The proposal has not been approved yet. The agency opened a public comment period to receive feedback before deciding whether to revise the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards, particularly FMVSS 108.

What changes is NHTSA proposing?

NHTSA is proposing to amend federal standard FMVSS 108, which sets safety requirements for lights, reflectors and other vehicle lighting equipment.

Among the main changes are:

• Placement of high and low beams: eliminate the requirement that low beams be positioned above high beams when headlamps are installed in a vertical arrangement. This would give manufacturers more freedom in designing their vehicles.
• Voltage testing: update evaluation requirements for sealed-beam headlamps and remove the obligation to use 12.8 volts as the reference. Replaceable and sealed headlamps would keep that parameter.
• Turn-signal and high-beam controls: adapt manual control requirements for vehicles that operate exclusively through automated systems.
• Dashboard indicators: limit certain turn-signal and high-beam warning-light requirements to vehicles with manual driving controls.
• Lights for autonomous vehicles: allow, on an optional basis, the addition of cyan identification lights to warn other road users that the automated driving system is operating.

The agency says these changes would modernize technical requirements without lowering road safety standards.

Which vehicles would be covered if this rule is approved?

FMVSS 108 covers several categories of vehicles operating in the United States:

• Passenger cars.
• Multipurpose vehicles.
• Trucks and pickups.
• Buses.
• Trailers.
• Motorcycles.

However, not all changes would apply the same way.

The easing of manual controls and the addition of cyan identification lights are specifically aimed at vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS) that do not have a steering wheel or manual driving pedals.

On the other hand, removing the restrictions on headlamp vertical placement and updating voltage tests could benefit vehicle manufacturers across different categories covered by the standard.

How long do they have to finalize this rule?

NHTSA set Nov. 25, 2026, as the deadline for public comments on the proposal.

Once the comment period ends, the agency must review the submissions before deciding whether to move ahead with a final change to FMVSS 108.

The world’s largest cruise ship

The Star of the Seas is the second ship in Royal Caribbean’s Icon class, the series that set a new high-water mark for the size of cruise ships. Its “twin,” Icon of the Seas, which entered service in 2024, launched that category, and the Star, virtually identical in size, joined it to share the title of the world’s largest passenger ship. It is now listed as the largest cruise ship in service, ahead of any other vessel of this type in operation.

According to the ship’s technical specifications:

• It weighs about 250,800 gross tons (a measure of the ship’s internal volume).
• It is about 365 meters long, longer than three football fields lined up end to end.
• It has nearly 20 decks, 18 of them accessible to passengers.
• It can carry about 5,610 passengers in double occupancy and up to about 7,600 at full capacity.
• It is operated by a crew of about 2,350 people.

If passengers and crew were all living aboard at once, they would amount to a population comparable to an entire town, moving across the sea.

When it started sailing

The ship was built in Finland, at the Meyer Turku shipyard, and made its maiden voyage in August 2025. Since then it has been in active service and keeps setting sail regularly: it leaves Florida almost every week on seven-night Caribbean cruises, so it continues to go to sea on a regular basis. By now, it has been crossing the Caribbean season after season for more than a year.

These three ingredients can be combined to make a homemade paste and used as an alternative to traditional cleaning products, whether you need a quick fix or prefer to use more natural cleaning options.

Baking soda, salt and water: why experts recommend it

The institution recommends making homemade cleaners with alternative ingredients - such as baking soda, salt and water - to “reduce the potential for exposure to chemicals from household products and produce less hazardous household waste.”

In this sense, it explains that most households have easy access to the basic ingredients needed to make safe substitutes for traditional products.

What mixing baking soda, salt and water is used for

This combination is recommended for ovens that do not have a self-cleaning function. The advice is to make a paste with:

• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup salt
• 1 cup water

Baking soda is an alkaline substance that makes it easy to remove dirt, and its particles can also act as an abrasive. The salt crystals help scrub and loosen residue, while the water brings the ingredients together and forms a paste.

Experts recommend routinely cleaning the oven by using this homemade scrubbing mix instead of commercial products.

Another recommendation for cleaning the oven

As an alternative, it is explained that dry baking soda can also be sprinkled on and then scrubbed with a damp cloth.

“Do not allow baking soda to come into contact with wires or heating elements. Clean the racks and burners with a baking soda paste and a sponge or scrub pad that will not scratch stainless steel or chrome,” the warning says.

According to MyArmyBenefits, there are different retirement systems that set different percentages of the reference salary.

How long do you have to serve in the Army to get a pension

In general, Regular Army members must complete at least 20 years of active duty to qualify for retirement pay. The percentage increases with additional years of service and the system each service member falls under.

How to know which military retirement system applies to you

The DIEMS date helps identify the applicable retirement plan:

• Final Pay: for those who entered before Sept. 8, 1980.
• High-36: for those who entered between Sept. 8, 1980, and July 31, 1986, as well as certain later service members.
• CSB/REDUX: a voluntary option for certain members who entered on or after Aug. 1, 1986 and before 2003.
• BRS: Blended Retirement System, in effect for those who entered on or after Jan. 1, 2018.

How the pension is calculated under the Final Pay plan

This method uses the service member’s last base pay. After 20 years of service, the pension is 50%, with an increase of 2.5% for each additional year.

For example, a soldier who retires after 24 years receives 60% of final base pay:

• 20 years: 50%.
• Four additional years: 10%.
• Total: 60%.

If base pay were $5,000, the monthly pension would be about $3,000 before deductions.

The system also includes annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA).

How much the High-36 plan pays

The High-36 system uses the average of the highest 36 months of base pay instead of the final salary. The formula starts at 50% after 20 years and adds another 2.5% for each additional year.

For example, with 24 years of service, the service member receives 60% of the average pay. If that average were $5,000, the estimated pension would be $3,000 per month.

What the REDUX system is and how much it pays

REDUX allowed a $30,000 bonus after 15 years of service, in exchange for committing to complete 20 years of service.

Unlike High-36, this system starts at 40% of average pay after 20 years and adds 3.5% for each additional year.

With 24 years of service, the percentage reaches 54%. If the average of the 36 highest-paid months were $5,000, the initial pension would be $2,700 per month.

The system includes a special adjustment upon turning 62, but it keeps reduced cost-of-living adjustments after that.

It is worth noting that no new CSB/REDUX agreements have been allowed since January 2018. Existing contracts remain in effect.

How BRS works

In effect since 2018, BRS combines a monthly pension with government contributions to a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) account.

The formula is: Years of service × 2% × average of the 36 highest months of base pay.

For example:

• 20 years of service: 40%.
• 24 years of service: 48%.

It also includes automatic and matching government contributions to the TSP of up to 5% of base pay, a continuation bonus, and the option to receive 25% or 50% of certain future retirement payments in advance, with a temporary reduction in monthly pension.

The system has been installed on certain U.S. roads as part of measures to prevent incidents.

Why highway reflectors appear red when a driver is traveling the wrong way

The red reflectors some drivers see on the pavement of U.S. highways serve as a warning to motorists who mistakenly enter a road in the wrong direction. They are bidirectional reflective devices that change color depending on the angle from which they are viewed, since they can show white or yellow light to drivers going the correct way and red to those traveling the wrong way.

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) installed this system to reduce crashes caused by drivers entering highways from exit ramps. The reflectors are positioned so that a vehicle’s headlights make the warning visible at night. According to a Caltrans report published in July 2020, during a pilot program in San Diego, the number of wrong-way drivers fell 44% after installation.

What a driver should do if they see red reflectors while driving at night

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) warns in its official handbook that seeing roadway reflectors in red in your headlights means the driver is traveling the wrong way. If that happens, the driver should correct course and get out of that situation only when it is safe to do so. The agency also says signs may appear with the words Wrong Way and Do Not Enter.

If, instead, a driver spots another vehicle traveling the wrong way, Caltrans recommends pulling out of its path as soon as possible and safely, keeping the headlights on and calling 911 to report the situation. It also warns not to try to follow the vehicle traveling the wrong way.

The ship will incorporate advanced technology for launching and recovering aircraft, as well as modernized electrical and navigation systems.

The project already passed an important review stage in September 2026, when the U.S. Navy announced its preliminary acceptance and confirmed the ship was close to completing construction, with formal delivery planned for spring 2027.

What the 100,000-ton nuclear aircraft carrier the U.S. will add is like

The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) will be the second aircraft carrier in the U.S. Navy’s Gerald R. Ford class. It is a nuclear-powered ship designed to function as a mobile air base, with the ability to deploy aircraft and support different military missions at sea.

According to official U.S. Navy information, its main features are:

• Displacement: 100,000 tons.
• Length: 333 meters.
• Propulsion: two nuclear reactors.
• Speed: more than 30 knots.
• Expected service life: about 50 years.

The design also incorporates new power-generation technologies, navigation, weapons handling and flight operations, aimed at improving performance compared with earlier-generation aircraft carriers.

Fuente: Shutterstock

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It has two nuclear reactors and can carry more than 75 aircraft: how its military capability works

The USS John F. Kennedy (CVN-79) will be able to carry 75 aircraft, including fighter jets, surveillance aircraft and helicopters. Its air wing could include models such as the F-35C Lightning II, F/A- 18E/F Super Hornet, EA-18G Growler, E-2D Advanced Hawkeye and MH-60 Seahawk, intended for strike, electronic warfare, reconnaissance and naval support missions.

To operate these aircraft, the ship will have an electromagnetic aircraft launch system (EMALS), which replaces traditional steam catapults and allows planes to be launched from the deck. In turn, two nuclear reactors will provide the power needed for propulsion and for the aircraft carrier’s electrical systems.

Why it is designed to operate for 50 years and when it will join the Navy

The aircraft carrier was designed for a 50-year service life, a feature of ships in the Nimitz and Gerald R. Ford classes. Its two nuclear reactors allow it to generate power for long periods without relying on conventional fuel to move. However, during that period it will require inspections, repairs and a midlife nuclear refueling.

As for its entry into service, the process reached an advanced stage on Sept. 29, 2026, when the U.S. Navy announced its preliminary acceptance after it completed acceptance trials in August. Formal delivery is scheduled for spring 2027, while evaluations of its systems continue, including the four weapons elevators that still need testing.

“To make sure you receive the correct payments, keep us informed about certain changes,” the agency says in an official post.

In this context, there are three types of events family beneficiaries must report: changes in personal information, in daily life and in employment status.

The three types of changes family beneficiaries must report

According to official information, everyone who receives benefits based on family benefits must report:

Changes in personal information

• Name
• Phone number
• Mailing address
• Direct deposit account

Changes in their situation

• Marital status
• Number of children living in the household
• Change in custody of a child receiving benefits
• Citizenship and immigration status
• School attendance (from kindergarten through the final year of high school)
• Incarceration

Changes in employment

These changes must be reported by each person receiving benefits who has not yet reached full retirement age

• Work status and self-employment
• Earnings above $24,480 in 2026, before taxes.

How to report these changes to avoid problems

The official guidance is that if anything changes related to any of the items listed above, call +1 800-772-1213.

In most time zones, phone hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Problems caused by not reporting changes to SSA on time

Life changes can affect a beneficiary’s eligibility and the amount of the benefit they are entitled to receive. If they are not reported correctly, payments may be missed or an overpayment may occur. In the latter case, SSA will require repayment of the excess money it paid out.

“Overpayments usually happen when we do not have the correct information about you. Always let us know about any changes in your situation,” SSA says.

What are the IRS deadlines in November 2026

These are the deadlines taxpayers should keep in mind for the second half of November:

• Nov. 12: Deposit payroll taxes for wages paid from Nov. 4 to Nov. 6, for employers subject to the semiweekly rule.
• Nov. 15: File Forms 8038, 8038-G or 8038-GC for bonds issued during the third quarter.
• Nov. 16: Deposit payroll taxes for wages paid from Nov. 7 to Nov. 10.
• Nov. 17: Deposit Social Security, Medicare and federal withholding taxes for October, for those using the monthly deposit rule.
• Nov. 18: Deposit payroll taxes for wages paid from Nov. 11 to Nov. 13.
• Nov. 20: Deposit payroll taxes for wages paid from Nov. 14 to Nov. 17.
• Nov. 25: Deposit payroll taxes for wages paid from Nov. 18 to Nov. 20.
• Nov. 30: File Form 730 and pay taxes on wagers accepted during October.
• Nov. 30: File Form 2290 and pay the tax on vehicles first used during October.

The calendar also includes obligations that were due on Nov. 2 and Nov. 10. Anyone with returns still outstanding should review their situation and the possible consequences of missing those deadlines.

What businesses must file Form 941 and pay taxes

Form 941 applies to employers who must report quarterly wages paid and certain taxes withheld from workers, including contributions to Social Security and Medicare.

The IRS set Nov. 2 as the general deadline for filing the return for the third quarter of 2026 (July, August and September). However, those who properly and on time deposited all applicable taxes had the option of filing the form through Nov. 10.

This form must be filed each quarter, even when there are no taxes to report, except in cases such as seasonal employers or final returns.

What taxes employers must pay by the end of November

Employers also need to pay attention to payroll tax deposits. Deadlines vary depending on when they paid workers and the deposit schedule that applies to them.

Those who use the semiweekly schedule must follow the IRS calendar. Meanwhile, employers subject to the monthly deposit rule have until Nov. 17 to deposit taxes withheld during October, including Social Security and Medicare taxes.

There was another obligation to consider: Workers had to report tips of US$20 or more received in October to their employers. The deadline was Nov. 10.

How tax payments to the IRS must be made

Taxpayers who use the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System (EFTPS) must schedule their transfers in advance. “Payments must be scheduled before 8 p.m. Eastern time at least one calendar day before the tax due date”, the IRS says.

The technique consists of adding half a cup of baking soda along with another half cup of apple cider vinegar. However, before trying it, it is important to understand how this chemical reaction works and what results can be expected.

What does adding half a cup of baking soda and half a cup of apple cider vinegar to the drain do?

The combination of baking soda and apple cider vinegar is used as a homemade method to loosen small debris, reduce bad odors and make drain cleaning easier.

When they come into contact, both ingredients produce an acid-base reaction that releases carbon dioxide and creates bubbles and foam.

This fizzing can help dislodge some of the dirt buildup on the walls of the drain. The method works as a maintenance and light-cleaning alternative, but it does not replace mechanical unclogging methods when there is a persistent blockage.

How should this method be used safely in the kitchen?

To unclog pipes with baking soda and apple cider vinegar, it is recommended to follow these steps:

1. Pour in boiling water: pour boiling water directly down the drain.
2. Add the baking soda: place half a cup of baking soda in the sink drain opening.
3. Add the vinegar: pour half a cup of apple cider vinegar over the baking soda and let the fizzing reaction take place.
4. Let the mixture sit: wait 15 to 30 minutes so the foam can help clear the clog.
5. Rinse the pipes: pour hot water down again to flush away the residue.

If the drain remains clogged, the procedure can be repeated several times before calling a plumber.

What precautions should be taken with these ingredients?

• Do not mix with bleach: vinegar combined with products that contain chlorine can release toxic gases.
• Do not combine with other drain cleaners: avoid mixing the solution with commercial chemical products.
• Do not seal the drain tightly: the reaction releases carbon dioxide and needs a way for the gas to escape.
• Avoid contact with eyes and skin: handle the ingredients carefully to prevent splashes.

What it means when a gas stove flame is blue

A blue flame is the expected look when a natural gas burner is operating. That color shows that the fuel is burning efficiently and that the gas-air mix is allowing proper combustion.

By contrast, a yellow flame may be a sign that the process is not working properly. The problem could be related to burner adjustment or the amount of air available for combustion.

The DOE confirms that flames on natural gas appliances should be blue and that yellow flames mean the fuel is burning inefficiently, so an adjustment may be needed.

Why a gas stove flame changes from blue to yellow

The color change may be linked to incomplete combustion or improper burner adjustment. When the appliance is not getting enough air, the gas may burn less efficiently.

Factors that can cause this include:

• Dirty burners: grease and buildup can clog the gas outlets.
• Lack of air: an improper gas-air mix can affect combustion.
• Adjustment problems: the burner may need to be tuned to restore normal operation.
• Misaligned components: burner parts out of position can alter the flame pattern.

What the DOE recommends if the flame is yellow

The DOE says to contact the appliance manufacturer or the local utility company. It also stresses the importance of having carbon monoxide detectors in the home and keeping gas appliances in proper condition.

Read was a World War II veteran and never held a job in finance. Even so, he developed an interest in the stock market, learned about companies by reading the newspaper and set aside part of his income to buy shares.

Over the years, that habit allowed him to build a multimillion-dollar estate.

Who Ronald Read was and how he came to work as a janitor and gas station attendant

Ronald Read was born in 1921 in Dummerston, Vermont, in a family with limited means. He was the first in his family to finish high school and, to get to class, he walked or hitchhiked about six kilometers. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in North Africa, Italy and the Pacific.

After returning home, he worked for about 25 years at a Haviland’s gas station. Later, he found work as a maintenance man and janitor at a JCPenney store, where he stayed another 17 years until retiring in 1997.

How he learned to invest in stocks by reading the newspaper and built his fortune

Although he never worked in finance, Read developed a strong interest in the stock market because one of his habits was to read The Wall Street Journal every day, while setting aside part of his income to buy shares in companies he knew. His investments included companies such as AT&T, Bank of America, General Electric, CVS and John Deere.

His strategy was to hold stocks for long periods and reinvest the dividends he received, rather than chase quick gains. According to reports published after his death, his portfolio grew to include holdings in about 95 companies. In this way, through decades of saving and steady investing, he built a fortune that no one around him could have imagined.

How much money Read accumulated and what was discovered about his estate when he died

Read died on June 2, 2014, at 92, with a fortune of nearly $8 million that included shares in numerous companies and property, despite living simply, driving a used car and avoiding spending money on luxuries.

The surprise came when his will was opened, since Read had decided to leave $4.8 million to Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and another $1.2 million to the Brooks Memorial Library, two institutions in his community. The donations became historic contributions for both organizations and revealed that the man who had worked as a janitor and gas station attendant had built one of the largest private fortunes in his town.

According to a profile published by Fortune, she earns a six-figure annual salary in dollars. The publication did not specify her exact pay.

From a part-time job to running a store

She started at Walmart while she was still in high school. Over time, she took on different roles and assumed training and supervisory responsibilities.

In her account to Business Insider, she explained that she also volunteered to fill in for managers during their absences to gain experience before applying for the next job.

Her promotion to manager came when she was 21. Phoenix Business Journal also identifies her as Walmart’s youngest store manager in the United States and places the store she runs in Glendale.

Pulley currently earns a six-figure annual salary in dollars, according to Fortune.

What she learned along the way

Pulley said taking on leadership roles also meant learning how to delegate and adjust how she communicated with her team. She also had to find a balance between work responsibilities and her personal life.

After putting her college studies on hold, she enrolled in Live Better U, the program through which Walmart pays for certain degrees, with the goal of finishing her degree.

With the federal implementation of the Real ID Act in May 2025, the agency requires a Real ID driver’s license, a Real ID identification or any other document on the official list of approved forms of ID.

Anyone flying domestically from Los Angeles International Airport in California, John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Texas or any other airport in the country must meet these requirements.

What the TSA says about documents expired by 730 days for flying

The federal agency says that, for identification purposes, any official document on the list -available here- may be presented with up to two years past expiration, or 730 days.

This applies to everyone over 18, who are required to present acceptable identification to fly. For minors, travelers are advised to check with each airline on documents and requirements.

“The list of acceptable IDs may change without notice. TSA strongly recommends checking this list again before traveling, so you do not arrive at the airport without an acceptable form of ID,” authorities warn.

I don’t have a valid document to fly, neither current nor expired. What do I do?

If you cannot show any acceptable credential, since Feb. 1 of this year TSA has allowed travelers to pay a $45 fee for an alternative screening process called TSA ConfirmID to verify identity. Details of the process can be found by visiting this site.

“Using TSA ConfirmID is optional. If you choose not to use it and you do not have an acceptable document, you may not be allowed through security and could miss your flight,” it says.

The total represents a 1.2% increase ($21 billion) from the second quarter and a 4.8% jump ($79 billion) compared with the same period in 2025.

Broader household borrowing

The climb in auto debt mirrors a wider expansion in consumer credit. During the third quarter, total U.S. household debt rose by $334 billion to reach $19.1 trillion, with vehicle loans accounting for roughly 6% of that quarterly growth.

Financing activity also stayed brisk between July and September, with $208 billion in newly originated auto loans appearing on consumers’ credit reports—a figure that reflects new credit volume rather than net balance growth, as older loans are paid off.

Separate data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) highlights the scale of monthly originations: in its April 2026 snapshot, lenders issued 2.3 million auto loans totaling $73.7 billion, a 0.7% dip in loan volume compared with April 2025.

Early-stage payment pressure

While balances continue to grow, repayment indicators show mixed signals:

• Early delinquencies: Transitions into early-stage delinquency (30 days past due) increased during the third quarter for both auto loans and mortgages, signaling fresh strain on household budgets.
• Serious delinquencies: The transition rate into severe delinquency—defined as 90 or more days past due—stood at 3.02%, virtually unchanged from the 2.99% recorded in the third quarter of 2025.

