The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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On a damp and grimly grey winter day in Paris, Bill François is a beacon of positivity. After a brief stroll along the River Seine, he comes to a halt at the Henri IV Dock with Notre Dame Cathedral just about visible through the mist. Here, François flicks his wrist back and then gently launches a fishing line out into the choppy waters. "The Seine is a wild place in the heart of Paris," enthuses François, who has come prepared in an all-weather outfit that includes a cap, sunglasses, and wa...
Maybe during your last workout, you heard from a gym buddy that taking creatine—one of the more studied (and trending!) workout supplements—can contribute to lean muscle growth. However, that same person might've also told you that it can lead to weight gain. Is this true, and if so, to what degree? Life Extension explores the effects of creatine supplementation, why the scale might be fickle, and what you can do to stay on top of your weight. How does creatine work in your body? Let's sta...
Speed and convenience are driving small business owners to go digital with their business operations, including small business insurance. And a recent survey shows that they're increasingly turning to digital platforms that let them research, compare and buy coverage without an agent and 100% online. NEXT surveyed 1,500 nationwide small business owners in January 2025 to better understand this shift in how they buy insurance. Here's what the survey found. 61% of small business owners buy...
High tariffs—they affect not only governments and corporations but also consumers right where it hurts—their wallets. Because high tariffs raise the cost of motor parts, maintenance, and even insurance claims, the auto industry is particularly affected. High tariffs have the potential to cause everyday spending to soar, regardless of whether you own a car, have insurance, or occasionally rent one. However, what are the precise effects of these increased tariffs? More significantly, how can you...
When it comes to getting around, driving a car is the riskiest mode of transportation. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that 42,514 motor vehicle fatalities occurred in the United States in 2022, compared with under 1,600 fatalities for air, railroad, and transit travel combined, per Bureau of Transportation Statistics. Car crashes cut lives short and cause debilitating injuries. They also have a massive economic impact. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration...
Of the lucky pups who were adopted last year, it seems more have found their forever homes: The number of dogs surrendered by their owners has decreased by about 4.5% since 2023, according to a 2024 report from Shelter Animals Count. Collecting data from 13,527 animal shelters and rescues in the U.S., Canada, and U.S. territories, the SAC report also found that the overall dog adoption rate has dipped by about 1% from 2023. However, it's worth noting that when this figure is broken down by the t...
Finding a stylish apartment with excellent amenities in a desirable neighborhood at a reasonable price is a goal for many renters. However, not many realize that such opportunities exist. Highlights: - Austin, Texas, leads the nation in the number of ZIP codes where high-quality apartments are available at budget-friendly prices. - Texas boasts the highest concentration of locations for upscale living at lower rents, featuring 44 ZIP codes, followed by Colorado with 19. - In Seattle ZIP code...
Setting the right influencer marketing budget can be challenging, with multiple factors affecting how much influencers charge. However, when done right, influencer marketing can deliver impressive ROI, making it a worthwhile investment. Some influencers may collaborate for free, while they're often fresh starters with limited reach. In contrast, experienced influencers who drive real engagement expect fair compensation. In return, they offer brand credibility, social proof, and conversions. Infl...
A study of Nashville high-schoolers exposed an alarming disconnect between Black girls and mathematics, one that might explain their lack of confidence in the subject—and why they don't see how it can help them achieve their professional goals. More than 70% of Black female respondents in general math classes had "a negative math identity" compared to 14% of Black boys. And as reported by The 74, 86% of Black girls in general math did not see the connection between their desired careers and m...
Americans are growing increasingly uneasy about the state of the economy. Consumer sentiment has fallen to a 15-month low in February as inflation expectations spike and concerns over tariffs mount, according to the University of Michigan's latest Consumer Sentiment Index. BuchhaltungsButler and DataPulse Research say this decline spans across all age and income groups—and even Republicans' post-election confidence has dipped. Consumer Price Index Not Meeting Expectations This report came on t...
