The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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How parents can help college students manage money and avoid mistakes Sending your child off to college is a big milestone, and for many parents, it’s the first time their teen will be managing money on their own. Talking about money is important in Louann Millar’s family. Millar, who is leader of youth and student banking at Wells Fargo, has two teenagers who, as in many families, are very different in how they think about and approach money. “One of my kids is very eager to earn money and s...
Graphing calculator: $100. Laptop: $800. Here's how to cut every big back-to-school expense. A new laptop or tablet can take up a sizable share of your back-to-school budget. Achieve shares some of the best ways to stretch your money. - Big-ticket tech has the most savings options. - Swap or buy used. - Plan to save on small costs year-round by buying in bulk and using a rebate app. 1. Laptops/tablets - Make a trade. Trade-in programs let you trade in your old laptop or tablet toward the...
Think you need 10,000 steps a day? Science says otherwise Granted, the 10,000-step goal is often recited as if it is gospel, but whether you're clocking up the miles on your commute to work or walking around in circles in the kitchen last thing at night, the truth of the matter is, you might already be walking enough. For the record, hitting a daily step count is now one of the world's most popular wellness habits, and for good reason, too. As one of the simplest and most inexpensive ways to...
America’s new boomtowns Economic growth can change a city quickly. An influx of new residents and expanding business activity creates visible momentum, even as rapid change brings new strains. In recent years, some American cities stand out for attracting people, investment and development at a pace that sets them apart. Boomtown status does not mean growth benefits everyone equally, but it does reflect a city’s expanding economic capacity and the new opportunities that come with it. Sma...
alisalipa // Shutterstock Coldest Augusts in Alabama since 1895 Stacker compiled a ranking of the coldest Augusts in Alabama since 1895 using data from the National Centers for Environmental Information. Rankings are based on the lowest average temperature in each month. For each of the coldest months listed below, we've included the average state temperature, state-wide highs and lows for the month, and the total precipitation. #10. August 1961 (tie) - Average temperature: 77.4°F - Monthly...
Can doctors from other countries practice in the US? Doctors from other countries can and do practice medicine in the United States. In fact, foreign-born physicians make up roughly 1 in 4 U.S. doctors, with an estimated 325,000 trained abroad and now working here as of late 2025. The challenge is that practicing legally in the U.S. requires two separate things: a state medical license and a visa that authorizes you to work in the country. For most internationally trained physicians, earning...
Why vacation rental investors are spending more time on market research before buying Short-term rental investors confront a dual threat: cooling returns and tightening regulations that squeeze profitability while raising loan qualification hurdles. Platforms like Airbnb have democratized vacation rental investing, but they've also triggered state and local crackdowns on tax compliance, licensing, and occupancy caps. For investors already holding properties or considering new purchases,...
Rachasie // Shutterstock Hottest Augusts in Alabama since 1895 In 2022, the continental United States experienced its third hottest July since 1895, according to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, while 20 states saw one of their 10 hottest days in the same month. The year prior, July marked the hottest month on record worldwide. Climate change is driving rising temperatures and more record heat. The Earth’s temperature has climbed each decade since 1880 by about .14...
Companies spend six figures on AI. A third of employees don't know what it costs Every year, someone in finance asks whether the company's AI spend is worth it. Every year, leadership says yes. And every year, the employees actually using the tools have no idea the question was even asked. Now, corporate America is starting to sweat over its AI bill. Microsoft canceled most of its Claude Code licenses, in part over costs. Uber's COO said AI expenses are getting harder to justify. One AI...
Fewer than half of children with ADHD receive behavior treatment. Why experts recommend it If you're a parent of a child with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), you've probably thought a lot about how to help them navigate daily life. Medication may be one of the first things that comes to mind, but it's not the only option experts recommend. Behavior therapy helps children build skills like attention and self-control, often by working closely with the adults in their lives. The...
Farm-bots: Bringing AI into the fields “We do a lot of wonderful work with onions,” is a phrase you don’t hear often while reporting on artificial intelligence. But using algorithms to help farmers improve yields while reducing chemical usage is Swiss startup Ecorobotix’s bread and butter, according to Abbey Flury, global marketing and communications manager at the company. “Our onion algorithm is very strong. We have a lot of people using it,” she told The Infinite Loop. One of those peopl...
7 tips for a healthy back-to-school season As the school year begins, your family is likely getting supplies ready and adjusting to a new routine after summer break. Whether your child attends elementary, middle, or high school, it’s natural for them to feel both excited and nervous at the same time. And keeping them happy, healthy, and safe is likely your top priority. GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, put together a few simple pharmacist tips to help your family achieve these goals. F...
