Excavations are currently underway across the submerged remains of ancient Alexandria’s royal quarter, parts of which now lie beneath the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

What does this discovery offer about ancient Alexandria?

The ring was found on the submerged island of Antirhodos, which was once part of Alexandria’s ancient port. Its engraving resembles depictions of the lighthouse found on coins from the 2nd century AD.

According to Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, this is the first known seal ring engraved with a depiction of the famous landmark.

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was one of the Seven Wonders

The Lighthouse of Alexandria was built during the Ptolemaic period on the island of Pharos and was considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

Researchers suggest the discovery could indicate that the palace complex on Antirhodos continued to serve an administrative function until at least the 2nd century AD, potentially including activities related to the lighthouse.

The archaeological mission is also investigating other submerged sites in Alexandria’s Eastern Harbour, where researchers have recovered pottery, everyday utensils and fragments of ancient glassware. These finds could provide further insight into the city’s development during the Ptolemaic and Roman periods.

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

What is boiling rosemary with cloves used for?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why do rosemary and cloves release such a strong aroma?

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

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

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

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

How to prepare rosemary and cloves at home

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

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

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

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

What precautions should you take?

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

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

On top of that, one of the most urgent things an heir needs to solve is the property tax. Since 2021, Proposition 19 has changed what happens when children inherit their parents’ home, and many families in Los Angeles find out too late.

What happens to the property tax if the heir doesn’t use the house as principal residence

Before 2021, parents could pass their home to their children without a property tax reassessment, regardless of its value and even if the children rented it out. That allowed heirs to keep the parents’ low assessed value under Proposition 13.

But since February 2021, according to the Los Angeles County Assessor, heirs can only keep their parents’ property tax base on an inherited property if it was the parents’ principal residence and becomes the child’s principal residence within one year.

Rental properties, vacation homes, and commercial real estate no longer qualify

How can you keep your parents’ tax base

There are some strict requirements that heirs need to meet if they want to stay with the same property tax base. These are:

• The home must have been the parents’ principal residence.
• The child must move in and make it their own principal residence within one year of the transfer.
• The child must file for the Homeowners’ Exemption (or the Disabled Veterans’ Exemption) within that same year.
• The protection has a cap: for transfers through Feb. 15, 2027, it covers the parents’ taxable value plus $1,044,586, according to the State Board of Equalization. Any value above that is added to the tax base.

Grandchildren can also qualify, but only if their parents have died.

How much can the tax rise

If the heir rents out the home, keeps it as a second home or does not move in on time, the property is reassessed at its full market value.

The reassessment only affects property taxes. For federal income tax purposes, heirs still receive a stepped-up basis, meaning the property’s value resets to its value on the date of death, so selling soon after inheriting usually generates little or no capital gain.

The production features a star-studded cast: there are world-renowned actors such as Mia Wasikowska, Tom Hiddleston, and Jessica Chastain, who play various characters that throughout the film intertwine with a series of strange events that turn the young writer’s residence into a place full of threats.

With a runtime of less than two hours, Crimson Peak offers a combination of dark romance, fantasy, and horror. Its arrival in the U.S. catalog during October also coincides with the Halloween season, when supernatural stories take center stage among the options to watch at home.

What is Crimson Peak, the horror film that arrived on Netflix, about?

The story follows Edith Cushing, a young writer who falls in love with Thomas Sharpe, a British aristocrat with a mysterious past, who after they marry, she moves with him to a family mansion, where his sister Lucille also lives. It is there that the supernatural apparitions feed on her suspicions about the place and the people who inhabit it.

The film builds suspense through its setting, the conflicts between the characters, and a constant sense of threat in a mansion where its hallways, deteriorated rooms, and dark corners hide secrets that Edith begins to uncover as the story progresses.

Who stars in Guillermo del Toro’s horror film?

The cast brings together a star-studded lineup, that is, well-known Hollywood actors who play key characters in the mystery surrounding the mansion; they are:

• Mia Wasikowska: plays Edith Cushing, the writer who moves to the property and begins to investigate its secrets.
• Tom Hiddleston: brings Thomas Sharpe to life, the aristocrat who marries Edith and takes her to live in the family residence.
• Jessica Chastain: plays Lucille Sharpe, Thomas’s sister, whose presence is part of the story’s mystery.
• Charlie Hunnam: portrays Alan McMichael, a doctor linked to Edith since before her marriage.

The film is directed by Guillermo del Toro, a Mexican filmmaker known for his stories with fantastical elements and supernatural creatures.

How long is Crimson Peak and what kind of horror does it offer?

Netflix added the horror film on October 1, 2026, which has a duration of less than 2 hours, that is, 1 hour and 59 minutes. Its premise combines gothic horror, romance, mystery, and fantasy, with a story that unfolds in a mansion marked by deterioration and inexplicable phenomena.

There are more than five States that have already legalized balcony solar and similar legislation. These are Utah, the first to implement this technology, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Virginia, and now, California.

How do plug-in solar panels work?

These systems use small solar panels to generate electricity from sunlight and connect to a household’s electrical system through a compatible outlet. They can be installed on balconies, patios, or other suitable spaces, depending on local regulations.

As National Geographic explains, most systems are designed to supplement the home’s electricity supply rather than replace it entirely.

Which states allow plug-in solar panels?

As of October 2026, 10 states had approved laws addressing plug-in solar systems: Utah, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Vermont, Virginia, and California.

California’s Senate Bill 868, signed on September 30, 2026, establishes a framework for qualifying portable solar devices. The law is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. Requirements vary by state, so residents should check local rules before installing a system.

Can plug-in solar panels lower electricity bills?

These systems can reduce the amount of electricity households purchase from the grid by generating power during daylight hours. However, potential savings depend on sunlight exposure, electricity rates, system capacity, and household consumption.

Plug-in solar panels are not designed to replace a home’s entire electricity supply. Consumers should also verify applicable electrical safety standards and utility requirements before connecting a system.

U.S. President Donald Trump paid tribute Friday to Christopher Columbus, whose image and legacy he said he had “resurrected,” during a White House ceremony ahead of Oct. 12 that was attended by the ambassadors of Italy and Spain.

“I, and some people in this room, resurrected Christopher Columbus. Before, you couldn’t even say his name. If you said his name, they’d call you some kind of evil being,” he said in the East Room, flanked by two photographs of monuments to the explorer that his administration restored.

The Republican said that, for his administration, Columbus is a “hero” because he “changed the future of humanity forever.”

The speech was filled with references to the contributions of the Italian American community to the United States, where Columbus is closely tied to Italy because the navigator was born in Genoa.

Trump is also seeking to win the support of this community ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections.

“This Italian explorer (Christopher Columbus) was perhaps the first Italian American in history,” the president said, even though Columbus never set foot on what is now the United States.

Guests included the ambassadors of Italy and Spain, Marco Peronaci and Ángeles Moreno Bau. The ceremony featured a performance by American tenor Christopher Macchio, who sang “Nessun Dorma,” and attendees were served prosciutto with melon.

Columbus Day is a federal holiday observed in the United States on the second Monday of October to commemorate the navigator’s arrival in the Americas on Oct. 12, 1492, on an expedition funded by the Spanish Crown.

Spain, for its part, celebrates its National Day on Oct. 12, popularly known as Hispanic Day (Día de la Hispanidad).

The previous administration, led by Democrat Joe Biden (2021-2025), officially recognized the second Monday of October as Indigenous Peoples’ Day amid questions about Columbus’ legacy and his role in the start of colonization and slavery.

After returning to power in 2025, Trump announced he would stop recognizing Indigenous Peoples’ Day as part of his defense of the navigator’s legacy.

In March, his administration installed a statue of Columbus near the White House, a replica of one that protesters toppled and threw into Baltimore’s harbor in Maryland in July 2020, during protests against racism.

Trump said in September that he had placed the statue in honor of the Italian American community, whose members he described as “hardworking, brilliant and wonderful people.”

In May, the U.S. government reopened a restored fountain dedicated to Columbus in front of Washington’s train station, at an event to which the ambassadors of Italy and Spain were also invited.

Source: EFE

According to the official information, the increases get larger as time goes by, and the fine is not paid. In certain cases, this penalty can be taken to court, at which point greater penalties are enabled, such as the vehicle being removed or towed.

The fines that must be paid within 30 days in NYC

The authorities indicate that all the penalties listed below must be paid within 30 days after:

• Parking fine
• School zone speed camera violation
• Camera-issued violation for running a red light
• Camera-issued violation for driving in a bus-only lane
• MTA bus camera violation
• Violation detected by a dynamic vehicle toll system

Fines may take time to appear in the payment system, so the advice is to keep checking or pay in advance by entering the violation number, which is found next to the barcode on the side or at the bottom of the parking ticket. If it is a camera ticket, the number is located at the top right as “Notice #”.

Penalties for not paying the fine on time

The deadline for parking fines starts counting from the moment the notice is received, and penalties accumulate as the days pass:

• 30 days: 10 dollars are added to the value of the fine
• 60 days: 20 additional dollars, the previous 10 dollars, and the value of the fine
• 90 days: 30 additional dollars, the previous 20 dollars, and the value of the fine
• 100 days: the fine goes to judgment

In the case of camera violation fines, the count starts from when they were recorded and increases as follows:

• 30 days: 25 dollars are added to the value of the fine
• 65 days: a final notice is sent by mail
• 75 days: the fine goes to judgment

“Payments can take up to two weeks to be processed and appear in the system,” authorities say.

In this regard, the assistance is aimed at pregnant women, women who recently had a pregnancy, breastfeeding women, infants, and children under five years old. However, parents, grandparents, and other caregivers can apply for the children in their care.

Interested people who meet certain requirements such as income, residence, and nutritional risk criteria, can enroll through a local agency, which explains how to complete the process and what documentation to submit.

Who can apply for WIC food assistance?

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the people who can apply for WIC are:

• Pregnant women, during pregnancy.
• Women in the postpartum stage, up to six months after the end of pregnancy.
• Breastfeeding women, until the baby is one year old.
• Infants and children under five years old, through the application of their parents or caregivers.

What are the requirements to receive WIC?

To access WIC, people must meet these main requirements:

• Belong to one of the eligible categories mentioned above.
• Meet the income limits: household income must be within the limits established by the program, which generally correspond to 185% of the federal poverty level.
• Have nutritional risk: WIC staff conduct a free assessment to determine whether the person meets this criterion.
• Applicants may reside in the state or territory where they apply.

Those who receive Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF may meet the income requirement through categorical eligibility rules, although they must satisfy the other program criteria.

For the period between July 1, 2026 and June 30, 2027, people who wish to check the amounts corresponding to their family can do so in the official WIC income table of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

How to apply for WIC?

The application begins through a WIC agency in the area where the person interested in obtaining the benefit lives, since the procedure may vary depending on the state, where some agencies allow it to be started online or by phone, while others arrange an appointment to complete the enrollment.

The agency may request proof of identity, address, and income, or proof of participation in programs such as Medicaid, SNAP, or TANF, depending on each citizen’s situation, but before attending it is advisable to check what documentation is needed.

To learn the steps corresponding to the place of residence, the applicant can consult the official Spanish-language guide from USAGov about WIC or use the USDA eligibility tool.

The agency released the July figures Sept. 24. EIA doesn’t collect electricity rates directly. It divides utilities’ retail revenue by the amount of power they sell, which produces an average that blends homes, businesses, factories and transportation.

Households took one of the biggest hits. The average residential price reached 18.31 cents per kilowatt-hour, up 4.9%. That tied transportation for the largest increase among sectors. Industrial customers saw a 4.7% rise and commercial customers 3.4%.

EIA updates the numbers monthly. Its figures for August are scheduled for release Oct. 23.

Which states saw the biggest electricity price increases in the US?

Hawaii led the country with a 25.4% jump in its average electricity price from July 2025. Ohio followed at 15.2%, and Maryland ranked third at 14.8%.

The rest of the increases were spread widely. Of the 44 states and DC where prices climbed, 11 rose by 10% or more, 26 by 2% to 10% and eight by less than 2%, based on EIA’s state map.

EIA’s update doesn’t explain why prices moved so differently from state to state. Each state figure is also an average of many utilities, and in some states, competing suppliers that set their own prices. That means a household’s rate can rise more or less than its state’s average.

Where does electricity cost the most in the US?

California had the highest average electricity price in the contiguous U.S. in July, at 30.71 cents per kilowatt-hour. That is about twice the national average. Massachusetts came next at 26.56 cents, followed by Rhode Island at 25.65 cents.

EIA’s ranking leaves out Alaska and Hawaii. The agency’s state map puts Hawaii in the same top price band as California, at 30 cents or more, but the update doesn’t list its exact figure.

At the other end of the scale, North Dakota had the lowest average in the contiguous U.S., at 9.09 cents. New Mexico followed at 9.52 cents and Louisiana at 9.74 cents.

Where did electricity prices go down in the US?

Six states saw their average electricity price fall from July 2025. Connecticut posted the steepest drop, 12.4%. New Mexico fell 8.3% and Louisiana 6.1%.

Arizona, Indiana and Wyoming rounded out the list, each with declines of less than 2%, based on EIA’s state map.

That gives New Mexico and Louisiana both a falling price and one of the country’s lowest averages. Along with North Dakota, they were the only places where electricity averaged less than 10 cents per kilowatt-hour.

The projections come from the 2026 annual report of the Social Security Board of Trustees, released in June. The trustees oversee the program’s trust funds, the reserve accounts that cover benefits when payroll tax revenue falls short.

Social Security has spent more than it collects every year since 2021. The report projects that costs will stay above income through 2100, the end of its forecast period.

These midterm elections, all 435 House seats and 35 of the Senate’s 100 seats are on the ballot. Senators elected this year serve six-year terms, so they will still be in office when the first cut is projected to hit.

What are the 2 Social Security deadlines, and how much could checks be cut?

The trustees’ report sets two projected deadlines, each tied to a different cut:

• Fourth quarter of 2032: The Old-Age and Survivors Insurance Trust Fund, which pays retirement and survivor benefits, runs out. Payments would drop to 78% of scheduled benefits, a 22% cut.
• Third quarter of 2034: The combined retirement and disability funds run out. Payments would drop to 83%, a 17% cut. This applies only if Congress changes the law to let the two funds share money.

Running out of reserves doesn’t mean benefits stop. Payroll taxes would keep coming in, but they would cover only part of what beneficiaries are scheduled to receive.

Disability benefits aren’t part of the 2032 cut. The disability fund has enough reserves to pay full benefits through 2100, according to the report.

Neither cut would hold steady. Without changes, the share of benefits Social Security can pay keeps shrinking. By 2100 it falls to 62% for retirement and survivor benefits and 65% for the combined program.

What could Congress do to prevent the Social Security cut?

The trustees say Congress will need to pass legislation to keep the retirement and survivors fund from running out. Their report estimates how large the changes would need to be to keep the whole program fully funded through 2100.

The report calculates that if changes had taken effect at the start of 2026, options would include raising the payroll tax from 12.4% to 16.65%, or cutting all current and future benefits by 25.2%. Lawmakers could also combine the two approaches. Workers and employers split the payroll tax.

Another scenario in the report would cut benefits by 30.3%, but only for people who become eligible in 2026 or later. Current beneficiaries would keep their scheduled amounts.

Waiting makes the changes larger. If Congress holds off until 2034, the report estimates the payroll tax would need to rise to 17.3%, or benefits would need to fall 28.5% for everyone.

How could the Nov. 3 vote affect Social Security?

Republicans control both chambers, with 53 of the Senate’s 100 seats and 218 of 435 House seats. Democrats hold 214 House seats, with one independent and two vacancies.

Midterm turnout skews older. In 2022, 68% of U.S. citizens ages 65 to 74 and 65.2% of those 75 and older reported voting. That compares with 27.6% of those ages 18 to 24, according to the Census Bureau.

Overall, 52.2% of voting-age citizens reported casting a ballot in 2022. The Census figures are self-reported, collected through the bureau’s Current Population Survey.

Because older Americans are the most reliable midterm voters, the party that wins control on Nov. 3 will face immense pressure to protect benefits. However, the razor-thin margins in Congress mean that whichever party prevails will likely need bipartisan cooperation to pass any of the major tax increases or benefit cuts required to fix the looming 2032 deadline.

Yet many people still use them without knowing a small design detail that can make a difference in hanging clothes.

In every ordinary clothespin there are two openings where the halves meet. The smaller one is near the spring, and the larger one is toward the tips. Most people clip their laundry with whatever part of the jaw lands first, but each opening is meant for a different job.

What are the two clothespin holes made for?

The smaller opening, closer to the center, is designed to grip the clothesline or the rail of a drying rack. The larger opening, at the outer end, is meant to hold the fabric.

The idea is to clip the pin so the line sits in the small hole and the clothes in the large one. That way, the pressure lands where it should.

The physics behind the life hack

The explanation lies in how a clothespin works. It is essentially a lever: the spring acts as the pivot point, and the force it applies gets weaker the farther you move from it. That means the jaws squeeze hardest near the spring and more softly at the tips.

Using the right opening is only half of it. Where you clip matters too:

• T-shirts and light tops: by the hem, not the shoulders, which can stretch.
• Pants and jeans: by the leg hems, hanging upside down.
• Dresses and skirts: at the waistband or sturdy side seams.
• Socks and underwear: by the elastic.

When clothes hang freely from the fabric instead of being pressed flat against the line, air circulates better around them, so they can dry faster and more evenly, especially in thick items like towels and jeans.

In a blog post published on October 7, 2026, the agency highlighted a series of resources designed to help future retirees make informed decisions before submitting an application. The publications cover everything from the formula used to calculate retirement benefits to the consequences of continuing to work after payments begin.

The SSA explains that Social Security benefits typically replace about 40% of a worker’s pre-retirement earnings. People who want to maintain their standard of living may need to supplement that income with personal savings, pensions, investments or part-time employment.

Although the publications provide useful information for planning, the amount each person receives depends on individual circumstances, including lifetime earnings and the age at which they begin collecting benefits.

The 7 official SSA guides to prepare for retirement

The Social Security Administration recommends seven publications that address the main questions people may have before and after retirement.

1. Retirement: understanding Social Security benefits

This publication provides an overview of the retirement program, including how workers earn coverage, how to apply and how the SSA calculates monthly payments.

It also explains the factors that influence retirement decisions. Workers can use this information as a starting point to understand their eligibility and the steps involved in claiming benefits.

2. When to Start Receiving Retirement Benefits

Choosing when to claim Social Security can have a lasting effect on monthly income. This guide examines the factors people should consider when deciding whether to begin receiving payments earlier or wait.

Eligible workers can generally claim retirement benefits starting at age 62. However, claiming before full retirement age reduces the monthly benefit, while delaying retirement beyond full retirement age can increase payments up to age 70.

The right decision depends on personal circumstances, including financial needs, health and family longevity.

3. Your Retirement Benefit: How It’s Determined

People who want to understand how the SSA calculates their payments can consult this publication. It explains the benefit formula and includes a worksheet to help estimate future retirement benefits.

A worker’s earnings history is particularly important because the agency uses covered earnings to determine the amount of the benefit. Reviewing the calculation can help future retirees understand how their work record influences their expected monthly income.

Workers should also verify that their earnings records are accurate before applying.

4. Your Retirement Checklist

This guide helps people organize the decisions they need to make before claiming Social Security.

It outlines considerations that can influence when to apply and encourages workers to assess their circumstances before choosing a retirement date. The checklist can be especially useful for people approaching retirement who want to compare their options and prepare for the application process.

5. Retire Online

People who have decided to claim benefits can use this publication to learn how to submit a retirement application online.

The guide explains the online application process and helps applicants understand how to complete the necessary steps. Preparing in advance can make it easier to gather the information needed to apply.

The SSA encourages people to review their options before submitting an application rather than making the decision solely based on their age.

6. How Work Affects Your Benefits

Some retirees continue working while receiving Social Security payments. This publication explains how employment can affect benefits and why the timing of retirement matters.

For people who have not reached full retirement age, earnings above the applicable annual limit may temporarily reduce the benefits they receive. Different rules apply once workers reach full retirement age.

Continuing to work can also increase future benefits in certain circumstances, particularly when additional earnings replace lower-earning years in the calculation used by the SSA.

7. What You Need to Know When You Get Retirement or Survivors Benefits

This publication is intended for people who already receive retirement or survivors benefits. It explains what beneficiaries can expect, their reporting responsibilities and the changes they may need to report to the agency.

Changes in income, employment or other circumstances can affect certain benefits or create reporting obligations. Understanding these requirements can help recipients avoid administrative problems and keep their records up to date.

How to estimate your Social Security retirement benefits

In addition to reading the seven publications, workers can use the SSA’s online services to obtain a more personalized estimate of their future payments.

The agency recommends creating or signing in to a my Social Security account, where users can review their earnings history and compare estimated retirement benefits for different claiming ages.

The estimates can help workers evaluate when to begin receiving payments, although the final amount depends on their actual earnings record and circumstances when they apply.

The SSA generally calculates retirement benefits using a worker’s highest 35 years of indexed earnings. If someone has fewer than 35 years of covered earnings, years without earnings can count as zeros in the calculation and reduce the resulting benefit.

The age at which a person claims also matters. Monthly payments are lower when benefits begin before full retirement age and can increase when eligible workers delay claiming, up to age 70.

People can find the agency’s retirement resources and calculators through the official Social Security retirement benefits website and its benefit calculators page.

The amount of money a person receives is based on their income. Some recipients may qualify for supplemental rebates as well.

Which form do Pennsylvanians need to apply for the rebate?

Eligible residents must submit Form PA-1000, known as the Property Tax or Rent Rebate Claim, to apply for the benefit. Applications can be filed online through myPATH or by mail using the official form.

The deadline to submit an application is December 31, 2026, for eligible Pennsylvanians who paid property taxes or rent in 2025. Applicants must provide supporting documents to ratify it.

These are the amounts of money a person will receive based on their income:

How can I qualify for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program?

Pennsylvanian homeowners and renters must meet the following criteria to be admitted to the program:

Age Criteria

• 65 and older
• Widows and widowers 50 and older 
• People with disabilities 18 and older 

​​Income Criteria

• ​​In addition to age requirements, your household income must be $48,110 or less ​annually.  ​

Once you are accepted, you can check the status of your rebate using Where’s My Rebate? Section on the myPATH tool. To check on the status of your claim, you will need your Social Security number, claim year, and date of birth.

In addition, they also redefine the concept of pet and detail which animals can be included in this category and which do not qualify as such and are subject to different regulations.

Which animals are allowed for travel and qualify as pets?

According to the USDA, a pet is a “privately owned companion animal” that is not intended for research or resale. The following animals are included:

• Dogs.
• Cats.
• Ferrets.
• Rabbits.
• Rodents.
• Hedgehogs.
• Reptiles.
• Amphibians.
• Some domestic birds such as parrots, canaries, and others.

Which birds do not qualify as pets?

Among the birds that are not categorized as pets are those that have the potential to carry and transmit certain diseases, and are known as “poultry”:

• Hens.
• Pigeons.
• Ducks.
• Geese.
• Grouse.
• Partridges.
• Peacock.
• Pheasants.
• Quail.
• Swans.
• Turkeys.

What to do if your pet does not meet the necessary conditions?

If your animal does not qualify as a pet for the USDA, the agency recommends accessing the International Animal Export Regulations query tool and selecting the destination country to verify the requirements that must be met.

The protocol: what must be done to travel with your pets?

According to the USDA, people who wish to travel with their pets must verify the sanitary conditions and the documents required in each place.

