• Personal digital assistants.
• Laptops.
• Video game devices.
• Digital cameras.

What happens when a pedestrian does not comply with this rule?

Those who violate this provision will receive fines whose amounts will increase according to the number of violations committed:

• First violation: fine of between $15 and $35.
• Second violation committed within one year of the first: fine of between $35 and $75.
• Third violation or later committed within one year of the first: fine of between $75 and $99.

Can walking distracted be fatal? What the statistics say

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), which cites data from Injury Facts, more than 18% of all traffic accident deaths were pedestrians in 2024. An estimated 7,080 people died in traffic accidents on public roads.

Keeping this in mind, the NSC recommends following a series of safety measures to reduce the risk of accidents:

• Walk on the sidewalk whenever possible, or against traffic when none is available.
• Obey traffic rules and traffic signs.
• Cross streets at crosswalks. If none is available, look for a place from which approaching traffic can be seen.
• Look both ways before crossing the street and make eye contact with drivers.
• Stay alert and avoid using your cell phone and headphones while walking.
• Avoid walking under the influence of substances that may alter attention and reflexes.
• Pay attention to vehicles entering and exiting garages.
• Make sure children under 10 cross the street accompanied by an adult.

One of the criteria is the household income level, which must fall within the established limits according to the number of members. However, it is also necessary to meet the residency conditions and belong to an eligible category, in addition to having a health professional determine whether there is a nutritional risk.

For the 2026-2027 period, the USDA published the income limits that apply from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. That is why knowing these amounts and the documentation the user must submit to the local office makes it possible to understand who can access the program and what the beneficiary should take into account before starting the process.

Why is having low income not enough to receive food benefits on the eWIC card?

Having low income is one of the conditions for accessing the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), but it does not guarantee approval of the application because, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), people must also meet other requirements to receive WIC food benefits, such as:

• Belonging to an eligible category: pregnant women, women in the postpartum period or breastfeeding, and infants and children under five may apply for assistance. Parents, grandparents, and other caretakers of a child may also start the application on their behalf.
• Meeting the income criterion: gross household income must be within the applicable limits. Some people who participate in SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF may automatically meet this financial requirement.
• Residing in the state where the assistance is requested: enrollment is handled through a WIC agency corresponding to the beneficiary’s place of residence.
• Presenting a nutritional risk: a health professional must determine that the person meets the program criteria. That is why the evaluation may consider medical, nutritional, or dietary factors.

How much money can a family earn to access WIC benefits?

For the period from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, the USDA establishes the following annual income limits for households of between one and eight people in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C.:

• 1 person: US$29,526 per year.
• 2 people: US$40,034 per year.
• 3 people: US$50,542 per year.
• 4 people: US$61,050 per year.
• 5 people: US$71,558 per year.
• 6 people: US$82,066 per year.
• 7 people: US$92,574 per year.
• 8 people: US$103,082 per year.

To check the monthly amounts, the limits for large families, and the applicable guidelines, the user can access the official WIC income chart for 2026-2027.

What documents must families submit to request the eWIC card?

People interested in receiving WIC benefits must contact an agency of the program in their area to start the application and schedule an in-person or virtual appointment. Before the interview, the local office will indicate what information and documents they must bring, since the required documentation may vary depending on the state and the household’s circumstances.

Among the proofs that may be requested are:

• Identity documents: such as a driver’s license, a state ID, a passport, or a birth certificate for each person who will enroll.
• Proof of address: a recent utility bill or other document accepted by the agency that can verify residence.
• Proof of income: recent pay stubs, the latest tax return, or a letter from the employer, as applicable.
• Proof of participation in other programs: documentation of SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF, if the person receives any of these benefits.

In this regard, the USDA carries out an assessment to determine whether the applicant meets the nutritional risk criterion, and that is why during the appointment the agency may collect health and nutrition information or indicate what additional documentation it needs, since not all applicants must submit exactly the same papers.

According to the CDC, proper hygiene helps prevent respiratory infections and diarrheal illnesses, as well as reduce the likelihood of transmitting microorganisms to other people through contact with objects and surfaces.

How long should you wash your hands?

The time recommended by the CDC is 20 seconds of scrubbing with soap and water. It is not enough to wet your hands or rinse them quickly: it is necessary to cover all areas and generate enough lather to remove dirt and germs, among other things.

The agency also warns that when washing lasts for less time, not as many microorganisms are eliminated.

A practical way to measure those seconds without using a clock is to sing the full “Happy Birthday” song twice.

Why is it important to wash your hands

Handwashing helps interrupt the transmission of microorganisms that can cause illness. These can pass from one person to another or enter the body when someone touches their eyes, nose, or mouth with contaminated hands. There is also a risk when preparing food, eating, or sneezing into your hands and then handling shared objects.

The recommendation is to keep up the habit even when there are no visible stains on your hands. The absence of visible dirt does not necessarily mean they are free of microorganisms.

How to wash your hands correctly

For washing to be effective, the CDC recommends following this sequence:

1. Wet them: place your hands under clean, running water, cold or warm, turn off the tap, and apply soap.
2. Soap them: rub the palms, the backs, between the fingers, and under the nails.
3. Rub for 20 seconds: keep moving for the recommended time, without leaving any areas uncleaned.
4. Rinse: remove the soap with clean running water.
5. Dry completely: use a clean towel or a hand dryer. This step is also important because, according to the CDC, germs can spread more easily when hands remain wet.

When should you wash your hands during the day?

The CDC recommends doing so at specific times when the chance of coming into contact with germs increases:

• Before, during, and after preparing food.
• Before eating and after finishing.
• After using the bathroom, even at home.
• After changing diapers or helping a child use the bathroom.
• After coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
• Before and after tending to wounds.
• Before and after caring for a sick person, especially if they have vomiting or diarrhea.
• After touching animals, their food, or their waste.
• After handling garbage.

Through a reel published on her Instagram account, the specialist warned that the cream can encourage the appearance of pimples and milia in those areas. “It’s a cream that gives you pimples if you apply it to your face,” she said when explaining her personal assessment of the product.

Rodero also referred to the moisturizing ingredients it contains, questioned the presence of certain fragrances and pointed out which alternative she would choose to care for the skin on other parts of the body.

Why does Helena Rodero warn that blue tin Nivea cream can cause pimples on the face?

The Spanish pharmacist Helena Rodero analyzed the composition of the blue tin Nivea cream and explained why she would not choose it for facial care and pointed out the importance of carefully evaluating all the ingredients in a product before buying it.

“A formula has to be looked at in full, so I downloaded it and, as you can see, the first compositions contain nothing but super-greasy ingredients,” Rodero said. From that analysis she warned about the possible consequences of applying the cream to the face: “What this means is that in the end it is a cream that gives you pimples if you apply it all over your face and milia if you apply it around the eyes”.

What did Rodero say about the ingredients in blue tin Nivea cream?

Although she questioned the product’s overall composition, Helena Rodero acknowledged that it contains “interesting ingredients,” such as panthenol and glycerin, used in skincare formulations. However, she considered that their presence “does not offset the overall formula”.

In this sense, the pharmacist drew attention to the fragrances present in the composition of blue tin Nivea cream, due to their potential to “cause allergy problems”.

What does Helena Rodero recommend for elbows, knees and feet?

Instead of applying blue tin Nivea cream to the face, Rodero suggested reserving it for other areas of the body: “I could better use this cream for elbows, knees and feet”.

Although for those areas she mentioned an alternative without fragrance that she would choose over the cream: “I would surely choose fragrance-free petroleum jelly because it would not give me any allergy problems and it would probably be more effective, the pharmacist concluded in the Instagram reel.

Police have not confirmed Giamanco’s identity. Bend Police Chief Mike Krantz said the suspect, a 16-year-old boy, was stopped by a community member who spotted him going into the school and went in after him. Police are withholding the names of everyone involved.

The children killed were 5, 8 and 11 years old, Krantz said. Two more people are in critical condition at St. Charles Medical Center in Bend: a 7-year-old student and a 54-year-old teacher. Police said every victim’s family has been informed.

Who is Kaylub Giamanco, the dad who stopped the Oregon school shooting gunman?

Giamanco has lived in Bend his whole life. He was in his car near the school, heard what was happening and rushed into the building, according to a statement his family gave ABC News.

The family confirmed that he has a concealed-carry permit. Relatives called him “thoughtful and empathetic” and said the shooting has overwhelmed him, and that he is pained he couldn’t save more people.

He isn’t asking for credit, the statement said. What he wants is for first responders, Silver Rail staff and his neighbors in Bend to know he’s grateful for the support they’ve shown.

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek credited him with acting “heroically” to prevent more deaths. At the White House on Friday, President Donald Trump told reporters the man was “a great hero” whose actions kept the toll from climbing higher.

The family, his two daughters included, asked for privacy and is declining all interviews.

How did the Oregon school shooting at Silver Rail Elementary unfold?

Krantz shared a preliminary timeline Thursday evening at Bend City Hall, noting that investigators were still piecing together parts of what happened.

