However, there are different types of coffee makers that adapt to each person’s taste, since some result in a milder, more liquid coffee, while in others it is more bitter and full-bodied.

What is the coffee made by an espresso machine like?

According to America’s Test Kitchen, espresso machines allow you to obtain a concentrated coffee, with an intense flavor and pronounced aroma.

Its operation consists of forcing hot water at high pressure through finely ground coffee. The texture of the coffee is dense, with a layer of foam known as crema.

It is the type of coffee maker used in coffee shops, since it is used to make cappuccinos, lattes and others.

What type of coffee do you get from an Italian coffee maker?

The Italian coffee maker, also known as a moka pot, produces a strong, intense, full-bodied coffee. It uses steam pressure to drive hot water through the ground coffee.

Although its operation is similar to that of an espresso machine, it does not reach the same pressure. That is why a concentrated coffee is produced that has texture characteristics different from those of traditional espresso.

What is the result of making coffee in a French press?

The French press allows you to obtain a strong coffee, full-bodied and with a thicker texture. Unlike other methods, the ground coffee remains in direct contact with the hot water for several minutes.

Then, the piston with a metal filter separates the ground coffee from the beverage. This system allows a greater amount of natural coffee oils to be retained, which contributes to its flavor and texture.

What about filtered coffee?

Filtered coffee makers allow you to obtain a coffee with a lighter body, smooth texture and more defined flavors. The hot water passes through the ground coffee and a filter that retains much of the sediment.

When a paper filter is used, many of the coffee’s natural oils are also retained. That is why the result is usually a cleaner and lighter drink than the one prepared in a French press.

The manual filtering method, known as pour-over, allows you to control the water temperature, the grind and the brewing speed to modify the final flavor.

Unlike some homemade ingredients that can be abrasive or affect certain finishes, mild detergent allows lifting the grease from the surface without the need to scrub hard.

What it is for to clean oven knobs with detergent and warm water

The combination of dish detergent and warm water helps remove grease, food splashes, and dirt that accumulates around the oven controls, according to GE Appliances.

This is because detergents contain surfactants that reduce the interfacial tension between the grease and the surface, which makes it easier to emulsify or disperse in water and allows residues to be removed by the mechanical wiping action of a cloth.

How to clean knobs with dish detergent and warm water

To clean the oven knobs and remove grease residue without damaging their surface, GE Appliances recommends using a solution of water and mild detergent.

The manufacturer details a simple procedure that allows these parts to be cleaned and put back in place correctly.

The step-by-step process for cleaning oven knobs:

1. Remove the knobs: take them carefully off the oven.
2. Wash them with detergent: use a solution of water and mild detergent, along with a soft cloth, to remove dirt.
3. Avoid soaking them: the manufacturer indicates that the knobs should not remain submerged in water.
4. Dry them well: remove all moisture before putting them back.
5. Put them back correctly: match the flat part on the back of each knob with the control shaft.
6. Respect the original position: in dual-oven models, make sure the knobs correspond to each oven and do not swap them.

Although mild detergent is a common alternative for removing grease, cleaning should be done carefully to avoid damaging the parts. The use of metal sponges, abrasive scouring pads, or hard brushes that could scratch the material or wear down the inscriptions and gradation marks is not recommended.

How often oven knobs should be cleaned

As a maintenance measure, it is advisable to clean the knobs when grease or dirt residue is noticed, rather than waiting for a layer difficult to remove to build up.

For regular cleaning, dish detergent diluted in warm water is usually enough. If stubborn stains remain, it is preferable to consult the manufacturer’s instructions before trying stronger products.

Section 21950 of the Vehicle Code also requires reducing speed and taking the necessary precautions to avoid putting people walking at risk, even when there is no traffic light regulating traffic.

What drivers must do when a pedestrian crosses the street

The regulations state that drivers must yield the right-of-way to pedestrians crossing the roadway in a crosswalk, whether it is marked with lines on the pavement or is located at an intersection without visible signage.

Subsection (a) of Section 21950 of the California Vehicle Code states it explicitly: “The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within any marked crosswalk or within any unmarked crosswalk at an intersection”.

Likewise, the text indicates that the driver must “exercise due care and shall reduce the speed of the vehicle or take any other action related to the operation of the vehicle as necessary to safeguard the safety of the pedestrian”.

It is important to know that the absence of a traffic light with painted lines does not eliminate drivers’ obligations. The obligation is not limited to stopping when the pedestrian is already in front of the vehicle, but also requires anticipating possible risks and adjusting driving when approaching these crossings.

Do pedestrians also have to follow the rules?

Yes. Although the law grants protection to those crossing at the crosswalks covered by the rule, it also requires them to act with caution and avoid situations that could cause a collision.

Subsection (b) of Section 21950 establishes that no pedestrian may suddenly leave the curb or another safe place and run into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to pose an immediate hazard. They must also not stop or unnecessarily delay traffic in a crosswalk (marked or unmarked).

Finally, subsection (d) clarifies that the pedestrian’s obligations do not exempt the driver from protecting the safety of people crossing.

Although the IRS has not yet published its specific guidance for the 2027 filing season, taxpayers can start preparing for the 2027 tax season by organizing their financial records, checking their IRS accounts, and gathering the documents they will need to file their federal income tax returns.

Gather and organize tax documents

One of the first steps is to collect the documents needed to complete a federal income tax return. These may include Form W-2, which reports wages, and Form 1099, which reports certain other types of income.

Taxpayers should also keep records of other income, payments, and expenses that may affect their tax returns. Depending on their situation, they may need documents related to tax credits, deductions, or other tax benefits.

It is important to wait until all required income documents are available before filing. Missing information could lead to errors or delays in processing a return.

How to check your IRS online account

Taxpayers can also review their information through an online account with the IRS. The account allows users to access certain tax records and review information related to their federal tax obligations.

Checking these records before filing can help taxpayers organize the information they need for their returns. They should also make sure they have access to the account and can sign in when the filing season begins.

Review tax rules before filing in 2027

Taxpayers should review the rules that apply to the 2026 tax year before completing their returns. Their filing requirements and eligibility for certain credits or deductions may depend on their income, filing status, and personal circumstances.

The IRS is expected to provide updated guidance as the 2027 filing season approaches. Taxpayers should check the agency’s official website for the latest instructions, deadlines and available filing options before submitting their returns.

What spraying vinegar on pillows is for

The main use is to neutralize bad odors and freshen textiles. White vinegar helps cut the smell of sweat, dampness, or stuffiness that the pillow picks up with use, and leaves the area fresher without resorting to strong perfumes.

White vinegar is a solution of acetic acid (around 5%), and that acidic character is the key. Much of the unpleasant odor in a pillow comes from compounds with an alkaline character, such as volatile amines and ammoniacal substances generated by sweat and bacteria as they break it down. These are molecules that evaporate easily and therefore reach the nose.

When acetic acid comes into contact with them, an acid-base reaction occurs: the acid neutralizes them and turns them into salts that are not volatile, that is, they stop evaporating and, therefore, stop smelling. That is why vinegar is said to neutralize the odor instead of covering it up with fragrance, as scented sprays do.

That same acidity also helps dissolve the salts from dried sweat and loosen part of the oils stuck to the fabric, so they come out better in the wash afterward.

That is why a light application is enough to freshen the pillow. And although the typical vinegar smell is noticeable when spraying, it is the acetic acid itself evaporating: it dissipates as the fabric dries, leaving no aroma.

Step by step: how to apply it correctly

The procedure for everyday freshening is simple:

• Mix one part white vinegar with three parts water in a spray bottle.
• If desired, a few drops of essential oil, such as lavender, can be added.
• Spray the pillow with a light mist, until it is just barely damp, never soaked.
• Let it dry completely in a well-ventilated place and, if possible, in the sun, turning it over so both sides dry.
• Repeat once a week or when needed.

Why it is important to do it

Beyond the result, the appeal is that it is a natural, inexpensive, and handy alternative to commercial sprays. It makes it possible to keep the pillow hygienic and fresh between washes, something key in an item that is in direct contact with the face for hours, uses a product that almost everyone has in the kitchen, and avoids loading such a sensitive area with chemicals and perfumes. It is also a quick gesture that extends the life of textiles and delays the moment of replacing them.

Located in Jackson Hole, near the Snake River and the Teton Range, the property offered something Ford had been looking for: a place where he could escape the demands of his acting career and spend time surrounded by nature.

His decision to purchase the entire property in the 1980s went beyond acquiring a secluded home. Beginning in 1985, Ford established conservation easements on parts of the ranch, restricting development that could damage wildlife habitats and natural resources.

By 1994, approximately 389 acres—nearly half of the property—were documented as being under conservation protection, according to a historical report by The Land Report.

Why Harrison Ford chose an 800-acre property in Wyoming

Following the success of Return of the Jedi in 1983, Ford began looking for a place outside Southern California where he could enjoy a quieter life. He and his then-wife, screenwriter Melissa Mathison, initially considered properties around Sun Valley, Idaho, before turning their attention to Jackson Hole.

The region’s combination of mountain scenery, open land and abundant wildlife made a lasting impression on the actor.

In an interview recounted by The Land Report, Ford described the appeal of the landscape as a combination of water, streams, trees and animals, with the Tetons rising above the surrounding valley.

The property they found stretched along the Snake River and included land used by migrating elk and mule deer. Bald eagles and blue herons were also among the wildlife associated with the area, while native cutthroat trout inhabited its waterways.

Rather than purchase only a small section of the land around the existing home, Ford and Mathison chose to acquire the entire 800-acre property.

The actor helped design and build his Wyoming home

Ford’s connection to the ranch was not limited to choosing its location. His background as a carpenter also influenced the way he developed the property.

While filming Frantic in Paris in the late 1980s, he sketched plans for his Wyoming home and sent detailed instructions to the workers building it. According to The Land Report, the actor continued communicating with the construction crew from France.

After the main house was completed, Ford also helped build a guesthouse and a large barn that would serve as his workshop.

The result was a private retreat designed around the surrounding landscape rather than a conventional Hollywood mansion. Its setting gave Ford room to work on practical projects, spend time outdoors and maintain a more hands-on lifestyle.

How Harrison Ford protected 389 acres from development

Ford’s commitment to the ranch eventually extended beyond building a home. In 1985, he began donating conservation easements on portions of his property.

These agreements restrict certain uses of private land to preserve its environmental value. Depending on their terms, they can prohibit subdivision, extensive construction or other activities that could harm wildlife habitats and natural resources.

The key distinction is that a conservation easement does not necessarily mean the landowner gives away the property itself. Instead, the owner retains the land while agreeing to permanent restrictions on specified development rights.

The Jackson Hole Land Trust, a local organization dedicated to protecting open spaces and natural resources, has used this type of agreement with private landowners throughout the region.

By 1994, reports documented 389 acres of Ford’s 800-acre ranch under conservation easements. That amounted to almost half of the property, limiting the extent to which the protected land could be developed.

The restrictions were significant because they were intended to endure beyond the owner’s lifetime or a future sale of the property, subject to the terms of the agreements.

The wildlife and landscape Ford wanted to preserve

The ranch sits in a region where private land can play an important role in maintaining open space and wildlife habitat. Its meadows, waterways and wooded areas form part of a landscape used by a variety of native species.

Historical descriptions of Ford’s property mention elk, mule deer, bald eagles, blue herons and native cutthroat trout. Protecting land from extensive development can help maintain the natural areas these animals depend on.

The benefits of conservation easements can also extend beyond wildlife. Keeping land from being subdivided or heavily built upon can help preserve open views, protect water resources and maintain connections between natural habitats.

That does not mean every acre of the ranch became a public nature reserve. Conservation easements generally allow land to remain privately owned, and public access is not automatically included. The restrictions instead focus on protecting agreed-upon conservation values.

Ford’s decision was also notable at a time when conservation easements were less widely known among private landowners. Stephen Small, who helped write tax provisions related to these agreements, told that Ford was among the early high-profile figures to embrace the approach.

Harrison Ford’s environmental commitment extends beyond his ranch

Ford’s interest in protecting nature also became part of his work outside Wyoming. He has served as an active board member of Conservation International, an organization focused on protecting biodiversity and supporting environmental conservation around the world.

His ranch reflects a more personal dimension of that commitment. Instead of treating the property solely as a private getaway, Ford used conservation agreements to limit how much of the land could be altered by future development.

The decision offered a way to balance private ownership with long-term environmental protection. Ford could retain his home and the land while placing lasting restrictions on certain activities that might otherwise transform the property.

According to AccuWeather, the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) confirmed that approximately 244 meters of pavement were damaged near the Pea Island Visitor Center.

In addition, the strong waves caused the loss of about 549 meters of protective dunes, which worsened the road conditions and complicated efforts to restore traffic.

Which highway remains closed in North Carolina because of the storm?

NC-12 highway remains closed between the Marc Basnight Bridge and Rodanthe, a key stretch for connecting Hatteras Island with the northern Outer Banks.

The closure began on Monday, October 19, around 6 p.m., after the surf overtopped the protective dunes and flooded the road near Pea Island.

According to the latest AccuWeather update, damage to the pavement and the loss of natural barriers make reopening the affected stretch difficult. Authorities have not yet announced a date to restore traffic.

This is the second time in about a month that a storm has severely affected the same highway. In September, another storm damaged nearly 305 meters of the NC-12 and forced emergency repairs.

How long will flooding continue in North Carolina?

According to the Dare County, the National Weather Service (NWS) warned that high tides could cause coastal flooding through Thursday, October 22.

Although the sky may remain clear in some areas, the storm continues to generate dangerous conditions along the coast.

The main risks include strong waves, beach erosion, and water advancing over sections of the highway.

Forecasts indicate that winds and surf would begin to ease during Thursday, with a gradual improvement toward the end of the week. However, flooding could continue even after the winds lose intensity.

What restrictions apply to those traveling to Hatteras Island?

Authorities are keeping the state of emergency in Hatteras Island and entry restrictions for visitors in effect.

The mandatory evacuation order applies to visitors to the island, but not to residents or to areas located north of Oregon Inlet.

Dare County said tourist entry will be allowed again once the storm has passed and NC-12 highway is no longer threatened by the advance of the water.

Meanwhile, authorities recommended avoiding the closed stretch and checking the official updates before traveling.

The armored vehicle is designed to combine a 50-millimeter cannon, a remotely operated turret, missile launch systems, and electric-hydraulic propulsion. However, these features are part of the planned design and must be evaluated during military testing.

The development contract, valued at approximately $764 million, includes the construction of the prototypes and validation of the system. The initiative is part of a competition in which General Dynamics Land Systems is also participating, so the Army will still have to evaluate the proposals before deciding which model will move on to production.

What anti-tank weapons, hybrid technology and combat systems will the XM30 incorporate

Weaponry is one of the XM30’s central components, since American Rheinmetall’s proposal includes an unmanned turret with a 50-millimeter cannon and a multi-mission launcher designed to integrate different weapons systems.

Among the planned capabilities are Javelin and TOW anti-tank missiles, intended to attack armored vehicles, and compatibility with Coyote Block 3 unmanned systems. In this regard, another of its new features is electric-hydraulic propulsion, which combines a combustion engine with electrical components to improve power generation and mobility, in addition to allowing certain operations with less noise when the thermal engine remains off, according to the manufacturer.

The XM30 also incorporates a modular and open architecture, designed to facilitate future upgrades to its electronic and combat systems without having to redesign the entire platform.

The United States ordered 7 more prototypes: what tests the armored vehicle will have to pass

The U.S. Armed Forces received the first prototype delivered by American Rheinmetall on September 1, 2026, and also ordered 7 more vehicles, which will be delivered throughout this year. Likewise, the development contract is worth approximately US$764 million and includes the design and construction of the prototypes and system validation.

The XM30 armored vehicles will have to go through different evaluation stages:

• Technical tests: to examine the operation and performance of the armored vehicle.
• Safety checks: before moving on to field maneuvers.
• Military training: the additional prototypes will also serve to train soldiers.
• Combat simulations: they will allow the performance of the vehicles in larger-scale exercises to be evaluated.

The XM30 is not the only model competing to replace the Bradley, since the U.S. Army awarded a development contract to General Dynamics Land Systems, so the delivery of the first Lynx XM30 does not guarantee that American Rheinmetall will be chosen for final production.

The goal is to develop a vehicle capable of responding to modern threats, such as drones, precision weapons, and electronic warfare. Before incorporating it into its fleet, the Army will have to evaluate whether the XM30 meets the protection, mobility, and firepower requirements established for the program.

According to the schedule, the early payment will occur with two key payments corresponding to November because these payment dates coincide with days on which the federal agency does not make deposits.

SSA advances two key November payments: which ones, and what new dates were set

As explained, when a payment date coincides with a weekend or federal holiday, the money is advanced to the first available business day before it.

This will happen with the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment, which is usually delivered on the first day of each month. Since November 1 falls on a Sunday, the deposit will be made on Friday, October 30.

The same will happen with the Social Security payment for those born between the 1st and 10th of their month -which is usually delivered on the second Wednesday- and it will be moved up from Wednesday the 11th to Tuesday the 10th because of the celebration of Veterans Day.

When all November payments are scheduled

The full official calendar establishes:

• October 30: Supplemental Security Income payments
• November 3: payments for those who received their Social Security benefits before May 1997 or Social Security payments for those who also receive SSI
• November 18: payments for those born between the 11th and 20th of their month
• November 25: payments for those born between the 21st and 31st of their month

COLA increase 2027: how much will it be

The official statement shared by the agency details that the cost-of-living increase for next year will be 3.6% and will affect 76 million Americans.

The first to receive this money will be those who receive SSI on December 31 of this year.

In this regard, it was announced that COLA notices will be available online at the end of November and can be accessed through the personal account my Social Security.

It also offers a paid identity verification service for those who do not have any of the accepted forms of identification.

According to the TSA official website, passengers over 18 must present valid identification at airport security in order to travel.

What other documents does the TSA accept to board domestic flights?

In addition to the U.S. passport, both in booklet and card format, the TSA accepts different forms of identification to verify passengers’ identities, including:

• Driver’s license or state ID card that meets REAL ID requirements.
• Enhanced driver’s license (EDL) or enhanced identification card (EID).
• Digital IDs and mobile driver’s licenses (mDL) accepted by the TSA at enabled airports.
• DHS trusted traveler cards (Global Entry, NEXUS, SENTRI, and FAST).
• Department of Defense ID, including those issued to family members.
• Permanent Resident Card (Green Card).
• Border crossing card.
• Photo ID issued by a federally recognized nation or Native American tribe, including Enhanced Tribal Cards (ETC).
• HSPD-12 PIV card.
• Foreign passport.
• Canadian provincial driver’s license or Canada Indian and Northern Affairs card.
• Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC).
• Employment Authorization Document (I-766) issued by USCIS.
• U.S. Merchant Mariner Credential.
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC).

In addition, the TSA accepts certain digital IDs through platforms such as Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and CLEAR, only at compatible airports and devices.

What is the alternative when you do not have a valid ID?

When travelers do not have any of these IDs, the TSA offers the TSA ConfirmID service, which allows a request for identity verification by paying US$45.

To use it, passengers over 18 must go to the Pay.gov platform, enter their personal information, indicate the trip start date, and pay the corresponding fee.

Once the payment has been made, they will receive a receipt by email that must be presented, either in digital or printed form, during airport security screening.

The payment is valid for 10 days from the declared trip start date. However, the service does not guarantee that the TSA can verify the passenger’s identity or authorize access to security screening.

What happens with international travel?

For international travel, passengers generally must present a valid passport and comply with the documentation requirements established by the destination country.

In addition, depending on the traveler’s nationality and destination, visas, electronic authorizations, or other immigration documents may be required.

“Buckling up helps keep you safe and protected inside the vehicle, while not buckling up can result in being completely thrown out of the vehicle in a crash, which is almost always fatal,” the agency explains.

While buckling it up is essential, it is not the only factor that should be considered when using this item; the way it is used is also key.

The mistake children and adults should not make when fastening the seat belt

Experts indicate that children and adults should never place the shoulder belt behind the back or under the arm, since this directly interferes with the protective function for which it was designed.

How to use the seat belt correctly

• The lap belt and shoulder belt should be secured across the pelvis and rib cage, as they are more capable of withstanding the force of impact than other parts of the body
• The belt should be positioned in the center of the chest and away from the neck
• The lap belt should rest on the hips, not the stomach

“Always check the fit of your child’s belt in every vehicle. A booster seat may be necessary in some vehicles and not in others,” it is stated.

How to protect children in the vehicle

Authorities explain that all children under 13 years old must ride in the back seat because this is the best place to protect their safety.

In addition, to determine whether the child is ready to use a seat belt, they need to be tall enough to sit without slouching and be able to:

• Keep their back against the vehicle seat
• Keep their knees naturally bent over the edge of the seat
• Be able to rest their feet on the floor

Parents’ use of the seat belt is also essential so that children can imitate this behavior. “Research shows that children whose parents buckle up are much more likely to do so themselves,” it is stated.

In a TikTok video, St. Clair said Musk often claims that anything “on the second page of Google” might as well not exist. She argues he floods search results to push bad press out of sight.

Alex Gibney’s nearly four-hour film opened in theaters Oct. 9. Tesla showed off the Roadster Oct. 15 in Waco, Texas, and Musk announced the SpaceX giveaway Monday.

What did Elon Musk show off with the flying Tesla Roadster?

The long-delayed Roadster is a two-seat electric sports car. Tesla calls it a flying car, but the driverless demo showed jumps, not sustained flight.

The car climbed a steep ramp using suction, hung upside down, then flipped off and landed on air jets. It also leapt over a row of parked Teslas.

Musk said 10 nozzles fed by high-pressure air tanks power the car, which he claims can hit 60 mph in under a second. Production is set for 2028, so the Roadster can’t be bought yet, and Musk has missed many past deadlines.

@ashstc

anyways, see MUSK in theaters now.

♬ original sound - ashley st. clair

How would Elon Musk’s $11 billion SpaceX stock pledge work?

Musk wrote on social media that he plans to give one of his SpaceX shares to every child in the U.S., calling it “the first of many.” He didn’t say when or how.

The $11 billion is an estimate: the U.S. has about 73 million children, according to the Census Bureau, and SpaceX traded at $149.49 on Monday morning.

President Donald Trump said the shares would go into Trump Accounts. These tax-deferred savings accounts were created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and donors can add stock to them without paying capital gains taxes.

It’s unclear how many children would qualify. The Treasury Department is automatically enrolling up to 60 million, which would put the gift closer to $9 billion.

Musk is SpaceX’s largest shareholder, with a 10.5% stake, according to FactSet. His pledge came a day after AI company Anthropic said it would put 5% of its shares in a public benefit fund.

What does Ashley St. Clair say about Elon Musk in the documentary?

St. Clair, a former conservative influencer and children’s book author, dated Musk from 2023 to 2025. Their child was born in 2024; Musk has 14 known children.

In the film, she says she turned down $15 million up front plus $100,000 a month for 21 years to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Musk wrote on X that she “was never offered that and has a history of making false claims.”

She also says women told her Musk had offered to father children with them, and that he called X Æ A-Xii, his son with Grimes, his favorite.

Musk called the project a hit piece back in 2023. After its September premiere in Venice, he accused Gibney of having no integrity and of stacking the film with people who hold grudges against him.