The figures suggest that while more borrowers are starting to fall behind on their monthly car payments, widespread defaults have yet to materialize.

Section 375(35)(c) of the state traffic law bars drivers from operating vehicles or trailers on public roads if their tires do not meet the conditions set by the proper authority.

What is the minimum tread depth tires must have

The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) manual says tires must keep at least 2/32 of an inch of tread depth, or about 1.6 millimeters. The requirement refers to the tread pattern, meaning the grooves on the tire surface.

The DMV explains that many car and light truck tires have wear indicators, also called wear bars, that appear across the grooves once the minimum depth is reached.

The manual also describes a check using a U.S. penny. Place the coin with Abraham Lincoln’s head facing down in the deepest-looking groove. If his entire head is visible, the DMV says the tire is too worn and must be replaced before driving.

What other damage prevents driving

Tread depth is not the only condition that must be checked. The DMV says it is also illegal to drive with tires that have:

• Cuts that reach the internal cords.
• Bulges or swellings.

The agency recommends checking the vehicle manual or asking a specialty shop about the proper pressure and checking it with a reliable gauge.

What penalty Section 375 sets out

Section 375(32)(a) sets, except for the exceptions provided in the section itself, a fine of up to US$150 per violation of its provisions other than those related to certain brakes. It also carries up to 30 days in jail, or both penalties.

During her morning press conference, Sheinbaum said no migrant caravan has reached the U.S. border since Trump returned to office and explained that Mexican authorities are trying to inform migrants about the difficulties of entering the neighboring country.

There are currently two migrant movements in southern Mexico, although one of them has already been broken up. The Mexican government says it is providing information and alternatives to the people in these caravans.

Attention: What Sheinbaum said about the migrant caravans

Sheinbaum said Mexican authorities are trying to persuade caravan members to consider other options because they would not be able to achieve their goal of entering the United States.

The president said Mexico provides information about conditions at the border and offers alternatives for those who want to return to their countries of origin or remain in Mexican territory under certain conditions.

“Since President Trump came into office, no migrant caravan has reached the northern border. There are two caravans right now. We tell the people in the caravan that it is very difficult to cross into the United States, that if their goal is to reach the United States, then they won’t be able to do it because that is not possible.”

Sheinbaum added that the Mexican government is also working to facilitate safe returns to the migrants’ countries of origin for those who decide to leave the route to the United States.

The president also ruled out the use of force by Mexican authorities against the migrant groups.

“There is a great deal of experience in the National Migration Institute and in all the institutions, including the National Guard as well, not as a repressive or violent action, but as support to be able to inform the people who are coming with the caravan.”

How many migrant caravans are currently in Mexico?

As of Thursday, two migrant movements in the south of the country have been reported. One is the caravan known as “God With Us,” which is in Chiapas and set out from San Pedro Sula, Honduras.

The first members entered Mexico between Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, while another group arrived on Nov. 11.

The second caravan, called “Faith and Hope 2,” arrived in Oaxaca in early November but was later broken up.

The situation came after Trump publicly demanded that the Mexican government stop these migrant movements. The U.S. president warned that if Mexico did not act, he would immediately double the tariffs applied to the country.

In a message posted on Truth Social, Trump said, “Mexico must stop them now, and if they do not, the tariffs on Mexico will be immediately doubled.”

The U.S. president also described the migrant movement as an “invasion” and said his government would not allow these people to enter the United States.

With information from EFE

According to predictions published by NASA, the eclipse will reach its peak at 11:00 ET and will have a central duration of 7 minutes and 51 seconds. Its annularity path will be 282 kilometers wide, while the point of maximum obscuration will be located at 31.3 degrees south latitude and 48.5 degrees west longitude.

The phenomenon will also be visible in partial form from other regions within the eclipse’s visibility zone. NASA’s map shows its path across the Southern Hemisphere, with the central track crossing the Atlantic Ocean and areas near South America, including Argentina, Uruguay, Chile, and Brazil, as well as Africa. Full-ring visibility, however, will be limited to those within the narrow annularity path.

Eclipse calendar: the five astronomical events set for 2027

NASA is forecasting five eclipses in 2027: two solar and three lunar. The events will be spread between February and August, with two standout phenomena for those following the movements of the Sun and Moon. The astronomical calendar includes the following dates:

• Feb. 6, 2027: annular solar eclipse.
• Feb. 20, 2027: penumbral lunar eclipse.
• July 18, 2027: penumbral lunar eclipse.
• Aug. 2, 2027: total solar eclipse.
• Aug. 17, 2027: penumbral lunar eclipse.

That means February will open the season with two eclipses, while August will bring three more events. The year’s second solar eclipse, set for Aug. 2, will be total, unlike February’s annular event.

Feb. 6, 2027 solar eclipse: path, duration and features

The Feb. 6 eclipse is an annular solar eclipse. This phenomenon occurs when the Moon moves between Earth and the Sun, but because of its distance from the planet, it does not completely cover the solar disk. As a result, a luminous ring remains visible around the Moon, popularly known as the Ring of Fire.

According to NASA estimates, the event will have a magnitude of 0.92811 and a central duration of 7 minutes and 51 seconds. Its annularity path will be 282 kilometers wide, a measurement that refers to the crosswise width of the track, not the total distance the eclipse will travel. These are the main data released by the space agency:

• Date: Saturday, Feb. 6, 2027.
• Maximum eclipse (UT): 16:00.
• Maximum eclipse (TD): 16:00:48.
• Central duration: 7 minutes and 51 seconds.
• Eclipse magnitude: 0.92811.
• Width of the annularity path: 282 kilometers.
• Point of maximum obscuration: 31.3 degrees south latitude and 48.5 degrees west longitude.
• Sun altitude: 73 degrees.
• Saros series: 131, member 51 of 70.

As for its location, the visibility map published by NASA shows that the annularity path will cross the Southern Hemisphere, from areas near South America toward the South Atlantic Ocean and on to the African continent. The point of maximum obscuration will be over the Atlantic, off the southern coast of Brazil.

It is important to distinguish between the visibility of the annular eclipse and the partial eclipse: the ring of fire can only be seen from places within the central path, while other regions within the penumbral area will be able to see the Moon partially covering the Sun. The phenomenon will not be visible from Mexico, so the ring of fire will not be seen from the country.

NASA also explains that this event is part of Saros series 131, a system that groups eclipses with similar geometry. The agency says the Saros cycle lasts about “6585.3 days (18 years, 11 days and 8 hours).”

This means that eclipses belonging to the same series return with similar configurations after that interval, although they are not necessarily seen from the same places on Earth.

This restriction applies when the relevant authorities certify the debt to federal agencies. In addition, seriously delinquent federal tax obligations can also affect the issuance and validity of these documents.

What does the State Department say about people with child support debt?

On its official website, the State Department says citizens must be current on their child support obligations (child support) in order to obtain a U.S. passport. If a person accumulates a debt of more than US$2,500, the agency cannot issue a new document and may revoke one that is already valid.

The measure requires the debt to be certified by the relevant authorities through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). So it is not enough to have overdue payments on record: the amount owed must exceed the established limit and appear in official records.

At what amount can a passport be revoked for nonpayment?

The threshold set by federal rules is more than US$2,500 in child support. When the debt exceeds that amount, the State Department cannot issue a new passport and has the authority to revoke one that is already valid.

Affected holders receive a notice directly from the agency, which may arrive by email or at the mailing address listed on their most recent passport application.

What other debts can affect a passport’s validity?

Federal tax debts can also trigger restrictions. According to the State Department, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) must report that a person has seriously delinquent tax debt for these measures to apply.

This category includes unpaid federal taxes, along with the corresponding interest and penalties. If the taxpayer does not resolve the issue, the agency can delay or deny the passport application and even revoke one that is already valid.

What happens after the State Department revokes a passport?

Once the document is revoked, the holder can no longer use it to travel, even if the debt is later paid. To become eligible for a passport again, the person must contact the state where the debt is owed and pay the amount due. If they have debts in more than one state, they must bring payments current in all of them.

After the payment is received, state authorities must notify the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that the debt has been cleared. The agency removes the holder from its records and tells the State Department that they are eligible to apply for the document again.

The process can take at least two to three weeks. During that period, the State Department cannot issue a new passport until HHS confirms that the person no longer appears in its records.

The measure is set out in the Federal Highways and Bridges Traffic Regulations, specifically in Articles 85 and 203, which establish the inspection powers and the procedures authorities must follow in the event of possible violations.

Under these rules, officers may stop a vehicle when they need to verify compliance with the regulations and request the relevant documents. During the inspection, they act under the procedure set out in the regulations, with the aim of checking the vehicle’s status and determining whether there is any irregularity that could amount to a traffic violation.

The procedure also sets guidelines for officers when they stop a driver for a possible offense. In this way, the checkpoints are intended to ensure that vehicles are on the road in compliance with the rules and that they meet the document requirements for traveling on federal roads.

Who can ask you for vehicle documents?

In Mexico, the National Guard can verify compliance with certain requirements, including the presentation of mandatory documents.

Article 85 of the Federal Highways and Bridges Traffic Regulations says drivers are required to present the registration card when a member of the Mexican National Guard asks for it during a vehicle checkpoint. The document must be handed over for inspection and returned once the check is finished.

The regulations say license plates, stickers and registration cards must meet the characteristics and specifications established by the Secretariat of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation.

Article 203, meanwhile, details how officers must act when checking for possible violations.

1. They must tell the driver and passengers to remain inside the car for safety until they are authorized to get out
2. They may request the driver’s license, registration card and other documents related to the vehicle’s service to make sure everything is in order

If, during the inspection, officers detect a violation that must be punished, they must fill out a citation with the required information and set the corresponding fine.

What documents does the National Guard ask for?

During checkpoints, officers may ask the driver for the following documents:

• Valid driver’s license
• Original registration card
• Metal identification plates
• Corresponding sticker
• Current vehicle insurance that covers civil liability or damage to third parties

For federal transportation or freight vehicles, they must also present documents proving the activity and any applicable special permits.

What are the consequences of failing to comply with the rules?

The regulations also provide penalties for those who ignore the instructions of National Guard officers. In those cases, the person may be detained and turned over to the Public Prosecutor’s Office. In addition, authorities are authorized to take out of service and move to federal impound lots any vehicles that pose a road safety risk.

What it’s for

Baking soda helps neutralize sneaker odor and keep the inside dry. In other words, it works on the odor already there and, by absorbing moisture, makes the problem less likely to come back. That’s why it’s used so often in everyday shoes and athletic shoes, which often stay damp after use.

Sneaker odor is not caused by sweat itself, which is almost odorless, but by the bacteria that live on the skin and in the shoe. Those bacteria feed on sweat and dead skin cells and, in the process, release strong-smelling compounds, especially acids such as isovaleric acid, which is responsible for the characteristic foot smell.

Those compounds are acidic, and baking soda is an alkaline substance, or base. When they come into contact, the baking soda neutralizes those acids through an acid-base neutralization reaction, so the odor is reduced instead of lingering.

On top of that, baking soda has a second effect: it is hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs moisture. And since bacteria need a moist environment to multiply, drying out the inside of the shoe takes away the ideal conditions for them to spread.

How to apply it properly

The process is simple, but it’s worth doing it properly:

• Make sure the sneakers are dry before you start; if they’re damp, let them air out first.
• Put a moderate amount of baking soda inside each sneaker — one or two teaspoons is enough — and spread it well across the sole.
• Let it sit for several hours, ideally overnight.
• The next day, shake the sneakers out well upside down or vacuum out the powder before wearing them.

A neater alternative is to put the baking soda inside a thin sock, a cloth pouch or a tied coffee filter: it does the same job of absorbing odor and moisture without leaving loose residue, and it can be reused for several days.

How often to do it

It can be repeated whenever needed: once or twice a week is usually enough for normal use, or after wearing sneakers for activities that leave them very sweaty. If the shoes are very damp, the best approach is to combine baking soda with letting them dry and air out well, even in the sun or in a well-ventilated place.

The Federal Consumer Protection Agency, Profeco, reminded the public, including business owners, waiters, and customers, that tips are not mandatory and demanding them as if they were is prohibited under Article 10 of the Federal Consumer Protection Law, enacted on Dec. 24, 1992, and most recently updated on Dec. 12, 2025.

What the Mexican Federal Consumer Protection Law says about tips

“No establishment that provides a service may demand a tip or set the amount of the tip, and people can report it if this occurs,” Profeco emphasized. It does this to protect consumers’ rights. Obviously, this does not mean that tips are forbidden; the law prohibits making them mandatory by the waiter or the business.

“Suppliers may not use coercive or unfair commercial methods or practices, nor abusive or imposed clauses or conditions in the supply of products or services,” reads Article 10 of the LFPC.

Profeco: What should you do if you are forced to pay an extra charge for service?

It is common for people to leave some money voluntarily at bars, hotels, and restaurants as a way of thanking staff for the service provided. That extra money does indeed add to what the worker earns, but a tip is always voluntary, and the employer, manager, or company that hires the worker must guarantee a base minimum wage, without the worker depending on tips.

• Review the charges on the bill
• Report it to Profeco if a tip is being demanded

“Businesses are required to display their prices with VAT included,” Profeco says. If a tip is hidden as part of the bill or demanded as part of the service, customers can report it through Profeco’s channels: Consumer Hotline: 55 5568 8722 or 800 468 8722, or send an email to: denunciasprofeco@profeco.gob.mx.

Note that by law, a complaint requires the customer to provide complete and verifiable information, such as “the name or business name of the establishment, full address, and a description of the facts that led to the complaint,” Profeco said.

What are the fines for failing to comply with Article 10 of the Mexican LFPC?

Both the Federal Consumer Protection Law and Profeco refer to complaints about charges that are required or demanded in exchange for service. Likewise, Article 128 of the LFPC sets out financial penalties for violating Articles 10 and 10 BIS. According to the law, fines range from 1,093.02 to 4,274,960.73 Mexican pesos (about $59 to $230,000).

Fines and closures in serious cases under Articles 128 BIS and 128 TER: if the practice affects a group of consumers, is repeated, is deceptive, or repeatedly violates rights, for example, a restaurant that automatically charges all customers a tip, the fine rises from 228,266.96 to 6,391,474.56 Mexican pesos (about $12,300 to $344,000), and Profeco may order the business to be fully or partially shut down for up to 90 days.

And you, do you usually leave a tip? The Government of Mexico reiterated that tipping is not mandatory and does not set a voluntary percentage for customers. Any extra money the customer chooses to leave the worker is entirely up to them.

What It Does

The main function of the foil ball is to reduce static electricity in clothes. It is that annoying effect that, when you take clothes out of the dryer, leaves garments stuck together, clinging to the body, giving off small sparks or making hair stand on end. The aluminum helps clothes come out looser and without that charge.

Static builds up because of a phenomenon called the triboelectric effect. Inside the dryer, clothes tumble and rub against one another for a long time. That friction causes the fabrics to exchange electrical charges: some end up positively charged and others negatively charged. Because opposite charges attract, the clothes end up sticking together. That imbalance of charges is, precisely, static electricity.

This is where aluminum comes in. Metal is a good conductor of electricity, so when the foil ball bumps and rubs against charged clothes, it provides a path for those built-up charges to equalize and discharge instead of staying trapped in the fabric. By neutralizing that imbalance, the clothes stop attracting each other and come out static-free.

How to Make and Use It Properly

The trick is simple, but it is worth doing it right so it works and does not damage the clothes:

• Make a firm, tightly packed ball about 5 to 8 centimeters in diameter, roughly the size of a tennis ball. The tighter it is, the better: that keeps it from falling apart.
• Make sure it is smooth, with no sharp points or edges that could snag delicate fabrics.
• Use two or three balls per load instead of just one: they spread the effect more evenly.
• Place them inside the drum with the clothes before starting the dryer. No extra preparation or product is needed.

This homemade trick can be used after cooking, during cleaning or when you want to freshen up a room. However, even though it is easy to make, there are some precautions to keep in mind to use it safely.

What is boiling tangerine peels with rosemary and cinnamon used for?

The blend is mainly used to scent the home. Each ingredient adds its own fragrance:

• Tangerine: the peels release a fresh citrus aroma.
• Rosemary: adds intense herbal notes.
• Cinnamon: adds a warm, spiced scent.

When heated in water, the aromatic compounds spread through the steam and help temporarily scent the room.

Place the tangerine peels, rosemary and cinnamon in a pot and cover them with water. Then bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to medium so the ingredients keep releasing their aromas through the steam. It is important to keep an eye on the water level throughout the process to prevent it from evaporating completely.

When is it best to use this method to fragrance the room?

It can be used at different times of day, especially when you want to mask lingering odors or add a pleasant scent to indoor spaces.

Some recommended times are:

• After cooking, to help neutralize food odors.
• During cleaning, to add a fresh smell to the home.
• Before having guests over, to temporarily scent the rooms.
• On cold days, when windows stay closed longer, always making sure there is proper ventilation.

What precautions should be taken with this homemade trick?

It is important to take safety measures to avoid problems:

• Do not leave the pot unattended: the water can evaporate completely and cause the ingredients to burn.
• Control the temperature: keep it at a gentle simmer, without needing the water to boil vigorously.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to the steam: do not get too close to the pot to prevent burns.
• Maintain proper ventilation: open the windows if the room becomes too strongly scented.
• Be careful with pets: keep dogs and cats from ingesting the mixture or coming into contact with the hot water.
• Turn off the heat when finished: do not keep the mixture heating for long periods or overnight.

A Bob Vila guide describes a method using ice to help restore the pile, although some indentations may remain.

What putting ice on the mark is for

As it melts, the ice adds water that helps the crushed fibers regain height. The amount of ice depends on the size of the indentation.

How to apply the method step by step

The publication lists the following steps:

1. Place a large ice cube on the mark, or several if the area is large.
2. Let the ice melt for several hours. For deeper indentations, the guide allows up to 12 hours.
3. Blot up the excess water with a sponge.
4. Lift the fibers with a coin or spoon.

Why some marks may remain

The result depends on the material. Wool is durable, while polyester can suffer permanent damage after being compressed for a long time.

If the marks persist, professional repair may be needed.

How to reduce indentations

The guide recommends wide pads under the legs to distribute the weight over a larger surface.

It also advises vacuuming under heavy furniture and moving it a few inches about once a month to reduce marks.

Carrey, 64, put the beachfront estate on the market in early October for $35 million. Less than a month later, the property already had a buyer. Realtor reported on November 3 that the home is in “pending” status, and the final sale price has not been disclosed.

Carrey bought the property in 2016 for $16.5 million, according to records. If he gets close to his asking price, he will have more than doubled his investment.

Inside Jim Carrey’s Hawaii mansion

The property sits on nearly an acre along Keawakapu Beach, with 170 feet of ocean frontage. It was built in 2002 and designed by the architecture firm Ike Kligerman Barkley.

The main house has three bedrooms, a chef’s kitchen with two large islands and a primary suite with a swinging bed and floor-to-ceiling windows.

A separate guest house also has two more bedrooms, and between the two homes there is a pool with a hidden grotto, a slide, and an elevated spa.

The estate is being sold fully furnished with woven bamboo interiors and Douglas fir framing.

How Jim Carrey built a quiet life away from Hollywood

Over the past decade, Carrey has stepped away from the spotlight. In 2018 he described his life on Maui as “an isolated life,” and reports have described his days as filled with reading, writing, walking, and painting.

In 2022 he said he was “fairly serious” about stepping away from acting. “I really like my quiet life,” he said at the time.

The Jim Carrey life change that came right before the sale

The sale comes right after a major change in his personal life. Carrey married his partner, Min Ah, in a private ceremony in Los Angeles, and he put the Maui home on the market hours after the news broke. He has not explained why he is selling.

It is not his first big real estate exit. In 1994, he bought a Brentwood estate in Los Angeles for $3.8 million. He listed it in 2023 for $28.9 million and, after several price cuts, sold it in 2024 for $17 million.

Although not all foreigners have one, it may be necessary to complete applications, check immigration records and carry out procedures with federal agencies.

What is the unique 9-digit number that identifies foreigners?

The Alien Registration Number (Alien Registration Number) is a nine-digit identifier the government uses to recognize and record certain foreigners within the immigration system.

This code allows a person to be linked to their immigration history, applications, documents and proceedings before U.S. authorities.

Who assigns this number and where can it be found?

The number is assigned by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), through U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), when a person begins certain immigration proceedings.

It can be found on various official documents:

• Green Card: in the field marked A# or USCIS#.
• Work permit (EAD): below the USCIS# label.
• USCIS notices: on certain receipt or action notices, such as Form I-797C.
• Immigrant visa: on the stamp or document placed in the passport.
• Consular documentation: in the immigrant data summary and the immigration fee booklet.

The number may have seven, eight or nine digits. When it has fewer than nine, some systems ask users to add leading zeroes.