The steps are as follows:

1. Check the destination requirements: verify what vaccines, veterinary certificates, diagnostic tests or treatments are required to allow the animal’s entry.
2. Request a veterinary evaluation: go to a USDA-approved professional who can review the pet’s health status and determine whether it meets the necessary conditions to travel.
3. Update vaccinations and carry out the necessary checks: some jurisdictions require rabies vaccination certificates, additional tests or identification by microchip.
4. Obtain the health certificate: when applicable, a veterinarian must complete and sign the document certifying compliance with the health requirements.
5. Arrange USDA validation: for certain international trips, the certificate must receive the agency’s official approval before departure.
6. Check transportation conditions: verify the airline or transport company’s policies on cages, carriers, documentation, and animal transport.

The mask is designed to be placed over closed eyelids and offers cold or hot use, depending on the user’s needs.

Before using it, it is advisable to know how to prepare it for each application and what the precautions indicated on the package are, in addition to respecting the recommended times and checking the temperature. These steps are essential to avoid injuries or discomfort to the skin and eyes.

How is the Thera Plus gel eye mask from Dollar Tree used?

The mask can be prepared for cold or hot application, depending on the need, but in both cases it must be placed over closed eyelids and never used for more than 15 minutes per application, with breaks of at least 15 minutes between uses, according to the instructions on the official product package sold by Dollar Tree.

• To use it cold: place it in the refrigerator for a maximum of 60 minutes or in the freezer for a maximum of 10 minutes, until it reaches the desired temperature.
• To use it hot: wrap the product in a paper towel or a soft cloth and heat it in the microwave in five-second intervals, not exceeding 10 seconds in total, and place it in the center of the turntable without touching the sides.

Before each application, the manufacturer recommends checking the temperature with your fingers and then on your wrist, since if the product does not feel comfortable to the touch, it should not be placed on the eyes.

What is the Thera Plus mask for and what benefits does it have?

According to the product instructions, the mask allows cold or hot therapy to be applied to the eye area, with different uses depending on the temperature chosen.

In this sense, cold can help relieve headaches, the sensation of tired eyes and swelling. Meanwhile, heat is presented as an option to relieve sinus pressure and migraines.

What precautions should be taken before using the eye mask?

The manufacturer warns that excessive heating or cooling can cause injury or damage the product, which is why the mask should only be used following the instructions on the package.

It also must not be used on damaged skin, open wounds, or skin sensitive to extreme temperatures. People with diabetes, circulation problems, infections, certain skin disorders, or serious eye injuries should consult a doctor before using it.

The product features LED lighting, automatic activation, and different brightness levels. In addition, it works with rechargeable batteries that harness solar energy during the day.

What are the solar garden lights offered by Amazon like?

According to the description published on Amazon, the Ensenior set includes eight lights to place directly on the ground using stakes.

Among its main features are the following:

• Three brightness levels: allow choosing between low, medium and high lighting.
• Automatic activation: they turn on at dusk and turn off when daylight returns.
• Warm light: they emit 3000 K lighting.
• Water resistance: they have an IP65 rating for outdoor use.
• Easy installation: they do not require cables or electrical connections.

The lights incorporate solar panels that allow their batteries to recharge during the day and use the stored energy at night.

How long does the battery of the Ensenior solar lights last?

According to the manufacturer’s specifications, each light has a 600 mAh rechargeable battery, which can provide between 8 and 12 hours of lighting.

However, battery life may vary depending on the amount of sunlight received, the weather conditions and the selected brightness level.

For this reason, it is recommended to install them in spaces where the solar panels can receive sufficient light during the day.

Where to buy the lights and how much do they cost?

The pack of eight Ensenior solar lights is listed on Amazon, where buyers can check the product features and the available options.

The advertised price is $37.99, although it may vary depending on current promotions and availability.

Those interested can check the updated amount in the listing before making the purchase.

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) confirmed that J trains will not run along their full usual route and that there will be limited M line service, as work advances to replace old rail switches south of Marcy Avenue.

The changes aim to renew infrastructure that had not been replaced since 1997. The works will affect connections between Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan.

New York’s J and M subway lines: Which stations will be affected and when?

During the scheduled weekends, the J line will operate between Jamaica Center-Parsons/Archer and Myrtle Avenue-Broadway. Those trains will not complete their usual route to Manhattan in the sections mentioned.

The disruptions will be:

• October 17 to 18.
• October 24 to 25.
• November 7 to 9.
• November 13 to 16.
• November 20 to 23.

The changes will begin at 3:30 a.m. on Saturday and will last until 10 p.m. on Sunday.

In the case of the M line, service will run in a limited way and will be divided into two sections: passengers will be able to travel between Middle Village-Metropolitan Avenue and Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues, with a connection to the L line, and between Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues and Myrtle Avenue-Broadway, where they can connect with the J line.

Changes on the J line from Monday to Friday

Between October 13 and November 20, the J train will run on local tracks between Marcy Avenue and Myrtle Avenue-Broadway, Monday through Friday, between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. However, the measure will have an exception between October 26 and 30.

Which lines are recommended for traveling between Brooklyn and Manhattan?

The MTA recommends using other subway lines depending on the route:

• To get to Midtown: take the L line at Myrtle-Wyckoff Avenues.
• To travel between Jamaica and Manhattan: consider connections with the A or L lines at Broadway Junction.
• To connect Jamaica with Manhattan: use the E line.
• To travel to Lower Manhattan: consider the 4, 5, and 6 lines.

For 15 years she owned the ranch and ran an organic avocado farm. In November of 2022, she sold the entire property for $5.6 million, more than double what she had paid.

How did Sandra Bullock turn 91 acres into an organic ranch with 1200 avocado trees

The property, located in Southern California, combined three lots near Palomar Mountain. Its main home was an adobe ranch house of 5938 square feet built in 1990 with four bedrooms, a courtyard, and nine fireplaces across the property.

The land already had commercial avocado and citrus groves when Bullock bought it, but she was the one who turned them to organic.

In total, the farm had about 1200 organic avocado trees when she sold it. Bullock also designed a landscape plan that included olive trees and trails to connect the whole ranch.

The property sold for more than twice the price

In September 2022, Bullock listed the ranch for $6 million. It went into contract in just three weeks and sold in early November for $5.6 million.

Sandra Bullock’s “first love” was real estate

For Bullock, buying and restoring homes is more than an investment. In a 2021 interview on the SmartLess podcast, she described real estate as her “first love” and said that, if she weren’t an actress, she would be “a restorer.”

“I like finding properties, finding out what the story is, getting it back to the vibe that I feel it wants to be and finding its use and purpose,” she explained.

The announcement will follow the release of the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ September Consumer Price Index report, which will provide the last data point needed to determine the annual adjustment.

When will Social Security announce the 2027 COLA?

The SSA is expected to announce the 2027 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) in October. According to the BLS release calendar, the September Consumer Price Index (CPI) report is scheduled for Wednesday, October 14.

This makes October 14 the expected announcement date, although the SSA’s official COLA page only confirms that the announcement will take place in October.

The COLA is designed to help Social Security benefits keep pace with inflation. The SSA calculates the adjustment using changes in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers (CPI-W), comparing the average for the third quarter of the current year with the average for the same period in the previous year.

Which benefits will increase with the 2027 COLA?

The annual adjustment applies to Social Security retirement, disability, and survivor benefits, as well as SSI. The final percentage will depend on the inflation data used in the calculation, so the official increase will not be known until the SSA announces it.

For reference, the SSA announced a 2.8% COLA for 2026. That adjustment increased monthly payments for eligible Social Security beneficiaries and SSI recipients. The 2027 percentage has not yet been officially confirmed.

When will beneficiaries receive the increased payments?

Although the COLA is announced in October, the new benefit amounts generally take effect in January of the following year for Social Security recipients. Therefore, beneficiaries can expect the 2027 adjustment to appear in their January 2027 payments.

SSI follows a different payment schedule when a payment date falls on a federal holiday or weekend. For the 2026 COLA, for example, the increased SSI payment was issued on December 31, 2025, because January 1 is a federal holiday.

Beneficiaries should check the SSA’s official announcements for the applicable 2027 payment dates.

Flu activity is still low nationwide but rising, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported Oct. 2. Since protection takes about two weeks to build after a shot, health authorities advise getting vaccinated by the end of October.

The approval works differently by age. For adults 50 to 64, it rests on a large trial that counted flu cases. For those 65 and older, the FDA used accelerated approval, a faster pathway based on early evidence such as antibody levels. Moderna must confirm the benefit in a new study.

How does the new mRNA flu shot for people 50 and older work?

Most of the flu vaccine supply is produced using chicken eggs. Mflusiva skips that process. It delivers mRNA, a set of genetic instructions for hemagglutinin, a protein on the flu virus’s outer surface.

The shot covers this season’s three selected strains: two influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one influenza B strain. Tiny fat particles carry the instructions into cells. The cells then make the protein, which trains the immune system to recognize the real virus.

How well does the mRNA flu shot work?

In a trial of about 40,800 adults 50 and older, Mflusiva lowered the risk of lab-confirmed flu illness by 26.6% compared with a standard-dose shot, FDA reviewers found. About 2% of recipients got sick, versus 2.8% in the comparison group.

What are the side effects of the mRNA flu shot?

The trade-off is more short-term side effects. Within a week, about 76% of Mflusiva recipients reported reactions, compared with 47% in the standard-dose group. The most common were pain at the injection site, fatigue, headache, muscle aches and chills. Most were mild to moderate and short-lived.

As a condition of approval, Moderna must keep tracking the vaccine’s safety, including deaths and certain heart and nerve conditions, after FDA reviewers flagged questions they couldn’t fully resolve from trial data.

Where can you get the new flu shot if you’re 50 or older?

Mflusiva is given as a single injection into the muscle. Pharmacies and doctors’ offices may offer it, but many haven’t stocked it yet because it’s so new. Calling ahead or checking Moderna’s online vaccine locator can save a trip.

Does Medicare cover the new flu shot?

If you have Medicare, Part B covers one flu shot each season at no cost when your provider accepts assignment meaning it takes Medicare’s approved amount as full payment. Since Mflusiva is new, ask your pharmacy whether it can bill Medicare for it.

Who should check with a doctor before getting the mRNA flu shot?

Talk to your provider before booking if you plan to get other vaccines at the same visit. FDA reviewers noted there’s no data yet on giving Mflusiva alongside COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) or pneumonia vaccines.

The same goes for people with weakened immune systems, very frail older adults, and anyone who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare nerve disorder, within six weeks of a past flu shot. If Mflusiva isn’t available nearby, other flu vaccines are, including enhanced shots designed for adults 65 and older.

Some beneficiaries may receive up to three payments during the month because they receive both Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and another Social Security benefit.

The unusual payment pattern is the result of the way the SSA handles SSI payments when the first day of a month falls on a weekend or federal holiday. Because November 1, 2026, falls on a Sunday, the SSI payment for November will be sent early, on Friday, October 30.

Who can receive three payments in October

Beneficiaries who receive both SSI and another Social Security benefit, such as retirement, disability or survivor benefits, are the ones who may receive three deposits during October.

The first payment is their October SSI benefit, scheduled for Thursday, October 1. The second is their regular Social Security payment, scheduled for Friday, October 2 for beneficiaries in this category.

The third payment will arrive on Friday, October 30. However, this is not an extra benefit or bonus. It is the November SSI payment being issued early because November 1 falls on a Sunday.

As a result, beneficiaries who receive the October 30 payment should know that they will not receive another SSI payment in November. The next SSI payment is scheduled for Tuesday, December 1.

Official: Social Security payment schedule for October 2026

The SSA’s official 2026 calendar divides Social Security payments according to the type of benefit and, for most beneficiaries, their date of birth.

The SSA generally distributes Social Security payments on the second, third or fourth Wednesday of the month, depending on the beneficiary’s date of birth.

Why some beneficiaries receive more than one payment

Receiving two or three deposits in the same month does not mean that the SSA has increased the beneficiary’s monthly benefit. It is simply a result of the agency’s payment calendar and the need to move payments forward when a scheduled date falls on a weekend or federal holiday.

In October 2026, the adjustment is particularly noticeable because the SSI payment for November is being issued on October 30. This means someone who receives both SSI and another Social Security benefit can see three deposits in their account during October, even though one of those payments technically belongs to the following month.

To solve this problem, the University of Illinois, in the United States, explains a simple cleaning method that uses two common household ingredients, white vinegar and baking soda.

How to clean and eliminate bad smells from the dishwasher with vinegar and baking soda?

According to the cleaning guide from the University, both products can be used to help eliminate bad smells from the appliance.

The recommended procedure consists of the following steps:

1. Clean the filter: check the filter located at the bottom of the dishwasher and remove food residue, dirt, or other elements that may clog it.
2. Add white vinegar: place two cups of white vinegar in a glass container suitable for the dishwasher and place it upright on the lower rack.
3. Start a wash cycle: run a normal cycle, without detergent and with the heated dry option turned off.
4. Add baking soda: once the previous cycle is finished, sprinkle one cup of baking soda inside the dishwasher.
5. Run a second wash: start another cycle with hot water to complete the cleaning.
6. It is important to note that vinegar and baking soda are used in separate cycles, not mixed at the same time.

Why do bad smells appear in the dishwasher?

Food residue and dirt that accumulate in the filter and other parts of the appliance can contribute to the appearance of unpleasant smells.

That is why cleaning the filter is one of the first recommended steps before using vinegar and baking soda.

In addition, the University of Illinois clarifies that the manufacturer’s specific instructions must always be followed, since cleaning procedures may vary depending on the model.

The settlement involving Cash App and its parent company, Block Inc., provides compensation for qualifying losses associated with security incidents, unauthorized transactions and certain problems with the resolution of account errors. However, not every Cash App customer is eligible for a payment, and the maximum award does not guarantee that every approved claimant will receive $2,500.

According to the official settlement website, the court granted final approval on March 27, 2025. Payments to approved claims are scheduled for distribution in October 2026.

Who qualifies for the Cash App $15 million settlement?

The settlement stems from a class-action lawsuit alleging that Cash App and Block failed to adequately protect users and meet certain obligations following security incidents and disputes involving unauthorized transactions.

One incident involved a former Cash App Investing employee who accessed account information without permission. Another involved unauthorized access to certain Cash App accounts through recycled phone numbers linked to those accounts.

The settlement class includes eligible current and former customers of Cash App, Cash App Investing and related entities whose personal information or accounts were accessed without authorization, who experienced unauthorized or fraudulent withdrawals or transfers, or who had qualifying problems with the resolution of an account error during the covered period.

To qualify for compensation, claimants had to submit a valid claim by the November 18, 2024, deadline. The settlement administrator is no longer accepting new claims.

The main requirements and conditions include:

• Eligible account activity: The incident or qualifying problem must have occurred between August 23, 2018, and August 20, 2024.
• A valid claim: The customer must have submitted a claim form before the deadline and received approval.
• Evidence of losses: Reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses requires supporting third-party documentation. Transaction-loss claims also require the documentation specified in the settlement terms.

Simply having a Cash App account during the covered period does not automatically qualify someone for compensation. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the incident and the validity of the submitted claim.

How much money can eligible Cash App users receive?

The settlement establishes a $15 million fund to cover approved claims, attorneys’ fees and costs, a service payment to the class representative, and settlement administration expenses. The amount remaining for eligible claimants depends on these deductions and the claims approved under the agreement. The settlement provides for several categories of compensation.

Out-of-pocket losses: Eligible claimants can seek reimbursement of up to $2,500 for documented expenses fairly traceable to a covered security incident, unauthorized account event or qualifying error-resolution problem. Examples may include certain credit-monitoring expenses, bank fees and other eligible costs.

Lost time: Claimants can seek compensation for up to three hours of lost time at a rate of $25 per hour, for a maximum of $75 under this category.

Transaction losses: Eligible customers may also seek reimbursement for documented financial losses resulting from qualifying unauthorized account events. The settlement requires supporting evidence, such as documentation of a report to the defendants, a police report or other evidence establishing that the event occurred.

These categories are subject to the settlement’s eligibility rules and documentation requirements. The $2,500 figure is a maximum for qualifying out-of-pocket losses, not a guaranteed payment for every claimant. The amount an individual receives depends on the approved claim and the applicable settlement terms.

When will Cash App settlement payments arrive?

The settlement administrator’s website states that payments for approved claims are scheduled for October 2026. The court granted final approval in March 2025, and the claims process has since moved through its review and deficiency-resolution stages.

Customers who submitted claims should consult the official settlement website for updates on the distribution process and information about their approved claims.

Because the filing deadline has passed, people who did not submit a claim by November 18, 2024, cannot file a new one under this settlement. The announcement therefore concerns the distribution of money to approved claimants, rather than a new opportunity for all Cash App users to apply.

For the latest information, visit the official Cash App Security Settlement website.

Vice President JD Vance announced the ban at a White House news conference on fraud and accused the companies of using the green card system to push out American workers. Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling, whose department runs that system, named the companies.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella was among the tech leaders President Donald Trump planned to honor with national medals at the White House that same day.

Which companies are banned from sponsoring green cards for H-1B workers?

Sonderling said Microsoft and Adobe were included because both face multiple active federal investigations. The other six are information technology outsourcing firms, which staff tech projects for other businesses.

The ban covers these companies:

• Microsoft
• Adobe
• Cognizant
• Infosys
• Tata
• Wipro
• HCL
• Capgemini

Sonderling said that since 2009, the eight companies have received more than 230,000 H-1B approvals and more than 100,000 labor certifications. He called those “hundreds of thousands of jobs that were taken from American workers.”

What happens to pending green card applications at Microsoft, Adobe and the other companies?

For most employment-based green cards, the employer must first get a permanent labor certification, known as PERM. To get one, it has to show the Labor Department that it couldn’t find a qualified American for the job.

Sonderling said the eight companies can no longer file PERM applications. Accounts of his remarks differ on whether pending cases are also on hold, and the Labor Department had not published written details as of Friday.

Officials set no end date. Vance said Microsoft will stay blocked “until they show that they are going to get serious about putting American workers first.”

What does the green card ban mean for H-1B workers at these companies?

An H-1B visa allows up to six years of work in the U.S., in two three-year terms. For many holders, an employer-sponsored green card is the way to stay longer.

The ban applies only to green card cases tied to the eight companies. The administration did not say what happens to their H-1B employees who reach the six-year limit while it is in effect.

Affected workers can ask their employer’s immigration team or an immigration attorney where their case stands.

Why did the Trump administration ban Microsoft from sponsoring green cards?

Vance said some companies post job ads where few Americans will see them, such as in small-town newspapers. They then point to the lack of applicants to justify hiring foreign workers. He said no U.S. company relies on the system more than Microsoft.

He said Microsoft laid off 6,000 American workers in 2025 while receiving 6,300 H-1B visas and almost 3,000 green cards. Federal data show 6,258 H-1B approvals for the company in the last fiscal year and 3,157 PERM filings.

Vance also called H-1B holders “foreign indentured servants.” He said they are paid less than Americans in the same jobs and lose their right to stay in the country if they lose their position.

How did Microsoft respond to the green card ban?

In a statement, Microsoft said “the vast majority of Microsoft employees in the United States are Americans.” It said 80% of its roughly 6,000 H-1B applications last fiscal year were for people it already employed.

The rest, the company said, went to hires who were already in the U.S. legally, a group equal to 1% of its American workforce.

In some cases, when there are no people legally authorized to receive the inheritance, a mechanism that few know about is applied.

The procedure known as escheat allows the State to become the owner of a deceased person’s estate when there are no testamentary beneficiaries or heirs entitled to receive it.

In what cases can the state keep the inheritance?

According to Section 6800 of the California Probate Code, the state can keep all or part of a deceased person’s estate when there are no testamentary beneficiaries or heirs legally entitled to receive those assets, in accordance with the laws of California or other jurisdictions.

The regulations establish different conditions depending on the type of assets:

• Lack of beneficiaries and heirs: When there is no person with the right to receive all or part of the estate through a will or intestate succession laws, except for government entities.
• Real estate: Properties located within the territory of California may become property of the State.
• Tangible personal property: Material goods that the deceased normally kept in California may pass to the State, even if they were elsewhere at the time of death. Certain assets administered by California courts are also included, although rights from other jurisdictions may exist.
• Intangible assets: Bank accounts, stocks, and other financial assets may become property of the State if the deceased was domiciled in California at the time of death. Certain assets administered by state courts may also be included, even if the deceased lived in another jurisdiction.
• Benefit funds: Benefits from certain health, pension, retirement, and welfare funds revert to the original fund. However, they may pass to the state if the plan ended and its funds were already distributed among the beneficiaries before the benefit corresponding to the estate was distributed.

What assets can be included in this process?

The California Probate Code contemplates different types of assets that may become state property when the legal conditions established in sections 6800 to 6806 are met.

Among them are:

• Real properties: houses, lots, apartments, and other real estate located in California.
• Money and financial assets: bank accounts, investments, stocks, bonds, and other economic rights.
• Personal property: vehicles, furniture, jewelry, and other material belongings.
• Other property rights: certain assets and economic benefits that form part of the inheritance.

However, not all assets automatically pass to the State. The regulations establish specific conditions depending on their location, the deceased’s domicile, and the rights that other people or jurisdictions may have.

What happens to that inheritance when it becomes state property?

Section 6800 of the Probate Code establishes that the assets covered by this mechanism pass to the State from the moment of death, although they remain subject to the corresponding legal obligations and conditions.

Section 11903 establishes that assets distributed to the State must remain under the custody of the State Treasurer for five years, counted from the date of the court order of distribution.

During that period, people who believe they are entitled to receive the inheritance may file a claim with the corresponding documentation, in accordance with the procedures provided for in the California Code of Civil Procedure.

Once the five years have elapsed without a valid claim, the assets become the State’s permanent property, with the exceptions provided for in the legislation.

Benefits are paid based on the time of the month when beneficiaries were born and the type of benefit they are receiving. In that sense, although the payment date for those who receive Social Security benefits is usually on Wednesdays, there may be changes due to holidays or public holidays.

In November, this will happen, since the deposit date coincides with a holiday included in the federal calendar.

Those born between the 1st and the 10th receive their money on Tuesday next month

SSA deposits benefits on the second Wednesday of the month to everyone born between the 1st and the 10th on a regular basis.

In November, this date will fall on the 11th, so it will be a federal holiday for Veterans Day. When this happens, payments are changed and delivered the day before.

“We send benefits the prior business day before your scheduled date when your regular pay date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or a holiday,” the agency says.

How are SSA payments ordered when there are no holidays

In ordinary situations, payments are distributed as follows:

• Supplemental Security Income: they are paid on the 1st of each month
• SSA beneficiaries since before 1997 or those who receive both Social Security benefits and SSI: they are paid on the 3rd of the month for the Social Security portion
• Born between the 1st and the 10th: they are paid on the second Wednesday of the month
• Born between the 11th and the 20th: they are paid on the third Wednesday of the month
• Born between the 21st and the 31st: they are paid on the fourth Wednesday of the month

Veterans Day in the United States: what is commemorated and what closes on this date

This day was declared a federal holiday in 1938 -although its current name was only coined in 1954- and commemorates all veterans of the United States Armed Forces.

USA.gov explains that tributes, parades, and different ceremonies are held. In addition to SSA payments being rescheduled, it is important to consider that banks, different private-sector businesses, and nonessential government offices close their doors to the public.

The climate pattern is already becoming unusually strong. NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center said on October 8 that El Niño continues to strengthen, with a strong-to-very-strong event likely to persist through the winter. The agency also said there is a greater than 90% chance of a very strong El Niño during the Northern Hemisphere fall and winter.

That could have important consequences for snowfall. However, the impact will not be the same across the country. Some areas could receive more winter precipitation and snow, while much of the northern United States could see below-normal snowfall.

The states that could see the biggest snow changes

The latest forecasts point to a major divide between the northern and southern parts of the country.