According to the NHTSA, 28 people in the US have been killed by exploding Takata airbag inflators, while at least 400 others have allegedly been injured. The agency urges vehicle owners to check their vehicle identification number (VIN) for open recalls and arrange a free repair if their car is affected.

Why are Takata airbags dangerous?

The problem involves the airbag inflator, a component that generates gas to inflate the airbag during a crash. According to the NHTSA, prolonged exposure to high temperatures and humidity can cause the propellant inside the inflator to deteriorate.

When the airbag deploys, the deteriorated propellant can burn too quickly and create excessive pressure, causing the inflator to rupture. Metal fragments can then shoot into the vehicle’s cabin, potentially killing or seriously injuring occupants.

The NHTSA warns that even minor crashes can trigger an explosion. The agency says approximately 67 million Takata airbags are under recall in the United States, affecting tens of millions of vehicles.

How to check if your vehicle is affected

Drivers can check whether their vehicle has an open safety recall by entering its VIN into the NHTSA’s official recall lookup tool. The VIN is typically found on the driver’s side of the dashboard near the windshield or on the driver’s side door jamb. It also appears on vehicle registration and insurance documents.

If the search identifies an open Takata airbag recall, owners should contact an authorized dealership to arrange a repair. According to the NHTSA, recall repairs could be free of charge.

The agency recommends checking for recalls at least twice a year, even if the vehicle has not received a notification by mail. Owners can also sign up for recall alerts to receive notifications about future safety recalls affecting their vehicles.

What should drivers do if their vehicle has a Takata recall?

Some vehicles are subject to specific “Do Not Drive” warnings because their defective inflators pose a particularly high risk. The NHTSA advises owners of affected vehicles to follow the instructions issued for their specific recall and arrange repairs immediately.

For example, the agency specifically warns owners of certain 2001–2003 Honda and Acura vehicles to contact Honda or a dealership immediately and drive the vehicle only to the dealership for the repair. Other vehicles may have different instructions, so drivers should check the notice associated with their VIN.

The NHTSA emphasizes that Takata airbag recalls remain a serious safety issue and that all defective airbags must be replaced. Vehicle owners can consult the agency’s official recall resources to determine whether their vehicle is affected and what steps to take.

Among them are filing federal tax returns and reporting income both to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the state tax authorities.

However, USCIS also warns about an error that could affect status by being considered a renunciation of permanent residency.

What is the error that can be interpreted as a renunciation of status?

According to USCIS in its “maintaining permanent residence” section, there are two reasons why someone ceases to be a permanent resident:

1. Applying for and completing the naturalization process.
2. Losing or abandoning status.

In the second scenario, there are several ways to lose status that can be found on the official USCIS website. One of the items mentioned is “declaring oneself as a nonimmigrant on your tax return.”

How should the tax return be filed correctly?

To avoid making this mistake, it is important to keep several factors in mind. First, lawful permanent residents must use Form 1040, which corresponds to the individual federal income tax return used by U.S. citizens and aliens considered residents for tax purposes.

If a lawful permanent resident files Form 1040-NR, intended for nonresident aliens for tax purposes, it could create a contradiction regarding their immigration status. In certain circumstances, this could be interpreted as an intention to give up permanent residency.

In addition, this error can also occur by answering incorrectly the questions related to tax residency status or the days of physical presence in the United States.

What should be done if this error is made to prevent it from being considered a renunciation of status?

If a tax return error is made, it is possible to correct it by filing Form 1040-X, which allows an previously filed federal return to be amended.

It is important to make the correction as soon as possible, since tax inconsistencies could create complications when applying for U.S. citizenship or when trying to re-enter the country after a trip abroad.

This is because immigration authorities may assess compliance with tax obligations to determine whether a person maintains their permanent resident status.

The company was valued at about $900 million back in 2021 when Whiterspoon decided to sell a majority stake. Now she is getting it back for much less.

Reese Whiterspoon sold a part of her company for $900 million, and now she is getting it back

In August 2021, Witherspoon sold her stake in Hello Sunshine to a Blackstone-backed company led by former Disney executives Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs. Nonetheless, she kept a significant share and a seat on the board.

But on October 13, 2026, she and the European studio Mediawan announced they are buying that majority back from Candle Media. Although the terms were not disclosed, Axios reported that the prices are in low-to-mid-eight figures.

Witherspoon called the deal “a homecoming” and added: “The best is still ahead.”

The problem Whiterspoon faced with Hollywood

In 2011, the scripts she received were, in her words, “abysmal [and] really demeaning.” She visited the heads of the seven major studios and asked how many movies with a female lead they were developing. The answer was almost always none, said on Harvard Business School’s Founder Mindset podcast.

At first she was frustrated, but then she realized that it was a huge white space to fill. That’s why in 2016 she co-founded Hello Sunshine, which produced hits like Big Little Lies, Little Fires Everywhere, and The Morning Show.

Her drive comes from her teenage years, when her family went through serious money problems. She left Stanford after about a year because she couldn’t afford the tuition. “If I didn’t succeed, there wasn’t anybody coming to save me,” she said in the same podcast.

The United States and Japan launched Keen Sword 2027: what this alliance is about

Keen Sword is a bilateral military exercise between the United States and Japan that is held every two years. The edition that has just begun, identified as Keen Sword 27, is the eighteenth since the series began in 1985, and it takes place between October 19 and 29, 2026, over eleven days. The opening ceremony took place on Ishigaki Island, the westernmost point of Japanese territory.

Around 56,000 personnel in total are taking part: about 45,000 from Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) and about 11,000 U.S. military personnel. According to the official statement from Japan’s Joint Staff, on Japan’s side there are also about 6,100 vehicles, 40 ships and 260 aircraft.

The most striking piece of the operation is naval: the nuclear aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71), which leads Carrier Strike Group 9 (CSG-9), arrived at Yokosuka Naval Base together with the guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin (CG-65).

What is being tested

The exercise aims to improve coordination between the two forces in different crisis scenarios. Planned activities include maritime operations, air and missile defense, facility protection and repair, logistics and resupply, and casualty evacuation.

The underlying goal is to improve interoperability, information sharing and defensive coordination between the two countries. In fact, the logistics component and readiness to operate together in the future are a central part of what is being tested.

In what context this joint military exercise is taking place

The maneuvers come at a time of regional tension. According to international agencies, the exercise is taking place amid friction between China and Japan over Taiwan and in the face of Beijing’s growing military and economic influence in Asia-Pacific.

Neither the United States nor Japan officially said the maneuvers are aimed against China; the official messages pointed to shared values, crisis response and deterrence. At the same time, it was reported that U.S. Marines are deploying anti-ship and air-defense systems on the southwestern Japanese islands, near Taiwan.

According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), those with a full retirement age of 67 can receive 30% less if they start collecting at 62. By contrast, waiting until 70 allows them to receive 24% more than the full benefit.

These differences apply to people born in 1960 or later, whose full retirement age is 67. For those born earlier, the percentages may vary.

How much Social Security is paid at ages 62, 67, and 70?

The SSA states that the monthly benefit depends, among other factors, on the age at which you apply for retirement.

For those whose retirement age is 67, the percentages are as follows:

• At age 62, 70% of the full benefit is received, which represents a 30% reduction.
• At age 67, 100% of the corresponding benefit is collected.
• At age 70, 124% of the full benefit is received, that is, a 24% increase.

Why is Social Security reduced if claimed at age 62?

The Social Security Administration allows retirement benefits to begin at age 62, but applies a reduction when the claim is made before reaching full retirement age.

For those who must wait until 67 to collect the full benefit, moving retirement up to 62 means 60 months early.

In that case, the total reduction is 30% and, in general, it remains in effect for the period during which the person receives their retirement benefits.

The advantage of claiming benefits early is that payments begin sooner. However, the monthly payment is lower than if one had waited until full retirement age.

What happens if a person waits until age 70 to retire?

Those who delay the start of their benefits after reaching full retirement age can receive increases through the so-called delayed retirement credits.

According to the official SSA table, for a person whose full retirement age is 67, the benefit increases as follows:

• At age 67: 100% of the benefit.
• At age 68: 108% of the benefit.
• At age 69: 116% of the benefit.
• At age 70: 124% of the benefit.

This means that waiting three years after age 67 can increase the monthly payment by 24%.

However, the benefit stops increasing for delaying the claim once age 70 is reached. Therefore, waiting beyond that age does not generate additional credits for delayed retirement.

What should you consider before applying for Social Security?

The age chosen to retire depends on each person’s financial needs. Collecting from age 62 allows you to receive payments earlier, but in a smaller amount, while waiting until 70 increases the monthly benefit.

In addition, those who postpone retirement should review their Medicare enrollment starting at age 65, since delaying it can generate penalties in certain cases.

“Next year, I will give one of my SpaceX shares to every child in America. This will be the first of many”, the magnate tweeted last Monday, October 19, although he did not explain how he will make the transfers or what requirements the beneficiaries will have to meet.

How much is a SpaceX share worth?

The price of SpaceX shares makes it possible to gauge the financial scope of Musk’s promise. According to Wednesday, October 21’s quotation, each share stood at around $162.61.

For a family with two children, the combined amount today would be $325.22, provided the initiative goes ahead under the announced conditions.

It is worth noting that, looking ahead to next year, the share price may go up or down and, therefore, the final amount to be received could be different.

How many children would receive SpaceX shares

The proposal would cover some 72 million minors under 18 in the country, according to the estimate from the United States Census Bureau.

If each one received a share valued at $162.61, the theoretical total value of the operation would be around $11,708 million. This is an illustrative calculation based on the indicated quotation and the estimated number of minors.

When will he give away the shares

The businessman said he will make the delivery during 2027, but he has not yet given a specific date.

What is known about SpaceX’s financial situation

The promise comes after an important period for SpaceX’s shareholding structure. According to the information published about the transaction, the company went public in June 2026 and Musk retained between 42% and 43% of its shares.

In its first published financial accounts, corresponding to the first half of 2026, the company reported net losses of $5.488 million, a year-on-year increase of 257%.

With information from EFE.

The tax research service, released the estimates Sept. 11 as part of its yearly projection of inflation-adjusted tax figures.

Because the 2025 government shutdown left no consumer price index for October 2025, the estimates rely on 11 months of inflation data, from September 2025 through August 2026.

Where does the nearly $8,500 EITC figure for 2027 come from?

The projection lists the earned income on which the credit is calculated: $18,880 for families with two or more children, up from $18,290 in 2026. Federal law sets the credit at 45% of that amount for families with three or more children, which comes to $8,496.

The same formula produces the IRS’ official 2026 maximum of $8,231. Projected 2027 maximums by family size, with 2026 figures in parentheses:

• No qualifying children: $685 ($664)
• One child: $4,573 ($4,427)
• Two children: $7,552 ($7,316)
• Three or more children: $8,496 ($8,231)

What are the projected 2027 requirements to get the EITC on Form 1040?

Under IRS rules, filers must:

• Have earned income.
• Have no more than $12,600 in investment income, the projected 2027 limit.
• Have a valid Social Security number by the return’s due date for themselves, a spouse filing jointly and each child claimed.
• Be a U.S. citizen or resident alien all year.
• Not file Form 2555 for foreign earned income.

For families with children, the credit starts phasing out at $32,170 for joint filers and $24,660 for other filers. For families with three or more children, it would disappear at about $72,500 and $65,000, respectively.

Workers without children can qualify if they are 25 to 64 at year’s end, lived in the U.S. for more than half the year and can’t be claimed as a dependent.

When could the IRS deposit the 2027 EITC into bank accounts?

The projected amounts apply to income earned in 2027, so families would claim them on returns filed in early 2028. Returns filed next spring cover tax year 2026.

The credit is refundable, so families can receive it even if they owe no income tax. Filers who claim children must attach Schedule EIC to the return.

Thomson Reuters said the IRS would publish official 2027 figures later this year. IRS tables, which group incomes in $50 ranges, will set the final amounts.

A simple household method combines aluminum foil, salt, baking soda and hot water to help restore the appearance of tarnished silver. The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension includes this technique in its guide to homemade cleaning products.

Unlike ordinary scrubbing, the method relies on an electrochemical reaction to help remove the dark discoloration from the silver’s surface.

Why aluminum foil, salt and baking soda can clean silver

The dark coating that develops on silver is often silver sulfide, which forms when silver reacts with sulfur-containing substances. Removing it can be difficult with water alone.

When silver comes into contact with aluminum in hot water containing salt and baking soda, an electrochemical reaction can take place. Aluminum acts as the material that gives up electrons, helping convert the tarnish back into metallic silver. The process can transfer sulfur from the silver to the aluminum rather than simply scraping away the surface layer.

The salt and baking soda help the water conduct electricity, allowing the reaction to occur more effectively. Heat also helps the process move along.

This is why the technique differs from using baking soda as an abrasive. Instead of relying mainly on friction, it uses a chemical reaction to reduce the tarnish.

How to use aluminum foil and baking soda to clean silverware

The University of Arkansas Extension guide provides a simple recipe for treating tarnished silver with common household ingredients.

You will need:

• 1 quart of water (about 950 milliliters)
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• A piece of aluminum foil
• A heat-resistant bowl or container

Follow these steps:

1. Line the bowl with aluminum foil. Make sure the foil covers the inside of the container.
2. Place the silver cutlery in the bowl. Arrange the pieces so they can make contact with the aluminum foil.
3. Add the salt and baking soda. Sprinkle both ingredients into the container.
4. Pour in boiling water. Use enough to cover the silverware, taking care to avoid splashes and burns.
5. Let the silver soak. Leave it in the solution until the tarnish begins to disappear. The time required depends on how heavily the silver is tarnished.
6. Remove, rinse and dry. Carefully take out the cutlery, rinse it thoroughly with clean water and dry it with a soft cloth.

The Extension recipe does not specify an exact soaking time. Check the silver periodically instead of assuming that every piece will need the same amount of time.

Which silver items can benefit from this method?

The technique is intended for tarnished silver items, including suitable silver spoons, forks and knives. It may also be useful for other solid-silver household pieces that have developed a dark coating.

However, not every item that looks silver is made entirely of silver. Silver-plated cutlery has a thin layer of silver over another metal, and repeated or unsuitable cleaning can damage its finish.

Avoid this method on pieces with glued components, delicate decorative details, gemstones or an intentionally darkened finish. Antique silver and valuable collectibles may require specialized care because removing tarnish can also remove a desirable patina.

What to keep in mind before cleaning silver

Although this method uses everyday ingredients, hot water can cause burns, so handle the container and cutlery carefully. Do not use the technique on items unless you know their material and finish are suitable.

The process also does not replace washing. Once the tarnish has been treated, rinse the silver thoroughly and wash it as appropriate before using it for food.

For this reason, there are different ways to organize meals, among them, the famous “Meal Preps”, which are prepared in advance to eat during the week. They generally include ingredients that can last over time, such as grains, slow-cooked proteins, and other foods that retain their flavor and shape until the last day.

The 7 recipes to prepare ahead and eat during the week

According to the “Honest Cooking&Travel” website, there are several meals that can be prepared in advance.

Southwest-style energy chicken bowl

For this recipe, you will need:

• Skinless, boneless chicken breasts.
• Olive oil
• Seasonings to taste
• • Sugeridos: chile en polvo, pimentón ahumado, comino molido, polvo de ajo.
• Sweet potato
• Black beans.
• Corn kernels.
• Cooked brown rice.
• Avocado.
• Plain Greek yogurt.
• Lime juice.
• Fresh cilantro.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Cook one cup of brown rice and set aside.
2. Cut the sweet potato into cubes and bake with olive oil and salt at 400 °F (200 °C) for 20 to 25 minutes.
3. Season the breasts and cook them in a pan with olive oil for 6 to 7 minutes per side, until fully cooked. Slice.
4. Blend the avocado, Greek yogurt, lime juice, cilantro, and salt until you have a creamy dressing.
5. Place the rice as a base and add the chicken, sweet potato, beans, and corn. Keep the dressing separate.

Meatballs with mashed potatoes

For this recipe, you need:

• Ground beef.
• Egg.
• All-purpose flour.
• Onion.
• Assorted fresh herbs.
• Olive oil.
• Garlic cloves.
• Red chili.
• Chicken or beef broth.
• Tomato puree.
• Fresh thyme.
• Potatoes.
• Water and salt.
• Butter.
• Whole milk.
• Grated cheese.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Mix 900 grams of ground beef with egg, flour, herbs, and seasonings. Shape the meatballs.
2. Preheat the oven to 355 °F (180 °C) and brown the meatballs in a casserole dish with oil for 2 to 3 minutes per side.
3. In the same casserole dish, sauté the onion, garlic, and chili for 3 to 4 minutes. Add the broth, tomato puree, and thyme.
4. Add the meatballs and bake for 20 minutes or until fully cooked.
5. Boil the chopped potatoes for 15 to 20 minutes and mash them with butter, warm milk, and grated cheese.
6. Serve the meatballs with their sauce over the mashed potatoes.

Korean-style duck bulgogi

For this recipe, you need:

• Rice vinegar.
• Soy sauce.
• Toasted sesame oil.
• Green onions.
• Fresh ginger, peeled and chopped.
• Garlic.
• Sugar.
• Skinless duck breasts.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Blend the rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, green onion, ginger, garlic, and sugar until you have a smooth marinade.
2. Place the duck breasts in a container, cover with the marinade, and refrigerate for between 1 and 24 hours.
3. Remove the duck from the marinade, dry it, and set aside.
4. Boil the remaining marinade in a saucepan for 5 minutes and keep it warm.
5. Brush the breasts with a little oil and cook them on the grill or in a pan until fully cooked.
6. Let rest for 5 minutes and slice thinly.
7. Serve over white rice with kimchi, add the hot sauce, and garnish with black sesame seeds.

Slow-cooked beef skirt with onions

For this recipe, you need:

• Skirt steak.
• Garlic powder.
• Cumin.
• Italian seasoning.
• Onion powder.
• Onions.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Mix 900 grams of beef skirt steak with garlic, cumin, salt, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and onion powder.
2. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
3. Cut two onions into thin slices and place them at the bottom of a slow cooker.
4. Add the marinated meat and half a cup of water (120 ml).
5. Cover and cook on low for about 8 hours, until the meat is tender.
6. Remove the meat, shred it with two forks, and mix it with the onions and their juices.
7. Serve hot, on its own or as a filling for tacos, sandwiches, or rice bowls.

Thai Larb rice bowls

For this recipe, you need the following ingredients:

• Peanut or vegetable oil.
• Garlic.
• Lemongrass.
• Brown sugar.
• Ground pork.
• Lime juice.
• Basil leaves.
• Fish sauce.
• Thai chili paste.
• Basmati or long-grain white rice.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Cook the white rice according to the package instructions and set aside.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and sauté the garlic with the lemongrass paste for 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Add the brown sugar and stir until it melts. Add 450 grams of ground pork and cook until fully cooked.
4. Mix the lime juice, basil, fish sauce, and Thai chili paste (optional).
5. Remove the meat from the heat and add the previous mixture, stirring to combine.
6. Divide the rice among four containers and place the meat on top.
7. Let cool briefly and refrigerate in airtight containers.

Fresh chicken quinoa salad

For this recipe, you need:

• Nonstick cooking spray.
• Chicken breasts.
• Dried thyme.
• Shredded carrots.
• Cooked quinoa.
• Chopped cucumbers.
• Lettuce leaves.
• Avocado.
• Tahini.
• Lemon juice.
• Garlic.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 °F (218 °C) and place the chicken breasts on a greased baking sheet.
2. Season with sea salt and thyme. Bake for 30 minutes or until fully cooked. Let cool and cut into cubes.
3. Meanwhile, cook the quinoa according to the package instructions.
4. Prepare the dressing by blending tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper in a blender for 30 seconds.
5. Spread the dressing on the bottom of the jars and add, in this order, chicken, grated carrot, quinoa, cucumber, greens, and avocado.
6. Seal the jars and keep refrigerated. Shake before eating or serve on a plate. To prevent the salad from getting too soggy, the dressing can be stored separately.

Grilled Roti Wrap

For this recipe you need:

• Cucumber.
• Tomatoes.
• Onions.
• Ketchup.
• Cheddar cheese.
• Olive oil.
• Wrap tortilla.

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Heat a griddle or skillet with a little olive oil.
2. Spread ketchup on the tortilla breads and add slices of cucumber, tomato, and onion.
3. Season with salt and pepper, add cheddar cheese, and fold the breads in half.
4. Cook the wraps on the hot griddle for about 5 minutes, until golden brown and the cheese melts.
5. Remove, cut in half, and set aside in an airtight container.

The recipes are meant to be made in quantity and stored, but it is recommended to make just enough for the week so that it does not go bad. Except for the salad that is ready to eat, all the options can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

That is why a homemade mixture that combines two things that are usually found at home became popular: baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Unlike many home tricks, this one has a clear chemical explanation.

What mixing baking soda with hydrogen peroxide is for

The combination forms a whitening, all-purpose stain-removing paste. It is used mainly for household cleaning, where it helps lighten tile grout and remove stains and yellowish residue from plastic containers, baking trays, and even fabrics.

Baking soda is a very fine abrasive and, in addition, slightly alkaline. Its function is mechanical: it acts as a gentle polish that removes the stain from the surface without scratching. At the same time, because it is alkaline, it helps neutralize odors.

Hydrogen peroxide (hydrogen peroxide, H₂O₂) is the other engine of the trick, and it works chemically: it is an oxidizing agent. Stains have color because they contain molecules called chromophores, and oxidation breaks the bonds in those molecules, so that the stain loses color: it is not “covered up,” it is decolorized.

In that process, the peroxide breaks down, releasing oxygen, and that is why it works in a similar way to the oxygen bleaches sold commercially.

Together, the baking soda provides the polishing that lifts dirt from the surface and the peroxide chemically attacks the color of the stain, even the one that is a little more stuck on.

Step by step: how to make the mixture at home

The preparation is simple and it is best to make it when needed, not store it. Below is the step by step:

• Put half a cup of baking soda in a container and gradually add household hydrogen peroxide (the common one, 3%) until you form a thick paste.
• Apply the paste to the stain or the already cleaned grout
• Let it sit for a few minutes and scrub with a brush or sponge.
• Rinse well with water.

The ideal is to prepare only the amount that will be used, because the mixture loses effectiveness as it reacts.

Why it is recommended

Beyond the result, the appeal is that it is a natural, inexpensive, and readily available alternative to specialized products.

It uses two low-cost ingredients that are usually found at home, avoids the harshest commercial bleaches, and serves several purposes at once: the same paste that lightens bathroom grout works for a stained container or a white garment.

Which surfaces can you clean with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide?

A paste made with baking soda and 3% hydrogen peroxide can help remove certain stains and brighten some light-colored surfaces. However, the results depend on the material, the type of stain and how long the mixture remains in contact with the surface.

Here are some of the areas where the combination may be useful:

• White tile grout: The paste can help loosen embedded dirt while the hydrogen peroxide helps lighten discoloration. Scrub gently with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly.
• Ceramic cookware and baking trays: Baking soda provides mild abrasion to help lift stuck-on residue, while hydrogen peroxide can help reduce the appearance of certain stains. Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions first.
• White fabrics: Hydrogen peroxide may help lighten organic stains, including some food and beverage marks. Test an inconspicuous area first, as it can also remove fabric dyes.
• Plastic food containers: The mixture may help reduce visible discoloration, but check the manufacturer’s instructions and rinse the container thoroughly before using it again.

