According to the weather forecast from AccuWeather for Friday, Oct. 30, the chance of rain will reach 93% during the day and rise to 96% at night. Conditions will be marked by humidity, cloud cover and winds from the east.

When Rain Will Fall in Miami on Nov. 1

According to AccuWeather, Sunday will be “mostly cloudy; there will be some showers and thunderstorms, breezy, humid”. The forecast calls for rain in both the morning and afternoon, among other conditions:

• Morning: temperature of 28 C, 65% chance of rain and estimated totals of 5.0 mm.
• Afternoon: temperature of 27 C, 79% chance of precipitation and forecast rain of 8.3 mm.
• Night: low of 24 C, 96% chance of rain and estimated totals of 18.9 mm. This will be one of the periods requiring the most attention, since the chance of thunderstorms will reach 58%, while during the day it will stand at 54%.

How Much Rain Will Fall in Miami and How Strong Will the Winds Be?

The report forecasts 13.4 millimeters of rain during the day and another 18.9 millimeters Sunday night.

As for the wind, sustained speeds of 24 km/h from the east are expected, with gusts of up to 54 km/h during the day and 48 km/h at night.

The high will be 28 C, with a feels-like temperature of up to 31 C, while humidity could reach 82% in the afternoon.

In addition, AccuWeather keeps a “rip current statement” for Sunday in its report, a warning that is important for swimmers and visitors to coastal areas. The statement is in effect from 2:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

According to Arm & Hammer, adding baking soda with detergent helps strengthen its cleaning power during the wash. The brand says the ingredient can be especially useful for items that hold odors, such as athletic wear or work clothes.

What is baking soda used for in the washing machine?

Baking soda can be used as a supplement to regular detergent. One of its main benefits is that it helps neutralize odors by balancing pH levels during the wash.

The company also says this ingredient helps soften water, which can improve the effectiveness of cleaning products.

That can make it useful for washing clothes that hold sweat odors or need to regain freshness after several wears.

However, baking soda does not replace detergent; it is added as a supplement during the wash cycle.

How much baking soda should you put in the washing machine?

Arm & Hammer recommends using half a cup of baking soda during the wash and, for extra freshness, adding another half cup during the rinse cycle.

The brand recommends the following steps:

1. Put the clothes in the washing machine.
2. Add half a cup of baking soda.
3. Add your regular detergent.
4. Start the wash cycle.
5. Add another half cup of baking soda during the rinse cycle.

The recommendation calls for using baking soda with detergent, without replacing your usual laundry products.

What kind of clothes can benefit from baking soda?

This method can be useful for clothes that tend to pick up odors after everyday use, especially athletic wear, work clothes and items exposed to sweat.

The goal is to complement cleaning and help clothes retain a fresh feel after washing.

Before using it, it is a good idea to check garment care labels and the washing machine manufacturer’s instructions, especially when it comes to delicate fabrics or machines with specific requirements.

That is according to the IA Family Handbook from the U.S. Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery, which recommends it for these situations as part of the instructions for people whose vehicle breaks down while driving.

Because the vehicle must stop because of an emergency, placing a white cloth or shirt of that color outside allows others to see that the vehicle is stopped.

Tying a White Cloth to a Car Door Handle: Other Measures Recommended for Drivers in an Emergency

If your vehicle breaks down or you face any other dangerous situation involving the vehicle, you are advised to raise the hood and at the same time tie a white cloth to one of the door handles to clearly signal it. In addition, it is important to:

• Move the vehicle out of traffic and park in a safe place away from the road
• Stay inside the vehicle and make sure all passengers do the same
• Lock the doors
• If you cannot move the vehicle out of the middle of the street, all passengers should get out as soon as it is safe to do so and move away from traffic
• If you do not have communication, you are advised to lower the window enough to ask for help

Another way to signal that the vehicle is parked is to use reflective triangles, which should be placed far enough away for other drivers to have time to react.

Recommendations for Driving Safely on the Road

To minimize driving problems as much as possible, you are advised to:

• Always keep the doors locked, seat belts fastened and children in their appropriate safety seats
• Make sure the fuel tank is always at least one-third full
• Drive on main roads and highways with maps
• Carry a flashlight, a blanket and a first-aid kit
• If you are taking a long trip, bring an emergency supply kit with water and nonperishable food
• If you stop to rest, do not let children go to the bathroom alone
• Always carry a cell phone in case of any emergency
• Choose a well-lit, busy place where the vehicle can be seen if you choose to travel at night
• Keep the doors closed if someone approaches while the vehicle is parked and lower the window only enough to hear what the person says.

According to Accuweather, a U.S. private weather company, the phenomenon is tied to an atmospheric river that carries large amounts of moisture from the Pacific Ocean into the United States.

Which states will be affected by the heavy storms?

The states expected to see the heaviest rain are Arizona, Utah, New Mexico and Colorado, where intense rainfall could trigger flash floods, landslides and rising rivers.

The areas under threat are:

• Arizona: Phoenix, Tucson and Flagstaff.
• Utah: Cedar City and Moab.
• Colorado: Durango and Grand Junction.
• New Mexico: mainly parts of the northern part of the state.
• California: Los Angeles and San Diego would see lighter rain, while the Sierra Nevada could get snow.

Across much of the Southwest, rainfall totals of 25 to 100 millimeters are expected, with localized maximums near 278 millimeters in mountain areas.

How long will the storms last and when will they be strongest?

The weather is expected to worsen on Saturday, Oct. 31, while the highest flood risk will run from Saturday night through Sunday, Nov. 1.

In California, the rain will be concentrated mainly from Saturday afternoon and evening into the early hours of Sunday.

Meanwhile, snow in the mountain areas could continue through Monday, Nov. 2, especially in the Wasatch and Rocky Mountains, where 15 to 30 centimeters of accumulation is expected at the highest elevations.

When will conditions start to improve?

The forecast indicates that the heaviest rain should begin to ease after Sunday, Nov. 1 across much of the Southwest. However, some rain and snow could persist through Monday, Nov. 2.

AccuWeather warns that river flooding and runoff could continue for much of the following week, even after the rain stops. Meanwhile, the system will move into the Great Plains and the Mississippi Valley between Monday, Nov. 2 and Tuesday, Nov. 3, with new storms that could affect eastern Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and southern Missouri.

In Virginia, the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) allows applicants to request a Driver Privilege Card. To get this document, applicants must meet certain residency, identification and tax-filing requirements.

Who can get a driver privilege card in Virginia?

The Virginia DMV allows residents who are not U.S. citizens to apply for a Driver Privilege Card without having to prove legal presence in the United States.

To get this document, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be a Virginia resident and not a U.S. citizen.
• Be at least 16 years and 3 months old.
• Have reported income from Virginia over the past 12 months or been listed as dependents on a tax return filed in the state during that period.
• Have no suspended or revoked driving privilege in Virginia or another state, and have no pending vehicle insurance violations.

This permit serves only as a driver’s license and does not meet REAL ID standards, so it cannot be used to board commercial flights or enter restricted federal facilities.

How do you get a driver privilege card in Virginia?

The process depends on whether the applicant has already had a driver’s license or is applying for the document for the first time.

People who have a license issued in Virginia, another state or a foreign country can apply to exchange it for a driver privilege card as long as they meet the requirements.

By contrast, adults 18 and older who have never had a license must follow these steps, according to rules in effect through Dec. 31, 2026:

• Pass the knowledge exam and obtain a learner’s permit.
• Complete a state-approved driver education program and pass the road test, or keep the learner’s permit for at least 60 days and pass the DMV road test.
• Submit the application and required documents to the DMV.

As of Jan. 1, 2027, some requirements will change, especially for those 20 or younger applying for their first license.

What documents must be submitted to apply for this permit?

According to the Virginia DMV, all applicants must complete the driver privilege card application form and submit:

• Two proofs of identity.
• Two proofs of Virginia residency.
• Proof of a Social Security number (SSN), if one was assigned, or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN).
• Tax-filing documentation that verifies compliance with the tax requirement.

How much does it cost and how often must it be renewed?

The first driver privilege card costs US$50, and each renewal costs the same. As for how long it is valid, the DMV sets the following terms:

• Up to eight years: for most holders.
• Five years: for those 75 and older.
• Up to five years: for certain people subject to state registration requirements.

Renewal can be completed up to one year before expiration. If it expires, the applicant must start the application process again.

It is the Final Notice of Intent to Levy, known as Notice LT11 (or Letter 1058), and its arrival marks the moment the clock starts ticking for real. From there, the taxpayer has a limited time to act before the agency can take the money.

What the LT11 notice is

The LT11 is the formal notice through which the IRS tells taxpayers it intends to levy to collect an unpaid debt, while also informing them of their right to request a hearing. It is not the first letter to arrive: it is usually the final link in a chain of prior notices (such as CP14 and later reminders). That is why it is considered the final warning: after this, the IRS is authorized to move against assets.

The agency sends it by mail to the taxpayer’s last known address and, under its own rules, is not required to confirm that the person received it. It is the taxpayer’s responsibility to respond in time.

How long there is to fix it and when the clock starts

The deadline to act is the date listed in the notice, generally 30 days, but that period starts on the date printed in the letter, not the day you open or read it. If the notice sat in the mailbox for several days, those days already count against you. And there is one detail the IRS emphasizes: that deadline cannot be extended for any reason.

So as soon as the LT11 arrives, the wisest move is to count the days from the date on the letter and not let time slip by, because every day lost reduces the room to maneuver.

IRS levies everyone who failed to respond to this notice in time

If the days pass without a response from the taxpayer, the IRS is authorized to levy bank accounts, wages and other assets without issuing another notice. The taxpayer also loses the right to the CDP hearing that pauses collection.

It is still possible to request an “equivalent hearing” within a year, but that step does not automatically stop the levy and does not allow a later appeal to Tax Court. That is why the most valuable window is the first 30 days.

Item by item: IRS can levy all of these assets

A levy is a legal seizure of property to satisfy a debt. Once the deadline passes without a response, the IRS can go after different assets, including:

• Money in bank accounts.
• Wages, through a withholding that is applied to each paycheck until the debt is paid off or the levy is released.
• Social Security benefits.
• State tax refunds.
• Other property, such as vehicles and even a home.

According to a recommendation published by the University of Georgia, this mix can be used to clean and shine wood surfaces. However, before applying it, it is important to make sure it is compatible with the furniture’s finish.

What is the purpose of mixing olive oil, white vinegar and lemon juice?

The preparation is part of the household cleaning recommendations published by the University of Georgia Cooperative Extension.

Its purpose is to clean and polish wood surfaces using a combination of everyday ingredients.

The institution recommends using the following amounts:

• 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
• 2 tablespoons of white vinegar.
• 1/4 cup of lemon juice.

The recipe is intended as a homemade alternative for maintaining certain wood surfaces. However, the university warns that cleaning products should first be tested on a less visible area, since they may not be suitable for all materials.

How do you apply the mix to clean wood furniture?

According to the guidance from the University of Georgia, the process is:

1. Remove any items on the wood surface.
2. Remove dust with a clean microfiber cloth.
3. Mix the two tablespoons of olive oil with the two tablespoons of white vinegar.
4. Add 1/4 cup of lemon juice.
5. Apply the mixture with a soft cloth, rubbing in the direction of the wood grain.