The first sign of trouble came outside the building. A driver in the parking lot noticed someone heading for the school with a long gun, a category that includes rifles and shotguns, and challenged him, Krantz said. The gunman opened fire on the man and his pickup.

Police said the gunman then tossed the weapon over the school’s fence and scaled it. The driver called 911 at 12:59 p.m. Police haven’t said whether he is the same person who later shot the suspect.

Once on campus, the teen fired his way past locked doors to get inside, police said. Within a minute, dozens of 911 callers were reporting a gunman in the building. Dispatch sent an alert to all law enforcement at 1 p.m., and Bend police reached the school at 1:01 p.m.

By then, the shooting was nearly over. An officer soon reported that a civilian had already shot the suspect, and officers who went in found him dead. They searched the entire building to make sure no one else posed a danger before turning to the wounded.

Police have not released a motive.

Where can Bend families find support after the Oregon school shooting?

Bend-La Pine Schools canceled classes districtwide Friday. Anyone who needs to talk can meet with crisis counselors at the Deschutes Central Library, starting at 9 a.m. Friday. The service is open to the public.

Officers will remain at Silver Rail Elementary in large numbers for several days as they work the case. “This is going to be a long investigation,” Krantz said.

Journey Church on South Highway 97 served as the reunification site Thursday. Officers emptied the school one classroom at a time, and district buses brought students there to meet their families.

Caldera High School and Jewell Elementary, both nearby, were briefly locked down, and both were cleared by 2 p.m. That night, several hundred residents turned out at Drake Park to hold candles and pray for the victims.

To prevent this type of situation, the Alaska Code has a title dedicated to regulating alcoholic beverages, which establishes restrictions both for establishments that sell them and for the people who consume them.

What does the Alaska Code establish regarding the entry of drunk people into liquor-selling establishments?

Title 4 of the Alaska Code is entirely devoted to alcoholic beverages and sets out a series of restrictions for intoxicated people and establishments that have licenses to sell alcohol.

According to Section 04.16.040, a person who is intoxicated is prohibited from entering or deliberately remaining in establishments authorized to sell alcoholic beverages: “Any person who violates this section shall commit the offense of prohibited access to establishments by an intoxicated person”.

In addition, Section 04.16.030 prohibits those responsible for these establishments from allowing an intoxicated person to enter, remain, or consume alcoholic beverages inside their premises. “The prohibited conduct related to an intoxicated person constitutes an offense punishable by a fine of US$500”.

Which establishments are included in this measure?

The prohibition is not limited to bars or nightlife venues, but also applies to spaces that hold licenses regulated by Title 4 of the Alaska Code.

Among the establishments covered are:

• Bars and pubs.
• Restaurants.
• Liquor stores.
• Breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
• Other authorized spaces, such as clubs, theaters, resorts, and establishments where sporting events are held.

What is the responsibility of establishments licensed to sell alcohol?

According to Section 04.16.030 of the Alaska Code, license holders, their representatives, and employees must comply with the following restrictions:

• Do not sell, give away, or exchange alcoholic beverages with intoxicated people.
• Do not allow other people to deliver or sell alcohol to an intoxicated person inside the establishment.
• Do not allow intoxicated people to enter, remain, or consume alcoholic beverages on their premises.
• Do not allow intoxicated people to sell or serve alcoholic beverages.

In addition, Section 04.16.045 establishes that establishments may not allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages when their license does not authorize it.

What happens if the rule is not complied with?

The Alaska Code establishes sanctions both for intoxicated people who enter authorized establishments and for businesses that fail to meet their obligations.

The fines and consequences provided are as follows:

• $250 for intoxicated people: for deliberately entering or remaining in a licensed establishment, according to Section 04.16.040 and the Alaska judicial system fine schedule.
• $500 for prohibited conduct: for those who fail to comply with the restrictions of Section 04.16.030, such as selling alcohol to an intoxicated person or allowing them to remain in the establishment through criminal negligence.
• $250 administrative penalty: for the holder of a license when an employee or representative commits an offense covered by Section 04.16.030 inside the establishment.
• Class A misdemeanor: when the holder of a license deliberately allows an employee or representative to commit one of these offenses. It is the most serious misdemeanor and can be punished by up to one year in prison and/or a fine of up to $25.00.

The fee applies to passport books shipped to US addresses and is separate from the cost of applying for a passport. Applicants should distinguish faster delivery from expedited processing, which speeds up the handling of the application itself.

How much does faster passport delivery cost?

According to the State Department’s October 2026 fee schedule, applicants can pay $26.87 to have their passport book delivered within one to three days after mailing. The service is optional and does not apply to passport cards.

The fee covers shipping after the passport has been issued. It does not guarantee that the application will be processed faster.

How is faster delivery different from expedited processing?

Expedited processing is a separate service that costs an additional $60. It is intended for applicants who need their passport application processed more quickly.

Applicants who need both faster processing and faster delivery should account for the two separate charges. The State Department recommends reviewing its official passport fees and processing times before applying.

Its slightly tangy, nutty notes can complement the richness of melted cheese, creating a more balanced combination of flavors. Choosing the right type of rye bread and pairing it with suitable cheeses can also help improve the final result.

Why rye bread works well for grilled cheese

Rye bread has a more pronounced flavor than white bread, with earthy, nutty, and slightly malty notes. Its mild acidity can balance the fat and richness of melted cheese, adding complexity without requiring many additional ingredients.

Light rye bread is a particularly useful option. Dark rye varieties tend to retain more moisture, which can make it harder to achieve the crisp, golden exterior that gives a grilled cheese sandwich its characteristic texture.

Which cheeses and ingredients pair best with rye bread?

Choosing a cheese that complements the bread is key to building a flavorful sandwich. Gruyère works particularly well because its nutty notes match those of rye, while smoked Gouda and cheddar offer stronger flavors that can stand up to the bread’s distinctive taste.

Havarti is another option because it melts well, and varieties seasoned with black pepper or horseradish can add extra flavor.

Other ingredients can add contrast to the sandwich. Thin slices of apple introduce sweetness, tomatoes provide freshness, and pickles contribute acidity that can balance the richness of the cheese.

How to make a crisp, golden grilled cheese sandwich

• Butter the bread: Spread butter on the outside of each slice before cooking. Mayonnaise is an alternative that can help create a deeply browned crust.
• Cook over medium-low heat: This allows the cheese to melt gradually while the bread becomes golden and crisp.
• Avoid cooking it too quickly: High heat can burn the bread before the cheese has melted completely.
• Choose the right bread: Light rye is a good option for achieving a crisp exterior without the excess moisture that can come with darker varieties.

The process is relatively simple, but the solution’s concentration, soaking time and compatibility with the showerhead’s materials are important factors to consider before trying it.

Why soak a showerhead in citric acid?

Minerals in tap water can accumulate around the small openings of a showerhead, leaving a whitish residue known as limescale. This buildup is especially common in areas with hard water and can interfere with the way water comes out of the nozzles.

Citric acid can help loosen these deposits because it reacts with mineral buildup, which is largely made up of calcium carbonate. The reaction helps break down the residue so it can be rinsed away more easily.

Unlike products designed mainly to remove grease, acidic cleaners are suited to tackling mineral deposits. Citric acid is also available as a powder or crystals that can be dissolved in water, making it possible to prepare a solution for cleaning compatible showerheads.

Removing limescale may help restore a more even spray when the buildup is responsible for blocked openings.

How to clean a showerhead with citric acid

Before starting, it is important to check the manufacturer’s care instructions. Some showerheads have chrome-plated surfaces, special finishes, rubber seals or plastic components that may be sensitive to certain cleaning products. If the manufacturer allows the use of citric acid, follow the product’s instructions.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the solution. Dissolve the citric acid in cold or lukewarm water. Avoid hot water and do not use a higher concentration than recommended.
2. Remove the showerhead, if possible. Place it in a container filled with the solution. If it cannot be removed, use a method that prevents the liquid from coming into contact with surfaces that could be damaged.
3. Limit the soaking time. Start with a soaking period of 10 to 15 minutes, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, which may recommend a shorter period. Do not leave the showerhead soaking overnight.
4. Remove loosened deposits. Gently clean the openings with a soft brush or rub flexible silicone nozzles with your thumb, provided the product’s care instructions allow it.
5. Rinse and dry. Thoroughly rinse away the solution with clean water, run the shower for a few moments and dry the exterior with a soft cloth.

What precautions should you take?

Citric acid is not suitable for every surface. Avoid using it on natural stone such as marble or limestone, which acids can etch. Be especially careful with matte, colored or specialty finishes, and use only products approved for the specific showerhead.

Never mix citric acid with bleach or chlorine-based cleaners, as this can release toxic chlorine gas. Keep the solution away from children and pets, and follow the product label for handling and storage.

Experts at AAA Club Alliance notes that cleaning automotive glass can be more challenging than it seems, especially when swirl marks or a hazy film remain after the windshield has been cleaned. The inside of the glass can be particularly difficult because materials inside the vehicle may release gases that eventually leave a coating on the surface.

How to make a windshield cleaning solution

One recommended option is to make a homemade solution using one part white vinegar and three parts water, along with just a few drops of dishwashing liquid.