Avoid using the mixture indiscriminately on every surface. Colored fabrics, dark grout, delicate finishes and natural stone such as marble may be vulnerable to discoloration or damage. Test a small, hidden area before applying it more broadly.

According to the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT), the bridge carries an average of 33,000 vehicles per day and is an important connection for passenger and freight transport between both states.

The project began to be developed several years ago and received more than US$1 billion in federal funding during 2024. Minnesota and Wisconsin are also contributing resources to carry out the replacement of the structure, inaugurated in 1961.

When will the Blatnik Bridge between Wisconsin and Minnesota close?

According to the official schedule, work began in stages in September 2026, while the complete closure of the bridge is scheduled for March 2027.

The interruption of traffic would last approximately four or five years, during which the current structure will be demolished and its replacement built.

The Minnesota Department of Transportation reported that the project includes the following stages:

• 2026 and 2027: Completion of the design and progress on the first works.
• March 2027: Scheduled closure of the bridge and start of demolition work.
• Until 2031: Continuation of construction work on the new structure.
• 2032: Completion of complementary works, cleanup, and landscaping.

The dates correspond to the schedule planned by the authorities and may change during the execution of the project.

What will change for drivers during the bridge closure?

The closure of the Blatnik Bridge will force changes to the usual routes between Duluth and Superior.

According to the official update published on October 15, 2026, traffic will be diverted to the Bong Bridge, another connection between Wisconsin and Minnesota.

This change will affect drivers who use the Blatnik Bridge for their daily commute, as well as commercial transport traveling between both cities.

The authorities are also working on street improvements and access points to prepare alternative routes before the closure.

Changes in public transport routes

The Duluth Transit Authority (DTA) will also modify some of its services when the closure begins.

Among the main changes announced are:

• Route 110: will no longer use the Blatnik Bridge and will instead run over the Bong Bridge.
• Route 210: will alter its route to cover sectors in northern Superior.
• Routes 111 and 211: will continue operating, although they could experience schedule adjustments.
• Shuttle service in Duluth: a route will be enabled between the city’s transportation center and Garfield Avenue.

These changes aim to maintain connections between both cities during the years that the works last.

What will the new Blatnik Bridge be like?

The new bridge will retain the function of connecting Wisconsin and Minnesota, but will incorporate improvements aimed at increasing safety and facilitating traffic.

According to the information released by MnDOT, the structure will have four traffic lanes, full shoulders, and a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.

It will also include modifications to allow the passage of large vehicles and improve the protection of the structure against vessel traffic.

The goal is to replace a bridge that has been in operation for more than six decades and ensure a more modern connection between Duluth and Superior.

White vinegar is one of the alternatives mentioned by the agency for removing these buildup deposits during home maintenance.

How to remove limescale and white stains from faucets with vinegar

To remove limescale and white stains from faucets with vinegar, it is advisable to follow these steps:

1. Identify the affected areas: check for white stains, mineral deposits, or residue around the aerator, the spout, and the base of the faucet. These whitish stains can appear with daily use and become more visible when the water evaporates and leaves deposits behind.
2. Check the manufacturer’s instructions: before spraying vinegar, make sure it is compatible with the faucet’s finish. Some delicate surfaces can be damaged by acidic products.
3. Apply the product carefully: if the manufacturer allows it, spray a small amount of white vinegar and then wipe the affected area with a cloth. Avoid leaving it on for too long without checking the product instructions.
4. Remove the residue: clean the surface with water and dry it with a soft cloth, as long as the manufacturer’s instructions allow it.

It is worth noting that the agency does not set a universal application time or guarantee that it is safe for all finishes. Therefore, it is important to check the specific conditions of each faucet before cleaning it.

Why do white stains appear on faucets

White stains are usually related to the minerals dissolved in the water. When drops remain on a surface and evaporate, they can leave visible residue that accumulates over time.

According to the EPA, the buildup of limescale or calcium can restrict the water flow, so regularly checking and cleaning faucets is also part of their maintenance.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced the recall Oct. 17. The items were made between about March 31 and Oct. 7 and shipped to stores and food service businesses nationwide and in Hong Kong.

The recall covers 68 products under nine brand names, including Kayem, McKenzie and Al Fresco. No illnesses have been confirmed.

What are the 3 codes to check for in the hot dog, bacon and deli meat recall?

Recalled packages carry one of three establishment numbers. Look for them inside the round USDA mark of inspection on the label:

• EST. M/P 7839: This number is on most of the recalled items, across all nine brands.
• EST. P 20935A: This number is on McKenzie and Al Fresco whole turkey breasts.
• EST. M 9520: This number is on four McKenzie uncured hams.

Don’t rule out a package because of its date. Expiration dates on the recalled items run as late as February 2027.

Which hot dogs, bacon and deli meat brands are included in the recall?

The products on the FSIS list fall into four groups:

• Hot dogs: Kayem Old Tyme franks and Kayem beef, lower-sodium and mini cocktail hot dogs are included. So are Fenway Franks and franks from McKenzie, Jordan’s and Essem.
• Bacon: The list includes Kayem thick-cut bacon, several McKenzie cob-smoked bacons and Winnisimmet St. Butchery slow-smoked bacon.
• Deli meat: Kayem bologna, Polish loaf and corned beef are recalled. So are McKenzie liverwurst, roast beef, hams and turkey breasts, along with Genoa, Triple M and Deutschmacher hams.
• Sausages and more: Al Fresco chicken sausages, breakfast sausages and meatballs are on the list, along with Kayem bratwurst, kielbasa and smoked brisket.

The full list on the FSIS website includes UPCs and lot numbers for every product.

Why were more than 1.5 million pounds of meat recalled?

On Oct. 1, a retail customer complained that Kayem products had arrived warm. The company, based in Chelsea, Massachusetts, traced the problem to a warehouse cooler that didn’t hold a steady temperature.

Regulators call this “temperature abuse.” Bacteria can multiply in perishable food that warms up, and deli meat is often eaten without any cooking step to kill them.

What should you do if you have recalled hot dogs, bacon or deli meat?

Don’t eat them. FSIS says to throw the products away or return them to the store. Check your freezer, too, since the hot dog labels say they can be frozen for up to three months.

Anyone worried about getting sick should contact a health care provider. For questions, consumers can contact:

• Kayem Foods customer service: Call 800-426-6100 or email info@kayem.com. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. EDT, Monday through Friday.
• USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline: Call 888-MPHotline (888-674-6854) or email MPHotline@usda.gov.

FSIS will post lists of the stores that received the products at fsis.usda.gov/recalls once they’re available.

Under proposed regulations issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury and the IRS, the credit will be capped at $1,700 per individual taxpayer annually. For purposes of this limit, spouses who file a joint return are treated as separate taxpayers, so a married couple can claim a combined credit of up to $3,400 only if each spouse makes a qualifying contribution of at least $1,700. A couple that contributes $1,700 in total would be eligible for a maximum credit of $1,700.

Unlike some other education-related tax benefits, this program does not provide a direct government payment to parents or an automatic tax refund. To qualify, taxpayers must make qualifying cash contributions to approved organizations that provide scholarships for elementary and secondary school students.

Who qualifies for the new IRS tax credit in 2027?

The credit is intended for individual taxpayers who meet the federal requirements and make qualified contributions to scholarship-granting organizations, known as SGOs.

In general, taxpayers will need to:

• Be a U.S. citizen or resident for tax purposes, as required under the program’s rules.
• Make a cash contribution to an organization eligible to receive qualifying donations.
• Verify that the organization appears on the applicable list of approved organizations.
• Confirm that the state where the organization is located has elected to participate in the federal program and submitted the required list to the IRS.

Eligibility does not depend solely on the taxpayer’s state of residence. The rules allow taxpayers to support an approved organization located in another participating state, provided all applicable requirements are met.

The credit cannot exceed the amount of qualifying contributions and is capped at $1,700 per individual taxpayer. For married couples filing jointly, each spouse is treated as a separate taxpayer, so reaching the combined maximum of $3,400 requires a qualifying contribution of at least $1,700 from each spouse.

How the tax credit works and what the scholarships can cover

The program is designed to direct private contributions toward organizations that award scholarships for kindergarten through 12th-grade education (K-12). Families receiving these scholarships may use the funds for certain educational expenses related to their children’s schooling.

Qualified expenses may include:

• Private school tuition.
• Academic tutoring and educational support.
• Services for students with special needs.
• Books, school supplies and other materials.
• Computers and other educational equipment.
• Other qualifying expenses related to a student’s enrollment or attendance.

The tax credit reduces federal income tax liability. This distinction matters because the credit is nonrefundable, meaning it does not automatically generate an IRS payment when the credit exceeds the taxpayer’s tax liability.

The proposed regulations also provide for eligible unused credit amounts to be carried forward for up to five years, subject to the applicable rules.

Taxpayers who also qualify for a state tax credit for the same donation should note that the proposed regulations reduce the qualified contribution by the state credit before applying the $1,700 limit. In practice, a state credit can lower the amount of the federal credit a donor is able to claim.

What taxpayers should know before claiming the credit

The program was established under federal legislation enacted in 2025 and applies to tax years ending after December 31, 2026. The Treasury Department and the IRS released proposed regulations on October 1, 2026, outlining procedures for states and participating organizations to prepare for the program’s launch.

State participation is voluntary. Before making a contribution, taxpayers should check whether the relevant state is participating and whether the recipient organization meets the official requirements.

Eligible organizations must also satisfy legal and operational standards. These generally include qualifying as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3), maintaining separate records for qualified contributions, and meeting the program’s reporting and oversight requirements.

Which states will participate in the $3,400 tax credit in 2027?

The Education Freedom Tax Credit will depend on state participation. On October 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced that 30 states had opted into the program, ahead of its scheduled launch on January 1, 2027.

Under the program’s rules, each participating state must submit a list of eligible Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs) to the IRS. Taxpayers will only be able to claim the federal credit for qualifying cash contributions to organizations that meet the program’s requirements.

The IRS said states can still elect to participate by submitting Form 15714, and it is preparing an online portal for states to provide their lists of eligible organizations.

These early direct deposit services can make it easier to manage monthly expenses, although their availability depends on each bank receiving the payer’s information.

The proposal consists of making funds available before the usual deposit processing is completed. However, this does not mean that employers or government agencies have to change their payment schedules: the advance depends on the mechanism used by each financial institution.

Which banks advance salary and pension payments

Customers of Wells Fargo, Chase, Capital One, and Fifth Third can access programs that allow them to use certain direct deposits in advance. The conditions vary depending on the bank, the type of account, and the nature of the money received:

Wells Fargo

It offers Early Pay Day, a benefit that allows access to eligible direct deposits up to two business days early. The service requires no additional enrollment and does not charge a specific fee. It is worth noting that it is automatic for eligible direct deposits.

How it works depends on the information sent by the payer. When the bank receives notice of an incoming deposit, it can make the funds available before the established payment date, without waiting for the usual processing to finish.

The institution also clarifies that the benefit “is not guaranteed” and that availability may change between pay periods. Therefore, receiving the money two days early on one occasion does not mean the same will happen with the next payroll.

Chase

It offers early direct deposit options for eligible customers. It is necessary to check the terms of the relevant account and service to confirm the requirements and availability.

Fuente: Shutterstock

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Capital One

It allows certain deposits to be received up to two days early through its eligible checking accounts, such as 360 Checking. The feature is free for qualifying accounts and works with direct deposit.

In its customer information, it states that “early pay is a free and automatic feature” for checking accounts that meet the conditions.

Fifth Third

It offers Early Pay for certain accounts, including Momentum Checking, Momentum Savings, Express Banking, and Preferred Checking. In addition to salaries, the bank also covers some retirement payments and government benefits.

It also notes that it does not charge an additional fee for the service and does not require separate enrollment when the customer already meets the requirements.

Which deposits can be received before the payment date

Early direct deposits are intended for certain electronic payments that the bank can identify before their usual crediting date. They may include:

• Salaries and payroll: payments an employer sends by direct deposit.
• Pensions and retirement: certain periodic retirement income.
• Government benefits: some payments from public agencies, including Social Security, when they meet the bank’s requirements.
• Other specific income: certain tax refunds or other payments covered by specific programs, such as Fifth Third’s.

In general, physical checks, transfers, and other money movements are usually excluded from these benefits.

Wells Fargo expressly warns that the advance may vary and that the customer should verify that the funds are available before spending them. Fifth Third also notes that it does not guarantee that all payments will be received early.

In California, one of the biggest concerns is probate, the court process to transfer a person’s property after they die, which can take months and cost thousands of dollars. But homeowners have a simple tool to spare their families from it.

It’s called a Revocable Transfer on Death Deed, also known as a TOD deed. According to the Sacramento County Public Law Library, it lets the owner name the people who will inherit their home.

And when the owner dies, those beneficiaries receive the property without going to court.

How does the TOD deed work?

The Revocable Transfer on Death Deed The owner needs to fill out the deed and names of the beneficiaries.

The deed has no effect until the owner dies, so in the meantime they can still sell, refinance, or change their mind. It can be revoked at any time, for any reason.

It can be used for homes with one to four residential units, condominiums, or a single-family home with less than 40 acres of farmland.

What are the requirements to pass down a house without probate in California?

The rules are simple but very strict, and a mistake can void the deed:

• It must be signed in front of a notary.
• Since January 1, 2022, it must also be signed by two witnesses.
• It must be recorded at the county recorder’s office within 60 days of being notarized. If not, it becomes invalid.

The library warns that missing the 60-day deadline is the easiest way for a TOD deed to fail.

What heirs should know about TODD

When the owner dies, the beneficiaries don’t have to go to court, but they do have to notify all heirs and file several documents to put the property in their name.

There are also some limits:

• The home is not protected from debts. If the owner dies with a mortgage or other debts, the beneficiaries could end up with nothing.
• If the home is owned in joint tenancy or as community property, the co-owner receives the share first.
• If a beneficiary dies before the owner, their share goes to the other beneficiaries, not to their children.
• Title companies may refuse to insure the property for up to three years after the owner’s death, which can delay a sale.

Recipes for a dark roux generally estimate 45 minutes to an hour. Guillory-Bellow offers no set number: She tells viewers that the process takes a while and explains exactly how to tell when it is ready without a specific timer.

The video has drawn nearly 20 million views and more than 1.4 million likes on TikTok. Guillory-Bellow, a Louisiana-raised chef based in Los Angeles who specializes in Creole and Cajun cooking, posts there as @louisianacreoleinla.

A roux is flour cooked slowly in fat, and it is the base that gives gumbo its body and deep, toasty flavor. She opened her video by declaring it gumbo season and telling viewers their roux isn’t dark enough.

How do you know when gumbo roux is dark enough?

Guillory-Bellow tracks the roux through a series of color checkpoints. The first is a light tan she compares to peanut butter or pecan candy. That shade works for étouffée, a thick Louisiana stew often made with crawfish or shrimp, but not for gumbo.

The second checkpoint is the color of milk chocolate, and this is where she says many cooks get impatient and stop. The roux looks done at that stage, but it still produces a gumbo that turns out too pale.

The target is a deeper, darker brown beyond milk chocolate. Because the roux keeps darkening after it leaves the heat, she pulls it once it reaches that range rather than waiting for the darkest possible shade.

@louisianacreoleinla Ya’ll roux ain’t dark enough! Let’s fix that! #louisiana #gumbo #creole #337 #fall ♬ original sound - Adriánna Guillory-Bellow

Why does gumbo roux take up to an hour of nonstop stirring?

Her recipe uses two parts flour to one part oil: 4 cups of flour and 2 cups of oil. She works in a heavy-bottomed pot, in this case a cast-iron skillet, and blends the two completely before turning on the burner.

Once the mixture is smooth, it goes over medium heat and the stirring can’t stop. The roux browns gradually, but it can scorch just as fast, so it needs constant attention the whole time.

She keeps a spatula nearby to scrape the sides of the pot as it cooks. For first-timers, she acknowledges the work can wear out an arm. Her advice is to switch hands or have someone else take a turn at the spoon.

What do you do with gumbo roux once it’s dark enough?

When the roux hits the right shade, Guillory-Bellow takes the pot off the burner but keeps stirring. Heat stored in the pan cooks it slightly further while it cools, and the color deepens as it settles.

After it reaches room temperature, some oil separates and rises to the surface. She pours that layer off, then lays a paper towel on top to absorb whatever is left.

Extra roux can be stored in a mason jar. By her account, it keeps for a couple of months in the refrigerator and much longer in the freezer.

Interest in this mixture is due to the properties of its components, since vinegar contains acetic acid, while orange peel provides aromatic compounds typical of citrus fruits. The University of Florida, through its Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS), includes a recipe of this kind in its household cleaning recommendations, with a resting time of one week before using it.

Although it is easy to prepare, there are some precautions worth keeping in mind to avoid damage. For that reason, it is important to know what mixing orange peel with white vinegar is used for, how to prepare the cleaner at home, and what care to take when applying it.

What is mixing orange peels with white vinegar used for and why is it recommended?

Mixing orange peels with white vinegar makes it possible to prepare a homemade cleaner for certain household tasks. UF/IFAS recommends this mixture to make use of a kitchen waste product and an inexpensive household ingredient such as vinegar, which helps remove certain mineral deposits.

However, this preparation should never be mixed with bleach, since the combination can release toxic gases, according to UF/IFAS.

How do you prepare the homemade cleaner with orange peels and white vinegar?

According to the recipe published by UF/IFAS, the ingredients are:

• Peels from four oranges.
• Enough white vinegar to fill a jar of about one liter.
• A clean jar with a lid.
• A strainer and a spray bottle for later application.

The step-by-step instructions to prepare the mixture according to UF/IFAS are:

• Place the peels in the jar: remove any remaining pulp and place the peels from four oranges inside the container.
• Add the white vinegar: fill the jar until the peels are covered and close it.
• Let the preparation rest for a week: the UF/IFAS recipe sets that time before using the product.
• Strain the liquid: once the week has passed, remove the peels with a strainer and transfer the liquid to a spray bottle.
• Test the mixture before cleaning: apply a small amount of the mixture to a discreet area of a surface to make sure it does not cause damage, and then use a cloth to clean.

The University of Florida guide recommends labeling homemade preparations, keeping them out of the reach of children, and not storing them in containers that could be mistaken for food or drink containers.

It is not a driver’s license or a Real ID: it is a different credential, called Digital ID, which is generated from the U.S. passport and is not valid for international travel.

What is a Digital ID

Digital ID is a digital identification that is created from the U.S. passport and is stored in the Wallet app on the iPhone. Apple makes this clear from the outset to avoid confusion: “It is derived from your government-issued passport, but it is not a government-issued passport nor a replacement for the physical passport.” In other words, it serves to identify you in certain contexts, but it does not take the paper passport out of the picture.

The digital and secure alternative for getting through airport checkpoints without a physical passport

Its main use is identity verification before boarding flights within the United States. At selected TSA security checkpoints, the traveler can present a Digital ID from the phone or watch instead of the physical document.

When sharing identity, the system offers three modes depending on how much information is provided: “All ID Information” (all the document information), “Age & ID Photo” (age and photo only), and “With Review” (with a prior review of what is shared). That ability to show only what is necessary is part of what makes the digital option safer than handing over the entire document.

What is needed to set it up

Before starting, you need to have the following ready and enabled:

• A valid U.S. passport (not expired).
• Face ID or Touch ID and Bluetooth enabled.
• An Apple account with two-factor authentication.
• A stable wifi or mobile data connection.
• The device region is set to the United States.
• Be the holder of the passport and be 13 years of age or older.

Step by step: how to create a Digital ID

The process is done from the Wallet app itself:

• Open Wallet and tap the button to add a card (the + sign).
• Choose “Driver’s License or ID Cards” and then “Digital ID”.
• Select whether you want it only on the iPhone or on the iPhone and the linked Apple Watch.
• Scan the machine-readable part of the passport photo page with good lighting.
• Place the iPhone over the passport chip so it can read it.
• Take a selfie to confirm your identity.
• Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID and follow the on-screen instructions to submit the request.

People who use accessibility features can use their passcode instead of Face ID or Touch ID, both to set it up and to use it. The feature is available for iPhone 11 or later, or Apple Watch Series 6 or later, and the compatible operating system version iOS 26.1 or watchOS 26.1 and later.

While white vinegar is a commonly recommended option for removing these deposits, citric acid is an ideal ingredient for treating mineral deposits. Understanding how it works, and which precautions to take, can help you choose the right cleaning method for your showerhead.

Why citric acid can help remove limescale from showerheads

When water evaporates, it can leave behind minerals that gradually accumulate around showerhead nozzles. This chalky residue, commonly associated with hard water, can partially block the openings and cause water to spray unevenly or reduce the perceived pressure.

Citric acid is an acidic compound found naturally in citrus fruits and used in some household cleaning products. According to the University of Missouri’s explanation of acids and bases in cleaning products, acidic cleaners can dissolve mineral deposits that ordinary scrubbing may not remove easily.

The chemistry explains why. Limescale often contains calcium carbonate, a mineral that reacts with acids. The acid helps break down the deposit, allowing loosened material to be rinsed away with water.

Baking soda, by contrast, is mildly alkaline and is commonly used for gentle scrubbing and removing certain types of residue. It is not the same kind of targeted treatment for mineral buildup as an acidic descaler.

Citric acid can therefore be an alternative to consider when dealing with limescale. However, the best choice depends on the showerhead’s material, finish and manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.

How to clean showerhead nozzles with citric acid

Citric acid can help dissolve mineral deposits, but the cleaning method should be compatible with the showerhead’s material and finish. Before starting, check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure an acidic cleaner is safe to use.

1. Prepare the cleaning solution: Follow the dilution instructions on the label of a citric-acid descaler suitable for showerheads. Avoid guessing the concentration or combining the product with other cleaners.
2. Apply the solution: If the manufacturer permits soaking, remove the showerhead and place it in a container with the prepared solution, ensuring that the affected nozzles are covered. If the fixture cannot be removed, follow the product manufacturer’s instructions for applying the cleaner in place.
3. Follow the recommended contact time: Leave the solution on the deposits only for the period specified on the product label. Do not assume that a longer soak will improve the results, since prolonged exposure may damage certain finishes or materials.
4. Clean the nozzles gently: After treatment, use a soft toothbrush or cloth to remove any loosened residue. Avoid needles, metal tools or abrasive pads that could damage the openings.
5. Rinse and test the flow: Rinse the showerhead thoroughly with clean water, reinstall it if necessary and run the shower to check whether the spray pattern has improved.

Important: Do not use citric acid on a showerhead unless the manufacturer confirms that it is compatible with the fixture. If the finish changes, the surface becomes dull or other damage appears, stop the cleaning process. Never mix citric acid with bleach or other cleaning products.

Now, this does not happen for just any debt or from one day to the next: there is an amount at which it is triggered, a series of prior steps and several exceptions that protect the taxpayer.

From what amount does the seriously delinquent debt that puts your passport at risk become active

The trigger is what the IRS calls seriously delinquent tax debt. It is not just any outstanding balance: it is a legally enforceable federal debt that exceeds a threshold that is adjusted for inflation each year. For 2026, that figure is more than 66,000 dollars, including taxes, penalties and interest.

In addition to the amount, other conditions must be met: that the IRS has filed a federal lien notice and all administrative remedies have been exhausted, or that it has issued a levy.