Before spreading the product over the entire piece of furniture, it is recommended to test it in an inconspicuous spot to make sure it does not affect the finish.

The preparation should not be considered suitable for every type of wood or finish, so it is important to follow the care instructions for each surface.

Rights portability is for workers who contributed to both institutes, either at the same time or during different periods, and want to combine the time recognized for pension purposes. The National Retirement Savings System Commission, Consar, says each pension regime’s rules must be met.

“Your contribution periods could be recognized for pension purposes through rights portability, as long as you meet the applicable requirements. Don’t wait until the last minute to review your work history”, AFORE PENSIONISSSTE said.

The process is not automatic and must be started with the relevant social security institute. According to information published by Consar on September 12, 2023, applicants must prove their contributions and obtain the certificate of recognized periods before continuing with the pension request.

What is rights portability and who is it for?

Pension rights portability is the mechanism that allows contribution periods recorded with IMSS and ISSSTE to be recognized for pension purposes. It also covers the transfer of the corresponding funds from individual accounts, in line with the conditions established for the process.

Consar says this option is available to people who have contributed to both institutes, either at the same time or in separate periods. The goal is for the time recognized in each system to be counted when filing for a pension, as long as the applicable requirements are met.

Requirements to complete the process, according to Consar

Before requesting portability, it is necessary to verify the pension regime and age, as well as have the documents needed to prove work history. Consar sets out the following conditions to begin the rights recognition process between the two institutes:

• Contributions to both institutes: have recorded periods with IMSS and ISSSTE.
• Pension regime: belong to the 1973 or 1997 Social Security Law and the ISSSTE Individual Accounts Regime.
• Minimum age: be 60 years old. The request may be started during the year before reaching that age.
• Retention of rights: be within IMSS’s rights retention period when it comes to pensions under the 1973 Social Security Law.
• Certificate of recognized periods: have the corresponding certificate to prove contribution periods between the two institutes.

In addition, the process requires an official photo ID, the Unique Population Registry Code (CURP), the election document or printout of the Single Electronic File proving the ISSSTE individual accounts regime, as well as the Afore account statement.

How and where is the portability process completed?

The request must be filed with the institute where the last contribution was recorded. If both regimes ended at the same time, the person may go to IMSS or ISSSTE, according to Consar. The process begins with a request to transfer rights.

The ways to start the process depend on the institution where the request is filed. The receiving institute will ask for the information needed on contribution periods and base wages or basic salaries to determine the time recognized in both systems.

• If the process is filed with IMSS: the request may be submitted in person at the nearest subdelegation office or online through IMSS Digital.
• If it is filed with ISSSTE: it must be submitted in person at the Benefits Subdelegation offices of the state and regional representations.
• Recognition certificate: once this stage is complete, you receive the IMSS Contribution Weeks Certificate with the ISSSTE period total, or the ISSSTE Contribution Periods Report.
• Pension application: after recognition, the pension process must continue with the same institute where the transfer request was filed. The person must have been removed from the mandatory regimes of both institutions, including voluntary continuation.
• Transfer of funds: the institute granting the pension will ask the relevant Afore to transfer the funds from the subaccounts that will be used to finance it. Any excess balances or funds in unused subaccounts will remain under Afore management and may be withdrawn under the applicable procedure.

Consar says the rights transfer process has a reference timeline of 30 business days. For pension decisions, the procedures catalog sets 90 business days for the ISSSTE ordinary regime and 12 business days for IMSS early retirement or old-age pensions. The timelines refer to different stages of the process.

Once the pension decision or award is issued, the person may request from their Afore the withdrawal of the funds they are entitled to. To do so, they must have their identification and biometric registration file complete, present official ID, the pension decision and a CLABE bank account in their name. Consar says the deposit will be made within five business days after the withdrawal request is received.

The actor wrote that reflection in a piece published in 2011, on the 10th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks, as he recalled how that day transformed his life.

It was the starting point of a period of service that led him to found organizations and devote much of his time to the armed forces and emergency responders. He later captured that same idea in his autobiography, Grateful American: A Journey from Self to Service.

From Lt. Dan to service for veterans

The role of Lt. Dan, a soldier who loses his legs in the Vietnam War, earned Sinise his only Oscar nomination and gave him a deep bond with U.S. veterans. That connection was sealed just weeks after the film’s 1994 release, when a disabled veterans group wanted to honor him.

“There were 3,000 people in that hall. Everyone who could stand was on their feet, giving me a standing ovation. I was so moved and so caught off guard”, the actor recalled in comments to CBS.

He was especially struck by the irony: “I’m an actor; I play roles. These people lived the role I played and were injured, some severely, and they applauded me for simply playing a part”.

From there, he became deeply involved in that world, and in 2011 he created the Gary Sinise Foundation, dedicated to supporting service members, veterans, first responders, and families of the fallen. In addition to the social logistics, Sinise led the Lt. Dan Band, which put on concerts for troops and organizations tied to service.

What is Snowball Express, the annual Disney trip organized by Sinise

One of the foundation’s signature programs is Snowball Express, an annual trip that brings together the families of fallen service members and first responders each December for a five-day retreat at Walt Disney World in Orlando.

According to Walt Disney Company’s official website, since 2018 more than 23,000 children of fallen service members and their guardians have taken part in the program and traveled to Disney World.

In December 2025 alone, the program brought about 1,722 members of those families, mostly children who lost a parent, to the experience. Sinise traveled with them, as he does every year.

“You can’t underestimate the power of bringing all these kids together in a happy environment, because we’re trying to bring them joy right before the holidays, which is a difficult time for a child who has lost a parent,” he told The Hollywood Reporter.

Gary Sinise’s main goal with his Disney trips

The broader goal, according to the actor, is not just the trip but the support that comes with it. It’s about bringing those children together with others going through the same thing so they don’t feel isolated in their grief.

“The most important thing about Snowball Express is that these kids don’t feel alone. There’s a lot of healing, a lot of bonds and a lot of friendship that help them throughout the rest of the year,” Sinise said in the same interview.

The actor acknowledges it is a job with two sides. “It’s comforting because it makes you feel good to see the kids laughing and having fun, but it’s also heartbreaking because you know why they’re there”, he admitted.

In his own words, he summed up the idea that guides his second life, far from the spotlight: “We want to take care of these kids and make sure they know we haven’t forgotten them”.

Among its most widely shared recommendations is a simple ritual: placing a glass of water and salt in the bedroom to carry out an energy cleansing.

According to its principles, the combination of both elements is associated with purification, protection and the symbolic removal of negative energy that can build up in a space.

What Is the Purpose of Putting a Glass of Water and Salt in the Bedroom, According to Feng Shui?

Within beliefs linked to Feng Shui, salt is considered an element associated with cleansing and energy protection. Water, for its part, represents purification, renewal and movement.

By combining both ingredients, those who practice this tradition seek to create a symbolic tool to neutralize negative energy and restore balance to the space.

Among the main purposes attributed to this ritual are:

• Absorb negative energy: according to this belief, the mixture would help gather the heavy energy that accumulates in the bedroom.
• Encourage harmony: it is used as part of a routine to create a calmer, more balanced environment.
• Promote energy renewal: it represents the intention of leaving negative situations behind and starting a new stage.
• Support rest: it aims to turn the room into a space of calm, relaxation and well-being.

How to Prepare the Glass-of-Water-and-Salt Ritual in the Bedroom

This practice does not require special products or hard-to-find items. The preparation is simple and uses ingredients that are usually found in any kitchen.

The items needed are:

• A clear glass.
• Drinking water.
• One or two tablespoons of coarse salt.

Once the ingredients are gathered, the process is:

1. Choose a clean glass: preferably a clear glass reserved exclusively for this ritual.
2. Add the salt: place one or two tablespoons of coarse salt in the bottom of the container.
3. Add the water: fill the glass until the salt is covered and let both elements combine.
4. Place it in the bedroom: choose a quiet corner where it cannot be knocked over accidentally.
5. Remove it afterward: some versions of this tradition recommend replacing the contents every so often and not reusing it.

Where Should You Place the Glass of Water and Salt to Attract Good Energy?

The placement of the container also has meaning within Feng Shui recommendations.

Those who follow this ritual usually advise placing it in a discreet area of the bedroom, preferably in a stable spot away from walkways.

Some of the chosen locations are:

• In a corner of the bedroom: to keep the container in a quiet area.
• On a side table: as long as it is kept away from objects that could contaminate the water.
• Near a window: in a space protected from direct sunlight and where it cannot be knocked over.

The main recommendation is to avoid placing it in spots where it could pose a risk or interfere with everyday activities.

How Often Should the Salt Water Be Changed?

In the different versions of the ritual, some people recommend changing the mixture every day, while others prefer to renew it after several days.

One popular custom is to remove the glass in the morning and prepare a new one when you want to repeat the practice.

It is also important to keep the container clean: the water used should not be consumed, and it should be kept out of the reach of small children or pets.

A scientific study published in 2018 in the Journal of Agricultural Science analyzed how the concentration of acetic acid affects the control of different weed species. The research, recorded in the AGRIS system of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), also evaluated application volume and the addition of other ingredients to determine which conditions produced the best results.

How vinegar works on weeds and why it can dry them out

The main active ingredient in vinegar for fighting weeds is acetic acid. According to the study, this substance can destroy plant cell membranes, causing dehydration of plant tissue and, under certain conditions, the plant’s death.

For that reason, vinegar has potential as a contact herbicide. That means it acts on the plant parts it hits directly, rather than working as a treatment that spreads through the entire plant.

The study notes that household vinegar typically contains 5% acetic acid, although higher commercial concentrations are also available. The researchers specifically studied different proportions to see how they changed its ability to control unwanted vegetation.

What the scientific study found about using vinegar

To test its effectiveness, the researchers carried out field trials in southeastern Oklahoma, in the United States. They evaluated three concentrations of acetic acid: 0%, 5%, and 20%. They also compared two application volumes and three options: using vinegar with no additives or combining it with orange oil or canola oil.

The results showed that weed control increased as the acetic acid concentration rose. The combination of 20% concentration, a higher application volume and canola oil achieved overall control of 74%.

In addition, acetic acid proved more effective against broadleaf weeds than against grasses. In some trials, control of broadleaf weeds reached or exceeded 84%, while the most effective treatment against grasses produced results ranging from 44% to 63%.

What is spraying vinegar on weeds for?

The study confirms that acetic acid helps reduce the presence of different weed species, although results vary depending on the concentration used and the type of plant.

The trials also showed that broadleaf species responded better to the treatment than grasses. The study mentions three specific species:

• Digitaria sanguinalis: a grass species known as large crabgrass.
• Mollugo verticillata: a broadleaf herbaceous plant.
• Oenothera laciniata: a broadleaf species of evening primrose.

Accepting this kind of job without knowing the contents of the package can implicate someone in a drug trafficking investigation and could even land them in prison. That is why authorities advise people to be wary of offers promising easy money in exchange for doing what appears to be a simple task.