Start by soaking a microfiber towel in the solution and wringing it out before cleaning the glass. Then scrub the windshield to remove dirt and residue from the surface.

AAA also notes that some people have had good results with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol combined with a few drops of dishwashing liquid.

The trick to avoiding streaks

Once the windshield has been cleaned, use a second microfiber towel that is clean and free of lint, grease and oil to dry the glass.

Instead of wiping in circles, experts at AAA recommends using straight motions while drying. This can help minimize marks that become particularly noticeable when sunlight hits the windshield.

The condition of the towels also matters. Avoid reusing towels that have been used for other cleaning jobs, and do not use fabric softener when washing microfiber towels intended for glass cleaning.

Which products should you avoid?

Ammonia-based cleaners may not be suitable for automotive glass, particularly in vehicles with tinted windows. AAA warns that these products can damage window tint films and affect other materials inside the vehicle.

It is also better to clean the windshield when the glass is cool and away from direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause cleaning products to evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks behind.

Once the process is complete, the windshield should be clear and free of visible residue. If an oily film quickly returns to the inside of the glass even after cleaning, AAA notes that it could point to a mechanical issue, such as a small coolant leak in the vehicle’s heating system.

This homemade method has gained ground because of its low cost and its effectiveness in disinfecting, combating moisture, eliminating persistent odors, and acting as a natural insect repellent.

What is the purpose of applying vinegar on the mattress?

The mattress tends to accumulate odors, dust and dirt that are not always removed with basic cleaning. This is where vinegar comes in, a key ally that helps improve bedroom hygiene, prolongs the mattress’s useful life, and contributes to achieving deeper, healthier rest.

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

In addition, this method is used as a repellent for small insects. The acidic smell of white vinegar helps drive away pests that usually hide in less visible areas. That is why spraying vinegar on the mattress can be a practical alternative to more invasive chemical products.

How to apply it correctly

To make the most of its benefits, it is enough to prepare a simple mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, it is recommended to spray the mixture on the mattress, let it act for at least one hour, vacuum or scrub the stains, and let it dry.

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

How often should the mattress be cleaned?

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

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

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

Used properly, it works as a natural fabric softener and helps remove odors. However, if used incorrectly, it can damage certain garments or combine dangerously with other products.

Adding white vinegar to the washing machine: what it’s for

Distilled white vinegar has a mild acidity that, in the washing machine, provides several benefits:

• Softens fabrics: it acts as a natural softener and helps leave clothes less rough, in addition to reducing static electricity.
• Removes odors: it is effective at neutralizing persistent odors, such as that of towels with a musty smell or clothes stored for a long time.
• Helps with certain stains: thanks to its acidity, it helps loosen stains of a “low-acid” origin, such as coffee, tea, or wine.
• Keeps the appliance maintained: run through an empty cycle, it helps prevent limescale buildup, especially in hard-water areas.

Vinegar is not a disinfectant and does not replace sanitizing products. It is useful for softening, deodorizing, and cleaning residue, not for eliminating germs.

How much to use and where to put it

The most common and safe way to use it is:

• Amount: about half a cup of distilled white vinegar.
• Where: in the rinse cycle or in the fabric softener compartment (never together with the detergent at the same time).
• Frequency: every few washes is enough; it does not need to be used in every load.

Mistakes to avoid

Here is the part that matters most to avoid damaging clothes or creating a risk at home:

• Never mix vinegar with bleach (chlorine): the combination releases toxic chlorine gas. This is the most important precaution.
• Do not mix it with ammonia or, at the same time, with baking soda (they neutralize each other).
• Avoid it on garments with elastic, such as swimsuits, leggings, or sportswear, because over time vinegar can degrade elasticity.
• Be careful with delicate fabrics: for garments that require special care, it is advisable to check the label first.

To combat this type of dirt, there is a widely used trick to complement the regular cleaning of this room and it consists of using hydrogen peroxide and salt on the floors.

What is spraying hydrogen peroxide and salt on the bathroom floor for?

Spraying hydrogen peroxide and sprinkling salt on the bathroom floor serves to loosen adhered residue, such as soap scum, built-up dirt, and surface stains.

On one hand, hydrogen peroxide acts as an oxidizing agent and, when it comes into contact with the dirt on the bathroom floor, releases oxygen and breaks down into water. On the other hand, salt acts as a mild abrasive thanks to its granular texture.

How do you use the trick of spraying hydrogen peroxide and salt on the bathroom floor?

To use this trick correctly, you need:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide.
• Table salt or sea salt.
• Soft-bristle brush or old toothbrush.
• Clean water.
• Towel or dry cloth.

The first step is to remove loose dirt such as hair, dust, or residue that could make cleaning difficult. Then, the hydrogen peroxide should be placed in a spray bottle and sprayed over the tile grout and the dirtiest areas.

Next, a small amount of salt should be sprinkled and left to act for 10 to 15 minutes so that stains and residue loosen. Then use a brush to scrub the stained areas and remove the remains with clean water. Finally, wipe with a towel or dry cloth to avoid water marks and reduce the risk of slippery surfaces.

What surfaces can hydrogen peroxide and salt clean?

Hydrogen peroxide may help lift certain organic stains from bathroom tile and grout, while salt provides mild abrasive action that can help loosen surface residue.

The results depend on the type of stain, the material being cleaned, and how long the product remains on the surface.

The extension follows a federal disaster declaration issued by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The IRS will automatically apply the relief to eligible taxpayers located in the covered areas.

Which Florida taxpayers qualify for the extended deadline?

The relief covers individuals who live and businesses whose principal place of business is located in 28 Florida counties, including Bay, Citrus, Escambia, Leon, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, and Walton. The full list also includes Baker, Calhoun, Columbia, Dixie, Franklin, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Gulf, Hamilton, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Suwannee, Taylor, Wakulla, and Washington.

Taxpayers whose records need to meet a filing or payment deadline are located in the disaster area may also qualify, even if they live or operate a business elsewhere.

The relief also covers certain relief workers affiliated with recognized government or philanthropic organizations and individuals who were visiting the disaster area and were injured or killed as a result of the disaster.

Taxpayers outside the covered area can call the IRS at 866-562-5227 to determine whether they qualify.

Which tax returns and payments can be postponed?

The February 8, 2027, deadline also applies to eligible taxpayers who had a valid extension to file their 2025 federal income tax return. However, the relief does not extend the deadline to pay taxes owed for that year, which was April 15, 2026. Those payments are not covered by the postponement.

Eligible taxpayers can also postpone estimated income tax payments originally due on or after October 9, 2026, without incurring penalties for late estimated payments, provided they pay by the new deadline. Certain quarterly payroll and excise tax returns originally due November 2, 2026, and February 1, 2027, are also covered.

What taxpayers need to know about the 2025 tax return

The extension also covers individuals who had a valid extension to file their 2025 federal income tax return. However, it does not extend the deadline to pay taxes owed for that year: those payments were due April 15, 2026, and are not eligible for this relief.

The IRS will also waive certain penalties on payroll and excise tax deposits due from October 9 through October 25, 2026, if the deposits are made by October 26. Taxpayers who receive a penalty notice for a deadline covered by the relief should call the number listed on the notice to request an adjustment.

Experts agree that it is not safe to leave a child alone in the car, even for a short period of time, since factors such as temperature or a failure in the locking of doors and windows could put the child’s physical safety at risk.

In which situations is it punishable under Washington law?

According to section 9.91.060 of chapter 9.91, within title 9 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), leaving children unsupervised in a parked car constitutes a serious misdemeanor when certain circumstances are met.

“Any person who has in their care, whether temporarily or permanently, children under twelve years of age, and who leaves those children in a parked car without adult supervision while entering a tavern or other establishment where wines, spirits, or alcoholic beverages are served for consumption on the premises, shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.”

On the other hand, section 46.61.685 of chapter 46.61, within title 46, states that leaving children unsupervised in a vehicle with the engine running is illegal and constitutes a misdemeanor.

“It is illegal for any person, while operating or in charge of a vehicle, to park or intentionally allow that vehicle to remain on a public road or in a public place with its engine running, leaving a minor child or children under sixteen years of age unsupervised in the vehicle”.

What is the penalty?

According to section 9A.20.021 of chapter 9A.20, within title 9A of the RCW, titled “Maximum penalties for offenses committed from July 1, 1984,” the following sanctions are established:

• Misdemeanor: any person convicted of a misdemeanor may receive a prison sentence in county jail for a period of up to 90 days, a fine of up to US$1,000, or both penalties, as determined by the court.
• Gross misdemeanor: any person convicted of a gross misdemeanor may receive a prison sentence in county jail for a period of up to 364 days, a fine of up to US$5,000, or both penalties, as determined by the court.

What are the dangers of leaving children alone in the car?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC) in the United States, more than 1,000 children have died from heatstroke in vehicles since 1998. It is estimated that approximately 37 deaths occur each year due to the high temperatures that can be recorded inside cars.

The Safe Kids Inland Empire coordinator at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, Michelle Parker, says that the temperature inside a car can increase by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in ten minutes. Even when the vehicle is parked in the shade, outside temperatures can cause heatstroke.