IRS and the Department of State can deny and revoke passports: how the process works

When a debt meets those conditions, the IRS certifies it to the Department of State and sends the taxpayer notice CP508C, by regular mail, to the taxpayer’s last known address. One detail to keep in mind: the IRS does not send a copy of that notice to the taxpayer’s legal representative (power of attorney), so the notification goes directly to the person.

From that certification, the Department of State, as a rule, does not issue a new passport and can deny a new application or a renewal. But it can also go further and revoke one that is already valid.

The revocation of a valid passport is not automatic nor is it triggered by a closed list of causes. The IRS can ask the Department of State to revoke the document of any taxpayer whose debt has already been certified as seriously delinquent, but those referrals, according to the agency itself, “are determined based on the facts and circumstances of each case”.

Fuente: Archivo

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Exceptions: debts that are not certified

Owing taxes does not automatically mean losing your passport. The IRS does not certify, among others, the following situations:

• Debts being paid on time through an approved installment agreement.
• Debts covered by an accepted offer in compromise.
• Debts with a timely requested Collection Due Process (CDP) hearing regarding a levy.
• Cases with a pending innocent spouse relief request.
• Child support and FBAR penalties, which are outside this regime.

Nor is a person certified who has an account classified as “currently not collectible” due to economic hardship, a pending payment plan request or offer, a bankruptcy filing, the status of victim of identity theft for tax purposes, or someone who is in a federally declared disaster area.

The outlook points to a greater likelihood of above-normal temperatures across much of the northern US and along both coasts. It also indicates an increased chance of above-normal precipitation across much of the southern US and the East Coast, although these trends do not predict the exact weather conditions expected on Thanksgiving Day.

Temperatures could be warmer than usual across much of the US

The NWS Climate Prediction Center (CPC) favors above-normal temperatures across the northern two-thirds of the contiguous United States and along both coasts in November. The strongest signals appear across Washington, the interior Northwest, the Northern Plains, the Upper Mississippi Valley, and the Great Lakes.

However, the outlook does not point to warmer-than-average conditions everywhere. The CPC indicates equal chances of above-, near-, or below-normal temperatures across the Southwest, the Lower Mississippi Valley, and parts of the Central Plains and Intermountain West.

Forecast uncertainty is also higher in New England, Montana, and North Dakota, where cooler periods remain possible.

Rainfall chances vary by region

The November outlook favors above-normal precipitation across much of the southern US and the East Coast. The CPC reports particularly strong model agreement over parts of the Southeast, where the probability of above-normal precipitation reaches 60% to 70% in some areas.

By contrast, below-normal precipitation is favored across parts of the northern Intermountain West, the Northern Plains, and the Great Lakes. The outlook does not identify specific days when rain or snow may occur, so it cannot establish whether Thanksgiving travel or outdoor gatherings will be affected.

When will the Thanksgiving forecast become clearer?

The CPC’s monthly outlook describes broad climate trends rather than day-by-day weather conditions. It is based on climate models, sea surface temperature patterns, El Niño-related influences, and historical trends, and compares expected conditions with the 1991–2020 climate averages.

The agency has scheduled an updated November outlook for October 31. More specific forecasts for Thanksgiving will become useful closer to the holiday, as the NWS updates its shorter-range guidance. Until then, the monthly outlook should be treated as an indication of possible regional trends, not a forecast for November 26 itself.

The new capital will cover a strategic area of more than 250,000 hectares and will include a presidential palace, government buildings, housing, and public services. Work began in 2022 and is advancing in stages, with the goal of making Nusantara the country’s political center starting in 2028, while its development will continue over the coming decades.

One of the project’s most ambitious aspects is its goal of being supplied with 100% renewable energy and reaching net-zero emissions by 2045. To achieve this, Indonesia is promoting a strategy that includes energy efficiency, forest protection, and sustainable resource management.

Where are they building the futuristic 250,000-hectare city, and why will it be in the middle of the jungle?

Indonesia’s new capital is called Nusantara and is being developed in East Kalimantan province, on the island of Borneo. The Indonesian government is promoting this project to gradually move the capital’s functions from Jakarta and create a new administrative, economic, and urban center.

According to the Nusantara Authority, the project’s national strategic area covers more than 250,000 hectares, although not all of that surface will be occupied by buildings; it includes development zones and areas that are expected to be preserved as green and forest spaces. The plan calls for more than 75% of the capital’s area assigned to the project to be kept as green spaces, with protected sectors and land for food production.

The choice of East Kalimantan also responds to its location, close to cities such as Balikpapan and Samarinda, and to the existence of road infrastructure, airports, and water sources. Although the new capital is still unfinished, some of its facilities are already in operation, such as the Nusantara state mosque, where the first Eid al-Fitr prayer was held on March 21, 2026.

At the same time, work continues on government buildings and the infrastructure needed for the city to gradually assume its functions as Indonesia’s political capital.

What will Indonesia’s new capital be like and what smart buildings will it have?

Nusantara is designed to become a smart city, with technology applied to buildings, public services, transportation, and resource management. The Nusantara Authority published an official guide for the construction of smart buildings in August 2023, which sets criteria to improve efficiency in the use of energy, water, and air, as well as reduce emissions and optimize the conditions of indoor spaces.

Among the project’s constructions are the presidential palace, ministry offices, housing for officials, schools, hospitals, businesses, and public transportation networks.

Likewise, the work is being carried out in stages, with the tasks concentrated in the main government core and extending to other areas, according to the Nusantara Authority, in December 2025.

The official goal is for the city to be ready to function as the political capital in 2028, while its overall development will continue until 2045.

How will the city Indonesia is building in the jungle run on 100% renewable energy?

Indonesia set as a goal renewable energy facilities to cover 100% of Nusantara’s energy needs. The target is part of the environmental strategy for the new capital, which also aims to improve the energy efficiency of public buildings and reduce polluting emissions associated with the city’s operation.

The official strategy Nusantara Net Zero Strategy 2045, developed by the Nusantara Capital Authority with the support of the Asian Development Bank and funding from the Australian government, sets out a roadmap to achieve net-zero emissions in 2045.

The plan covers six main areas, including energy, forest and land management, waste, agriculture, and industrial activities.

The initiative also aims to preserve and restore the region’s forest ecosystems. In this sense, the government plans to develop a city that integrates urbanized areas with green spaces and protected zones.

The process is mainly aimed at those who already have Medicare Part A and need to add Part B, which covers doctor visits, outpatient services, and preventive benefits. To complete enrollment, applicants must meet the corresponding requirements and submit the documentation to the Social Security Administration (SSA).

Not completing the process within the corresponding period can cause delays in access to coverage and, in certain circumstances, a penalty in the monthly premium. That is why it is important to know who must submit form CMS-40B, how to send it and what deadlines Medicare sets for enrollment.

Who must submit form CMS-40B to enroll in Medicare Part B?

Form CMS-40B is the official application that allows enrollment in Medicare Part B, which covers certain medical services, outpatient visits, supplies and preventive benefits. It is intended for people who already have Part A and need to request Part B.

Those who must submit the form are:

• People who already have Medicare Part A and want to add Part B.
• Beneficiaries who did not enroll in Part B during the initial period and want to do so during the general enrollment period: between January 1 and March 31.
• People who are still working and have medical coverage through their employer, or who have group health insurance through their spouse’s employment, and want to enroll in Part B through a special period.
• People who recently retired or lost employment-related medical coverage.

The form can be viewed and downloaded in Spanish from the official website of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in the section for Medicare Part B enrollment application (CMS-40B).

It is important to note that not all beneficiaries must complete this document, as it depends on each person’s situation and the enrollment period they are in.

How do you complete and submit form CMS-40B to obtain medical coverage?

To request Part B, the beneficiary must complete and sign form CMS-40B and send it to the local Social Security office. The SSA allows the application to be submitted by mail, fax, or in person.

The process requires paying attention to the following steps to complete it:

• Download the form: it is available in Spanish on the official CMS website.
• Fill in personal information: include the Medicare number, name, mailing address, and requested contact information.
• Indicate coverage status: answer the questions on the document, including information about employment-related medical coverage when applicable.
• Sign and send the application: submit the completed form to the local Social Security office by mail or fax, or present it in person. An office can be found in the official SSA locator.

It should be noted that there is an additional requirement for certain people who request Part B after having had health insurance through their job or their spouse’s job. In those cases, it may also be necessary to submit form CMS-L564, which allows that coverage to be verified.

Likewise, according to Medicare, this document applies, among other situations, to those who are still working, retired in the last 8 months, or recently lost employer-subsidized medical coverage. Users who have questions about the form or the procedure can resolve them by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

What happens if form CMS-40B is not submitted on time and when does Medicare coverage begin?

Not submitting form CMS-40B does not mean that Medicare automatically cancels coverage for all of its beneficiaries. However, those who need to enroll in Part B and miss the corresponding period may have to wait to access it and, in certain cases, pay a monthly late enrollment penalty.

Medicare provides for different enrollment periods, depending on each person’s circumstances:

• Initial enrollment period: generally lasts seven months, begins 3 months before the month in which the person turns 65, and ends 3 months after that month.
• General enrollment period: runs from January 1 to March 31 each year. Those who enroll during this period generally begin coverage on the first day of the month after enrollment.
• Special enrollment period: certain people may enroll without penalty after losing employment-related medical coverage. In many cases, they have 8 months from when the employment or the coverage based on it ends, whichever of those events happens first.

This last deadline is especially important for those who worked after turning 65 and delayed enrollment in Part B because they had employer health insurance. COBRA coverage or retiree insurance do not, by themselves, extend that 8-month special period.

The coverage start date depends on the applicable period and the circumstances of the application. That is why those who need to enroll should check the official conditions before submitting the form to avoid delays and possible penalties.

According to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, eligible children began receiving the contribution on July 4, 2026. However, the money is not automatically deposited into every child’s account simply because the child qualifies for the program.

Who qualifies for the $1,000 Trump Account contribution?

To receive the federal contribution, a child must meet the following requirements established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS):

• Birth date: The child must have been born between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2028.
• U.S. citizenship: The child must be a U.S. citizen.
• Social Security number: The child must have a valid Social Security number (SSN).
• Qualifying child: The child must be expected to qualify as the authorized individual’s child for the relevant tax year.
• No previous election: A request for the $1,000 pilot contribution must not already have been processed for that child.

The contribution is part of the federal government’s Trump Accounts pilot program. Meeting the requirements makes a child eligible, but an authorized adult must also complete the necessary steps to request the contribution.

How can parents claim the $1,000 contribution?

Parents, guardians and other authorized individuals can establish an account and request the federal contribution through the official process.

The IRS provides Form 4547, Trump Account Election(s), which allows an authorized individual to elect to establish an account for an eligible child and request the $1,000 contribution when the child qualifies.

The process involves these steps:

1. Establish the account: Complete the required election through Form 4547 or the official online process.
2. Request the contribution: Make the separate election for the $1,000 pilot program contribution, if the child meets the additional eligibility requirements.
3. Claim the account: If the child already has an automatically enrolled account, a parent or guardian must claim it to manage the account and enable the federal contribution.

The Treasury Department says parents and guardians can use the official Trump Accounts app to claim automatically enrolled accounts. They must verify their identity and their relationship to the child, review the child’s information and accept the account terms.

Families can find the official program information at TrumpAccounts.gov and review the IRS instructions for Form 4547.

What happens to the money in a Trump Account?

Trump Accounts are tax-advantaged investment accounts established for children. The federal government’s initial $1,000 contribution is invested in the account rather than paid directly to parents as cash.

The accounts are intended to build long-term savings through investments. Families may also be able to contribute additional money, subject to the program’s rules and annual contribution limits.

The Treasury Department announced on October 1, 2026, that automatic enrollment had been completed for more than 60 million additional eligible children. However, having an account does not mean the $1,000 contribution has already been deposited. A parent or guardian must claim the account and complete the required election for the child to receive the federal contribution.

However, this requirement does not apply in the same way to every nationality. The United States has agreements with certain countries that allow their citizens to enter with passports valid for their intended period of stay, without requiring an additional six months of validity.

Travelers should therefore check the requirements that apply to their nationality and immigration status before heading to the airport.

How the 6-month passport validity rule works in the US

The rule is based on the date a visitor plans to leave the United States. For travelers subject to the general requirement, their passports must remain valid for six months beyond that date.

For example, if a traveler plans to leave the United States on December 15, their passport would generally need to remain valid until at least June 15 of the following year if the full six-month requirement applies.

However, the passport holder’s nationality can change this requirement. CBP explains that citizens of countries covered by exemption agreements only need passports that remain valid for their intended stay.

Which countries are exempt from the additional 6-month requirement?

CBP maintains exceptions for passports issued by a number of countries and territories. Among the countries listed in its reference materials are several important destinations for travelers from Latin America, Europe and other regions.

These include Argentina, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Canada, as well as countries such as the United Kingdom, Spain, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, Japan and South Korea.

The exception means that eligible travelers do not need the additional six months of passport validity beyond their planned stay. Their passports must nevertheless remain valid throughout the intended visit, and they must meet any other applicable entry requirements.

Travelers should confirm the current status of their country on the U.S. Department of State’s official guidance before departing, because passport rules and other entry conditions can differ according to nationality and travel circumstances.

What travelers should check before flying

Before traveling, visitors should verify three key details:

• Passport expiration date: make sure the passport remains valid for the required period of stay.
• Nationality-based exemptions: check whether the passport-issuing country has an agreement waiving the additional six-month requirement.
• Immigration documents: confirm that the applicable visa or travel authorization is valid and that all other entry requirements are met.

The main reference for this rule is the official CBP guidance on passport technical requirements. Travelers can also review the requirements for the Visa Waiver Program through the U.S. Department of State.

During that month, residents of New Jersey, North Carolina, Alabama, California, Arizona, and Vermont will be able to apply for their passports at the special events, provided they meet the requirements established for the process.

Where and when can you apply for a passport without an appointment?

The passport fairs that can be attended without an appointment are the following:

Salisbury, North Carolina

• Date: Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: Rowan Public Library (201 W Fisher St).

Birmingham, Alabama

• Date: Saturday, November 7, from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
• Location: Birmingham Post Office (351 24th St N).

Tucson, Arizona

• Date: Saturday, November 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Location: West Passport Center (7373 E Rosewood St).

What are the dates and locations where an appointment is required?

Some passport fairs require applicants to schedule an appointment before showing up. The dates and locations are as follows:

Whiting, New Jersey

• Date: Wednesday, November 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Location: Manchester Emergency Medical Services Building (82 Lacey Rd).

Tustin, California

• Date: Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Location: Veterans Sports Park (1645 Avenida Valencia).

Manchester Center, Vermont

• Date: Monday, November 9, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Location: Manchester Center Post Office (3452 Richville Road).

Nutley, New Jersey

• Date: Tuesday, November 10, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
• Location: Nutley Parks and Recreation Department (44 Park Ave).

Stowe, Vermont

• Date: Thursday, November 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Location: Stowe Town Clerk Memorial Hall (67 Main Street).

Hardwick, Vermont

• Date: Friday, November 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Location: Hardwick Post Office (52 Mill Street).

Check the numbers to request appointments by clicking here.

Who can take advantage of this opportunity?

The passport fairs are intended for U.S. citizens who need to apply for a passport using Form DS-11, either because they are applying for it for the first time or because they do not meet the requirements to renew it.

Among the people who can attend these events are:

• Minors under 16 who need to obtain a passport.
• People applying for their first U.S. passport.
• People who do not meet the renewal requirements must apply for a new document using Form DS-11.

It is important for applicants to bring the required documentation and the accepted payment methods to complete the process.

This deadline should not be confused with the general enrollment period, which runs from January 1 to March 31 each year and is intended for those who did not enroll in Part A or B during previous periods and meet the corresponding requirements.

However, changes requested during the Open Enrollment period do not take effect immediately, but instead begin to apply in 2027.

What changes can be made and until when is there time?

Beneficiaries have until Monday, December 7, 2026 to review their current coverage and request changes to their health and drug plans.

This is the deadline for plans to receive change requests.

According to the official Medicare website, the changes that can be made depend on the type of coverage each beneficiary has:

• Change Medicare Advantage plans: join, drop out of, or switch to another plan with or without Medicare Part C drug coverage.
• Change drug plans: join, cancel, or switch to another Medicare drug plan if you are in Original Medicare.
• Change the way you get coverage: switch from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage plan or vice versa.

Those who decide to return to Original Medicare may need to purchase a separate drug plan. They may also consider a Medigap supplemental policy, see the conditions here.

When do these changes take effect?

Changes requested during this year’s Open Enrollment period will take effect on January 1, 2027, regardless of the date on which the request was submitted.

Therefore, beneficiaries will continue with their current coverage through December 31, 2026, inclusive, and will begin using the new coverage as of the first day of 2027, provided the enrollment has been processed correctly.

The buildup of food scraps, grease, soap, and other residues can make it difficult for water to pass through and cause bad odors in the home.

However, there is a simple alternative that uses three household items, common around the house: baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water.

The procedure, recommended by the waste management program of the U.S. county of King County, allows you to try to unclog the drain with inexpensive ingredients that are easy to obtain.

How to unclog a pipe with baking soda, vinegar, and boiling water

To complete the method correctly, first apply the baking soda to the drain, then add white vinegar and finally rinse with hot water.

According to King County’s recommendations for safer household cleaning, this preparation can be repeated if there are still difficulties draining the water.

To put it into practice, the following ingredients are needed:

• 1/2 cup baking soda.
• 1/2 cup white vinegar.
• Boiling water, enough to rinse the drain.

Step by step: how to apply the mixture to unclog the drain

1. Remove visible residue: remove food scraps, hair, or other materials around the drain grate.
2. Add the baking soda: pour half a cup directly into the pipe.
3. Add the white vinegar: slowly add half a cup.
4. Let it sit: wait a few minutes for the mixture to come into contact with the accumulated residue.
5. Rinse with hot water: pour the water carefully to help flush away any debris that may be blocking the pipe.
6. Check the drainage: turn on the tap and see whether the water flows normally again.

Why cleaning pipes with baking soda and vinegar works

Baking soda is a compound with alkaline properties that is commonly used in household cleaning because of its mild abrasive properties and its ability to help remove surface dirt.

For its part, white vinegar contains acetic acid, a component that gives it acidic properties and can help remove certain mineral deposits, such as some limescale buildup, and surface residue.

Both vinegar and baking soda are two common household ingredients that can help with cleaning numerous surfaces if applied correctly, with methods endorsed by experts.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) expects much of the northern part of the country to experience warmer-than-average temperatures, while the South and East could receive more precipitation than usual.

The agency’s 2026-2027 Winter Outlook, released on October 16, covers December through February and also points to potential improvements in drought conditions across several regions.

Which parts of the US could have a warmer winter?

According to NOAA, the greatest chances of above-average temperatures extend across the Pacific Northwest, northern California, the northern Rockies, the Midwest, the Mississippi Valley and much of the eastern United States. Alaska is also expected to have warmer-than-average conditions.

Florida and parts of the Southeast have a different outlook, with temperatures more likely to remain near their seasonal averages. Hawaii and much of the Southwest have roughly equal chances of experiencing below-average, near-average or above-average temperatures.

These regional differences mean that El Niño’s influence will not be uniform across the country. Local weather conditions can still vary considerably, even when seasonal patterns favor warmer temperatures overall.

Where is NOAA forecasting more rain and snow?

The seasonal precipitation outlook points to wetter-than-average conditions across the southern tier of the country, stretching from the Southwest to the Southeast, as well as along the East Coast.

By contrast, drier-than-average conditions are more likely in Hawaii, much of Alaska, parts of the northern Mountain West and some areas around the Great Lakes. Parts of the western Pacific Islands are also included in the drier outlook.

NOAA links the expected pattern to a potential southward and eastward shift in the jet stream, the fast-moving current of air that helps steer weather systems. According to the agency, a very strong El Niño would favor stormier conditions across the South.

Increased precipitation could bring rain or snow, depending on local temperatures and atmospheric conditions. However, the seasonal outlook does not specify how much snow individual cities or states will receive.

Could El Niño help end drought conditions?

One of the main potential benefits of the forecast is the possibility of drought relief in areas that have experienced prolonged precipitation deficits.

NOAA expects drought conditions to improve or end in parts of the Southwest, the Southern Great Plains, the Southeast and the East Coast by the end of January 2027.

The outlook also identifies areas where drought could worsen or develop, including parts of the northern Rockies, northeastern Oregon and eastern Washington.

More precipitation does not automatically eliminate drought, since its effects depend on how much rain or snow falls, where it falls and how quickly it accumulates. NOAA also warns that heavy precipitation on dry ground can increase the risk of flash floods and mudslides.

The Saver’s Match program is intended for long-term savings. Withdrawals made before age 59½ may be subject to additional taxes and restrictions.

New retirement savings match from the IRS to eligible recipients

To help Americans and permanent residents who pay taxes to the IRS, authorities rolled out a new program to match up to 50% of the money people save for their retirement.

The Saver’s Match benefit will apply to retirement contributions made starting January 1, 2027. However, eligible beneficiaries will begin receiving the government’s contribution in 2028, when they file their tax returns for the 2027 tax year.

If a person is eligible for the program, they can claim the Saver’s Match when filing the 2027 federal tax return in 2028.

“The federal government matches up to 50% of what you contribute – a match of up to $1,000 per person each year deposited directly into your designated retirement account. For married couples filing jointly, the match applies to each spouse. Matching funds will go into a retirement plan or IRA and grow alongside your own contribution,” the IRS says.

Who is eligible for the Saver’s Match?

The benefit is not automatic for all American workers. It is designed for people with low or moderate incomes who meet certain requirements:

• Be at least 18 years old by the end of the tax year.
• Contribute to an eligible retirement plan, such as a 401(k) or an IRA.
• Not be claimed as a dependent on someone else’s tax return.
• Be a US resident for tax purposes.
• Not meeting the tax definition of a student that excludes them from the program.

Additionally, the government’s contribution rate depends on income and filing status. Those who exceed certain income limits will not qualify for the benefit.

Income limits determine the matching rate

Eligibility for the Saver’s Match and the percentage of the government contribution depend on your modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) and tax filing status.

MAGI starts with your adjusted gross income (AGI) and adds certain excluded or deducted amounts, including pre-tax retirement contributions and certain excluded foreign income. As income increases, the matching rate decreases.

Can you qualify for both the Saver’s Credit and Saver’s Match?

Generally, taxpayers cannot receive both benefits for the same retirement contributions. For the 2027 tax year, the Saver’s Match replaces the Saver’s Credit for eligible retirement contributions.

However, taxpayers who make eligible contributions to an ABLE account may still qualify for the Saver’s Credit, since the Saver’s Match does not apply to these accounts.

Few cases show that as clearly as the one involving Gregory Brian Myers and his wife, Barbara Ann Kelly, who have been in a legal fight with their bank over a property in Naples, Florida, for nearly 17 years.

It all lasted until Monday, October 19, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit rejected Myers’ latest challenge and upheld the dismissal of his lawsuit against the bank, according to court records available on Justia.

How the legal dispute over the property began

The case started in 2009, when U.S. Bank, which held the mortgage on behalf of a mortgage-backed securities trust, sued the couple over unpaid installments.

A Florida court ruled in the bank’s favor after finding that they had missed 66 monthly payments. Kelly had originally bought the property and later added Myers as a co-owner.

The couple appealed. Meanwhile, Myers filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Maryland, which temporarily stopped the bank from moving forward.

