The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 2524
Traveling to Mexico this spring? Here’s what to know about current advisories For some travelers counting down to spring break, recent headlines about violence in parts of Mexico have sparked a new question: Should I cancel my trip? Travel advisors say they are seeing a surge in calls and emails from clients trying to determine whether developments in one region affect major resort areas elsewhere. The questions follow several days of unrest in parts of Mexico after security operations targeting...
muratart // Shutterstock Movies and TV shows casting in Birmingham The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures attention starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows...
16 plans just got a major upgrade. Here’s what high earners need to know The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), enacted in July 2025, brought a wave of tax changes. Permanent tax brackets, updated standard deductions, and itemized deduction modifications got the attention. But buried inside the legislation are meaningful updates to 529 savings plans that are worth a close look, particularly if you’re planning to fund an elite education for your children. Range breaks down what changed wit...
5 GLP-1 trends to expect in 2026: Expanded uses, oral options, and more Originally developed for Type 2 diabetes, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have transformed the weight-loss medication market. And in recent years, their popularity has soared due to their effectiveness and versatility. Looking ahead to the rest of 2026, several key trends are set to redefine the GLP-1 landscape — from broadening applications to expanded access. GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, t...
Media_Photos // Shutterstock Movies and TV shows casting in Mobile The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures attention starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows...
1 of the most reliable diesel pickup trucks in North America It’s no surprise that ¾- and 1-ton diesel trucks have only grown in popularity since the turn of the century. Diesel pickups have long been celebrated for their power, towing capacity, and rugged durability. Fundamentally different from gasoline engines, diesel engines offer more robust construction, higher compression ratios, and increased efficiency. Are Diesel Trucks Reliable? As technology evolves and consumer expectations sh...
PeopleImages // Shutterstock Stop doing everything: How small business leaders in Alabama can reclaim 75 workdays each year Leaders in small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) operate under constant pressure to deliver results with limited time, budgets, and staff. In a volatile market, they're expected to balance immediate execution with long-term strategy, often without the layers of support available to larger organizations. As a result, many leaders step in wherever the business needs...
Oakland figure skater Alysa Liu’s gold medal story has a surprising lesson for cities It could have easily become a high-rise luxury condo complex. Or maybe a struggling office tower now being converted into luxury condos. Maybe a parking garage, or a data center. But instead, 30 years ago this spring, Alameda County Parcel Number 8-641-8-5 became home to the Oakland Ice Center — where recently crowned Olympic gold-medalist figure skater Alysa Liu still trains. Next City traced how that rin...
Are America’s top colleges letting in more students from low-income backgrounds? It’s hardly news that America’s elite universities are largely populated by students from America’s wealthiest families. Yet in recent years, this has drawn increasing alarm. Research has documented just how large the admissions advantage is for well-off students. Bloomberg Philanthropies has pumped tens of millions of dollars into efforts to get talented lower-income students into better colleges. The College...
Starter home hotspots: These metros are best for first-time buyers The American “starter home” is slipping out of reach, except in the South and Midwest, where the dream remains mostly intact. These modest boxes on hillsides once supported young families waiting for the next baby to launch them into bigger and better things. They represented not only adulthood and stability, but the promise of a lifetime of building equity. Today, the share of first-time buyers is at a record low, with 21% of ho...
Homelessness is rising fast among a surprising group: Infants and toddlers For months, Karian had tried to make it on her own in New York. After the birth of her second daughter, she was diagnosed with postpartum depression, major depressive disorder and anxiety. A single mother who had moved from Boston to New York about 13 years ago, she often spent days at a time on the couch, unable to do more than handle the basics for her daughters. “I wasn’t taking care of myself,” she said softly on a...
What is March Madness? Economic impact and 2026 outlook Every spring, March Madness transforms college basketball into a national economic and cultural phenomenon. What begins as a sporting tournament quickly spills into workplaces, media schedules, travel plans, and consumer spending habits across the United States. From packed arenas and prime-time broadcasts to office bracket pools and lost work hours, the tournament’s influence extends far beyond the court. As the 2026 edition approaches, M...
The hidden math of Portugal Golden Visa fund fees: Why ‘1.5%’ rarely means 1.5% If you're shopping for Portugal Golden Visa-eligible investment funds, you'll hear plenty about minimums, strategy, and timelines. You'll hear far less about the thing that silently compounds in the background: fees. Most investors can quote a management fee. Fewer can answer basic questions like: - Is there a subscription fee on entry? - Is there an exit fee on redemption? - What operating costs are charged to the...