Safe Kids Worldwide explains that young children are at greater risk of heat-related illnesses because their bodies are smaller and they heat up three to five times faster than those of the average adult.

For her part, Dr. Alexandra Clark, chief of the General Pediatrics Division at the Children’s Hospital, explains that heat-related illnesses develop in three stages:

• Heat cramps.
• Heat exhaustion.
• Heatstroke.

It is important to note that children who remain in cars exposed to high temperatures are also at risk of severe dehydration and other heat-related illnesses, which may require urgent medical attention.

To use this type of service, it is necessary to have an ID.me account, which will allow the person to log in and access their tax information as many times as they wish.

What is needed to create an IRS account and who can do it

According to the official information, it will be necessary to have an ID.me account in order to access IRS online services.

It is important to note that only those who are 18 years old or older may create an account.

ID.me is the partner used by government agencies and companies to verify digital identity and confirm that the person logging in is really the account holder.

To use it, it will be necessary to have:

• An email address
• A unique 8-character password
• A multifactor authenticator

If you have everything specified above, the steps to create the account are:

• Select the service or account needed
• Click on “create a wallet”
• Enter the personal email address
• Confirm the email address in the inbox
• Set up multifactor authentication
• Verify identity (a Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and a valid government-issued photo ID will be needed.

For which procedures is it necessary to create this account

The IRS online service, which requires ID.me, is used so that taxpayers can:

• Access their tax records.
• Make and schedule payments, as well as view payment history and pending payments.
• Check the balance due by tax year.
• Submit IRS forms.
• Manage profile options.
• View different authorizations.

In addition, IRS has its own application that recently changed its name and features. It stopped being IRS2Go and is now called IRS, available for Apple and Android. Those who want to use it will also need an ID.me account.

A year later, the Taylor Swift Education Center opened its doors, a space with classrooms and interactive areas intended to develop activities educationally linked to music and art. Since then, the place has been part of the museum’s offerings for students, teachers, and families.

Fourteen years after that donation, the center houses Connection, an exhibition with works created by students from public schools and adult artists with developmental disabilities. The initiative brings together education, creativity, and community participation, and allows visitors to learn about one of the activities currently taking place in the space that the singer helped launch.

Taylor Swift donated $4 million to create an educational center in Nashville

In 2012, Taylor Swift donated $4 million to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, located in Nashville, Tennessee, as part of an expansion campaign for the institution. This contribution helped create the Taylor Swift Education Center, a space intended to bring music, culture, and art closer to students, teachers, and families.

The center opened in 2013 and occupies two floors, with an area of approximately 7,500 square feet that houses classrooms, a gallery, a studio, a videoconferencing lab, and interactive spaces designed to develop educational experiences. According to the museum itself reported, the singer’s donation was part of a capital campaign that made it possible to double the size of the nonprofit cultural organization.

Since then, the center has served as one of the main spaces for its educational offerings.

What activities does the Taylor Swift Education Center offer?

The Taylor Swift Education Center offers programs that combine content related to country music with hands-on activities, school groups, songwriting workshops and artistic workshops, activities for young children adapted to different educational levels, and resources intended for families visiting the museum.

The reach of these initiatives is reflected in the institution’s figures, since in 2025 more than 125,000 people participated in more than 2,000 in-person and virtual educational programs organized by the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

Fourteen years later, the center exhibits works created by students and artists with disabilities

In April 2026, the Taylor Swift Education Center presented Connection, an exhibition of posters created by students from Nashville public schools and artists who participate in Friends Life Community, a nonprofit organization that supports adults with developmental disabilities.

The project was developed in collaboration with Hatch Show Print, a historic letterpress workshop linked to the museum. During the experience, the students learned the workshop’s history, explored design principles, learned about the printing process, and had the opportunity to create their own posters based on what they learned.

KFC and Coca-Cola announced the deal Thursday but didn’t disclose financial terms. PepsiCo bought KFC in 1986 as part of a push into the restaurant business that also included Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

In 1997, PepsiCo spun off the three chains into the company now called Yum Brands, KFC’s parent. PepsiCo stayed on as KFC’s drink supplier in the U.S.

For KFC, the move is a return of sorts. Before 1986, most of its restaurants poured Coke, and the chain was Coca-Cola’s second-biggest fountain drink customer, behind only McDonald’s.

Why is KFC switching from Pepsi to Coca-Cola now?

KFC is framing the switch as part of a broader overhaul of the brand. KFC U.S. President Catherine Tan-Gillespie said the partnership “is about more than what’s in the cup.” She called it another step toward modernizing the chain and its restaurants for today’s customers.

In a memo to franchisees and employees reported by CNBC, Tan-Gillespie called the change a key part of the “Kentucky Fried Comeback.” That’s KFC’s effort to win back U.S. diners who have moved to rivals such as Chick-fil-A and Popeyes.

Drinks have also become a bigger draw across fast food. McDonald’s and Taco Bell have added options like refreshers and “dirty soda,” which is soda customized with flavored syrups and creamer.

KFC has started testing its own lineup. The chain recently added iced coffees and shakes at Open House, its test restaurant in McKinney, Texas.

When will Coca-Cola replace Pepsi at every KFC in the US?

The rollout will take a few months. Coca-Cola and KFC expect every U.S. location to be serving Coke products by spring 2027.

Neither company has said which Coca-Cola drinks will be on KFC menus. Dagmar Boggs leads Coca-Cola’s business with restaurants and venues in North America. She pointed to the company’s range of brands and its ability to develop new beverages as part of what it brings to the deal.

Coca-Cola has said it helps many of its restaurant clients create new drinks. That kind of support fits KFC’s push to expand what it pours.

Is Taco Bell dropping Pepsi too, like KFC?

No. A PepsiCo spokesperson told Reuters that Yum Brands and PepsiCo recently renewed their agreements for Taco Bell and for KFC restaurants outside the U.S. The Taco Bell deal runs for 10 years.

That means Mountain Dew Baja Blast, the PepsiCo drink that has become Taco Bell’s signature soda, isn’t going anywhere.

In her memo, Tan-Gillespie said PepsiCo remains an important partner for Yum Brands and for KFC’s international business. Some KFC markets abroad already serve Coca-Cola drinks.

The scheduled payment does not represent a general change to the calendar or an increase in benefit amounts. For most Social Security recipients, the payment date depends on their date of birth, although certain beneficiaries follow a different schedule.

Who will receive Social Security payments on October 21?

The next deposit is scheduled for retirement, survivor and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries whose birthdays fall between the 11th and the 20th of any month, provided they are covered by the agency’s standard Wednesday payment schedule.

The SSA spreads payments across several dates throughout the month, which means beneficiaries do not all receive their money on the same day.

The October 21 payment applies to the following groups:

• Retirement beneficiaries: People receiving retirement benefits who are assigned to the third-Wednesday payment group.
• Survivor beneficiaries: Eligible people receiving survivor benefits under the same birthday-based schedule.
• SSDI recipients: People receiving Social Security Disability Insurance who qualify for the third-Wednesday payment date.

This schedule generally applies to beneficiaries who began receiving Social Security benefits in May 1997 or later. Certain recipients are covered by separate payment rules.

How does the SSA payment schedule work?

For most retirement, survivor and disability beneficiaries, the monthly payment date is determined by their birthday. The agency generally distributes these benefits on three Wednesdays:

• Second Wednesday of the month: People born between the 1st and the 10th.
• Third Wednesday of the month: People born between the 11th and the 20th.
• Fourth Wednesday of the month: People born between the 21st and the 31st.

In October 2026, those payment dates fall on October 14, 21 and 28, respectively.

However, people who began receiving benefits before May 1997 generally receive their payments on the third day of the month. Separate rules also apply to certain beneficiaries who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Who needs to wait for a different payment date?

The October 21 deposit will not reach every SSA beneficiary. People born between the 21st and the 31st who follow the standard Wednesday schedule are due to receive their benefits on October 28.

Meanwhile, the next SSI payment is scheduled for Friday, October 30. That deposit covers November’s benefit and is issued early because November 1 falls on a Sunday. It is not an extra payment or an increase in benefits.

Beneficiaries can check the SSA’s official payment calendar or sign in to their my Social Security account to confirm their individual payment dates and review information about their benefits.

To extend the useful life of this appliance, it is necessary to carry out maintenance tasks periodically that help prevent breakdowns and avoid expenses on repairs that are often costly.

Periodically cleaning the air conditioner’s drain pipe is one of these essential tasks, since it allows the appliance to continue operating efficiently.

Why should the air conditioner drain pipe be cleaned?

The air conditioner drain pipe is responsible for removing the water generated by the condensation of moisture from the air during the cooling process.

With regular use of the appliance, this component can accumulate dust, dirt, mold, and algae that make water circulation difficult and cause blockages.

The TCL experts recommend keeping this duct clean to avoid leaks, moisture damage, and problems in the air conditioner’s operation.

What are the signs that it is time to clean the air conditioner drain pipe?