For what procedures may this number be requested?

The A Number identifies a person in different immigration proceedings and inquiries. Its main uses include:

• Checking immigration records: allows users to verify the status of certain cases before immigration courts.
• Filing with USCIS: it may be requested on forms and filings related to immigration applications.
• Checking hearings: allows people to learn the dates, times and locations of upcoming immigration court hearings.
• Identifying case records: helps link documents and actions tied to the same person.

For example, the Automated Case Information System (ACIS), of the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), allows certain case information to be checked using this number.

Why is a unique number assigned to each foreigner?

The goal is to have an individual identifier that allows immigration authorities to recognize each person and organize information related to their history.

In this way, DHS and the agencies involved in immigration proceedings can link applications, documents, records and administrative or judicial actions to the same file.

Tyson abruptly shut down an entire plant and put 2,500 employees on the street

Tyson decided to end operations at its Joslin plant in Illinois, one of its beef-processing facilities. The move affected about 2,500 unionized workers, who received letters during the week of Aug. 13, 2026, with their last days of work coming just days later.

Pay for employees was extended through Oct. 12, 2026. For a community that relied heavily on that source of jobs, the blow was sudden.

Ongoing closures: the crisis facing the meatpacking giant

The Joslin shutdown adds to a string of Tyson decisions involving its beef business. The company had already closed its Lexington, Nebraska, plant in January 2026, affecting more than 2,000 jobs, announced the closure of a facility in Eagle Mountain, Utah, and is seeking to sell another beef plant in Pasco, Washington. Together, these cuts amount to roughly a third of the beef-processing capacity the company had before.

Tyson’s beef division lost $142 million in a single quarter, with sales down 16% even though beef prices are high. For fiscal 2026, the company projects a loss of between $500 million and $650 million in its U.S. beef business.

Fuente: Shutterstock

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Why slaughterhouses are closing across the country

The United States now has the smallest cattle supply in 75 years: the herd, or total number of cattle, fell to its lowest level since 1951. And according to the official data Tyson itself cites, ranchers are not rebuilding their herds — meaning they are holding back few heifers for breeding — which points to continued shortages.

Behind that decline are several combined factors: years of drought that made raising cattle more expensive and difficult, disease outbreaks and a sharp rise in costs for producers (feed, fertilizer, machinery and fuel). With fewer animals to process, meatpacking plants are operating below capacity, becoming less profitable and ultimately closing.

The attack began around 8 a.m. at VIDA Fitness, about 1.6 kilometers from the White House. One of the victims died at the scene, while the other four survivors were taken for medical treatment.

According to Acting Metropolitan Police Chief Jeffery Carroll, one of the injured remains in critical condition. The other three suffered injuries that, at least initially, are not life-threatening.

Where did the Washington shooting happen, and what happened to the suspect?

The gunfire was reported at VIDA Fitness and in the surrounding area, near 15th and P streets in Logan Circle, northwest Washington.

After opening fire, the suspected attacker went to a nearby apartment building and barricaded himself in a seventh-floor unit. According to initial police reports, he also fired at officers through the apartment door.

Authorities tried to reach the man for about an hour in an effort to get him to surrender. However, officers heard a gunshot and, when they entered the apartment, found the suspect dead from a self-inflicted wound.

The investigation is still trying to determine the motive for the attack. One of the first theories is a possible dispute between the man and the building’s homeowners association.

What did authorities say about the Logan Circle shooting?

Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser expressed concern over the incident and lamented the death of one person.

“We are devastated. This morning, one person lost their life in our city because of a senseless act of gun violence”, she said.

Police, meanwhile, had issued an alert about an active shooter shortly after 8 a.m. Officials asked residents to avoid the area while the operation was underway.

Dozens of patrol cars, special units and emergency vehicles responded to the scene. Federal agents and tactical teams also took part in bringing the situation under control.

As a precaution, nearby schools kept students and staff inside the buildings. In addition, residents were told to shelter in place, lock their doors and stay away from windows.

How many mass shootings were recorded in the United States in 2026?

The Washington attack brings renewed focus to gun violence in the United States. According to Gun Violence Archive, there had been 408 mass shootings in the country so far in 2026 at the time of the report.

The organization defines a mass shooting as an incident in which at least four people are shot, not including the attacker. The tally includes incidents in which the victims are not part of the same family.

Source: EFE.

Trump said on his Truth Social account that after his party’s defeat in the recent legislative elections, “Huge CARAVANS are forming and beginning their illegal march through Mexico.”, made up of people “that various countries don’t want.”

“But they will not be accepted! MEXICO MUST STOP THEM, NOW, and if they do not do so, the tariffs on Mexico will be IMMEDIATELY DOUBLED,” the Republican warned, after reports that about 1,500 migrants from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua set out Tuesday from southern Mexico toward the United States.

The American also said he had sent this warning to the Mexican government, to outgoing Republican Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and to the “very liberal” governor-elect, Democrat Gina Hinojosa.

Trump added that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Border Patrol had also been informed. “No leniency!” he concluded.

The president did not specify which tariffs would be doubled or how his administration plans to carry out the measure.

After the Republicans’ defeat in the midterm elections, in which Democrats regained control of Congress, Trump named Stephen Miller, the architect of the U.S.’s aggressive immigration policy, as his new chief of staff, signaling a renewed embrace of his more hard-line positions.

Since returning to power in January 2025, the president has launched a trade war against his allies and used tariffs as a pressure tool.

Mexico and the United States are currently negotiating a reduction in tariffs, including those affecting Mexican steel, with the Claudia Sheinbaum government hoping to reach an agreement before the end of this year.

With information from EFE.

The records are among more than 1,200 CIA documents published in December 2024 by the National Security Archive, a nonprofit research group at George Washington University, together with the academic publisher ProQuest.

Bluebird began in 1950, just months before the Korean War broke out. The agency renamed it Artichoke in 1951. That work fed into MKUltra, the drug and behavior-control program the CIA launched in 1953.

What did the CIA do to Korean War prisoners under Project Bluebird?

A memo dated April 5, 1950, asked then-CIA Director Roscoe Hillenkoetter to approve three-person interrogation teams. Each team would pair a psychiatrist with a polygraph operator trained in hypnosis and a technician.

Using routine lie-detector tests as cover, the teams were to check whether defectors and agents could be trusted, relying on polygraph, drugs and hypnosis.

The first team reached Japan in July 1950, a month into the war, according to journalist John Marks’ 1979 book “The Search for the ‘Manchurian Candidate.’” Starting that October, he wrote, the team used what it called advanced techniques on 25 North Korean prisoners of war.

Marks based his account on CIA records, and the newer documents partly back it up. Notes from an Aug. 8, 1951, CIA meeting describe an Army project in Japan and Korea. In that project, a polygraph operator worked with psychiatrists and psychologists on Korean POWs.

Why did the CIA want to know if it could make someone crash a plane?

The plane question appears in an undated Bluebird document that the CIA estimates was written around January 1952. It lists problems the program believed only experiments could settle, most of them built on hypnosis.

One item asked whether a seized subject could be pushed, within an hour or two, to crash a plane or wreck a train through post-hypnotic control. Others asked whether the agency could guarantee total memory loss, reshape a personality or get someone to act against their own morals.

The research was driven by fear that communist captors were brainwashing American soldiers. In a 1983 deposition, Sidney Gottlieb, the chemist who ran MKUltra, said a review had found no evidence that American POWs in Korea were subjected to drug-induced hypnosis.

Washing curtains means taking them down, putting them in the washing machine and waiting several hours for them to dry. Another option is to use a dryer, although it is important to make sure the fabric is safe for this method to avoid possible damage.

What does spraying white vinegar on curtains do?

White vinegar is known for its deodorizing properties and its ability to help loosen dirt. It may also have antimicrobial effects and does not leave behind the chemical residue associated with some cleaning products.

That is why many households use it to keep curtains clean and fresh longer, as well as to:

• Remove odors trapped in fabrics.
• Freshen curtains without taking them down.
• Reduce the buildup of dust and moisture.

How do you safely prepare the solution?

To prepare this mixture safely, it is recommended to pour equal parts water and white vinegar into a spray bottle.

Then, spray a light layer of the solution on the curtains, without soaking them.

Finally, let them air-dry and ventilate the room to enhance the refreshing effect.

How often is it recommended to spray white vinegar on curtains at home?

The frequency depends on where the curtains are located. It can be done once a week for maintenance, or after cooking if strong odors linger in the room. It may also help on humid days to prevent a stuffy smell.

New York Fire Department (FDNY) Chief Lillian Bonsignore said at a news conference that four of the injured are in critical condition, 12 are stable, and the remaining one is a firefighter with minor injuries.

But she warned that “there may be more people (trapped) as this operation continues”.

The building, in the Brooklyn borough, came down around 4 p.m. local time (9 p.m. GMT) with several residents inside and collapsed into an adjacent building under construction, trapping several people who were in it.

Bonsignore said the rescue operation “is going to be long”, and added that more than 250 emergency personnel are deployed in the area, along with a canine unit.

The cause of the collapse remains under investigation.

Images posted on social media by firefighters show a large pile of debris that emergency crews are trying to clear with the help of excavators.

Brooklyn saw another similar tragedy last Thursday, when six people died and nine others were injured in a dramatic fire that tore through a three-story home in the Sunset Park neighborhood.

Source: EFE.

The sighting happened in June near a sensitive national security site in the western United States. It appears in two documents. One is a statement the agents gave the FBI. The other is a memo from the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office, or AARO, the Pentagon office that investigates UFO reports.

Both are part of the seventh batch of records released through PURSUE, short for the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters. The program began publishing files May 8 after President Donald Trump directed federal agencies to declassify them.

UAP stands for unidentified anomalous phenomena, the government’s term for what most people call UFOs. Anyone can browse the records for free at war.gov/UFO. The department says more files will follow on a rolling basis.

What did the federal agents see when the silent triangle appeared?

According to the AARO memo, the object climbed roughly 200 to 300 feet above the ridgeline over about 10 seconds. It then hung in place for around 20 seconds.

Next, it banked toward a canyon and dropped out of sight behind the terrain in two to three seconds. The witnesses estimated it covered about 1.5 miles in that final burst.

The agents described a dark, non-reflective object that made no sound and had no visible engines. One compared it to a delta-wing drone. Delta wing refers to the swept, triangle-shaped wing used on some military aircraft.

A third official at a separate observation post followed the object with handheld thermal equipment. The heat across its surface looked even, with none of the hot spots an engine typically gives off. A search of the canyon the next morning turned up no wreckage or damage.

Do the UFO files explain what the federal agents saw?

No. Neither document identifies the object or says where it came from. The department labels cases like this unresolved. That means investigators didn’t have enough information to identify the object. It does not mean they found signs of extraterrestrial activity.

The two accounts also differ on key details. The AARO memo describes a sequence lasting more than 30 seconds, while the FBI statement puts the whole sighting at about three seconds.

The documents also log the first report an hour apart: 7:23 p.m. in the FBI statement and 8:23 p.m. in the AARO memo, both in local time. Neither file explains the gap.

No radar data, video or audio recordings back up the agents’ description. The FBI statement includes nine images, but they don’t appear to show the triangle itself.

The U.S. Department of Education is now moving borrowers toward other repayment options. The transition is not automatic for everyone: borrowers receive individual notices from their loan servicers, and the deadline to choose a new plan depends on when that notification arrives.

The change comes as student debt remains a major part of household finances. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that outstanding student loan balances reached $1.66 trillion in the third quarter of 2026, after increasing by $5 billion from the previous quarter.

SAVE is over: What borrowers must do next

The Department of Education announced that more than 7.5 million borrowers enrolled in SAVE would need to leave the program and select another legal repayment plan. Federal Student Aid began sending guidance in March, while loan servicers started issuing individual transition notices on July 1, 2026.

According to the official guidance, borrowers have 90 days from the date of their servicer’s notice to choose another plan. The deadline is not the same for everyone because notifications are being sent in groups.

If a borrower does not make a selection within those 90 days, the servicer sends a final 30-day notice. Those who still do not act by the end of that additional period face automatic reassignment, which can result in higher monthly bills. The fallback option depends on the borrower’s loan history:

• Loans disbursed before July 1, 2026: Borrowers are generally returned to the repayment plan they were enrolled in prior to SAVE—often the Standard Repayment Plan—unless they actively select another eligible option.
• Loans disbursed on or after July 1, 2026: Borrowers who do not choose a plan are placed into the new Tiered Standard Plan once their loans enter repayment.

The monthly amount can change substantially depending on the plan, the outstanding balance and the borrower’s circumstances. Federal Student Aid recommends checking the notice from the loan servicer rather than assuming that every borrower has the same deadline or payment date.

Which repayment plans are available now?

The federal government introduced two new repayment options on July 1, 2026, as part of the changes established by the Working Families Tax Cuts Act. Their availability depends on the type of loan and when it was disbursed.

The two new options are:

• Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP): calculates monthly payments based on adjusted gross income. The payment generally ranges from 1% to 10% of income, depending on earnings, and is reduced by $50 per month for each dependent claimed on the federal tax return. The minimum payment is $10.
• Tiered Standard Repayment Plan: offers fixed repayment periods of 10, 15, 20 or 25 years, depending on the borrower’s outstanding loan balance. Higher balances can qualify for longer repayment periods and lower monthly payments.

Some borrowers with loans issued before July 1, 2026, may also qualify for other existing options, including Income-Based Repayment (IBR), Pay As You Earn (PAYE) or Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR), depending on their loan type and eligibility.

RAP also includes protections for borrowers who make full, on-time payments. The government can waive unpaid monthly interest and contribute up to $50 toward the principal when the borrower’s payment does not reduce it by at least that amount.

How to check the deadline and avoid an unexpected payment

Because notices are being rolled out in batches—and early recipients have already passed their initial 90-day window—borrowers enrolled in SAVE should immediately check their email, postal mail and online servicer portal for the notice titled “You Have 90 Days to Select a New Repayment Plan” (or a subsequent 30-day final warning).

The next steps are:

1. Check the loan servicer’s notice: the 90-day period begins on the date of that notification, not when Federal Student Aid sends a general email.
2. Review the loan information: log in to StudentAid.gov to confirm loan types, balances and disbursement dates.
3. Compare repayment options: use the federal Repayment Calculator to estimate monthly payments and understand how each plan affects the total amount paid.
4. Submit a new application: choose an eligible plan through StudentAid.gov before the deadline.

Borrowers who cannot afford their new monthly payment can contact their loan servicer to ask about available deferment or forbearance options. However, interest may continue to accrue during these periods, and they can affect progress toward loan forgiveness programs.

The requirement is listed in the State Department’s official guide for adults applying for their first passport or who do not qualify to renew it.

When a second ID is required

The requirement depends on the state that issued the ID and where the application is submitted.

The guide lists a valid driver’s license with a photo among the most common accepted documents. If it was issued in another state, it must be accompanied by another photo ID.

Among the additional documents the State Department accepts to prove identity are government employee credentials, U.S. military IDs and valid Global Entry, FAST, SENTRI or NEXUS cards.

What copies must accompany the paperwork

The applicant must show the physical ID and provide a photocopy of the front and back. Copies must be on 8.5-by-11-inch paper, using one side of the sheet only.

A proof of U.S. citizenship and a photocopy of it must also be provided. Options include a U.S. birth certificate and naturalization or citizenship certificates.

How the in-person submission works

The application, documents and fees are submitted at an authorized acceptance facility. There, the agent verifies the ID, administers the oath and asks the applicant to sign the form.

For that reason, the State Department says not to sign it before the agent asks you to. In addition, a passport photo must be submitted, and it will be reviewed when the application is accepted.

The change was set by a budget law enacted in July 2025, but its effects on current beneficiaries will begin taking effect in 2027. The groups affected include refugees, people granted asylum and beneficiaries of Temporary Protected Status, or TPS.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has begun notifying beneficiaries to verify whether they meet the new requirements. Those who cannot prove they belong to an eligible immigration category could lose health coverage starting Feb. 1, 2027.

Which immigrants can get Medicare and who will be excluded

The new law limits Medicare eligibility to four immigration categories: U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents (Green Card holders), people recognized as Cuban-Haitian entrants, and certain immigrants living in the U.S. under Compact of Free Association (COFA) agreements. They must also meet the program’s other standard requirements.

As a result, refugees, people granted asylum, Temporary Protected Status beneficiaries, and other immigrants who do not belong to the eligible groups are left out under the new criteria. The change marks a departure from previous rules, which allowed certain foreign nationals living legally in the U.S. to qualify for Medicare if they met the age, disability and work-history requirements.

Why having a work permit does not guarantee Medicare access

Having authorization to work in the United States does not amount to meeting the immigration requirements for Medicare. An immigrant can have an Employment Authorization Document, or EAD, a Social Security number and a legal job, but still be excluded from the program if their immigration category is not one of the four allowed under the new law.

For example, someone with approved asylum or TPS may keep a work permit and still lose access to Medicare. By contrast, a lawful permanent resident with a Green Card may meet the immigration requirement, though they still must meet the program’s general conditions, such as being 65 or older or qualifying through disability, ALS or end-stage renal disease.

When affected immigrants could lose health coverage

Although Trump signed the law on July 4, 2025, the restriction for people already enrolled in Medicare has a later effective date. The law set an 18-month deadline, which falls on Jan. 4, 2027. However, the SSA says coverage for affected beneficiaries will generally continue through Jan. 31 and end on Feb. 1, 2027.

To determine who qualifies, the SSA began sending notices in November 2026 to beneficiaries whose eligibility it could not confirm. Anyone who receives a notice will need to provide documentation proving U.S. citizenship or an eligible immigration status, following the instructions and deadlines provided.

In that case, users who believe they were wrongly excluded will be able to appeal the decision within 60 days of receiving the notice.

The move, backed by the State Department and notified to the U.S. Congress, is seen by analysts as a response to China’s growing presence in the region, especially after the opening of a Chinese megaport nearby.

United States to Invest $1.5 Billion in Major Naval Base in Latin America

The U.S. State Department authorized the sale of equipment and services to Peru, worth an estimated up to $1.5 billion, aimed at modernizing the Callao naval base facilities. The request came from the Peruvian government itself, which asked for permission to buy the support needed to improve the base’s maritime and coastal facilities.

According to official information, the package is not limited to equipment sales: It also includes a strong technical support component. Among the planned items are:

• Design and support for the construction of maritime and coastal facilities.
• Engineering, management and construction supervision services (construction management).
• Logistical support and other services associated with the project.
• The assignment of up to 20 U.S. government or contractor representatives, for a period of up to 10 years, to oversee construction management.

Where Callao Port Is and Why It Matters

Callao is Peru’s main port, located next to Lima on the Pacific Ocean, and the naval base there is the Peruvian Navy’s main installation. Its location is strategic: It sits in an area of heavy activity, where the base shares waterways with the commercial port.

One goal of the modernization is to give naval operations a safer and more efficient platform, reducing interaction between civilian traffic and military operations.

The Move to Counter China’s Influence in the Region

The project cannot be understood without looking at the map. In 2024, the Chinese state-owned shipping company COSCO opened the Chancay megaport, an investment reported at around $1.3 billion, located about 80 kilometers north of Lima. That project turned China into a major player on South America’s Pacific coast and set off alarms in Washington over its influence in the region.

Against that backdrop, several analysts see U.S. support for the Callao base as part of a strategy to counter that advance. The underlying dispute is over economic and military influence in a region that has regained importance in the global competition between the two powers.

The agency uses Form 1099-K to record certain transactions and verify that taxpayers correctly report their income on their tax returns. Those who exceed certain payment limits and transaction thresholds will receive this document, although the duty to report taxable income also applies to people who do not receive it.

Failing to report taxable earnings can have financial consequences.

Who Will Receive Form 1099-K in 2027 and What Requirements Must They Meet

The IRS uses Form 1099-K to report payments people receive from selling goods or providing services through payment apps and digital platforms. During January 2027, taxpayers will receive this document with information on transactions completed during 2026. In this regard, businesses that process credit or debit card payments must issue it regardless of the amount or number of transactions, while third-party platforms must do so when payments exceed $20,000 and 200 transactions in a year.

Covered platforms include marketplaces, auction sites, payment apps, ride-hailing services and freelance platforms. The form is issued by those companies and a copy is also sent to the IRS.

What Online Income Must Be Reported to the IRS

Taxpayers must report taxable income they earn by selling products or providing services online, whether or not they receive Form 10-K. This includes earnings from online sellers, independent workers and people who offer services through apps. The information on the form should be used together with other records to calculate the income that must be reported in the 2027 tax season.

To correctly determine the gross amount, users should account for product costs, fees, refunds and other applicable expenses. The IRS also says gifts from family or friends and payments received to reimburse shared personal expenses do not count as taxable income.

What Happens If They Don’t Report Income Received Through Digital Platforms

Those who leave out taxable income and, as a result, pay less tax than they owe may face an accuracy-related penalty on their return. According to the IRS, the penalty equals 20% of the unpaid tax when the shortfall is due to negligence or a substantial understatement. For example, if the omission causes a $2,000 tax underpayment, the penalty could be $400.