Much of the northern U.S. is expected to lean toward warmer conditions, which could reduce the amount of precipitation that falls as snow. The pattern is particularly important across parts of the northern Rockies, northern Plains and areas around the Great Lakes.

Meanwhile, the Sierra Nevada, southern Rockies and parts of the Southwest could have a stronger opportunity for above-normal snowfall because of increased moisture combined with sufficiently cold temperatures at higher elevations.

California, Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and parts of Colorado are among the areas that could benefit from the combination of a wetter storm track and mountain elevations. Recent seasonal projections have identified the central Sierra Nevada as one of the areas with a particularly strong snowfall signal.

The Southeast and parts of the central and southern United States could also experience more winter precipitation as El Niño strengthens the Pacific jet stream and shifts storm activity farther south.

Why El Niño does not automatically mean more snow

There is an important distinction between more precipitation and more snowfall.

El Niño typically favors a stronger Pacific jet stream, which can transport additional moisture into the southern United States. Historical NOAA data shows that strong El Niño winters have often produced above-average cold-season snowfall across parts of the southern half of the country, particularly in the West.

But precipitation only becomes snow when temperatures are cold enough.

That means a state can experience a wetter winter without necessarily seeing more snow. Lower elevations may receive rain during storms that produce significant snowfall in nearby mountains.

This is particularly relevant in the Northeast, where a wetter winter could bring more storms but does not guarantee a snowier season. The eventual outcome will depend on storm tracks, temperatures and the availability of cold air when individual systems arrive.

What the 2026-27 winter could look like

The current outlook suggests that the biggest shift may not be simply a nationwide increase or decrease in snowfall. Instead, El Niño could redistribute where the best chances for snow are found.

Higher elevations in the West could see more opportunities for significant snowfall, while parts of the northern United States could experience a milder and less snowy pattern.

At the same time, the central and southern United States could see a more active winter storm track. If sufficiently cold air moves into the region at the right time, some of those storms could produce substantial snow and ice.

NOAA emphasizes that even a very strong El Niño does not guarantee a specific weather outcome in every location. Seasonal outlooks describe broad probabilities over several months rather than predicting individual snowstorms.

For that reason, the map should be viewed as a seasonal guide, not a guarantee of how much snow a particular state or city will receive.

With El Niño continuing to strengthen, however, the winter of 2026-27 is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched snow seasons in years.

Some STAR recipients can receive this benefit as a tax exemption this year, and many others will receive a tax credit and be sent a check in the mail this summer and fall.

How does the STAR checks program work, and who is eligible?

The STAR program was created to provide tax relief to eligible homeowners. The benefit helps reduce school tax burdens on owner-occupied primary residences.

According to the official New York State website, payments began in June for eligible New Yorkers, and deliveries will continue throughout the summer and fall.

• Homeowners with incomes below $500,000 may receive between $350 and $600.
• Homeowners with incomes below $110,750 may receive between $700 and $1,500.

New homeowners and those enrolled in the STAR Credit program receive their benefits from the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, either by mail or through direct deposit.

Homeowners who were granted a direct exemption from school taxes before 2015 can continue receiving the exemption or choose to switch to the credit

Why will Nassau County receive STAR checks in October?

Unlike most areas of New York, where school tax bills are generally issued in September, Nassau County follows a different schedule. The county issues its first-half school tax bills on October 1, with the payment deadline typically falling in mid-November.

This difference in the local tax calendar helps explain why STAR Credit payments in Nassau County begin going out in October, allowing eligible homeowners to receive their benefits before their school tax bills are due.

The New York State Department of Taxation and Finance coordinates STAR Credit payments according to local school tax schedules. Eligible homeowners can check their payment status and estimated benefit amount through the state’s Property Tax Credit Lookup.

However, payment dates may vary, so the October start does not mean every eligible homeowner will receive their check or direct deposit on the same day.

New York STAR eligibility: who qualifies

• Ownership: You must own the property.
• Primary residence: The property must be your primary residence.
• Basic STAR income limit: The combined income of resident property owners and their resident spouses must be $500,000 or less for the STAR credit.
• Enhanced STAR for seniors: At least one resident owner must be 65 or older by December 31, 2026, and the combined qualifying income must be $110,750 or less.
• Registration: If you are applying for the STAR credit, you must register with the state. The STAR exemption is no longer available to new homeowners.

While some executives warn about massive layoffs and others remain skeptical, a few of Silicon Valley’s most influential voices are making bold predictions about the future of work. One of them is Vinod Khosla.

In an interview on Fortune’s Titans and Disruptors of Industry podcast, the billionaire investor questioned one of the most repeated pieces of career advice in the middle of a reflection about the future of jobs. “‘Follow your passion’ comes second to surviving,” he said.

Why Vinod Khosla thinks surviving comes first to following your passion for now

For Khosla, the problem isn’t passion itself but the reality most young people face. They need to earn a living before they can choose what they love. That, he believes, is about to change.

“Fifteen years from now, you will say—what is bad advice today or used to be … ‘Follow your passion,’” Khosla said. “I think that surviving part will go away, and you’ll tell every 5-year-old kid, ‘Follow your passion.’”

Vinod Khosla’s prediction on the future of the job market

According to Khosla’s prediction, AI will be able to perform “80% of all jobs,” from doctors to salespeople. “It’s pretty unlikely a 5-year-old today will be looking for a job,” he said.

“The need to work will go away. People will still work on the things they want to work on, not because they need to work.” Khosla also thinks this transition would be much easier for the younger generation than older people.

He thinks that without the need to work, the coming generations will have more time to focus on what matters to them and expansive ideas of what their passions could be.

Khosla also believes most degrees will no longer be required to get a job: “You won’t even need the engineering degree, except if your passion is learning.”

Who is Vinod Khosla

Born in India, Khosla studied engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi before moving to the United States, where he earned a master’s degree at Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA at Stanford.

In 1982, he co-founded Sun Microsystems, and in 2004 he founded the venture capital firm Khosla Ventures, which in 2019 became one of OpenAI’s first institutional investors.

His fortune, however, came mainly from investing. In 1986, Khosla joined the venture capital firm Kleiner Perkins, where he backed internet infrastructure companies before they became giants.

One of his best-known bets was Juniper Networks: a $3 million investment earned Kleiner Perkins about $7 billion, according to The Wall Street Journal.

@fortune OpenAI investor Vinod Khosla, a vocal Trump critic, said he “mostly” agreed with President Trump’s approach to AI and China, even though he disagreed with most of the administration’s other policies. In a new episode of Fortune 500: Titans and Disruptors of Industry, Fortune Editor-in-Chief Alyson Shontell sat down with Khosla to learn about his beliefs for future policy, and what the U.S. needs to do to win the global AI race. Click the link in our bio to watch the full conversation. #AI #Trump #news #tech #China ♬ original sound - Fortune Magazine

The adjustment is not uniform across the country: there is one state and several territories where the time does not change.

The time changes across the country: the day and time when clocks must be adjusted

Daylight Saving Time ends on Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 2:00 a.m., local time. At that moment, the clocks are set back one hour and return to 1:00.

In practice, you “gain” one hour of sleep that night. The change is designed to take place in the early morning, when most people are asleep, so as to alter daily life as little as possible.

Most phones, computers and smartwatches automatically adjust the time if the automatic date and time setting is enabled; wall clocks, oven clocks or car clocks usually require manual adjustment.

Which states do not change their clocks?

Not all of the United States changes the time. They remain on standard time year-round, without making the change:

• Hawaii, which keeps Hawaii-Aleutian standard time throughout the year.
• Arizona, with one internal exception: the Navajo Nation, in the northeast of the state, does observe Daylight Saving Time.

This is possible because, although the time change is regulated at the federal level by the Uniform Time Act of 1966 (Uniform Time Act), each state has the authority to be exempt through its own legislation and remain on standard time at all times.

Until when standard time applies

Standard time will remain in effect during the fall and winter. The next change will be in spring 2027: on Sunday, March 14, 2027 at 2:00, the clocks will move forward one hour again (they will jump directly to 3:00), and Daylight Saving Time will begin once more.

Renewal can be done online, by mail, or in person, and, according to the authorities, since last year, certain Texans no longer need to pass a vehicle safety inspection to complete the procedure.

Renew car registration: how to complete the procedure

According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, this procedure can be carried out in the following ways:

Online

Online renewal is only possible if it is done 90 days before the registration expiration date or up to 12 months after the plate has expired, as long as no fine has been received for having an expired registration.

One way to do it is through the mobile app Texas by Texas, following the instructions at the following link.

Another option is to complete the classic online renewal from this link, which will require the license plate number and the last 4 digits of the vehicle identification number (VIN).

By mail

To renew this way, it is necessary to send the following documents to the county tax office:

• Renewal notice
• A copy of the Vehicle Inspection Report (if applicable)
• Proof of current liability insurance
• All fees listed on the renewal notice

In person

If choosing this option, it is necessary to take the registration renewal notice and proof of current liability insurance to the county tax office or to an approved substation.

Those who do not have a renewal notice may use their license plate number, vehicle identification number, or last year’s registration receipt.

Which drivers do not have to pass the vehicle safety inspection

According to what the authorities reported, since January 1, 2025, non-commercial vehicles in certain counties in Texas are no longer required to undergo a safety inspection in order to register their vehicle.

The counties are:

• Brazoria
• Collin
• Dallas
• Denton
• El Paso
• Ellis
• Fort Bend
• Galveston
• Harris
• Johnson
• Kaufman
• Montgomery
• Parker
• Rockwall
• Tarrant
• Travis
• Williamson

However, they will still have to obtain a mandatory approved emissions inspection.

How to receive renewal notices online

If you want to receive your renewal notice in this format rather than on paper, you will need to register by providing

• License plate number
• The last 4 digits of the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)
• Email
• Email confirmation

By registering to receive this type of notification, the Renewal Notice will be received by email at least 60 days before the inspection sticker expires.

Important information for Texans who no longer live in the state

Those who live in another jurisdiction can no longer register their vehicle in Texas, but must do so in their new home.

Cleaning specialists consulted by The Spruce explained that the acidity of distilled white vinegar allows it to act on certain types of dirt stuck to garments. However, its effectiveness depends on the origin of the stain, and it is important to use it correctly to avoid damaging fabrics.

What is mixing white vinegar with water on clothes for?

According to Scott Schrader, cleaning expert at CottageCare, a solution of equal parts white vinegar and warm water can be used to treat deodorant residue and the stains that appear in the underarm area of garments.

The procedure consists of soaking the garment in this mixture for 30 minutes or 1 hour. Once that time has passed, it can be washed normally.

In addition to this use, the specialists consulted by The Spruce pointed out that white vinegar can be useful against other common laundry problems, such as greasy or oily food stains, detergent residue, mineral buildup, and mold.

Tom Ceconi, president of Heritage Park Laundry Essentials, explained that distilled white vinegar should be used specifically, since its acidic properties help break down certain stains, particularly those related to fats and oils.

How to use white vinegar to treat tough stains

For stains other than deodorant, Ceconi recommends a more complete procedure. The first step is to pre-treat the affected area with an enzymatic stain remover or with a concentrated mixture of enzymatic detergent and water.

Then, fill the sink, a bathtub, or a container with warm water, place the garment there, and add a cup of white vinegar to let it soak.

The next step is to take the garment to the washing machine and wash it using a cup of white vinegar, without adding detergent at that stage. Then check whether the stain is gone and, if so, wash it again with detergent.

The specialists highlight other possible uses of vinegar during washing; Schrader explained that it can help neutralize odors and soften fabrics, as well as help with certain residues.

White vinegar on clothes: precautions to keep in mind

Although it can be used as an ally for certain laundry tasks, experts warn that vinegar should not be mixed with bleach or chlorine bleach, since that combination can produce toxic fumes.

They also recommend being especially careful with delicate garments. Ceconi advises avoiding the use of vinegar on fabrics with very saturated colors, due to the risk of affecting the garment.

For this reason, white vinegar should not be considered a universal solution for any stain or type of clothing. The result will depend both on the fabric and on the origin of the dirt and the way it is applied.

The new figures apply to income earned during 2026 and will generally affect tax returns filed in 2027. The IRS included the adjustments as part of the tax changes associated with the One Big Beautiful Bill.

Who could qualify for up to $8,231?

The maximum $8,231 EITC is available only to qualifying taxpayers with three or more qualifying children. The amount a taxpayer actually receives depends on several factors, including earned income, adjusted gross income, filing status and family size.

The IRS emphasizes that the EITC is designed to help low- to moderate-income workers and families. Taxpayers generally need earned income from employment or self-employment and must meet additional eligibility requirements.

For tax year 2026, the maximum EITC amounts are:

The maximum for families with three or more qualifying children rises from $8,046 in tax year 2025 to $8,231 in 2026.

The $8,231 is not an automatic IRS payment

The $8,231 figure is the maximum tax credit, not a guaranteed refund that every eligible family will receive.

The EITC can reduce the amount of federal income tax owed and, for eligible taxpayers, can increase the amount of their tax refund. The final benefit depends on the taxpayer’s individual circumstances.

Among the basic requirements, taxpayers generally must have earned income, meet the applicable income limits, have a valid Social Security number and satisfy the IRS rules regarding citizenship or residency. The agency also has specific requirements for taxpayers claiming qualifying children.

Taxpayers who want to determine whether they qualify can use the IRS’s EITC Assistant, which helps evaluate eligibility based on income, filing status and family circumstances.

The celebration corresponds to Columbus Day, which is commemorated every year on the second Monday of October. For this reason, those who need to carry out procedures or errands should take into account possible changes in hours of operation.

What is commemorated on Monday, October 12 in the United States?

Columbus Day, also known as Columbus Day, remembers the arrival of Christopher Columbus to America on October 12, 1492.

The celebration began to gain recognition in the United States in the years following the fourth centenary of that event. Colorado was the first state to recognize it as a holiday, in 1907, and New York did the same in 1909.

During the presidency of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the date gained federal recognition. Later, it was established that it would be observed on the second Monday of October, instead of keeping a fixed date.

In 2026, that day will be Monday, October 12, according to the calendar published by the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

October 12 holiday: which banks and offices will be closed?

During Columbus Day, the federal Government offices that do not provide essential services will remain closed.

It is also expected that numerous bank branches will suspend in-person service, so some procedures will have to be carried out before or after the holiday.

Customers will still be able to use services such as:

• ATMs to withdraw cash and carry out available transactions.
• Banking apps to check balances and transactions.
• Financial institutions’ websites to carry out digital transactions.

In addition, it is recommended to check the hours published by each bank before going to a branch.

Will all workers have the day off on Monday, October 12?

Columbus Day is a federal holiday, so it mainly applies to federal Government employees.

In the private sector, companies are not generally required to grant the day off. The decision depends on each employer’s policies and the applicable rules.

Nor is there a general federal obligation to pay extra simply for working during a holiday, unless it is established in a contract, labor agreement, or other applicable rule.

Other holidays that the United States will have in 2026

The official calendar also stipulates:

• Veterans Day: November 11.
• Thanksgiving: November 26.
• Christmas: December 25.

This sign is part of the MUTCD, the federal manual that sets criteria for the signs, markings, and other devices used on U.S. streets and highways.

Identified as W12-1, “Double Arrow,” it has a specific indication for those traveling on the road, and understanding it makes it possible to correctly interpret the signage at the location and know how to continue when it appears in front of the vehicle.

What does the traffic sign with two black arrows pointing downward mean?

The W12-1 sign, known in the United States as “Double Arrow”, means that there is an obstruction, traffic island, or roadway divider ahead and that vehicles may pass on either side. The sign is part of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), which establishes the national standards for signage and other traffic control devices.

The two arrows pointing downward represent the two traffic options available to get around the element located on the road, so the sign does not indicate that the driver must necessarily take the right or left side.

What should the driver do when finding the traffic sign with two black arrows pointing downward?

When encountering this sign, the driver must continue along one of the two permitted sides to get past the obstruction or divider, but the choice will depend on the configuration of the roadway and on the other traffic signs and road markings present at the location.

Where can this W12-1 “Double Arrow” traffic sign appear?

The MUTCD establishes that the W12-1 may be used on a traffic island, in front of an obstruction, or in front of a roadway divider when traffic can travel on both sides of the element.

When placed on an island, the sign is located near the end from which traffic approaches, but if it is used to warn of an obstruction, the traffic sign may be installed on it or immediately in front of it, according to MUTCD specifications.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) distinguishes between the standard deduction and itemized deductions. Although both have the same objective, they work differently and choosing the most convenient one depends on each taxpayer’s situation.

How does a standard deduction differ from an itemized deduction?

The standard deduction is a fixed amount that depends on the taxpayer’s filing status. The IRS adjusts it annually for inflation and includes additional amounts for people aged 65 or older and for blind people.

By contrast, itemized deductions allow certain expenses incurred during the tax year to be deducted, provided they meet the requirements established by the regulations. Instead of applying a fixed amount, the expenses that can be legally deducted are added up.

In general, taxpayers must choose one of these two methods, since they cannot use both in the same return.

How do you know which one is best to choose, according to the IRS?

To know which one is best to choose, the IRS recommends comparing the amount of the standard deduction that applies to the taxpayer with the total of the expenses that can be included among itemized deductions.

In general, it is best to choose the option that allows for a larger reduction in taxable income.

For example, for tax year 2026, if a person is entitled to a standard deduction of US$16,100, but has US$18,000 in allowed deductible expenses, they could benefit from choosing itemized deductions.

However, there are people who cannot claim the standard deduction. These include married taxpayers who file separately when their spouse uses itemized deductions.

How are deductions itemized?

Taxpayers who choose this method must complete Schedule A of Form 1040, where the expenses that can be deducted from taxable income are identified and calculated.

Among the items recognized by the IRS are:

• Medical and dental expenses: certain healthcare costs that were not reimbursed.
• State and local taxes: payments of income or sales taxes, real estate taxes, and certain personal property taxes.
• Mortgage interest: interest on qualifying mortgage loans.
• Charitable donations: contributions made to authorized organizations.
• Disaster losses: certain losses that meet legal requirements.
• Gambling losses: amounts that can be deducted within established limits.

To complete the schedule, the expenses that meet the requirements must be identified, how much can be deducted for each item must be calculated, and the allowed amounts must be added up.

In addition, the IRS recommends keeping receipts and documents that support the deductions claimed.

What are the limitations of itemized deductions?

Not all expenses can be deducted in full, since the IRS sets specific limits for each category.

In the case of medical and dental expenses, only the portion of eligible unreimbursed expenses that exceeds 7.5% of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income can be deducted.

State and local taxes have a maximum amount that can be deducted each year. For their part, the limits on mortgage interest depend on how much money was borrowed, when the loan was taken out, and what it was used for.

As for charitable donations, the allowed amount depends on the type of contribution, the beneficiary organization, and the applicable limits. Disaster losses must also meet specific requirements and, in general, be related to disasters declared by the federal Government.

Finally, for tax year 2026, gambling losses can be deducted up to 90% of their value, without exceeding the winnings obtained from those activities.

However, to make the most of its benefits, it is important to choose a suitable space so that it can grow and develop. In that sense, Architectural Digest explains which are the most recommended places to put it and which are those where, according to Feng Shui, it is advisable to avoid placing it.

What does the snake plant mean according to Feng Shui?

The snake plant, whose scientific name is Sansevieria, is one of the plants that Feng Shui associates with protection and energetic balance in the home. According to this tradition, the elongated and pointed shape of its leaves is linked to a protective energy, while the plant is also valued for its ability to purify the air.

The 3 places in the house to put the snake plant to attract good luck

According to Feng Shui, there are three locations that can be especially favorable for the snake plant. One of them is near the front door, although it is recommended to avoid placing it directly opposite the entrance.

It can also be placed in the southeast area of the home, associated in this tradition with abundance, prosperity, and money. On the other hand, those who want to prioritize well-being and health can place it in the east area of the home.

Beyond Feng Shui beliefs, to keep the plant healthy it is important to choose a place with good lighting, preferably indirect light, and avoid excess water.

However, not all spaces are considered suitable. Tradition recommends avoiding certain locations in order to maintain a balance between the different elements that make up the environment.

The places where it is not advisable to place the snake plant

One of the spaces that Feng Shui discourages for this plant is the kitchen. According to this tradition, the fire element predominates there and the presence of a plant with pointed leaves could create an energetic imbalance.

It is also recommended not to place the Sansevieria directly in front of the front door. The explanation within Feng Shui is that its placement could interfere with the flow of energy entering the home.

Why they recommend avoiding the snake plant in the living room

Although the living room is usually one of the spaces chosen for placing plants, Feng Shui raises certain reservations about the snake plant. The explanation is related to the presence of the wood element: plants represent this element and, by adding too much wood presence in the same environment, the balance between the different energies could be lost.

In addition, its rigid and pointed leaves are considered a characteristic that can generate a more intense energy. For this reason, some Feng Shui recommendations suggest choosing other rooms for this species.

From a practical perspective, however, Sansevieria can grow in different areas of the home as long as it has the necessary conditions to develop.

Can the snake plant be placed in the bathroom?

The bathroom also does not appear among the most recommended places for Sansevieria. Beyond Feng Shui beliefs, there are reasons related to plant care that may explain this recommendation.

The snake plant needs little water and tolerates dry periods better than excess moisture. For that reason, a bathroom with constant humidity and little ventilation can favor problems in its roots and leaves if the substrate remains too wet.

Lighting is also important. Although Sansevieria can survive with little light, to grow in better conditions it needs light, preferably indirect. A dark bathroom with poor ventilation, therefore, does not always offer the most favorable environment.

Why don’t they recommend the snake plant in the workplace?

According to Feng Shui, it would also not be convenient to place this plant on a desk or workspace. The reason is once again related to the shape of its leaves, which are rigid, vertical, and pointed and can be associated with an energy considered too intense.

Within this tradition, that characteristic could generate tension, doubts, or a feeling of stagnation in an environment intended for working and developing creativity. Some interpretations even relate pointed leaves to conflicts or arguments.

These are interpretations specific to Feng Shui and not scientifically proven effects. From the point of view of plant care, the essential thing is that it receives adequate lighting, has good drainage, and is not overwatered.

How to keep a snake plant healthy

• Light: bright, indirect light is ideal, although the plant tolerates lower-light conditions.
• Water: allow the soil to dry between waterings.
• Drainage: use a pot with drainage holes to prevent excess moisture.
• Humidity: avoid constantly wet conditions.
• Pets: keep the plant out of reach of cats and dogs

The famous actor received an honorary doctorate and closed his speech with a message that has been replicated throughout the whole internet since then: “Don’t just aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.” It was the summary of a talk built around four life lessons.

Denzel Washington’s four lessons that define his approach to life

His first lesson was about faith. “Put God first in everything you do. Everything I have is by the grace of God. Understand that. It’s a gift,” he told the graduates.

The second was about not being afraid of failure. “Don’t be afraid to fail big, to dream big, but remember, dreams without goals are just dreams,” he said, encouraging them to set their own goals.

Denzel Washington’s quote about success and death

His third lesson was about money and generosity. “I don’t care how much money you make; you can’t take it with you,” Washington said.

He illustrated the idea with a striking image: “You’ll never see a U-Haul behind a hearse.” In other words, no one can take their possessions with them when they die, so what really matters is what people do with the things they have in life.

His final message brought everything together: success is measured by the difference people make in the lives of others, not by how much they earn.

Who is Denzel Washington

Born in 1954 in Mount Vernon, New York, Washington is the son of a Pentecostal minister and a beauty shop owner. He has won two Academy Awards, best supporting actor for Glory and best actor for Training Day, and received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement at the 2016 Golden Globes.

At Dillard, his connection goes beyond that speech: he set up a scholarship program for students pursuing theater at the university.