According to the manufacturer’s advice blog, TCL, there are five signs that may indicate the drain pipe is clogged and needs cleaning:

• There are water leaks around the indoor unit of the air conditioner, such as drips coming from the equipment.
• Bad odors are noticed due to the moisture and mold generated by stagnant water.
• Water begins to accumulate because it cannot circulate properly through the pipe.
• Visible mold is present near the pipe or its outlet.
• The air conditioner shuts off unexpectedly.

How can vinegar and water be used to clean the air conditioner?

White vinegar can be used to clean the drain duct and reduce the buildup of organic residue, such as algae and mold. At TCL, they recommend using a mixture of water and vinegar to flush the pipe.

First, the air conditioner must be turned off and the equipment disconnected from the power supply to work safely. Then, it is necessary to identify the pipe and locate the access point. Some systems have an opening with a cover, usually T-shaped, that allows access to the drain.

Then, you should pour in a mixture of water and vinegar using a funnel. Finally, it is important to verify that the water flows correctly and that there are no obstructions in the pipe.

Preventive maintenance: what should be done

To avoid blockages and extend the useful life of the air conditioner, TCL recommends establishing a preventive maintenance routine that makes it possible to detect this type of problem before it worsens and causes breakdowns.

The manufacturer suggests:

• Perform monthly inspections of the pipes.
• Clean the drain duct with vinegar twice a year.
• Check that the pipe has the necessary slope to allow water drainage.
• Clean the drain pan.
• Request an annual professional inspection to carry out more complex maintenance tasks.

The payment is scheduled for December because January 1 is a federal holiday and SSI benefits are generally paid on the first day of each month. The early deposit is not an extra benefit but the regular payment for January 2027.

When will SSI recipients receive the first increased payment?

The SSA confirmed that approximately 7.3 million SSI recipients will begin receiving the higher payments on December 31, 2026. The 3.6% COLA will also apply to Social Security retirement, survivors, and disability benefits, which will reflect the adjustment beginning in January 2027.

The annual adjustment is designed to help benefits keep pace with inflation and is calculated using changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W).

How much will SSI payments increase in 2027?

Under the new federal payment standards, the maximum monthly SSI amount will increase from $994 to $1,029 for an eligible individual. For an eligible couple, the maximum will rise from $1,491 to $1,544.

These are maximum federal amounts, not guaranteed payments. The actual benefit may be lower depending on a recipient’s countable income and circumstances. Some states also provide supplemental SSI payments.

How can beneficiaries check their new SSI amount?

Recipients can review their personalized COLA notice through their my Social Security account. The SSA said notices would become available online in late November, while those who receive paper notices can expect them by mail in December.

The notice provides the beneficiary’s new benefit amount and any applicable deductions. Recipients should check their individual notice to determine how much they will receive in 2027.

The agency announced the postponement Wednesday, after the Federal Emergency Management Agency issued a disaster declaration for the area.

The new date reaches back to any covered deadline that fell on or after July 27, 2026. Filings and payments that came due in the weeks since the storms count as on time as long as they’re handled by Feb. 1.

Which IRS tax deadlines move to Feb. 1 in the 4 Wisconsin counties hit by tornadoes?

The postponement covers most federal returns and payments with an original or extended due date inside that window. Among them:

• 2025 individual income tax returns filed on a valid extension.
• Quarterly payroll returns and certain excise tax returns normally due July 31 and Nov. 2, 2026.
• Estimated income tax payments that came due on or after July 27.
• Business returns, including those for corporations, partnerships and S corporations, plus estate, trust and gift tax returns.
• Annual information returns from tax-exempt organizations.

Some dates don’t move. Taxes owed on 2025 returns were due April 15, 2026, months before the storms. An extension to file those returns doesn’t buy extra time to pay that balance.

The relief also leaves out information returns, such as Forms W-2 and the 1099 series, along with payroll and excise tax deposits. However, the IRS waived penalties on deposits due from July 27 to Aug. 10 that were made by Aug. 11.

Taxpayers on an IRS payment plan won’t have the agreement default over payments missed during the postponement. Interest and late-payment penalties still build up, though. Automatic debits also keep running unless the taxpayer asks the IRS or their bank to pause them.

A recently enacted law, the Disaster Related Extension of Deadlines Act, treats the postponement as an extension when the IRS calculates the deadline for claiming a refund. In practice, affected taxpayers get more time to claim refunds or credits.

Who doesn’t need to apply for IRS tornado tax relief in Wisconsin?

Anyone who lives or runs a business in the four counties doesn’t have to request anything. The IRS identifies taxpayers in the disaster area on its own and applies the relief automatically. That includes tax-exempt organizations whose main place of business is there.

Some eligible taxpayers do need to call IRS Special Services at 866-562-5227. That includes people and businesses outside the four counties whose records needed to meet a deadline are in the disaster area.

Relief workers with a recognized government or charitable organization also qualify, as do visitors who were killed or injured in the storms. They can request the extra time through the same line.

Tax preparers based in the disaster area who keep records for clients elsewhere can also contact Special Services. Preparers handling 10 or more of those clients should use the IRS process for bulk disaster relief requests.

A taxpayer may get a late-filing or late-payment penalty notice for a due date inside the postponement window. In that case, they should call the number on the notice to have the penalty removed.

According to the U.S. National Hurricane Center (NHC), Trudy reached Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale early Friday, October 16. The storm had maximum sustained winds of about 120 mph and was moving northwest.

What is Hurricane Trudy’s projected path?

In its latest advisory, the NHC placed Trudy’s center about 250 miles southwest of Acapulco, Guerrero, and approximately 355 miles south-southeast of Manzanillo, Colima.

Forecasters expect the hurricane to continue northwest, potentially turning north-northwest before resuming its northwesterly track. Its center is forecast to approach Mexico’s southwestern and west-central coast on Saturday, October 17, and pass near the shoreline Saturday night into Sunday.

Although the forecast track keeps the storm’s center offshore, that does not eliminate the threat to coastal communities. Changes in the hurricane’s path or intensity could affect the severity of local impacts, making updated official forecasts essential.

Which areas of Mexico face the greatest risk?

Rainfall is among the main concerns as Trudy approaches the coast. The NHC forecasts 4 to 8 inches of rain, with isolated totals reaching about 12 inches, across parts of Michoacán, Colima and Jalisco through the weekend.

Such rainfall could trigger life-threatening flooding and mudslides, particularly in mountainous areas and locations with steep terrain.

In Guerrero, the hurricane’s outer bands could bring 2 to 4 inches of rain, with isolated amounts of up to 6 inches. Localized flash flooding is also possible in these areas.

The storm’s effects may extend well beyond the area closest to its center. Coastal communities should therefore monitor rainfall forecasts as well as warnings related to wind and ocean conditions.

What hazards could Trudy bring this weekend?

Heavy rain is not the only threat. The NHC warns that Trudy could produce storm surge, large waves and dangerous rip currents that pose a serious risk to people in or near the water.

The storm’s winds could also affect areas well beyond its center. Tropical-storm conditions are expected in areas under a tropical storm warning by late Friday or early Saturday, while hurricane conditions are possible in areas under a hurricane watch later Saturday.

Residents and visitors should follow updates from local weather services and civil protection authorities, avoid entering the ocean when dangerous surf conditions are present, and comply with evacuation instructions if issued.

Trudy’s evolution remains under close observation. Its projected path and intensity may change, making the latest official advisories critical to understanding the potential threat to Mexico’s Pacific coast.

When using it daily, it is common for certain food odors to become trapped inside, causing a nuisance in homes. To address this problem, there is a homemade trick that authorities recommend putting into practice.

Mixing lemon juice and water inside the microwave: why it is recommended and what problem it solves

One of the official tips for removing bad food odors is to mix half a cup of lemon juice with one cup of water inside a bowl suitable for the microwave.

The mixture must remain inside the microwave so that the vapors are released and trapped in the appliance. According to the instructions, the steam will help loosen stuck-on food residue and eliminate any bad odor that has persisted after heating or cooking.

Once the trick is finished, the recommendation is to clean the surfaces with a soft cloth or use paper towels.

Other recommendations to keep the microwave always clean

In addition, the authorities advise:

• Remove splashes and spills as soon as they occur so that food residue does not dry.
• Clean with a soft cloth or paper towel with warm water.
• You can also use a homemade baking soda-based cleaner, mild soap, or detergent.
• Do not use steel wool, scouring pads, or abrasive cleaners.

It is important to note that users should always consult the manufacturer’s use and care manual to adapt the advice to each model.

Also, a good idea is to unplug the microwave before cleaning it to minimize any risk.

According to the official proposal, the agency is studying the purchase of land of up to 12 acres, equivalent to almost 5 hectares for each silo site. The facilities will be distributed among Wyoming, Montana, and North Dakota, although the final location and acquisition of properties still depend on the corresponding assessments.

The initiative is part of a review of the Sentinel program, which suffered cost increases and delays due, among other factors, to the complexity of building the necessary infrastructure. The Air Force launched a new environmental impact study to analyze the modifications and plans to publish its final version in the spring of 2028.

Where do they plan to install the 120 Sentinel intercontinental ballistic missiles?