Interest on the debt and the penalty may also be added until the balance is paid. However, the 20% does not apply automatically to any omitted income, since the conditions set out in the rules must be met. That is why the IRS recommends filing accurate returns and keeping records of payments, sales and expenses to back up the reported information.

Pouring vinegar into the toilet once a week is a household practice that can help keep the bathroom clean, especially in homes where the water has a high mineral content. Its usefulness is tied to acetic acid, a compound that reacts with certain deposits and helps remove them.

It is often used as a low-cost alternative to some cleaning products. Several scientific studies have examined both its ability to dissolve mineral residue and its effects on certain microorganisms, although the results depend on the concentration used and the conditions of application.

What is pouring vinegar into the toilet for, and what are its benefits?

One of vinegar’s main benefits is its ability to act on limescale buildup on bathroom surfaces. This buildup forms mainly because of minerals in the water, especially calcium carbonate, and can leave whitish stains or stubborn deposits in the toilet bowl.

A doctoral study from Virginia Tech University looked at different technologies and substances to reduce mineral buildup.

In one experiment, cleaning vinegar with 6% acetic acid was able to dissolve virtually all the calcium carbonate in a sample after two hours of exposure. However, this was a laboratory test and not a specific trial on home toilets.

These properties make it possible to identify three benefits of periodic use:

1. Reduce limescale buildup: acetic acid helps dissolve certain mineral deposits.
2. Make stains easier to remove: it can help loosen deposits associated with hard water and make scrubbing easier.
3. Supplement routine cleaning: using it can help maintain the ceramic surface, although it does not replace products made for disinfecting.

In addition, a study published in 2020 in BMC Microbiology found that acetic acid has activity against certain microorganisms under experimental conditions.

How should vinegar be used in the toilet to take advantage of its properties?

To add this product to your weekly bathroom cleaning, white vinegar with an acetic acid concentration of around 5% can be used. It is especially useful on areas where limescale stains and mineral deposits appear, as long as the surface and the manufacturer’s instructions allow the use of acidic products.

The process is simple and does not require special tools:

1. Make sure there are no traces of other cleaners left, especially bleach or disinfectant products.
2. Pour a moderate amount of white vinegar onto the inside walls of the bowl and the areas where limescale builds up.
3. Let it sit for about 30 minutes.
4. Scrub with a toilet brush to loosen the mineral deposits.
5. Flush to remove the residue and the product.

Doing this once a week can be part of a preventive routine. The need for cleaning depends on water hardness, how often the toilet is used, and how much buildup is present.

On the other hand, vinegar should never be mixed with bleach (a substance that contains chlorine and is used as a disinfectant, bleaching agent, and solvent), since this combination can release chlorine gas, a toxic substance that can cause respiratory irritation and serious injuries.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warn about the risks of mixing cleaning products and recommend using each substance according to the manufacturer’s instructions

The preparation does not need flour or added sugar. It can also be customized with cinnamon, nuts, or seeds, although these ingredients are optional and are not part of the basic recipe.

What ingredients are needed to make two-ingredient oatmeal cookies

To make these homemade cookies, you only need two ingredients: two ripe bananas and about two and a half cups (250 g) of rolled oats. The recipe published by the food website Directo al Paladar uses those amounts to make about six cookies.

The banana should be ripe enough to mash easily and add sweetness to the mixture. Although the base does not require any other ingredients, additional ingredients can be added to change the flavor.

How to Make Oatmeal and Banana Cookies Step by Step

The first step is to peel the bananas and place them in a bowl. Then, mash them with a fork until you get a puree without large chunks.

Next, add the rolled oats and mix everything until you get a smooth dough. If it seems too dry, you can add a little more mashed banana to make it easier to shape.

Once the mixture is ready, form small spoonfuls and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Then, flatten them slightly to give them a cookie shape.

They should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 20 minutes. Once baking is done, they can rest for another five minutes before being removed.

It is important to keep in mind that these cookies do not come out as crisp as traditional ones. When they come out of the oven, they may be soft, but they become more firm as they cool.

How to Customize Oatmeal Cookies Without Adding Flour or Sugar

One of the advantages of this recipe is that it allows other ingredients to be added to create different flavors and textures. Although the original preparation contains only banana and oats, some extras can be added. Options include:

• Ground cinnamon: adds aroma and a stronger flavor.
• Pumpkin seeds: add a crunchy texture.
• Walnuts or almonds: add nuts to the recipe.
• Dark chocolate: an option for those who prefer a sweeter result.
• Flax seeds: can be mixed into the dough before shaping the cookies.

The cookies can be stored in an airtight container once they are completely cool. They are an option to serve with coffee, tea, or breakfast, although their texture and shelf life may vary depending on the additional ingredients used.

The Traffic Regulations say this violation can add points to a driver’s license, while the Mobility Law lays out the circumstances under which authorities can suspend or cancel the permit, meaning the driver’s license can be invalidated.

The outcome depends on the accumulation of points or repeat violations of different rules, in line with the conditions set out in Mexico City’s regulations.

What penalty does the traffic regulation set for running a red light?

Article 10, Section VI, of the Traffic Regulations of CDMX says drivers must stop their vehicle when the traffic light is red, without crossing into the crosswalk or the waiting areas for bicycles or motorcycles.

Those who fail to comply can be fined 10, 15, or 20 times the Unidad de Medida y Actualización (UMA), plus a three-point deduction from the license when the violation is issued by a traffic officer.

When the offense is caught by technology systems, it is punished with one point on the vehicle registration, without deducting points from the license.

The fine amount depends on outstanding penalties:

• with zero or one outstanding, 10 UMA;
• with two or three, 15 UMA;
• with four or more, 20 UMA.
• Article 64 provides a 50% discount if it is paid within the first 30 days.

The official UMA values are set from February 1, 2026, and remain active until January 31, 2027. A single UMA costs $117.31 MXN, equivalent to $6.30 USD.

When can a driver’s license be canceled or suspended in CDMX?

The rules provide for two different mechanisms that can affect the right to drive. The first is cancellation for accumulating points, set out in Article 66 of the Traffic Regulations. The second is suspension for repeat offenses, set out in Article 68, Section I, of the Mobility Law.

In the case of point-based cancellation, the license is canceled once 12 points are accumulated. Since running a red light punished by an officer adds three points, four such violations can reach the set limit.

The points expire one year after the date of the ticket, and the license can be reissued only after three years. If the driver is caught driving during that period, the vehicle can be taken to an impound lot and a fine of 180 UMA is imposed.

On the other hand, the Mobility Law says the Mobility Secretariat (Semovi) can suspend a license for six months to three years when a driver accumulates three violations of the law or its regulations in a year.

In this case, running a red light can be one of the three offenses that trigger the measure. During the suspension, reissuance of the license is not allowed, under Article 69.

In addition, if the secretariat suspends the license twice, it must permanently cancel it, according to Article 67, Section IV, of the Mobility Law.

Running a red light can contribute to losing the right to drive in CDMX, whether through point accumulation or repeat offenses. However, the license is not automatically invalidated by a single violation; that happens only when the conditions established in the capital’s Traffic Regulations and Mobility Law are met.

The Army Chemical Corps wanted to know how small doses of these agents affected soldiers and whether gear and medicines could protect them, the Department of Veterans Affairs says. Participants were exposed to more than 250 chemicals, according to the Department of Defense.

Participation was voluntary. But on arrival at Edgewood, soldiers signed oaths to keep every detail confidential, and breaking them could bring a court-martial or criminal charges, court records show.

The Pentagon freed participants from the oaths in 2006. By then, many had gone decades without seeking care or benefits, a gap still being fought over in court and in Congress.

What chemical weapons and drugs did the US Army test on soldiers at Edgewood?

According to the VA, the tests mixed weapons the military feared it could face with drugs to treat their victims, plus common substances and placebos such as saline. Soldiers received:

• Nerve and blister agents: sarin, mustard agents and pesticides that act on the nervous system much like sarin
• Mind-altering substances: LSD, PCP, cannabinoids and the incapacitating agent BZ
• Crowd-control chemicals: tear gas and other irritants
• Antidotes: atropine, scopolamine and 2-PAM chloride, which helps reverse nerve agent poisoning
• Everyday substances: alcohol and caffeine

The studies tracked only immediate reactions, with no plan to follow soldiers’ health afterward. A 2016 report commissioned by the Army later reasoned that test doses were too weak and brief to cause lasting harm, and found no significant problems in participants.

At the Army’s request, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine reviewed that report in 2018. The panel found it had missed relevant studies and health effects and called for a more rigorous method.

Can veterans sworn to secrecy in the US Army tests get VA benefits?

Yes. Any veteran who believes a health problem stems from the Edgewood tests can seek VA disability compensation, and each claim gets an individual review. There’s no registry to join first.

No lab test can prove an exposure from half a century ago. Instead, the VA points veterans to a medical history and exam from their doctor or a VA environmental health coordinator, including a look at lasting psychological effects.

The oaths also cost veterans money. VA disability payments generally start when a claim is filed, so years of silence meant years of lost benefits. In 2023, a federal appeals court ruled that an Edgewood veteran was owed payments dating to his 1971 discharge.

The OATH Act, sponsored by Connecticut Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal, would extend that to all participants and require the VA to find and notify them. The Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee approved it March 18. It still needs full Senate and House votes and the president’s signature.

The agency also confirmed a boost based on the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for its 2027 benefits. This increase will take effect earlier than usual for SSI recipients, who will receive the new amount in their second December payment.

What are the two most important dates for these SSA beneficiaries in December 2026?

SSI recipients will receive their payments on these two dates:

• December 1, 2026: deposit for the December benefit.
• December 31, 2026: advance payment for January 2027, which will already include the COLA increase.

Why do SSI recipients get two payments in December?

The SSA advances January’s payment because Jan. 1 is a federal holiday (New Year’s Day). When the usual payment date falls on a weekend or holiday, the agency sends the transfer on the previous business day.

So the second deposit is not an extra benefit, but the January 2027 payment.

How much of a COLA increase will SSI receive for 2027?

The SSA confirmed a 3.6% increase for 2027, which will also apply to SSI recipients. According to the agency, the new adjustment will take effect for these recipients with the Dec. 31, 2026, deposit.

The maximum monthly federal benefit will rise from:

• $994 to $1,029 for one person.
• $1,491 to $1,544 for an eligible couple.

Individual amounts may vary depending on income and other eligibility conditions.

In many cases, however, the problem is not the rubber itself, but dirt buildup along the edge, and it can be fixed with something as simple, homemade and inexpensive as wiping it down with a cloth and alcohol or vinegar.

Why They Make Noise and Scratch the Glass

The rubber edge of a wiper blade is a part with a precise edge: It rests on the glass at an exact angle and sweeps away water evenly. With use, that edge picks up a film of dust, dirt from the road, insect remains, sap, soot and pollution, along with a layer of the rubber itself that oxidizes in the sun and ozone.

That grime breaks the even contact between the rubber and the glass. Instead of gliding smoothly, the blade repeatedly sticks and slips many times a second: That jerking is what you hear as noise or squeaking, and it leaves streaks of water and lines because the edge no longer makes even contact. In other words, many times the rubber is not worn out -- it is just dirty and hardened on the surface.

How to Clean Wiper Blades So They Stop Making Noise and Scratching the Glass

The key is to clean just the rubber edge. Isopropyl alcohol is a solvent: It dissolves grease, wax and the oily film from the road that water alone will not remove, lifts away the oxidized rubber layer and evaporates without leaving residue. Once the edge is clean and smooth, it glides again without skipping: The noise goes away and the streaks do too.

White vinegar is a gentler alternative: Its acidity (acetic acid) helps loosen dirt and mineral buildup stuck to the edge. It cleans well, though it is a good idea to dry it afterward so no moisture is left behind.

Step by Step: How to Clean Them

The process is quick and does not require tools:

• Lift the wiper arm away from the glass, taking care that it does not snap back against the windshield (the impact can chip the glass).
• Dampen a clean cloth or cotton ball with isopropyl alcohol or white vinegar.
• Run the cloth along the rubber edge, from one end to the other, pressing just lightly enough to clean the exact edge that touches the glass.
• Repeat until the cloth comes away clean: You will see how much black grime comes off.
• Do the same with the other blade and, if applicable, the rear one.
• Let it evaporate or dry carefully before lowering the arm back into place.

That rule is in Section 202(y) of the law and says that for each full calendar month in which a foreign national does not have legal presence in the country, the Social Security Administration (SSA) does not pay that month’s benefit.

What Section 202(y) says

Section 202(y) sets a legal-presence requirement for payment of Social Security benefits (Title II benefits: retirement, disability and family and survivor benefits) to people who are not U.S. citizens.

Specifically, it says benefits will not be paid for any full calendar month during which the foreign beneficiary is not legally present in the United States, as determined under the country’s immigration rules.

A foreign national who meets all the requirements to collect, including the needed years of contributions, still does not receive payment for any full months in which they do not have legal status in the country.

What is meant by “legal presence”

The SSA does not define legal presence itself; immigration rules do that, now through the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Broadly speaking, in addition to U.S. citizens and nationals, foreign nationals who are in the country lawfully under certain categories are considered to have legal presence.

When Social Security benefits stop being paid

Under this rule, the SSA stops paying the monthly benefit to a foreign beneficiary for each full calendar month in which they do not have legal presence in the United States. If the person did not have legal status for the entire month, that payment is not made. No special “cutoff” notice is needed for this to happen, because the requirement applies month by month based on status during each period.

Payments resume starting in the month the person regains legal presence. The following benefits can be paid again, as long as the other conditions are met. So rather than a permanent termination, the measure works like a switch tied to immigration status: it turns off in months without legal presence and can turn back on once that status is restored.

Prince was 57 and had no spouse, no living children, and no will. Under Minnesota law, his fortune went to his six half-siblings: Sharon, Norrine, John R. and Tyka Nelson, Omarr Baker, and Alfred Jackson.

Six half-siblings became his heirs

Just identifying the heirs took a year. Some people even showed up at the courthouse “asking for the keys to Paisley Park,” according to Joe Cassioppi, a lawyer for Comerica Bank, which managed the estate.

“There has never been a probate case in Minnesota as complicated as this one,” he told the Star Tribune.

How much was Prince’s estate worth?

The first major dispute was over the value of the estate. The bank initially estimated it at $82.3 million, while the IRS valued it at $163.2 million.

In January 2022, after years of negotiations, all sides agreed on $156.4 million.

The figure mattered because it determined how much the estate owed in state taxes. After payments, about $104.8 million was left to distribute, according to court documents.

The fight between heirs over Prince’s estate

The court battle ended up costing tens of millions of dollars in legal and administrative fees.

Also, while the case dragged on, two of the heirs, John R. Nelson and Alfred Jackson, died.

Their lawyer later urged lawmakers to reform probate laws so elderly heirs would not have to wait so long.

Who ended up with Prince’s fortune?

In July 2022, a judge approved the final agreement. The estate was split 50-50 between two groups:

• Primary Wave, a New York music company that had bought most of the shares of three siblings: Tyka Nelson, Omarr Baker, and Alfred Jackson.
• The other three siblings (Sharon, Norrine, and John R. Nelson) or their families, along with their advisers.

Both sides now share control of Prince’s music rights and businesses, including Paisley Park.

“Prince can now rest in peace,” his half-sister Sharon Nelson said after the final hearing. Leaving the courthouse, she added: “Free at last.”

The maximum benefit reaches $1,330. However, the amount is not the same for everyone: it changes according to household income and the number of qualifying children. Applications are already being accepted, and eligible residents have several years to submit their requests.

Who qualifies for Washington’s $1,330 refund?

The state Department of Revenue requires applicants to meet several conditions for the 2025 tax year. Having a job during the year is not enough by itself: applicants must also meet the program’s residency, age, tax-filing and income rules.

The main requirements are:

• Washington residency: Applicants must have lived in the state for at least 183 days during 2025.
• Identification number: They must have a valid Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• Age or family status: They must have been at least 25 and under 65 in 2025, or have a qualifying child.
• Federal tax return: They must have filed a federal income tax return for 2025.
• Income eligibility: They must qualify for the federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), or meet its requirements but file using an ITIN.

The program does not require applicants to have a Social Security number specifically. A valid ITIN is accepted, including for people who are not eligible to receive an SSN. Applicants who include a spouse or children on their application must also provide a valid SSN or ITIN for each person.

How much can eligible workers receive?

The maximum refund depends on the number of qualifying children included in the application. The state sets different benefit amounts for each household category, while income limits determine who can qualify.

Income limits also vary according to filing status. For the 2025 tax year, the thresholds are:

These figures represent the maximum income allowed to qualify. The actual refund may be lower than the maximum because the program calculates the benefit according to income and family circumstances. The minimum refund is $50.

How to apply for the Working Families Tax Credit

Washington began accepting applications for the 2025 tax year on February 1, 2026. Residents can submit their requests through the official Working Families Tax Credit website, where the application is available in English and Spanish.

Applicants can also request a paper application or receive assistance at a Department of Revenue field office. The state offers three ways to receive the refund: direct deposit, a paper check or a prepaid debit card.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 tax year is December 31, 2029. This means eligible workers do not have to submit their applications immediately, although they should check the requirements and prepare the necessary information.

The WFTC is separate from the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. Therefore, people who qualify for both programs may receive the Washington state refund in addition to their federal tax credit.

The study, published in Science Translational Medicine and led by the University of Pittsburgh in the United States, analyzed 16 pharmacogenes, or genes known to affect the effectiveness or toxicity of various drugs. To do so, it combined whole-genome sequencing with electronic health records from 98,590 participants.

All participants had at least one genetic variant

The results show that everyone in the sample had at least one of these genetic variants, with a median of nine per participant.

In addition, 24.4% had taken a medication whose effect can be altered by one of the variants they carried, according to EFE.

Ibuprofen, omeprazole, and other common drugs affected

Among the most common drugs identified in the study were ondansetron, used to treat nausea; ibuprofen, an anti-inflammatory; omeprazole and pantoprazole, used for acid reflux and heartburn; and atorvastatin, which is used to lower cholesterol.

In the United States, more than 300 drugs include information in their labeling about how they interact with genetic variants, in cases where a genetic test can help guide prescribing. One example is a chemotherapy drug for colon cancer that can cause severe toxicity in up to 8% of patients with these variants, so they are tested before treatment.

The importance of precision medicine

According to the University of Pittsburgh, the finding highlights the value of genetic testing for certain medications. It also suggests that adding alerts to electronic health records could help doctors when prescribing any of these drugs.

Although many factors influence how a patient responds to treatment, genetics “could be a decisive factor for a large proportion of patients and underscores the importance of precision medicine when prescribing,” said the study’s lead author, Philip Empey.

More Than 17,000 New Variants Identified

The team also identified more than 17,000 new genetic variants and calculated the frequency of other known variants across different ancestry groups, including populations for which estimates had not previously been available.

The study was based on data from the All of Us research program at the U.S. National Institutes of Health, which aims to collect information from 1 million people to better understand how lifestyle, environment and genes affect health and disease.

One of those situations is when the holder reported a valid passport as lost or stolen. In those cases, the document is invalidated and the citizen can no longer use it to go through the usual renewal process, even if it is later found.

To get a replacement, they must complete Form DS-11 and submit the required documents in person.

Why a passport cannot be renewed with Form DS-82 if it was reported lost or stolen

The U.S. State Department says citizens can only use Form DS-82 to renew their passport by mail if they meet certain conditions. One of them is that the previous document was never reported lost or stolen.

The requirements for this option include:

• Submit the most recent U.S. passport with the application.
• The document must have been issued within the last 15 years.
• The holder must have been at least 16 when it was issued.
• The passport must be valid for 10 years and show no significant damage.

When someone reports a valid passport lost or stolen, the State Department cancels it. That means that even if the person later finds it, it can no longer be used for travel.

For that reason, the person is barred from renewing it by mail using DS-82 and must apply in person for a new document if they are in the U.S..

What form citizens must submit to replace a lost or stolen passport

Citizens in the U.S. must complete Form DS-11, which is used to apply for a new passport when they do not qualify to renew it. The process must be completed in person at an authorized passport acceptance facility.

They must also report the loss or theft of the previous document using Form DS-64. However, they do not necessarily have to submit it separately, since the State Department allows the person to report what happened directly when completing DS-11.

There are several ways to report the incident:

• Online: through the State Department’s official tool.
• By mail: with a signed Form DS-64.
• When applying for a replacement: by reporting the loss or theft within the DS-11 application.

If the citizen is outside the United States, they must contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for instructions.

What requirements and documents the United States requires to apply for a new passport

To replace the document using Form DS-11, adult applicants must submit a series of documents proving their identity and U.S. citizenship.