Six individual images were taken that were joined together to form a panoramic view after being sent to Earth. According to NASA, these were processed without the white balance that is usually added in order to preserve the appearance of the sunrise, resulting in a little-seen postcard that looks like it came from a movie.

What was sunrise like on Mars, according to NASA’s photos?

The photographs were taken on August 11, 2026 at 8:30 in the morning during Martian day number 4,982 and were finally published by the federal agency on October 6.

The images captured by Curiosity’s Mastcam camera show bluish tones in the foreground and rocky formations illuminated by the morning light.

Among the photographed structures are the yardangs, rock formations shaped by wind erosion. They extend for approximately 16 kilometers through the northwestern region of Mount Sharp, a mountain five kilometers high.

Scientists are still investigating how these structures originated. One hypothesis is that part of the material that composes them comes from ash deposited during ancient volcanic eruptions.

What you need to know about the Curiosity rover

Curiosity is a NASA robotic exploration vehicle that arrived on Mars in August 2012 and began investigating Gale Crater. Its main mission is to study the planet’s geology and climate to determine whether conditions were ever favorable for microbial life.

Since 2014, the rover has been climbing Mount Sharp, which has different layers of rock that preserve information about different periods of Martian history.

Among the main facts about its mission, the following stand out:

• Exploration site: Gale Crater, on Mars.
• Start of surface operations: August 2012.
• Scientific objective: to study the environment and determine whether Mars had suitable conditions to host microbial life.
• Instruments: cameras, chemical analysis systems, and tools to examine rocks and soil.
• Recent progress: it has surpassed one kilometer of total elevation gain since it began ascending Mount Sharp.

The importance of reporting these changes lies in the fact that they can modify both eligibility for the program and the amount of the benefit. The SSA warns that failing to update the information can cause a person to receive a payment that is smaller than the one they are entitled to or, on the contrary, an overpayment that must later be returned.

But not all changes are reported in the same way or at any time, since the general rule states that they must be communicated as soon as possible and, at the latest, within 10 days after the end of the month in which the change occurred.

What are the 3 changes you must report to Social Security?

The 3 changes that the SSA considers and you must report are:

1. Changes in income: changes in wages and income from self-employment must be reported. Likewise, other income such as pensions, unemployment benefits, child support, and money received from family or friends must be reported, and if the beneficiary is married and lives with their spouse, changes in that spouse’s income must also be reported.
2. Changes in the household or housing: among the situations that must be reported are a move or changes in who lives in the household. The SSA considers changes related to staying in an institution, such as a hospital, a nursing home, or a correctional institution.
3. Changes in resources or personal situation: the SSA includes changes in bank accounts and their balances, new resources, property that is bought or sold, and transfers of resources. As for personal situation, citizens must report changes such as marital status or citizenship and immigration status.

What penalties and problems with your payment can occur?

If a beneficiary does not report a change that may affect their SSI, various consequences may occur, such as:

• Overpayment: the person may receive more money than they were entitled to and the SSA may require them to return the overpaid amount.
• Reduction in the benefit: when a change is not reported or is reported after the established deadline, the rules provide for a penalty of US$25 in the first period, US$50 in the second, and US$100 in the following ones, according to the SSA.
• More severe penalties for intentional noncompliance: if the SSA determines that a person deliberately provided false information or intentionally failed to report a significant change, payments may be suspended for 6 months for the first penalty, 12 months for the second, and 24 months for the following ones.

When should you report these changes to Social Security?

The SSA’s general rule establishes that changes must be reported as soon as possible and, at the latest, by the 10th day of the month following the one in which the change occurred; for example, if the change occurs during October, it must be reported no later than November 10.

In the case of wages, the SSA recommends reporting income no later than the sixth day of the month following the one in which the payment was received. In this regard, the agency notes that reporting wages regularly helps reduce the likelihood of overpayments.

How do you report changes to Social Security?

Beneficiaries can report changes through the channels enabled by the SSA, including my Social Security and the mobile app, depending on the type of report.

You can also contact the agency by phone or go to a local office, although for assistance in Spanish you can call 1-800-772-1213 and press 7.

Once this communication is issued, the tax agency provides a set period to pay, which if not respected can lead to collection actions, which can worsen as time passes and the situation is not resolved.

IRS CP14 Notice: when it is sent and how much time there is to act

IRS specifies that this notice is sent when it detects that a taxpayer has a debt with the agency of USD 5 or more and that it is not due to a mathematical error in their tax return.

The notice includes useful details such as the amount to pay, interest, penalties and the maximum time to act which is 21 days.

When the obligation is not settled within the set period, IRS can take actions such as:

• Additional notices
• Penalties
• Interest
• In serious situations, the issuance of a Federal Tax Lien

What taxpayers should do within the set period

Those who can settle the obligation should do so within the deadline set in the notice through any of the IRS payment methods, which can be found at this link.

If the total obligation cannot be settled, the recommended course is to review the different installment payment plan options and always stay in contact with the tax agency to show interest in settling the outstanding balance.

If you believe the notice is wrong and that the obligation does not actually exist, you should call the number shown in the upper right corner to report it. Having documentation that can prove the error is essential in this type of communication.

The International Journal of Food Microbiology published a study demonstrating the effectiveness of these ingredients in reducing the presence of Salmonella typhimurium in carrots. The research is published in PubMed, the database linked to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

Why did they study the mixture of vinegar and lemon juice, according to PubMed?

According to the research published in 2004, the combination of vinegar and lemon juice was studied because of its antimicrobial properties and its ability to reduce the presence of some bacteria in fresh foods, particularly in those that can be eaten raw.

The study evaluated its ability to decrease the presence of Salmonella typhimurium in previously inoculated carrots. The aim was to determine whether its combined application would provide better results than if they were applied separately.

What are the properties of these ingredients?

Both lemon and vinegar contain organic acids that help create an unfavorable environment for the survival of certain microorganisms.

Lemon contains citric acid, while vinegar contains acetic acid. Both make it harder for some bacteria to survive, although their effectiveness depends on factors such as concentration and exposure time.

In the case of Salmonella typhimurium, a greater reduction in the bacterial population was achieved when the combination was used than when they were applied separately.

What did the research show and why is it important?

For the research, carrots cut into small pieces and previously contaminated with the bacteria were used. Afterwards, the samples were immersed in different solutions for periods of 0, 15, 30 and 60 minutes.

The results were as follows:

• Lemon juice: produced reductions of between 0.79 and 3.95 logarithmic units in the amount of bacteria detected.
• Vinegar: achieved reductions of between 1.57 and 3.58 logarithmic units.
• Vinegar and lemon mixture: after 15 minutes, reductions of 4.11 and 5 logarithmic units were observed, depending on the experimental conditions.
• After 30 minutes: the mixture reduced the bacteria to levels that could not be detected by the method used by the researchers.

According to this, under the conditions studied, the combination proved more effective than its application separately.

This finding is important because it made it possible to identify the potential of these organic acids to reduce bacterial contamination in fresh vegetables.

Can it be done at home?

The research does not establish a validated home procedure for disinfecting fruits and vegetables, since the researchers prepared a solution containing equal parts fresh lemon juice and pasteurized grape vinegar.

However, regarding this, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends following certain measures:

• Wash fruits and vegetables with plenty of running water before consuming, cutting, or peeling them.
• Gently rub the surface during washing.
• Use a clean brush.
• Dry the food.
• Avoid using cleaning chemicals.

The recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and around 50 minutes to bake. It can be served warm with coffee for breakfast or brunch, or topped with vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.

Ingredients for apple crumb cake

• For the cake
• ¾ cup dark brown sugar.
• 2 large eggs.
• 1 cup sour cream.
• ½ cup vegetable or canola oil.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• ½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg.
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt.
• 1½ teaspoons baking powder.
• ½ teaspoon baking soda.
• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour.
• For the apples
• 2 large firm apples, peeled and thinly sliced.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter.
• 1 tablespoon dark brown sugar.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
• A pinch of kosher salt.
• For the crumb topping
• ½ cup all-purpose flour.
• ¼ cup packed dark brown sugar.
• ¼ cup rolled oats.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
• ¼ cup softened unsalted butter.

How to make apple crumb cake

1. Prepare the pan and oven. Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8-by-8-inch square baking pan and line it with parchment paper.
2. Cook the apples. Add the sliced apples, butter, brown sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and salt to a skillet over medium heat. Cook for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the fruit softens and the juices begin to thicken. Remove from the heat.
3. Prepare the crumble. Mix the flour, brown sugar, oats and salt in a bowl. Add the softened butter and work it into the dry ingredients with your fingers until small, irregular crumbs form.
4. Mix the cake batter. Whisk the brown sugar and eggs until foamy. Add the sour cream, oil, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Stir in the baking powder and baking soda, then gently incorporate the flour until just combined.
5. Layer the cake. Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Place the cooked apples across the surface and finish with an even layer of the oat crumble.
6. Bake and serve. Bake for approximately 45 to 55 minutes, or until the cake is risen and golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing and serve warm or at room temperature.

The cake can be kept loosely covered at room temperature for up to three days.

To obtain the passport, each citizen must make an appointment for each of the people interested in the process, even within the same family group.

Valid documents to prove Mexican nationality in order to obtain the passport

If, after consulting the databases, systems, or files accessible to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE), it is not possible to prove the nationality of the applicant, they must present one of the following documents:

• Birth certificate issued by the Mexican civil registry office or by a consular office
• Mexican nationality certificate
• Declaration of Mexican nationality by birth
• Naturalization certificate
• Citizen identity card
• Consular registration certificate

A valid original official identification must be presented, such as the INE voter ID or the consular registration card.

How much the passport costs in 2026

The fees in force since January 1, 2026, according to article 20 of the 2026 Federal Rights Law, are:

The 50% discount applies to people over 60 years old, people with disabilities, which must be verified, and agricultural workers in the Mexico-Canada Temporary Agricultural Workers Program.

Note that the passport valid for one year is issued only to children under 3 years old. In addition, the benefit for the 10-year validity does not apply to agricultural workers. Another important point is that payment in Mexico must be made in Mexican pesos.

Passport delivery is made on the same day as the appointment, provided that the person has met the requirements and made the corresponding payment of fees.

As for the possibility of renewing the passport before it expires, the SRE allows it but reminds applicants that they cannot have more than one valid passport at the same time. If a new document is needed because the current one was damaged or the visa pages have been used up, it can be renewed by presenting it physically at the time of your appointment.

Among them, Mexico as a whole is Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution. But it also includes other areas at levels 1, 3 and 4.

“Exercise greater caution in Mexico, due to terrorism, crime and kidnappings, the risk is high in some areas. Read the full travel advisory”, the official Travel.State.Gov website says.

What does Alert Level 4 mean?

According to Travel.State.Gov., “Alert Level 4 - Do Not Travel” is the highest warning because of “life-threatening risks”, which are described in the Travel Advisory.

“The U.S. government may have very limited or no ability to provide assistance, even in an emergency”, the official page explains.

The DOS recommends that U.S. citizens “do not travel to the country or leave as soon as it is safe to do so”.

The United States advises against traveling to six states in Mexico: which are they?

The DOS advises against traveling to the following specific areas:

• Colima
• Guerrero
• Michoacán
• Sinaloa
• Tamaulipas
• Zacatecas

What risks exist in each state of Mexico?

The highest alert level, “Level 4 - Do Not Travel”, applies because of risks linked to terrorism, crime, kidnappings and violence by criminal groups.

In the six states, U.S. authorities describe specific restrictions and warn about homicides, shootings, extortion, robberies, disappearances and kidnappings:

• Colima: risk of violence by criminal groups, terrorism and kidnappings. Only certain tourist and port areas of Manzanillo and some specific routes are authorized.
• Guerrero: armed groups are warned about, which may set up checkpoints on roads and resort to violence. The restriction covers the entire state, including Acapulco, Zihuatanejo, Taxco and Ixtapa.
• Michoacán: crime and violence are widespread. There are restrictions on travel throughout the state, with specific exceptions for transit routes, Morelia and Lázaro Cárdenas.
• Sinaloa: there is a risk from terrorism and crime. Authorized travel for U.S. employees is concentrated in specific areas of Mazatlán, Los Mochis and Topolobampo, with restrictions on access and movement.
• Tamaulipas: the warning includes shootings, murders, armed robberies, vehicle theft, kidnappings, disappearances, extortion and sexual assaults. Criminal group activity is also noted on the border, especially between Reynosa and Nuevo Laredo.
• Zacatecas: violent crime, extortion and gang activity are widespread. U.S. Government employees may travel only to the city of Zacatecas under specific conditions and mainly by air.

Levels 1, 2 and 3: what other states are under alert?

Level 3 - Reconsider Travel

The Department of State advises reconsidering travel due to the “serious risks” to safety.

• Baja California
• Chiapas
• Chihuahua
• Guanajuato
• Jalisco
• Morelos
• Sonora

Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution

DOS states that “there are increased safety risks”, which are described in the travel advisory:

• Aguascalientes
• Baja California Sur
• Coahuila
• Durango
• Hidalgo
• Mexico City
• Mexico
• Nayarit
• Nuevo León
• Oaxaca
• Puebla
• Querétaro
• Quintana Roo
• San Luis Potosí
• Tabasco
• Tlaxcala
• Veracruz

Level 1 - Take normal precautions

This is the lowest alert level in terms of safety risks.

• Campeche
• Yucatán

What the freezer coin trick consists of

The method is simple and requires only water and a coin:

1. Fill a glass with water and put it in the freezer until it completely solidifies.
2. Once frozen, place a coin on top of the ice.
3. Put the glass back in the freezer, especially if you are going to be away for several days or if a storm is expected that could cut off electricity.

What does the position of the coin mean

When you return, the coin serves as a witness to what happened while you were gone:

• If the coin stayed on top, on the surface: the freezer kept the cold, and the food remained frozen the whole time. In principle, the food is safe.
• If the coin sank to the middle or bottom of the glass: there was a prolonged power outage. The ice thawed, the coin sank, and then the water froze again with the coin at the bottom. That indicates the food may have thawed, and it should be discarded.

The coin “marks” whether the ice melted at some point, something that is not noticeable at first glance if the power came back before you returned.

What do the official guidelines say about frozen food

The coin trick is a practical aid, but the final decision about the food should be based on food safety recommendations from FoodSafety:

• A full, closed freezer keeps a safe temperature for about 48 hours without electricity; if it is half full, about 24 hours.
• The key is to keep the door closed for as long as possible during the outage.
• As a general rule, foods that still have ice crystals or that were kept at 40 °F (about 4 °C) or lower can be refrozen or consumed.
• When in doubt, the official guideline is clear: if you are not sure, throw it out (“when in doubt, throw it out”).

The reconstruction is based on fossils discovered at Jebel Irhoud, an archaeological site in Morocco that contains the oldest fossils currently attributed to our species. The remains have been dated to approximately 315,000 years ago, placing them far earlier than many of the fossils traditionally associated with modern humans.

The new facial approximation was created by a team led by Brazilian 3D specialist Cicero Moraes and published in September 2026 in the scientific journal Heritage. Researchers used digital models, anatomical measurements and computer-based reconstruction techniques to recreate the facial structure associated with the Jebel Irhoud fossils.

What did the first Homo sapiens look like?

The resulting face looks surprisingly familiar while also preserving some features that distinguish these early humans from people living today.

The reconstruction shows a prominent brow region, a relatively broad face and other characteristics associated with the Jebel Irhoud fossils. At the same time, the underlying skull had a braincase that was more primitive in shape than that of most modern humans.

This combination is one of the reasons the fossils are so important to the study of human evolution. The Jebel Irhoud remains display a mixture of modern human facial characteristics and more archaic cranial features, suggesting that the anatomy associated with our species developed gradually rather than appearing all at once.

The researchers also estimated the volume of the reconstructed endocranial cavity at approximately 1,364 milliliters, a figure that falls within the range observed in modern human populations.

The face is a scientific approximation

Despite its photorealistic appearance, the image should not be interpreted as an exact portrait of a person who lived 315,000 years ago.

The researchers worked with a composite skull, meaning the digital model combines anatomical elements from several fossils recovered from the same archaeological layer at Jebel Irhoud. The main component is the Irhoud 1 fossil, discovered in 1961, while other fossil remains were used to complete portions of the jaw, face and teeth.

To reconstruct the soft tissues, the team used a CT scan of an anonymized modern adult and applied anatomical deformation techniques to adapt the modern skull and associated soft-tissue structures to the fossil’s anatomy.

The researchers produced two versions of the result. One is a grayscale reconstruction focused on the anatomical relationship between the fossil and the estimated facial structures. The other is a colored artistic version intended to communicate the reconstruction to a wider audience.

That distinction matters because characteristics such as skin color, hair and facial hair cannot be directly recovered from the fossil. They are artistic interpretations added to make the reconstruction easier to visualize.

Why the Jebel Irhoud fossils changed the story of human evolution

Jebel Irhoud has played a major role in changing scientists’ understanding of when and where Homo sapiens emerged.

The first major discovery at the site was made in 1961, when a skull was uncovered during mining activity. It was initially interpreted as an African form of Neanderthal and was thought to be only about 40,000 years old.

Later discoveries and improved dating methods dramatically changed that interpretation. In 2017, researchers published evidence in Nature identifying the Jebel Irhoud fossils as early Homo sapiens and dating them to approximately 315,000 years ago. That made them the oldest fossils attributed to our species at the time.

The discovery also challenged the idea that modern humans suddenly appeared with all of their characteristic anatomical features in a single region. Instead, the Jebel Irhoud fossils support a more complex picture in which different features associated with Homo sapiens emerged progressively across Africa.

More than three centuries later—wait, more than 300,000 years later—the new reconstruction provides another way to visualize those early members of our species.

It does not show exactly what one individual looked like. Instead, it offers a scientifically constrained approximation of the face associated with some of the oldest known Homo sapiens fossils, bringing one of the earliest chapters of human evolution into view.

The New York Times reported the exchange Monday, drawing on interviews, records and police body camera footage. The only witness, Mattai and Mathews’ lawyer all agree on the insult. Mathews declined to speak to the newspaper.

The shooting happened at the Centerville Mills Dog Park in Bainbridge, on the edge of the Cleveland suburbs. Mattai survived after two surgeries.

How did the argument over Trump at an Ohio dog park turn into a shooting?

Jamie Jedlinsky, 70, a regular at the park, complained about a newspaper headline on the war with Iran, and Mathews defended Trump. Mattai, who later admitted he had been drinking, called Trump the worst president ever. Mathews said he was the best.

After a shouting match, Mattai left, came back and told Mathews to go. Mathews turned at the fence and made the remark about Mattai’s mother. Mattai reached over and grabbed him by the hair.

Jedlinsky pulled them apart. As the men loaded their dogs into their cars, Mathews fired first, according to the Times, hitting Mattai in the lower back. Mattai fired at least four rounds as Mathews drove off, missing him.

What is Ohio’s ‘stand your ground’ law, and how could it apply to the dog park shooting?

Under a 2020 Ohio law, a person facing an imminent threat of serious harm doesn’t have to try to escape before using deadly force. This is known as a “stand your ground” law.

Mathews’ lawyer, Ian Friedman, plans to argue at trial that his client fired to save his own life. Friedman told the Times the case “was never about politics.”

Mathews told police that Mattai had head-butted him and was coming at him with a gun. Mattai denies the head butt. Jedlinsky didn’t see one and couldn’t say what Mattai was doing when he was shot.

What charges do the men in the Ohio dog park shooting face, and when are they due in court?

Mathews is charged with felonious assault, a second-degree felony that in Ohio covers causing serious harm or using a deadly weapon to hurt someone. If convicted, he faces up to eight years in prison, with at least three served.

He was released on a $50,000 bond, wears a GPS ankle monitor and goes to trial in February. The Ohio Attorney General’s Office took over his case after the county’s top prosecutor stepped aside, because the prosecutor’s mother lives with Mathews.

A prosecutor from another county charged Mattai in August with misdemeanor assault and disorderly conduct, based on the head-butt claim. He faces up to six months in jail and returns to court in late October. He has said he would plead guilty or no contest, which accepts a conviction without admitting guilt, to avoid jail time.

The State Department of the United States warns that completing the form with errors or leaving information incomplete can cause delays, as the applicant may have to correct the data and reschedule their consular interview.

U.S. visa: what mistakes should be avoided when completing the DS-160?

The form must be completed accurately and with true information. According to the official instructions, there are several points applicants should review before submitting it.

Among the main mistakes that should be avoided are:

• Writing surnames incorrectly: they must exactly match those that appear on the passport.
• Entering the date of birth incorrectly: it must be entered exactly as it appears on the passport.
• Answering in another language: responses must be in English, except when the full name is requested in the native alphabet.
• Leaving required questions unanswered: most fields must be completed. Only optional fields may be left blank, or it may be indicated that they do not apply when the system allows it.
• Using outdated information: those who retrieve data from a previous application should check that it is still correct.

The State Department also warns that submitting false or misleading information can have serious consequences, including permanent visa denial or denial of entry to the United States.

What documents is it advisable to have before completing the DS-160 form?

To avoid mistakes, the agency recommends having certain documents on hand when completing the application.

Among the main documents and data are:

• Valid passport.
• Travel itinerary, if arrangements have already been made.
• Dates of the last five visits to the United States, if applicable.
• International travel history for the last five years, if requested.
• Information about current or previous studies and jobs, when required.

Depending on the type of visa, other documents and additional information may also be requested.

What happens if the DS-160 form has errors?

An incorrect or incomplete application may require changes before continuing with the process.

If the form has already been submitted and the embassy or consulate detects errors, the applicant must follow that office’s instructions to correct the information.

In some cases, it may also be necessary to reschedule the consular interview.

In addition, the applicant must keep the form confirmation page, as it is needed for the interview and allows the authorities to review the application.

The regulation of AI is one of the main topics on the table in the United States between democrats and republicans. While the Democratic Party advocates for more control over this technology, the administration wants to promote AI development.

Donald Trump created a new committee for Super Intelligence

“The Super Intelligence Force is tasked with coordinating the effort of the Federal Government to ensure that America continues to lead the World in Super Intelligence, which many say is bigger than the Industrial Revolution and the Internet, and will protect the interests and improve the lives of all Americans,” Trump wrote on his social media.

So far, the president has not shared details about the reason behind the Super Intelligence Force, but he believes that it is necessary for the country’s development.

The White House will replace “Artificial Intelligence” with “Super Intelligence”

According to the executive order, federal departments and agencies will use the terms “Super Intelligence” and “SI” instead of “Artificial Intelligence” and “AI” in official communications, websites, reports, policy documents, and other non-statutory documents.

The order defines “Super Intelligence” as the technologies and systems currently covered by the federal definition of artificial intelligence. The White House said the new terminology is intended to reflect the rapid development and capabilities of these technologies.

Trump ordered a new federal definition of Super Intelligence

The executive order also gives the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology 60 days to submit proposed legislative language to establish a federal definition of “Super Intelligence” and “SI.”

The proposal must evaluate whether the new definition should modify or replace the existing statutory definition of artificial intelligence. It must also include recommendations for additional presidential or executive actions needed to implement the definition across the executive branch.

The White House said the policy is part of the administration’s effort to expand the capabilities and applications of Super Intelligence, strengthen the U.S. economy and improve the lives of Americans.

Although its ordinary validity is 10 years for adults and 5 years for minors under 16, the U.S. Department of State can invalidate it before this period ends if it is reported as lost or misplaced.

“Report your valid U.S. passport as lost or stolen immediately to protect yourself against identity theft,” authorities indicate.

The United States cancels all passports that are registered as lost or stolen

The procedure to report this situation can be done online, by mail, or during the application for a new copy.

It is important to note that once this is completed, the authorities will cancel the passport, and it will completely lose all validity for travel, even if it is later found among the belongings of the person who lost it.