Beyond BBQ and lobster rolls: The regional foods that define American cuisine Nothing speaks to the culture of a region more than its cuisine. You can’t think of Italy without pasta or New York without pizza. Food is the fabric of society and, despite regional differences, it’s what brings everyone together. AnyWho takes a look at the tastiest regional foods in the United States that most Americans haven’t heard of. From the desert Southwest to coastal New England, these local foods taste just...
Golden years, growing costs: New survey reveals seniors’ difficult trade-offs For older Americans, retirement is meant to be a hard-earned reward after decades of work. But for many today, it feels less like a celebration and more like a struggle to stay afloat. A new, national survey of 1,000 seniors reveals that rising costs are forcing many to make difficult decisions—cutting back on food, delaying or skipping medical care, and scaling back social activities. All of these decisions can hav...
The tax breaks caregivers miss: How families leave thousands on the table every filing season Over 63 million Americans provide unpaid care for a child, aging parent, spouse, or disabled family member, and more than a third report financial hardship as a result. Yet, every year, millions of family caregivers leave significant tax savings on the table simply because they don’t know what they qualify for. QMedic dug deep to provide information from sources including AARP, the Internal Revenue Serv...
6 top international travel destinations for great food As food tourism becomes increasingly popular, world travelers crave immersive experiences, like sipping wine in the rolling vineyards where grapes are grown, hunting for truffles beneath the misty canopy of a Croatian forest, or passing fragrant dishes across a family's table at a home-hosted dinner in Vietnam. Whatever you're hungry for, these top food travel destinations and experiences recommended by EF Go Ahead Tours will make your next...
The surprising places where a $100K salary won’t get you a home When someone earning $100,000 a year isn’t able to buy a home in the U.S. today, where does that leave the rest of us? In 2026, having a six-figure salary doesn’t necessarily mean homeownership is within reach — it all depends on the region’s market. Home prices have climbed dramatically in many cities across the country throughout the decades. While incomes have risen in some sectors, they haven’t kept pace everywhere. According t...
What to look for when choosing an AI accounting tool and how to implement it AI is reshaping how finance teams operate: automating manual tasks, improving forecasting accuracy, and giving accountants more time for strategic finance. In 2026, the question isn’t whether to adopt AI tools, but which ones will deliver the most value. Ramp’s guide covers what to look for in AI accounting software, top tools to explore, and how to prepare your team for the next wave of innovation. Why 2026 is a piv...
What a complete stranger can take from you with just your name and city With how advanced technology has gotten, your personal information doesn’t only live on official documents or personal files—it all exists somewhere online. And most of the time, it’s easier for strangers to find than you’d expect. In fact, in 2025, a record 279 million people were affected by data compromises, according to a report by the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC). Even with just your name and the city you’re...
7 things to know before opening a high-yield savings account To help you make an informed decision, CreditNinja laid out seven important things consumers need to know before opening a high-yield savings account, like taxes, fine print, what to look for, the truth about interest rates, and the top six accounts. That way, you’re prepared to open one without any nasty surprises. Key Takeaways - Important things to consider before opening a high-yield savings account include understanding that r...
4 coping skills for anxiety that actually work Anxiety isn’t one-size-fits-all. For some people, it feels like a tight chest or a racing heart. For others, it shows up as constant worrying, spiraling thoughts, or panic that makes everyday situations feel overwhelming. However it shows up for you, anxiety is probably not something you enjoy living with—and you may be ready to get a better handle on it. That’s where coping skills for anxiety come in. This guide by Spring Health breaks down pract...
Top global expansion ecommerce markets: Where US-based brands are growing next As cross-border ecommerce continues to outpace many domestic channels, U.S.-based brands are looking beyond their home market for their next phase of growth. Globally, 59% of shoppers purchase from retailers outside their home country, and 35% do so at least once a month, underscoring how mainstream international buying behavior has become. Certain international markets consistently provide the right mix of demand,...
Empowering patients: How technology is reshaping doctor-patient interactions In today's fast-paced world, a 30-minute annual check-up with your primary care doctor may seem insufficient to manage your overall health. However, technology is transforming these interactions, allowing patients to become more involved in their healthcare. Home monitors, smart watches, and wearable tech enable patients to bring their own health data to appointments, providing valuable context and insights for their...
ungvar // Shutterstock Cities with the fastest-growing home prices in the Anniston metro area The real estate frenzy spurred by the coronavirus pandemic continues, though at a slower pace. Buyers are still competing for a limited supply of housing, driving up prices for affordable properties. The typical home value in the United States was $358,968 in January, 0.2% higher than the year before. Increasing mortgage rates have slowed growth, with prices even declining in some places. But some areas...