The $5,000-a-month agreement between the couple and the bank

In November 2016, Myers and the bank reached an agreement: the appeals could continue, but the bank could not sell the property until they were finally decided in its favor.

In exchange, Myers had to deposit $5,000 a month into a court account in Maryland. He later said he had deposited a total of $70,000.

If the bank won, it could keep that money, but it had to count it toward the couple’s debt. In 2018, a Florida appeals court upheld the foreclosure, which ended the appeals that had blocked the sale.

The final verdict of the court over the couple’s lawsuit

In 2024, when the bank tried to schedule a sale of the property, Myers sued again. He accused the bank of breaking the 2016 agreement, of fraud, and of violating a federal law on debt collection practices.

The courts disagreed. The key point was that the agreement never promised to stop the sale permanently: it only prevented it while the appeals were pending. Since those appeals ended in 2018, the bank did not break the deal by moving forward.

A new Myers lawsuit was dismissed with prejudice, meaning he cannot bring the same claims again in that case.

In the bathroom, it can become a resource for cleaning the toilet, removing surface residue, and helping reduce bad odors without necessarily resorting to harsher cleaning products if it is combined with detergent.

The recommendation is part of a guide to safer cleaning products published by the U.S. King County administration.

What is the purpose of pouring baking soda and detergent into the toilet?

From a chemical standpoint, baking soda acts as a mild abrasive that helps loosen dirt without easily scratching the surface. When combined with detergent, it helps remove residue, while the surfactants in the detergent help lift grease and other adhered particles.

How to use baking soda and detergent to clean the toilet

The procedure recommended by the U.S. agency is simple and does not require preparing a complex mixture. The important point is to distribute the product, scrub the surfaces, and remove the residue when finished.

To do this, follow these steps:

• Sprinkle baking soda inside the toilet bowl, over the surfaces you want to clean.
• Add two or three drops of liquid dish detergent.
• Scrub with a toilet brush, paying attention to the areas where dirt accumulates.
• Flush to rinse and remove the cleaning residue.

However, if there is persistent dirt and buildup, tough stains, or significant limescale deposits, it may be necessary to use a product specifically formulated for that problem and follow its instructions for use.

Does baking soda eliminate bad toilet odors?

Baking soda can help control some odors associated with residue and dirt. If the odor persists after cleaning, it is advisable to check whether there is a buildup of residue, drain problems, or issues with the plumbing.

It is also important to distinguish between cleaning and disinfecting. A bowl that looks clean or smells better does not mean that all microorganisms that can pose a health risk have been eliminated.

That is why, to keep the bathroom in good condition, the best approach is to combine regular cleaning with proper ventilation.

What precautions should be taken when cleaning the toilet with baking soda and detergent

Although baking soda and detergent are used in various household tasks, that does not mean that any combination of ingredients is safe or effective.

Before mixing products, it is important to check their labels and avoid combining cleaners of unknown composition.

In particular, bleach should never be mixed with products that contain acids or ammonia, as dangerous gases can be released.

According to the official Medicare website, the open enrollment period began on October 15, 2026, and will remain open until December 7.

During these weeks, people who already have Medicare can review their options and modify their coverage according to the type of plan they currently have. Changes made will take effect on January 1, 2027, as long as the plan receives the request within the established deadline.

Until when can Medicare coverage be changed in 2026?

The Medicare open enrollment period runs from October 15 to December 7, 2026.

This period takes place every year and allows beneficiaries to make certain changes to their health or drug plans.

According to Medicare, changes made during this period will begin to apply on January 1, 2027.

For the change to be valid, the chosen plan must receive the enrollment request before the December 7 deadline expires.

Who can change their Medicare coverage?

The available options depend on the type of coverage each beneficiary has.

According to Medicare, the following changes can be made during open enrollment:

• Medicare Advantage: enroll, disenroll, or switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, with or without drug coverage.
• Drug coverage: enroll, disenroll, or change Medicare prescription drug plans if you have Original Medicare.
• Type of coverage: switch from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage or back from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare.

Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C, is an alternative to Original Medicare offered by private companies approved by Medicare.

Part D, for its part, corresponds to prescription drug coverage.

It is important to keep in mind that this period is intended to make changes to coverage plans and does not replace the initial enrollment periods for those who do not yet have Medicare.

How do you change Medicare plans for 2027?

Beneficiaries can check the available alternatives through Medicare’s official tools.

To assess a change, the agency recommends comparing the available plans based on each person’s health care needs and the medications they use.

The procedure can be carried out as follows:

1. Enter Medicare’s official plan finder.
2. Check the coverage options available in your area.
3. Compare costs, benefits, and drug coverage.
4. Select the plan that best suits your needs.
5. Complete the enrollment request before December

It is also possible to contact the chosen plan directly or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for assistance.

What happens if a beneficiary returns to Original Medicare?

The official website warns that those who decide to leave Medicare Advantage and return to Original Medicare should check whether they need to separately purchase a prescription drug plan.

They can also consider adding Medicare supplemental insurance, known as Medigap, which helps cover certain out-of-pocket costs.

However, Medicare clarifies that there are restrictions on the periods during which Medigap can be purchased, so it should not be assumed that obtaining it is guaranteed.

In North Carolina, authorities have already announced that most adults between 19 and 64 will have to work, study, volunteer, or prove monthly income of at least US$580 to keep their coverage.

“If you do not meet this requirement, you could lose your Medicaid benefits,” the state program NC Medicaid explains.

Those subject to the measure who do not meet the conditions could lose access to medical appointments, dental care, prescription drugs, and mental health services.

How much you have to earn per month to keep Medicaid

In North Carolina, one way to meet the requirement is to prove monthly income of at least $580. The alternative is to complete 80 hours of approved activities during the month, including:

• Having a paid job or being self-employed.
• Participating in job training programs.
• Carrying out certain unpaid work activities.
• Studying at least part-time at an educational institution.
• Volunteering or providing community service in approved programs.

Income may come from a traditional job; from other people in the household, such as a spouse; or certain unemployment benefits and other permitted income may count.

The other alternative is to complete the required hours of activity: 20 hours a week. In any case, beneficiaries will have to keep records that show they met the required conditions when it is time to renew their coverage.

Exempt from Medicaid work requirement

Not all beneficiaries will have to prove that they work, study, or volunteer. Among the people who may be exempt are:

• Those under 19 and those over 64.
• Parents, guardians, and caregivers of dependent children under 14.
• Pregnant women or those who were pregnant during the last 12 months.
• Those who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
• Certain veterans with total disability.
• People who meet the disability or medical frailty criteria established by the program.
• Those receiving treatment or rehabilitation for addictions, in the cases covered.
• American Indians, Alaska Natives, and other people eligible for certain Indian health services.
• Some young people who were in foster care.
• Certain people who receive other public benefits and already meet equivalent work requirements.

What happens if a person loses Medicaid

Beneficiaries who lose their coverage will receive a notice with the reasons for the decision and instructions for filing an appeal if they believe there was an error.

In the state, the official guide states that, in general, the deadline to appeal is 60 days from the date of the letter.

It should be noted that the information published by North Carolina describes the conditions of its own program and should not be used as if all states applied exactly the same procedures.

The federal government, through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), explains that states will have to establish community engagement requirements for certain beneficiaries, with exceptions provided for by law.

Wednesday, January 27, will be a key date for those born between the 21st and 31st of any month and who receive their benefits under the SSA’s usual schedule. However, they will not be the only ones to receive payment during January, as other groups will receive their payments on the 13th and 20th, while some beneficiaries will get an advance at the end of December.

The exact date depends on the type of benefit and when each person began receiving it. Therefore, it is important to check the official SSA calendar to find out when the first 2027 payment with the COLA increase will be issued and which beneficiaries will receive it before January begins.

Who will receive the COLA increase on Wednesday, January 27, 2027?

Retirees and other beneficiaries of Social Security who have a birth date between the 21st and the 31st of any month will receive their monthly payment on Wednesday, January 27, provided they are included in the SSA’s usual payment schedule.

That date corresponds to the fourth Wednesday of the month and includes those who receive retirement, survivor, or disability (SSDI) benefits and began receiving them under the payment schedule based on birth date. The deposit will include the 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027.

It is important to keep in mind that not all retirees will receive payment on January 27, 2027, since the date depends on the schedule that applies to each beneficiary.

SSA payment calendar: on what days will retirees receive payments during January 2027

The Social Security Administration distributes retirement, survivor, and disability payments on various dates, depending on the group to which each beneficiary belongs. For January 2027, the official SSA calendar includes three Wednesdays for those who receive payment according to their birth date.

These are the dates beneficiaries should keep in mind:

• Wednesday, January 13, 2027: people born between the 1st and 10th of any month.
• Wednesday, January 20, 2027: people born between the 11th and 20th of any month.
• Wednesday, January 27, 2027: people born between the 21st and 31st of any month.

In all three cases, the dates correspond to beneficiaries who follow the payment schedule by birth date. The SSA also administers benefits for family members and survivors, in addition to retirement and disability payments.

Which beneficiaries will receive the COLA increase before January 2027?

Although the cost-of-living adjustment corresponds to 2027, some beneficiaries will receive the updated payment on Thursday, December 31, 2026. This happens because January 1 is a federal holiday, and the Social Security Administration advances certain payments when the usual date is not a business day.

The groups that should keep this date in mind are:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries: they will receive the January payment on December 31, 2026, with the 3.6% increase.
• People who began receiving Social Security before May 1997: they belong to a payment schedule different from the one organized by birth date. Their January payment is also moved up to December 31.
• People who receive Social Security and SSI: they will receive both program payments according to the corresponding schedule, with the year-end advance.

The SSA clarified that the SSI increase will begin with the December 31 payment, while the Social Security benefit adjustment will apply to payments corresponding to January 2027.

In this context, the University of Illinois Extension published on its official website a home method to solve this problem using simple-to-obtain items, such as two cups of white vinegar and baking soda.

Where they recommend using this two-cup white vinegar method and how to apply it step by step

This method, recommended for cleaning the inside of the dishwasher, was published by the institution and consists of the following steps:

• Clean the filter inside the dishwasher to prevent food residue from becoming stuck
• Pour two cups of white vinegar into a glass measuring cup
• Place it upright on the lower rack of the dishwasher without adding detergent
• Run a normal cycle with hot drying
• Then sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the dishwasher
• Run another hot water cycle
• Use the dishwasher’s sanitizing cycle -if possible- for a deeper clean

According to what was explained by Utah State University, baking soda neutralizes acidic odors in the water and can absorb odors from the air, while white vinegar, because of the acid it contains, is positioned as a natural deodorizing and disinfecting cleaning product.

Where else is vinegar recommended

Likewise, the University of Illinois advises using an equal mixture of water and vinegar to remove any trace of mold that may have remained inside the refrigerator and thus help eliminate bad odors.

It is important to always wear gloves to protect the skin before carrying out any cleaning procedure, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each appliance, and keep the spaces properly ventilated.

This is the core foundation of Jensen Huang’s life story. The CEO of Nvidia, born February 17, 1963, spent his childhood in Taiwan and Thailand before moving to the United States.

After earning a master’s degree from Stanford University, Huang launched Nvidia in 1993 from a Denny’s restaurant in San Jose, California, at age 30 and has remained its president and CEO since. Now, from his position, he gives advice to new entrepreneurs that want to start their own companies.

“This is absolutely the single greatest time to start a company,” Huang said in July at Y Combinator’s Startup School 2026, in a conversation with its CEO, Garry Tan. The 63-year-old executive added that he was “jealous” of the opportunities ahead for young founders.

The big question Huang asks before taking on any new challenge

Huang believes that overthinking is often the biggest obstacle for entrepreneurs. His advice is to approach any challenge with one simple question: “How hard can it be?”

“Let the suffering come to you a little bit at a time,” he explained. “Don’t imagine how hard it’s going to be, and let all of that turn into anxiety and not doing something about it.”

Huang knows what it means to start from scratch. In 1993, he and his co-founders, Chris Malachowsky and Curtis Priem, sketched out their idea for a chip company over coffee at a Denny’s. More than three decades later, Nvidia is worth roughly $4.7 trillion thanks to the demand for its AI chips.

How to succeed without losing the fear, according to Nvidia’s CEO

Huang’s optimism doesn’t mean he thinks success comes easy. He has said he works seven days a week and still feels vulnerable. “You know the phrase ‘30 days from going out of business,’ I’ve used for 33 years,” he said on The Joe Rogan Experience. “The feeling doesn’t change.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly half of all new businesses fail within five years. Even so, for Huang, the key is to start, learn along the way, and not let fear stop you.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced on October 14 that benefits will increase by 3.6% in 2027, with the adjustment taking effect for payments in January. The average monthly retirement benefit will rise by approximately $75.

However, the trustees’ annual report warns that, without legislative changes, continuing income would cover only 78% of scheduled benefits after the retirement and survivors fund exhausts its reserves.

Social Security: why the trust fund could run short of reserves by 2032

The 2026 report from the Social Security and Medicare trust fund trustees projects that the Old-Age and Survivors Insurance (OASI) Trust Fund, which pays retirement and survivors benefits, will be able to cover 100% of scheduled benefits through the fourth quarter of 2032. That date is one quarter earlier than projected in the previous year’s report.

The warning does not mean Social Security will disappear or that payments will automatically stop in 2032. Instead, the program’s accumulated reserves are being used to cover the gap between income and expenses. Once those reserves are depleted, ongoing revenue would no longer be sufficient to pay every benefit scheduled under current law.

According to the official report, the fund would then have enough continuing income to pay 78% of scheduled benefits. The shortfall would require a legislative solution to prevent benefit payments from being reduced.

The outlook is different when the retirement and survivors fund is considered together with the Disability Insurance Trust Fund. Under that combined projection, reserves would be depleted in the third quarter of 2034, when continuing income would cover 83% of scheduled benefits.

However, the two funds are legally separate and cannot be combined without a change in the law.

The 2027 raise will not solve Social Security’s funding shortfall

The annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W) between the third quarter of one year and the same quarter of the following year.

For 2027, the SSA set a 3.6% increase for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. Adjusted payments for nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries will begin in January 2027, while the increase for approximately 7.3 million SSI recipients will start on December 31, 2026.

Although the adjustment is designed to help offset rising prices, it serves a different purpose from the program’s funding mechanisms. The COLA adjusts benefits to account for inflation, but it does not guarantee that the program will have enough revenue to sustain those payments over the long term.

The trustees’ report states that Social Security’s total costs have exceeded its total income since 2021 and are projected to remain higher throughout the forecast period. In 2025, combined expenses for the retirement, survivors and disability funds exceeded their income by approximately $160.2 billion.

What could happen to benefits if Congress does not act?

Depleted reserves do not mean that Social Security will have no money coming in. The program is financed primarily through payroll taxes, contributions from workers and employers, taxes on certain benefits and interest earned on accumulated reserves.

The challenge is that this revenue would not be sufficient to cover all scheduled benefits under current law. The trustees therefore say legislative action will be needed to prevent benefit reductions once the reserves are depleted.

The 2026 report also identifies demographic and tax-related factors affecting the program’s financial outlook. These include a lower projected fertility rate, reduced estimates of net immigration and tax changes expected to reduce future revenue from taxes on Social Security benefits.

The trustees emphasize that acting sooner would give lawmakers more options and allow more time to phase in potential changes, giving the public a greater opportunity to prepare.

Today, science has rewritten that story: according to Harvard research, eating one egg a day is safe for the heart for most people and does not increase the risk of having a heart attack.

What happens to your body if you eat an egg every day, according to Harvard

The conclusion is based on large studies, many of them carried out at the Harvard Medical School, which followed hundreds of thousands of people over decades. The participants reported what they ate and what health problems they developed over time.

The result was clear: those who consumed up to one egg a day did not show higher rates of heart attacks, strokes (CVA) or other cardiovascular diseases than the rest.

In Harvard’s own words, the cholesterol from one egg a day is safe for most people, and one egg a day does not increase the risk of a heart attack.

Why the cholesterol in eggs is not the problem

For a long time it was assumed that cholesterol from food translated directly into cholesterol in the blood, but the body does not work that linearly.

Most of the cholesterol that circulates in the blood is produced by the liver itself, and it does so mainly in response to saturated fats and trans fats in the diet, not so much to the cholesterol that comes in food. That is why the cholesterol in eggs weighs much less than was believed in blood cholesterol levels.

What really matters: what you eat the egg with

This is the nuance that should not be overlooked, because that is where the real risk lies. What usually harms the heart is not the egg itself, but what accompanies it. Harvard is clear: the saturated fat in butter, cheese, bacon, sausages, muffins or pastries raises blood cholesterol much more than the cholesterol in eggs.

The same goes for refined carbohydrates, such as white bread, home fries, dough and pastries, which can also increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. In other words: a boiled or poached egg with whole-grain bread is very different from a fried egg in butter with bacon and white toast.

From December 2026 to January 2027, 76 million people will receive an increase of $36 more per month, depending on the program and its conditions. With this new cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the federal government expects to offset the impact of inflation on each beneficiary’s income.

How much retirees will receive starting in 2027

The SSA made an average, and Social Security retirement benefits will increase by US$75 per month starting in 2027. The measure will benefit nearly 72 million Social Security beneficiaries. By category, the estimates showed:

The increase comes in a context of new pressures on the cost of living in the country. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), year-over-year inflation reached 3.7% in September 2026.

When payments will begin

The SSA will begin payments in December 2026 and January 2027:

• The 7.3 million beneficiaries of Supplemental Security Income (SSI) will receive their increased payment on December 31, 2026, since January 1, 2027 is a holiday.
• Social Security beneficiaries will receive their new payments in January 2027. The schedule has not yet been confirmed, but it is expected to follow the pattern used this year, which includes the 1st, the 3rd, and Wednesdays.

Some beneficiaries who are enrolled in both programs will receive both payments.

COLA notices will be available toward the end of November 2026 in the Message Center of each beneficiary’s personal my Social Security account. Those who are not registered in the system will receive their notification by mail, but a month later.

Taking this parameter into account, The American Cleaning Institute released a tips guide to make the washing schedule easier at home.

Although it provides general recommendations based on how much clothes are used, it also explains that factors such as fabric type, wear, and weather can play a key role in determining whether a garment should or should not be put in the washing machine.

How often they recommend washing each garment according to its type

The expert advice is to use the following recommendations as a reference:

T-shirts

Dress shirts, tank tops, and camisoles should be washed after each time they are worn.

Jeans

This garment can raise doubts, but in general it is recommended to wash it after approximately 3 wears.

Pajamas

Clothes used for sleeping should be put in the washing machine after 3 or 4 uses, although it is specified that those who shower before bed can extend this recommendation.

Underwear

In general, underwear and socks should be washed after each use, while for bras the recommendation is to do so after waiting between 2 and 3 uses. In addition, it is recommended to give this garment a day of rest before wearing it again so the elastic does not lose its shape.

Special cases of garments that should be washed more frequently

Specialists indicate that, regardless of the previous recommendations, whites and silks are prone to fading and should be put in the washing machine once they have been used.

The same applies to clothes with stains, which should be cleaned as soon as possible and dry to care for the garment.

Among so many, the yellow sign with a truck going downhill stands out. It appears on many routes, and not everyone knows what it means or what to do when they see it.

What the yellow sign with a truck going downhill means

The yellow sign with a truck going downhill is called “Hill/Grade” and means that the road ahead goes downhill.

In Florida, as in other states, warning signs are usually yellow and diamond-shaped. Their function is to alert drivers to upcoming conditions and what they should watch for.

What drivers should do

When faced with this sign, drivers should slow down and be prepared to shift into a lower gear to control speed, according to the Florida Official Driver License Handbook.

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

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

Social Security payment schedule for the rest of October

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

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

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

Who does not have to wait until October 21?

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

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

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

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

How to check your Social Security payment date

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

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

According to the United States Department of Transportation, the funds will support 105 selected projects in 45 states and Washington, D.C., with interventions planned on more than 2,000 miles of railway tracks.

The announcement was made on October 19, 2026 by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The resources will be distributed through the Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement grants program, known as CRISI.

What rail projects will the United States finance with $2.3 billion?

The Department of Transportation explained that the selected projects cover rehabilitation work, modernization and expansion of rail infrastructure.

These are some of the projects highlighted by the agency among the 105 selected initiatives:

• Wisconsin: $218 million for the Hiawatha West project, which plans to extend passenger rail service connecting Chicago and Milwaukee toward Waukesha, Jefferson and Dane counties. It includes improvements to tracks, bridges and crossings, as well as the construction of new stations.
• Ohio: $43.5 million to rehabilitate and modernize the Toledo Swing Bridge railway bridge, over the Maumee River. Eight of its 11 spans are expected to be worked on.
• Maine: $37 million to rehabilitate approximately 90 miles of track in the north of the state, by replacing rails, ties and ballast, as well as work on a railway bridge.
• Arkansas and Missouri: $33.6 million to improve the infrastructure of Arkansas & Missouri Railroad, on the stretch between Fort Smith and Monett.
• Texas: $30 million to modify vehicle access to the Port of Texas City and rehabilitate and expand railway facilities, with the aim of reducing safety conflicts between trains and vehicles.
• North Carolina: $20 million to improve railway infrastructure in Montgomery and Stanly counties, with work on approximately 30 miles of tracks, bridges and railway crossing signals.

What improvements are expected for rail transport?

According to the Department of Transportation, the funding seeks to improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of passenger and freight rail services.

The initiatives include interventions to reduce congestion, modernize regional rail connections and improve the infrastructure used to transport goods.

The agency also indicated that the selected projects will receive more than an additional $1.9 billion from non-federal sources, contributed by state, local and private partners.

How were the 105 rail projects selected?

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) explained that CRISI program applications were evaluated using different criteria.

These include the level of project readiness, their technical characteristics and the expected benefits.

The program is aimed at supporting initiatives that improve the conditions of passenger and freight rail transport, as well as projects related to safety and regional infrastructure.

The announcement corresponds to the selection and planned allocation of funding for these initiatives, so it does not mean that all the works are already underway.

The full list of selected projects is available on the official website of the Federal Railroad Administration.

The agency sends different types of notices depending on each taxpayer’s tax situation. One of them is related to debts for unpaid taxes, which can lead to collection actions against their bank accounts if they are not brought up to date.

What does it mean to receive an IRS CP14 Notice?

Receiving an IRS CP14 Notice means that the taxpayer has an outstanding tax debt. The agency usually sends this notice when there is a balance due of US$5 or more.

The notice details the original tax amount, the payments and credits applied, as well as any penalties and interest that have been added to the account.

In general, interest accrues daily, while failure-to-pay penalties are calculated monthly or by part of a month until the debt is paid off.

How can it be resolved and until when do you have time?

According to the IRS, taxpayers generally have 21 calendar days from the date of the notice to pay the debt. However, when the amount owed is US$100,000 or more, the deadline is reduced to 10 business days.

It is recommended to carefully review the notice details and compare them with the filed tax return, bank statements and payment receipts to verify that there are no errors.

If possible, it is recommended to pay the full amount owed. Otherwise, the taxpayer can request a payment plan from the IRS to regularize their tax situation.

If you find errors in the notice or do not agree with the amount claimed, you can contact the agency through the phone number indicated in the notice.

What happens if I do not respond in time to the IRS CP14 notice?

If the taxpayer does not pay their debt or reach an agreement with the IRS, penalties and interest may continue to accrue on the outstanding balance.