According to the State Department, they must provide:

• Form DS-11: completed and printed. It must not be signed until instructed by the acceptance office official.
• Proof of U.S. citizenship: this can be a birth certificate, a previous U.S. passport in good condition, a naturalization certificate or a citizenship certificate, among other accepted documents.
• Photo ID: a valid physical document must be presented, such as a driver’s license.
• Copies: these must include a copy of the proof of citizenship and copies of the front and back of the photo ID.
• Passport photo: it must meet the measurements and requirements set by U.S. authorities.

In this regard, the application must be submitted in person at an authorized office, where an official will verify the documents and administer the required oath before asking for the form to be signed.

As for adult fees, the passport book has an application fee of $130, plus $35 for acceptance of the application. If a passport card or both documents are requested, the amounts are different.

This protection under the labor law applies to everyone employed by large employers -500 people or more- in retail, hotel or food service sectors.

What Oregon labor law says about changing employees’ schedules without notice

Officials explain that the work schedule must be provided in writing to each employee at least 14 calendar days in advance.

If a worker’s schedule is changed -even if only for one day- and they were not specifically notified, an extra payment must be made, equivalent to one additional hour of work.

This payment must be made whenever more than 30 minutes are added to the work schedule; the date, start time or end time of the shift is changed while keeping the same number of hours; or an extra or on-call shift is added.

“If you ask to work additional shifts, the extra compensation on top of your hourly pay does not apply,” it says.

What exceptions does labor law include to this rule?

The extra compensation outlined above does not have to be paid when schedule changes could not be properly notified to the worker because of force majeure, such as a natural disaster.

The factors covered include:

• Floods
• Earthquakes
• Volcanic eruptions
• Tsunamis
• Wildfires
• Snowstorms
• Extreme temperatures
• Fires
• Explosions
• Wars
• Civil unrest

Oregon labor law: what it says about rest between shifts

The rules say that, unless explicitly requested by the worker, it is not legal to call an employee in to work during the first 10 hours after the end of their shift.

“If you are scheduled for a consecutive shift with less than 10 hours in between, your employer must pay you time and a half your regular wage,” it explains.

During these weeks, beneficiaries will be able to make changes in three programs: the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB), the Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHB) and the Federal Dental and Vision Insurance Program (FEDVIP).

The agency also reminded workers who meet the requirements that they can enroll in the Federal Flexible Spending Account Program (FSAFEDS), an option that lets them set aside pretax money for certain medical expenses.

How long federal employees can change health insurance

The official schedule states that open enrollment began Nov. 9 and will end Monday, Dec. 14, 2026. Until then, federal workers and eligible retirees can compare options and decide whether to keep their current benefits or choose other options for next year.

The deadline has one twist: the closing time depends on the program.

• FEHB and PSHB: the deadline is 11:59 p.m., based on the local time of the online enrollment system.
• FEDVIP and FSAFEDS: enrollment ends at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET).

What insurance and benefits federal employees can change

The open enrollment includes different medical coverage options and supplemental benefits. Each program has its own features and is aimed at certain groups of workers and beneficiaries. The main coverages they can review are:

• FEHB: offers health insurance to eligible federal employees and other beneficiaries who meet the program requirements.
• PSHB: provides health coverage to eligible U.S. Postal Service employees and retirees and their qualifying family members.
• FEDVIP: lets participants buy dental and vision insurance through different participating insurers.
• FSAFEDS: offers flexible spending accounts to use pretax funds for certain health care expenses.

For 2027, the FEHB program will offer 118 plan options from 45 insurers. In the case of PSHB, 65 options from 17 companies will be available. Meanwhile, FEDVIP will include 21 dental insurance options from 11 insurers and 10 vision coverage options offered by five companies.

What happens if federal employees do not change their health insurance before Dec. 14

Those who are satisfied with their current coverage do not need to make any changes to stay in the programs next year. However, there is an important difference for those who use FSAFEDS: participants must make a new election each year if they want to keep this benefit. In other words, simply keeping enrollment open is not enough.

What changes will there be in benefits in 2027

One of OPM’s standout announcements is the addition of a FSAFEDS Visa card for certain eligible medical expenses. Participants will be able to choose the option to pay authorized expenses directly at the point of sale for health care, pharmacy, dental and vision. They will also be able to keep using the electronic reimbursement system.

On the other hand, OPM noted that, for the second year in a row, it managed to slow the average growth of federal insurance premiums.

The Australian consumer group CHOICE explains that there are cheaper alternatives for avoiding these products.

Among them, it recommends using white vinegar in the washing machine, an option that can help soften clothes without leaving behind any odor after washing.

How much vinegar should you put in the washing machine to replace fabric softener?

According to CHOICE, the right ratio is half a cup of white vinegar per load of laundry. The group advises putting it directly in the fabric softener compartment, rather than adding it with the detergent during the wash cycle.

Although vinegar can work as an alternative, CHOICE says it does not necessarily provide the same level of softness as a commercial fabric softener. Still, it notes that it is significantly cheaper and offers other benefits during laundering.

What are the benefits of using white vinegar instead of fabric softener?

The Australian group says replacing fabric softener with vinegar can offer several benefits. Among them:

• It does not leave an odor on clothes: when the wash is done, there is no vinegar smell or residue left on the garments.
• It does not cause skin irritation from fabric softener residue: unlike commercial products, vinegar does not leave fabric softener residue on the fabric.
• It does not reduce towel absorbency: it helps preserve this quality, which can be affected by conventional fabric softeners.
• It helps clean the washing machine: it helps remove residue and buildup inside the machine, which can get worse with the use of commercial fabric softeners.

CHOICE also says fabric softeners are unnecessary products and recommends simple alternatives for getting fluffier clothes, such as shaking out towels after washing or putting them in the dryer for a few minutes.

Among his main proposals, Slim calls for changing the way work hours are distributed: setting schedules of up to 12 hours a day for just three days a week. In exchange, he says the retirement age should be raised to 75 instead of keeping current limits.

Although this is not a new idea in his remarks, the proposal is once again gaining attention in an international context in which pension systems are facing difficulties in ensuring their financial sustainability.

Retirement system in Mexico

In Mexico, the retirement age is currently around 65, while life expectancy is above 75, a gap that, according to the businessman, makes it necessary to review the conditions under which people stop working.

From his perspective, longer lifespans have changed the needs of pension systems. More and more people are retiring and spending more years in the system, which increases costs for both the public sector and private funds. That is why Slim believes the models designed when people lived shorter lives need an update.

“People should work three days, 12 hours a day, three days to make room for three other people to work the other three days and retire at 75, not 65 or 60,” he said in October 2023 during the 28th Plenary Meeting of the Montevideo Circle Foundation, held in Spain.

The businessman argues that extending working life could help ease the financial pressure on pension systems and, at the same time, support higher income generation.

That position is also tied to the challenges facing his own business group. At Telmex, one of his most important companies, the pension system is one of its main financial obligations, because the company has pension commitments to more than 40,000 retirees, many of them covered under older plans that allowed early retirement.

Flaws Carlos Slim sees in the pension system

Carlos Slim believes current retirement systems are becoming increasingly difficult to sustain, especially in economies where gross domestic product (GDP) growth is limited and poverty remains high. In that context, he warns of the need to find alternatives that allow available resources to be balanced against social security obligations.

However, the proposal also draws criticism from experts and different sectors of society. One of the main objections is that delaying retirement could deepen inequalities, especially for people who do physically demanding work, work in precarious conditions, or do not have the same ability to stay active into older age.

There are also questions about the consequences of implementing 12-hour shifts, even when they are concentrated into fewer days of the week. Concerns include the possible effects on health, rest, productivity, and the balance between work and personal life.

It involves placing a sheet of aluminum foil under the ironing board cover. It’s not a pointless gimmick: it has a specific physical explanation and helps you iron faster.

What putting aluminum foil under the ironing board cover does

Putting aluminum foil under the cover helps speed up ironing and remove wrinkles with less effort. With this trick, each pass of the iron is more effective, so fewer repeats are needed to smooth out a garment. In practice, that means less time ironing and, along the way, lower energy use from the iron.

The trick relies on one property of aluminum: it is a material that reflects heat instead of absorbing it. Normally, when the iron rests on the fabric, heat reaches it only from above, and the board underneath absorbs and “takes away” some of that heat. By placing a sheet of foil under the cover, the heat that would pass through the fabric bounces back up.

The result is that the garment gets heat from both sides at once: from the iron above and from the reflected heat below. With the fabric heated on both sides, wrinkles give way more quickly.

Step by step: how to do it properly

The process is simple:

• Remove the cloth cover from the ironing board.
• Spread one or more sheets of aluminum foil over the surface of the board, covering it well, with the shinier side facing up (the side that reflects better).
• Smooth out the foil so it is free of wrinkles or folds and the surface stays even.
• Put the cloth cover back over the foil.
• Iron as usual: you’ll notice clothes smooth out in fewer passes.

Why it’s recommended

Beyond the result, the appeal is that it’s a cheap, simple trick that makes use of something almost everyone has in the kitchen. It doesn’t require buying a special board or accessories: one sheet of aluminum foil is enough. Add to that the time savings, especially useful when there’s a lot of laundry to iron, and the energy savings, since ironing faster means the iron works less.

The material covering the driver’s side windows is one of the law’s provisions. While tinted windows are allowed in Florida, they must comply with the rules set for light transmittance and solar reflectance.

Transmittance and reflectance: what is the difference between them

Transmittance is the amount of sunlight the glass lets into the vehicle. The lower the tint’s transmittance, the darker the glass will be.

Reflectance, meanwhile, is the percentage of sunlight that bounces off the window, and that affects how mirrored the tint looks.

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What Florida Statute 316.2953 says about transmittance and reflectance

The official rule says vehicles in Florida may not travel on any public road or street where the driver and front passenger windows and the side windows beside them have solar reflectance greater than 25% and light transmittance less than 28%.

Any material used on these windows to reduce transparency even further or alter the window’s color can cause the driver to get a fine.

How much the fine is for failing to meet tint standards

The regulations say this type of violation will be treated as a nonmoving violation, meaning an offense that is not related to how someone drives but to a regulatory requirement.

Chapter 318 of the statutes says all offenses in this category carry a $30 fine.

The idea uses a common kitchen item and requires no extra products or special tools. It is easy to apply and can be added to a cleaning routine, although it is important to know how to prepare it, what benefits are attributed to it and when the material should be replaced so it does not lose its usefulness.

What is putting aluminum foil on a broom for?

Putting aluminum foil on a broom is a household trick designed to make floor cleaning easier, especially in spaces where hair, lint and small dust particles build up. These bits can be hard to gather with ordinary sweeping, since some stick to the bristles or get scattered again by the broom’s movement.

The technique involves wrapping the lower part of the broom with a sheet of aluminum foil in an effort to improve the collection of this debris. In this way, it is presented as an inexpensive option to complement regular sweeping and reduce the amount of dirt left on surfaces.

How does the aluminum-foil-on-a-broom trick work?

The method relies on the supposed effect of static electricity. By placing aluminum foil around the base or bristles of the broom, the goal is to help attract small dust particles and keep hair and lint from spreading while sweeping.

To try it, follow these steps:

1. Cut a sheet of aluminum foil: use a piece large enough to cover the lower part of the broom.
2. Wrap the base: place the material around the bristle area, making sure it is evenly distributed.
3. Secure the foil: fasten it so it does not come loose or interfere with the broom’s movement.
4. Start sweeping: use the broom normally and see how it works on the surface.

This trick can be tried on different types of floors, such as laminate, tile and vinyl. However, it should not be considered a substitute for a vacuum cleaner or other cleaning methods.

How often should the aluminum foil on the broom be changed with this trick?

There is no fixed schedule for replacing the aluminum foil. The best approach is to check its condition after each use and replace it when it is too wrinkled, dirty, torn or has lost the shape it had when it was put on.

How often it needs to be changed will depend on how much the broom is used, how much dirt is collected and the type of surface being swept. If the material builds up debris or starts to come loose, it is best to remove it and put on a new sheet before using the broom again.

It looks like no other sign, and that distinct shape is precisely how it warns drivers of something important: that a stretch where passing is prohibited is beginning.

What the yellow pennant-shaped traffic sign pointing right means

The sign is part of the warning category, with a yellow background, and marks the start of a no-passing zone. From that point on, the driver may not pass another vehicle, meaning they cannot cross into the opposite lane to get around the car ahead. The ban remains in effect for the entire stretch the sign indicates, until the zone ends.

Why it is important to recognize it and what to do when you see it

Drivers should stay in their lane and not try to pass until the zone ends, no matter how slow the vehicle ahead may be. The advice is to be patient, obey the speed limit and wait until reaching a stretch where passing is allowed.

The end of the zone is usually marked by a sign reading “PASS WITH CARE” on the right side of the road, indicating that passing is allowed again when it is safe.

No-passing zones are marked precisely in places where passing is dangerous: curves, hills or stretches of road without enough visibility to see whether an oncoming car is approaching.

Passing there is one of the most serious causes of head-on crashes. Recognizing the yellow pennant in time and understanding that from there on, you have to stay in your lane, is key to avoiding a maneuver that can end very badly.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Ford was landing only small or uncredited roles in film and TV. To make ends meet, he taught himself carpentry. “I was supporting my growing family with carpentry jobs. Another way to put food on the table,” he told the graduates.

How did Harrison Ford go from a carpenter to a Hollywood actor

“I loved making things. And I only took acting jobs when the parts challenged me,” Ford emphasized.

That balance lasted about 15 years. During that time, Ford said he landed only “four or five” acting jobs, according to Fortune. One of them was a small part in George Lucas’ second film, American Grafitti (1973).

The carpenter job that changed his life

When Lucas began casting Star Wars, he had made it clear he wanted new faces and not actors that already worked with him in American Graffiti.

But in 1975, Ford was installing a door at the offices of Francis Ford Coppola’s production company, where Lucas was holding auditions.

The director asked him to help by reading lines with the actors who were trying out for Solo’s role. Producer Fred Roos, who had worked with Ford before, was also pushing for him to play Han Solo.

“I read with about 300 actors,” Ford recalled. “Weeks or months later, they asked me if I wanted to play Han Solo.”

The myth behind the real story

Over the years, a popular version of the story claimed Ford was building cabinets at George Lucas’ home. In 2017, when Lucas repeated that version on stage, Ford corrected him and added that he had never done carpentry work for Lucas.

From a salary of $1,000 a week to $25 million in earnings

Ford told Good Morning America in 2015 he was paid $1,000 a week for his role in the first Star Wars film. Decades later, he reportedly earned $25 million to return as Han Solo in The Force Awakens (2015).

Today, at 84 years old, he has a strong message for young people who are still looking for their opportunity. “When opportunity presents, recognize it,” he said in his speech. “This is your time. Own it.”

To detect their movements, there is a low-cost trick that uses a common kitchen item. It involves placing small pieces of aluminum foil in places where rodents are suspected to travel.

How does the aluminum foil trick work to detect mice at home?

The method takes advantage of the fact that aluminum foil is light, easy to crumple and makes a distinct sound when stepped on or moved. For that reason, it can serve as a homemade indicator of rodent activity.

To try it, cut several pieces of aluminum foil and place them in areas where mice might hide or move around.

The recommended places are:

• Behind the refrigerator, stove and other appliances.
• Near baseboards and under furniture.
• Around pipes and wall openings.
• In pantry corners or near places where food is stored.

After leaving them overnight, check whether they have moved, show marks or are crumpled.

How effective is the aluminum foil trick for mice?

Aluminum foil is useful for detecting the presence of rodents, but it is not a removal method on its own.

Its main advantage is that it can help identify whether there is movement in certain areas of the home without spending money on special devices.

What other methods can be combined with it to get rid of mice?

Once possible routes have been identified, it is important to take steps to make the rodents leave the home or keep them from getting back in.

The prevention measures promoted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are:

• Seal entry points: check cracks and gaps around pipes, doors and windows. Mice can get in through openings as small as 6 millimeters. To close them, steel wool, sealant or other suitable metal materials can be used.
• Store food properly: use airtight glass, metal or heavy-duty plastic containers. It is also important to clean up crumbs and not leave pet food out overnight.
• Keep the home clean: remove trash, piled-up boxes and materials that could serve as shelter or help them build nests.
• Set traps: spring traps can help control mice. They should be placed near walls and in areas where signs of activity were found, always out of reach of children and pets.
• Consult a specialist: if rodent activity continues or signs appear in different rooms, it is best to turn to a professional pest control service.

In this context, banks, several government offices, and some private businesses close their doors to the public, so it is essential to factor them into your schedule when handling paperwork.

Another holiday in the month: Thanksgiving will be celebrated next Thursday, Nov. 26

The National Archives and Records Administration explains that President Roosevelt signed a resolution on Dec. 26, 1941, establishing that the fourth Thursday in November would be observed as this federal holiday.

This holiday commemorates the good harvest of 1621, when history says colonists and Indigenous communities shared a plentiful meal.

It is traditionally celebrated with a large family dinner. “Stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie are the staples of the Thanksgiving feast,” explains the U.S. Embassy.

Banks, government offices and businesses close on Nov. 26

Bank of America, Wells Fargo and other banks in the country keep their branches closed during federal holidays, ending all in-person service. On this day, ATMs and banking apps operate as usual for balance checks and other simple transactions, though it is always advisable to check with each institution in case there is any change in hours.

Nonessential government offices and various businesses also close their doors during these days. In addition, people are advised to check school calendars for class cancellations or special activities related to the holiday.

The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) offers guidance on locks that allow agents to inspect luggage without breaking the lock. The Canadian government, meanwhile, explains the benefits of wrapping suitcases in clear plastic.

In that sense, it is important to know what each official agency recommends and which option is most convenient for securing luggage before boarding a plane.

Locking a suitcase: what the TSA says

For travelers who need to check luggage, using a TSA-approved lock is a practical way to keep a suitcase closed, since one of its advantages is that it makes airport screening easier. As the agency explains on its official website, these devices have a system that allows agents to open them with master keys when they need to inspect the contents, without having to cut the lock.

The TSA says the packaging for these products must indicate that they are compatible with its screening procedures. However, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) advises carrying cash, jewelry, medications, important documents and other irreplaceable items in carry-on luggage or on your person.

Wrapping a suitcase in plastic film: what the Canadian government says

The Canadian government says one advantage of wrapping a suitcase in plastic film is that it can show if someone opened the luggage without authorization, since any attempt to tamper with it can leave visible marks or tear the plastic.

The measure can also act as a deterrent against possible theft of personal items, because anyone trying to get inside would have to remove or tear the covering, leaving signs that the suitcase may have been tampered with. According to government recommendations, this option appears to be the most suitable for protecting your luggage.

The combination of these ingredients releases its aromas during cooking and creates a spicy, citrusy scent that spreads throughout the home. In addition to being an inexpensive alternative, this preparation is simple and makes use of ingredients that are usually thrown away.

What is boiling orange peels with black peppercorns and cloves good for?

This combination is mainly used to fragrance the home. When the ingredients are boiled, the heat releases their aromatic compounds and disperses them through the steam.

Each ingredient adds its own scent:

• Orange peels: release a fresh, citrusy aroma.
• Black pepper: adds a strong, spicy note.
• Cloves: give off a warm, pungent fragrance.

The result is a natural scent that can help mask lingering odors in places like the kitchen or living room.

How do you make the mixture for boiling orange peels with black peppercorns and cloves?

The preparation requires just a few ingredients and does not need anything extra. To make it at home, follow these steps:

• 1. Place the peels of one or two oranges in a pot.
• 2. Add between five and 10 black peppercorns.
• 3. Add between five and eight cloves.
• 4. Add enough water to cover the ingredients.
• 5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat.
• 6. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the aromas can be released.

How long does this trick’s fragrance last?

The scent is strongest while the mixture remains hot and gives off steam. Its intensity depends on the amount of ingredients, cooking time, room size and ventilation.

Once the heat is turned off, the fragrance may remain in the room for a while, though it will gradually fade. There is no guaranteed exact duration.

What precautions should you take when using this homemade trick?

Although it is a simple preparation, a few precautions are needed to avoid accidents:

• Do not leave the pot unattended: keep an eye on it while it is on the burner.
• Watch the water: do not let it evaporate completely, since the pot could overheat.
• Keep it away from children and pets: both the hot pot and the steam can cause burns.
• Avoid breathing in the steam directly: do not bring your face close to the pot while it is boiling.
• Do not use spoiled ingredients: throw out the mixture if there are signs of spoilage or mold.
• Ventilate the room: especially if the scent is too strong or causes discomfort.

The original toilet paper patent offers a reference for the orientation envisioned in its design. This applies to both single-ply and double-ply rolls.

Along with knowing this reference, it is important to keep in mind the hygiene recommendations for using toilet paper and keeping the bathroom clean from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Forward or backward? Which is the recommended way to place toilet paper

The debate over how to place toilet paper on the holder goes back more than a century. One of the best-known references is U.S. Patent US465588A, filed by Seth Wheeler on Dec. 22, 1891, which shows the roll with the paper hanging over the front.

This arrangement corresponds to what is commonly known as placing the paper forward, an alternative in which the end hangs behind, closer to the wall.