The United States Air Force plans to deploy the new Sentinel missiles, designed to carry nuclear warheads, at three military bases: F. E. Warren in Wyoming; Malmstrom in Montana; and Minot in North Dakota. The program seeks to gradually replace the old Minuteman III missiles with a more modern system, which will include new silos, launch centers and communication systems, according to the U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command.

The supplemental environmental study considers acquiring land to build up to 30 new silos at F. E. Warren and up to 60 at Minot. At Malmstrom, they are evaluating building up to 30 new silos on other land and reusing old military sites for another 60.

Why is the United States Air Force evaluating buying land of up to nearly 5 hectares per silo?

The possible acquisition of land responds to changes in the design and infrastructure of the Sentinel program, where, according to the official notice published in the Federal Register, the Air Force determined that adapting the existing Minuteman III system facilities involved risks related to costs and implementation deadlines.

For this reason, it reformulated the plan to build new silos instead of relying mainly on the reuse of old structures.

When will construction of the new nuclear missile silos begin?

Construction of the new silos still depends on the environmental assessment process and on subsequent Air Force decisions. The agency has launched a new public consultation phase to analyze the possible impacts of the changes introduced in the Sentinel program.

According to the official notice from the Department of the Air Force, the expected schedule is as follows:

• October 2026: start of the 30-day public consultation period on the scope of the study.
• Fall 2027: expected publication of the draft supplemental environmental impact study, which will be open for public comment.
• Spring 2028: expected publication of the final version of the environmental study.

After completing that assessment, the Air Force will be able to move forward with a formal decision on the project and the steps needed to carry out the work. For now, the official schedule does not set a definite date for the start of construction of the new silos.

A Hawaii parent filed Jane Doe v. OpenAI Foundation on Tuesday Oct. 13 in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. She sued on behalf of her 12-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son, who both began using ChatGPT early this year.

OpenAI’s terms of use say anyone under 18 needs a parent’s or guardian’s permission to use ChatGPT. According to the complaint, children can open accounts anyway, and the company never checks for consent. OpenAI has not commented publicly on the lawsuit.

The suit joins dozens of legal challenges filed against OpenAI in recent years. They range from copyright claims to allegations that ChatGPT contributed to mental health crises among users.

Who could get a share of OpenAI under the ChatGPT lawsuit?

The plaintiffs want the case certified as a class action. The class would cover anyone in the U.S. who accepted ChatGPT’s terms while under 18 and used the chatbot at any point since November 2022. That includes people who are adults now.

Each member would receive OpenAI equity, or its cash value, based on how many tokens they contributed through ChatGPT. Tokens are the units AI companies use to measure the text a chatbot processes. According to OpenAI, one token equals about four characters.

California law bars minors from entering certain contracts on their own. On that basis, the plaintiffs argue OpenAI’s terms are void for anyone who accepted them under 18. They also point to OpenAI’s April proposal for a public fund that would share AI returns with citizens.

The lawsuit doesn’t set a dollar amount, and a judge still has to decide whether it can proceed as a class action. Until then, there is no claim form or sign-up process.

What does the lawsuit say ChatGPT did with children’s data?

The complaint alleges that ChatGPT steers children into sharing details about their health, relationships, emotions and fears, along with voice recordings and photos. It says flattery and constant validation build that trust, and that OpenAI uses the material to train its models and build profiles of young users.

The 12-year-old started out asking about dinner ideas and homework, the filing says. When ChatGPT asked her age, she said she was 12, and the chatbot kept responding, although OpenAI’s terms require users to be at least 13.

Over the following months, she sent selfies and asked about features she disliked, according to the suit. When she asked ChatGPT to rate her looks, it agreed and encouraged her to send a photo.

The complaint alleges OpenAI will keep that data indefinitely. OpenAI launched an advertising program in January and says it doesn’t show ads to children. The plaintiffs argue the data could be used to target them once they turn 18.

According to the new eligibility terms, individual taxpayers could receive up to $1,700. Meanwhile, married couples could receive up to $3,400.

This credit would be ready to be launched by January 1, 2027. This anticipated announcement is for Scholarship Granting Organizations to be prepared for key procedures in all states.

What is the new federal scholarship tax about?

This new scholar will try to increase the amount of private contributions to participating Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). This means that any individual or corporation that donates money to an approved SGO receives a nonrefundable dollar-for-dollar tax credit.

These funds will help students from kindergarten to 12th grade whose families have low incomes to access educational scholarships. It is a tax credit for donors rather than a direct cash payment or voucher from the government.

Credit Limits:

• Up to $1,700 per individual taxpayer.

• Up to $3,400 for married couples filing jointly.

How can families use these scholarships?

Families who receive scholarships funded through the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit can cover educational expenses and choose the options that meet their children’s needs.

The financial aid can be used for the following options:

• Private-school tuition.
• Academic tutoring.
• Special-needs services.
• Books, supplies, computers, and other equipment.

“By 2030, Treasury and the IRS estimate that the program could support 600 to 700 SGOs, with more than 11 million taxpayers making nearly $26 billion in qualified contributions annually and funding as many as 2.2 million scholarships each year,” the IRS website says.

What do the new regulations propose?

The proposed regulations address five key areas:

• Increasing access for students: The rules clarify income limits and simplify eligibility verification for certain families and students. Treasury and the IRS estimate that about 96% of children in participating states would qualify for Section 25F scholarship funds.
• Expanding educational choice: States could not impose stricter operating requirements on scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs) or exclude otherwise eligible organizations through discretionary standards.
• Expanding opportunities for scholarship organizations and families: The rules establish a framework for multistate SGOs. Treasury and the IRS estimate this could enable about 450 additional organizations to participate and increase qualified contributions by up to $3 billion annually.
• Ensuring taxpayers can access the maximum credit allowed by law: The rules clarify how federal and state tax credits interact, allow unused credits to be carried forward for up to five years, and generally let taxpayers rely on the IRS list of eligible SGOs.
• Protecting taxpayers and scholarship funds: The regulations introduce reporting, verification, and audit requirements to prevent fraud and improper payments, along with procedures for removing organizations that fail to meet the requirements.

The retailer announced the changes Tuesday in a letter to employees from Chief People Officer Donna Morris. The announcement landed in the middle of Walmart’s annual benefits enrollment period, which closes Nov. 6.

Walmart is the largest private employer in the U.S., with about 1.6 million workers in the country and roughly 2.1 million worldwide as of the end of its 2026 fiscal year.

GLP-1 is short for glucagon-like peptide-1, a class of injectable medications that help control blood sugar. Ozempic is made by Novo Nordisk, and Mounjaro is made by Eli Lilly.

Which GLP-1 drugs will Walmart cover for free in 2027?

Walmart’s free GLP-1 coverage includes Ozempic and Mounjaro, two injectable drugs prescribed to manage Type 2 diabetes.

Certain insulin products and inhalers are also on the broader list of medications that will cost employees nothing next year.

Walmart also highlighted drugs for conditions that are costly to treat, such as hemophilia and multiple sclerosis.

How do Walmart employees with Type 2 diabetes qualify for free GLP-1 drugs?

To get GLP-1 drugs free in 2027, Walmart employees have to have Type 2 diabetes. They also need to meet two other conditions:

• Enroll in an eligible plan. The benefit applies under most Walmart medical plans, not all of them, so the plan an employee picks for 2027 matters. Enrollment closes Nov. 6.
• Get a new prior authorization. Walmart said employees will need a new approval before the drugs are free. A prior authorization is a review in which the health plan confirms a prescription meets its rules before it pays.

Coverage also comes with a premium. Walmart’s starting medical plan will cost $39.80 per biweekly pay period in 2027, $1.50 more than the $38.30 employees pay this year.

Walmart said that increase is smaller than the one it made last year. The company also said premiums for its starting plan have run about 30% below the national average in recent years.

Does Walmart cover GLP-1 drugs for weight loss in 2027?

No. Walmart’s plans will still not cover GLP-1 drugs from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly when they are prescribed for weight loss.

The retail company isn’t alone in that limit. Many large employers don’t pay for GLP-1s used to treat obesity, and some have recently dropped that coverage to keep health care spending in check.

Walmart is moving the other way on most of its benefits. Many employers are passing rising health care costs on to workers through higher prices or thinner plans. Walmart said its changes reflect years of planning that let it improve benefits without cutting coverage or significantly raising premiums.

This cleaning takes on special importance before stormy days, when heavy rainfall can test the water drainage capacity.

The preparation is part of a Metro cleaning guide, the regional agency for the Portland, Oregon, United States area.

How to prepare the baking soda, white vinegar and boiling water mixture

The Metro healthy cleaning guide recommends using three ingredients to carry out regular drain cleaning. The recipe includes:

• 1/4 cup baking soda.
• 1 cup distilled white vinegar.
• 6 cups boiling water.

How to use the mixture to unclog drains

The procedure consists of first pouring the baking soda directly down the drain and then adding the white vinegar. If possible, cover the opening and let the mixture sit for 10 minutes.