How to report a stolen or lost passport online

The official instruction for this option is to use the form filler tool (Form Filler). The procedure can be started by clicking here.

The passport will be canceled within one business day from the moment it is registered, and once that happens, the Department of State will send an email confirming it.

How to report a stolen or lost passport by mail

In this case, you must complete the DS-64 form online, print it, sign it, and send it to the address provided along with a photocopy of the front and back of a photo ID.

Although the alternative is available for those who choose it, the process may take several weeks to complete, so it is advisable to opt for the online procedure whenever possible.

How to report a stolen or lost passport by applying for a new one

This is the last way to carry out the process. When a passport is lost or misplaced, it no longer qualifies for a renewal procedure, so you must apply for a new copy in person by completing Form DS-11.

Those who choose to report the lost or stolen passport this way will have to indicate where and when the previous one was lost and provide a copy of the police report (if any) when making the application.

The cancellation process may also take several weeks when done this way.

How to apply for a new American passport in person after loss or theft

The instruction for those who must obtain a passport from scratch is:

• Fill out Form DS-11 and print it. All details of the theft or loss must be completed.
• Attach physical proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Present a photo ID.
• Provide photocopies of the document certifying citizenship and the photo ID.
• Submit a photo that meets the official requirements.
• Find a place to submit the completed application and pay the corresponding fees.

The dispute is now in federal court, where a lawsuit seeking to force the drawing is still pending.

What is the visa lottery?

The Diversity Visa Program, known as the “visa lottery” or “green card lottery,” gives out up to about 55,000 permanent residencies each year to people from countries with low immigration rates to the United States. Winners are chosen at random from among those who meet the requirements (being born in an eligible country and having a certain level of education or work experience).

Registration is free and is done only on the official State Department website during a period that, in previous years, usually opened in October and lasted about a month.

Why DV-2027 started without any winners

The anomaly is explained by a succession of events. In November 2025, the State Department announced that it was “implementing certain changes in the lottery registration process” and that it would announce the DV-2027 opening date “as soon as possible.” That date never came.

As a result, the 2026 fiscal year ended on September 30, 2026, without registration having opened, and the period for DV-2027 (which runs from October 1, 2026 to September 30, 2027) began without a list of selectees. For the first time, the lottery was left without its registration and drawing stage.

What did the government say and what happened in court?

The case led to a lawsuit. The law firm Red Eagle Law, in California, sued the secretary of state in federal court, arguing that the State Department has the legal obligation to carry out the program and open a registration period, and that failing to do so violates the Administrative Procedure Act.

The government, however, maintains that the deadlines established by law make it impossible to hold DV-2027 registration now.

In court, Judge Jinsook Ohta rejected a request for a temporary restraining order in early September (which sought to force the drawing), considering that, given the timing, “most of the ship had already sailed.”

Subsequently, a request for a preliminary injunction remained pending, with a ruling expected in mid-October 2026. At the time of this publication, the case remains open.

What do we know about DV-2028

There are more doubts than certainties about the next edition. The State Department did not announce registration dates for DV-2028, and in the court case itself the possibility was raised that the government would directly “move on to DV-2028,” skipping the DV-2027 round.

Meanwhile, potential applicants can only wait for official announcements. The general recommendation is to follow only the State Department’s channels and distrust websites or intermediaries that promise early registrations or guarantee a result.

It is a collaboration between AmeriCorps NCCC and FEMA, where members must help with different tasks and receive meals, lodging, and other benefits in return.

If the program is completed in full, a $7.300 stipend is given that must be used to cover educational expenses or to pay off student loans.

FEMA Corps: eligibility requirements

According to what is explained on the official program website, the requirements are

• Be between 18 and 26 years old if serving as a volunteer (for team leader, the minimum is 18 years old, but there is no maximum age)
• Be a U.S. citizen
• Pass an initial drug screening test
• Have 10 months of availability for full-time service

In addition, those applying to be team leaders must have a valid driver’s license.

What specific actions volunteers would have to carry out

As for the duties, new members will receive intensive training at the start of service.

“You will receive training in disaster response and recovery practices, teamwork and development, technical skills, professionalism, communication, project management, health and safety, and other topics,” it states.

Some possible tasks are

• Data entry
• Preparation of evacuation route maps
• Helping disaster survivors enroll to receive assistance

Teams will consist of up to 8 young adults.

What they offer those who sign up for the FEMA Corps program

The authorities explain that during service basic expenses are covered, such as shared housing and meals. Limited health benefits are also included.

Likewise, travel costs related to the program are covered, including the return trip once the service period has ended, and a stipend described as “modest” is paid for personal expenses.

In addition, it is explained that although federal payments on certain student loans may be suspended during service, when the 10 months are over, members are eligible for the interest that accrued during that time to be paid.

Finally, the Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is received when the program ends and is worth more than $7,300 for educational or loan expenses. It will be granted along with access to a national service employer network to facilitate the job search, among other benefits.

Those who want to learn how to sign up and view active openings can do so by clicking here.

For Pavan Bapu and Luke Wilson, everything started with a single video. The two co-workers turned a homemade dog feeder that went viral on TikTok into Houndsy, a Chicago-based company that has generated $15 million in revenue in four and a half years.

The TikTok-inspired idea that changed their lives

In 2021, Bapu, now 40, worked as director of growth marketing at a hardware and software company, where Wilson was a senior product manager.

One day, Wilson told Bapu about a TikTok video he had posted showing a dog food dispenser he had built himself. The video had already surpassed 15 million views.

The device stored a large bag of food and dispensed the right portion with the crank of a lever, without electronics and without having to bend down. Bapu was so impressed that he watched Wilson’s video on a loop for 30 minutes. “Luke would build these kibble dispensers; I would sell them. A side hustle was born,” he told Entrepreneur.

That’s how Houndsy was born.

The partners started the business with less than $20,000. They used TikTok to collect about 70.000 email addresses from potential customers and then launched a Kickstarter campaign that raised $160.000 without spending on advertising.

The organic growth from $456.000 to $15 million

Houndsy generated $456,000 in its first year and $1.7 million in the second, a 273% increase. Wilson left his job in 2022, and Bapu followed in 2023. As of April 2026, the company was on track to reach $15 million in revenue this year alone, according to Bapu.

Looking back, Bapu admits he waited too long. “I should have quit my day job sooner,” he said. For two years he worked about 20 extra hours a week on the business, and his family felt it the most.

What he enjoys most is something the founders didn’t anticipate: the impact on people with disabilities. “We’ve received emails from paraplegic customers telling us they fed their dog on their own for the first time in their lives,” he told on the same interview.

His advice for other entrepreneurs: “Don’t chase the money. Chase a defensible solution to a meaningful problem that people are willing to pay for, and the money will follow.”

The route also ranks first among North American routes analyzed by the site specialized in air turbulence. The ranking included nearly 10,000 routes connecting the world’s 550 largest airports and used records of flight paths available over the past year as a reference.

What is the most turbulent air route in the United States?

The Denver (DEN) - Jackson (JAC) route is the U.S. connection that tops the list of North American routes with the highest average turbulence during 2025.

The trip connects Denver International Airport (DEN), in Colorado, with Jackson Hole Airport (JAC), in Wyoming. According to the data, the route is 653 kilometers long and records an average turbulence of 18.18 EDR.

Worldwide, the route placed tenth, behind routes in South America and Asia that posted higher values.

Other North American routes with the highest turbulence

The continental list was led by:

• Denver (DEN) - Jackson (JAC): 18.18 EDR.
• Albuquerque (ABQ) - Denver (DEN): 18.18 EDR.
• Jackson (JAC) - Salt Lake City (SLC): 17.676 EDR.
• Denver (DEN) - Salt Lake City (SLC): 17.538 EDR.
• Bozeman (BZN) - Denver (DEN): 17.221 EDR.

How is flight turbulence measured?

Turbli uses the eddy dissipation rate, known as EDR, to express the intensity of turbulence.

The platform explains that approximately 10,000 routes were ranked based on connections between the 550 largest airports in the world. To carry out the analysis, it used its turbulence forecast archive and evaluated conditions along the available recorded flight paths during the year.

The platform also established different ranges to classify intensity: “light (0-20), moderate (20-40), mod-sev (40-60), severe (60-80) and extreme (80-100)”.

What is the most turbulent air route in the world?

First place in the ranking went to the route between Mendoza (MDZ), Argentina, and Santiago (SCL), Chile, with an average turbulence of 22.983 EDR.

At a court hearing in Nashville on Wednesday, a lawyer for the state said any new execution date is up to the Tennessee Supreme Court. Lee, who can commute death sentences, has not indicated what he will do.

Pike, 50, received two doses of pentobarbital and is believed to be the first person to survive after execution drugs were administered. She regained consciousness Tuesday. She was sentenced to death for the 1995 killing of classmate Colleen Slemmer.

Lee ordered a third-party review of the failed execution and postponed the only other execution Tennessee had scheduled this year.

Can Tennessee legally try to execute Christa Pike again?

A second lethal injection could be challenged under the Eighth Amendment of the United States Constitution, which bans cruel and unusual punishment. Pike’s was the state’s second failed execution this year, after officials halted Tony Carruthers’ in May.

Her lawyers could also argue the method is unconstitutional in her specific case. Before Sept. 30, they warned that her small veins and a blood-clotting condition would complicate the procedure.

The electric chair is an option only if Pike chooses it. Because her crime predates a change in Tennessee law, she could waive lethal injection in writing.

Her mental state could also block a new attempt. Executing someone who can’t understand why it is happening is considered cruel and unusual, and it is not yet known whether the failed execution left her with brain damage.

What are Christa Pike’s lawyers asking for?

Her attorneys want Lee to commute her sentence to life in prison without parole, arguing she has already suffered enough.

They are also seeking answers on what went wrong, which state officials have not explained. On Wednesday, a Nashville judge ordered the state to preserve all evidence from the execution attempt.

Attorney Randy Spivey said Pike still can’t move her arms or swallow and has some cognitive confusion. She also has pneumonia and a blood clot in her arm, and her prognosis is unclear.

Although Columbus Day is listed as a federal holiday, it does not necessarily mean that everyone has the day off or that all institutions operate on the same schedule, since in the case of schools, class dates and non-instructional days may depend on the calendar set by each institution, so some students may find themselves in a situation different from what they might expect on a holiday.

One of the cases mentioned is in Nevada, where a private school has already published its academic calendar for October, which explains what will happen to its students during Columbus Day.

Why is Monday, October 12 a federal holiday in the United States?

According to USAGov, the official portal of the United States Government, Columbus Day is celebrated on the second Monday in October to remember Christopher Columbus’s arrival on the island of San Salvador in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492, a date that was declared as such in 1937 and that is part of the federal holiday calendar of the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Which students will have to go to class on Monday, October 12?

These students who will not have the day off and will have to attend classes in October as usual are the students of Brookfield School, a private educational institution located in Reno, Nevada. The school’s official calendar expressly states that Monday, October 12, 2026 will be “School in Session”, that is, there will be a school day.

Brookfield School offers education from preschool through middle school and its calendar has scheduled for Friday, October 30, a closure of all its schools for Nevada Day.

Why will these Brookfield School students have classes on Monday, October 12?

A federal holiday does not automatically establish a day off from classes for all schools since the federal designation primarily determines the treatment of the date for federal government employees, while educational institutions can manage their own calendars.

How many federal holidays are left in the United States in 2026?

After Columbus Day, there are three federal holidays left on the United States calendar for 2026, according to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM):

• Veterans Day: Wednesday, November 11.
• Thanksgiving Day: Thursday, November 26.
• Christmas Day: Friday, December 25.

When do Social Security retirees born from the 1st to the 10th get paid in October 2026?

Wednesday, October 14 is the established payment date for this group of beneficiaries. Therefore, the benefit will not be affected by the holiday.

The SSA rule establishes that those who applied for their benefits since May 1, 1997 receive payment according to the birth date of the person whose record determines the benefit. For those born between the 1st and the 10th, the second Wednesday of each month applies.

Does the October 12 holiday change the payment date?

Not in this case, but there is a Social Security Administration rule that provides for changes only when the scheduled payment date falls on a weekend or a federal holiday. In those cases, the SSA advances the deposit to the previous business day.

“If the Wednesday of your payment falls on a federal holiday, we will send your payment on the previous day that is not a legal federal holiday”, the agency explains. This month, since Wednesday the 14th is not a federal holiday, that change is not triggered.

How does the SSA payment schedule continue?

After the payment on Wednesday, October 14, the SSA schedule continues as follows:

• Born between the 11th and 20th: third Wednesday of the month - October 21.
• Born between the 21st and 31st: fourth Wednesday of the month - October 28.

This is the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC), which is part of the Child Tax Credit and is intended for taxpayers who meet certain income conditions and have dependent children.

IRS: Who can receive up to US$1,700 per child?

According to the IRS on its official website, the Child Tax Credit can reach US$2,200 for each qualifying child for the 2025 tax year.

Of that amount, up to US$1,700 may be refundable through the Additional Child Tax Credit. This benefit is aimed at those who have little or no obligation to pay federal income taxes, as long as they meet the requirements.

To qualify, the taxpayer must have earned income of at least US$2,500 and meet the conditions established by the agency.

In addition, to receive the full credit, annual income must not exceed US$200,000 or US$400,000 in the case of married couples filing jointly. Those who exceed those amounts could qualify for partial credit.

What requirements must children meet?

For tax year 2025, the IRS establishes that children must meet certain conditions:

• Be under 17 years old at the end of the year.
• Be sons, stepchildren, eligible foster children, siblings, or certain relatives, such as grandchildren or nieces and nephews.
• Have lived with the taxpayer for more than half the year.
• Not having provided more than half of their own financial support.
• Be listed as dependents on the tax return.
• Be U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, or resident aliens in the United States.
• Not have filed a joint return with their spouse, except in certain cases.

The IRS requires that each qualifying child have a valid Social Security number for work in the United States. In addition, the taxpayer or, if filing jointly, at least one of the spouses must meet this requirement.

How do you apply for the benefit through Form 1040?

People who meet the requirements must claim the credit when filing their tax return with the IRS.

To do so, they must:

1. Complete Form 1040, which is used to file the federal personal income tax return.
2. Include information about the children and other dependents.
3. Complete and attach Schedule 8812, which allows the Child Tax Credit and its refundable portion to be calculated.

On the other hand, the IRS clarifies that the corresponding refunds cannot be issued before mid-February of the filing year.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) distinguishes between the standard deduction and itemized deductions. Although both have the same goal, they work differently, and choosing the most convenient one depends on each taxpayer’s situation.

How is a standard deduction different from an itemized deduction?

The standard deduction is a fixed amount that depends on the taxpayer’s filing status. The IRS adjusts it annually for inflation and includes additional amounts for people age 65 or older and blind people.

By contrast, itemized deductions allow certain expenses incurred during the tax year to be deducted, as long as they meet the requirements established by the regulations. Instead of applying a fixed amount, the expenses that can legally be deducted are added up.

In general, taxpayers must choose one of these two methods, since they cannot use them simultaneously on the same return.

How do you know which one is better, according to the IRS?

To know which one is better, the IRS recommends comparing the amount of the standard deduction that applies to the taxpayer with the total expenses that can be included among itemized deductions.

In general, it is better to choose the option that allows you to reduce the greatest amount of taxable income.

For example, for tax year 2026, if a person is entitled to a standard deduction of US$16,100 but has US$18,000 in allowed deductible expenses, they could benefit from choosing itemized deductions.

However, there are people who cannot claim the standard deduction. These include married taxpayers who file separately when their spouse uses itemized deductions.

How are deductions itemized?

Taxpayers who choose this method must complete Schedule A of Form 1040, where the expenses that can be deducted from taxable income are identified and calculated.

Among the items recognized by the IRS are:

• Medical and dental expenses: certain health care expenses that were not reimbursed.
• State and local taxes: payments of income or sales taxes, real estate taxes, and certain personal property taxes.
• Mortgage interest: interest on qualifying mortgage loans.
• Charitable donations: contributions made to authorized organizations.
• Casualty losses: certain losses that meet legal requirements.
• Gambling losses: amounts that can be deducted within the established limits.

To complete the schedule, you must identify the expenses that meet the requirements, calculate how much can be deducted for each item, and add up the allowed amounts.

In addition, the IRS recommends keeping receipts and documents that can support the deductions claimed.

The limitations of itemized deductions: what are they?

Not all expenses can be deducted in full, since the IRS sets specific limits for each category.

In the case of medical and dental expenses, only the portion of eligible unreimbursed expenses that exceeds 7.5% of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income can be deducted.

State and local taxes have a maximum amount that can be deducted each year. Meanwhile, the limits on mortgage interest depend on how much money was borrowed, when the loan was taken out, and what it was used for.

As for charitable donations, the allowed amount depends on the type of contribution, the beneficiary organization, and the applicable limits. Casualty losses must also meet specific requirements and, in general, be related to federally declared disasters.

Finally, for tax year 2026, gambling losses can be deducted up to 90% of their value, without exceeding the winnings obtained from those activities.

Now, a video shared on Instagram by the account raicessn caught the attention of gardening enthusiasts by showing a simple way to obtain new specimens from an adult plant.

The post explains two alternatives for reproducing mother-in-law’s tongue without having to buy a new one: separating the plant through its rhizomes or using its own leaves to generate new specimens.

How to reproduce mother-in-law’s tongue by division and obtain new plants

One of the techniques shown in the video is the division of the shoots that grow around the main plant. These small specimens appear over time and usually develop when the Sansevieria already occupies much of the available space in the pot.

To begin, it is necessary to carefully remove the plant and observe how the different shoots are connected. The connection is found beneath the soil, through a rhizome, which is the structure from which new roots and shoots develop.

The cut must be made precisely to separate each specimen without damaging it. A key point is to make sure that each new plant retains a segment of rhizome and its own roots. That way, the separated shoots will be able to continue developing independently once transplanted.

The trick to prevent snake plant cuttings from rotting

After separating the new specimens, there is an important step to encourage their development and reduce the chances of the cut deteriorating. Before placing them in soil, it is recommended to let the cut parts rest for one or two days, until the area can heal.

This waiting period helps reduce the risk of rot and other moisture-related problems. Once that time has passed, the cuttings can be planted in the chosen substrate.

If it is necessary to transplant immediately, as happens in the video, it is also possible to do so without first letting the cut dry. In that case, the recommendation is to not water for approximately one week.

The key is to avoid excess moisture during the first few days, as it can encourage rot and make it harder for the new specimens to develop their roots properly.

How to reproduce snake plant from its leaves

Another of the alternatives shown in the video for multiplying a Sansevieria consists of using its own leaves. The procedure requires selecting a healthy leaf and cutting it into different parts to obtain several cuttings.

In this case, there is a fundamental aspect that must not be overlooked: each fragment must retain the same orientation it had on the plant. The content creator sums it up forcefully: “If we put it upside down, it won’t work”.

For this reason, before starting the cuts it is advisable to identify which was the top of the leaf and which the bottom. She also advises preparing more than one cutting, since there is a possibility that some will not develop. According to her, roughly half may not thrive, so making several attempts increases the chances of obtaining new plants.

Once the fragments have been obtained, the procedure requires another waiting period. As with propagation through rhizomes, it is recommended to leave the cut parts for about two days so that the area can heal before placing them in water or directly in the substrate.

What happens with new snake plants

There is an important difference between the two reproduction techniques, especially for those who have a Sansevieria with particular characteristics and want to preserve them in the new specimens.

Cuttings obtained from a leaf can give rise to plants with a different appearance from the original. This is especially noticeable in varieties with variegated leaves, since the new shoots may grow completely green and lose some of the visible characteristics of the mother plant.

The situation is different when reproduction is done through division of the rhizome. In this case, the new plants retain the genetic characteristics of the plant from which they were separated, so it is the most suitable method when the goal is to preserve their original appearance.

Thus, with the same Sansevieria it is possible to obtain new specimens through different techniques. The choice of method will depend, among other factors, on whether the goal is simply to multiply the plant or to preserve the particular characteristics of the original variety.

The telephone survey of 615 likely voters was conducted in English and Spanish Sept. 21-30 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.5 percentage points. Another 4% were undecided. Election Day is Nov. 3.

Talarico, 37, is a state representative from Austin, a former middle school teacher and a Presbyterian seminarian who has put his Christian faith at the center of his campaign.

Paxton, the state’s attorney general and his rival, won the Republican nomination with President Donald Trump’s endorsement after defeating four-term Sen. John Cornyn in a May runoff. No Democrat has won statewide office in Texas since 1994.

Who is James Talarico, the Democrat running for Senate in Texas?

Talarico taught language arts in a low-income, largely Latino area of San Antonio through Teach for America, a program that places recent graduates in under-resourced schools. He later earned a master’s degree in education policy from Harvard.

In 2018, he won a seat in the Texas House representing District 52, a suburban area north of Austin that includes his hometown of Round Rock.

Trump had narrowly carried the district in 2016, and Talarico flipped it from Republican to Democratic, becoming the state’s youngest legislator.

During that campaign, he walked the full 25-mile length of his district and ended up in the emergency room, where he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. He then learned his insulin would cost $684 a month.

As a lawmaker, he passed a bill capping insulin copays at $25 a month, which Republican Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law.

How does faith shape James Talarico’s politics?

Talarico is on leave from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary and has said he plans to become a minister. He regularly cites the Bible to make the case for progressive policies, an unusual approach for a Democrat.

He drew national attention in 2023 when he told a Republican colleague that her bill requiring the Ten Commandments in every public school classroom was “deeply un-Christian.”

On “The Ezra Klein Show” in January, he said the Bible mentions economic justice about 3,000 times, yet the theme is absent from Christian nationalism and the religious right.

His core message is about wealth. He often says the country’s biggest divide is between the top and the bottom, not left and right. In the Senate, he says he would push to:

• Limit the money that political action committees, groups that raise and spend money to influence elections, can pour into campaigns.
• Ban members of Congress from trading stocks.
• Outlaw gerrymandering, the practice of drawing district lines to favor one party.

Former President Barack Obama has called him a “really talented young man,” and podcaster Joe Rogan told him during an interview that he should run for president.

What controversies has James Talarico faced?

Some of his positions are a hard sell in Texas. He opposes the death penalty in a state that has carried out more executions than any other since the U.S. Supreme Court allowed them to resume in 1976, and he rejects religious exemptions from vaccine requirements.

He has also faced criticism for past remarks, which he later renounced, in which he said that “God is nonbinary” and that there are six biological sexes.

Paxton has made those remarks a centerpiece of his campaign. His first general election ad called Talarico “radical” and “too low-T for Texas,” and he has mocked him with nicknames such as “Six-Gender Jimmy.”

Outside groups have amplified that message. As of mid-September, Texas PAC, a group linked to Senate Republican leadership, had spent $62.4 million on ads in the race, the most of any spender, according to the ad-tracking firm AdImpact.

During the primary, Morgan Thompson, a political content creator on TikTok, said Talarico had privately called former Rep. Colin Allred a “mediocre Black man.”

Talarico denied it, saying he had called Allred’s campaign mediocre, not Allred himself, and that he would never attack him on the basis of race.

Can James Talarico beat Ken Paxton in Texas?

Talarico defeated U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett in the March 3 Democratic primary, winning more than half the vote and avoiding a runoff. Weeks earlier, his campaign reported raising $2.5 million in 24 hours after Stephen Colbert said CBS had blocked his interview with Talarico from airing on TV. CBS disputed that account.

Black voters favored Crockett in primary polling, and Talarico told The New Yorker there is no way to flip the seat without Black Texans. In the new poll, he leads among Black likely voters 91% to 7%, though that group’s smaller sample means a wider margin of error.

