The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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What would ‘concealed carry reciprocity’ mean for states with tighter gun laws? Over the last three decades, carrying concealed guns in public in the United States has become easier and easier. First, in the 1990s, states began to guarantee permits to anyone who could legally own a firearm. Then, beginning in the mid-2000s, states started removing permit requirements altogether. Now, a majority of states — 29 as of 2025 — require no license to carry a loaded gun in public, a policy known as perm...
Side hustles and skills: How today’s college students are redefining success beyond the classroom Between their classes, jobs, side hustles, hobbies, and other on-campus or extracurricular activities, today’s college students face unprecedented demands on their time and energy — a pressure that only grows during finals season. Yet despite managing these multiple commitments, this generation continues to battle negative perceptions about their work ethic and potential. Quizlet, the global learnin...
4 predictions about the housing market in 2026 The 2026 housing market is shaping up to be a year of recalibration rather than resurgence or decline. After several years marked by extreme volatility—including rapid price appreciation, sharp rate increases, and persistent inventory shortages—the landscape is finally beginning to steady. While mortgage rates eased slightly in late 2025, they remain well above the lows that shaped buyer behavior during the pandemic. For homeowners, 2026 is unl...
The ChatGPT subpoena revolution: When your AI conversations become court evidence Americans are increasingly turning to AI chatbots as a free, on-demand lawyer, but a new survey of 1,000 people by Kolmogorov Law reveals they are walking into a legal minefield blind. While a majority of AI users (56%) now seek legal advice from these platforms, a staggering half are unaware their conversations can be subpoenaed in court. This behavior is fueled by a profound misconception: 67% of users believe th...
Media_Photos // Shutterstock Movies and TV shows casting in Birmingham 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...
Grusho Anna // 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...
Nina Firsova // Shutterstock The most popular grocery items for Christmas in Alabama, according to Instacart As we trade turkey and cranberry sauce for candy canes and twinkling lights, households across the country are gearing up for another food-centric celebration: Christmas. Using data from 2024, Instacart explored the festive food trends taking center stage in Alabama and across the country during the most wonderful time of the year. Instacart The Great Eggnog Debate, Where Alabama Ranks...
How 50-year mortgages could destroy small landlords The Trump administration’s aggressive push for 50-year mortgages may seem innovative, but it could pose a serious threat to the housing market and to small landlords who depend on its stability. For homebuyers, these 50-year mortgages could offer easier access to loans, lower monthly payments, and the illusion of improved affordability. However, these purported benefits for homebuyers mask what could be a significant boon to banks. So, who woul...
How long does a chest cold usually last? A chest cold, medically known as acute bronchitis, is a common respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the bronchial tubes. These tubes carry air to and from the lungs, and when inflamed, they produce mucus, leading to coughing and discomfort in the chest area. Chest colds often develop after an upper respiratory infection like a common cold or the flu. In this article, Doctronic provides information on the duration and recovery of chest...
Germany’s most fascinating winter foods, and the off-the-beaten-path Christmas markets that still serve them As the birthplace of centuries-old holiday customs, Germany today hosts between 2,500 and 3,000 Christmas markets every year and attracts millions of visitors from around the world. Most Americans fly in for the big, headline markets in Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt, eagerly crowding around outdoor stalls to savor the usual lineup of pretzels, bratwurst, and “Glühwein,” the hot mulled...
Gifting in estate planning: 7 mistakes that could cost you Estate planning isn’t a one-time event — it’s a moving target. With gift and estate tax laws in flux and even “permanent” reforms often lasting no more than a decade or an administration, families are rethinking their approach. One powerful strategy? Lifetime gifting. But without careful planning, missteps can not only undermine your intentions but also expose your estate to greater tax liability. Comerica shares seven mistakes...
Konstantin L // Shutterstock Cities with the most expensive homes in Alabama Purchasing a home is one of the most important investments there is. More than a place to live, homeownership is an asset with the potential to tremendously rise in value. But with home prices reaching record heights, affordability plays a huge role for buyers. The typical home value in the United States was $360,782 in November, 0.2% higher than the year before. High mortgage rates are also making monthly payments...
The dangers of raising speed limits on interstates The recent increase in the speed limit on I-465 in Indiana, from 55 mph to 65 mph, raises the question of whether raising the speed limit on highways is a good idea. While the increase is meant to enhance the flow of traffic on the often busy interstate, there are several potential dangers that drivers may not consider. Although it is believed that raising speed limits and driving faster will reduce travel time, studies have shown that the actua...