What to keep in mind to stay hygienic when using toilet paper

Beyond the roll’s position, bathroom hygiene depends on other everyday habits. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stress the importance of washing your hands after using the toilet to reduce the spread of germs.

The recommendation is to use soap and water, scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds and rinse them thoroughly. It is also important to regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as the flush button, faucet and doorknob.

The recommendation is tied to vinegar’s properties as a cleaning product and its ability to disrupt the chemical trails these insects use to move around.

The University of Minnesota Extension (UMN) explains that a mild vinegar-and-water solution can help clean up some pest trails and temporarily interrupt their activity.

What spraying vinegar at the front door is for

One of vinegar’s main uses in this area is to clean the trails ants follow when they enter a home in search of food or water. These insects often move along regular routes and leave chemical signals, known as pheromones, that help other members of the colony find the way.

By cleaning those surfaces with a mild vinegar-and-water solution, it is possible to temporarily interrupt that route and make it harder for ants to keep using the same path. For that reason, the door frame, nearby baseboards and any spots where they are seen entering can be good places to focus on.

Even so, this method has limited reach. The University of Minnesota says the most effective way to control ants is to identify where they are nesting and treat the nest when necessary. Vinegar can serve as a complementary measure, but it does not guarantee the insects will disappear for good.

What benefits vinegar offers for household cleaning

Beyond its use against ant trails, white vinegar can be used for certain household cleaning tasks.

The Cleaning Healthy, Cleaning Green guide from the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension describes it as a mild acid that can replace some commercial products in specific uses.

Its main advantages include:

• Helps clean certain surfaces: its acidity can help remove some residue and dirt.
• Can reduce the use of certain commercial products: it can be an alternative for some everyday tasks, as long as the surface material is compatible.
• It is an affordable option: it is usually easy to find and can be used diluted in water for certain household uses.
• Can help temporarily disrupt ant trails: it is a complementary measure when ant activity is detected near entrances.

How to use vinegar on the door frame and keep ants out

To use it, it is important first to identify where the insects are entering and clean the surfaces where their trails can be seen. There is no need to spray vinegar all over the house.

Step by step, the recommended guide is as follows:

1. Identify the route: watch to see whether the ants are coming in under the door, through a crack or along the edges of the frame.
2. Prepare a mild solution: mix white vinegar with water.
3. Clean the area: apply the solution to a cloth and wipe the compatible surface where the trail was detected.
4. Check entry points: look for cracks or openings that allow insects to get in.
5. Remove food scraps: keep the areas near the door clean and store food in closed containers.

The University of Minnesota guide also recommends sealing the cracks where ants are entering, removing materials that could support their nests and trimming branches that touch the home and serve as access routes.

When winter break starts in Miami schools

While the Miami-Dade County Public Schools calendar says “Winter recess for students and employees” begins on Monday, Dec. 21, the break starts a few days earlier because Friday, Dec. 18, will be a Teacher Planning Day, so students will not have classes that day.

When students return to class

According to the school calendar, the break will run through Christmas and New Year’s celebrations until Jan. 1, 2027. Classes will resume on Monday, Jan. 4.

Which schools are included in the year-end break

The dates correspond to the 2026-2027 Miami-Dade County Public Schools calendar and apply to the district’s public elementary and secondary schools.

The document also notes that there are exceptions for certain 12-month employees and staff covered by specific labor agreements. In particular, it says the break applies to employees, “with the exception of Fraternal Order of Police and select 12-month employees”.

The State Department clarified that the requirement depends on whether the holder can still be identified from the photo on the current document.

Who must renew their passport after weight changes

The department includes significant weight gain and loss among the physical changes that justify requesting a new passport. In its official instructions, the agency says: “You only need to apply for a new passport if your appearance has changed significantly”.

However, not every change requires the paperwork. If the person can still be recognized from their current photo, they do not need to renew the document.

What other physical changes require a passport renewal

The State Department also considers other major changes:

• Major facial surgeries.
• Significant facial injuries.
• Adding or removing many tattoos.
• Getting large facial piercings or removing them.

By contrast, growing a beard, dyeing your hair, or aging naturally are not reasons to apply for another passport.

What requirements the passport photo must meet

Those who need to renew the document must submit a photo that meets the following conditions:

• 2 x 2 inches (51 x 51 millimeters).
• Taken within the last six months.
• Plain white or off-white background, with no shadows.
• Face centered and looking directly at the camera.
• Eyes open and mouth closed.
• No glasses, hats or accessories that cover the face.
• No filters, retouching or digital alterations.

“Unacceptable photos are the main reason we put passport applications on hold”, the agency warns.

Where you can get the photo for a passport renewal

Citizens can get their photo at a passport acceptance facility, a specialized commercial business, or from a family member or friend.

According to the presidential document sent to Congress, personnel in grades E-1 through E-5 would receive a 7% raise, while those in grades E-6 or O-3 would get a 6% increase. For officers from O-4 upward, the planned adjustment would be 5%.

However, the plan still has to go through the legislative process. While the president’s proposal calls for different increases, the Senate Armed Services Committee is pushing an alternative that would set a flat 3.6% raise.

Which service members would get the 7%, 6% and 5% pay raise in 2027

The Donald Trump administration has put forward a pay-adjustment plan for service members based on military rank. According to the presidential document sent to Congress, the percentages will be 7%, 6% and 5%.

The proposed breakdown is as follows:

• 7%: service members in grades E-1 through E-5.
• 6%: service members in grades E-6 through O-3.
• 5%: military personnel in grades O-4 and above.

In this way, lower-ranking personnel would receive the largest percentage increase, while senior officers would get a 5% adjustment.

The measure is laid out in the Alternative Plan for Pay Adjustments document, identified as H. Doc. 119-189, which bears President Donald Trump’s signature and was sent to Congress in August 2026.

The White House plan sets Jan. 1, 2027, as the effective date for the new rates. The adjustment would apply to the monthly base pay of members of the armed forces.

The date is stated explicitly in the presidential document, which says the pay changes will begin on the first day of January 2027.

However, the increase still has to be considered by lawmakers, as there are differences between the House and Senate versions of the defense bill for fiscal 2027.

Why the Senate is proposing a different military pay raise

The 7%, 6% and 5% increase is not the only option on the table. The Senate Armed Services Committee included a uniform 3.6% pay increase for all service members in its version of the fiscal 2027 defense authorization bill.

The difference between the two plans means that while the House fallback proposal calls for increases based on military rank, the Senate committee version sets the same percentage for everyone.

The Senate proposal was included in bill S.4784, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2027, introduced by the Armed Services Committee on June 15, 2026. As a result, the final percentage still depends on how the legislative process unfolds and whether the differences between the two versions are resolved.

According to the school calendar, Friday, Nov. 27, will be the third and final 2026 School Technical Council, or CTE, session planned by the Secretariat of Public Education, or SEP, which requires schools to suspend classes for students. Teachers and administrative staff, however, must report to work.

That same week, from Nov. 23 to 27, teachers must record and report evaluation results.

Students’ vacation break officially begins Dec. 21

The SEP set in its school calendar that the official start of the vacation break will be from Monday, Dec. 21 to Jan. 5.

Note that preschool, elementary, and middle school students at all public schools and private schools affiliated with the National Education System will have Wednesday, Jan. 6, marked as a suspension of classes for staff duties, which means students will return to class on Thursday, Jan. 7.

Classes and recesses without cellphones move forward

The Secretariat of Public Education is continuing its campaigns on the already in effect policy of in-effect device use in schools. This national policy began Nov. 3 in public and private elementary and middle schools, with the goal of ensuring that girls, boys and teens “make the most of every moment at school.”

With this action, authorities aim to “help them focus on class, discover a love of reading, play, do sports and strengthen relationships,” while reducing digital distractions in the classroom.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) notes that these measures do not completely prevent gray hair or guarantee a return of lost color.

The six recommended habits

The guide lists these six habits:

1. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.
2. Follow a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins and minerals.
3. Get enough sleep.
4. Don’t smoke.
5. Try to manage stress.
6. Protect your skin and hair from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation.

Why hair loses its color

Gray hair appears when the follicles stop producing melanin, the substance that gives hair its color.

Family history, certain health conditions and lifestyle can influence when it appears. The AAD also notes that stress can speed up the process.

What to do if gray hair appears early

The organization says premature graying is difficult to treat. If there is an underlying condition, such as a vitamin deficiency, a dermatologist or primary care doctor can evaluate it and determine treatment.

According to the official refund guide, the passenger must choose not to travel and not accept alternate flights, credits, vouchers or other compensation. For international itineraries, the threshold is six hours or more.

When a ticket refund applies

The comparison is made with the originally scheduled arrival time. In this case, it is not just about how much the departure is delayed.

If the change reaches the set threshold and the passenger declines to continue the trip and the alternatives offered, they are entitled to a refund. The airline must inform them of that option.

What happens if the passenger accepts another flight and how the refund works

Anyone who takes the delayed flight or uses the alternative offered is not entitled to get the full ticket price back for that delay under this rule.

The refund should also not be confused with accepting a credit or voucher to travel later; they are different options.

When the ticket was bought directly from the airline, the guide provides for an automatic refund if a refund is due and the passenger does not accept the changed flight, a new booking or any other compensation.

If the ticket was bought through an agency, it is necessary to identify which company is listed as responsible for the charge on the payment summary. The guide says that entity is responsible for issuing the refund when one is due.

“Airlines may deny you boarding, or you could have trouble traveling abroad if your passport is damaged,” the State Department says on its official website.

For this reason, anyone with a severely damaged passport must apply for a new one from scratch to ensure it is considered an acceptable document when traveling.

What passport damage can lead authorities to deny boarding

According to the official information, severe passport damage includes

• Water damage, stains or mold
• A significant tear
• Unauthorized changes to the data page
• Torn out or ripped visa pages
• Punctures or other significant damage

It is important to note that typical wear and tear, such as slightly bent pages or light fraying along the edges, does not require the passport to be reissued. That is only necessary when the damage significantly changes the document’s original appearance.

The fix for when you have a severely damaged passport

In these cases, the passport is not eligible for renewal and must be updated in person by completing Form DS-11 as if it had never been issued in the first place.

To replace this type of document, you must pay all fees and submit the following to a passport acceptance facility:

• The damaged passport
• A signed statement explaining the damage to the passports
• Form DS-11 with all required supporting documents (photo ID, proof of citizenship, required photocopies, acceptable photo, etc.).

“After you sign and submit your passport application, the office will mail it to the U.S. Department of State for processing. This can take up to 2 weeks,” authorities explain.

Those who complete the process and want to track the status of their application can do so at this link.

According to Space, on Aug. 2, 2027, the moon’s central shadow will sweep across southern Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. At its point of greatest totality, it will last 6 minutes and 23 seconds, the longest total solar eclipse visible from land from 2009 until 2114.

To witness it, you have to be in the right place at the right time, and Spain plays a major role in its path. The path of totality will pass through southern Andalusia, with the longest durations farther east, in North Africa.

The ‘eclipse of the century’ will pass over these locations in August 2027

The path of totality will begin over the Atlantic Ocean, west of the Azores and Madeira, and end west of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean. The path will stretch for 15,227 kilometers, and the central shadow, about 258 kilometers wide, will take three hours and 20 minutes to cross the planet.

About half the route will pass over land. According to Time and Date, 88.9 million people live within the path of totality, which includes Spain, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Sudan, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Somaliland, Somalia, and the Chagos Islands.

Where will the eclipse be visible in Spain?

Millions of people will watch it from Andalusia, although the path of totality lies south of cities such as Seville, Cordoba, and Granada. Malaga and Cadiz will see brief totality, and the best spots are at the far south, late in the morning, and with the sun about 37 degrees above the eastern horizon.

These are the durations of totality at each location:

• Malaga, 1 minute and 52 seconds
• Cadiz, 2 minutes and 51 seconds
• Gibraltar, 4 minutes and 25 seconds
• Tarifa, 4 minutes and 39 seconds

Algeciras, along with Tarifa and Gibraltar, will also offer an extended totality. Those who want to add Morocco can cross the strait by ferry from Tarifa to Tangier, or from Algeciras to Tangier Med.

Egypt and North Africa will have the longest periods of totality

As the phenomenon moves east, it lasts longer. Tangier will see about 4 minutes and 50 seconds of totality, and Oran, Algeria, about 5 minutes. In Tunisia, Sfax will top 5 minutes and 40 seconds, and Benghazi, Libya, will come close to 6 minutes.

The maximum will come in southeastern Luxor, Egypt, with 6 minutes and 23 seconds, and with the sun about 82 degrees above the horizon. Luxor, Sohag, and the Red Sea coast will be around 6 minutes and 20 seconds. Egypt will be the eclipse’s top destination because of its monuments and the low chance of clouds in August.

Many major cities in North Africa are outside the path of totality. Algiers will see a 99.7% partial eclipse, Tunis 96%, and Cairo 94%. The pyramids of Giza, near the latter, are also outside the path.

The shadow will reach Mecca and end in the Indian Ocean

After Egypt, the totality will cross the Red Sea and reach Saudi Arabia. Jeddah will have more than 6 minutes of darkness, and Mecca, the holiest city in Islam, more than 5. Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, will see a brief totality of just over 2 minutes.

Then the shadow will cross the Gulf of Aden and the tip of Somalia, pass over the Chagos Islands, and end west of the Cocos (Keeling) Islands, with a sunset totality of up to 3 minutes and 4 seconds.

How to view the eclipse safely and without risk

During the partial phases of the eclipse, looking directly at the sun is dangerous without special glasses for solar eclipses. Regular sunglasses do not provide enough protection, and binoculars, telescopes, or cameras should not be used without proper solar filters.

Only during the minutes of totality, when the sun is completely covered by the moon, can you look without protection. As soon as the first flash of sunlight reappears, the glasses must be put back on, and when choosing a viewing spot, it is important to make sure you are inside the path of totality.

The dispute began with 54 months of unpaid rent, the equivalent of four and a half years of missed payments. Although the tenant turned to different courts in an effort to block the move, the court dismissed his appeal on Oct. 29, 2026, after 17 years as a tenant.

Why was the 83-year-old man in Iztapalapa ordered to be evicted?

The case began on April 14, 2007, when Raúl and the property owner signed a lease agreement for him to occupy the apartment. However, on Oct. 29, 2024, the landlord filed a lawsuit seeking to end the lease, recover the home, and collect the unpaid monthly rent.

According to the case record, the owner claimed 54 months of unpaid rent, plus 6% annual interest, unpaid utilities, damage to the property, and court costs.

On May 20, 2025, a civil court ruled the lease terminated and ordered the tenant to vacate and surrender the apartment within five days. It also ordered notice to be sent to the Mexico City Institute for Dignified Aging and the National Institute for Older Adults (Inapam) so they could intervene within their authority.

However, the information published about the case does not confirm that Raúl has handed over the property.

How did the case reach the Supreme Court?

After losing the case, Raúl appealed the ruling, but on Dec. 9, 2025, the Third Civil Chamber of the Superior Court of Justice of Mexico City upheld the judgment.

The man later filed a direct amparo to try to avoid eviction. However, on April 15, 2026, a panel of judges denied him federal constitutional protection. Among its arguments, it said being 83 years old did not by itself prove a vulnerable condition that would justify changing the ruling.

The defense then took the case to the SCJN through Direct Amparo in Review 4705/2026. On Oct. 29, 2026, the full court dismissed the appeal by six votes to three, leaving in place the ruling ordering the property returned.

Why did three justices vote against the decision?

The ruling was approved on the proposal of Justice Arístides Rodrigo Guerrero García. However, Justices María Estela Ríos González and Yasmín Esquivel Mossa, along with Justice Irving Espinosa Betanzo, voted against dismissing the appeal.

The three said the case deserved a constitutional review of courts’ duty to apply an aging perspective when an older adult faces the risk of losing their home.

Justice Ríos González said that perspective should not be limited to recognizing vulnerability because of age, but should translate into effective measures to protect fundamental rights, such as access to housing.

During Wednesday’s full-court session, the high court overturned a ruling by a Collegiate Court that had found the biological father’s support obligation had been met because the maternal grandfather had provided financial support to the girl since her early years.

The justices ruled that child support, including amounts owed for earlier periods, is not a penalty and is not intended to punish. Instead, it is a legal obligation that cannot be replaced, waived, or made conditional on the support other relatives choose to provide.

In that sense, the opinion by Justice Sara Irene Herrerías determined that the biological father’s failure to comply cannot be justified by the solidarity or intervention of other family members, since the responsibility for providing support belongs to the parent.

SCJN sets criteria for calculating retroactive child support

The Supreme Court laid out a series of factors judges must consider when determining the amount of retroactive child support.

Among the points they must consider are:

• Knowledge of the pregnancy or birth: determine whether the biological father knew he was expecting a child or was aware of the child’s birth.
• The parent’s conduct: assess whether he acted in good faith or bad faith in meeting his support responsibilities.
• Inability to comply: the father identified as the support debtor must show that he did not have the necessary means to meet that obligation.

The full court also clarified that the legal recognition made by another family member, in this case, the maternal grandfather, is a legitimate measure to protect the child and should not be interpreted negatively.

However, that action cannot be used as an argument to free the biological father from his responsibilities or to transfer to another person an obligation that legally belongs to him.

The court also said the amount of retroactive support must be set according to the principle of proportionality, taking into account both the parent’s financial ability and the child’s needs.

The ruling stems from Direct Review Amparo 7178/2024, approved by the SCJN full court on Jan. 7, 2026, under the opinion of Justice Sara Irene Herrerías Guerra.

What does the right to support include, according to the Supreme Court?

The opinion approved by the SCJN states that the right to receive support is not limited to money alone, but also covers the resources and care needed to ensure the full development of children and adolescents.

This includes material, educational, and developmental needs, as well as the care needed to ensure decent and appropriate living conditions during childhood.

Under this standard, the order to make retroactive support payments does not amount to double billing or an unjustified financial burden for the biological father. The court found that even if the mother and other relatives covered child-rearing expenses, that does not eliminate the financial responsibility the parent failed to meet.

Now it is time for the second retirement payment of the month, which will arrive next week and will benefit another group of retirees, specifically those born between the 11th and the 20th.

When those born between the 11th and 20th will be paid

Retirees born between the 11th and the 20th will be paid next Wednesday, Nov. 18. So this group will have to wait another week to receive their benefits.

Those born between the 1st and the 10th were paid early because, according to the SSA, when the payment date falls on a federal holiday, the deposit is sent on the previous business day that is not a holiday.

What is the third retirement payment date in November

The SSA birthday-based schedule includes the third Wednesday payment in November, a deposit that will benefit those born between the 21st and the 31st.

The payment date will be toward the end of the month, specifically Wednesday, Nov. 25.

What happens if a retiree does not receive their Social Security deposit

If the money does not appear in the bank account on the expected date, the SSA recommends: “If you do not receive your payment on the expected date, please wait three additional mailing days before contacting Social Security”.

Who was paid in late October and early November

There is an important exception to the birthday-based schedule. Retirees who began receiving benefits before May 1997 and those who receive both Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) follow a different schedule:

• The Social Security benefit is deposited on the third day of the month, which in November was Tuesday, Nov. 3.
• The SSI payment is due on the first day of the month, but since Nov. 1 fell on a Sunday, the deposit was moved up to the previous business day, which was Friday, Oct. 30.

Both aircraft landed Sunday, Nov. 1, at Kuantan Air Base after taking off from Labuan, in the presence of the chief of the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF), Gen. Tan Sri Muhamad Norazlan Aris.

The model is designed for two roles: advanced fighter pilot training and light combat. With it, Malaysia aims to replace its aging Hawk108 and 208 aircraft, which it plans to retire in 2028.

The first two FA-50M fighter jets arrived in Kuantan

The aircraft left Sacheon, South Korea, on Oct. 29 and made stops in Jeju, the Philippine city of Laoag, and Labuan. The final leg began at 1:45 p.m. from Labuan Air Base and ended at 3:38 p.m. in Kuantan.

Once in Malaysian territory, the aircraft will undergo the RMAF’s final acceptance test. According to the Air Force, official acceptance is expected at the end of November 2026. Until then, the fighter jets remain in the delivery process and are not part of the operational inventory.

An 18-aircraft contract worth about $920 million

The deal was signed in May 2023, and the manufacturer valued it at about $920 million, according to Aviacion Online. Malaysian authorities described it at the time as a deal worth nearly 4 billion ringgit, including the airframes, equipment, crew training, and logistics support.

The Defense Ministry’s schedule calls for the delivery of six aircraft by April 2027 and the rest in 2028. The program is part of the CAP55 plan, which sets military procurement through 2055 and calls for a fleet of 36 light fighters, twice the current order.

This is the FA-50M, the aircraft the air force will add

The FA-50M is the local designation for the FA-50 Block 20 and belongs to the T-50 family, developed with F-16 technology. Compared with earlier versions, it includes the following upgrades:

• RTX PhantomStrike AESA radar
• Aerial refueling capability
• Ability to mount the Sniper targeting pod
• Greater range of precision and long-range weapons

Its configuration is similar to the one Poland chose for the FA-50PL, allowing KAI to offer the same technological base to different customers.