Several of the poll’s questions about the candidates were asked of 465 respondents, so their results also carry a wider margin of error. In those questions, 47% view Talarico favorably and 38% unfavorably, while 39% view Paxton favorably and 51% unfavorably.

Asked about ideology, 40% said Talarico is too far to the left, and 47% said Paxton is too far to the right.

Paxton’s own controversies weigh on his campaign. The Texas House impeached him in 2023 over allegations that included bribery, and the state Senate acquitted him. His wife has also accused him of adultery.

Most likely voters have heard about those controversies: 73% said they had heard a lot or some about them. Asked how the controversies affect their vote, 32% of all likely voters said they cannot support him, while 38% said the controversies haven’t changed their support.

Trump’s standing could also matter. In the poll, 40% of Texas likely voters approve of his job performance and 57% disapprove.

In this regard, if a person does not meet any of these requirements, they will have to use another renewal method.

For this reason, before starting the online process, it is important to check who can use it and what alternatives exist for those who are excluded from this option.

Who will not be able to renew their U.S. passport online?

The State Department confirms that renewal is available only to citizens who meet all the requirements established for this service, which is why those who do not meet any of these conditions must use another method to renew or apply for a new passport.

Among the people who cannot renew their passport online are:

• Those under 25 years old.
• Those who need to change personal information, such as the name or sex that appears on the passport.
• Those who plan to travel internationally within six weeks of submitting the application, because the State Department states that online renewals cannot be processed with expedited service.
• Those who are outside the U.S. or its territories at the time of submitting the application.
• Those who do not have their passport in their possession, or whose document is damaged, mutilated, or was reported lost or stolen.
• Those trying to renew a passport that was not valid for 10 years, that is not within the period allowed for online renewal, or that has been expired for five years or more.

In this regard, there are restrictions related to the type of document, that is, if a person has a passport card and wants to obtain a passport book, they cannot make that change online. The same applies if they have a book and want to obtain only a card; in those cases, the State Department indicates that they must renew by mail.

What can those who do not meet the requirements to renew their passport online do?

Being excluded from online renewal does not mean they cannot renew their passport, since the State Department indicates that those who do not qualify to do it online can renew by mail or in person, depending on the circumstances of each case.

Likewise, the urgency of the trip can also determine the course to follow, because expedited processing can take between 2 and 3 weeks, not counting mailing time, and has an additional cost of $60.

If the international trip is within the next 14 days, an appointment can be requested at a passport agency or center, and proof of travel plans is presented.

Where can applicants with questions about passport renewal consult?

The State Department offers different official channels to receive assistance with the passport process. Those who need help can contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC):

• Within the United States: 1-877-487-2778
• For people with hearing difficulties: 1-888-874-7793
• Outside the United States: +1-202-501-4444
• Assistance can also be requested by email using the State Department contact form.

For inquiries specifically related to a previously submitted application, the State Department recommends having the process information on hand so staff can help identify the case.

The project is located in Puerto Jiménez, in the province of Puntarenas, and is looking for people who want to collaborate for a few hours a day on different tasks related to the maintenance and development of a new tourist space.

The proposal includes a stay of between two and four weeks and is aimed at volunteers between 19 and 35 years old who have an intermediate level of English.

In exchange for the collaboration, the host offers accommodation in camping, meals during the stay, and other services.

What tasks volunteers will have to perform

The collaboration requires about five hours of help per day and includes different activities, depending on the needs of the project.

Among the published options are painting and decoration work, gardening, construction and repairs, as well as tasks related to the arts, such as painting, drawing, or sculpture.

The goal, according to the publication, is to help develop a new space dedicated to tourism. Therefore, the tasks may vary depending on the area in which each volunteer can contribute.

The proposal includes two days off per week, which participants can use to rest or explore the surroundings of Puerto Jiménez.

Accommodation, meals, and other benefits included

One of the main attractions of the proposal is that the exchange includes accommodation and food during the stay. Volunteers will have a tent within the camping area and access to a private room, according to the conditions stated in the publication.

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are also included every day, as well as the use of a equipped kitchen and laundry facilities. The place also has high-speed internet for those who need to work remotely.

Additional benefits include access to bicycles and passes for certain events.

Where the camping area is located and how long you can stay

The project is located in front of the main beach of Puerto Jiménez, a town on the Osa Peninsula. According to the information published by the host, it is about 200 meters from the main dock and the airport, while shops are approximately 800 meters away.

The published availability covers the months of October, November, December, January, February, and March. The minimum stay is two weeks and the maximum is four weeks, so those who want to apply must fit within that period.

Requirements and expenses that the traveler must cover

The opportunity is aimed at people between 19 and 35 years old, with intermediate English, and accepts individual applications. The host does not accept couples or pairs of volunteers for this proposal.

It is important to note that the exchange does not include flights, travel insurance, internal transportation, or a visa. These expenses must be covered by each traveler and, before traveling, it is also necessary to verify the relevant immigration requirements according to nationality.

Applications are made through Worldpackers. The platform recommends checking the specific conditions with the host before confirming the trip, especially the tasks, schedules, and other aspects of the collaboration.

The shelter measures 20 feet long, 12 feet wide and 10 feet high, giving it enough space to cover trucks, SUVs, boats and other large equipment. Walmart also describes it as a versatile shelter that can be used for outdoor storage, vehicles and other activities.

A 20×12 covered space for vehicles and equipment

The carport features a powder-coated galvanized steel frame designed to resist rust and corrosion during outdoor use. The frame is covered with a 140g polyethylene canopy that Walmart describes as waterproof, UV-resistant and tear-resistant.

The canopy is designed to provide protection throughout the year from conditions including rain, snow, wind and direct sunlight. That makes the structure useful not only for parking a vehicle but also for storing certain equipment outdoors.

With its 20×12-foot footprint, the shelter can provide additional covered space for a truck, SUV, boat, tools or other outdoor equipment.

Four roll-up doors and mesh windows

One feature that sets this model apart from a basic open-sided carport is its enclosed design.

The shelter comes with four roll-up doors and four mesh ventilation windows, allowing users to close off the structure for additional protection or open sections to improve airflow. The sidewalls can also be removed.

The ventilation features can be useful when the shelter is used to store vehicles, tools or equipment for extended periods, allowing air to circulate inside the structure.

How much the carport costs at Walmart

At the time of checking, Walmart lists the 20×12×10-foot carport online for $138.19.

The listing also says the structure uses a spring-button connection system designed to make assembly easier without tools.

As with other Walmart Marketplace products, the price and availability may change, so shoppers should check the listing before purchasing.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains that, to control mold, it is important to clean affected areas, dry them properly, and reduce humidity in the environment.

How do you clean and remove mold from the bathroom curtain?

First, it is important to review the manufacturer’s instructions and check whether it can be washed. Then, the EPA recommends:

1. Scrub hard surfaces that have mold with water and detergent.
2. Rinse.
3. Dry completely and you’re done. This instruction also works for cleaning other affected surfaces in the shower.

The agency also warns that absorbent or porous materials may need to be replaced if the mold cannot be removed.

How can you prevent mold from reappearing in the bathroom?

According to the EPA, places that remain constantly damp may develop recurring mold.

To reduce its appearance, the agency recommends:

• Ventilate the bathroom: open a window or use a fan to promote air circulation.
• Clean more often: pay attention to the shower and other areas where moisture accumulates.
• Dry surfaces: prevent water from sitting for too long.
• Repair water leaks: fix drips and other problems that keep the environment damp.

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

How to make a windshield cleaning solution

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

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

AAA also notes that some people have had good results with a mixture of water and rubbing alcohol combined with a few drops of dishwashing liquid.

The trick to avoiding streaks

Once the windshield has been cleaned, use a second microfiber towel that is clean and free of lint, grease and oil to dry the glass.

Instead of wiping in circles, experts at AAA recommends using straight motions while drying. This can help minimize marks that become particularly noticeable when sunlight hits the windshield.

The condition of the towels also matters. Avoid reusing towels that have been used for other cleaning jobs, and do not use fabric softener when washing microfiber towels intended for glass cleaning.

Which products should you avoid?

Ammonia-based cleaners may not be suitable for automotive glass, particularly in vehicles with tinted windows. AAA warns that these products can damage window tint films and affect other materials inside the vehicle.

It is also better to clean the windshield when the glass is cool and away from direct sunlight. High temperatures can cause cleaning products to evaporate too quickly, leaving streaks behind.

Once the process is complete, the windshield should be clear and free of visible residue. If an oily film quickly returns to the inside of the glass even after cleaning, AAA notes that it could point to a mechanical issue, such as a small coolant leak in the vehicle’s heating system.

On board the Voyager 1 and 2 missions -designed to explore the planets that are outside the solar system- travels a golden record with a curated selection of images, sounds and data to locate Earth. 49 years after the launch of these probes, the mission remains active and trackable.

What is the “time capsule” that has been traveling through space since 1977 like

According to the official information shared by NASA, the time capsule was sent in disc format, built on gold-plated copper.

Its cover is coated with a material that has an average lifespan of 4.468 billion years: ultra-pure uranium-238. In addition, it is engraved with the inscription “To the makers of music – all worlds, all times” (To the makers of music: of all worlds and of all times).

Anticipating that this capsule would eventually be found by extraterrestrials, they attached technical and precise instructions on the cover on how to use the disc, how to locate our planet, and materials were used to allow them to calculate how long the disc has been traveling through space.

What was included in this time capsule sent by NASA

The contents sent included 115 images (some of which can be viewed by clicking here) that illustrate human anatomy, natural landscapes, animals, cultural institutions, technological advances, among many other things.

In addition, natural sounds such as water, wind, whales, birds and music from different cultures were included. In the case of the United States, pieces such as Melancholy Blues performed by Louis Armstrong and Hot Seven; Navajo Indians, Night Chant by Willard Rhodes; Dark Was the Night by Blind Willie Johnson and Johnny B. Goode, by Chuck Berry, were chosen.

The capsule also includes messages from then United States President Jimmy Carter and greetings in 55 languages.

“The messages on the record were designed to allow possible extraterrestrial civilizations that intercepted the craft millions of years later to reconstruct some images of 20th-century Earth and its inhabitants,” states the official press release launched on August 1, 1977.

Voyager 1 and Voyager 2: what is known about these probes

“The twin probes Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 are the only spacecraft that have traveled beyond the heliosphere, the bubble of particles and magnetic fields generated by the Sun that protects us,” states the space agency. So far, no other object launched by NASA has gone farther than Voyager 1.

Those who want to follow this mission and learn where the spacecraft are can do so from this link and updates on its operation can be found here.

When that amount is exceeded, federal law requires the funds to be declared to CBP to avoid possible penalties. The procedure can be completed before the trip, which makes it possible to have the corresponding documentation ready when passing through customs.

How much money can be brought into or taken out of the United States without having to declare it?

According to CBP, travelers can enter or leave the United States with up to US$10,000 without needing to file a special declaration for the amount of money.

At the same time, federal law does not set a maximum amount that can be carried, but it does require any amount exceeding US$10,000 or the equivalent in foreign currency or monetary instruments to be declared.

This applies not only to those traveling alone but also to those traveling as a group or family. This is because the limit applies to the total amount they carry and not to each person separately. Therefore, if a group of 5 people carries US$2,500 each, they must declare the total amount of money to CBP.

If the money is not declared: what happens?

According to CBP, if the necessary steps to declare the money are not followed, the agency may proceed with different sanctions and penalties:

• Seizure of the money: authorities may retain the funds or monetary instruments that were not declared.
• Permanent loss of the funds: the seized money may be subject to forfeiture proceedings.
• Financial penalties: depending on the seriousness of the violation and the applicable legal provisions.
• Criminal penalties: in certain cases, the people involved may face criminal charges and prison sentences.

What counts as money to be declared?

According to CBP, the obligation to declare applies not only to cash but also to various monetary instruments that allow funds to be transferred:

• Banknotes and coins: both U.S. dollars and foreign currencies.
• Traveler’s checks: regardless of their format.
• Checks, promissory notes, and money orders: when they are bearer instruments, are endorsed without restrictions, or allow the funds to be transferred by delivery.
• Incomplete monetary instruments: such as signed checks in which the name of the payee is not specified.
• Bearer securities and stock: when their ownership can be transferred by delivery of the document.

How should it be declared correctly to avoid unwanted consequences?

Those who must file the declaration to enter or leave the United States with more than US$10,000 must use FinCEN Form 105, and there are three ways to do it:

1. Complete the form online by clicking here. The requested information must be completed, and the receipt or confirmation number saved.
2. Download and complete the paper form and hand it to the CBP officer at the checkpoint.
3. Request the form at customs and complete it to file the declaration.

Those who complete the procedure electronically should keep in mind that the form is valid for 72 hours.

In addition, people entering the United States with more than US$10,000 must declare the amount using CBP Form 6059B, in addition to submitting FinCEN Form 105.

In this regard, the agency states that “a minor’s passport cannot be renewed. It must be applied for in person every time”, a rule that remains in effect in 2026. In addition, the document has a five-year validity.

Not to mention that they must apply in person together with their father, mother, or legal guardian, even if they have already had one before.

When does the passport have a 5-year validity and cannot be renewed?

A U.S. citizen under 16 has a passport with a five-year validity from the date of issue.

The Department of State specifies that minors’ documents have this validity period and that they cannot be renewed through the simplified process used for certain adult passports.

What is needed to get a passport for a minor under 16?

To apply, the Department of State requires documentation that allows proof of both the child’s citizenship and the relationship with their parents or guardians:

• Complete and print the DS-11 Form.
• Submit physical proof of the minor’s U.S. citizenship. This can be, among other options, a U.S. birth certificate, a Consular Report of Birth Abroad, a naturalization certificate, or a previous U.S. passport that had full validity.
• Submit documentation showing the relationship between the minor and their parents or legal guardians.
• Bring a physical photo ID for the parents or guardians.
• Provide the required photocopies of the documents.
• Submit a photo of the minor that meets passport photo requirements.
• Take the minor in person to the office where the application is submitted.
• Meet the consent requirements of both parents or guardians.

“We do not accept digital proof of U.S. citizenship”, the Department of State clarifies, so documents must be submitted in physical form.

How much does a U.S. passport for a minor under 16 cost in 2026?

The cost depends on whether the family requests a passport book, a passport card, or both documents.

For minors under 16, the fees set by the Department of State are:

Passport book

• Application fee (paid to the Department of State) $100
• Acceptance fee (paid at the office where the documents are submitted) $35
• Total $135

Passport card

• $15
• $35
• Total $50

Book and card

• $115
• $35
• Total $150

Expedited service

• An additional $60

The routine processing time for a minor’s passport is four to six weeks, while expedited service takes between two and three. It should be noted that these times do not include mailing delays.

The annual benefit was set by the Alaska Legislature through House Bill 263. The 2026 amount includes a $1,000 PFD and a $200 energy relief payment.

When will Alaska send the $1,200 PFD payment?

The first 2026 PFD payments were issued on October 1 to applicants who filed online, selected direct deposit, and were in “Eligible-Not Paid” status by September 18.

A second round is scheduled for October 22 for applications that were in “Eligible-Not Paid” status by October 12. This group includes both paper and electronic applications and payments by direct deposit or check.

The state will continue making monthly distributions as additional applications are determined eligible for payment. Residents can check their application status through the state’s MyPFD system.

Who qualifies for Alaska’s 2026 PFD?

To qualify, applicants generally must have been Alaska residents for the entire 2025 calendar year and intend to remain Alaska residents indefinitely when they apply. The state also has additional eligibility requirements under Alaska law.

Applicants may also be ineligible if, during all or part of the qualifying year, they were sentenced or incarcerated as a result of a felony conviction. Other restrictions and eligibility rules apply depending on an applicant’s circumstances.

However, not all assets are covered by these provisions, as there are exceptions for certain properties.

In addition, the Probate Code establishes an order of priority among heirs and regulates what happens when there are no relatives or other people entitled to receive the inheritance.

Intestate succession: when there is no will and an inheritance must be distributed

Intestate succession is a legal mechanism that applies when a person dies without leaving a valid will. It is not exclusive to California, as there are similar provisions in other countries and jurisdictions, although the distribution rules may vary.

In California, this procedure is regulated by the state Probate Code, which establishes who is entitled to inherit, what share of the estate belongs to them, and how the assets must be distributed.

California courts explain that, depending on the type of property and the value of the estate, it may be necessary to begin probate proceedings or use simplified transfer mechanisms.

What assets are not covered by the Intestate Succession Law?

According to the California courts, certain assets can be transferred directly to designated beneficiaries or surviving co-owners, without needing to be distributed under the intestate succession rules.

Among the main assets that may be excluded are:

• Assets included in a living trust (living trust).
• Life insurance policies with designated beneficiaries.
• Retirement accounts with designated beneficiaries.
• Bank accounts with designated beneficiaries.
• Investment accounts with transfer on death.
• Property held in joint ownership with right of survivorship.
• Real estate with a valid transfer-on-death deed.
• Registered vehicles with transfer on death, when legal requirements are met.

However, if a beneficiary designation cannot be enforced, certain assets may be included in the estate subject to intestate succession.

The courts also distinguish between assets that fall outside probate and those that can be transferred through simplified procedures, without the need for a full court process.

How is the Intestate Succession Law applied in California?

Sections 6401 and 6402 of the California Probate Code set out the rules for distributing the estate when a person dies without leaving a valid will.

The share that corresponds to each heir depends on their relationship to the deceased and on the legal classification of the assets, which are divided into three main categories:

• Community property: property acquired during the marriage through the spouses’ income or efforts.
• • El cónyuge sobreviviente conserva su mitad y hereda la mitad que pertenecía al fallecido.
• Quasi-community property: certain property acquired outside California that would have been considered community property if it had been acquired within the state.
• • La participación del fallecido pasa al cónyuge sobreviviente.
• Separate property: property that a person owned before marriage or received individually through an inheritance or gift.
• • Su distribución depende de los familiares sobrevivientes.

To determine who inherits separate property and what share they receive, the Probate Code establishes different family situations:

• Children, but no spouse: the children inherit the entire estate subject to intestate succession.
• Spouse, but no descendants, parents, siblings, or descendants of deceased siblings: the spouse inherits the entire estate subject to intestate succession.
• Parents, but no children or other descendants and no spouse: the parents inherit the entire estate.
• Siblings, but no descendants, spouse or parents: the siblings inherit the entire estate.
• Spouse and one child, or descendants of a single deceased child: the spouse receives all community property and half of the separate property. The other half goes to the descendants.
• Spouse and two or more children: the spouse receives all community property and one-third of the separate property. The children inherit the remaining two-thirds.
• Spouse, one child, and grandchildren of another deceased child: the spouse receives all community property and one-third of the separate property. The remaining two-thirds are distributed among the descendants according to the rules of representation.
• Spouse and grandchildren of two or more deceased children: the spouse receives all community property and one-third of the separate property. The grandchildren inherit the remaining two-thirds, distributed according to the rules of representation.
• Spouse and parents, but no descendants: the spouse receives all community property and half of the separate property. The parents inherit the other half.
• Spouse and siblings, but no parents or descendants: the spouse receives all community property and half of the separate property. The siblings, or the descendants entitled to represent deceased siblings, receive the other half.

These provisions correspond to the general rules of sections 6401 and 6402. Distribution may vary when other descendants are involved or special provisions apply.

What happens when there are no heirs?

When a person dies without leaving a valid will, and there are no heirs legally entitled to receive their estate, the assets pass to the State of California through a mechanism called escheat.

Section 6800 of the California Probate Code establishes that this procedure applies when there is no person entitled to receive the assets through testamentary or intestate succession.

However, before the assets pass to the State, all categories of heirs provided for in the regulations must be considered, including distant relatives and certain relatives of a previously deceased spouse.

The rule is not final. DHS said the fees would curb fraud and abuse found by the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, or SEVP, which certifies schools to enroll international students. The agency cited questionable worksites and pay-to-stay schemes as examples.

International education groups criticized the plan. Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA, an association of international educators, said in a statement that discouraging foreign students would hurt the U.S. economy.

Who would pay the $70,000 OPT fee under the DHS proposed rule?

The school would pay, not the student or the employer. Payment would be due before the school’s designated school official, the staff member who manages international student records, recommends the student for OPT.

The school would also have to pay before the student applies for work authorization with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. USCIS would not grant work authorization if the fee is unpaid.

The fee would not be tied to a specific employer, and the money would go to the U.S. Treasury. The DHS announcement does not say whether schools could pass the cost on to students.

Which F-1 students and types of OPT would the $70,000 fee cover?

The fee would apply to any type of OPT, whether a student uses it during their studies or after finishing their program. Schools would pay $70,000 for a student’s initial OPT and $30,000 for any subsequent OPT.

Students can get up to 12 months of OPT at each degree level. Graduates in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM, may qualify for a 24-month extension.

The announcement does not say which of these periods would count as subsequent OPT. It also does not say how the fees would affect students already on OPT.

When could the $70,000 OPT fee take effect, and how can you comment?

DHS has not set a date. The agency is taking public comments from Thursday through Nov. 9 and may revise the rule before finalizing it.

A separate 60-day comment period applies to the rule’s paperwork requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act. Instructions for commenting are in the notice published in the Federal Register, the government’s official journal of rules.

SEVP said it would post updates through its SEVIS Broadcast Messages, which go to schools, and the Study in the States website.

The two most popular are TSA PreCheck and Global Entry, which are often confused but are not the same.

What TSA PreCheck is

TSA PreCheck speeds up security screening on flights within the United States (domestic flights). Those who have it use dedicated lines and, above all, do not need to take off their shoes, belt, or a light jacket, nor remove their laptop or liquids from their bag during screening.

• Cost: between $76.95 and $85 for a five-year membership, depending on the authorized provider chosen.
• Who can apply: U.S. citizens, nationals, and lawful permanent residents.

What Global Entry is

Global Entry is designed for those who travel abroad. Its main benefit is to speed up customs and immigration clearance when returning to the United States from another country through automated kiosks, and it also speeds up crossings at land borders with Mexico and Canada.

• Cost: $120 for a five-year membership.
• One key point: Global Entry includes TSA PreCheck benefits. In other words, someone with Global Entry can also use the fast security lines on domestic flights.
• Who can apply: U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and citizens of some partner countries. It requires a passport and usually has stricter requirements.

How they differ

The basic difference is where each program saves you time:

• TSA PreCheck: only at security screening for flights within the U.S.
• Global Entry: at customs when returning from abroad and at land border crossings, plus everything PreCheck already offers.

In practice, Global Entry is an “expanded PreCheck”: it does the same thing and also covers international trips. Therefore, for those who can choose this option, it can be said to be the most convenient, although each traveler should always prioritize their own circumstances when making a choice.

How and where to complete the application for both programs

In both cases, the general process includes:

1. Complete the online application at their respective websites and pay the corresponding fee.
2. Pass a background check.
3. Attend an interview at an enrollment center (there are more than 1,000 for PreCheck and more than 100 for Global Entry).

None of these programs guarantees fast passage 100% of the time, since all travelers may be subject to checks. Even so, for those who fly often, the time savings are usually considerable.

As of 7 a.m. CDT Thursday, the National Hurricane Center placed Isaias about 385 miles south-southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River. The Category 1 storm had 80 mph winds and was moving east-northeast at 9 mph. It is expected to strengthen through early Friday.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey have declared states of emergency. Evacuation orders are in place on Dauphin Island, Alabama, and in parts of Okaloosa County, Florida.

When will Hurricane Isaias hit the US Gulf Coast?

Tropical storm conditions are expected to reach the warning areas Friday, according to the hurricane center. Hurricane conditions should follow Friday night into early Saturday, when Isaias is expected to come ashore within the hurricane warning zone.

Isaias is forecast to turn northeast later Thursday as it passes north of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. It should then turn north Friday and remain a dangerous hurricane as it nears the coast that night.