Picking up a package for strangers could implicate you in a drug trafficking offense

In its Oct. 20 post, the Civil Guard explained how this kind of scam works: A person receives an offer of money to pick up a package, with no need to buy anything or arrange shipping. But behind that proposal could be an operation to bring narcotics into the country.

In that sense, it warned that even if the person has not bought or transported the drugs to Spain directly, their involvement could link them to a drug trafficking investigation if there are signs they helped distribute them or facilitated the illegal activity.

Prison terms for drug trafficking

The consequences can be especially serious. Article 368 of the Penal Code sets prison terms of one to three years when the substances do not cause serious harm to health and three to six years when the drugs can cause that kind of harm. It also provides for fines depending on the value of the substances.

The penalty can increase if aggravating circumstances apply, such as involvement in a criminal organization or trafficking in large quantities. That is why accepting a job like this can carry criminal consequences far more serious than the money offered for picking up the package.

Civil Guard urges people to be wary of easy-money offers

To avoid falling into situations like this, authorities recommend not accepting money from strangers in exchange for picking up packages whose contents are unknown. The apparent simplicity of the task does not eliminate the legal risks it can involve.

In its TikTok message, the Civil Guard was blunt: “Don’t accept money to pick up a package for strangers without knowing what’s inside. Don’t take the risk. Easy money can cost you dearly.”

The agency also summed up its warning with a direct message: “Beware of easy money. Don’t fall for it.” The goal is to keep people from becoming, without realizing the possible consequences, intermediaries for shipments used to bring drugs into Spain.

Among the rituals said to enhance its symbolism is a very specific one: placing a metal spoon in the potting soil.

The practice is associated with financial prosperity, abundance and the intention of attracting new opportunities.

Why people recommend placing a spoon in the snake plant

Within popular Feng Shui interpretations, placing a metal spoon in a plant’s soil is associated with the intention of attracting abundance, financial stability and new opportunities.

The explanation is usually tied to the five elements of this Chinese philosophy: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each represents a particular energy and, according to this tradition, balance among them is essential for promoting harmony in spaces.

In this context, the spoon represents the metal element, symbolically linked to clarity, organization, discipline and the ability to manage resources.

The plant’s soil, meanwhile, is associated with the earth element, which represents stability, grounding and support. The combination of both elements is interpreted as a way to reinforce the intention of building a more orderly financial life and opening the door to new opportunities.

What the snake plant means in Feng Shui

The snake plant, also known as sansevieria, is associated with protection, strength and resilience. Its long, upright leaves are interpreted in some contemporary schools of Feng Shui as a symbol of protective energy capable of shielding the environment from negative influences.

Its steady growth is also symbolically linked to progress and vitality. For that reason, some people choose it to support intentions of well-being, renewal and prosperity at home.

Where to place the snake plant to attract abundance

Plant placement matters in Feng Shui, since each area of the home is linked to different aspects of life. In current interpretations of the Bagua map, the southeast is connected with wealth and prosperity, while the entrance can be used to represent protection and welcome.

That is why those who follow these recommendations often consider three places:

• The southeast area of the home: associated with abundance and financial growth.
• The front door: represents protection and the arrival of new opportunities.
• The workspace: linked to professional development, focus and personal projects.

How to do the spoon ritual to attract prosperity

Those who want to incorporate this practice can place a clean metal spoon on the surface of the soil or next to the pot and pair the gesture with a specific intention, such as improving finances, starting a project or opening up to new opportunities.

This homemade method has gained ground because of its low cost and its effectiveness in disinfecting, combating moisture, eliminating persistent odors, and acting as a natural insect repellent.

What is the purpose of applying vinegar on the mattress?

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

One of the main reasons for using vinegar in this area is its ability to disinfect and neutralize odors. Although it does not completely remove stains, vinegar softens dirt and acts as a natural neutralizer, ideal for closed or poorly ventilated spaces.

In addition, this method is used as a repellent for small insects. The acidic smell of white vinegar helps drive away pests that usually hide in less visible areas. That is why spraying vinegar on the mattress can be a practical alternative to more invasive chemical products.

How to apply it correctly

To make the most of its benefits, it is enough to prepare a simple mixture of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then, it is recommended to spray the mixture on the mattress, let it act for at least one hour, vacuum or scrub the stains, and let it dry.

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

How often should the mattress be cleaned?

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

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

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

The wheels are one of the parts most exposed to dust, dirt, and moisture, since they are in direct contact with the ground in airports, train stations and busy streets.

In this regard, the travel consultant and CEO of Sikkim Expeditions, DK Ghatani, explained what this method is for, why it can be useful, and what precautions should be kept in mind before putting it into practice.

What is the purpose of placing adhesive tape on suitcase wheels and why is it recommended before traveling

Covering the wheels with adhesive tape can help reduce the buildup of dust, dirt, and other debris during the trip According to Ghatani, speaking to The Indian Express, the method is a “temporary protective measure that can prevent loose dirt, dust, and grime from accumulating directly on the surface of the wheels” and he added that he recommends it “especially when luggage is dragged over wet sidewalks, dusty paths, or dirty airport areas”.

Ghatani clarified that it does not prevent damage caused by major impacts or stop moisture and debris from getting in through the sides of the wheels.

How to place adhesive tape on suitcase wheels without damaging them

Although tape can help keep the wheels cleaner, it is important to apply it correctly since it “may interfere with the wheels’ function,” according to the travel consultant.

The specialist detailed that tape that is too thick, loose, or that sticks out from the wheel surface can create uneven contact with the ground, reduce the smoothness of movement, and affect the balance of the luggage. In this regard, he pointed out that adhesive residue can attract dust and particles, which could make the wheels harder to rotate.

To avoid these problems, it is advisable to take some precautions:

• Do not cover moving parts: avoid letting the tape go over the joints, bearings, or axles of the wheels.
• Avoid thick or loose applications: the tape should be placed properly, without protruding from the wheel surface or interfering with its movement.
• Clean the wheels before and after travel: removing hair and particles accumulated around the axles helps preserve their function.

Ghatani also recommended prioritizing regular maintenance of luggage over this trick. According to him, cleaning the wheels, removing debris, and checking that they spin freely is more effective for keeping them in good condition.

“Tape can be useful as a short-term precaution, especially during storage or when transporting luggage through particularly dirty environments, but it should not be considered a substitute for proper wheel maintenance,” the specialist concluded.

One inexpensive alternative is to place a sheet of aluminum foil at the bottom of the drawer. The idea is to create a removable layer that can be taken out and replaced when it becomes dirty, instead of having to scrub the entire surface every time a small mess occurs.

What putting aluminum foil in kitchen drawers is for

The main purpose of lining a drawer with aluminum foil is to make everyday maintenance easier. Depending on how the drawer is used, it may offer several practical advantages.

• Easier cleanup: Crumbs and certain food residues can be removed along with the foil, reducing the need to scrub the drawer itself.
• A barrier against spills: The material can help keep small spills from immediately contacting the drawer’s base, provided the foil remains intact and is removed promptly after a spill.
• Protection against stains: A removable layer may help limit direct contact between the drawer surface and grease or food residue.
• Low cost: Aluminum foil is inexpensive and easy to cut to fit different drawer sizes.
• Simple replacement: When the sheet becomes dirty, torn or wrinkled, it can be discarded and replaced.

These benefits are most relevant in drawers used to store dry utensils, measuring spoons, kitchen tools or other items that may leave crumbs and residue behind.

However, aluminum foil does not absorb moisture. If water becomes trapped beneath it, the drawer’s surface may remain damp, potentially damaging wood or laminate over time. For that reason, it is important to keep the drawer dry and inspect the area underneath the foil regularly.

How to put aluminum foil in kitchen drawers

The process requires only a few basic steps and does not involve special tools.

1. Empty the drawer. Remove cutlery, utensils, organizers and any other stored items.
2. Clean the surface. Remove crumbs, dust and grease using a cloth and a suitable mild cleaning solution.
3. Dry it completely. Before adding the foil, make sure the drawer has no visible moisture.
4. Measure the base. Cut a sheet of aluminum foil to fit the bottom of the drawer without interfering with its opening and closing.
5. Lay the foil flat. Smooth it gently so that it covers the intended area without large folds or loose edges.
6. Return the items. Put the utensils and organizers back once the foil is in place.

How often should aluminum foil be replaced?

There is no universal replacement schedule for aluminum foil used in drawers. The frequency depends on how often the drawer is used and whether food residue, grease or moisture reaches the lining.

Check it periodically and replace it when it becomes dirty, torn or damp. If moisture appears underneath, remove the foil, dry the drawer completely and investigate the source before putting a new sheet in place.

The key is to use aluminum foil as a simple aid for collecting everyday dirt, not as a substitute for proper kitchen hygiene or routine cabinet maintenance.

The symbol is used to identify HOV (High-Occupancy Vehicle) lanes, a type of roadway setup on highways. The rules include occupancy requirements and penalties that drivers should know before using these lanes.

What the White Diamond Painted on the Pavement Means

The white diamond painted on certain lanes identifies a roadway reserved for high-occupancy vehicles, known as HOV lanes, designed to encourage carpooling and allow vehicles carrying several people to use a designated part of the road.

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) includes this symbol in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD), the document that sets national standards for traffic signs and pavement markings. The current edition is the 11th, with Revision 1 published in December 2025.

Who Can Use HOV Lanes

HOV lanes are intended primarily for vehicles carrying a minimum number of people. Section 166 of Title 23 of the U.S. Code says that, as a general rule, at least two occupants per vehicle may be required.

However, federal rules include exceptions, since 23 U.S.C. § 166(b)(2) says authorities must allow motorcycles and bicycles to use these lanes. The exception applies when the authority shows that their use poses a safety risk and the federal government accepts that justification.

What Fines Drivers Can Face for Using These Lanes Without Meeting the Requirements

Driving in an HOV lane without meeting the access conditions can be a traffic violation. However, penalties depend on each state’s laws, since the amount can vary depending on where the road is located and the number of prior violations.

The eviction had initially been set for Jan. 1, 2027, but the date was moved up by more than a month. “If we don’t find a home, these 30 cats will end up on the street”, the group warned on social media.

Among them are kittens and adult cats, so the group is asking for help from people willing to offer them a permanent or temporary home.

How to adopt one of the cats looking for a home in Tarragona

Vallen Cats has an open appeal to find families who can take in the animals before Nov. 29. The effort includes both permanent adoptions and foster homes that can protect them while a long-term solution is arranged.

The volunteers have already managed to arrange nearly 10 adoptions, but they still need to find a solution for about 20 cats.

“If you can open your home to one of them, send us a private message”, the shelter’s leaders said. Among the cats still needing a family are Mochi, Nala, Simba, Leonard, and Patricia.

People interested in helping can contact the group directly through the following channels:

• Email: vallencatsrp@gmail.com
• Phone: 635 72 59 99
• Instagram: @vallen.cats

The organization is also asking for help spreading the campaign. “It is vital that this message reaches as many people as possible today,” the volunteers said, noting that expanding the reach of their posts is essential to finding new families.

Why is the shelter closing, and how can you help the cats

The closure of the temporary space is forcing Vallen Cats to look for a new location to continue its animal rescue and protection work. However, a lack of funding is one of the main obstacles to moving the animals.