No. 15 Squadron will operate the fleet from Kuantan

The unit in charge will be No. 15 Squadron, which has already moved to Kuantan and has more than 200 personnel. An initial group of 57 specialists, made up of six pilots, six engineering officers, and 45 technicians, completed training in South Korea to help bring the new aircraft into service.

Declaration of operational capability will depend on deliveries, crew training, the integration of systems and weapons, and the air force’s own evaluation.

The program includes an initial $1,000 contribution from the federal government for children who meet the eligibility requirements. To request the opening of one of these accounts, parents or guardians must file Form 4547 with the IRS.

What Is IRS Form 4547?

Form 4547 is an IRS document that allows parents, guardians, or other authorized individuals to request the opening of a Trump Account in the name of a child under 18.

Through this form, applicants can request the creation of an investment account for the child and, if the conditions are met, receive the federal government’s initial $1,000 contribution.

What Are Trump Accounts?

Trump Accounts are traditional individual retirement accounts (IRAs) created specifically for minors.

The money deposited is invested in funds that track U.S. company indexes, such as certain mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that meet the program’s requirements.

The child is the account holder, while parents, guardians, or other authorized adults may manage it during the child’s minority. In addition, the accounts can receive contributions from the federal government, employers, family members, and other approved sources.

The funds remain invested during the growth period, which ends on Dec. 31 of the year before the beneficiary turns 18.

How can you get the $1,000 contribution, and what are the requirements?

The Treasury Department offers an initial $1,000 contribution for minors who meet the program’s conditions. To qualify for this benefit, the following requirements must be met:

• Be born between Jan. 1, 2025, and Dec. 31, 2028.
• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Have a valid Social Security number (SSN).
• Have not previously received an initial program contribution.
• Meet the definition of a qualifying child of the authorized person requesting the contribution.

To request the federal government’s initial contribution, line 7 of Part III of Form 4547 must be checked.

There are two ways to file this form. The first is by mail, to the address listed on the IRS official website, together with the tax return for the fiscal year in which the enrollment is made.

The second option is to file Form 4547 electronically along with the tax return for the same fiscal year.

However, if the applicant cannot gather all of the required documents, the agency recommends starting the process anyway and submitting the missing documents later.

What does the SSA recommend when an applicant cannot gather all the documents needed to retire?

The SSA recommends not delaying an application for retirement benefits because all required documents are not available. The agency allows applicants to begin the process and submit the missing proof later.

In addition, the federal agency can help the applicant obtain the records needed to complete the application.

What documents must be submitted to apply for retirement benefits?

The required documents depend on each applicant’s personal circumstances. The SSA may ask for proof of:

• Social Security number: Social Security card or another record that can verify the number.
• Age: original birth certificate or a copy certified by the issuing agency.
• Citizenship or immigration status: those born outside the United States must provide documentation proving their immigration status or citizenship.
• Military service: a copy of documents proving service, if they served before 1968.
• Work earnings: a copy of the W-2 form from the most recent year or the self-employment tax return.

In addition, the applicant must have earned at least 40 credits, equivalent to about 10 years of work.

What can happen if starting the process is delayed?

The SSA warns that delaying an application can cause the beneficiary to miss some payments they may be entitled to receive. For this reason, it recommends starting the process even if documents are still missing and completing the application later.

The legislation is part of a package of bills signed on September 25, 2026, aimed at strengthening penalties for people who repeatedly drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Assembly Bill 1687, also known as Irene’s Law, specifically targets drivers with multiple prior convictions who cause bodily injury in another DUI offense.

Which California drivers could lose their licenses for six years?

Under Assembly Bill 1687, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will be required to suspend a person’s driving privileges for 72 months if they meet specific conditions.

The measures apply to drivers who were convicted of driving under the influence and causing bodily injury to someone other than themselves, provided they have four or more qualifying prior convictions within a 10 year-period.

These prior convictions can include certain DUI offenses and other qualifying alcohol-related driving violations. The new measure is signed to impose longer consequences on repeat offenders whose actions result in injuries to others.

Can drivers get their licenses back before six years?

Although the law establishes a 72-month suspension period, it allows eligible drivers to apply for a restricted license after completing the first 12 months.

To qualify, applicants must meet several requirements established by the state, including:

• Completing the initial 12 months of an approved DUI education program.
• Installing and maintaining a certified ignition interlock device (IID) for 72 months.
• Providing proof of financial responsibility.
• Paying the applicable reinstatement and restriction fees.

As the restriction is not automatic, drivers must meet the DMV’s requirements and continue participating in the approved program.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1687 on September 25, 2026, but the new requirements are scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2031.

“In California, employers are not legally required to provide employees with vacation time, paid or unpaid. However, if an employer offers paid vacation as part of its policies or through an agreement with employees, it must follow certain rules on how that benefit is provided,” the agency explains.

What California law says about vacation time expiring

Authorities specify that, if vacation time tied to a given year is not used during that period, it is illegal for the employer to tell the worker they have lost the right to it.

According to the explanation, earned vacation time in California is considered wages, so employers must account for it whether it is used or not.

However, what is allowed is for the employer to pay out unused vacation time from a given year. “Your employer has the right to manage vacation pay, and one way to do that is to pay you each year for vacation time you earned but did not take,” it says.

Vacation time does not expire, but employers can decide when and how much is taken

Although employers do not have the right, once it is granted, to say vacation time expires, they can decide when and how much an employee may take.

It also explains that policies setting caps on the amount of vacation an employee can accrue are allowed. Under these rules, there is a maximum amount of vacation time that can build up. If it is not taken, the employee is not allowed to add more days until the balance drops.

While this policy is legal, it will be considered unacceptable when it is used as a way to prevent employees from taking vacation. For example, if the cap is 200 hours and, once that limit is reached, the company systematically rejects the employee’s vacation requests so the balance cannot go down.

The percentage can reach 100% of the original benefit for certain spouses, while children generally receive 75%. However, not everyone qualifies automatically: age, marital status, family relationship, and financial dependency requirements must be met to receive the money.

Who Can Collect a Deceased Relative’s Retirement Benefit

The SSA says that survivor benefits are intended for certain family members of a person who worked and paid into Social Security before dying.

The groups that may qualify for these payments are:

• Surviving spouses: Can apply for benefits starting at age 60, or at 50 if they have a disability.
• Ex-spouses: May qualify if they were married for at least 10 years and meet the program’s other conditions.
• Children: May receive money if they are minors, still in school, or have a disability that began before age 22.
• Dependent parents: May apply if they are 62 or older and were receiving financial support from their deceased child.

The agency also covers special situations: a surviving spouse may qualify at any age if they have in their care the deceased worker’s child who is under 16 or has a disability and meets the program’s requirements.

How Much Retirement Benefit a Surviving Spouse Can Receive

The share a spouse receives depends mainly on the age at which they apply for benefits. The longer they wait to file, the larger the monthly payment can be.

According to the SSA, payments start at 71.5% of the deceased worker’s benefit and increase gradually, for example:

• At age 60: Can receive 71.5%.
• At age 61: Can receive more than 75%.
• At age 63: Can receive more than 80%.
• At age 65: Can reach more than 90%.
• Between ages 66 and 67: Can receive up to 100% when they reach the full survivor retirement age that applies to them.

The exact age for receiving the full benefit depends on the applicant’s year of birth. There are also special conditions for people with a disability. In those cases, the surviving spouse can begin receiving payments at age 50, as long as they meet Social Security’s requirements.

How Much Children of a Deceased Person Can Receive

Eligible children can receive 75% of the basic benefit the deceased parent was entitled to. To qualify, they generally must be unmarried and meet one of these conditions:

• Be 17 or younger.
• Be 18 or 19 and attend elementary or high school (K-12) full time.
• Be any age if they developed a disability before turning 22.

The SSA also covers certain cases of stepchildren, adopted children, grandchildren and other relatives who meet the program’s requirements.

However, there is one important limit: the family maximum benefit. That means if several members of the same family receive payments based on the deceased person’s record, the agency may reduce the amounts proportionally so the total does not exceed the allowed cap. Eligible ex-spouses do not count toward that family limit.

How to Apply for SSA Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefits are not applied for through the usual online retirement claim process. Family members must contact the SSA to start the process and find out which documents are needed. During the application, they may be asked for information such as:

• The applicant’s and deceased worker’s Social Security numbers.
• Date and place of birth.
• Death certificate.
• Information on previous marriages and divorces.
• Information about children who may be eligible for benefits.
• Bank information for direct deposit.

The agency allows phone or in-person appointments. Service is available Monday through Friday, generally from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., in most U.S. time zones.

Once the application is approved, the first payment is received one month after the month chosen to begin collecting benefits.

Those who complete the process will be able to access the notice from late November and up to three weeks before receiving the printed letter at their homes. The document will detail the new monthly amount each beneficiary will receive after the 3.6% increase, along with any deductions that will be applied to their payments.

To complete the process, interested people must go to the official my Social Security website, sign up or log in with their existing account, and enable electronic notifications.

How to create a my Social Security account and activate electronic notices

Retirees and Social Security beneficiaries who want to check online how much they will receive in 2027 must have a personal my Social Security account and be signed up to receive electronic notices. The SSA set Nov. 18, 2026 as the deadline to complete these steps and access the cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, notice.

To carry out the process, interested people must go to the official website, select the option to create a personal account and follow the registration instructions. Those who already have an account must sign in with their credentials and make sure they are signed up to receive electronic notifications instead of printed mail.

In addition, account holders can choose to receive text message or email alerts whenever a new notice is available in their account message center. That way, they will know when the SSA posts the personalized 2027 COLA notice.

What notice beneficiaries will be able to view in the 2027 COLA notice

The notice the SSA will post will show how much money each beneficiary will receive after the 3.6% increase announced for 2027 takes effect. The document will be one page and written in simplified language to make the information easier to read.

In addition to the new monthly amount, the notice will include the exact dates when the changes and the deductions for each person will take effect. This will allow retirees and other beneficiaries to know how much they will actually receive after the adjustment, instead of calculating the increase based on the overall percentage.

The 3.6% increase will affect nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries starting in January 2027. Meanwhile, Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, payments with the increase will begin on Dec. 31, 2026.

How long there is to complete the process and when the notice will be available

Beneficiaries have until Nov. 18, 2026, inclusive to create their personal my Social Security account and sign up for electronic notices if they want to check the 2027 COLA online. The deadline was set by the SSA itself so users can access the notice from their profile.

According to the agency, personalized notices will be available online starting in late November, up to three weeks before the printed letters arrive. Those who do not complete enrollment for electronic notifications will not lose access to the information, since the SSA will mail their notices during December.

The brick home dates back to the 1940s and sits on a 1.24-acre lot in Tarrytown, one of Austin’s oldest and most exclusive neighborhoods, on a street shaded by oak trees.

The full renovation Emma Stone made to the mansion

The couple bought it in an off-market deal. Because Texas does not require sale prices to be made public, the amount they paid was never revealed.

The result includes herringbone oak and brick floors, leaded-glass windows, marble fireplaces, and arched doorways. The kitchen features pink floral tiles and a dark wood-and-marble island.

The home has seven bedrooms, nine full bathrooms, a wood-paneled library, a solarium, a playroom, and a screening room with its own bar. Outside, there is a pool, a “fairy garden,” and a cutting garden.

Why they never moved

Despite all that work, the couple changed course. In May 2025, they put the home on the market. Their agent, Eric Moreland, told The Wall Street Journal that they had decided it made more sense to keep living in New York because their work required them to be in the city so often.

The mansion was first listed for $26.5 million and later dropped to $23.5 million, making it one of the most expensive homes for sale in Austin. A deal in August fell through, but the home finally sold in late 2025. The final price was not disclosed.

A long history with real estate

Stone has bought and sold several homes. In 2024, she sold a Los Angeles house for more than $4 million, nearly double the $2.3 million she paid in 2019. Earlier, she sold a Malibu home for about $4.4 million.

Not every deal went her way: in 2021, she sold a West Village condo in New York for $2.25 million, less than the $2.4 million she paid in 2016.

The plane took off from Melbourne, Australia, and landed in Toulouse, France, after spending 24 hours and 24 minutes in the air and covering 23,155 kilometers.

An Airbus aircraft completed the world’s longest nonstop commercial flight

The plane was an Airbus A350-1000ULR, which took off from Melbourne on July 27, 2026, and touched down in Toulouse the next day. In all, it flew 23,155 kilometers (about 12,503 nautical miles) without stopping, with a flight time of 24 hours and 24 minutes.

With that mark, according to Airbus, it broke the Guinness record for the longest commercial flight by distance, a feat validated by the International Aeronautical Federation and the Flightradar24 tracking service.

The test points to where long-haul aviation is headed

The flight was not just a show of force. The A350-1000ULR, with ULR standing for “ultra long range,” is being developed for Australian airline Qantas as part of a project called “Project Sunrise,” which aims to connect cities now impossible to link nonstop, such as Sydney and London or Sydney and New York, on flights of up to 22 hours.

To make that possible, this version of the A350 includes an additional fuel tank that adds about 1,000 nautical miles of range. Qantas has ordered 12 of these aircraft; the first delivery is scheduled for next April, and entry into service on the Sydney-London route later that same year.

In addition, the State Department says the image must be in color, taken within the past six months and reflect the person’s current appearance. Approval is up to the embassy or consulate where the application is submitted.

When eyeglasses may be allowed in the photo

The exception covers rare medical circumstances that make it impossible to remove them. The guidance cites recent eye surgery as an example, when glasses are needed to protect the eyes.

In those cases, a signed medical statement from a health care professional must be provided. Wearing them routinely does not count as an exception.

Even if they are allowed for medical reasons, the photo must meet these conditions:

• The frame must not cover the eyes.
• The lenses must not create glare that obscures them.
• There can be no shadows or refraction that prevent the eyes from being seen.

How the applicant must appear

The person must look directly at the camera, face it straight on and keep a neutral expression, with both eyes open. The background must be plain, white or off-white.

The guidance says to wear everyday clothing. It also does not allow headphones or hands-free wireless devices. Hearing devices that are normally worn may appear.

Which photos are not accepted

The State Department does not accept copied or scanned images of driver’s licenses or other official documents.

It also rejects full-body photos, magazine images and low-quality pictures taken with phones or photo booths. To prepare the image, it recommends using a professional visa photo service.

Although these signals are widely used, the New York Driver’s Manual explains how to use them correctly and what precautions to take to promote road safety, such as slowing down and watching for pedestrians.

What Does It Mean When a Driver Puts an Arm Out and Points It Down?

When a driver puts an arm out the window and points it down, it indicates that the vehicle will stop soon.

This signal should be given in advance and paired with a gradual reduction in speed to warn other road users.

What Does It Mean When a Driver Puts an Arm Out and Holds It Straight Out Horizontally?

If a driver puts an arm out and holds it straight out horizontally, it means the driver will turn left.

It is recommended to keep the front wheels straight until the maneuver begins to avoid the vehicle drifting into the opposite lane by accident.

It is also important to pay attention to pedestrians, cyclists and other drivers, especially when the turn requires crossing another lane.

What Does It Mean When a Driver Puts an Arm Out and Points It Up?

When a driver puts an arm out the window and points it up, it indicates that the driver will turn right.

To make this maneuver safely, drivers are advised to avoid wide or sudden turns and to position the vehicle in the right lane of the road they are entering.

The official guide for applying for children’s passports says the absent parent must sign and date the document in front of a notary. They must also provide a photocopy of the ID they presented for the notarization.

Who Must Complete Form DS-3053

The requirement applies to the parent or legal guardian who cannot appear in person when both have custody of the child.

The document serves as proof of consent for the passport to be issued. It must be accompanied by the photocopy of the ID presented to the notary and submitted within 90 days of signing or notarization.

What Happens if the Parent Is in Another Country

Being outside the country does not waive the requirement. The authority says the form may need to be notarized at a U.S. embassy or consulate.

In addition, in some countries, local notarization is not accepted. The official website includes the list of places where you must go to a U.S. mission.

What Changes When There Is Sole Custody

The guide calls for different documentation if the person applying has sole custody or is the only parent or legal guardian.

Accepted proof includes a court order granting that authority, a birth certificate or adoption decree naming that person as the only parent, or a copy of the other parent’s death certificate.

The ruling protects workers’ right to housing and allows them to claim payments that were not covered.

The ruling corresponds to precedent 2a./J. 25/2022 (11a.), stemming from Thesis Conflict 284/2021 and published under digital record 2025032. The Second Chamber established that the employer’s obligation does not disappear just because the employment relationship has ended.

What did the Supreme Court decide about Infonavit contributions?

The Second Chamber held that, when a labor lawsuit shows the employer failed to pay housing contributions and does not prove it met that obligation, labor authorities must order it to cover them for the entire period the employment relationship lasted, even if that relationship no longer exists.

The ruling refers to the individual action provided for in Article 152 of the Federal Labor Law (LFT).

To apply, the existence of the employment relationship and the employer’s failure to pay the contributions must be proven. The ruling also covers cases in which the employer did not enroll the worker during the time the worker provided services.

Which workers can claim contributions that their employer failed to pay?

The precedent recognizes that workers can claim housing contributions that were not paid to Infonavit, even after their employment relationship ends.

The key points of the ruling include:

• Proven employment relationship: it must be shown that a working relationship existed with the employer.
• Failure to pay contributions: the worker claims the housing payments that were not covered during that period.
• Lack of proof by the employer: if the employer does not show that the payments were made, the corresponding order applies.
• Retroactive payment: the employer must pay the contributions for the time the employment relationship lasted, even if it has already ended.
• Right to social security: compliance makes it possible to recognize rights that were not granted to the worker in time.

The Supreme Court also made clear that this obligation is separate from Infonavit’s enforcement powers. In other words, the institute’s ability to audit the employer does not prevent the worker from seeking the missed contributions in court.

Under Article 29, Section II, of the Infonavit Law, employers must make contributions equal to 5% of each worker’s integrated daily wage and deposit them into the worker’s housing subaccount.

The institute says this amount is an employer benefit that must not be deducted from the employee’s wages, since it is an obligation borne by the employer.

The process is carried out through the Selective Service System (SSS). “Military service in the U.S. is voluntary. But most young men must register with Selective Service,” the authorities say.

In that sense, by law 2026 is the turn of those born in 2008. However, the agency allows registration up to age 25.

Once men turn 26, they are no longer eligible, and failing to comply with this requirement on time can lead to penalties of up to $250,000 and/or years in prison.

When this military draft registration would be used

Authorities explain that this official list would only be used if Congress and the president authorize a military draft in a national emergency. The last one in the United States took place in 1973.

“In the event of a national emergency, the Selective Service System will use the registration to provide personnel to the Department of War and alternative service for conscientious objectors, if authorized by the president and Congress,” says the official USA.gov website

For that reason, registering does not mean being automatically inducted into the military, but rather creates a database that would only be used if needed and through a specific process.

What the penalties are for failing to register on time

Those who do not register within the allowed period -before age 26- may face fines of up to $250,000 and/or 5 years in prison.

“A person who knowingly counsels, aids or abets another person not to comply with the registration requirement is subject to the same penalties,” authorities explain.

In addition, failing to register can make a person ineligible for certain financial opportunities or for citizenship.

The process can be completed through the official website on the government page.

Starting Dec. 19 this year, the registration of men who are required to sign up will be done automatically.

The refit included upgrades to the radar, gun, and command system, as well as work in the living quarters. The contract was announced in 2012, and the ship returned to duty in July 2014. Four years later, the Royal Navy retired it and agreed to sell it to Brazil.

The Royal Navy Invested 65 Million Pounds in HMS Ocean

The modernization contract was announced in December 2012 and was worth 65 million pounds. The British Defense Ministry awarded the work to Babcock at Devonport in an operation that also helped preserve hundreds of jobs tied to the dockyard and its suppliers.

The refit was expected to take 15 months. It called for the installation of about 1,200 meters of new piping and the application of roughly 100,000 liters of paint.

The Ship Was Retired Four Years Later

After returning to service, HMS Ocean continued taking part in international operations. In 2017, it spent several months deployed in the Middle East and later took part in NATO activities in the Mediterranean.

That same year, it was sent to the Caribbean to take part in Britain’s response after Hurricanes Irma and Maria. The ship returned to Plymouth in December 2017 after completing its deployment.

The Royal Navy officially retired HMS Ocean on March 27, 2018, four years after it returned to service following the 65 million-pound modernization. The ship entered service in 1998 and logged about two decades in the British fleet.

At that point, the United Kingdom was reorganizing its fleet and moving ahead with the addition of the new aircraft carriers in the Queen Elizabeth class.

Brazil Bought HMS Ocean for 84 Million Pounds

The United Kingdom put the ship up for sale, and Brazil expressed interest. The deal was announced on February 19, 2018, before the official retirement, for about 84 million pounds.

