The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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‘Failing our kids’: Philadelphia’s struggle highlights how young learners nationwide miss out on legally mandated support services When Kimberly Halevy’s son Joshua was three, she started hearing from his preschool that he was acting out. He rarely participated in circle time and had trouble playing with other kids. Halevy’s friend had recently opened the preschool, and she liked that someone she knew took care of her son. But eventually, the preschool said it would only allow him back if h...
Many young adults are barely literate despite earning a high school diploma One in 4 young adults across the U.S. is functionally illiterate — yet more than half earned high school diplomas, according to recently released data analyzed by The 74. The number of 16-to-24-year-olds reading at the lowest literacy levels increased from 16% in 2017 to 25% in 2023, according to data released in December from the National Center for Education Statistics in partnership with the Program for the I...
11fotofriends // Shutterstock Most commonly hunted migratory birds in Alabama Stacker compiled a list of the most commonly hunted migratory birds in Alabama using data from a report released by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in August 2025. Duck and goose species are ranked by the estimated 2024 hunting harvest in Alabama. #7. Northern Shoveler (tie) - Alabama: 1,948 (0.3% of national harvest) - National: 558,228 - States with the largest harvests: --- #1. California: 148,727 (26.6% of...
Holiday drink pairings with holiday grilled dishes The holidays are here, and it’s time to sip and savor. Festivities are in full swing, and that means cheerful good times with delicious eats and pours. In this article, Wildfire Outdoor Living developed a three-course meal with holiday-inspired drink and food pairings that will be sure to make Santa jealous. ’Tis the season for gathering, indulging, and creating the kinds of flavors that make the holidays unforgettable. Hot Honey Grilled Chicken...
4 tips to turn your small business into a beloved brand Establishing a strong brand is key for any business. Branding represents your company internally and externally, sets you apart from the competition, tells people who you are and what matters to you, and encourages them to form an emotional connection. But branding has little value in a vacuum. To make a lasting impression on potential customers, you need to share your brand identity across multiple touchpoints. Shopify talked with...
Which states are hit hardest by AI scams? A state-by-state breakdown of consumer losses. The digital landscape in 2025 has ushered in a powerful new era for fraud, one in which bad actors can use artificial intelligence, deep-learning tools, and sophisticated social engineering tactics to scale scams across state lines. While many still picture scams as phone calls meant to trick those who don’t know any better, the reality today is that anybody can fall for a scam generated by AI. U...
Safety course discounts: Your quickest way to save on motorcycle insurance The thrill of the open road is an unbeatable universal truth for every motorcycle rider. However, the associated cost of motorcycle insurance can be a real buzzkill. While protection is essential, riders do not want their motorcycle insurance eating into their new gear fund. The good news regarding motorcycle insurance savings? The quickest and most effective way to ride safely and lower the cost of motorcycle insurance i...
How does refinancing a mortgage work? A mortgage refinance swaps out your old mortgage with a new one, including a fresh set of terms and interest rate. It may or may not come with financial benefits, depending on your goals and how a new loan quote stacks up against your existing home loan. In this guide to refinancing a mortgage, SoFi shows how a mortgage refinance works and how you qualify for refinancing. It will walk you through what a refinance application is like and explain how much you...
1 European countries with great study options for US students in 2026 Studying abroad in Europe can be one of the most exciting choices you make as a student. It is a chance to experience new cities, meet people from around the world, and challenge yourself academically and personally. Europe offers a wide range of opportunities, from historic universities and cutting-edge research programs to vibrant student life and cultural adventures. Each country brings something different to the table....
Mortgage rates, inventory, and inflation: The market shifts to watch before 2026 After nearly two years of uncertainty, three forces are converging to reshape the landscape for homebuyers heading into 2026. Mortgage rates show signs of leveling off after months of volatility, builder sentiment has improved from cycle lows, and inflation data continues influencing Federal Reserve policy that ripples through housing finance, NewHomeSource reports. The challenge is knowing which signals matter...
Pressed for time? 7 smart tips for last-minute holiday parties, according to event planners While the holidays are a magical, albeit hectic, time to connect and celebrate with your community, pushing to meet your end-of-year goals can feel overwhelming—especially if your company get-together is still languishing on your to-do list. To help, event planning professionals Suzanne Zadeh, head of partnerships for TEDAI, and Ami Alexander-Ponce, events manager at San Francisco coworking space C...
What it takes to reach the top 10% in every state New state-by-state data reveals what it takes to reach the top 10% — and how living costs and inequality reshape what “rich” really means. An infographic on America's top earners showing data on the biggest paychecks by state, the top 10% vs. middle-class earnings gap." BuchhaltungsButler, DataPulse Research In the United States, a household needs anywhere between $198,000 and $387,000 in annual income to be considered among the top 10% earne...