Next, boil the six cups of water and pour them down the drain to help flush away the residue. If the drain continues to run slowly, the procedure can be repeated, although major blockages may require a manual drain snake or professional intervention.

It is important to check that the pipes can withstand high-temperature water, since boiling water can damage some plastic installations.

Why it works chemically and how it helps prevent flooding on stormy days

When they come into contact, baking soda and white vinegar produce an acid-base reaction that releases carbon dioxide and creates bubbles. This effervescence can help move some residue, while the hot water helps wash away soap and dirt.

However, the reaction also neutralizes some of the vinegar’s acidity, so the mixture is not a universal drain cleaner and does not guarantee removal of severe blockages.

The Metro healthy cleaning guide recommends carrying out this maintenance once a month to help prevent clogs and bad odors.

Periodic cleaning of drains is also essential before heavy rain events, since the accumulation of residue, soap scum, sediment and other materials can hinder the flow of water through the pipes and reduce drainage capacity.

To reduce that risk, it is also necessary to remove leaves, dirt and trash from grates, clean the gutters and check that storm drains are clear.

The homemade mixture is intended for maintaining household drains and does not replace those tasks: flooding can also occur when the amount of rain exceeds the storm drainage system’s capacity.

The increase will change the monthly amounts starting in January, and not all beneficiaries will receive the money on the same day, since the date will depend on factors such as the date of birth and the type of benefit, so some will be paid before others, while certain payments will be moved up to December 2026.

The official schedule makes it possible to identify who will receive the increase first, what the deposit dates in January will be, and when the following payments will arrive.

Which retirees will receive the COLA 2027 increase first?

The first payments with the COLA increase will arrive on December 31, 2026, for those who receive SSI. By contrast, retirees who receive Social Security according to the SSA’s regular schedule will begin receiving their January deposits according to their date of birth.

However, there are exceptions, such as people who began receiving benefits before May 1997 and who receive both Social Security and SSI.

What are the Social Security payment dates in January 2027?

The SSA will distribute the regular January payments according to each beneficiary’s date of birth. The official dates are as follows:

• Wednesday, January 13: born from 1 to 10.
• Wednesday, January 20: born from 11 to 20.
• Wednesday, January 27: born from 21 to 31.

The 3.6% increase will be applied automatically to eligible beneficiaries in January. The final amount will depend on how much each person receives and on any possible deductions that are applied to their payment. In this regard, the SSA reported that retirement benefits will increase, on average, by about $75 per month.

When will the next SSA deposits be after January?

After the January payments, regular deposits will continue each February of 2027. The date will depend on the group to which each beneficiary belongs:

• Wednesday, February 10: people born from 1 to 10.
• Wednesday, February 17: people born from 11 to 20.
• Wednesday, February 24: people born from 21 to 31.

Beneficiaries can consult the full official 2027 schedule to review the deposits for the following months.

On the other hand, those who want to know the exact amount they will receive with the COLA can check their personalized notice in their my Social Security account. The SSA indicated that digital notices will be available starting at the end of November for those who meet the enrollment and electronic receipt requirements; those who are not enrolled will receive the notice by postal mail in December.

One of them is the yellow sign, with two black arrows pointing up and one pointing down, called W6-5a, which is part of the official signage that warns about three-lane roads with traffic in both directions.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) explains in its manual of traffic control devices when these signs may be used and what road configuration they represent, since knowing their meaning can help better interpret lane distribution while driving.

What does the yellow traffic sign with two black arrows pointing up and one pointing down mean?

The yellow sign with two black arrows pointing up and one pointing down indicates a three-lane road with traffic moving in both directions. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) includes this type of signage in section 2C.52 of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the document that sets criteria for the country’s traffic signs.

According to the manual, signs W6-5 and W6-5a may be installed on three-lane roads where two lanes are designated for travel in one direction and the remaining lane for traffic in the opposite direction.

What is the difference between signs W6-5 and W6-5a?

The difference between these two traffic signs lies in the arrangement of the arrows, which shows how traffic is distributed on a three-lane road. In this regard, the FHWA includes both in Section 2C.52 of the MUTCD.

• W6-5 represents a two-lane arrangement in one direction and one in the opposite direction.
• W6-5a also warns of a three-lane road with traffic in both directions, but uses a different arrow arrangement to represent the road configuration.

What other yellow signs warn about changes on the road?

Among the warning signs considered by the FHWA is W6-3, which uses black arrows to indicate traffic in both directions. According to the MUTCD, this sign is recommended to warn of the transition from a divided multi-lane road to another with two lanes and traffic in both directions.

Another sign is W6-2, which warns of the end of a physically divided section of road and that there will be traffic in both directions ahead. According to the official manual, its function is to alert drivers before the separation between traffic flows ends.

The mechanism is part of the United States Postal Service (USPS) delivery system and allows mail to be handled without the worker having to exit the vehicle at each stop.

What is the small flag on U.S. mailboxes for

The mailbox flag, known in English as “mailbox flag or carrier signal flag”, works as a visual signal for the mail carrier. When it is raised, it indicates that there is outgoing mail inside the mailbox and it must be picked up.

The signal also helps distinguish a mailbox that only receives mail from one that allows both receiving and sending mail.

When should it be raised?

The flag should be raised when outgoing mail is placed inside the mailbox for the mail carrier to pick up. The procedure is simple:

1. Place the letter or envelope inside the mailbox, properly prepared for mailing.
2. Raise the outer flag to indicate that there is mail awaiting pickup.
3. Leave the signal visible from the mail carrier’s route.
4. Wait for the postal worker to collect the mail during their regular route.

Fuente: Shutterstock

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Does the mail carrier lower the flag?

Yes. According to the technical standard of the USPS, when the flag is activated to indicate that there is outgoing mail, it must remain in that position until the mail carrier lowers it.

Do all mailboxes have a flag?

No. The USPS distinguishes between full-service and limited-service mailboxes, a classification that depends, among other things, on the presence of the signal flag.

The technical standard defines contemporary and traditional mailboxes with flags as full-service units. By contrast, those that do not include this mechanism are considered limited-service and are intended for customers who do not want the mail carrier to collect their outgoing mail.

The same specification warns that unless the carrier has mail to deliver, they will not stop at limited-service mailboxes.

What color should the flag be

Although the mailbox can be different colors, the flag must meet specific requirements. The USPS standard establishes that it can be any color except shades of green, brown, white, yellow, or blue.

In addition, the flag must contrast with the predominant color of the mailbox. The rule indicates that the preferred color is fluorescent orange due to its visibility.

It is also important to know that the flag must be installed on the right side of the mailbox when viewed from the front; in this way, the mail carrier lowers it without having to apply excessive force.

What is spraying vinegar on towels for

White vinegar serves three functions at once on towels, which are exactly the ones that become most troublesome with use.

• It softens them, restoring the fluffy texture they lose and that becomes stiff.
• It deodorizes them, eliminating the characteristic damp or stale smell that appears when they are left wet or stored for a long time.
• And, perhaps most valuable, it restores their absorbency, meaning they start drying well again instead of letting water slide off the surface.

Step by step: how to apply it correctly

The procedure is simple and is done in the washing machine:

• Place the towels in the drum with no detergent and no fabric softener.
• Add between half and one cup of white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment or directly on the towels.
• Wash with hot water (or the highest temperature the towel can tolerate, according to the label), on a normal cycle.
• Optional, for extra reinforcement: do a second wash adding half a cup of baking soda, which enhances softness and deodorizing.
• Dry the towels well, ideally in the sun or in a dryer, so that dampness does not appear again.

It is not necessary to do it with every wash: repeating it every few weeks is enough, or whenever the towels start to feel rough or smell again.

Why is it important to do it

The key is understanding what ruins towels, and it is not ordinary dirt. With each wash, detergent, fabric softener, and minerals from hard water (such as calcium) build up in the fabric. That invisible layer is what hardens the fiber, makes it rough, and, above all, clogs the small loops of the towel that are the ones that absorb water. When those loops are coated, the towel repels the liquid instead of absorbing it.

White vinegar, which is an acid solution of acetic acid, dissolves that buildup precisely. By breaking down soap, softener, and mineral residues, it leaves the fiber clean and free; that is why the towel regains softness and absorbs again. And since it neutralizes the residues where bacteria and fungi settle, it also removes the damp smell. It does not cover it with perfume: it attacks the cause.

In addition to the release of these data, President Donald Trump announced on Friday, October 9, a series of measures to try to reduce fuel prices. Among them, a deal with Russia to increase diesel supplies stands out, along with other initiatives aimed at increasing fuel availability in the market.

How much did gasoline increase in September, according to the BLS?

According to the data published by the BLS, gasoline rose 9.1% in September, with a cumulative increase of 34.2% over the last 12 months.

This increase strongly boosted the energy sector index, which posted a monthly gain of 5.2%. The agency also reported that:

• Heating fuel posted a monthly increase of 15.3%.
• Electricity rose 0.2%.
• Piped natural gas fell 0.3%.

How does the rise in gasoline prices affect overall inflation?

The rise in gasoline prices has a direct impact on inflation because it is part of the goods and services used to calculate the CPI.