The failure-to-pay penalty generally amounts to 0.5% per month on the taxes owed, up to a maximum of 25%. In addition, the IRS may initiate a collection procedure that, depending on the situation and compliance with the corresponding legal notices, could include the following measures:

• Withhold tax refunds: the agency can use future refunds to cover all or part of the debt.
• Garnish part of the salary: the IRS can order that a portion of the taxpayer’s income be applied to paying the taxes owed.
• Garnish funds from bank accounts: the agency can initiate a procedure to collect the debt using the funds deposited in an account.
• Establish a federal tax lien: this involves a legal right of the Government over the taxpayer’s property and rights as security for payment of the debt.

According to Utah State University, this tree grows quickly, tolerates drought, and can develop in alkaline soils. Its flowers, which can also be white or lavender, appear in late spring and can last through the summer, adding color to the landscape for much of the warm months.

What is the chitalpa like? The pink-flowered tree that resists heat and lack of water

The chitalpa is an ornamental tree that stands out for its flowers in pink, white, or lavender tones and for its ability to tolerate heat and drought. According to Utah State University, it is a hybrid obtained from crossing southern catalpa and desert willow, two species that give it particular characteristics.

Among the most notable characteristics of the chitalpa are:

• Striking flowers: they can be pink, white, or lavender and add color to the garden.
• Drought resistance: it tolerates water scarcity and is suitable for low-water-use green spaces.
• Wind resistance: it withstands strong winds without its branches breaking easily, according to the university fact sheet.
• Little fruit production: it generally does not produce fruit, which can reduce debris falling to the ground.

In this sense, the chitalpa can be an alternative for residential gardens with limited space, since it has a compact size compared with other shade trees. However, it is important to choose a place where it can develop its canopy without obstacles for healthy growth.

What care the chitalpa needs and where it is best to plant it so it grows healthy

The chitalpa is an option for those looking for an ornamental tree that does not require large amounts of water once established. According to Utah State University, it tolerates high temperatures, drought, and alkaline soils, so it can adapt to different environments.

These are some of the care tips to keep in mind:

• Sunlight: it prefers full sun, though it can also grow in areas with partial shade.
• Watering: it tolerates drought, but it needs an adequate water supply during establishment and during especially dry periods.
• Soil type: it withstands soils with a high pH, a useful trait in alkaline ground.
• Available space: although it is described as a small shade tree, it is important to leave room for the development of its branches and canopy.
• Location: it can be planted in gardens and low-water-use green spaces. According to the University of Utah, it has a deep root system that helps prevent damage to patios and walkways.

The institution’s fact sheet also indicates that the chitalpa grows in hardiness zones 6 to 9 of the U.S. system, a classification based on minimum winter temperatures. This means that adaptation to each region depends not only on heat and water availability, but also on winter conditions.

This process, better known as revocation, determines that the driver’s license is officially canceled and that its holder must apply for a new one from scratch, as long as the authorities allow it.

New York driver’s licenses may be revoked for those who commit the offenses and violations on this list

According to the DMV, a driver’s license may be revoked for any of the following reasons:

• A vehicle was driven or allowed to be driven without insurance
• A traffic accident was involved without insurance
• A conviction was received for a serious traffic violation or for multiple offenses
• A DMV driving test was failed
• Lies were told in what was said to obtain a driver’s license or registration
• The person drove in a traffic accident that involved a death

Steps to follow for those whose driver’s license is revoked

The authorities explain that for most revocations it is first necessary to request and receive approval from the DMV’s Driver Improvement Unit (DIU).

How to request online approval for the restoration of a driver’s license

Requesting online approval is one of the ways to obtain this permission to begin the process of a new driver’s license. It can also be done by mail, but processing times are longer.

Under this route, the system will determine whether or not the person is eligible to submit an online application. If so, approval is issued immediately. However, if the applicant is not considered eligible, the reasons will be detailed and the next steps to follow will be provided.

The political news and polling site rates every House race by how likely it is to change hands. A toss-up is a contest where neither party has a clear advantage. Democrats hold the other six seats on the list.

All 435 House seats are on the ballot this year. Whichever party wins the chamber will shape how much of Trump’s agenda can get through Congress in the final two years of his term.

Which 22 US House races are toss-ups?

The toss-ups stretch from Maine to Arizona, with Colorado and Florida each accounting for three. Six are open seats, meaning no incumbent is running.

Republicans are defending these 16 seats:

• Arizona’s 2nd District, held by Rep. Eli Crane
• Colorado’s 3rd District, held by Rep. Jeff Hurd
• Colorado’s 4th District, held by Rep. Lauren Boebert
• Colorado’s 5th District, held by Rep. Jeff Crank
• Iowa’s 2nd District, open seat
• Kentucky’s 6th District, open seat
• Missouri’s 2nd District, held by Rep. Ann Wagner
• Montana’s 1st District, held by Rep. Ryan Zinke
• New Jersey’s 2nd District, held by Rep. Jeff Van Drew
• New York’s 17th District, held by Rep. Mike Lawler
• North Carolina’s 11th District, open seat
• Ohio’s 7th District, held by Rep. Max Miller
• Pennsylvania’s 1st District, held by Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick
• Texas’ 23rd District, open seat
• Virginia’s 1st District, held by Rep. Rob Wittman
• Wisconsin’s 1st District, held by Rep. Bryan Steil

Democrats are defending these six:

• Florida’s 9th District, held by Rep. Darren Soto
• Florida’s 14th District, held by Rep. Kathy Castor
• Florida’s 22nd District, open seat
• Maine’s 2nd District, held by Rep. Jared Golden
• North Carolina’s 1st District, held by Rep. Don Davis
• Texas’ 35th District, open seat

RealClearPolitics updates its ratings as new polls come in, so the list can still change before Election Day.

Could the toss-up races decide who controls the US House?

Yes, if the rest of the map tightens. A party needs 218 seats for a majority, and toss-ups are the races most likely to tip a close count.

On RealClearPolitics’ current map, though, Democrats are ahead even without them. The site counts 226 seats as solid, likely or leaning Democratic and 187 as solid, likely or leaning Republican. Its average projects a Democratic gain of 24 seats.

National polling points the same way. The generic ballot asks voters which party they’d back for Congress without naming candidates. Surveys released Oct. 18-19 and compiled by RealClearPolitics show Democrats ahead by 4 to 12 percentage points.

Seats that lean one way can still move in the final two weeks. That’s why campaign money has been pouring into the most competitive districts.

What would losing the US House mean for Donald Trump?

A Democratic majority could stop bills Trump wants passed. Legislation has to clear both the House and the Senate before it reaches the president’s desk.

Democrats would also take over every House committee, including the panels that oversee the administration. Committee chairs can hold hearings and subpoena Cabinet officials and federal agencies.

Spending is another pressure point. Tax and spending bills traditionally start in the House, giving its majority a stronger hand in budget fights with the White House.

The Senate is a separate contest. Thirty-five of its 100 seats are on the ballot, and Republicans hold a 53-47 majority, so Democrats would need a net gain of four seats to take control.

According to a collection of recipes published on the University of Connecticut website, Good Housekeeping magazine recommends using a mixture of water, white vinegar and alcohol to spray and clean window and mirror glass.

What is spraying this mixture of vinegar, alcohol and water on glass for?

When spraying this mixture on window or mirror glass, the acetic acid present in white vinegar helps loosen certain residues and stains, while the alcohol facilitates the evaporation of the liquid and helps reduce the marks that may remain on the surface.

For its part, the water acts as a diluent, reduces the concentration of the ingredients and allows the solution to be distributed evenly over the surface to be cleaned.

How do you prepare the solution that leaves glass clean and shiny?

To prepare this solution, the following ingredients should be mixed in a spray bottle:

• Two cups of water.
• 1/2 cup of white vinegar or, failing that, apple cider vinegar.
• 1/4 cup of 70% isopropyl alcohol.

It is recommended to close the bottle properly and shake it gently to combine the three ingredients before applying the mixture to the surface.

Once the solution is prepared, there are two ways to use it:

1. Spray directly onto the glass: in the case of windows, apply the mixture and wipe with a soft cloth to remove the liquid and leave the surface dry.
2. Apply the mixture to a cloth: spray a small amount of solution onto a soft cloth and use it to clean the glass, especially when you want to prevent the liquid from reaching the edges or frames.

The optional touch: how to improve the smell of the solution

If the smell of the vinegar or alcohol is too strong, a few drops of essential oil can be added to provide a more pleasant fragrance during cleaning.

In Pennsylvania, United States, authorities may place parking tickets on the vehicle windshield, according to Rule 401 of the state’s Rules of Criminal Procedure. The regulations establish how these notices are handled and what may happen if the driver does not respond within the corresponding deadline.

That is why, when a citizen finds a paper of this kind on their car, it is important to check what it says, identify the authority that issued it, and check the instructions for paying or contesting the fine. Ignoring the notice can lead to formal proceedings, although the deadlines and consequences depend on the rules of each jurisdiction.

What does it mean to find a paper written under the car windshield wiper

Finding a paper written under the car windshield wiper may mean that the driver received a ticket for an alleged parking violation. This type of notice is usually used to inform about an offense and communicate the instructions for paying the corresponding amount or responding before the competent authority.

In Pennsylvania, Rule 401 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure establishes that local authorities may use parking tickets to inform about these violations and offer the possibility of avoiding a court proceeding by paying the indicated amount within the established period. Such notice may be delivered in person or placed on the vehicle’s windshield.

The regulations also distinguish between a parking ticket and a formal citation because, according to the rule, court proceedings may begin if the driver does not respond as requested in the notice.

How to act when finding a written paper that corresponds to a ticket under the windshield wiper

If the driver finds the ticket under the windshield wiper, it is important to verify its contents before deciding what to do, since in Pennsylvania, Rule 401 of the Rules of Criminal Procedure establishes a method for parking tickets and contemplates the possibility of starting formal proceedings if the driver does not respond to the notice according to the instructions received.

To act correctly, these are the steps that should be followed:

• Identify the authority that issued the ticket: the driver must check which agency appears on the document and verify that the data are authentic through its official channels.
• Review the alleged violation: the user must read the reason for the ticket and check the vehicle data, the location, and the circumstances indicated.
• Check the amount and the deadline: the citizen must verify how much they have to pay, what the deadline is, and what instructions the notice sets out for responding.
• Pay or contest the ticket through official channels: if the driver acknowledges the violation, they must follow the payment instructions. Otherwise, they must consult the corresponding procedure to file a claim.
• Do not ignore the notice: according to Pennsylvania Rule 401, failure to respond can lead to a citation and the start of legal proceedings.

The recommendation appears in the official guide on household hazardous waste, within a series of alternatives to reduce the use of products that may contain toxic, corrosive, or flammable ingredients.

What is it for to mix vinegar or lemon juice with water and spray glass

Mixing a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with water, spraying glass and windows, and drying them with newspaper is a trick designed as an alternative to certain commercial glass cleaners. Its main advantage is that it uses a small amount of an acidic ingredient, diluted in water, which is often found in homes.

Both vinegar and lemon juice contain acids that can help remove some surface residue.

How many liters of water to use

The proportion recommended by the EPA is “one tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice for each liter of water”. It is not necessary to add both ingredients at the same time: the guide presents them as alternatives.

To prepare the mixture, you can follow these steps:

1. Measure one liter of water.
2. Add one tablespoon of vinegar or, instead, one tablespoon of lemon juice.
3. Mix the ingredients until combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a clean sprayer suitable for liquids.
5. Spray a moderate amount onto the glass you want to clean.
6. Dry the surface with newspaper, as indicated by the EPA recommendation.

Why do they recommend using vinegar or lemon to spray and clean windows

The recommendation is related to the possibility of replacing household products with simpler alternatives.

In its guide on household hazardous waste, the EPA explains that certain leftover household products may pose risks because of their ingredients and chemical properties.

In this context, the EPA advises considering alternative methods for some common cleaning needs. The mixture of water with vinegar or lemon juice appears precisely as an option for glass surfaces.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published the booklet Non-Toxic Cleaning Recipes for the Home, prepared by the Morongo Environmental Education and Outreach Program. The document explains how to use products such as vinegar, detergent, and warm water to clean floors, among other tips.

What is mixing vinegar with detergent and water used for?

This mixture is presented in the booklet as a “Basic Floor Cleaning Formula” and can be used on different types of surfaces, except those for which the use of detergents is not recommended.

On the one hand, detergent contains substances called surfactants, which reduce the surface tension of water and make contact with dirt easier. They also help loosen grease and keep it dispersed in the water so it can be removed during cleaning.

For its part, white vinegar and lemon juice contain acids, such as acetic and citric acid, respectively, which can help dissolve mineral deposits, such as some limescale residue and water stains.

Warm water acts as a diluent, makes it easier to distribute the ingredients over the floor, and allows dirt to be carried away during cleaning.

How do you prepare the mixture and use it to clean floors?

According to the Morongo Environmental Education and Outreach Program booklet, published by the EPA, the following ingredients should be mixed in a large plastic bucket:

• 1/4 cup of liquid soap or unscented, biodegradable detergent.
• Up to 1/2 cup of white vinegar or lemon juice.
• 2 gallons of warm water (approximately 7.6 liters).

Once prepared, the mixture can be applied with a mop or a sponge to the areas to be cleaned. The booklet does not specify that rinsing is necessary after application.

Alternatives to enhance the effect of the mixture

The booklet also offers different variations of the basic formula, depending on cleaning needs:

• Degreasing floor cleaner: add 1/4 cup of sodium carbonate (Na2CO3, different from sodium bicarbonate NaHCO3) to the bucket before adding the warm water. This preparation should not be used on waxed floors.
• Antiseptic cleaner: add between 10 and 20 drops of lavender, rosemary, or tea tree essential oil, depending on the desired scent intensity. This mixture should not be considered a substitute for a registered disinfectant.
• Deodorizing cleaner: add 1/4 cup of borax before adding the warm water and stir until dissolved. This variation can help reduce musty odors and make it easier to remove dirt.
• Herb-infused cleaner: for those looking to add a pleasant aroma, a few cups of concentrated mint tea or a lavender infusion can be added.

It is important to keep in mind that these variations must be prepared according to the instructions in the booklet.

The TSA has returned the Gateside by TSA PreCheck program to its original 13 airports, according to statements from the agency and airport officials. The agency said it is assessing participation levels and operational impacts but has not publicly explained why the planned expansion was halted.

TSA limits Gateside to 13 airports

Gateside by TSA PreCheck initially launched at 13 airports in September 2026. The program was subsequently made available at additional locations, but airports including Denver International and Norfolk International later confirmed that access was no longer available there.

As of October 17, the program’s website listed the original 13 airports as participating locations:

• Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport (AZA), Arizona.
• John Glenn Columbus International Airport (CMH), Ohio.
• Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Texas.
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Michigan.
• Wichita Dwight D. Eisenhower National Airport (ICT), Kansas.
• Indianapolis International Airport (IND), Indiana.
• Harry Reid International Airport (LAS), Nevada.
• Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), California.
• Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT), Arkansas.
• Will Rogers International Airport (OKC), Oklahoma.
• Eppley Airfield (OMA), Nebraska.
• San Diego International Airport (SAN), California.
• Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), Utah.

Travelers should check the TSA’s official Gateside page before visiting an airport because participation may change.

Who can use the airport access program?

Gateside allows eligible TSA PreCheck members to request permission to enter secure airport areas even when they are not flying that day. Visitors can use the pass to accompany family members or friends to their departure gates, greet arriving passengers, or access airport restaurants and shops.

The pass is free, but access is not automatic. Applicants must submit a request online one to three days before their planned visit, provide their TSA PreCheck Known Traveler Number, and select a participating airport. Approved visitors must present a REAL ID or another acceptable form of identification and undergo TSA security screening.

For now, visitors who want to accompany a traveler to the gate or meet someone arriving should verify that their airport is listed on the official Gateside website before applying.

In some cases, renewal can be completed online, without needing to go to an office, but that option is subject to conditions related to the validity of the license, the driver’s identification, their record, and the need to update personal information. Those who do not meet the requirements for the digital process will have to use an in-person or mail-in alternative, when available.

Official motor vehicle departments offer specific instructions so drivers can prepare their documents and avoid delays.

California: how to renew your driver’s license and what documents are needed

The California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows driver’s license renewal online, by mail, or in person. The available option depends on the driver’s circumstances and the type of license they have.

According to the official California DMV website, drivers may qualify to renew online if they are within 90 days before expiration or up to 12 months after the expiration date, do not need to change their address or other personal details, and are not renewing a commercial license.

To complete the renewal, drivers need a MyDMV account and a payment method. If the person must go to an office, the documents are as follows:

• Driver’s license application.
• Identity and residency document.
• Current license.

It is worth noting that the DMV recommends checking all specific conditions before starting the process, especially if there were changes to name, address, or immigration status.

Florida: how to renew your driver’s license and what documents must be presented

In Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) offers renewals through its digital portal and at personalized service centers. The official MyDMV portal allows certain renewals and other license-related procedures, where the requirements depend on the applicant’s situation since, for example, license holders with nonimmigrant status generally must renew in person.

For an in-person renewal, the driver must bring their current license and any additional documentation that applies to their situation. Among the documents that may be needed are:

• Identification: an accepted document from the agency, such as a U.S. passport or a birth certificate, as applicable.
• Social Security number: the agency may request documentation that allows it to verify it.
• Proof of address: two documents proving residence in Florida may be required, especially when an address update or data re-verification is needed,
• Name change documents: if the current name differs from the one listed on the license, the corresponding supporting documents must be submitted.

Additional documentation depends on the driver’s background and whether they need to modify or verify information. Those who want to check the details can do so through the official agency website.

Texas: how to renew your driver’s license and what documents to present

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) allows certain driver’s licenses to be renewed online, by phone, or by mail, depending on the applicant’s eligibility. Those who do not meet the requirements to use these alternatives must go to a licensing office.

According to the Texas DPS, to renew online, the license must expire within the next two years or have expired less than two years ago. Among the various requirements and documents are:

• Complete the driver’s license application.
• Present proof of U.S. citizenship, if it is not on record, or documentation of lawful presence if the applicant is not a citizen.
• Present an acceptable document to prove identity.
• Provide the required biometric information, including a signature and fingerprints.
• Have a photograph taken.
• Pay the corresponding fee.
• Pass a vision test.

Updated, detailed information is available on the official page for renewing a driver’s license.

New York: how to renew the license and what documents are needed

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows a license to be renewed up to one year before it expires and up to two years after the expiration date. If two years or more have passed since expiration, the driver must apply for a digital license and meet the corresponding requirements again.

In this sense, driver’s license renewal can be completed online, where the driver must have an eligible license and the necessary information to access the state system. On the other hand, if the user wants to carry out the process by mail, they must submit the renewal notice or the MV-44 form, the vision report when applicable, and payment of the fee.

Otherwise, those who must go to an office will have to bring the documentation applicable to their situation:

• The current driver’s license.
• The renewal notice (Form MV-2), if the user received it. Otherwise, they must complete Form MV-44.
• Payment of the corresponding fee by credit or debit card, check, or money order made payable to Commissioner of Motor Vehicles.
• Additional documentation about the applicant’s immigration status. If the driver has temporary visitor status, it must be updated before renewal.

To verify all requirements and current amounts, applicants can consult the official New York DMV page.

The offer is posted on the Worldpackers platform and, before packing your bags, it is worth knowing exactly what it includes, what needs to be done, and what requirements are asked for.

Volunteers sought to live in Hawaii

First of all, to avoid any surprises, it should be made clear that this is not a paid job. It is an exchange (in English, work trade): the volunteer contributes their time and, instead of a salary, receives room and board.

This is the model on which platforms like Worldpackers are based, which connect travelers with hosts from around the world willing to offer lodging in exchange for help. In this case, the host is a community focused on communal living, organic farming, and ecotourism.

The proposal requires helping out between 25 and 30 hours per week in the activities of the place. The tasks are varied and typical of life on a community farm: farm work, landscaping and gardening, cleaning common areas, household maintenance tasks, and help preparing shared meals.

There is also room for those with experience in repairs, construction, or vehicle maintenance, a profile that the host especially values.

The offer includes lodging and food in exchange

The offer includes two main benefits. On the one hand, lodging: the volunteer has their own room, which shares a wall with one or two other people, with access to hot showers, bathrooms, some flush and others composting, and internet.

On the other hand, food: they can join the communal meals on site and, in addition, receive enough farm produce and staple foods to cook for themselves if they prefer. There is no need to be vegetarian or vegan, although some members of the community are.

The surroundings are also part of the appeal: it is a rural property in the middle of the Big Island’s nature, with a waterfall nearby, and a small community of up to eleven members, coordinated by one or two people in charge. One detail to keep in mind: it is an alcohol-free space.

What the requirements are

To apply for this type of exchange, you must meet certain conditions, partly those of the platform and partly those of the host:

• Be over 18 years old.
• Have an active and approved account on Worldpackers.
• The platform works with an annual membership (about 49 dollars), which allows you to apply to all positions without extra cost for each exchange.
• Have your documentation in order to enter the United States.
• The posting itself warns that it is mandatory to have the correct visa or U.S. citizenship to enter the country.
• Commit to a medium- or long-term stay: the host makes it clear that the place is ideal for those seeking a long break.

For this reason, you may automatically fail the driving test

Among so many elements to consider when taking the practical driving test, great importance must be given to the seat belt, one of the most important parts of the car.

In most U.S. states, getting in and starting the car without having put on the system results in an automatic failure of the test.

These are some examples of states where the measure applies:

• Texas shared a “Driver Safety Checklist”, which states that before starting the vehicle, fasten your seat belt.
• Indiana stated that “Not wearing a seat belt” will cause an “automatic failure”.
• Illinois law confirms that, before starting the driving test, “check your mirrors, adjust your vehicle seat, and fasten your seat belt”.

Why is it important to use a seat belt

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) warns that the seat belt is the most effective measure for protecting yourself in a crash. Its use reduces the risk of serious injuries and deaths, prevents ejection from the vehicle, and complements the protection of airbags, which do not replace the seat belt.

The U.S. Department of Transportation requires portable propane cylinders to meet specific inspection and requalification standards. Homeowners should also check for leaks and make sure the grill’s hose and regulator are in good condition before lighting the burners.

Propane does not expire, but the tank needs inspection

Unlike gasoline, propane does not degrade over time when stored properly. Ferrellgas, a propane supplier, says its shelf life is indefinite under proper storage conditions. That means fuel left in a properly maintained cylinder can still be usable after a long period without use.

The cylinder itself is a different matter. The Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) says propane cylinders must be requalified or replaced at intervals that vary by cylinder type and inspection method. Depending on the applicable requirements, these intervals can range from five to 12 years. The manufacturing date and any subsequent requalification marks are stamped on the cylinder.

Before refilling a tank, check for dents, cuts, cracks, harmful rust or corrosion, and damage to the valve or protective collar. Cylinders that are overdue for requalification or have disqualifying defects must not be refilled until the applicable requirements are met.

Check for leaks before lighting the grill

Weber recommends performing a leak test whenever a propane cylinder is reinstalled or refilled. With the grill’s control knobs turned off, connect the regulator according to the manufacturer’s instructions, open the cylinder valve, and apply a soapy-water solution to the connection. Bubbles indicate a possible leak.

Never use a flame to check for leaks, and do not operate the grill if a leak is detected. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to shut off the gas and address the problem before using the equipment again.