Inside the summer program boosting skills and confidence for 40,000 kids When Reneta Johnson, head of a small charter network in Birmingham, Alabama, asked students how they wanted to spend this summer, they said they liked to make TikTok videos. That gave her an idea. The staff at Legacy Prep built a three-week summer schedule around the theme of “Lights, Camera, Action,” blending drama, music and dance, culminating in a final performance. But between learning choreography and exploring car...
How much does memory care cost? A complete state-by-state guide The national average cost of a memory care facility is about $6,999 per month, according to proprietary data from A Place For Mom. Costs vary by state, location, and care needs, but that monthly rate often includes housing, meals, 24-hour supervision, safety features, and specialized dementia care. Some communities charge one all-inclusive fee, while others adjust pricing as care needs change. Understanding these costs can help...
An in-depth guide to bowrider boats Among recreational powerboats, few designs match the versatility of the bowrider. While most boats move you from point A to point B, a bowrider does something more — it creates space for the experiences that happen in between. If you’re considering your first boat or exploring new options, understanding the bowrider’s strengths and characteristics will help you make informed decisions. This guide by Formula Boats explores what makes bowrider boats a popul...
The most efficient way to run your window unit Window air conditioners can be lifesavers during the hot summer months, especially in older homes or apartments without central air. But while they offer targeted cooling, they can also drive up your energy bill fast if they’re not used efficiently. The good news is a few smart strategies can keep your space cool and your costs low. HomeServe broke down the best ways to run your window air conditioner efficiently. Start With the Right-Sized Unit E...
Survey: Retirement still feels achievable for Millennials and Gen Z Despite living in a time of economic turbulence, Gen Z and Millennials feel positive about retirement, according to a new survey by SoFi. Gen Z is particularly bullish on retirement. Fifty-seven percent say it’s achievable with a plan in place, compared to just 45% of Millennials who feel the same. To find out how Gen Z (ages 18 to 29) and Millennials (ages 30 to 45) are thinking about retirement in the current economic l...
Best and worst states for drivers: 2026 study Car ownership consumes a major share of many household budgets. Between loan payments, maintenance, fuel, and auto insurance, the cost of owning and operating a vehicle now averages more than $11,000 per year. Even as U.S. cities and counties increase investment in public transportation, more than 90% of American households own or lease at least one vehicle. SmartAsset set out to determine which states are best for drivers and which are most...
Banks are financing the fossil fuel industry’s next growth strategy For the past two years, more than a dozen major banks have been not only reneging on their climate commitments, they’ve been actively making the crisis worse, Grist reports. In 2024 and 2025, during the leadup to President Donald Trump’s second inauguration, all six of the nation’s largest banks abandoned the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, a voluntary climate coalition, precipitating the Alliance’s complete shutdown in October....
What are the first steps after discovering a roof leak? Whether your roof is dripping steadily during a heavy storm or you notice a water stain on your ceiling, a leak can cause immense stress. If not tackled properly and on time, water intrusion can have severe consequences, some of which can affect your home’s structural integrity and your insurance claim. While your first instinct may be to panic, your best bet is to act immediately to limit the damage, protect your home and minimize r...
Nearly 2 in 5 US workers have put company information into personal AI accounts, and most don't know it can be illegal The confidential company document has a new address: someone's personal chatbot history. In a July 2026 survey of 500 employed U.S. adults commissioned by Kolmogorov Law, a California business-litigation firm, and conducted through the Pollfish research platform, 38% admitted they have entered at least one type of work information into a personal AI account their employer does...
Teachers save time with AI. Their students may pay the price Artificial intelligence is often promoted as a way to make teachers more effective by helping them write lesson plans, generate classroom materials and provide feedback to students in seconds. But one of the first randomized trials testing AI in real classrooms found that it can also undermine learning, The Hechinger Report reveals. Students whose teachers were given access to an AI teaching assistant felt less motivated to learn. The...
How does online schooling support students preparing for college? Supporting students as they transition into new learning areas isn’t always easy. Preparing for college can feel overwhelming for students who don’t know what to expect. While many young people may have an idea of what they want to do with their lives, choosing the right path to get them there can be a challenge. As technology and online education continue to evolve, many parents are considering the benefits of virtual sch...
The patterns traffic fatality data reveal, and how you can stay safe on the road When was the last time you thought about the calendar before getting behind the wheel? For most drivers, the decision to drive on any given day comes down to necessity rather than risk assessment. But if traffic fatality data shows that some days may be riskier than others. For example, on the day with the most traffic fatalities in 2024, 161 people lost their lives in traffic crashes across the U.S. On the day...
Why do mosquito bites itch? The science and how to stop it That familiar, maddening itch after a mosquito bite is one of summer's most annoying experiences. The science behind why mosquito bites itch involves a complex interaction between mosquito saliva and the human immune system. Understanding this process helps explain why some people react more severely than others and what actually works to stop the itching. West Nile virus cases increased by 28% in 2025, and 2,396 cases of dengue fever...