According to the BLS, this increase accounted for more than half of the monthly rise in the overall index. During this period, monthly inflation was 0.6%, while the year-over-year rate reached 3.7%.

According to Kyle Moore, chief economist at The Century Foundation, quoted by Reuters: “The war in Iran continues to disrupt global supply chains, which directly affects the U.S. economy”.

What is Trump’s plan for gasoline prices to fall in the United States?

The Donald Trump administration announced a series of measures aimed at increasing fuel supplies and reducing pressure on gasoline and diesel prices.

One of the main initiatives was the deal announced on October 9 with Russia, which provides for an initial supply of more than 300,000 metric tons of diesel to the U.S. and international markets.

On the other hand, the government also promoted other measures to try to contain prices:

• Release of reserves: promote the release into the market of fuels stored in allied countries’ strategic reserves to increase supply.
• Expanded use of diesel: temporarily allow certain fuels used in agricultural machinery to be used in road transport.
• Increased domestic production: promote measures to expand the country’s fuel refining capacity.

However, specialists consulted by Reuters warn that the deal with Russia could have a limited impact on prices, because the announced volume represents a small part of market demand.

Trump’s bet that prices will fall

President Donald Trump said on September 9 that oil prices would begin to fall after the November 3, 2026, midterm elections.

“Right after the elections, oil prices will plummet,” Trump publicly stated at Joint Base Andrews before heading to Texas to take part in the Republican Party’s midterm convention.

Recently, in an exclusive interview with Montana’s NBC, he spoke about the suspension of diesel taxes in Montana.

“It’s something I could support, but we’re going to fix it very quickly; we’re going to defeat Iran very quickly, and as soon as that happens, oil and diesel will plummet; they will fall very fast, but it’s something I could do anyway,” Trump said.

For its part, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) projected in its October report that gasoline prices will remain relatively stable during that month and will begin to gradually decline after October 2026.

According to the agency, gasoline reached an average price of US$4.35 per gallon in September, while for 2027 an annual average of US$3.56 per gallon is expected for regular gasoline.

This projection is based on a possible recovery in international oil supply and a drop in crude prices. However, the EIA warns that declines in wholesale markets will not be immediately reflected in the prices paid by consumers.

Different countries may require extra conditions for international identification, such as a specific number of blank pages or future validity periods that must be met. For this reason, it is essential that all travelers check according to their travel destination.

The passport rule that the United States warns about and that all travelers must check

On the official USA.gov website, intended to provide information about passports, it warns about the importance of verifying the validity period required by each country or airline. “You could be denied entry if your passport expires in less than 6 months,” it states.

The requirements imposed by the United Arab Emirates on Americans illustrate the rule: a passport with at least 6 extra months of validity counted from the moment you arrive in the country.

How to check the validity that an American passport must have according to each destination

The U.S. Department of State has a page called Travel Advisories with a search bar that allows users to search by country.

In the lower section of the site, travelers can enter the country they wish to visit and the page will redirect them so they can learn the passport requirements that country has for an American passport, travel restrictions, and other key points related to travel.

How long is anAmerican passport valid for

In general, the validity of this document will be:

• 10 years for everyone over 16.
• 5 years for those under 16 and in this case it does not apply to the renewal process, but a new copy must be requested from scratch.

It is not a payment from the government. Taxpayers can only claim the credit if they make qualifying cash donations to approved scholarship-granting organizations.

Who qualifies for the $3,400 tax credit?

The credit is available to taxpayers who make qualified cash contributions to a Scholarship Granting Organization (SGO). An SGO generally must be a 501(c)(3) public charity that meets the program’s requirements and appears on a participating state’s approved list.

Under the proposed rules, spouses filing jointly are treated as separate taxpayers. A couple can therefore reach the $3,400 maximum only if each spouse contributes at least $1,700.

Other key rules include:

• Nonrefundable: the credit can reduce federal income tax owed but cannot generate a cash refund beyond that liability. Unused amounts can be carried forward for up to five years.
• State credits: the $1,700 limit applies after reducing the contribution by any state tax credit claimed for the same donation.
• No double benefit: taxpayers cannot claim both the federal credit and a charitable deduction for the same contribution. Amounts above the allowed credit may be deductible if the standard charitable deduction requirements are met.

Which states participate?

States join the program voluntarily and identify the organizations that qualify. According to Treasury, 30 states have already opted in.

Taxpayers can contribute to an eligible SGO regardless of where they live, so they can support organizations in any participating state.

What can the scholarships cover?

The scholarships are intended for K-12 students and can fund qualified expenses, including:

• Private school tuition.
• Academic tutoring.
• Services for students with special needs.
• Books, school supplies and other educational materials.
• Computers and other educational equipment.
• Other qualifying expenses tied to a student’s enrollment or attendance.

When does it start?

The credit applies to qualifying contributions made on or after January 1, 2027. It applies to tax years ending after December 31, 2026, so eligible taxpayers who make qualifying donations in 2027 would generally claim the credit on their 2027 tax return, filed in 2028.

The rules are still proposed regulations, and the IRS also issued temporary regulations to help states and SGOs prepare for the launch. Taxpayers, states and organizations may rely on the proposed rules for contributions beginning January 1, 2027.

Before donating, taxpayers should confirm that the organization is on the IRS list of approved SGOs. Details are available on the IRS website.

A spokesman for America PAC, Musk’s super PAC, confirmed the total Monday. Some of the contributions haven’t yet appeared in Federal Election Commission filings.

Super PACs are political committees that can raise and spend unlimited amounts for or against candidates, as long as they don’t coordinate directly with campaigns. Musk’s latest total is closing in on the nearly $300 million he spent in 2024 to help Donald Trump return to the White House.

Where did Elon Musk’s $276 million go?

Most of the money went to two groups. Musk gave $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund and $20 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund over the summer, according to published reports.

Those are the main super PACs backing Republican candidates for the Senate and the House, respectively. Musk also put tens of millions of dollars into his own America PAC.

America PAC has paid for text messages and digital and print ads in Senate races in Alaska, Iowa, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Ohio and Texas. It is also working in at least a dozen competitive House races.

The group’s spending has largely tracked that of MAGA Inc., the super PAC aligned with Trump, which has more than $400 million in the bank.

Why is Elon Musk spending $276 million on the midterms?

America PAC spokesman Andrew Romeo framed the spending as a stand against the left. “If Democrats take control of Washington and win key gubernatorial and attorney-general races this November, then America risks becoming a socialist, woke and borderless country,” he told the New York Times.

Romeo said the money gives Republicans a real shot at defying history. The party that holds the White House usually loses seats in a midterm election.

Musk’s donations widen a fundraising lead Republicans already had. Through the end of August, the party’s committees and MAGA Inc. had raised more than $1.1 billion combined, compared with roughly $600 million for Democrats, according to federal filings.

Why is Elon Musk back after his split with Donald Trump?

The donations come just over a year after a bitter public break. In June 2025, Musk, who had led the cost-cutting Department of Government Efficiency, turned on Trump over his signature tax and spending bill, calling it an “outrageous, pork-filled Congressional spending bill.”

Musk then suggested Trump had ties to Jeffrey Epstein and threatened to fund a third party. He said he would step back from politics, as Tesla sales appeared to take a hit from his work with the administration. “In terms of political spending, I’m going to do a lot less in the future,” he told Bloomberg that year.

Relations have since warmed. Musk has dined at the White House, received the National Medal of Science from Trump earlier this month and was picked to co-lead a review of how to modernize the Pentagon.

His businesses also have a lot at stake in Washington. Musk’s companies hold billions of dollars in federal contracts, and some of his business interests are under federal review. SpaceX’s newly announced purchase of wireless spectrum licenses, for example, needs approval from the Federal Communications Commission.

Drivers are still required to register their vehicles and renew their registrations on time. The change only affects how proof of registration is provided. Vehicle owners must also continue to pay the required fees and property taxes and meet the state’s insurance and inspection requirements.

What changes for North Carolina drivers?

Drivers who register a vehicle or renew their registration no longer receive a physical sticker or a printed registration card automatically. Instead, they receive a receipt with information such as the vehicle identification number (VIN), license plate number, and a barcode that inspection stations can scan.

The receipt also includes a link to download a digital copy of the registration card. Drivers can save the PDF on their phones or print it at home for free. Those who prefer a printed copy can get one at a license plate agency or order one by mail for $5.

Do drivers still need to renew their vehicle registration?

The new system does not eliminate registration requirements. Drivers must continue to pay their registration fees and vehicle property taxes on time and maintain continuous insurance coverage.

Vehicle inspections are also still required. Drivers must complete the necessary inspection no more than 90 days before their registration expires. In 19 North Carolina counties, vehicles must also pass an emissions inspection.

What should drivers do with their old license plate stickers?

The NCDMV recommends removing old registration stickers on or after October 1, 2026. Drivers do not need to display a new sticker because the state no longer requires one.

A printed registration card is also no longer required by law. Law enforcement officers can check a vehicle’s registration status electronically, while inspection stations can use the barcode on the digital registration or other documents to look up the vehicle.

For more information or to download a registration card, drivers can visit the official NCDMV website