Faced with this situation, the leaders launched a crowdfunding campaign on GoFundMe to raise 1600 euros. The money will allow them to install cat doors at the Revolucion Pata site, a necessary improvement to make the space suitable and continue caring for the cats.

According to figures released on Oct. 27, the campaign had raised nearly 700 euros. In addition to financial contributions, the group is accepting donations of dry food, wet food, and litter to cover the cats’ needs while they await relocation.

Vallen Cats founders Sheila and Dunia stressed that public support is essential to keep the animals from losing their shelter. “Giving up is not an option, but we can’t do it alone”, they said.

However, there are more Spaniards living in the country than people registered in CERA. The Register of Spaniards Residing Abroad (PERE) recorded 236,394 Spaniards living in the country as of Jan. 1, 2026.

To vote in these elections from abroad, it is necessary to appear on the corresponding electoral roll, so not all Spaniards living abroad necessarily qualify as voters in these elections.

The difference is explained by the fact that PERE records Spanish nationals living outside the country, while CERA includes voters who are eligible to cast ballots.

Are all Spaniards living in the United States included in the voter rolls?

Not necessarily. To vote from the United States as a permanent resident, it is necessary to be registered as a resident in the Consular Registration Registry and appear in the CERA corresponding to the election. The rolls in force for these elections were closed Aug. 1, 2026, although claims accepted during the period set by the government will be included in the final rolls.

The period to check the data and file claims for inclusion, exclusion or errors will run from Oct. 12 to Oct. 19, inclusive. That is why the figure of 211,749 voters serves as a reference for the rolls closed in August, but it may change after those claims are resolved.

The INE allows voters to check their registration on the electoral roll. During an election, the inquiry also shows data related to participation in that vote. Spaniards living abroad can verify their status through the agency’s online portal.

How do you vote from the United States in the Nov. 29 election?

Spaniards permanently living in the United States who appear in CERA do not need to request a ballot in advance. They can vote by mail or cast a ballot in a box set up at their consulate or corresponding voting center. Election materials are sent to the address listed in the registry.

For in-person voting, CERA voters may cast their ballots at the consulates and designated centers between Nov. 21 and Nov. 26, inclusive. For mail voting, the ballot must arrive at the consulate or designated center no later than Nov. 24.

The process also covers Spaniards who are temporarily in the United States during the election. In that case, if they are registered as nonresidents in the Consular Registration Registry, they can use the ERTA procedure, which requires requesting election materials before Oct. 31.

What documents do you need to vote from abroad?

CERA voters will receive the election materials needed to cast a ballot. These include

• Ballots and voting envelopes.
• Certificates of registration on the voter roll.
• And the envelope addressed to the Provincial Electoral Board.

For mail voting, the voter must place the voting envelope containing the ballot and the certificate of registration on the voter roll inside the envelope addressed to the Provincial Electoral Board. In addition, they must include:

• A photocopy of a Spanish national ID card or passport,
• Or a certificate of nationality
• Or proof of registration in the Consular Registration Registry issued by the consulate.

If the voter chooses to cast a ballot in person, they must prove their identity to the consular officer and present the second certificate of registration on the voter roll. Consular staff will check the documents and stamp the envelope before it is deposited.

The device, which belongs to Bolt, entered a crosswalk while the light was against it. While the city transport company said the robot left before police arrived, Starship Technologies, which developed it, blamed a technical problem and gave a different account of what happened after the collision.

How the crash that left nine passengers injured happened

A camera mounted on the bus recorded the moment when both vehicles collided and the device was pushed across the roadway. After the impact, the robot left the scene before police arrived.

A company spokesman said that behavior could carry legal consequences, while Andrei Novikov, a member of its management team, said the circumstances should be investigated by the authorities.

Starship Technologies, the company behind the devices, blamed the robot’s behavior on a failure to interpret the signals. Pepe Aaviksoo, the company’s chief operating officer, said darkness and a lit billboard behind the traffic lights may have confused the system. He also said the pedestrian and vehicle signals lined up from the device’s point of view, which would have made them harder to identify.

What the company said about the robot’s apparent getaway

Aaviksoo added that the unit’s light sensor did not work properly and that the company will work to fix the problem. He also said the absence of vehicles approaching the robot may have influenced its decision to cross. The executive said: “There are many lessons to learn, but exceptional situations do happen.”

The Starship executive also rejected the idea that the device fled immediately after the crash. According to his explanation, it remained at the scene for about 10 minutes and then contacted the support team so it could be moved off the roadway.

According to Santa Clara, California’s municipal utility, Silicon Valley Power, knowing the energy cost of appliances can help determine which ones are best to keep on for the least amount of time and which to buy if you’re looking for better options.

How is consumption measured to control costs?

Electricity use is measured in kWh, and to calculate how much it costs to run an appliance, multiply the energy it uses by the price of each kWh.

According to the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) via FRED, the average electricity price in September 2026 was $0.196 per kWh in September 2026.

As a guide, you can use the following figures based on that average price:

• 100 kWh: $19.60.
• 200 kWh: $39.20.
• 300 kWh: $58.80.
• 400 kWh: $78.40.
• 500 kWh: $98.00
• 1,000 kWh: $196.00.

It is recommended that you check the figures on your bills so you can make calculations tailored to each case.

Which appliances use the most electricity in the United States?

Appliance use can be divided into three categories, depending on power and how long they run.

High-use appliances that run continuously

Even if they are not always the most powerful, these appliances can drive up electricity costs because they run for much of the day:

• Older refrigerator: About 72 kWh per month.
• Energy Star refrigerator: Between 28 and 63 kWh per month.
• Electric water heater: About 440 kWh per month.
• Heat pump water heater: Between 77 and 111.8 kWh per month.

High peak-power appliances

These are appliances that use electric heating elements to generate heat or high-powered motors. If used for long periods, they can cause significant increases in the electricity bill:

• Electric oven: 2.3 kWh per hour of use.
• Central air conditioner: 3 kWh per hour of use.
• Portable electric heater: 1.5 kWh per hour of use.
• Clothes dryer: 3.25 kWh per load.
• Dishwasher with a normal cycle: 1.59 kWh per load.
• Washing machine with hot water and warm rinse: 6.3 kWh per load.

Low-level standby use

Some devices keep using electricity even when they are not actively in use. That is the case for televisions, video game consoles, cable boxes, microwaves with clocks, and plugged-in cell phone chargers.

This is known as phantom load or standby power, and although it is usually small, it can add up over time.

Examples include:

• Computer in sleep mode: Between 0.001 and 0.006 kWh per hour.
• Cable box: About 11.58 kWh per month.
• Roku: About 2.18 kWh per month.

What are Silicon Valley Power’s tips for saving energy?

The utility offers several recommendations to cut electricity use in the home and avoid unnecessary bills.

The main tips include:

• Adjust the thermostat.
• Take advantage of natural light.
• Use appliances efficiently.
• Reduce hot water use.
• Avoid phantom load.
• Maintain heating and cooling systems.
• Choose efficient appliances (with inverter technology).
• Use LED lighting.
• Turn off unnecessary devices.

Six years after she started picking up trash on her own during her morning walks in California, the network of volunteers she leads has removed nearly 750,000 pounds, or 340 tons, of litter from public streets, according to Times of India.

It all began in 2020, when lockdowns abruptly derailed her plans to rest and travel. To cope with the restrictions, Mather started walking about six kilometers a day around her neighborhood.

Seeing the steady buildup of cans, bottles and plastic on the sidewalks, she decided to do something: “At least I can take a nice walk”, she told herself one morning before heading out with bags in hand, according to a 2022 interview with U.S. outlet Patch.

From walking alone to mobilizing neighbors

The solo effort took off when Mather decided to call on her neighbors through the community social network Nextdoor: “I walk every morning and pick up trash. If you want to join me, meet in front of the coffee shop at 8 a.m.”.

The next day, a dozen people showed up. After cleaning a nearby park and sharing coffee afterward, that experience gave rise to the nonprofit Volunteers Cleaning Communities (VCC).

Over time, the group expanded into new areas: major streets, regional parks, stretches of the Los Angeles River and the area around a wildlife refuge.

The organization even adopted a more than five-kilometer stretch of highway in partnership with the California Department of Transportation. Mather sees the work as “a lifelong responsibility”.

Jill’s model is spreading neighborhood to neighborhood

To broaden its reach, VCC launched the Adopt 1 Street program, which provides safety vests, grabbers and bags to more than 250 volunteers tasked with keeping specific areas of their own neighborhoods clean.

Each person decides how often to go out and collect trash. In addition, Mather regularly visits high schools to encourage young people to take part in exchange for community service credits, aiming to involve younger generations.

The project’s value goes beyond its environmental impact and has become a force for social cohesion. “They’re my new family”, said Emilie Koster, a former volunteer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).

Her account reflects the bond that has formed around an initiative that began as a personal habit and ended up transforming part of the community. Her organization was named California Nonprofit of the Year 2022.

Sometimes, light bulbs do not fail all at once, but instead start to flicker or shine more dimly. At that point, replacing them becomes necessary. To do this safely, certain precautions should be taken, since you are working with electricity.

How should you safely change a light bulb at home?

When it comes to safety, one of the first steps to keep in mind is making sure the power is turned off. If it is a lamp with a plug, simply unplug it. Otherwise, turn off the light and, for added safety, cut power to the corresponding circuit from the electrical panel.

Also, let the bulb cool down before you start unscrewing it, especially if it was recently on.

If it is a ceiling or wall lamp mounted at some height, it is recommended to use a sturdy ladder for greater stability.

Then, screw in the new bulb and tighten it carefully, without forcing it too much, until it reaches the stop.

What is the common mistake that is dangerous?

One of the most common mistakes is changing a bulb without first turning off the power. This is dangerous because the person risks receiving an electric shock, especially if they come into contact with any metal part of the lamp socket that is live.

In addition, it is also recommended to avoid handling bulbs with wet hands.

How should you dispose of a burnt-out light bulb?

The proper way to dispose of a bulb depends on the type of technology it uses, since some may require special handling.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets out the following recommendations:

• Incandescent and halogen bulbs: These can be thrown away with household trash, as long as local rules allow it.
• Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs): These contain mercury, so they should be taken to specialized recycling or collection centers.
• LED bulbs: These can be recycled to recover their components, so it is recommended to check local recycling programs.

The case came to light in 2021, when specialists at the University of Oxford examined human remains preserved at Kyoto University. Among the bones of ancient hunter-gatherers, they found an adult man who lived more than 3,000 years ago and whose skeleton showed about 800 traumatic injuries.

How they discovered the shark attack that took place 3,000 years ago

While analyzing the remains, researchers Alyssa White and Rick Schulting were stunned by the extent of the wounds. The serrated marks were concentrated mainly on the arms, legs, chest, and abdomen. To determine their origin, the team compared different possibilities and ruled out injuries from fights between people or the work of other common predators and scavengers.

The study, published in Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, combined archaeological tools with forensic analysis techniques to reconstruct what happened. The specialists dated the death to between 1370 and 1010 B.C. in the Seto Inland Sea region of Japan. The distribution of the wounds indicated that the man was likely still alive when he was attacked, strengthening the theory of a fatal encounter with a shark.