The hurricane center says preparations in the warning area should be finished Thursday. Once tropical-storm-force winds arrive, outdoor work becomes difficult or dangerous.

Which Gulf Coast areas are in Hurricane Isaias’ path?

The hurricane center has posted alerts between southeastern Louisiana and Florida’s Big Bend. A warning means dangerous conditions are expected, while a watch means they are possible:

• Hurricane warning: Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line in Florida.
• Storm surge warning: Mouth of the Mississippi River to the Steinhatchee River in Florida.
• Tropical storm warning: Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish line in Louisiana to west of Ocean Springs, and east of the Bay/Gulf County line to the Aucilla River in Florida.
• Storm surge watch: Steinhatchee River to Yankeetown, Florida.

Residents should follow evacuation instructions from local officials and check their local National Weather Service office for alerts specific to their area.

What storm surge, rain and tornado risks does Hurricane Isaias bring to the Gulf Coast?

The hurricane center calls the storm surge threat life-threatening. If the peak surge arrives at high tide, water could rise to these heights above normally dry ground:

• 5 to 7 feet: Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to Indian Pass, Florida, including Mobile Bay.
• 4 to 6 feet: Indian Pass to the Steinhatchee River.
• 3 to 5 feet: Mouth of the Mississippi River to Ocean Springs.
• 2 to 4 feet: Steinhatchee River to Yankeetown.
• 1 to 3 feet: Lake Pontchartrain.

From Friday through the weekend, far southeastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle could get 3 to 7 inches of rain, locally up to 10. Parts of the Southeast as far north as the Tennessee Valley and the Carolinas could see 1 to 3 inches, raising the risk of flash flooding.

Isolated tornadoes are possible Friday night in coastal Alabama, the Florida Panhandle and far southwestern Georgia. On Saturday, the threat shifts to eastern Alabama, Georgia and northern Florida. Life-threatening rip currents are also expected along Gulf beaches starting Friday.

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) also sets different fees for learner permits, motorcycles, commercial licenses (CDL), replacements and temporary visitor documents.

How much does it cost to get a driver’s license in Texas in 2026?

The price depends on age and the procedure to be carried out. For a Class A, B or C driver’s license, the official fees are:

• Under 18, new license: USD16. Validity: until the day of the 18th birthday.
• 18 to 84 years old, new license and renewal: USD33. Validity: 8 years.
• 85 years old and over, new license and renewal: USD9. Validity: 2 years.
• License replacement: USD11. Validity: keeps the expiration date.
• Disabled veterans with 60% disability, new or renewal: free. Validity: as applicable.

These amounts include a USD1 administrative fee, according to the DPS official schedule.

What documents do I need to get a driver’s license in Texas?

Before going to a DPS office, the state recommends using the REAL ID Document Check tool, which allows you to answer questions and obtain a personalized list of the documents needed.

The requirements include proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful presence, proof of residence in Texas, identity documents and Social Security number.

New residents who surrender a license from another state must also present proof of current Texas vehicle registration for each vehicle they own and proof of insurance.

Anyone taking the practical exam must have the Impact Texas Driver (ITD) certificate. The document must have been issued within the 90 days prior to the driving test.

For those between 18 and 24 who are applying for their first license, a six-hour driver education course is also required. The requirement does not apply to new residents over 18 who surrender a valid, current license from another state. Nor does it apply to people 25 or older.

How do you get a driver’s license in Texas in 2026?

1. Preparation of documents.
2. Appointment at a driver’s license office. “All services are offered by appointment only”, DPS assures.
3. There, the applicant must present the required documentation, submit the application, provide biometric information, take a photo and pay the corresponding fee.
4. Pass the vision test and, if applicable, the written and practical driving test.
5. Finally, a provisional driving permit is issued that allows driving until the final card arrives. The document generally arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

The Treasury Department announced on October 1 that automatic enrollment had been completed. As a result, every eligible child under 18 with a valid Social Security number now has a Trump Account ready to be claimed.

The program was created as a tax-advantaged investment vehicle for children and is intended to give families another way to build savings over the long term. Once an account is claimed, parents and guardians can manage it and allow eligible relatives, friends and employers to contribute.

The step parents must take to claim the account

Automatic enrollment does not mean the account is automatically under a parent’s control. A parent or guardian must claim the child’s Trump Account through the official Trump Accounts app.

The process requires the adult to verify their identity, confirm their relationship to the child, review the child’s information and accept the applicable account terms.

That distinction matters because a child may already have an account even if the family has not completed the claiming process. Until a parent or guardian claims it, they cannot manage the account or arrange contributions through it.

The Treasury Department also says that an eligible child’s account must be claimed in order to receive the program’s one-time $1,000 Treasury contribution.

Who qualifies for the $1,000 contribution

The $1,000 government contribution is not available to every child with a Trump Account. It is part of a specific federal pilot program for eligible children who meet certain requirements.

The IRS states that the $1,000 pilot contribution does not count toward the general $5,000 annual contribution limit. Other contributions to a Trump Account, including money from family members, friends and employers, generally count toward that limit.

Trump Accounts are designed for long-term investing rather than immediate household expenses. The official Trump Accounts website says the funds are automatically invested in American companies through the program’s investment options.

Parents, relatives, friends, employers and certain organizations can contribute to an account, subject to the program’s rules. The general annual contribution limit is currently $5,000 per child, with some exceptions that do not count toward that limit.

During the account’s growth period, withdrawals are generally restricted. Once the child turns 18, control of the account passes to the beneficiary. At that point, the beneficiary can generally continue investing the money or withdraw funds under the rules that apply to a traditional IRA.

However, not everyone qualifies, and there are rules that can affect travel plans. Also, the State Department warns that each person must complete their own application: third-party services cannot submit it on their behalf. Applicants need

• Their current passport
• A digital passport photo
• A credit or debit card.

After applying, they will receive email updates on the status of their application and must respond within 90 days if more information is requested.

Who can renew a passport online?

According to the State Department, applicants must meet all of these requirements:

• The passport being renewed is or was valid for 10 years, and it expires within the next year or expired less than five years ago.
• The applicant is 25 or older.
• They are not changing personal information, such as their name or sex.
• They are not traveling internationally for at least six weeks after applying.
• They are in a U.S. state or territory when they apply.
• They have their current passport, and it is not damaged or reported lost or stolen.

Those who do not qualify can renew by mail or in person at a passport agency or center.

How much it costs

• Passport book: $130
• Passport card: $30
• Passport book and card: $160
• Optional 1-to-3-day delivery: $26.87

The 6-week rule

Online renewals cannot be expedited when applying. That is why the State Department requires applicants not to have international travel planned for at least six weeks after submitting the application.

If plans change, applicants can call the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 to request expedited service.

Also, it is important to notice that once the application is submitted, the State Department cancels the current passport, so it can no longer be used for international travel. Applicants should not mail it, though, because an old passport still works as proof of citizenship.

The law, in effect since 2019, allows people to drive legally without needing a Social Security number and also establishes protections for the personal data of those applying for the license.

What is the Green Light Law

The Green Light Law, officially the Driver’s License Access and Privacy Act, went into effect on December 16, 2019, in the state of New York. It allows people 16 years of age or older to apply for a standard noncommercial driver’s license or a learner permit (learner permit), regardless of citizenship or immigration status.

The law does not change the right to vote (only U.S. citizens can register to vote) or create a path to citizenship: it is limited to access to a driver’s license.

What Documents the DMV Requires

The process works with a 6-point system: you must present a combination of documents that, together, prove identity, date of birth, and address in New York. The documents are:

• Valid foreign passport.
• Consular identification or IDNYC (the New York City municipal ID, which serves as proof of identity and address).
• Foreign driver’s license.
• School, tax, or other documents that help complete the required points.

A key point of the law: you do not need a Social Security card to apply for the license. Those who never received a Social Security number (SSN) must sign an affidavit stating that.

How the Process Works Step by Step

For those who have never driven in the state, the general process is:

1. Pass the written knowledge test to obtain the learner permit.
2. Practice driving and take the pre-licensing course.
3. Pass the road test to receive the full license.

The process begins by submitting the original documents at a DMV office. All offices offer assistance in several languages for people with limited English proficiency.

What Data the Law Protects

One of the pillars of the Green Light Law is data privacy. The law limits access by agencies whose main function is immigration law enforcement to DMV information, and requires the agency to notify the holder when an immigration enforcement agency requests their data. Disclosure of that information generally only occurs through a court order.

The situation is linked to the dates established by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for the different benefits and to a change in the schedule toward the end of the year, which will cause some payments to be concentrated on the same day.

To know whether a person will be able to obtain these four deposits, it will be necessary to take into account which benefit they receive and review the dates set by the SSA for the month of December, since the official schedule makes it possible to identify who is included, who is not, and when the payments will be credited.

In which month will there be four Social Security payments?

December 2026 will be the month in which beneficiaries of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) may receive four payments in their accounts. In this sense, the Social Security Administration (SSA) sets different schedules for each program and, in certain cases, payments may be concentrated in the same month when a usual date is moved up because of a weekend or holiday.

Who will receive four payments?

Beneficiaries who receive Social Security and SSI may have four deposits during December because, according to the SSA, those who receive both benefits normally have Social Security paid on the third day of the month and SSI on the first day. In addition, people who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997 receive Social Security on the third day.

In December 2026, those who receive both programs will have an SSI payment on December 1 and a Social Security payment on December 3, but they will also receive two other payments on December 31, one SSI payment corresponding to January 2027 and another Social Security payment that is moved up because the usual payment date falls on a nonworking day.

What are the SSA payment dates?

The official SSA schedule sets the following dates for December 2026:

• December 1: SSI payment.
• December 3: Social Security payment for those who receive both benefits and for those who began receiving Social Security before May 1997.
• December 9: Social Security for beneficiaries whose birth date is between the 1st and the 10th of the month.
• December 16: Social Security for beneficiaries whose birth date is between the 11th and the 20th.
• December 23: Social Security for beneficiaries whose birth date is between the 21st and the 31st.
• December 31: SSI payment corresponding to January 2027 and advanced Social Security payment.

Why will there be two Social Security payments on the same day?

On December 31, 2026, two payments corresponding to the following month will be concentrated. On the one hand, the SSA will send the SSI corresponding to January 2027, which would normally have to be paid on January 1, but since that date will fall on a federal holiday, Friday, for New Year’s Day, the agency will move the deposit up to the last previous business day, that is, to Thursday, December 31.

The SSA establishes that SSI payments are made on the first day of the corresponding month, except when that date falls on a weekend or holiday.

Likewise, on December 31, a Social Security payment will also be sent that, according to the usual schedule, would be set for Sunday, January 3, 2027. However, that date falls on a weekend, which is why the SSA moves the payment up to the previous business day.

This does not always mean that you have to replace the phone or use the famous trick of “factory reset” to make it work like new. Operating system manufacturers such as HONOR and Apple recommend some measures to improve performance and regain speed.

What are the reasons why a phone starts working more slowly?

Apps freeze, the screen locks up, and the simplest tasks, such as using the keyboard to type a message, become very tedious. This has different reasons depending on the operating system.

On Android, factors such as:

• Full storage.
• Too many apps running in the background.
• Outdated software.
• Wear and tear on components.

On iOS, other factors may interfere, such as:

• Battery deterioration.
• Extreme temperatures.
• Internet connection problems.

What do Android manufacturers recommend?

HONOR, an innovative Android manufacturer, recommends a series of measures to improve performance without having to factory reset it:

1. Restart the phone: this allows active processes to be closed and system resources to be freed up.
2. Update Android: installing new available versions makes it possible to correct errors, improve security, and optimize compatibility with apps.
3. Free up storage space: deleting unnecessary files, photos, and apps can help recover some space.
4. Clear app cache: some tend to accumulate a lot, although these are generated again after a while.
5. Uninstall or disable apps that are not used: this helps reduce unnecessary consumption of resources.
6. Reduce system animations: this can make transitions feel faster.

Likewise, they also suggest limiting certain background processes through developer options, but this must be done with caution since it may affect the operation of some apps.

What do iOS manufacturers recommend?

The main iOS manufacturer, Apple, released an official guide with recommendations to improve performance when the iPhone -or even the iPad- begins to show performance issues.

The main measures proposed are:

• Check the internet connection: a slow or congested network can cause delays in apps that need connectivity.
• Close only unresponsive apps: constantly closing apps can have the opposite effect because their data has to be loaded again.
• Keep free space: keep at least 1 GB of available storage to avoid performance issues.
• Delete or offload apps: from Settings, General, and iPhone Storage you can free up space. The option to offload an app allows you to keep its documents and data.
• Check Low Power Mode: when this function is enabled, certain device activities are reduced to save battery, so some tasks run more slowly.
• Avoid extreme temperatures: both excessive heat and cold can affect performance.
• Check battery health: these components lose capacity and performance with use, so they eventually need replacing.

When is it time to change your phone?

In the case of Android, manufacturers such as HONOR recommend that if the device continues to run slowly after trying to optimize its performance, a device replacement could be considered. This can happen when the phone’s components no longer have enough capacity to run the latest apps and operating systems.

In the case of iOS, Apple recommends checking the battery health first, since its deterioration can affect performance. Replacing the battery or requesting a technical inspection may be an alternative to buying another device.

In general terms, replacing the phone can be considered when performance problems persist, the device no longer adequately responds to the user’s needs, or its technical limitations make regular use difficult.

It is Isaias, which continues strengthening as it moves through the Gulf. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC), the system has sustained winds of 80 miles per hour and could make landfall between Friday, October 9, and Saturday, October 10.

Hurricane Isaias: Which states are under alert?

The hurricane mainly threatens the coastal areas of Mississippi, Alabama, and northwestern Florida, although its effects could also reach parts of Louisiana.

The National Hurricane Center maintains hurricane, tropical storm, and storm surge warnings at different points along the Gulf coast.

Among the main risks are the following:

• Heavy rains: Could cause flooding in streets, homes, and areas near rivers.
• Strong winds: Could cause property damage and power outages.
• Storm surges: Rising sea levels could flood coastal areas.
• Isolated tornadoes: Could occur in some areas of the southeastern United States.

The authorities warn that conditions may worsen during Friday and the weekend, especially in the areas closest to the hurricane’s path.

When will Hurricane Isaias make landfall?

According to the official forecast, Isaias could make landfall between the night of Friday, October 9, and the early hours of Saturday, October 10.

The system continues intensifying and is expected to remain quite strong as it approaches the U.S. coast.

In addition, the NHC forecasts rainfall accumulations of 3 to 7 inches, with amounts that could reach up to 10 inches in specific areas of the central Gulf of Mexico coast.

These rains could cause flash flooding, urban flooding, and isolated river rises.

What recommendations should residents of affected areas follow?

As the hurricane approaches, the National Hurricane Center asked people living in areas under warning to complete preparations to protect their homes and remain attentive to local authorities’ instructions.

It also recommended following updates from the National Weather Service, as Isaias’s path and intensity could change over the next few hours.

The Arkansas Education Freedom Account (EFA) is a state-funded program that helps families pay for eligible K-12 education expenses, including private school tuition, homeschooling, and other educational services.

Arkansas Department of Education improved the school choice payments system

The EFA program was established for families who retire their child from public schools and look for other educational alternatives, such as private schools or homeschooling.

It provides families with up to $7,208 annually per student who is eligible. Arkansas uses taxpayer funds to pay for this tuition or expenses, and every recipient receives their payment through the Florida-based vendor ClassWallet platform.

The EFA allows families to choose from different educational options:

• Private schools: Students can enroll in a participating private school, and EFA funds can be used to cover tuition and certain eligible expenses.
• Homeschooling: Families can educate their children at home and use the funds for curriculum, instructional materials, and other eligible expenses.
• Microschools and learning pods: These offer smaller and more flexible educational settings.
• Online schools: Families can also use EFA funds for eligible virtual education providers.
• Tutoring and other services: Students can use part of the funds for tutoring, educational therapies, instructional materials, technology, and other approved expenses.

Who is eligible for Arkansas’ $7,208 school choice payments?

Students must be Arkansas residents and eligible to enroll in grades K-12 in an Arkansas public school. A parent or legal guardian must also be an Arkansas resident.

For the 2026-27 school year, the program has universal eligibility, so families do not have to meet income requirements or prove that their child previously attended a public school. Families must apply and be approved to receive the funds.

How long can students receive Arkansas EFA funds?

Students can remain eligible for the Education Freedom Account until they graduate from high school, enroll full-time in a public school, are expelled from a participating school, or reach the program’s age limit. Students can continue through the school year in which they turn 21, but cannot remain enrolled after June 30 following their 21st birthday.

Families must renew their EFA participation each year. Eligibility can also end if the account remains inactive for a full school year, the student moves out of Arkansas, or the family fails to follow program rules.

This is a recommendation from the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), which shared different easy-to-implement mixtures, ideal for those who have young children and want to reduce their use of conventional cleaning products to limit the risks of poisoning and exposure.

An article published on April 2 of this year by the American Academy of Pediatrics analyzed injuries related to cleaning products treated by emergency departments in the U.S. between 2007 and 2022 and estimated that 240,862 children 5 years old or younger were treated for injuries related to household products.

Mix cornstarch, white vinegar and warm water: what it is recommended for

Specifically in the kitchen, CHOP explains that mixing cornstarch, white vinegar and warm water can be effective for cleaning glass panes and windows.

The recommendation is to choose a large container and mix:

• 3 tablespoons of cornstarch
• 1 cup of white vinegar
• 3.78 liters of warm water

This preparation is placed inside a spray bottle and should be sprayed onto glass and window surfaces as needed for cleaning.

“Consider using non-toxic alternatives that you can make yourself; they can be as effective as commercial products and much less dangerous in the event of accidental ingestion,” the experts indicate.

This preparation is placed inside a spray bottle and should be sprayed onto glass and window surfaces as needed for cleaning.

“Consider using non-toxic alternatives that you can make yourself; they can be as effective as commercial products and much less dangerous in the event of accidental ingestion,” the experts indicate.

Other homemade mixtures that can replace common cleaning products

In line with the previous advice, CHOP also includes in its recommendations:

• Water and a thin layer of baking soda: for cleaning the oven
• 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of baking soda: for cleaning the drain
• 4 tablespoons of baking soda dissolved in 3.78 liters of warm water: as an all-purpose cleaner

In addition, baking soda can be used as a safe alternative for cleaning the toilet, if it is combined with vinegar and then the usual scrubbing procedure is carried out. It is also useful for cleaning bathtubs and tiles.

As it is a federal holiday, there will be no mail service or service at public offices or at most banks, although much of retail and the financial markets will continue to operate.

What services will be affected during the federal holiday?

Because it is a federal holiday, the following do not operate that day:

• Federal government offices and federal courts.
• The mail (USPS): there is no regular mail delivery or service at branches.
• Most banks: as the Federal Reserve observes the holiday, many banks and credit unions close their branches. Online banking and ATMs remain available.
• The bond market, which remains closed.
• Many state and local offices, including several DMV offices, although this depends on each state.

What remains open during the holiday

Daily life, on the other hand, largely continues as normal:

• The Stock Exchange (NYSE and Nasdaq) operates normally that day.
• Stores, supermarkets, and restaurants usually open during their regular hours.
• The UPS and FedEx parcel companies maintain their services.
• Schools vary by district: some suspend classes and others do not.

Since hours may change depending on the area, it is advisable to confirm before going to a store or an office in person.

The extension service of the University of Georgia lists, along these lines, different mixtures that can be prepared quickly and easily to remove sweat stains with materials that are often found at home. One of them consists of mixing salt with warm water.

3 tablespoons of salt in 1 liter of warm water: what this mixture is for and why to do it at night

First, the university’s advice for washing clothes and removing sweat odor is to soak the garments in warm water and sodium perborate bleach for 15 to 30 minutes, then wash using the hottest water the fabric can withstand and bleach.

If the sweat odor persists even after washing, dissolving 3 or 4 tablespoons of salt per quart —a U.S. unit that is approximately equivalent to 1 liter— of warm water may be the solution. The institution recommends preparing this mixture at night to make use of the time and leave the smelly garments to soak, which then must be rinsed well in the morning.

Another trick, if the bad odor persists, is to place liquid detergent on the affected area before washing and let it sit.

Important information to consider when washing clothes

The publication also warns about the importance of:

• Always read the garment labels before applying home methods to remove stains.
• Taking great care when combining cleaning products.
• Testing cleaning agents on an inconspicuous area of the garment to determine its resistance.
• Store products according to their recommended instructions.
• Ventilate rooms when using cleaning products.

Other tips for caring for textiles from stains

For its part, the American Cleaning Institute also recommends treating stains immediately and checking after each wash whether any remain, so they can be pretreated quickly and the garment wetted again. Drying can set them permanently.

In addition, it indicates that they should be dabbed with a sponge, never rubbed, since this can spread them and damage the fabric.

In that sense, there are broadly two types of strategies depending on each taxpayer’s particular situation: short-term plans or long-term plans, each with its own requirements.

What are Short-term payment plans?

This alternative is intended for those who cannot pay their debt at the moment but believe they will do so within the next 180 days. Requesting it is free, although the interest and penalties on the obligation will continue to accrue until it is fully paid.

This plan can be requested from the online account or by contacting the tax agency at the number shown on the official debt notice.

How do long-term payment plans work

This option is offered to those who need several months to be able to pay their debt, and the IRS evaluates which type of plan is appropriate according to each situation.

“The IRS charges an initial fee when you set up a payment plan; however, if you are a low-income taxpayer, this initial fee is reduced and may possibly be waived or reimbursed when certain conditions apply,” it states.

They can be requested online, by completing and mailing Form 9465 (SP), or by calling the IRS.

IRS Simple Payment Plan: requirements to qualify

According to what the tax agency reports, “more than 90% of individual taxpayers with an outstanding balance qualify for a Simple Payment Plan”.

The requirements are:

• Not owe more than USD 50,000 in assessed taxes, penalties, and interest
• Be current with the filing of tax returns

Although it is stated that in general taxpayers have up to 10 years to pay their balance, as time passes, interest and penalties increase, so it is advised to pay off the debt as soon as possible.

As for how to pay, the agency recommends setting up monthly automatic payments from a bank account, which have a reduced fee, but there is also the option to schedule and modify payments through the online account or pay through Direct Pay.

IRS guaranteed installment agreement: requirements to qualify

The IRS specifies that this option is offered to those who owe USD 10,000 or less, excluding interest, and who meet the following conditions:

• Have timely filed all tax returns and paid any taxes owed during the last 5 years.
• Not having established an installment payment plan to pay taxes in the last 5 years.
• Agree to pay the full amount within 3 years and comply with tax obligations and laws while the plan remains in effect
• It was not possible to pay the obligation in full by the due date.

IRS partial payment plan: what it is

When more time than established is needed to pay -generally more than 10 years-, the IRS may request financial information to establish a plan that will be reviewed every two years and thus dynamically reassess how much must be paid per month.

Those who want to consult more information about IRS installment payments can do so by clicking here.

The advice is always to seek guidance from the agency to determine that you are requesting the plan that best fits each situation.

In addition, the agency emphasizes the importance of not losing contact when you have a tax debt, since ignoring official notices can lead to collection actions.

A study published in Journal of Food Protection tested different household washing methods and specifically compared solutions of water, 5% vinegar and 13% lemon.

The study used lettuce, broccoli, apples and tomatoes experimentally contaminated with Listeria innocua, a microorganism used as a substitute for Listeria monocytogenes in previous research.

The researchers Agnes Kilonzo-Nthenge, Fur-Chi Chen and Sandria L. Godwin analyzed what happened after soaking the foods for two minutes in different solutions and then rinsing them under running water.