Are we ready to trust in AI to power the future of customer communications? Ready or not, here it comes. Artificial intelligence is quickly changing the ways we interact with the world. That includes how businesses connect with people. But how do your customers feel about AI? What are your expectations for how AI will transform customer experiences? While using AI as part of a customer communications strategy isn’t exactly new, it is certainly expanding. Honestly, exploding might be a better w...
The LLC generation: How modern entrepreneurs are rewriting the rules of business formation One in four Americans ages 18 to 24 now runs a business, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. That marks a historic shift in who starts companies and when. For over two decades, entrepreneurial activity peaked among people in their 30s and 40s. Today, it’s the youngest adults leading the charge. And they’re moving faster than any generation before them. Instead of treating formation as a dis...
Capital gains tax: 2025-2026 rates, brackets and state guide Investors who sell an investment at a profit in a taxable account incur a capital gain that they must report on their tax returns. For investments held longer than one year, the long-term capital gains tax applies. In both the 2025 and 2026 tax years, federal tax laws impose three different rates on long-term capital gains based on income. The major tax changes enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act earlier in 2025 had no...
kirill guzhvinsky // Shutterstock Bib Gourmand restaurants in Birmingham Michelin's Bib Gourmand distinction highlights restaurants that serve exceptional food at a good value—places where you can enjoy a memorable meal without the splurge of a fine-dining price tag. Stacker compiled a list of Bib Gourmand restaurants in Birmingham using the Michelin Guide, offering a taste of quality and creativity across the city's dining scene. Keep reading to see which spots made the list in 2025. La F...
Congressional seats, even the safe ones, don’t come cheap To run for Congress, candidates must satisfy three constitutional qualifications: Meet the minimum age requirement, be a U.S. citizen and reside in the state they seek to represent. But, heading into the 2026 cycle, it is clear there is one additional, unofficial requirement: They must be able to raise several million dollars. The total cost of congressional races in 2024 was $9.5 billion, including spending by outside groups, a...
5 top-rated used small SUVs If you've spent the last few years in a compact car, and you're feeling the need for an upgrade, a small SUV might be perfect for you. They offer increased cargo and passenger space without a big trade-off in fuel economy, and the prices are reasonable when you consider their capability. They're great for folks looking to downsize from larger vehicles too. Below are Edmunds’ top picks, as well as the average price for a 2023 model on the used market compared to the ba...
Europe’s new golden age: Americans choose culture over beaches Goodbye, sandy beaches, hello cultural immersion. A new era of travel is redefining how Americans vacation, with the majority seeking not just escape but enrichment. According to JayWay Travel’s 2025 study, 87% of travelers are shifting from passive relaxation to active exploration, trading sun loungers for museums, markets, and meaningful memories. This renaissance in travel is about value, identity, and connection. Europe has bec...
A guide to ADHD medications: 8 things to consider Finding the right ADHD prescription can feel overwhelming at first. With dozens of stimulant and nonstimulant ADHD medications available, many people search for clarity on how these medications work, how they differ, and what to expect. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, supporting a child, or exploring ADHD medication options as an adult, understanding the fundamentals helps you make confident decisions with your healthcare provider. Because A...
Fed rate cuts: Are they good or bad for home buyers? You can count on it: When the Federal Reserve changes its interest rate, news headlines about mortgage rates will follow. This cycle unfolds up to eight times a year, so many home shoppers get the idea that the Fed regulates mortgage rates. Fed decisions affect mortgage rates, but the Fed doesn’t control mortgage rates directly. In fact, as Better discusses here, the Fed’s actions can have unpredictable effects on the rates new home buy...
The most dangerous time to drive in every state In 2023, roughly one-third of all U.S. traffic fatalities (33%) happened between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., with the single deadliest three-hour block from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. (18% of all deaths). Those hours straddle the evening commute, when roads are crowded, daylight fades, and impairment risks rise. That pattern shows up year after year in federal crash data. Traffic deaths nationwide have risen sharply over the past several years, even as overall...
4 scam trends consumers must watch going into 2026 (and how to stay ahead of them) In America, fraud is no longer a static threat. It has instead become an evolving ecosystem, continually powered by artificial intelligence, automation, and an ever-expanding digital footprint. Consumers have spent much of the past decade reacting to the latest scam of the month, whether that be a phishing text, bogus charges, or something else. However, with 2026 on the horizon, scams are set to become more...
Why many first-time investors choose a hard money loan The real estate investment arena hasn’t exactly been rolling out the red carpet for new investors, but things are about to change. According to industry insiders, we’re stepping into a Goldilocks zone over the next six to 12 months. For the last few years, you couldn't breathe on a property without ten cash offers beating you. That frenzy has finally cooled (at least for the moment). Interest rates have settled in the mid-6% range and are...