What is known about the victim and the possible shark responsible

Archaeologists believe the man may have been fishing with other people when the attack occurred. According to the reconstruction, his companions would have recovered the body shortly afterward and buried him. The excavation records showed that one hand and the right leg were missing, while the left had been placed over the body in an inverted position.

Based on the characteristics and distribution of the bites, experts suggested the culprit may have been a tiger shark or a great white shark, although the find did not allow them to identify the species with certainty.

Mark Hudson, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute and one of the study’s authors, highlighted the value of the discovery for understanding ancient Japan.

These are two of the main requirements for obtaining the Gold Card, an initiative by the Donald Trump administration that aims to provide an immigrant visa to those who can “provide a substantial benefit to the United States” through their contribution.

To apply for this unconventional visa type (EB-1 or EB-2), which grants lawful permanent resident status, applicants must not only make the payments mentioned above, but also submit Form I-140G and pass the required security screenings.

Permanent residency in record time: What is the Gold Card Donald Trump launched?

The official word from the card website says the initiative allows applicants to invest in the country and help create “the best economy in the world.”

To submit the petition, interested foreigners must pay the Department of Homeland Security a nonrefundable fee of $15,000.

“Once the applicant’s filing fee has been received, the petition approval and visa adjudication process will be expedited, provided they submit any additional documents or fees in a timely manner,” it explains.

A donation of at least $1 million will then also be required to prove the ability to contribute, and additional small fees may be payable to the State Department.

How to apply for this status

Applications are submitted online on the official card website, along with the initial processing fee.

Once payment has been completed, USCIS will send an email asking the applicant to complete Form I-140G with the necessary documents.

“As properly determined by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and subject to availability, an approved applicant obtains lawful permanent resident status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder,” authorities say.

Once the steps above are completed, the applicant will be asked to create a my.USCIS.gov account to track the status of the process. As with any visa, eligibility will be reviewed and an in-person interview will be required.

The process is expected to take weeks, as long as all documents are submitted and the application goes through without any issues.

The maneuvers were part of Arandú 2026, a joint training exercise aimed at strengthening both countries’ operational coordination and combat capability.

The operational phase took place in the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul. The Argentine deployment also included Oshkosh tactical trucks, paratroopers, and members of Special Forces, who took part in different training activities in combat scenarios.

Arandú 2026 Exercise: What Maneuvers did Argentina and Brazil Carried Out?

The activities were held at the Barão de São Borja training ground and in the Faxinal do Soturno area. Over five days, from October 13 to 17, the troops carried out operations combining armored vehicles, ground forces, and aviation assets.

Among the main maneuvers were:

• Special forces operations: Infiltrations and direct-action missions.
• Airmobile assaults: Troop deployments with air support.
• Parachute drops: Drills to improve insertion capabilities.
• Armor maneuvers: Mobility exercises and river-crossing drills.
• Live fire: drills with TAM 2C-A2 tanks and 155-millimeter artillery.

The units were organized into combined formations to work with common procedures and improve their ability to respond to different operational scenarios.

TAM 2C-A2 and Stryker 8x8: What the Armored Vehicles That Took Part in the Exercise Are Like

The deployment included two vehicles with different but complementary features for ground operations.

The TAM 2C-A2 is a modernized version of the Argentine Medium Tank: the upgrade is intended to improve its systems and maintain its ability to operate in combat settings. In Brazil, it took part in armor maneuvers and live-fire drills.

The Stryker 8x8, meanwhile, is a U.S.-made armored vehicle designed to transport troops and help move them during mechanized operations. Its eight-wheel configuration combines mobility and protection for personnel.

The participation of both systems made it possible to train with different types of vehicles in the same setting, as well as to assess their integration with infantry and special forces units.

Arandú 2026: The Strategic Goal of the Military Maneuvers Between Argentina and Brazil

The main goal of Arandú 2026 was to strengthen the joint operational capability of the armies of Argentina and Brazil. To that end, the forces sought to standardize military procedures, improve coordination among their units, and assess their performance in combined operations.

The training also aimed to bolster interoperability, that is, the ability of both countries to plan and carry out missions together, even when their troops use different equipment, structures, and working methods.

In addition, the exercise tested the ability of Argentine units to deploy outside the country, both in moving heavy equipment and in integrating armored, paratrooper, aviation, and special operations forces.

According to the Defense Ministry, Arandú 2026 was the most ambitious exercise of the 2025-2026 bilateral cycle because of the number of activities and the deployment involved. Its outcome was intended to consolidate the operational capabilities of both forces and deepen military cooperation between the two countries.

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) proposed charging $200,000, about 180,000 euros, for each voyage by a Spain-flagged vessel entering a U.S. port. It also proposed restricting imports of several categories of Spanish products.

This is not yet a sanction. It is a proposal. The FMC opened a public comment period and announced it would offer the Spanish government a hearing before making a final decision. There is no date for that ruling. And nothing guarantees the measures will take effect as announced.

Three ships, one investigation

The conflict has a name and a date. According to the FMC report, cited by El Español, Spain blocked three vessels from docking at APM terminals in Algeciras: the Maersk Denver and the Maersk Nysted on Nov. 9, 2024, and the Maersk Seletar five days later. All three were sailing under the U.S. flag and were operated and supplied by Maersk Line Limited.

It should be noted that the port of Algeciras, in the province of Cadiz, is for the U.S. a key strategic shipping route for its foreign trade and exports.

These were not ordinary ships. They were carrying cargo under the U.S. Maritime Administration’s Maritime Security Program (MARAD), which ensures the availability of merchant ships for commercial and, above all, strategic needs. In other words, defense materiel.

In December 2024, the FMC opened an investigation. It wanted to determine whether Spain was creating unfavorable conditions for maritime transport tied to U.S. foreign trade.

Meanwhile, Spain’s stance hardened. In September 2025, the government of Pedro Sanchez banned ships from docking at Spanish ports (and from entering Spanish airspace) for vessels and aircraft carrying weapons or military fuel bound for Israel, according to Reuters.

The FMC’s conclusion has now arrived. The agency says it found “conclusive evidence” that Spain denied access to its ports to U.S. vessels. And it argues that those decisions “have serious consequences for the efficiency and reliability of the international maritime transport supply chain.”

It adds that they also affect its ability to “support a U.S.-flagged liner fleet capable of meeting national security needs.” Here is the issue: for Washington, this is not just a commercial matter.

The price of each voyage

The proposal has two parts. The first is the fee. “A fee of $200,000 applies each time a Spanish vessel enters any port in the United States from any foreign port or place,” the report says, according to El Español.

It applies to all ships flying the Spanish flag, regardless of what they carry. The FMC did not specify how many vessels or how many annual voyages would be covered.

And it could have been worse. According to the same outlet, the rule allowed penalties of up to $2.3 million per voyage. In other words, Washington chose the lower end of the range. At least for now.

From oil to ceramics

The second part targets products. The categories named by the FMC are perfumes and cosmetics; oils and fats; ceramics; stone products; and sugar and confectionery products.

The list is broad. The details, however, are thin. The agency did not say which tariff headings would be affected or what mechanism it would use: quotas, bans, additional requirements or another type of measure. It also did not mention specific products or companies.

But one category is raising alarms in Spain: “oils and fats.” In other words, olive oil could be in the crosshairs. So could sectors with a strong export presence, such as ceramics, cosmetics and natural stone.

The scale of what is at stake is considerable. In 2025, Spanish companies exported goods worth 16.716 billion euros to the United States, according to Economy Ministry data cited by El Español.

A path that sidesteps Brussels

Donald Trump repeatedly threatened Spain with sanctions and tariffs. Because it refused to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP. And because of its position on Israel.

Trump, bajo amenaza: Europa sale en defensa de Pedro Sánchez: "Responderemos a cualquier medida tomada contra España".

Fuente: Shutterstock / EFE

Producción propia

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Until now, however, he ran into one limit: the European Union’s common trade policy. Tariffs on one country in the bloc are, in practice, tariffs on the entire EU. The FMC route is different. It goes through a federal agency, under its own case file, and targets specific measures against a single country. It does not go through the negotiating table with Brussels. That may be the biggest new development. And the one Madrid should worry about most.

The case is now in the public hearing phase. The FMC asked companies, organizations, and individuals for comments on the scope of the two measures. After that, the final decision will be in the hands of the Trump administration.

For now, it is $200,000 on paper. Whether it becomes a real bill (and for how much) will depend on what happens at that hearing. That is where Spain will have a say.

Because of superstitions that have historically linked these animals to witchcraft and bad luck, some shelters take preventive measures during October.

Why are black cats in danger during Halloween season?

Black cats have been associated for centuries with superstitions linked to bad luck, witchcraft and supernatural rituals. During Halloween, those beliefs resurface and cause concern among animal welfare groups.

According to the Network for Animals website, an organization dedicated to combating animal abuse, there is a history of abuse of these felines and concern they could be used in cruel practices.

What measure do shelters take to protect black cats during this season?

Some animal shelters temporarily suspend black cat adoptions during October as a preventive measure to keep them from being adopted by people who may want to use them in ritual practices or harm them in some way.

This practice is not universal. While some organizations restrict adoptions until after Oct. 31, others keep their usual procedures and evaluate prospective adopters individually.

What advice is there for black cat owners?

It is recommended to take certain precautions to protect these cats from possible accidents and stressful situations:

• Keep them indoors, especially at night and when there are more people around.
• Avoid costumes, since they can make animals uncomfortable or stressed.
• Make sure they have a microchip, with up-to-date contact information, to make identification easier if they get lost.
• Prevent escapes, especially when doors are opened to receive trick-or-treaters.
• Prepare a quiet space where they can retreat from the noise and activity of the celebration.

These recommendations can also apply to cats of other colors.

For those whose employment relationship is governed by the Federal Law for State Workers, the year-end bonus is equal to 40 days of pay, calculated on the basis set by Treasury guidelines. In other words, it is more than a month’s salary.

Who will receive the year-end bonus?

The decree covers employees of federal ministries, decentralized administrative agencies, and federal parastatal entities, as well as certain pensioners and professional service providers.

Confidential staff, liaison and management personnel, active-duty military members, and the Mexican Foreign Service will receive up to 40 days of pay. It also includes those under fee-for-service contracts paid under the Personnel Services budget line. Covered pensioners will receive a bonus of up to 40 days of the assigned contributions.

When will it be paid, and who is excluded?

Nov. 10 is the date on which payment may begin. That does not mean all beneficiaries will receive it that same day. Items to keep in mind:

• Those who worked less than a year in 2026 will receive a prorated amount;
• people hired under special fee-for-service contracts are excluded;
• The provisions apply to federal employees and pensioners and do not establish a general 40-day year-end bonus for all workers in the country.

In the private sector, the Federal Labor Law sets a minimum of 15 days of pay, which must be paid no later than Dec. 20.

Etymologically, Halloween is a term derived from All Hallow’s Eve, which means All Saints’ Eve in English, and in colloquial usage it is often called Witching Night. Behind all this lies a rich history that goes back many centuries.