Homeowners should also inspect the hose and regulator for cracks, wear, or other damage, and check that the burners are not obstructed. If the cylinder or grill appears damaged, or the source of a suspected leak is unclear, have the equipment inspected by a qualified professional.

Store propane tanks outdoors and away from heat

The Propane Education & Research Council (PERC) advises homeowners to store propane cylinders outdoors, away from ignition sources and excessive heat. Tanks should remain upright and should never be stored in enclosed spaces such as garages, basements, or sheds. Spare cylinders should also be kept away from the grill and other propane appliances.

If you smell gas, hear hissing, or suspect a leak, keep away from flames and other ignition sources.

If it is safe to do so, close the cylinder valve, leave the area, and call 911 or the fire department from a safe location. Do not use the cylinder or appliance again until a qualified professional has inspected them.

The explanation lies in its chemical composition. White vinegar contains acetic acid, a chemical compound that can have antimicrobial activity at certain concentrations.

In addition, its acidity promotes the dissolution of some mineral deposits, such as the calcium and magnesium residues left by hard water as it evaporates, which makes it easier to remove stains stuck to the glass and window frames.

Spraying vinegar on window frames: what it is for

Spraying white vinegar on window frames can help remove hard water stains and mineral deposits, as well as act against certain microorganisms.

This is because it contains acetic acid, which promotes the dissolution of residues such as calcium carbonate. New Mexico State University explains that vinegar is used to remove hard water deposits and stains on glass surfaces. Its effectiveness depends on the type of dirt and the material being cleaned.

In addition, a 2020 study published in BMC Microbiology, conducted by researchers from the Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, evaluated the antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral activity of acetic acid and found effects under certain concentrations and laboratory conditions.

In particular, the researchers found that a solution with 10% acetic acid and 1.5% citric acid significantly reduced various bacteria and fungi.

For this reason, spraying a vinegar solution can help remove some hard water marks and mineral residues stuck to the glass and window frame, as well as reduce bacteria and fungi.

What science says about acetic acid for fungi and bacteria

The study, titled Did granny know best? Evaluating the antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral efficacy of acetic acid for home care procedures, was carried out by Marc-Kevin Zinn and Dirk Bockmühl and published in BMC Microbiology.

In laboratory tests, the researchers observed that a solution with 10% acetic acid and 1.5% citric acid significantly reduced the presence of different bacteria and fungi. In addition, they detected antiviral activity with acetic acid concentrations of 5%, 7.5% and 10%.

The microorganisms analyzed included the bacteria Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus hirae, as well as the fungus Aspergillus brasiliensis and the yeast Candida albicans.

Why the concentration of vinegar matters

Acetic acid is responsible for vinegar’s characteristic acidity. However, its presence does not mean that any product containing it will have the same antimicrobial effect. In the study, the results varied depending on the concentration, the microorganism and the procedure used.

The Treasury Department deposits the money into a Trump Account, a free investment account for children created under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. President Donald Trump signed the law July 4, 2025, and the accounts launched nationwide July 4 this year.

Which newborn babies get $1,000 from the US government?

To receive the one-time deposit, a child must:

• Be a U.S. citizen.
• Have been born from Jan. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2028.
• Have a valid Social Security number.

The adult filing the claim needs a Social Security number or an individual taxpayer identification number, which the IRS issues to taxpayers who can’t get a Social Security number.

Children under 18 born before 2025 can still open a Trump Account but don’t qualify for the $1,000. Treasury says more than 50 companies have committed to contribute to the accounts of their employees’ children, including those kids.

How can parents claim the $1,000 for their newborn?

Treasury has already opened accounts automatically for most eligible children, but that doesn’t include the $1,000. Parents must request it separately with IRS Form 4547, which they can file:

• In the Trump Accounts app or at trumpaccount.com.
• Through an IRS online account, using ID.me.
• With their 2026 federal tax return.

Parents who filed the form with their 2025 tax return don’t need to do anything else until they’re notified to claim the account.

The form asks for the name, Social Security number and date of birth of the adult and the child, plus contact information. Each form covers up to two children. Once the IRS confirms eligibility, the $1,000 is deposited automatically.

There’s no deadline, and parents who skipped the $1,000 step can file a new form anytime.

Official notices only come from trumpaccount.com, the app or trumpaccounts.treasury.gov emails, so parents should ignore messages from other senders.

When can children use the $1,000 from the US government?

The $1,000 is invested in an index fund that tracks the S&P 500, a benchmark of 500 large U.S. companies. It stays in the account until the child turns 18, when it becomes a traditional individual retirement account, or IRA, in their name.

At that point, they can keep investing or withdraw money for expenses like education or a home. Until then, parents, relatives and others can add up to $5,000 a year per child.

The government says $1,000 deposited at birth could grow to about $15,000 by age 27 with no added money, about $51,000 with $250 a year and about $742,000 with $5,000 a year. It notes these are illustrations based on past S&P 500 averages, not guarantees.

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

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

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

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

1- Bob Dylan

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

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

2- Inside Out characters

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

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

3- Severance characters

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

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

4- Peppa Pig

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

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

5- Gilmore Girls characters

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

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

6- Abbott Elementary characters

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

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

7- Beanie Babies

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

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

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

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

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

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

Used properly, it works as a natural fabric softener and helps remove odors. However, if used incorrectly, it can damage certain garments or combine dangerously with other products.

Adding white vinegar to the washing machine: what it’s for

Distilled white vinegar has a mild acidity that, in the washing machine, provides several benefits:

• Softens fabrics: it acts as a natural softener and helps leave clothes less rough, in addition to reducing static electricity.
• Removes odors: it is effective at neutralizing persistent odors, such as that of towels with a musty smell or clothes stored for a long time.
• Helps with certain stains: thanks to its acidity, it helps loosen stains of a “low-acid” origin, such as coffee, tea, or wine.
• Keeps the appliance maintained: run through an empty cycle, it helps prevent limescale buildup, especially in hard-water areas.

Vinegar is not a disinfectant and does not replace sanitizing products. It is useful for softening, deodorizing, and cleaning residue, not for eliminating germs.

How much to use and where to put it

The most common and safe way to use it is:

• Amount: about half a cup of distilled white vinegar.
• Where: in the rinse cycle or in the fabric softener compartment (never together with the detergent at the same time).
• Frequency: every few washes is enough; it does not need to be used in every load.

Mistakes to avoid

Here is the part that matters most to avoid damaging clothes or creating a risk at home:

• Never mix vinegar with bleach (chlorine): the combination releases toxic chlorine gas. This is the most important precaution.
• Do not mix it with ammonia or, at the same time, with baking soda (they neutralize each other).
• Avoid it on garments with elastic, such as swimsuits, leggings, or sportswear, because over time vinegar can degrade elasticity.
• Be careful with delicate fabrics: for garments that require special care, it is advisable to check the label first.

The star went from earning more than US$52 million a year with the Los Angeles Lakers to just under US$4 million, the veteran minimum salary. The phrase he used to explain the move is already etched in memory: “I’m not after the money”.

LeBron James’ new contract: the biggest salary cut in NBA history

Last July, James agreed with Philadelphia to a two-year contract worth a total of US$8 million. For the 2026-27 season, he will earn US$3,876,529, the minimum salary the league sets for a player with ten or more years of experience. The second year includes a player option, that is, the possibility of extending his career to a 25th season.

The scale of the cut becomes clear when compared with what he earned before. In his last season with the Lakers, LeBron made US$52,627,153. The difference, about US$48.75 million he gave up, is, according to the specialized press, the largest salary cut in NBA history. It is also the lowest salary of his entire career: even his rookie contract in 2003 was higher in real terms.

James is the only active billionaire in the league and, over 23 seasons, has accumulated more than US$581 million just in salaries, most of them on maximum or near-maximum contracts. For someone like that to sign for the veteran minimum is precisely what turned the decision into news.

“I’m not after the money”: what he said about his decision

When confirming his arrival in Philadelphia, “King James” was blunt about his motivations. “I’m not after the money. I’m not after the family. Why am I really playing right now? I still want to sacrifice, work, push myself, compete, win, and have a chance to feel the thrill of victory, another championship,” he said in an interview with ESPN.

The star-studded roster around him

The counterpoint to the minimum salary is the setting. In Philadelphia, James joins a roster packed with stars, which explains much of his sporting decision:

• Tyrese Maxey, point guard and the team’s biggest star: a two-time All-Star and selected to the All-NBA Third Team in 2026, he is the player on whom the project rests.
• Jaylen Brown, the forward who arrived from the Boston Celtics in mid-year, a five-time All-Star and former NBA Finals MVP, brings stature and championship experience.
• Joel Embiid, center and 2022-23 season MVP, a seven-time All-Star, is the roster’s big question mark because of his recurring physical availability issues.

The debut game: this Tuesday against the champion Knicks

James’ debut with the 76ers will be nothing less than the season opener. The game is set for this Tuesday, October 20, at 19:00 (U.S. Eastern time) at Madison Square Garden in New York, with coverage on NBC and Peacock. Philadelphia visits the New York Knicks, the defending champions.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) offers Informed Delivery, a free service that shows images of certain incoming letters and allows users to check updates on package status.

The tool is available for addresses that meet the eligibility requirements and can be used from a computer, a phone, or through email notifications.

How does the USPS free Informed Delivery service work?

According to the USPS, letters go through high-speed sorting machines that take photos of their front side, where the recipient’s address appears.

Using those images, Informed Delivery lets users preview mail that will soon arrive at their home.

The service’s main functions are:

• View grayscale images of the front of certain letters.
• Receive emails with a daily summary of upcoming mail and packages.
• Check the status of incoming and outgoing packages.
• Access the information from the Informed Delivery website or mobile app.

The USPS clarifies that images are provided mainly for letter-size mail processed by automated equipment. Therefore, not all mail items appear in the preview.

In addition, receiving a notification does not necessarily mean that the letter or package will be delivered that same day.

Who can use Informed Delivery in the United States?

The service is available to people who have a residential address, business address, or a post office box located in an eligible ZIP code.

The USPS notes that most ZIP codes allow access to the tool, although there are other conditions that must be met.

For example, the mailbox must have a unique identification code, so some apartment building or condominium addresses may not be eligible.

To use the service with a business address or post office box, a USPS.com business account is required.

How do you sign up for USPS Informed Delivery?

The registration process can be completed from the official United States Postal Service website.

The steps are as follows:

1. Go to the official Informed Delivery page.
2. Create a USPS.com account or use an existing account.
3. Enter the address to check whether it meets the requirements.
4. Complete the requested account information.
5. Verify identity.
6. Start receiving mail and package notifications.

According to the USPS, activation may vary, but notifications usually begin to be received within three business days after registration.

If the user cannot verify their identity online, the agency indicates that they may go to a USPS office that offers identity verification services.

The service is completely free. In addition to checking images of their mail and package tracking, the user can set up email or text alerts to receive delivery status information.

These include meeting tax obligations before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), complying with federal, state, and local laws, enrolling in the Selective Service System as applicable, and following a series of travel conditions so that it is not considered a renunciation of status.

What are the conditions for traveling as a permanent resident without losing status?

To avoid losing permanent residence due to abandonment, it is important that trips abroad be temporary and that the person maintain the intention to reside in the United States.

USCIS establishes different criteria for traveling as a permanent resident that must be taken into account according to the length of the absence:

• Trips shorter than six months generally do not affect status, as long as the person maintains permanent residence in the United States and does not establish themselves in another country.
• Trips between six months and one year may trigger greater scrutiny by immigration authorities to determine whether the person still intends to reside in the United States.
• Trips of one year or more: those who plan to remain outside the country during this period must apply for a reentry permit before leaving. In addition, the Permanent Resident Card, by itself, generally ceases to be valid as a reentry document.

Immigration authorities may also consider other factors, such as the person’s employment, family, and economic ties in the United States.

What documents must be presented to re-enter the United States?

Permanent residents who wish to return to the United States must meet certain documentation requirements, which may vary depending on how long they have been out of the country.

The main documents to keep in mind are:

• Passport: generally necessary for international travel and entry into the destination country. It may also be requested upon returning to the United States.
• Permanent Resident Card (Form I-551): allows you to request reentry to the United States when the absence is less than one year.
• Reentry permit: recommended for those planning to remain outside the country for one year or more. It must be requested using Form I-131 before leaving the United States and is generally valid for up to two years.
• Returning resident visa (SB-1): may be necessary for those who remained outside the country for more than one year without a valid reentry permit or who exceeded the validity of that permit, provided they meet the corresponding requirements.

Submitting these documents does not automatically guarantee entry into the United States, since immigration authorities must verify that the person meets the admission conditions.

What other situations can cause the loss of permanent residence?

The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sets out in its section “Rights and responsibilities of a green card holder” different situations in which a person may lose their permanent resident status.

In the case of those who obtained permanent residence conditionally through marriage, section 216 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) establishes that this status may be terminated if fraud is proven. Similar provisions exist for those who obtained conditional residence through an investment that meets immigration requirements.

On the other hand, sections 212 and 237 of the INA establish different grounds of inadmissibility and deportation. In addition, USCIS may initiate a rescission proceeding during the first five years after its grant through an adjustment of status if it is determined that:

• The person was not eligible to obtain the Permanent Resident Card in the category requested when their adjustment of status application was approved.
• The person would also not have been able to access status under any other applicable legal provision.

Likewise, there are situations in which a person may lose permanent residence through abandonment of status, including:

• Moving to another country with the intention of settling there permanently.
• Declaring themselves as a nonimmigrant on their tax return.
• Remaining outside the United States for an extended period, when the absence cannot be considered temporary.

In this context, many beneficiaries want to know when their COLA notice will arrive and how they can check it. The notice explains how each person’s payments will change once the new increase takes effect.

COLA adjustment in the United States: how much it will be, according to the Social Security Administration

According to the federal administration, the increase planned for SSA retirement and benefits, as well as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments is 3.6% for 2027.

This adjustment is regulated by the Social Security Act in relation to the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W). These are increases enacted by Congress in 1972, which began to translate into annual hikes in 1975.

When and how the COLA notice can be checked

The agency explains that the notification will be available online at the end of November of this year for all beneficiaries.

To check it, they will need to log in to their My Social Security account and then check the Message Center.

Options to create a my Social Security account

SSA explains that to begin using this service, you must decide which login will be used.

Login.gov is recommended by the agency for users in the United States, while ID.me is intended for users both inside and outside the United States.

In both cases, an email address and a government-issued identification will be required.

If Login.gov is chosen, a phone number will also be necessary, while if ID.me is used, a device with a camera will be required.

Unlike other countries, there is no single calendar: each school district sets its own dates, so vacation days change depending on the city.

Below, when the 2026-2027 winter break begins and when classes resume in four of the largest districts with the country’s largest Hispanic population.

When winter break will begin in the United States

Miami (Miami-Dade County Public Schools)

In Miami-Dade County, winter break will run from Monday, December 21, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027. Friday, December 18 will also be a day without classes for students, so break will effectively begin a little earlier. Returning to the classroom is scheduled for the first days of January, on Monday the 4th.

New York (NYC Public Schools)

The New York City district, the largest in the country, will have a somewhat shorter break: from Thursday, December 24, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027. Students will return to class on Monday, January 4, 2027. It is one of the few dates that appears directly in the city’s official Department of Education calendar.

Los Angeles (LAUSD)

The Los Angeles Unified School District is the one that offers the longest break of the four. Its winter break will extend from Monday, December 21, 2026 to Friday, January 8, 2027, and classes will resume on Monday, January 11, when the second semester begins. In total, almost three weeks of vacation, one week more than in the other cities.

Houston (Houston ISD)

In the Houston district, the largest in Texas, winter break will run from Monday, December 21, 2026 to Friday, January 1, 2027. The return will take place at the beginning of January: Tuesday the 5th is the day students will return (with Monday the 4th reserved, in principle, for teaching staff activities).

This day in November is a holiday and will change a Social Security payment date

The United States commemorates Veterans Day on November 11, a holiday that this year will fall on Wednesday and, therefore, will affect the usual payment schedule of the Social Security Administration (SSA). Therefore, payment will be moved up to the day before, Tuesday the 10th.

Beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th will be paid that day.

SSA payment schedule in November 2026

The Social Security benefit payment days in November 2026 are:

• Tuesday the 3rd: if you received Social Security benefits before May 1997 or if you receive both Social Security and SSI benefits
• Tuesday the 10th: Social Security beneficiaries born between the 1st and the 10th
• Wednesday the 18th: Social Security beneficiaries born between the 11th and the 20th
• Wednesday the 25th: Social Security beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st

What is commemorated on November 11

On November 11, the United States celebrates Veterans Day, a date dedicated to honoring all the men and women who served in the country’s Armed Forces. The commemoration originated in the armistice that ended the fighting of World War I, signed on November 11, 1918.

In 1954, the holiday adopted its current name to recognize veterans of all wars. Each year, the day includes parades, speeches, and ceremonies in tribute to those who defended freedom, with special events at Arlington National Cemetery and other monuments across the country.

However, the online option isn’t available to everyone. Whether an applicant can skip the office visit depends on their circumstances, the information in their SSA records and the agency’s requirements.

Those who meet the conditions can receive the document by mail, generally between 5 and 10 business days after completing the procedure. The SSA recommends starting the application from its official website to find out which option is available in each case.

Who can request a replacement Social Security card online?

The Social Security Administration allows you to request a replacement card online in most states. In general, adult U.S. citizens who have a personal my Social Security account can use this service if they meet the identification requirements and other conditions of the process.

The people who can request a replacement Social Security card online are:

• Be at least 18 years old: this is one of the general requirements for the digital process for adults.
• Have a mailing address in the United States: the replacement card is sent by mail.
• Have a personal my Social Security account: this allows access to the agency’s digital services.
• Meet the identification requirements: the SSA can verify identity and registered data before approving the application.

It should be noted that eligibility may vary depending on the state and the characteristics of the process.

What should applicants do if they cannot replace their Social Security card online?

Those who cannot complete the replacement online can start the application online and, if necessary, schedule an appointment to present the required documents at a local Social Security office or at a Card Center.

To find out which option applies in each case, the SSA has a tool on its official website for replacing the Social Security card. The process is available only in English, although the agency offers telephone assistance in Spanish.

How much does it cost to replace the Social Security card?

Requesting a replacement Social Security card when the previous one is lost, stolen, or damaged costs nothing. Once the application is completed and approved, the document is sent by mail, with an estimated delivery time of 5 to 10 business days, according to the agency’s official information.

In this sense, the SSA establishes general limits for replacements, normally allowing up to 3 replacement cards per year and ten over a lifetime. There are exceptions, for example, for certain legal name changes or specific situations contemplated by the agency.

The United States requires foreigners to present a passport with at least six months of validity beyond the intended period of stay. However, there are exceptions for citizens of the countries that make up the so-called “Six-Month Club”.

Why does the US require a minimum of six months’ validity to enter the country?

As a general rule, the United States establishes that foreigners who wish to enter its territory must present a passport valid for their entire stay and for at least six additional months after their departure date.

This requirement is part of the conditions of immigration documentation that seeks to ensure that visitors have a valid travel document during their stay in the country and at least for returning to their place of origin or continuing the trip.

However, the Customs and Border Protection Office (CBP) recognizes exceptions for citizens of certain countries that maintain agreements with the United States.

Which countries are exempt from this rule and what is the condition for them?

According to the December 18, 2025 update from CBP, citizens of countries included in the “Six-Month Club” are exempt from presenting a passport with six additional months of validity.

Among Latin American and other Spanish-speaking countries are:

• Argentina.
• Bolivia.
• Chile.
• Colombia.
• Costa Rica.
• El Salvador.
• Guatemala.
• Mexico.
• Nicaragua.
• Panama.
• Paraguay.
• Peru.
• Dominican Republic.
• Uruguay.
• Venezuela.
• Spain.

The full list can be consulted by clicking here.

The condition is that the passport remains valid during the intended period of stay in the United States, without the need to have six additional months.

What must citizens of these countries present to enter the United States?

Citizens of these countries can travel to the United States with a passport that does not meet the six-month rule, but they must meet the other immigration requirements:

• Valid passport in good condition, without torn pages or stains.
• Valid U.S. visa when required or ESTA authorization for those eligible under the Visa Waiver Program.
• Additional documentation to prove the purpose of the trip.

Even if the required documentation is available, entry depends on the authorization of CBP officers.

“There are many reasons why a visa applicant could be considered ineligible for a visa. These reasons, called ineligibilities, are set out in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and other immigration laws,” the authorities explain.

When the consular officer makes this decision, the applicant is officially notified and given the steps to follow.

INA section 221 (g): what this ineligibility means

One of the reasons the document may be rejected is under INA section 221 (g). This means that the consular officer did not have all the information to determine that the applicant met the requirements to obtain the visa.

This happens, for example, when incomplete applications are submitted, more documentation is required, or when an additional administrative process is needed in addition to the review to determine eligibility.

What those affected by an INA Section 221 (g) denial should do

According to the details provided by the State Department, when this measure is taken, if the reason is related to incomplete documents, a letter is issued indicating which papers must be submitted to continue with the process.

Applicants have one year from the date they received the denial to submit the required information so that the case can be reevaluated.

“If you do not provide the additional information requested within one year, you must apply for the visa again and pay another application fee,” the authorities indicate.

In the event that the application process has been denied because further review is needed, a letter will be issued explaining this and the embassy or consulate will get in touch to detail how to proceed when the process is complete.

The date is one of eight fee-free days on the agency’s 2026 calendar, announced Feb. 13. After it, only one remains this year: Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

The waiver covers entrance fees only. Camping, reservations and special use permits are charged as usual, so anyone planning an overnight stay or a booked activity should budget for those costs.

NPS recommends planning the trip ahead of time and checking conditions at the park before heading out.

Why are US national parks free on Oct. 27?

The agency picked the date to honor Roosevelt’s conservation record. During his presidency, from 1901 to 1909, the number of national parks doubled from five to 10.

He also created 150 national forests, along with many national monuments and bird and game reserves, according to NPS.

This year’s fee-free calendar is built around the 250th anniversary of American independence. Its dates are pegged to presidents, founding documents and holidays such as Presidents Day, Independence Day weekend and Constitution Day.

The waiver applies at every park that normally charges an entrance fee. Sites that never charge one stay free, as on any other day.

Who still pays at US national parks on Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday?

Non-U.S. residents. Starting in 2026, fee-free days apply only to U.S. residents. International visitors pay the entrance fee and, where it applies, the nonresident fee, just as on a regular day.

The change follows a July 2025 executive order by President Donald Trump that directed the Interior Department to raise entrance and pass fees for nonresidents. Under the order, the added revenue is meant to fund park infrastructure and improve visitor access.

To prove residency for the resident annual pass, NPS accepts a U.S. passport, a driver’s license or ID issued by a state or territory, or a permanent resident card. The agency doesn’t say how residency is checked at entrance stations on fee-free days, so carrying one of those documents is the safest move.

International visitors traveling with someone who holds a valid America the Beautiful pass or park-specific annual pass are covered. That includes everyone in a private vehicle or on two motorcycles, or the passholder plus three adults at parks that charge per person.

How much do US national parks cost on Oct. 27 if you don’t qualify?

At 11 of the busiest parks, nonresidents age 16 and older pay the standard entrance fee plus a $100 per-person nonresident fee. At other fee-charging parks, they pay the standard entrance fee only.