PeopleImages // Shutterstock The truth about minimum coverage requirements in Alabama In this article, CheapInsurance.com dives into required minimum liability limits in Alabama and across the country. Those shopping for valid coverage, particularly in the context of financing or leasing a vehicle, should also note why simply meeting the minimum may be risky. What "Minimum Liability Coverage" Means and Why It Exists Every U.S. state, with one exception, requires drivers to carry a minimum level...
Hanukkah celebrations have changed dramatically — but the same is true of Christmas Hanukkah is not the Jewish Christmas. Articles and op-eds in newspapers remind readers of that fact every year, lamenting that the Jewish Festival of Lights has almost become an imitation of the Christian holiday. These pieces exist for a reason. Hanukkah is a minor festival in the Jewish liturgical year, which is marked by major holidays in the fall and spring — the High Holidays and Passover, respectively. Bec...
Price too low to be true? The cost of using unlicensed bathroom renovation contractors The home improvement market is a resilient one, with spending projected to top $553 billion in 2026. Some homeowners choose the DIY route, even for major projects. However, complex jobs like bathroom renovations are typically handled by professionals. Industry standards typically require licensed professionals for electrical and plumbing work. The problem is that hiring bathroom renovation contractors can be...
The year-end builder rush: Why December deadlines can work in your favor Homebuyers looking for leverage in a still-tight housing market may find it in December, as builders step up efforts to meet fiscal-year targets, clear out quick move-in (QMI) inventory, and ramp up incentives to cap off the year. Housing activity tends to slow at the end of the year, according to the National Association of Realtors’ seasonal analysis. Buyer traffic typically falls from December through February, r...
At what age do people start feeling older and more tired? Feeling older and more tired is a common experience that many people notice as they move through different stages of life. However, pinpointing the exact age when these sensations begin can be tricky because aging is a highly individual process influenced by genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. Generally, many individuals begin to notice subtle changes in energy levels and physical resilience in their late 30s to early 40s. This...
Leonid Ikan // Shutterstock Coldest Decembers in Alabama since 1895 Stacker compiled a ranking of the coldest Decembers 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. December 1950 - Average temperature: 41.2°F - Monthly...
Higher-for-longer: How 2026’s mortgage rates may shape your homebuying plan If you’ve been waiting for mortgage rates to drop significantly, 2026 may not bring major relief — but there is good news. Zonda’s economists forecast that rates will stay in the low-6% range for most of 2026. That’s higher than the ultra-low rates of 2020–2021, but lower than the 7%+ levels that made headlines in 2023 and parts of 2024, NewHomeSource reports. This “higher-for-longer” environment has become one of t...
From budget cuts to public distrust: Exploring the challenges facing local health departments As CEO of the National Association of County and City Health Officials, Lori Freeman spends much of her time on the road talking with the people on the front lines of public health. It’s been a challenging year for local health departments. The federal government in March announced it was pulling back $11.4 billion in funding allocated across the nation for pandemic response and infrastructure, an a...
2 side hustle ideas to make extra money during the holidays and in 2026 The traditional path of working a full-time job until retirement is changing. More people are now exploring creative, flexible ways to earn extra income and build financial freedom on their own terms, especially as holiday expenses approach and a new year brings fresh goals. That's where freelance side hustles come in. A side hustle is like your own small business you manage alongside your regular part-time or full-time...
How to reclaim financial confidence even with student debt Student-loan debt in the U.S. has now crossed the $1.8 trillion mark. That magnitude means one thing: you’re not alone. Debt doesn’t define you. But how you deal with it absolutely can. Borrowers who take one small, proactive step—by checking their rate, exploring refinancing, or simply understanding their options—often describe the same feeling afterward. Relief. Clarity. Control. And while refinancing a federal loan means giving...
Holiday spending growth by state It’s that time of year when many households assess their budgets surrounding holiday parties, gifting and sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Local businesses, ecommerce businesses, and even governments collecting associated sales tax benefit from these end-of-year purchases. To accommodate the seasonal surge in spending, businesses must often plan ahead to account for increased traffic to stores and attractions during this time of year, making it i...
How to care for elderly loved ones at home Taking care of elderly parents at home can be rewarding. Many seniors prefer to age in a familiar place, encouraging adult children to have aging parents live at home instead of residential care facilities. However, caregiving encompasses huge responsibilities. Your loved one’s degree of mobility and independence impacts the type of work to expect. You typically need to assist with their daily activities, offer emotional support and manage medical n...
Got the flu? Here’s how long you’re contagious When the flu strikes, one of the biggest concerns is how long you might be contagious. Knowing this can help protect your family, friends, and coworkers from catching the virus. This guide from Doctronic.ai breaks down exactly how long you can spread the flu and what you can do to minimize the risk. It is crucial to recognize that the contagious period can vary significantly among individuals, influenced by factors such as age, overall health, and...