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What Is Halloween and Where Did It Come From?

Halloween’s origin is a Celtic festival that is more than 3,000 years old, known as Samhain, or the end of summer in Old Irish. The date marked the end of the harvest season and the start of the Celtic New Year, coinciding with the autumn equinox.

Meanwhile, Celtic culture believed that on that night the spirits of the dead became present, a kind of connection between the two worlds. They also used masks to drive away evil spirits, while at the same time holding feasts at gravesites.

Many centuries later, the holiday reached the United States and Canada, specifically in 1840, brought by Irish immigrants who arrived in those countries. However, it was not until 1921 that the first Halloween parade was held in Minnesota.

In Which Other Countries Is Halloween Celebrated?

In addition to the two countries mentioned above, Halloween is also celebrated on Oct. 31 in the United Kingdom. In all of these places, the tradition took hold among children, who dress up and go out for candy in their neighborhoods.

Over time, other countries around the world, including in Latin America, have begun to embrace the date, although with much less enthusiasm than in the places where it first took hold.

Spain also has some similar traditions that honor spirits or the dead, such as the meigas and Galicia’s Santa Compaña.

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In fact, in 18th-century Asturias, children used to ask for food with lanterns in their hands, something similar to Halloween’s famous ‘trick or treat.’

Specifically, the orange diamond sign with a person inside holding a square is used in the United States when a vehicle is approaching a work zone and is officially recognized in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) from the Department of Transportation as W20-7.

Seeing an orange diamond with a person inside holding a square: What to do when you come across this sign

This traffic sign, also known as “Road Construction Ahead,” warns all drivers approaching a work zone that farther down the road they will encounter a person assigned to direct traffic.

Drivers must follow the new instructions given by authorized personnel to direct traffic.

It is important to note that, according to authorities, the sign is usually accompanied by the W16-2P sign, which indicates the exact distance at which personnel assigned to redirect traffic will be located.

Important information about this traffic sign and others like it

The New York Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) explains that orange traffic signs with black symbols inside are used near work zones to signal various work-related situations that affect drivers, including advance warning of vehicle traffic.

“Even if no speed limit is posted, you must drive at a reduced speed through the work zone and always obey the flaggers,” the general instruction says.

This alternative makes it possible to repurpose a part that is usually thrown out along with the appliance. According to Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), reusing electrical and electronic equipment and its components saves resources and reduces the amount of waste generated.

That way, the glass from an old washing machine can find a second life in the kitchen, the living room, the patio, or the garden. Some of these makeovers are especially simple and can produce a decorative piece in just a few minutes, as long as the part has already been removed.

If You Have a Broken or Unused Washing Machine, You Have a Treasure: What to Do

One of the most practical ideas is to turn the glass into a centerpiece. Its bowl shape makes it possible to place artificial flowers, decorative stones, or small ornaments to decorate the dining room or living room.

This idea is also among the reuse options that highlight the decorative potential of this component.

Another option is to use it as an ornamental planter for the garden or patio. You can place a small plant inside the glass, with its own pot and an appropriate drainage system. In this way, the piece works as an outdoor container that adds an original touch to the decor.

It can also be turned into an organizer for keys, accessories, or small items. It can even be used to create a Halloween-themed decoration with wrapped candy or decorative elements, without needing major changes.

How Do You Reuse Washing Machine Glass Step by Step?

Once the part has been safely removed, turning it into a centerpiece is a simple process:

1. Clean the glass: Use warm water, mild soap, and a soft cloth to remove any dirt.
2. Dry the surface: Remove all moisture to avoid streaks.
3. Choose a base: place the glass on a sturdy, non-slip support.
4. Prepare the decor: Select artificial flowers, stones, or other lightweight items.
5. Arrange the decorations: Place the items inside the glass according to the room’s style.

This makeover makes it possible to refresh a room’s decor with materials already found at home. To make use of the piece, just check that it is in good condition and place it on a stable surface.

Why is an old washing machine glass a recycling treasure?

The door glass from an old washing machine can be considered a true recycling treasure because of its strength, versatility, and reuse potential.

Its distinctive bowl shape makes it possible to turn it into a planter, a centerpiece, or a decorative container without having to spend money on new materials.

In addition to adding an original touch to the home, recovering this piece saves money on decor, reduces waste, and makes use of a component that still has value, even when the appliance no longer works.

Spain’s Ministry for the Ecological Transition explains on its official website that reusing electrical and electronic equipment extends its useful life, saves resources, and reduces waste. These advantages support recovering components that can still be used.

Therefore, a washing machine that no longer works has not necessarily lost all of its value. Recovering the glass from its door through safe disassembly is a way to make use of available resources, cut decor costs and give a new purpose to a durable piece.

On the Ecologia Verde YouTube channel, they recommend using baking soda and vinegar separately to clean food.

Why it’s important to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them

Cleaning food before eating it helps remove dirt, dust and other substances that may stick to it during harvesting, transport or sale. This cleaning is especially important for those fruits and vegetables that are eaten raw and uncooked.

In addition, fresh produce can come into contact with different microorganisms throughout the production and distribution chain. Proper hygiene helps reduce the presence of bacteria and other contaminants that could enter the body when eaten.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recommends washing fruits and vegetables under running water, rubbing the surface and washing your hands before and after handling them.

Cleaning fruits and vegetables with baking soda or vinegar

The Ecologia Verde YouTube channel recommended using these two ingredients to clean fruits and vegetables.

Baking soda

This inexpensive and easy-to-find product can be used to clean food. According to the video, one tablespoon of baking soda should be dissolved in one liter of water and stirred.

Then, let the food soak for 10 minutes.

Vinegar

This product, commonly used in cooking, can help disinfect food if used the right way.

According to Ecologia Verde, there are two ways to use it:

• Dissolve one cup of vinegar in one liter of water and let the fruits and vegetables soak for 10 minutes.
• Put the vinegar in a spray bottle and spray it on the food before cooking.

What baking soda and vinegar do and why they’re recommended

Baking soda and vinegar are recommended as home alternatives for cleaning fruits and vegetables before eating them.

The first may help loosen certain residue from the surface, while vinegar has antimicrobial properties under certain conditions.

However, using them does not guarantee the removal of all microorganisms or pesticide residue. Also, it is not a good idea to mix both ingredients, since they react with each other and are partially neutralized, so combining them does not necessarily improve cleaning.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends washing fruits and vegetables with plenty of clean running water and scrubbing those with a firm surface. It does not advise using soap, detergents or household cleaning products to wash food.

The law requires repair shops to explain whether a vehicle has an advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) and whether its sensors need recalibration after a windshield repair or replacement. These systems include safety features that rely on sensors to help detect hazards and prevent crashes.

What must auto glass repair shops tell customers?

Before starting work, repair shops must inform customers whether their vehicle has an ADAS and whether recalibration is needed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. They must also explain whether they will perform the calibration and meet the manufacturer’s specifications.

If calibration is performed, the shop must provide written notice of whether it was successful. If the shop cannot perform the procedure, it must tell the customer to take the vehicle to a certified dealership or qualified specialist.

What drivers should know before filing an insurance claim

The law also changes how insurance-funded auto glass repairs are handled. Customers must file a claim and obtain a claim or referral number before entering into a repair contract covered by their insurance policy. Shops must provide good-faith estimates and itemized invoices.

Drivers will retain the right to choose their repair shop. Insurers cannot mislead or pressure customers into using a particular business, and repair shops cannot offer cash, gift cards, or other incentives in exchange for an insurance claim.

The law also prohibits policyholders from transferring their rights or benefits under a covered policy to a repair shop through an assignment-of-benefits agreement. Contracts that violate this restriction on or after January 1, 2027, will be void and unenforceable.

Lloyd moved to the property in 1944, when he was six, alongside his six older siblings. The estate belonged to his mother’s family, whose fortune came from inherited wealth. His maternal grandfather, Lewis Henry Lapham, helped establish the Texaco Oil Company in 1902.

The mansion and its expansive grounds left a lasting impression on the actor. He later described being amazed by the property’s Gilded Age grandeur, a world of elaborate architecture and landscaped gardens that contrasted sharply with the life he would eventually build in the entertainment industry.

The Connecticut mansion that shaped Christopher Lloyd’s childhood

Waveny was more than a large family home. Its grounds were landscaped by the sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, the renowned landscape architect who co-designed New York City’s Central Park.

Inside the estate, Lloyd’s mother, Ruth, played an important role in introducing him to the arts. An aspiring opera singer, she organized musical recitals and gatherings attended by creative and artistic guests. Lloyd recalled that these events exposed him to people whose unconventional lives and personalities made a strong impression on him.

His parents, however, had very different expectations for his future. While his mother encouraged his interest in acting, his father, Samuel, an attorney, wanted him to prioritize formal education and earn a diploma. Lloyd eventually followed his mother’s encouragement.

The family environment also changed during his childhood. His parents divorced when he was around 12, and his father left the estate. His mother remained there, although she would spend the winter months in an apartment on Manhattan’s Park Avenue.

How acting took him from Connecticut to Hollywood

Lloyd initially attended boarding school in upstate New York but left before completing his education. He later enrolled in a public school in Westport, Connecticut, where a drama teacher cast him in the comedy Charley’s Aunt. That experience gave him an early opportunity to explore acting and helped set him on a professional path.

He subsequently worked as an apprentice at theaters in New York and Massachusetts before being accepted into New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse in 1957. During the 1960s and early 1970s, he continued developing his career on stage.

His breakthrough in film came in 1975, when he appeared in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. He later became widely recognized for playing Reverend Jim Ignatowski in the television comedy Taxi, a role that earned him two Emmy Awards.

His international fame reached another level when he portrayed Dr. Emmett Brown in the Back to the Future movies alongside Michael J. Fox.

What happened to the 400-acre Waveny estate?

The property eventually took on a completely different role. In 1967, the city of New Canaan acquired Waveny, transforming the former family estate into a public park and recreation area.

Today, Waveny Park encompasses approximately 450 acres of parkland and woodland, with walking trails, meadows, open lawns and a pond. The site attracts more than 250,000 visitors annually, according to the park’s conservancy.

For Lloyd, returning to the property years later was an emotional experience. His wife organized a birthday celebration there, giving him the opportunity to revisit the place where he had spent much of his childhood.

The actor said that returning brought back memories of the good, bad and difficult years he experienced there. Despite the changes, he still considers Waveny a place that feels like home.

The estate that once defined his childhood is now open to the public, allowing visitors to walk through the same grounds where one of Hollywood’s most recognizable actors grew up.

The situation reflects a sharp increase in demand for menopausal hormone therapy (HRT) following changes in the way federal health officials have presented the treatment’s risks and benefits. As more women seek prescriptions, manufacturers have struggled to expand production quickly enough to meet demand.

The shortage has also created a domino effect. Patients who cannot find their usual estrogen patches are turning to other formulations, including gels and creams, putting additional pressure on products that are already facing supply constraints.