These are the parks that charge the extra $100:

• Acadia
• Bryce Canyon
• Everglades
• Glacier
• Grand Canyon
• Grand Teton
• Rocky Mountain
• Sequoia and Kings Canyon
• Yellowstone
• Yosemite
• Zion

For international visitors planning several park trips, an annual pass may cost less. Since Jan. 1, the America the Beautiful pass costs $80 for U.S. residents and $250 for nonresidents. Both cover entrance and nonresident fees for the holder and passengers in a private vehicle or on two motorcycles, or the holder plus three adults where fees are charged per person.

Annual passes bought before Jan. 1, 2026, keep their original terms for 12 months from purchase, including coverage of the nonresident fee. Commercial tours follow separate rules, which NPS details in a dedicated FAQ on its website.

“The additional revenue will help keep more buses running and preserve the service residents rely on,” said Daniela Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Mayor.

Miami-Dade Metrobus and Metrorail will increase in 2027

Fares will rise by 50 cents, from $2.25 to $2.75. According to the county, this is the first fare increase in more than 13 years. The additional revenue is intended to help maintain service on 13 routes that were cut during the FY 2026-27 budget process.

The fare increase will take effect in January 2027 and is expected to generate nearly $9.2 million, according to the County press release.

Which Miami-Dade bus routes will be preserved?

The restored service includes late-evening trips on seven major corridors, Route 279 and five routes that serve areas with limited or no alternative public transportation. The changes include 24-hour service on Routes 11, 79, 77, 3, and 27, according to the county.

The five coverage routes serve 42nd Avenue, Biscayne Park, Florida City west of US-1, 125th Street, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, and West Miami. The restorations will benefit approximately 4,200 daily riders and more than 1.3 million trips annually.

Other Miami-Dade transit service changes

Despite the restorations, other service reductions will still take effect in March 2027. The county identified 17 low-ridership routes for adjustments, including 16 that will continue operating but stop running after 10 p.m. Route 132 is already scheduled for elimination as part of a November 2026 service change.

The approved 2026-27 budget also includes the elimination of weekend service on Route 338, limited-stop routes 203, 204, 272 and 288, and late-night service on 18 additional routes. Preserving these remaining services would require another $7.7 million in funding, according to Miami-Dade County.

The county will continue offering free and reduced-fare transit programs for eligible seniors, veterans, students, people with disabilities, and residents with limited incomes. Riders can check eligibility and application requirements on the official transit pass website.

Younger, a Georgia-based culinary school graduate known online as “Chef Tini,” published the recipe on her Substack on Sept. 22, 2024. Her video tutorial took off that year and set off debate over just how much cheese one dish can hold.

She makes it with corkscrew-shaped cavatappi, never classic elbow macaroni. As cooler weather brings baked comfort food back into rotation, it’s a dish built for a full table.

What do you need to make Tini Younger’s TikTok mac and cheese?

The 2 1/2 pounds of cheese is split in two. Half melts into the sauce and the other half goes between layers of pasta. The spice blend is divided the same way, with some going into the base of the sauce and the rest added later.

Here’s the full ingredient list:

• 1 pound cavatappi pasta
• 16 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 16 ounces Colby Jack cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 can evaporated milk (Younger uses Carnation)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

How do you make Tini Younger’s mac and cheese in a 9-by-13 pan?

The dish comes together in about an hour, most of it on the stove. The sauce starts as a roux, a cooked paste of butter and flour that thickens the milk and cream so the cheese melts smoothly.

1. Heat the oven to 350 F and grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
2. Boil the cavatappi according to the package directions, then drain it.
3. Toss the three cheeses together and split the mix evenly between two bowls.
4. Stir the garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper together, then divide that blend in half as well.
5. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the flour and half the seasoning, and stir for 3 to 5 minutes until it forms a paste.
6. Whisk in the evaporated milk until thick. Then add the cream and the remaining seasoning, followed by the Dijon mustard.
7. Add one bowl of cheese a handful at a time, letting each addition melt before adding the next.
8. Fold the pasta into the sauce until every piece is coated.
9. Spread a layer of sauced pasta in the dish, top it with some of the reserved cheese, and repeat until both are used up.
10. Bake 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly. Finish under the broiler for about 2 minutes to brown the top.

Keep an eye on it at the end, since a broiler can take cheese from golden to burned in seconds.

@tinekeyounger

Get your cavatappi pasta now and I don’t have time for Mac n cheese drama this year

♬ TYSM FOR USING MY SOUND - i love cats

Who is Tini Younger, the TikTok chef behind the viral mac and cheese?

Tineke Younger, 25, trained in culinary school and worked in restaurant kitchens before launching her TikTok account in 2020. Her videos focus on affordable comfort food, from hot-honey chicken tenders to deep-fried deviled eggs and roasted tomato soup.

She drew national attention in 2023 as a contestant on Gordon Ramsay’s Fox cooking competition “Next Level Chef.” The mac and cheese tutorial she posted after the show has since topped 100 million views, according to her publisher.

Time named her one of its 100 most influential creators of 2026. She has said her favorite dishes to make are ones she’s never tried, because each new recipe teaches her something.

Her first cookbook, “Today We Are Cooking ...: Recipes That Teach You to Think Like a Chef,” comes out Nov. 3 from Clarkson Potter. It has more than 100 recipes, including the viral mac and cheese and a chapter of holiday dishes.

According to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, heat, air, light, and humidity can damage medicines and affect how they work, even before they reach their expiration date.

Why is it not recommended to store medicines in the bathroom?

The main problem is exposure to heat and humidity generated by using the shower, bathtub, or sink.

According to MedlinePlus, these conditions can cause medicines to lose potency or deteriorate before the date listed on their packaging.

Tablets and capsules are especially sensitive to these factors. Therefore, even if a medicine has not yet expired, the conditions in which it is stored can affect its preservation.

What is the best place in the house to store medicines?

MedlinePlus recommends keeping medicines in a cool, dry place, away from sources of heat and humidity.

Among the suggested spaces are:

• A bedroom drawer.
• A closet or cabinet located in a dry room.
• A kitchen cabinet, as long as it is away from the stove, sink, and appliances that generate heat.

In addition, the agency advises keeping medicines in their original packaging and consulting the pharmacist when there are specific instructions for storage.

It is also important to keep them out of the reach and sight of children, preferably in a cabinet with a safety lock.

How can you tell if a medicine has deteriorated?

MedlinePlus warns that there are some signs that may indicate a medicine has changed, even when it has not yet reached its expiration date.

These include:

• Changes in color, texture, or smell.
• Tablets sticking together.
• Tablets harder or softer than usual.
• Cracked or chipped tablets.

If any of these signs appear, it is not recommended to take the medicine. It is advisable to consult a health professional or pharmacist to find out how to proceed and whether it needs to be replaced.

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

How 300 bison became a herd of thousands

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

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

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

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

Why bison are essential to the prairie

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

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

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

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

The Oklahoma preserve protecting a disappearing landscape

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

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

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

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

According to the University of Georgia, placing a bag of white vinegar around the showerhead can help remove these buildups without having to take the part apart.

The recommendation appears in a publication from its Extension Service, dedicated to sharing practical tips for home maintenance and care.

What is the purpose of placing a bag of vinegar on the showerhead?

With everyday use, the showerhead can accumulate mineral deposits from the water. These residues can stick to its surface and be difficult to remove during routine cleaning.

The University of Georgia suggests using white vinegar to treat these buildups through a process that keeps the product in contact with the showerhead for a set amount of time.

The method consists of placing the vinegar inside a plastic bag and securing it around the part, so that the liquid acts on the mineral deposits.

How do you clean the showerhead with white vinegar?

According to the instructions from the University of Georgia, the procedure can be carried out by following these steps:

1. Fill a plastic bag halfway with white vinegar.
2. Place the bag over the showerhead, so that the area to be cleaned is in contact with the liquid.
3. Secure the bag to the showerhead with a rubber band to keep it in place.
4. Leave the vinegar to act for approximately one hour.

This technique allows the product to be applied directly to the area where minerals accumulate, without needing to remove the showerhead from its installation.

How long should the vinegar be left on the showerhead?

The University of Georgia recommends leaving the bag of white vinegar in place for approximately one hour.

Before applying the procedure, it is advisable to check that the material and finish of the shower are compatible with acidic products such as vinegar, since some surfaces can be damaged by its use.

The change allows eligible families to use unused adoption tax credits from prior years to increase the refundable portion of the credit on their 2025 tax return. It applies to tax year 2025 only, and it does not make older carryforwards refundable in later years. The IRS expects to complete the refund process for most eligible taxpayers by the end of 2026.

Who qualifies for the adoption tax credit refunds?

The refunds apply to taxpayers who meet the conditions established under the revised interpretation of the adoption tax credit rules. The key requirement is having an eligible adoption tax credit carryforward from 2020 through 2024 that can increase the refundable amount for the 2025 tax year.

Under the Treasury Department’s interpretation, prior-year carryforwards can increase the refundable portion of the credit claimed for 2025, subject to a $5,000 limit per qualifying child.

This limit does not mean that every family will receive $5,000. The amount, if any, depends on the taxpayer’s circumstances and the credit available under the applicable rules.

How will the IRS issue the refunds?

The IRS is adjusting the accounts of affected taxpayers and issuing any resulting refunds automatically. Most eligible taxpayers do not need to file an amended tax return to receive the additional credit.

Taxpayers who filed their 2025 returns before April 15, 2026, will generally receive any applicable adjustment automatically. Those who filed under an extension, or whose accounts have identity theft indicators, freezes, dependency conflicts or other unresolved issues, may be reviewed later in 2026 after their returns are processed or the account problems are resolved.

The agency began making these adjustments in late September and will continue until the process is complete.

What if my return did not include the carryforward?

There is one important exception. If a taxpayer’s 2025 return did not include the prior-year adoption credit carryforward, the IRS may not have enough information to make the adjustment on its own. In that case, the taxpayer may need to file an amended return to correct the carryforward information.

How will families know if they are receiving a refund?

The IRS generally sends a notice within 30 days of adjusting an account. The notice explains the changes made and indicates whether the adjustment resulted in a refund or whether the amount was applied to another tax or non-tax debt.

Recipients should review the notice carefully, compare it with their 2025 tax return and keep the document with their tax records.

Taxpayers can also use their IRS Individual Online Account to review tax records, check refund information and access official notices securely.

Families seeking additional details about eligibility and the adoption tax credit can consult the IRS’s official adoption credit information page.

The payment date depends mainly on the birth date of the person whose work history is used to calculate the benefit. That is why payments do not reach all beneficiaries at the same time, since the SSA distributes regular benefits on different Wednesdays of the month, according to the group each person belongs to.

After the October 21 deposits, the schedule includes one final round of regular payments on Wednesday, October 28.

Who gets Social Security on Wednesday, October 21, 2026?

On Wednesday, October 21, Social Security beneficiaries whose date of birth falls between the 11th and the 20th of any month will be paid, as long as they are included in the payment system based on the Wednesday schedule.

This group may include people who receive:

• Retirement benefits: workers who qualify to receive Social Security benefits.
• Disability benefits (SSDI): people who meet the requirements to receive disability benefits based on their work history.
• Survivors’ benefits: eligible family members of deceased workers, according to the program rules.

The SSA organizes payment dates according to the birth date of the worker whose record determines the benefit. For those who began receiving benefits as of May 1997, the usual schedule is as follows:

• Born from the 1st to the 10th: the second Wednesday of the month.
• Born from the 11th to the 20th: third Wednesday of the month.
• Born from the 21st to the 31st: fourth Wednesday of the month.

However, those who began receiving benefits before May 1997 usually get paid on the 3rd of each month, with adjustments when applicable. There are also special rules for those who receive both Social Security and SSI.

When will the last Social Security payment of October be, and who will receive it?

The last regular Social Security payment scheduled for October 2026 will be on Wednesday, October 28. On that date, beneficiaries born between the 21st and the 31st of any month who are part of the Wednesday payment schedule will be paid.

The date corresponds to the fourth monthly round of deposits for retirement, disability, and survivors beneficiaries who follow this schedule. In this way, those who do not receive their benefits on October 21 should check whether their payment date is scheduled for the following Wednesday.

This homemade method has gained ground because of its low cost and its effectiveness in disinfecting, combating moisture, eliminating persistent odors, and acting as a natural insect repellent.

What is the purpose of applying vinegar on the mattress?

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

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

In addition, this method is used as a repellent for small insects. The acidic smell of white vinegar helps drive away pests that usually hide in less visible areas. That is why spraying vinegar on the mattress can be a practical alternative to more invasive chemical products.

How to apply it correctly

To make the most of its benefits, it is enough to prepare a simple mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, it is recommended to spray the mixture on the mattress, let it act for at least one hour, vacuum or scrub the stains, and let it dry.

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

How often should the mattress be cleaned?

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

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

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

The discovery occurred in 2024, when Joël Lapointe was organizing a trip to the Côte-Nord region, in the province of Quebec. While looking at the terrain on digital maps, he detected a depression near Lake Marsal and began to suspect that it could be an ancient impact crater.

According to NASA, his observation sparked an investigation that made it possible to identify evidence of an impact that occurred approximately 390 million years ago.

How did he discover the crater while looking for a place to camp?

In 2024, Lapointe was using satellite images to explore possible places to camp in a remote area of Quebec.

During that search, he observed a circular structure near Lake Marsal that stood out in the landscape. The shape of the terrain aroused his curiosity and led him to consult with specialists from Europe and North America.

From those consultations, a group of French researchers began to study the possibility that the area corresponded to an ancient meteorite impact.

The investigation also aroused the interest of Gordon Osinski, a planetary geologist at Western University in Canada, who was initially skeptical about the hypothesis.

However, he decided to take part in a scientific expedition to examine the site.

What did the scientists find in the crater in Canada?

In October 2025, the researchers arrived in the Lake Marsal region to study the geological characteristics of the terrain.

The expedition faced difficulties due to the conditions of the site, characterized by swampy areas, dense vegetation and difficult access.

During the fieldwork, the specialists found particular structures in the rocks known as fracture cones, which are characteristic evidence of meteorite impacts.

According to NASA, these clues allowed them to support the hypothesis that the circular formation had been produced by the “collision of an extraterrestrial object against the Earth’s surface”.

The researchers determined that the structure is approximately 25 kilometers in diameter and would have formed about 390 million years ago.

What is the crater called and what importance does the discovery have?

The research team began calling the structure Uhackatik, after consulting with the Innu Council of Ekuanitshit, an indigenous community in the region.

NASA explained that scientists consider the crater’s origin confirmed by the evidence found, although at the time of publication formal recognition by a committee of the Meteorical Society was still pending.

Given its size, it is one of the most important impact structure discoveries in recent years.

The maneuver requires coming to a complete stop, checking that no pedestrians are crossing, and yielding to vehicles with the right of way. However, if a sign prohibits the turn, drivers must not turn on red.

Turning right on a red light is allowed in California and Florida

In California, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows a right turn on red after coming to a complete stop, as long as there is no sign prohibiting it and the movement is safe. It also states that pedestrians and priority vehicles must be yielded to.

In Florida, the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) has a similar rule: the driver must stop before turning, verify that the maneuver is safe, and comply with the two groups mentioned above.

Exceptions to turning right at a red light

Although the maneuver is allowed, there are restrictions to observe:

• Prohibition sign: if the intersection has a sign that says “NO TURN ON RED,” the driver must wait.
• Pedestrians crossing: it is mandatory to yield to them and not endanger them.
• Vehicles with the right of way: you must wait until it is safe to merge into traffic.
• Limited visibility: if it is not possible to verify that the turn can be made safely, you must not proceed.

The compound, called DT-109, reduced harmful gut bacteria and prevented inflammatory substances from reaching the liver. However, the treatment remains experimental and has not yet been proven safe or effective in humans.

How the experimental drug protects the liver

The research, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, examined how changes in gut bacteria can contribute to MASH. Scientists identified an overgrowth of Clostridium perfringens, a bacterium that produces ammonia in the intestines.

Excess ammonia can damage the intestinal lining, weakening the barrier that normally prevents harmful substances from entering the bloodstream. When this barrier is compromised, microbial products can reach the liver and trigger inflammatory immune responses that worsen tissue damage.

DT-109 interrupted this process by reducing the levels of C. perfringens and lowering ammonia production. The compound also strengthened the intestinal barrier, limiting the movement of potentially harmful substances from the gut into the body.

What researchers found in animal studies

Experiments in mice and nonhuman primates showed that DT-109 improved gut barrier function. In nonhuman primates, the treatment also reduced liver inflammation and the severity of MASH.

The findings help explain how a compound that primarily acts in the gastrointestinal tract can benefit another organ. The relationship, known as the gut-liver axis, allows substances from the intestines to reach the liver through the bloodstream.

MASH can progress to cirrhosis, liver cancer, and liver failure. The researchers believe targeting the processes that connect gut bacteria to liver inflammation could offer a new therapeutic approach.

When could DT-109 become available?

DT-109 is still an investigational compound. Although the results in animal models are encouraging, further research is needed before scientists can determine whether it will be safe and effective for people.

The next steps include additional evaluation to advance the compound toward clinical trials. Human studies will be necessary to establish its safety, appropriate dosage, and potential benefits for patients with MASH.

Researchers are also investigating whether DT-109 could eventually help treat other conditions. Previous studies in nonhuman primates found that the compound reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation and vascular calcification, while its effects on the intestinal barrier could make it relevant to inflammatory bowel diseases.

The University of Georgia Cooperative Extension includes this technique in its recommendations for a healthier home environment. The University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) also recommends a similar approach in its kitchen-cleaning guide.

The key is to let the steam work before opening the microwave door. This gives moisture time to loosen residue on the interior walls, so a damp sponge can remove it more easily.

How to clean a microwave with lemon and water

The University of Georgia’s method uses a microwave-safe bowl, water and a fresh lemon. Follow these steps:

1. Pour 1½ cups of water into a microwave-safe bowl.
2. Cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the water.
3. Place both lemon halves in the bowl.
4. Heat the mixture on high for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the water boils.
5. Leave the bowl inside with the door closed for another 5 minutes.
6. Carefully remove the bowl, allowing it to cool if necessary, and wipe the microwave’s interior with a damp sponge.

UF/IFAS suggests a similar method using about 1 cup of water and heating the mixture for approximately 2 minutes, until the liquid boils and the window steams up. Its instructions recommend leaving the bowl inside for another 5 to 10 minutes before wiping down the surfaces.

Heating times may vary depending on the microwave’s power. The water and bowl can become very hot, so handle them carefully and avoid burns from the steam.

What to keep in mind before using this cleaning trick

Although lemon and water can make cleaning easier, the method does not replace a thorough cleaning when food residue has hardened significantly. Wipe the interior with a damp sponge after steaming and repeat the process if needed.

Always use a microwave-safe container and follow the appliance manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid touching the hot bowl immediately after heating, and open the door carefully to prevent exposure to concentrated steam.

This technique is intended to loosen food residue inside the microwave. It should not be described as a guaranteed way to disinfect the appliance or remove every stubborn stain.

The science behind cleaning a microwave with lemon and water

The method works primarily through steam and heat, rather than through a chemical reaction between the two ingredients. As the water boils, it releases water vapor that circulates inside the closed microwave. When that vapor contacts cooler interior surfaces, some of it condenses into tiny droplets, adding moisture to dried food splatters and helping soften them.

This process makes food residue easier to wipe away because moisture rehydrates the dried material and heat helps loosen its adhesion to the surface. The citric acid in lemon juice can also help dissolve some mineral deposits, while the lemon’s volatile aromatic compounds contribute a fresh citrus scent.

The main cleaning benefit comes from allowing the steam to loosen the residue before wiping it away with a damp sponge or soft cloth.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service similarly recommends heating water with lemon juice to loosen food residue and remove odors from a microwave. It advises leaving the mixture inside until it cools before wiping the surfaces.

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

What is applying vinegar to the mattress for?

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to apply it correctly

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

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

How often should the mattress be cleaned?

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

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

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

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

What precautions should you take before spraying vinegar on a mattress?

Before applying white vinegar to a mattress, check the manufacturer’s care instructions to make sure the solution is suitable for the material. Test it on a small, inconspicuous area first, and avoid soaking the fabric or foam, since excess moisture can be difficult to remove.

After cleaning, allow the mattress to dry completely before putting the sheets back on. Good ventilation can help speed up the process and reduce the risk of moisture buildup.

What spraying vinegar at the entrance to the house is for

Its main use is to drive away ants and insects and, in the process, clean and deodorize the entry area. Spraying vinegar on the threshold, the door frame, and the cracks where bugs usually come in helps cut off the ants’ path and keep the entryway more hygienic, without resorting to chemical insecticides.

The key lies in chemistry and in how ants orient themselves. White vinegar is a solution of acetic acid, and that pungent smell is precisely what does the job. Ants are guided by pheromone trails: they leave an invisible chemical path that the others follow in a line toward the food.

By spraying vinegar over that route and at the entry points, that trail is erased and interrupted, so those coming behind lose the signal and cannot find the way. On top of that, the strong smell is unpleasant to them and disorients them. That same acidity also cuts grease and dirt from the area and neutralizes odors, so the trick cleans while it repels.

Step by step: how to apply it correctly

The procedure is simple:

• Mix white vinegar and water in equal parts in a spray bottle (or use the vinegar undiluted for a stronger effect).
• Spray the threshold, the door frame, the baseboards, and the cracks or openings where insects enter.
• Pay special attention to the route the ants follow, to erase the trail they leave behind.
• Wipe with a cloth if desired, to clean the area at the same time.
• Repeat every few days, and especially after it rains or the floor is washed, because the effect fades over time.

Why it is worth doing

Beyond the result, the appeal is that it is a natural, economical, and handy alternative to commercial insecticides. It uses a product that almost everyone has in the kitchen, does not leave the entrance loaded with harsh chemicals, something to value if there are children or pets passing through, and allows the application to be repeated as often as necessary at little cost.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the United States advises using this combination to remove mold that can grow inside when food in poor condition is refrigerated.

Using water and vinegar to clean: when they recommend doing it

A prolonged power outage or going on vacation and leaving food for several days can cause perishable foods to begin to grow mold and release bad odors inside the refrigerator.

In addition to doing a general cleaning with hot water and soap, FSIS explains that vinegar and water can be mixed in equal parts to create a cleaner that removes these fungi and helps put an end to unpleasant odors.

The reason is simple: the acid in vinegar helps destroy mold, making it easier to clean.

Recommendations to complement cleaning with water and vinegar

Another FSIS tip to remove unpleasant odors from rotting food is to wash the inside of the refrigerator with a solution that combines baking soda and water, scrubbing the shelves and the sides of the door. If you do this procedure, it is recommended to let it air out for several days.

You can also sprinkle ground coffee or baking soda -loose or in an open container- on the bottom of the refrigerator so that these ingredients can absorb the bad odors.

Expert tips for keeping the refrigerator clean

To protect food safety, the authorities advise:

• Clean up any spill immediately after it occurs.
• Once a week, clean the refrigerator of perishable foods that should no longer be consumed.
• Keep in mind that cooked leftovers can remain in the refrigerator for 4 days, and poultry or ground meat for 1 to 2 days.
• Avoid chemicals that may damage the interior.
• Clean the exterior with a soft cloth and mild liquid dish detergent.
• Clean the condenser coil several times a year to remove dirt.

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

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

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

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

Which states will turn their clocks back

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

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

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

States that will not change the time

The exception to the time change includes:

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