The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
Sorted by date Results 281 - 305 of 2423
Futureproof your career: 6 AI-resilient skilled trades and industrial roles The AI revolution is here. To future-proof your career prospects, it may be time to look beyond the cubicle. The outlook is increasingly uncertain for many office professionals: Intel has been busy cutting roughly 24,000 jobs this year — about a quarter of its core workforce. Meanwhile, Amazon recently laid off 14,000 corporate roles as it layers in AI-driven efficiencies. And they’re far from alone: Brookings Ins...
Should you choose a high-deductible health plan? What to know about the pros and cons With the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits set to expire soon, many people could see their marketplace plan premiums rise in 2026. As a result, some may consider switching to a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) to keep monthly costs manageable. An HDHP keeps your monthly premiums low while typically providing 100% coverage for in-network preventive services before you meet your...
One glitch away: Why digital trust defines retail success this holiday season As U.S. consumers feel their wallets tighten and retailers brace for more cautious spending this holiday season, every single online sale matters. According to new data from Rocket Software’s Consumer Insight Survey, retailers can’t afford even a moment of friction: a slow-loading page, a failed payment, or a confusing checkout is enough to send a shopper elsewhere. Today’s consumers have very little patience and p...
Dpongvit // Shutterstock Movies and TV shows casting in Huntsville The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans 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...
Financial anxiety spikes during the holidays: 6 expert coping strategies The holidays, for all their warmth and connection, can push us over the edge in terms of financial stress. Despite dwindling savings accounts, we may not want (or feel able to) cut back on holiday travel or gifts for loved ones. According to a newly released survey, 79% of consumers have less than $1,000 set aside for the 2025 holiday season, and over half (52%) expect to incur debt that will take months to pay off. Living...
2 tips to avoid holiday burnout and actually enjoy the season Ah, the holidays. For some, it's "the most wonderful time of the year." For others, it can also be the most stressful. Parties, gifts, kids’ events, the office potluck, all activities that are meant to be fun but can feel overwhelming when added to your existing responsibilities. It's enough to make anyone say "bah humbug!" When holiday cheer starts to feel like holiday fear, it's time to take action. In this article, Life Exte...
‘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...