Why estrogen patches are becoming harder to find

Estradiol patches deliver estrogen through the skin and are commonly prescribed to help relieve menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. However, pharmacies have reported difficulties obtaining certain brands and strengths.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said in September that it was working with all six manufacturers of FDA-approved estradiol patches to increase production. The agency has not declared an official shortage and says the patches remain available, although the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists has listed them as being in shortage since January and availability varies by pharmacy. Although the agency reported that supply had nearly doubled over the previous year, the increase had not kept pace with demand. Expanding output takes time, since the patches require specialized equipment and are low-margin generic products, manufacturers say.

One factor behind the growing interest in hormone therapy was the FDA’s decision in November 2025 to ask manufacturers to remove certain risk statements about cardiovascular disease, breast cancer and probable dementia from the boxed warning on their labels. In February 2026, the agency approved the changes for a first group of six products. The warnings were based on findings from the Women’s Health Initiative study, published in 2002.

The change contributed to renewed interest in treatments that women had previously approached with greater caution. As demand increased, manufacturers faced additional pressure to supply pharmacies and healthcare providers.

Shortages are spreading to injections and vaginal creams

The supply problems are no longer limited to patches. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) listed several estradiol valerate injection products from Hikma, American Regent and Par Sterile Products as being in shortage in early September.

The organization also reported supply disruptions involving vaginal estradiol creams made by Viatris’ Mylan unit, Padagis and Teva. Some products were listed as being on back order or subject to allocation, meaning pharmacies could receive limited quantities.

CVS Health said manufacturers had struggled for several months to provide enough of certain strengths of estradiol injections. The company added that the situation had worsened in recent weeks.

The growing number of shortages may also be connected to changes in patients’ prescriptions. Kathleen Jordan, chief medical officer of telehealth provider Midi Health, described a domino effect: after persistent difficulties obtaining patches, patients and prescribers began looking for alternatives such as gels and creams, increasing demand for those products as well.

Cost Plus Drugs reports a fivefold to tenfold increase in demand

The surge is also visible at online pharmacies. Cost Plus Drugs, the digital pharmacy founded by entrepreneur Mark Cuban, said demand for products sold through its platform had increased between fivefold and tenfold for almost every product.

Cuban attributed the growth partly to the company’s low prices. He said Cost Plus Drugs was purchasing as much as possible from suppliers to maintain inventory while its partners worked to expand production capacity.

Despite the increase, the company said it had largely managed to maintain its supply of estrogen replacement products, with only intermittent interruptions.

The situation illustrates how demand is affecting different parts of the pharmaceutical market. Even when a pharmacy manages to secure inventory, it may face difficulties replenishing certain products as manufacturers work to increase output.

What manufacturers are doing to increase production

Drugmakers say they are taking steps to improve availability, although expanding production takes time.

Viatris, which manufactures estradiol patches and creams, reported a significant increase in demand and said it had been working throughout 2026 to expand supply. The company added a production shift at its St. Albans, Vermont, facility earlier in the year, bringing the plant to around-the-clock operations.

Viatris said its output was now significantly higher and that it was meeting its current supply plans for vaginal estradiol cream. It also announced investments in additional equipment, a new production line and potential partnerships with third parties to increase the long-term supply of patches.

Amneal, another manufacturer of estradiol patches, also reported a substantial increase in demand following the FDA’s warning changes. The company said it was working to boost production.

However, the supply situation may not be explained by a general shortage of raw materials. Kevin Schipper, director of product lifecycle management at pharmaceutical consulting firm ProPharma, said the pattern of disruptions did not appear to point to a broad lack of raw materials, although he did not rule out supply-chain problems.

For patients, the availability of an alternative does not necessarily mean that one product can replace another. Vaginal estrogen treatments are generally used for symptoms affecting the vaginal and urinary areas, while systemic hormone therapy is prescribed for broader menopause symptoms.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other countries are preparing too

Britain’s Be Ready campaign, launched Oct. 22, asks households to keep three days of supplies, including 3 liters (about 3 quarts) of water per person per day, food that needs no cooking, a radio and cash.

The European Union’s March 2025 preparedness strategy set a similar target of at least 72 hours of emergency supplies. Both are aimed at households, not military bases.

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

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

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

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

United States Seeks More Than 400,000 Seasonal Workers for UPS and Amazon

The companies themselves announced the figures ahead of the 2026 holiday season:

• UPS plans to hire about 100,000 seasonal workers nationwide. That is a slightly lower figure than in previous years (in 2024, it added about 125,000), in line with the operational adjustments the company has been making.
• Amazon expects to bring on more than 300,000 workers for the season. The company said that is roughly 20% more than last season, unlike much of the retail sector, which is hiring more cautiously this year.

Combined, the two companies top 400,000 temporary jobs, most of them concentrated in the busiest weeks between late October and the holidays.

What the jobs involve and how much they pay

In both cases, the jobs mainly support the jobs that keep e-commerce logistics moving. At UPS, the positions are mainly in sorting, moving and delivering packages: package handlers, drivers and delivery helpers, with full-time and part-time roles.

At Amazon, the openings are in distribution, sorting and delivery centers, also in full-time and part-time roles. The company said average seasonal pay starts at at least $20 an hour, and that average total compensation rises above $30 an hour once benefits are included.

How to apply

Applications are submitted online, directly through each company’s job site:

• Amazon posts its seasonal openings on its jobs portal (hiring.amazon.com, in the seasonal jobs section), where applicants can search by location and view currently open positions.
• UPS takes applications through its jobs portal, where applicants can also filter by area and type of job.

In both cases, it is best to apply as soon as possible, since many of the openings are filled in the weeks before and during the peak season.

Under Section 4603 of Title 23 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the children of indigent people have the “responsibility to care for, support, or provide financial assistance” to their parents in a state of extreme vulnerability.

Adult children must, by law, help support their indigent parents financially

The legal responsibility set out in the law applies to the children of indigent people, as well as to the spouse or parent of the person in this situation. Care may include coverage of medical assistance.

However, there are two specific cases in which a child may be exempt from the support obligation: being able to show that they do not have the financial means to support the indigent person, or that the indigent parent abandoned the child for at least 10 years while the child was a minor.

How much must children pay their parents in this situation

The law specifies that the judge will be responsible for determining how much the family member must pay, depending on each case. The court may intervene whenever the indigent person, a family member, or anyone else interested in their care asks it to.

When there is an obligation to cover medical expenses for older adults, the family member must pay for no more than 12 months the lesser of these amounts:

• Six times the difference between their income and the money needed to support those who depend on them
• The cost of the older adult’s medical care

The obligation to cover medical expenses may be reduced or eliminated, depending on the budget limits set by law. If the order is not followed as established, the penalty could be up to six months in prison.

Accordingly, it is set that next Thursday, Nov. 5, students at elementary schools and pre-K centers will be dismissed three hours early, because of scheduled parent-teacher meetings.

Why New York City public school students are leaving 3 hours early on Thursday, Nov. 5

Parent-teacher conferences (PTC) are meetings between a teacher and a student’s parent to talk about the child’s academic performance and experience at school.

“These conferences help you understand what your child is learning in school, their academic and social-emotional progress, and what you can do to support them,” officials say.

In addition, if there are learning difficulties, the meetings make it possible to work on a joint plan to determine the best way to provide support.

“On the dates of afternoon parent-teacher conferences, students are dismissed three hours before their usual dismissal time,” it says.

Fuente: Shutterstock

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How parents can prepare for this day: officials’ tips

The recommendation is to prepare to make the most of these meetings in the following ways:

• Ask the child for their view of the school and make a list of questions to ask their teacher
• Ask about their strongest and weakest subjects, as well as their preferences
• Talk about how they feel about their teacher and classmates
• Review the child’s academic progress, test scores and attendance
• Make a list of questions and topics to discuss with the teacher
• Think about what information can be shared with the teacher to help them better understand your child.

In Texas, a full probate case can take months and cost thousands of dollars. But in smaller estate cases, the law offers a simpler option.

It’s called a small estate affidavit, a sworn document that allows heirs to collect a loved one’s property directly from banks and other institutions without a full estate administration, according to TexasLawHelp, a legal information site.

Who can inherit without going through probate

According to chapter 205 of the Texas Estates Code, the affidavit can be used when:

• The person died without a will
• The estate is worth $75,000 or less, not counting the homestead and other exempt property.
• The assets are worth more than the debts.

Besides that, the only real estate can only be the family home, and it goes only to the surviving spouse or minor children. Also, all the heirs agree and sign the affidavit.

What doesn’t count toward the $75,000 limit

Although there is a $75,000 limit on the state’s worth, there are several assets left out of the calculation:

• The homestead, the home where the person lived
• Exempt property, such as certain personal belongings, retirement accounts, and insurance benefits
• Non-probate property, which passes directly to a beneficiary, like payable-on-death bank accounts, trust property, or assets owned jointly with a right of survivorship

How does the process of inheriting without probate work?

The affidavit must be filed with the court in the county where the person lived. There is a filing fee, usually a few hundred dollars, and some courts may require a short hearing before a judge approves it.

Once approved, the heirs can use it to collect money and property. Many counties publish their own forms, including Harris County in the Houston area and Dallas, Collin, and Denton counties in North Texas.

What if there is a will?

The affidavit cannot be used if the person left a will. In that case some families may qualify for another faster option, known as “muniment of title,” usually when the estate has no debts other than a mortgage.

The exercise, called Phase II of Operation Dragon Covenant, took place earlier this month in the Fayetteville, North Carolina, area. Combat engineers, chaplains, preventive medicine teams and fatality management specialists took part, according to an Army release.

The goal is to keep remains intact so forensic teams can recover and identify them after the fighting ends and return them to their families. To test this, engineers dug and refilled trenches holding mock remains made from skeletal models and water containers.

How would the US Army bury 2,400 fallen soldiers in 24 hours?

Under Army doctrine, a temporary burial plot has five parallel trenches with room for 100 bodies, 10 along each side of a trench. In earlier trials, crews using standard backhoes needed about three hours to finish a single trench.

For this drill, crews switched to D6 bulldozers, which are heavy tracked earthmovers. The faster pace is what led the Army to its estimate of 2,400 burials a day.

The exercise also exposed a flaw in the Army’s own guidance. Doctrine calls for 7 feet between rows, but crews found that too narrow to drive a bulldozer through without disturbing the graves. The Army said the rules will be updated.

“If we went to war tomorrow, we would be making this up as we went along,” Sgt. 1st Class Delbert Ruede, the senior fatality management leader for the 3rd Corps Sustainment Command, said in the release.

How did the US Army bury its fallen in the Korean War?

During the Korean War, Army graves registration units were responsible for recovering and identifying troops killed in action, according to National Archives records. That included Americans and other forces in the United Nations Command, the U.S.-led coalition that fought in Korea.

The units worked out of Korea and Japan. They transported remains and ran military cemeteries in Korea, including a United Nations cemetery at Tanggok, near the southern port city of Busan.

Not all remains were found. The Army kept rosters of service members whose bodies were never recovered. In 1958, an unidentified Korean War soldier was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

By the time the armistice was signed on July 27, 1953, 33,741 U.S. service members had been killed in combat. Another 2,827 had died from other causes, according to the National Archives.

Why is the US Army preparing for temporary mass burials now?