Is it better to wash fruit and vegetables with 5% vinegar, water or 13% lemon?

According to the study results, cold running water is an effective and practical alternative for reducing surface contamination. In particular, the researchers found that soaking the produce for two minutes and then rinsing it could produce a greater bacterial reduction than simply rinsing it.

The research tested a 5% vinegar solution and a 13% lemon solution, but did not find a statistically significant advantage of these alternatives over cold water in the case of lettuce.

The authors’ conclusion was clear: they found no sufficient reasons to consider vinegar or lemon superior to cold tap water for this procedure.

“Reductions in surface contamination of lettuce after soaking it in lemon or vinegar solutions were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from those obtained by soaking it in cold tap water”, the study states.

5% vinegar and 13% lemon for washing fruit and vegetables: how effective are they?

The 5% vinegar and 13% lemon were the other two treatments evaluated by the researchers. Both were applied to lettuce.

Some specimens were submerged for two minutes in a vinegar solution, while others were placed in a lemon solution. Then, all were rinsed for 15 seconds with running water.

Regarding vinegar, the average reduction of Listeria innocua was 1.88 log CFU/g. For comparison, soaking for two minutes in water followed by a rinse produced a reduction of 1.79 log CFU/g, while lemon reached 1.72 log CFU/g.

Although the figures are different, the analysis determined that the differences between the treatments were not significant.

How does the study recommend washing fruits and vegetables?

The method the researchers consider appropriate is washing produce under cold running water and rubbing or brushing it whenever the surface allows it.

In the experiment, simple rinsing for 15 seconds performed worse on lettuce than the procedures that included a pre-soak. In apples and tomatoes, it was also observed that soaking followed by a rinse could improve bacterial reduction.

“Instructing consumers to rub or brush fresh produce under cold running tap water before consuming it”, experts consider appropriate.

The study also found that irregular surfaces can be more difficult to clean. In apples, for example, the stem and blossom-end areas retained greater contamination after washing than other parts of the surface.

How long should fruits and vegetables be left to soak?

The study compared a two-minute soak against one of 30 and concluded that the longer procedure did not produce a significant difference compared with the shorter one. In turn, the authors considered that keeping produce in water for half an hour was not practical for consumers.

In apples, for example, a two-minute soak in water followed by a rinse produced an average reduction of 2.32 log CFU/g.

In tomatoes, the commercial product used in the study had the greatest reduction, with 2.89 log CFU/g. Soaking in water followed by a rinse reached 2.53 log CFU/g.

In broccoli, by contrast, the differences between the different treatments were much smaller and were not statistically significant.

Pennsylvania is one of the few states that still charge an inheritance tax, and it offers a way to pay less: according to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue, estates that pay within three months of the death receive a 5% discount.

Who pays the inheritance tax in Pennsylvania, and how much

Pennsylvania’s inheritance tax rates depend on the heir’s relationship to the deceased:

• 0% for a surviving spouse or for a parent inheriting from a child aged 21 or younger.
• 4,5% for children, grandchildren, and other direct descendants.
• 12% for siblings.
• 15% for other heirs, except charities and other exempt institutions.

Some assets are exempt, including property owned jointly by spouses and certain farmland transferred to eligible relatives. Experts recommend consulting an attorney or the local Register of Wills before making payments.

How does the 5% discount work, and when does it apply?

The discount is a reduction on the inheritance tax itself. In practice, if the estate pays the tax early, it pays 5% less on that payment.

For example, if the inheritance tax owed is $20,000 and the estate pays it in full within the deadline, it only has to pay $19,000. The $1,000 difference is the discount.

The payment must meet these requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue:

• Must be made within three calendar months of the date of death. After that, the full tax applies.
• Discount only covers the amount actually paid in that period. If the estate pays only part of the tax within three months, the 5% applies only to that part.
• Cannot include money that is later refunded. If the estate pays more than it owes and gets a refund, that extra amount does not count toward the discount.
• Payment must go to the County Register of Wills in the county where the deceased person lived.

Attorneys in the state note that many executors make an estimated payment within the first three months to secure the discount and then adjust the final amount.

How to pay the inheritance tax in Pennsylvania

The inheritance tax needs to be paid at the moment of death and becomes delinquent nine months later. After that date, unpaid tax begins to accrue interest.

The executor, or the administrator if there is no will, is responsible for filing the inheritance tax return, Form REV-1500, and paying the tax with estate assets within the nine-month deadline. Estates that cannot pay the full amount can contact the Department of Revenue to ask about payment plans.

There are a lot of ways to clean a house correctly, but the National Institutes of Health (NIH) shared a list of steps you can adopt in your routine to prevent getting allergies from your carpets.

These techniques can also be applied in your office and other places whose floors are covered by carpets.

According to NIH, this is why you must remove dust from carpets to prevent allergies

Allergic rhinitis is more common than we like to think, and sometimes it comes from indoor exposure. But you do not have to worry if you have applied the perfect cleaning routine in your house. Carpets are one of the main causes of indoor rhinitis; therefore, it is really important to learn how to clean this accessory.

According to the NIH, vacuuming carpets and other home furnishings daily can reduce levels of dust and allergens. Similarly, a clinical trial in South Korea found that daily vacuuming reduced dust levels and eased allergic rhinitis symptoms in 40 children ages 6 to 12 with mild persistent allergies specifically linked to house dust mites.

How to reduce dust mite allergens at home, according to medical experts

• Vacuum carpets, mattresses, and furniture regularly: Frequent vacuuming can help reduce house dust mite allergen levels over time.
• Consider removing carpets or upholstered furniture coverings: These materials can act as reservoirs for dust mite allergens, although the review does not recommend removal as a primary strategy because the evidence of clinical benefit is limited.
• Keep indoor humidity under control: Reducing humidity can help limit the conditions that allow dust mites to thrive.
• Use protective covers for mattresses and pillows: These covers can help reduce exposure to dust mite allergens.

Other ways to reduce dust and allergens at home

The NIH review also highlights several measures that can help limit exposure to dust mite allergens beyond regular carpet cleaning. Keeping indoor humidity under control, using protective covers on mattresses and pillows, and regularly cleaning other surfaces such as furniture can help reduce allergen levels.

Removing carpets or upholstered furniture coverings may also reduce exposure in some cases. However, the review notes that the evidence for clinical benefits is limited, so these measures are not generally recommended as the primary approach to controlling dust mite allergens.

The White House announced the Medicare payment Oct. 2. Trump revived the $5,000 promise a day later in a video on Truth Social, his social media platform. The $500 refunds, announced Sept. 10, started going out Sept. 30.

If Republicans win the House of Representatives and the Senate in the 2026 Midterm Elections, I’m going to give all adult citizens in the United States of America, $5,000! Thank you for your attention to this matter, and I look forward to signing those checks! https://t.co/YOkESiUBrc

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 3, 2026

Here’s how the three payments compare.

Who gets the $90 Medicare payment from Donald Trump?

The payment is limited to about 20.8 million people in Original Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits and outpatient care, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Recipients must live in the U.S.

Three groups are left out. The first is people in Medicare Advantage, the private-plan alternative to Original Medicare. The second is people whose premiums are paid by Medicaid. The third is higher-income enrollees who pay an extra surcharge on their premium.

Most recipients get the $90 by direct deposit from Social Security on or around Oct. 8, and others will get a Treasury check later in October. To check eligibility, call 1-800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227). For payment status, call Social Security at 800-772-1213 starting Oct. 15.

The money comes from the Medicare Improvement Fund, a $2 billion reserve Congress set up in 2008. The administration says it’s the first time the fund has been used to pay enrollees directly.

Who gets the $500 Obamacare refund?

The refund goes to about 950,000 people who paid full price for 2026 coverage on HealthCare.gov, the federal marketplace created under the Affordable Care Act. They didn’t receive premium tax credits, the subsidies that lower monthly costs for most marketplace customers.

The refund arrives as a paper check mailed to the recipient’s home address, and there’s nothing to apply for.

The White House calls it the Working Families Obamacare Refund. It says the recipients were overcharged under the Biden administration.

Will Donald Trump’s $5,000 checks actually go out?

Only if two things happen. Republicans would need to keep both the House and the Senate. Then Congress would have to approve the payments, because it controls federal spending.

Trump has said the plan would cost around $1 trillion and would be paid for with tariff revenue and economic growth. The Supreme Court struck down his reciprocal tariffs in February.

Lawmakers from both parties have pushed back. Rep. David Schweikert, R-Ariz., warned the payments could push interest rates up. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., called the plan a “political bribe.”

There is no application or payment date for the $5,000 checks. Earlier pledges never produced checks either, including a $5,000 “DOGE dividend” in 2025 and a $2,000 tariff payment.

The first instinct is to leave it plugged in all night, but that maneuver almost never solves the problem. In this sense, it is worth understanding what happens inside a notebook battery when it fails.

This problem can have three sources: a poor power supply, faulty hardware or a malfunctioning monitor. The first thing is to rule out the power supply.

Why charging it all night doesn’t work

The answer is simple: lithium does not allow overcharging or trickle charging. This means that, when the battery is full, the charger cuts off the current.

In other words, a full charge, in most laptops, takes between 2 and 3 hours. In conclusion, leaving it plugged in all night does not add a solution.

How to diagnose it correctly step by step

• Remove the laptop battery.
• Connect the device to a working power outlet.
• Confirm that the outlet works by plugging in another device.
• Try turning on the laptop using only the charger.

If it turns on, “the problem is not the power supply, but the battery,” according to HP. In this case, the laptop can be used only with alternating current, that is, it will always have to be used plugged in and the final solution is to buy a new battery.

If it is an internal battery that cannot be removed, it is advisable to take it to a technical service center.

If, on the other hand, the battery is not the cause, other points should be checked:

• CMOS battery: this is a battery different from the main one, whose function is to store the motherboard settings. It usually fails in old equipment that spends a lot of time turned off. It can be replaced with another one.
• Screen: if the power button lights up and the fan can be heard, but the screen does not show an image, the screen inverter is faulty and must be replaced.
• External devices: disconnect USB devices, drives or DVDs, because the BIOS may try to boot from them and the notebook freezes.

In conclusion, HP suggests checking these points in order: first the power supply, then the battery and only then the rest of the components. With these tests, the user can know the origin of the notebook fault and make a decision accordingly.

As of the NHC’s 4 a.m. CDT advisory, Isaias had maximum sustained winds of 80 mph and was located about 420 miles south-southwest of the mouth of the Mississippi River, moving east-northeast at 9 mph.

When could Isaias make landfall

Isaias is expected to turn northeast on Thursday and north on Friday and to make landfall along the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday. Additional strengthening is forecast through early Friday, and the NHC expects it to remain a strong hurricane as it approaches the coast, close to major hurricane intensity.

The areas under warning and watch are:

• Hurricane Warning: Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to the Bay/Gulf County line, Florida.
• Tropical Storm Warning: Jefferson/Plaquemines Parish line, Louisiana, to west of Ocean Springs; and east of the Bay/Gulf County line to the Aucilla River, Florida.
• Storm Surge Warning: Mouth of the Mississippi River to the Steinhatchee River, Florida.
• Storm Surge Watch: Steinhatchee River to Yankeetown, Florida.

A warning means dangerous conditions are expected, not just possible. Hurricane conditions are expected in the warning area Friday night into early Saturday, with tropical storm conditions starting Friday.

How much rain is expected to fall on Friday and into the weekend

From Friday through the weekend, Isaias is forecast to bring 3 to 7 inches of rain, with localized totals up to 10 inches, from far southeastern Louisiana to the Florida Panhandle.

Across much of the Southeast, as far north as the Tennessee Valley and the Carolinas, 1 to 3 inches are possible, with localized amounts up to 5 inches. Flash and urban flooding, along with isolated river flooding is possible.

The NHC warns of a life-threatening storm surge that could reach 5 to 7 feet above ground from Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to Indian Pass, Florida, and in Mobile Bay, and 4 to 6 feet from Indian Pass to the Steinhatchee River. Residents should promptly follow evacuation orders from local officials.

The process can be done online or through a paper application sent by postal mail, and the cost depends on the filing method and the reason for replacement.

USCIS states that permanent residents must carry a valid and current card or equivalent documentation. Therefore, if the Green Card is about to expire, was lost, stolen, damaged, or contains information that needs to be corrected, it is important to review which procedure applies before submitting the application.

How do you replace a green card in the United States?

To renew or replace the Permanent Resident Card, the Form I-90 must be used when it applies to the resident’s situation. USCIS allows the application to be filed by postal mail or online.

If you choose the online process, you must create a USCIS account. From there, you can pay the fee, check the status of the case, receive notifications, review estimated completion dates, respond to requests for evidence, and update contact information.

It should be noted that the Form I-90 cannot be filed online if a fee waiver is requested. It is also important to know that a signature is a basic requirement to prevent the application from being rejected. USCIS states explicitly: “Do not forget to sign your form. We will reject any form that is not signed”.

For those who choose the paper form, USCIS warns that all pages must correspond to the same edition and that the edition date and page numbers must be visible.

How much does it cost to replace the green card?

The cost of Form I-90 depends on the filing category. According to USCIS, the standard filing costs USD465 with the paper form and USD415 if filed online.

However, there are situations in which the fee is $0, including certain cases in which USCIS issued the card with incorrect information due to an error by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), or when the agency issued the card but it was never received and was returned to USCIS because it could not be delivered.

However, before filing the I-90, it is advisable to verify the fee that applies to the applicant’s specific case in USCIS’s official fee tool.

When should the Permanent Resident Card be replaced?

One of the most common situations is when the Green Card has a validity of 10 years and has already expired or will do so within the next six months. In such a case, USCIS requires filing Form I-90.

There are also other reasons to request a new card, among which the following stand out:

• The Green Card was lost.
• The card was stolen.
• The card was destroyed or damaged.
• The resident needs to correct information.
• There was a legal name change.
• The resident turned 14 and their card must be replaced.

What documents are needed to replace the Green Card?

The documents depend on the reason for which the replacement is requested. For example, if the card was lost, stolen, or destroyed, USCIS requires a copy of the Green Card or a government-issued identification that includes name, date of birth, photograph, and signature.

When there is a legal name change or an incorrect detail that was not caused by the Department of Homeland Security, legal documents proving the new or correct name, or a copy of the residence card, may be required.

In any case, USCIS states that original documents should not be sent unless expressly requested. And if the document is in a foreign language, it must be accompanied by a complete English translation and the translator’s certification.

The Tremont Avenue Busway began operating on September 19. In this regard, the corridor was designed to increase speed and service reliability, as well as to incorporate changes aimed at improving the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

The project mainly benefits users of the Bx36 line, used by 39,000 passengers per day, according to New York City DOT (NYC DOT).

Where is New York’s new exclusive bus corridor?

Tremont Avenue Busway is located in the Bronx, on Tremont Avenue. The stretch is approximately half a mile long and operates in both directions, although speed limits vary depending on the direction.

In the eastbound direction, the corridor extends from Third Avenue to Southern Boulevard; in the westbound direction, it runs from Southern Boulevard to Belmont Avenue.

It is worth noting that the intervention is not limited to reserving space for buses since the project also included safety improvements at eight intersections, including Tremont Avenue with Webster Avenue, Third Avenue, and Southern Boulevard, with sidewalk extensions that reduce the distance pedestrians must walk when crossing.

Which bus line uses the corridor?

The line benefited by the corridor is the Bx36, a Bronx bus route that connects passengers with different options for city public transportation. According to NYC DOT, around 39,000 passengers use this bus line daily, and this busway seeks to reduce delays caused by traffic so that travel times are more predictable.

Likewise, this infrastructure seeks to improve connections with other transportation alternatives since Tremont Avenue allows passengers to access various subway lines and the Metro-North Railroad, in addition to connecting with other local bus routes.

What are the hours of the exclusive corridor?

The Tremont Avenue Busway operates every day from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm for buses, trucks with six or more wheels, emergency vehicles, Access-A-Ride vehicles, and bicycles.

Private vehicles, taxis, and other passenger vehicles may enter to access a property, business, or parking lot, or to pick up and drop off passengers, although they must exit at the next available right turn, according to NYC DOT guidelines.

On the other hand, parking is permitted in the corridor as long as the corresponding parking signs are observed. Compliance with the rules is monitored by NYPD traffic agents and automated cameras. Any citizen who commits an offense could receive fines of between US$50 and US$250.

As for the 8:00 pm to 6:00 am schedule, NYC DOT explained that any vehicle may travel through the corridor since, for now, the busway-specific restrictions are not applied during those hours, unless another sign indicates otherwise.

The closures are part of the company’s policy for these dates and are intended to let employees spend time with their family and friends.

What days will Olive Garden close in 2026?

According to Olive Garden’s official information , its restaurants will remain closed on these two dates:

• Thursday, November 26: Thanksgiving Day.
• Friday, December 25: Christmas.

In this way, those planning to visit any of the chain’s restaurants during the holidays should keep these two closures in mind.

Olive Garden clarifies that hours during the holidays may vary in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Guam and its international locations, so in these cases it is advisable to check directly with the restaurant.

What will happen the day before Thanksgiving and Christmas?

Restaurants may close earlier both the day before Thanksgiving and on Christmas Eve, although this does not necessarily happen at all locations.

According to Olive Garden, the decision depends on the number of customers each restaurant has and is left to its management team.

For this reason, the company recommends contacting the restaurant directly to find out the expected closing time for Wednesday, November 25 and Thursday, December 24.

Outside of these dates, opening hours may vary by location, so customers can check in advance the relevant information for the restaurant they plan to visit.

The CP12 Notice is among these communications, and the Taxpayer Advocate Service -run by the tax agency- explains what it means and how to act if you receive it.

IRS CP12 Notice: what it means to receive it

According to the official information, this notice is issued when taxpayers filed a tax return with errors that affect the amount of the expected refund.

When this notification is received, the taxpayer may receive a refund different from the one initially estimated or have a refund due when they believed they owed taxes or were not entitled to receive anything.

What should I do if I receive an IRS CP12 Notice?

The instruction in these cases is to compare the notice received with the information provided to the IRS in the tax return and, if you agree, no further action will be required.

On the other hand, if the taxpayer believes the IRS made a mistake, they should contact the agency at the phone number listed in the upper right corner of the notice or reply by mail to the address indicated in the communication.

Those who choose to get in touch must do so within 60 days and are advised to include as much documentation as possible to support their case. After this time, the changes made by the agency cannot be reversed.

Important information for those who receive the IRS CP12 Notice

If you receive this notice, the agency refund should be received within four to six weeks, unless there are other taxes or debts pending.

The agency also indicates that if you want to correct the copy of the return to keep your records in order, the document should not be sent to the agency.

The order, published by the White House, says farmers and truckers have been hit especially hard. It directs the Treasury secretary to postpone certain diesel tax payments and waive related penalties where the law allows.

None of the relief is automatic. The Treasury Department has until Saturday to decide whether it has the legal authority to act, and it still has to issue guidance on who qualifies and when the postponed taxes come due.

Will gas prices go down under Donald Trump’s diesel tax order?

Not directly. The order applies only to diesel fuel, so the federal gas tax and the price of regular gasoline are outside its scope.

Diesel prices aren’t guaranteed to fall either. The order says nothing about prices at the pump, and whether fuel sellers pass any savings on to customers is up to the market.

The order also can’t change state fuel taxes. It tells the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs to encourage states to adopt matching relief, but each state makes its own decision.

What does Donald Trump’s diesel tax order actually do?

If Treasury confirms its authority, certain federal diesel excise taxes incurred from Oct. 5 through Dec. 31 could be deferred without penalties or interest. That would leave more cash in the hands of businesses that owe the tax for the rest of the year.

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) would also announce that it won’t penalize the use of dyed diesel on highways during the same period. Dyed diesel is normally reserved for farm and other off-road use, and running it on public roads usually brings fines.

The tax is delayed, not canceled. Deferred amounts will still be owed by a date Treasury must set, and the order only directs the agency to explore forgiving them, including through legislation that would need Congress.

The Agriculture Department is tasked with getting enough dyed diesel to high-demand farm areas. Meanwhile, federal highway safety audits and inspections continue under the order.

Flight FZ1073 had left Dubai on Sept. 30 when the co-pilot turned the cockpit’s emergency axe on the captain. Passengers tackled him, and an off-duty crew on board took over. They landed the Boeing 737 MAX and its more than 180 passengers in Saudi Arabia.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the people who stopped the attack averted “a 9/11 disaster.” He also said the co-pilot had been radicalized through Islamist indoctrination.

Flydubai later sent another aircraft to take the passengers to Israel. UAE Attorney General Hamad al-Shamsi has described the incident as an attempted “terrorist act.” He said Oct. 3 that results of the investigation will be made public once it concludes.

What did the Flydubai co-pilot plan to do in Tel Aviv?

The plan relied on the flight looking routine, according to sources cited by Israeli media. Once the captain, Smit Machchhar, was out of the way, the co-pilot would stay on course and be cleared to land at Ben Gurion as usual.

Neither Emirati nor Israeli authorities have commented on these accounts.

Several reports have identified the suspect as Hamam al-Hammami, an Omani citizen who reportedly studied in Australia from 2015 to 2017. Australia has opened its own inquiry into those ties.

UAE investigators were still interrogating him over the weekend and keeping Israeli officials briefed.

How was the Flydubai co-pilot cleared to fly to Tel Aviv?

Israel has opened a security review over the case. Netanyahu has ordered the head of the country’s National Security Council to examine how flights by foreign airlines into Israel are screened.

The case has also exposed a dispute over who should have vetted the crew. Transport Minister Miri Regev said her ministry never received the passenger and crew lists. She said foreign airlines are the responsibility of the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security service, and the Mossad, its foreign intelligence agency.

The Shin Bet says that job belongs to Regev’s ministry. Regional officials told The Associated Press that the UAE sent Israel the lists before takeoff. Israeli rules also bar pilots from countries with no formal diplomatic ties to Israel, such as Oman, from flying there at all.

There were earlier warning signs, according to regional officials. Oman Air had pulled him from the cockpit and given him office work after flagging his extremist views. Flydubai’s routine background checks, which the officials said don’t look for radicalization, did not catch it.

The rally added $65 billion to Musk’s net worth, according to the Bloomberg Billionaires Index. SpaceX rose another 0.49% Tuesday to $171.92, its highest close since mid-June and about 27% above its $135 initial public offering price.

Why does Morgan Stanley think SpaceX stock could climb another 75%?

Analyst Adam Jonas reaffirmed his $300 price target, the level he expects the stock to reach, in a note to clients Sunday. He pointed to upcoming AI product releases, Starship progress and new deals to rent out AI computing capacity.

“Adjusted for growth, SpaceX is one of the cheaper ways to play the strong optionality of the Space and Intelligence Economy,” Jonas wrote.

On Oct. 1, a Falcon 9 rocket also carried four astronauts to the International Space Station in 7 hours and 55 minutes. That was the fastest trip there by a U.S. spacecraft.

What makes up Elon Musk’s trillion-dollar net worth?

Almost all of it is stock. Musk’s stakes in SpaceX and Tesla account for more than 98% of his fortune, according to Bloomberg, so his net worth rises and falls with both share prices.

SpaceX is the bigger piece. Musk owns about 4.76 billion SpaceX shares, including 1.3 billion shares of unvested restricted stock, which he can’t sell until they vest.

The SpaceX listing capped a steep climb. Musk was worth about $28 billion in January 2020, when he ranked as the world’s 35th richest person, according to Bloomberg. By the company’s June 12 debut, his fortune had reached $1.11 trillion.

That concentration also explains the swings. Musk’s fortune peaked at $1.32 trillion June 16, according to Bloomberg, then fell below $1 trillion a week later. By Aug. 1, it had dropped to $684 billion as SpaceX shares lost more than half their value.