The sale was handled by the Defence Equipment Sales Authority, the agency responsible for British military equipment sales. The Defense Ministry said the proceeds would be reinvested in defense.

The deal also included ship conversion work, funded by Brazil, involving British companies such as Babcock and BAE Systems. The Brazilian Navy commissioned it on June 29, 2018, at a ceremony in Devonport. It was renamed Atlântico and became the flagship of the Brazilian fleet.

If the document has damage beyond normal wear and tear, the State Department does not accept the simplified renewal process and requires the application to be submitted in person.

What counts as a damaged passport

Not every mark disqualifies the document. The issue is whether the damage goes beyond the normal wear and tear that any passport accumulates with use. A passport is considered damaged, and therefore not eligible for simple renewal, if it is torn, wet or shows signs of having come into contact with water, has loose, detached or missing pages, has printing or a photo that is illegible or blurred, or has a damaged cover. In those cases, the document loses its integrity and cannot be used as the basis for a remote renewal.

Normal wear and tear is different: slightly worn edges or a slight bend from everyday use do not make a passport “damaged.” The line is whether the deterioration affects the legibility or integrity of the document.

Online renewals are rejected, and it must be done in person

When a passport is damaged, the application must be filed in person with Form DS-11, the same form used by first-time passport applicants. In general, the process involves:

• Completing Form DS-11 without signing it: the signature is made in front of the official.
• Going to an application acceptance facility or a passport agency, usually by appointment.
• Submitting the damaged passport, usually along with a signed statement explaining what happened to it.
• Bringing proof of U.S. citizenship, a photo ID and a photocopy of it, as well as a recent photo that meets the requirements.
• Paying the applicable fees.

Although some people use these containers as part of household practices or to keep water available for animals, it is important to avoid letting the water sit without being changed. Under those conditions, it can become a mosquito breeding ground, since females use water-filled spaces to lay their eggs.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that water is essential at several stages in these insects’ development. For that reason, it recommends paying attention to small objects that can collect water, even when they seem harmless.

Why a container of water can become a problem

A container of water provides the right environment for mosquitoes to breed. Standing water allows eggs and larvae to develop before adult insects emerge.

The EPA warns: “Remove standing water from rain gutters, discarded tires, buckets, plastic covers, toys and any other container where mosquitoes can breed”.

How often to change the water to avoid mosquitoes

The EPA recommends emptying and replacing the water in containers at least once a week. It is important to check whether the water still looks clean, as well as to prevent eggs and larvae from building up on the walls or bottom of the container.

“Empty and change the water in birdbaths, fountains, children’s pools, rain barrels and plant saucers once a week”, the agency advises.

What to do with the water container by the door

The best option is to assess what it is being used for and make sure it does not become a reservoir of standing water. Other preventive measures include:

• Empty it if it does not serve a specific purpose: There is no need to keep water sitting in containers that are not being used.
• Clean it regularly: Removing debris and scrubbing the surfaces helps get rid of possible eggs and larvae.
• Replace the water weekly: If the container has a necessary purpose, it should be kept clean and filled with fresh water.
• Cover storage containers: If water needs to be stored outdoors, use a tight-fitting lid or proper mesh that prevents mosquitoes from getting in.

The measure is a proposed rule, published in the Federal Register in February 2026. It went through a public comment period that has now closed, and DHS must now review those comments before deciding whether to issue a final rule.

The administration seeks to tighten access to work permits (EADs): what are they proposing to change?

The core change is the waiting period. Today, an asylum applicant must wait until their case has been pending for a certain amount of time before applying for a work permit: the current system is known as the “180-day clock” (about 150 days to file the EAD application, plus processing time).

The proposal would extend that wait to 365 days from the time a complete asylum application is received. In practice, the minimum time before someone could apply for a permit would rise from about six months to a full year.

It would also change the deadline the government has to decide the work permit application: the current requirement to process it within 30 days would be replaced with one of up to 180 days for new applications.

The proposal is not limited to the waiting period. Among the most important points are:

• A biometric data requirement for all initial and renewal asylum work permit applications.
• A restriction for people who entered without inspection (without authorization) on or after the future effective date.
• Exclusion of people who filed for asylum more than a year after arriving in the country, unless an exception applies.
• New grounds that would bar applicants with certain criminal records.
• Acceptance of initial applications would be halted when average asylum processing times exceed 180 days, something the administration itself says could happen right away.
• The end of the work permit if the asylum case is denied at certain stages.

Who it would affect

If approved, the change would affect people with pending asylum applications who are seeking or already have the work permit tied to that case (the category known as (c)(8)). For that group, the impact would be direct: more time unable to work legally while they wait for a decision on their case.

The study was published Oct. 30, 2026, in the scientific journal Science Advances and drew on tracking systems to analyze the scale of global wildlife use and trade.

The figure is more than twice the previous estimates, which put the number of species involved at around 50,000. Researchers even warned that the true number could be higher because of limitations in international records.

How Scientists Found More Than 107,000 Species Are Traded

To carry out the study, the scientists compiled information from different programs and national and international records tracking the wildlife trade.

The goal was to build a more complete estimate of the number of species used or traded, since existing systems often record sectors and products separately.

From that analysis, the team identified at least 107,356 species of animals, plants, and fungi involved in different economic activities and forms of use.

Which Animals, Plants, and Fungi Are Traded Around the World

Researchers said the wildlife trade includes products used routinely in daily life, even though it is often associated with exotic animals and illegal activity, according to researcher Alice Hughes in a statement released by the University of Melbourne.

These include wood, fish and seafood, medicinal plants, ornamental flowers, pets, and varieties of fungi.

Hughes said the economic value of legal activities is about 10 times higher than that of illegal ones, in line with the estimates cited in the study.

Even so, scientists warned that the fact that a species is legally traded does not mean its use is sustainable.

Scientists warned that the extraction and trade of some organisms can pose a risk to their conservation, especially when there are not enough safeguards.

Why scientists think the true figure could be even higher

One of the main problems identified by the study is the lack of systematic information on the wildlife trade in many countries.

According to Hughes, the United States is the only country that records and publicly shares trade information on a wide range of groups of organisms.

Researchers also said that up to 75% of traded species appear in U.S. databases for certain groups.

Hughes said that in regions such as Europe, the figures could be comparable or even higher, even though the lack of public data prevents precise comparisons.

In this sense, the study’s authors said it is necessary to improve data collection to determine how many species are traded, where they come from, and in what quantities.

They also proposed making use of existing customs and health inspection systems to develop more sophisticated monitoring mechanisms.

The process is for both first-time passport applicants and those who need a new passport and do not qualify for renewal.

What requirements must the copies meet to apply for a passport?

Anyone who needs to apply for a new passport, whether because they never had an adult passport or because they cannot renew, must submit specific documents along with Form DS-11.

Among the required documents are photocopies that must meet certain formatting requirements:

• Printed on 8.5-by-11-inch paper.
• Contain only one side of the document on each sheet.

What photocopies must be submitted to get a new passport?

According to information published by the State Department, applicants must provide:

• A photocopy of proof of U.S. citizenship, along with the original document or a replacement.
• A photocopy of the front and back of the photo ID.

What documents are needed to apply for a new passport?

The application using Form DS-11 must be made in person at a Passport Acceptance Facility. Applicants must submit documents proving U.S. citizenship and identity.

Documents to prove citizenship

• U.S. birth certificate.
• Valid or expired U.S. passport, as long as it is undamaged.
• Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA).
• Certificate of naturalization.
• Certificate of citizenship.

Documents to prove identity

The following official IDs are accepted:

• Valid U.S. or foreign passport.
• Valid state driver’s license.
• U.S. military ID.
• Government employee ID.
• Permanent resident card (Green Card).
• Naturalization or citizenship certificate.
• Global Entry, SENTRI, NEXUS or FAST cards.
• Tribal photo IDs.

If the applicant does not have one of the accepted identity documents, they must review the secondary identification alternatives set by the State Department. The full list is available on the official website.

The base, Camp Century, opened in 1959 about 26 feet into the ice and ran on a portable nuclear reactor. The Army abandoned it in 1967, counting on falling snow to keep it buried for good.

Researchers writing in Geophysical Research Letters later challenged that bet, finding that rising temperatures could reverse the snow buildup over the site. In 2024, NASA radar flights mapped the camp’s structures in new detail at least 100 feet down.

What is Project Iceworm, and what did it leave under Greenland’s ice?

Project Iceworm envisioned about 2,500 miles of tunnels where up to 600 nuclear missiles could move by rail, out of the Soviet Union’s reach. The U.S. kept the missile plan from Denmark, which had approved only the camp, according to the American Geophysical Union.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff rejected the plan in 1963. Greenland’s ice constantly shifts and deforms, which threatened the tunnels, and the Atomic Heritage Foundation identifies that instability as the plan’s biggest technical obstacle. No missiles were ever deployed.

The Army took the reactor out but left most of the camp behind. Geoscientist Paul Bierman estimates in his book “When the Ice Is Gone” that about 10,000 tons of waste remain, including:

• Millions of gallons of frozen sewage and wastewater
• Radioactive cooling water dumped into a waste pit
• Toxic PCBs, lead paint, asbestos, ethylene glycol coolant and leftover diesel fuel

Could melting really expose US nuclear waste by 2090?

It could start to, but 2090 marks the beginning of the process, not the moment the waste surfaces. The 2016 study projected that, under a high-emissions scenario, the site could begin losing more snow and ice each year than it gains around that time.

From then on, the ice surface would slowly drop toward the camp, and melting the debris out would take years more, Bierman writes. A 2021 study in Frontiers in Earth Science suggested the process could require more warming, and more time, than the earlier estimate.

The radioactive share of the waste is limited. The most dangerous material, the reactor and its fuel, left with the Army. What remains is low-level contamination in water, snow and metal.

But accessing that money comes with a financial commitment that can last for years. Interest charges may fluctuate, monthly payments can increase once the repayment period begins, and the home itself serves as collateral if the borrower fails to meet the terms of the agreement.

Demand for this type of financing has also been growing. The Federal Reserve Bank of New York reported that outstanding HELOC balances increased by $23 billion in the third quarter of 2026, reaching $481 billion. It was the largest quarterly increase since 2005.

Meanwhile, Bankrate reported a national average HELOC interest rate of 7.49% on November 4, 2026, highlighting why homeowners should understand the full cost before tapping into their property equity.

What is a HELOC and how does borrowing against your home work?

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is a revolving credit arrangement that allows homeowners to borrow money using the equity they have accumulated in their properties.

Home equity is the difference between the home’s current market value and the outstanding mortgage balance. For example, if a property is worth $400,000 and its owner still owes $250,000 on the mortgage, the homeowner has $150,000 in equity.

However, that does not mean the lender will automatically allow the borrower to access the entire amount. The available credit depends on the lender’s requirements, the property’s value, the outstanding mortgage and the homeowner’s financial profile.

Unlike a traditional home equity loan, which generally provides a lump sum, a HELOC works like a credit card. The borrower receives an approved credit limit and can withdraw money as needed during the borrowing period, paying interest on the amount actually used.

According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the borrowing period, known as the draw period, can last 10 years, although the terms vary by lender.

How much does a HELOC cost and what interest rate will you pay?

The cost of a HELOC depends on several factors, including the amount borrowed, the interest rate, the repayment schedule and any fees charged by the lender.

Bankrate reported a national average HELOC rate of 7.49% as of November 4, 2026, based on its survey of major home equity lenders.

That figure is a benchmark rather than a guaranteed offer. The rate a homeowner receives will depend on factors such as their credit score, loan-to-value ratio, requested credit line and the lender’s terms.

Most HELOCs have a variable interest rate, meaning that the cost of borrowing can change over time. Monthly payments may increase if the applicable rate rises, even when the outstanding balance remains the same.

Homeowners should also review the additional costs before signing an agreement. Depending on the lender and the specific plan, these may include:

1. Application fees: Charges for processing the credit request.
2. Appraisal and closing costs: Expenses associated with evaluating the property and establishing the credit line.
3. Annual fees: Payments required to keep the account open.
4. Early termination or cancellation fees: Charges that may apply if the borrower closes the account before a specified period.
5. Minimum withdrawal requirements: Some lenders require borrowers to withdraw a minimum amount or maintain an outstanding balance.

The CFPB recommends asking about these charges and minimum borrowing requirements before accepting a HELOC. Comparing the annual percentage rate (APR), rather than looking only at the advertised interest rate, can also help homeowners understand the overall cost.

What happens when the HELOC draw period ends?

One of the most important details homeowners should understand is that a HELOC has two distinct stages: the draw period and the repayment period.

During the draw period, borrowers can access available credit and make payments according to the agreement. Some plans require interest-only payments, while others allow borrowers to pay down the principal as well.

Once this period ends, the account enters the repayment stage. The homeowner can no longer withdraw additional funds and must begin paying back the outstanding balance according to the lender’s schedule.

This transition can significantly increase monthly payments.

The CFPB warns that repayment periods often last 10 or 20 years, and some agreements may require the entire outstanding balance to be repaid when the draw period ends.

Homeowners who have become accustomed to making relatively small payments during the initial stage may therefore face a much larger financial obligation later.

The biggest risks of using your home as collateral

The most important risk of a HELOC is that your home secures the debt. This makes it different from an unsecured personal loan or credit card balance.

According to the CFPB, borrowers who fall behind on payments or cannot repay the debt according to the agreement could lose their homes through foreclosure.

There are other risks worth considering before applying:

Interest rates can rise. Because most HELOCs have variable rates, an increase in the applicable rate can make monthly payments more expensive.

The lender can restrict access to additional funds. If the property’s value declines significantly or the borrower’s financial circumstances change, the lender may freeze the credit line or reduce the amount available, subject to the agreement and applicable law.

Payments can increase after the draw period. The transition to repayment may result in substantially higher monthly obligations, particularly if the borrower has not reduced the principal.

Your home equity decreases. Borrowing against the property means that a larger portion of its value becomes tied to outstanding debt. This can affect the amount available if you eventually sell or refinance your home.

What to check before taking out a HELOC

Before using home equity to finance renovations, consolidate debt or cover other expenses, homeowners should compare offers from several lenders and review the full repayment conditions.

The CFPB recommends understanding how the credit line works, what fees apply and what happens if the borrower cannot make payments.

Bankrate also advises consumers to compare offers from at least three lenders and pay close attention to introductory rates, variable-rate adjustments and potential fees.

A few questions can help homeowners evaluate whether the credit line is affordable:

• What is the initial interest rate, and how can it change?
• Is there a promotional rate, and when does it expire?
• What fees will be charged when opening or maintaining the account?
• How much will the monthly payment be during the repayment period?
• Can the lender freeze or reduce the available credit?
• Can part of the balance be converted to a fixed interest rate?

The measure is part of the 2026-2027 calendar for the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), which sets aside noninstructional days for the holiday.

Why there will be no classes on Nov. 26 and Nov. 27 in New York

The official NYCPS calendar states that Thursday, Nov. 26, and Friday, Nov. 27, will be days off for Thanksgiving. The shutdown applies to students in the city’s public schools that are part of the system, from 3-K and pre-K through 12th grade.

When students will return to class

Students must return to classrooms on Monday, Nov. 30, after four straight days without school.

What about private and charter schools?

The NYCPS calendar applies to New York City public schools in the system. The document itself notes that families whose children attend private, parochial, charter, or early childhood schools should check directly with each institution to confirm their closure dates.

How the NYCPS school calendar is set up for November 2026

The NYCPS school calendar for November includes the following remaining dates:

• Wednesday, Nov. 11: Veterans Day; no classes.
• Thursday, Nov. 12: Parent-teacher conferences in the afternoon and evening for middle schools and District 75; students at these schools will be dismissed three hours early.
• Thursday, Nov. 19: Parent-teacher conferences in the evening for high schools, K-12 schools, and 6-12 schools.
• Friday, Nov. 20: Parent-teacher conferences in the afternoon for high schools, K-12 schools, and 6-12 schools; students at these schools will be dismissed three hours early.
• Thursday, Nov. 26 and Friday, Nov. 27: Thanksgiving recess; no classes.

When winter break begins

After Thanksgiving, the next major break will be winter break. According to the 2026-2027 NYCPS school calendar, it will run from Thursday, Dec. 24, 2026, through Friday, Jan. 1, 2027. There will also be no classes during that period.

The plan imagined a war between the United States and the British Empire, with Canada as the main battlefield. Secretary of War Patrick J. Hurley and Secretary of the Navy Charles Francis Adams III signed off on it in May 1930.

The poison gas came later. Amendments in the mid-1930s allowed chemical weapons from the start of the fighting and approved bombing Canadian cities, including Halifax, Montreal and Quebec City. The documents are now kept at the National Archives.

The plan is getting new attention as President Donald Trump keeps pressing Canada. He has repeatedly floated making it the 51st state. On Aug. 27, he signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario “Lake America” for U.S. federal use.

What did the US plan to invade Canada in ‘War Plan Red’ include?

Planners assumed Britain would use Canada as a base to attack the United States. Their answer was to strike first and take Canada before British troops could arrive. In the plan’s color code, the U.S. was Blue, Britain was Red and Canada was Crimson.

The first target was Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada’s key Atlantic port. Taking it would cut off British reinforcements and the undersea telegraph cable linking Britain and Canada. A 1934 memo filed with the plan argued that gas would force a fast surrender and save American lives.

After Halifax, the plan called for attacks across the border:

• Seizing the power plants near Niagara Falls to cripple Canadian industry
• Pushing from New York and Vermont toward Montreal and Quebec City
• Moving from Grand Forks, North Dakota, to take Winnipeg, the hub of Canada’s railways
• Crossing from Michigan toward Ontario’s nickel mines
• Taking Vancouver from Washington state while the Navy controlled the Great Lakes and blockaded Canada’s ports

The planners didn’t intend to give anything back. Captured provinces were to become U.S. states and territories after the war. If the U.S. lost, they expected Canada to demand Alaska.

Was the US ever going to carry out ‘War Plan Red’ against Canada?

No. War Plan Red was one of several color-coded contingency plans the military drafted between the world wars, largely as planning exercises. It never needed approval from the president or Congress, and it never got it.

Canada had its own version. In 1921, Lt. Col. James “Buster” Sutherland Brown drafted Defence Scheme No. 1. It called for quick raids into cities such as Seattle, Minneapolis and Albany, New York, to buy time for British help. Canada had shelved the plan by the late 1920s.

When World War II began in 1939, the U.S. stopped working on War Plan Red but kept it on file. By 1940, President Franklin Roosevelt and Canadian Prime Minister William Lyon Mackenzie King were discussing how to defend North America together.

That partnership became NORAD, the North American Aerospace Defense Command. The two countries created it in 1957 to guard the continent’s skies, and its commander still answers to both the U.S. president and the Canadian prime minister.

The tool works as an identity verification mechanism and is available to anyone with a Social Security number (SSN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) who can verify their information. It is also not necessary to have been a victim of tax-related identity theft to request it, and the process is free.

The agency also advised taxpayers to request the code before mid-November 2026 because of a temporary system outage for maintenance. Anyone planning to file early in 2027 should keep that deadline in mind to avoid problems.

What is the six-digit code the IRS recommends and how does it block fraudulent returns?

The IRS recommends that taxpayers request an IP PIN, a security tool that helps prevent others from filing federal tax returns using someone else’s Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number.

The code is made up of six digits and serves as an additional identity verification step. People enrolled in the program can include it when filing their tax returns, either electronically or on paper. If the number is incorrect or is not included in an electronic filing, the IRS will reject the return.

Its main features include:

• Identity protection: prevents others from filing returns using the holder’s information without the correct code.
• Annual renewal: the IP PIN changes every year and must be retrieved for new returns.
• Preventive access: it can be requested even if the person has never been a victim of tax-related identity theft.

The code is confidential and should not be shared with anyone else, except a trusted tax preparer who needs it to file the return.

Who can request the IRS IP PIN and how to get it step by step

Anyone with a Social Security number or ITIN who can verify their identity can enroll in the program. It is not necessary to have been the victim of tax fraud or to be required to file a tax return.

To get it, the IRS recommends using your online account or the official app. The steps are:

• Go to IRS.gov or the IRS app.
• Sign in and complete the identity verification. If the user does not yet have an account, they need to register.
• Go to the IP PIN section in the profile.
• Enroll in the program and obtain the six-digit code.

Enrollment can be ongoing, to receive a new code each year, or one-time, an option that ends at the close of the calendar year.

What happens if someone cannot complete the process online

The IRS offers other options for people who cannot verify their identity online:

• Form 15227: available to people with adjusted gross income below $84,000 if filing individually, or $168,000 if married filing jointly. They must also have a valid SSN or ITIN and access to a phone to verify their identity.
• In-person service: people who cannot complete online verification and do not meet the requirements to use the form can request an appointment at a Taxpayer Assistance Center (TAC).

IRS recommends requesting the code before system maintenance

The agency also recommends that people planning to file early in 2027 get their IP PIN before mid-November 2026. That is because the system used to request or look up the code is usually temporarily offline for maintenance from mid-November through mid-January.