For two decades in Iraq and Afghanistan, U.S. control of the skies meant remains could be flown home quickly. The Army says that may not be possible in large-scale combat operations, its term for a major war against a well-equipped enemy.

U.S. policy is to evacuate remains whenever operations allow. Joint military guidance permits temporary graves only in mass casualty events: when bodies can’t be moved safely, when transport isn’t available, or when deaths are caused by chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear weapons.

Those graves can hold U.S. troops, civilians or enemy fighters, and all must be treated with dignity. Because crews can’t pause round-the-clock burials for individual services, chaplains plan to consecrate each site before any remains are placed there.

The Army’s next phase of the exercise, set for spring 2027, will add security, medical facilities and a collection point for remains.

The policy, known as House Bill 3564, amends the Illinois Landlord and Tenant Act. It applies to residential lease agreements entered into on or after January 1, 2027, with an exception for properties with six or fewer units where the owner lives in one of them.

New disclosure for landlords under the new Illinois law

Landlords covered by the law must clearly disclose all mandatory rental fees, whether they are one-time charges or recurring payments. This information must appear in the property listing or an accompanying link, as well as on the first page of the written lease.

They must also state whether utilities are included in the rent. If a mandatory fee does not appear on the first page of the lease, the tenant will not be responsible for paying it.

Which rental fees will be prohibited in Illinois in 2027?

The new law prohibits landlords from charging tenants for several services and administrative costs, including:

• Lease changes or renewals.
• After-hours maintenance requests and calls to maintenance hotlines.
• Routine maintenance and general upkeep of the rental unit.
• Pest control, if the tenant did not cause the infestation.
• Contacting the landlord or property manager about maintenance, service requests, or lease-related questions.
• Maintenance-related travel costs and safety repairs.
• In-person walkthroughs when moving in or out.

Eviction notices or court filings before a judge grants an eviction order. Court costs and filing fees may still be recovered.

The law also limits rental application fees, including background checks, to $50. Landlords may charge more only if the actual cost of a third-party background check exceeds that amount; they pay the provider upfront and bill the applicant within 14 days with a receipt.

The benefit, known as the Adoption Tax Credit, applies to international, domestic, private and public foster care adoptions. However, not every family automatically qualifies for the maximum amount. Eligibility depends on the type of adoption, the expenses incurred and the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income.

Although the credit applies to adoptions and eligible expenses during 2026, families will claim it when they file their federal income tax returns in 2027.

There is also a partially refundable component. For tax year 2026, up to $5,120 per eligible child can be refunded, even if the taxpayer does not owe that much in federal income taxes.

Who qualifies for the IRS adoption tax credit in 2026?

The IRS establishes several requirements for families seeking to claim the benefit. The first is having qualified adoption expenses for an eligible child.

To qualify, the child generally must be:

• Under 18 years old when the adoption takes place.
• Physically or mentally incapable of taking care of themselves, regardless of age.

There is also an income requirement. For tax year 2026, the IRS uses the taxpayer’s modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) to determine whether the full credit is available.

The income thresholds are:

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

Married taxpayers generally must file a joint return to qualify, although the IRS provides exceptions for certain circumstances.

Which adoption expenses can families include?

The tax benefit is designed to cover reasonable and necessary costs directly related to the legal adoption of a child.

According to the IRS, eligible expenses include:

• Adoption agency fees and other adoption-related charges.
• Attorney fees and court costs.
• Travel expenses, including meals and lodging, when traveling for the adoption.
• Home study fees and other costs incurred before identifying a child.
• Additional expenses directly connected to the legal adoption process.

However, some payments are excluded. Families cannot claim expenses related to adopting a spouse’s child, surrogate parent arrangements or costs already reimbursed by an employer or paid through a federal, state or local government program.

The same expense also cannot be used to claim another federal tax credit or deduction.

How much of the $17,670 can the IRS actually refund?

One of the most important distinctions is that the maximum adoption credit is not entirely refundable.

For tax year 2026, the IRS allows up to $5,120 per qualifying child to be refundable. This means eligible taxpayers may receive that portion even if their federal income tax liability is lower than the credit amount.

The remaining nonrefundable portion can generally be carried forward for up to five years. Any amount that remains unused after that period is forfeited.

The maximum amount applies separately to each eligible child, not once per household or per calendar year. However, if a family has already claimed part of the credit for the same adoption in a previous tax year, that amount must be deducted from the remaining available credit.

There is also a special provision for children with special needs. If a state or federally recognized Indian tribal government determines that an eligible U.S. child has special needs under the IRS rules, the family may qualify for the full credit even if it did not pay qualified adoption expenses.

When and how to claim the adoption credit

Families who meet the requirements must complete Form 8839, Qualified Adoption Expenses, and attach it to their federal income tax return. For the refundable portion of the 2026 credit, taxpayers must also complete Schedule 3-A (Form 1040).

Because this article concerns the 2026 tax year, eligible taxpayers will generally claim the credit when they file their returns in 2027.

The form requires information about the child and the eligible expenses. Taxpayers can identify the child using a Social Security number, an Adoption Taxpayer Identification Number (ATIN) or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), depending on the circumstances.

The timing depends on the type of adoption. For domestic adoptions that have been finalized, eligible expenses can generally be claimed in the year they are paid. If a domestic adoption is still in progress, the credit is generally claimed the following year. For international adoptions, eligible expenses are claimed in the year the adoption becomes final.

The IRS also allows certain employer-provided adoption benefits to be excluded from taxable income. However, families cannot use the same expenses to claim both the income exclusion and the adoption credit.

Before filing, taxpayers should keep receipts, court documents and other records supporting their adoption expenses. The IRS recommends reviewing the eligibility rules and Form 8839 instructions to determine the amount they can claim.

What is boiling orange peels in vinegar good for

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

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

Fuente: Canva

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

Step by step: how to make the cleaner at home

The process is simple:

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

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

How does USCIS define “unlawful presence”?

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

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

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

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

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

In what context does this section of the INA apply?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What drivers need to know before traveling

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

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

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

How to check road conditions in Alaska

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

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

Full November payment schedule

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

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

One group of beneficiaries is paid a day early

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Binance said

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Frozen assets

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

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

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

Market reaction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which cities do the new trains connect?

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

The services that debuted the new fleet were the following:

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

How many new trains Amtrak will add by 2027

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the 4 reported reasons behind the Pentagon purge?

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

1. Leak investigations

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

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

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

2. Disagreements with Hegseth

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

3. Past work on diversity policies

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

4. Ties to Gen. Mark Milley

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the fragrant white-flowered magnolia grandiflora is like

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

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

How big Magnolia grandiflora grows and how it provides shade

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

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

How to care for Magnolia grandiflora and where to plant it

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which beneficiaries will receive the 3.6% increase before 2027?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the remaining payment dates for 2026?

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

October 2026

• Oct. 30: early SSI payment for November.

November 2026

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

December 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

It Is an Ongoing Levy: It Repeats With Every Paycheck

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Other tips to keep fruit flies under control

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

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

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

Education: When will winter break begin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When the school year ends

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

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

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

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

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

Why a tennis ball can remove marks from vinyl floors

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

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

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

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

How to use a tennis ball to remove scuff marks

The procedure is straightforward and does not require mixing ingredients:

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

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

What to consider before trying this cleaning trick

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When Social Security pays in November 2026

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

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

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

What are the Social Security payment dates in December 2026

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

The agency scheduled the following payments:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When should the passport arrive?

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

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

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

How do you know if your application was rejected?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What each ingredient adds to this aromatic blend

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

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

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

How to make the homemade air freshener step by step

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How did they expand the home four years later?

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

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

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

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

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

What scientists know about the object discovered beyond Pluto

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

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

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

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

How the Vera C. Rubin Observatory detected the distant world

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What time is convenient to renew the passport before traveling?

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

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

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

How to renew an American passport?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

These products are also currently sold through its international network.

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

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

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

In which other countries are Salvadoran products sold?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ingredients:

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

Step by step:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The steps for the process are as follows:

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

Why Baking Soda Helps Remove Burned-On Grease

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

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

What Precautions to Take to Avoid Damaging the Oven

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

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

These are the main precautions:

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

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

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

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

What freezing white vinegar cubes is used for

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

Possible uses include:

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

What happens when vinegar freezes: the physical and chemical explanation

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

Acetic acid can react with limescale

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

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

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

The vinegar cube

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

How to make vinegar cubes for cleaning

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

Where vinegar should not be used

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

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

It is best to avoid it on:

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

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

How to Remove Grease From Pots With Baking Soda and Coffee

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What Other Uses Does Baking Soda and Used Coffee Have?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What are the new limits on the federal college loan?

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

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

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

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

What do the new changes mean for students

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

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

How will students and parents have to pay it back?

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

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

The maximum repayment periods are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What precautions should be taken before applying it?

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

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

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

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

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

Why Workers Are in Short Supply

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

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

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

Who Is Most in Demand

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

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

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

Renewing an international ID by mail: who can do it

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

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

How long the passport being renewed is held during this process

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

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

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

To complete this process, you will need to:

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

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

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

What are the Social Security payment dates for November 2026?

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

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

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

Why is SSI paid before November begins?

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

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

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

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

What should beneficiaries do if a payment is late?

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

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

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

From the aircraft boneyard to a new destination

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which adoption expenses qualify for the IRS tax credit?

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

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

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

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

Who qualifies for the Adoption Tax Credit in 2026?

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

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

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

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

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

How to claim the adoption benefit

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

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

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

Who needs to renew an ITIN before December?

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

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

How to renew an expired ITIN

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to Do if There Is No Legal Document

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

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

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

What Documents Prove a Name Change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the New and Strange Hawaiian Caterpillar Scientists Found Is Like

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

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

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

Why the “Bone Collector” Caterpillar Is So Strange

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

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

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

The Caterpillars That Decorate Their Homes With Insect Parts

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

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

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

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

Who could face penalties for underreporting taxes?

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

The rules cover several situations that can trigger penalties:

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

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

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

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

The provision covers two types of transactions:

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

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

How is the penalty rate determined?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What process must drivers 70 and older complete in California?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What to do when you see it

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

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

Why it is important to recognize it

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

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

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

The result is a letter you can hear

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

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

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

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

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

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

What happened to Kowalczyk after the letter?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to apply and what documents are required

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

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

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

What happens if the ex-spouse dies

In these cases, you may qualify for benefits if:

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

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

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

What alternatives will California drivers be able to use?

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

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

What rules apply to digital license plates?

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

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

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

Why can overwatering cause yellow leaves on plants?

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

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

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

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

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

To tell whether they need water, experts recommend:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where the viper was found and how DNA confirmed the unexpected

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What the 2026 Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be like

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

Rockefeller Center released the tree’s details:

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

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

The Rockefeller Center schedule includes two important dates:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Interference.
• Solar disturbances.
• Jamming attempts.

How was the ring of copper needles around Earth built?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What did the United States achieve with Project West Ford?

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

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

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

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

Why did the copper ring worry scientists?

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

The main concerns were:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The provision covers three main points:

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

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

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

When will electronic time tracking become mandatory?

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

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

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

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

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

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

What requirements will electronic record-keeping have in 2027?

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

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

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

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

What penalties does the law include?

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

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

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