When you start a small business, there's one thing you need more than anything else: money. However, getting money to fund a business has been challenging for women, particularly women of color. While women continue to make strides in raising more venture capital, they still only garnered just 2% of the total capital invested in venture-backed startups in the U.S. To source money for their new businesses, women need to look at multiple funding avenues. As NEXT points out, one opportunity is smal...
After years of steep premium increases, up over 50% since 2021, industry experts predict that the market is poised for stabilization in 2025. This relief comes at a crucial time. Jerry surveyed 1,000 American drivers across all age groups and regions of the country in its 2025 State of the American Driver Report to find out how people are impacted by the current era of higher-cost car ownership. Results reveal that high insurance costs alone have pushed 32% of drivers to cut back on family...
The internet wasn't built with accessibility (i.e., everyone) in mind. In its early days, it was chaotic—blinking text, auto-playing music, and little navigation. While web design and user experiences have evolved, accessibility remains an afterthought for many businesses. Even today, millions of people encounter daily barriers online: a checkout button they can't reach, a form they can't complete, a video they can't hear. Beyond creating usable experiences for all users, digital a...
Women face unique challenges when it comes to financial planning. They still face a gender pay gap, and they tend to save and invest at lower rates compared to men. For these reasons and more, women are far more likely than men to feel stress surrounding financial planning. But taking charge of your finances can help you make the most of your money—and it may alleviate some of the stress that comes with financial uncertainty. Among the 9 in 10 women who reported feeling financially stressed i...
This Valentine's Day, consider asking your partner, "What's your love language?" The 5 Love Languages®—gift giving, quality time, words of affirmation, acts of service, and physical touch—were developed by Gary Chapman to help people strengthen connection in relationships. Some people want to hear kind words, others want physical affection, and then there's those who just want a great gift (who says you can't buy love?). The problem is, oftentimes we speak in our own love language rather than...
While flowers and chocolates are a good start, no Valentine's Day gift is as unapologetically romantic as fine jewelry. For many couples, gifting something as long-lasting and thoughtful as jewelry is a way of showing their commitment and devotion. But is jewelry the right choice for every relationship? What designs should you choose for your first Valentine's Day—or your fiftieth? VRAI, a fine jewelry brand featuring lab-grown diamonds, breaks down which styles are right for your Valentine's D...
Imagine a world where the workweek is only four days long. You'd have an additional day free to run a household, spend time with loved ones, devote time to hobbies, or rest. For many workers globally, this is now a tangible reality. Nearly a century after the five-day workweek was established, the four-day workweek is moving from theoretical trials to real-world implementation. Groundbreaking trials across the world reveal the transformative potential of a four-day workweek to reduce burnout...
Who says traveling has to be expensive? While some destinations can put a dent in your wallet, others let you explore, eat, and experience more for much less. Whether you're dreaming of pristine beaches, ancient ruins, or vibrant street food scenes, there are plenty of places where your dollars will go a long way. Way.com shares a guide to the cheapest countries to visit. Budget travel isn't just about saving money—it's about being resourceful, adventurous, and spontaneous. So, if you're r...
Breakups can be very painful and traumatic. No matter how it ended or why, the loss of a romantic partner can set off a whirlwind of intense and conflicting emotions. You may go from feeling deeply sad to elated to angry to hopeful to nostalgic, all in a matter of hours or even minutes. This emotional rollercoaster won't last forever, Rula reports. But, in the moment, it may feel like it will never end. Key Takeaways - Breakups can be traumatic events that cause anxiety or make anxiety worse. -...
Across hundreds of large U.S. cities, a median of 12.5% of workers work from home. But some cities see as many as three in 10 workers working remotely, while others maintain a nearly entirely in-person workforce. Factors affecting this widespread may include the local industries and infrastructure, as well as local demographics. Similarly, the portion of workers operating remotely may impact the dynamics of a city. Where people spend most of their days may impact the food, transportation, and...
As people live longer, a growing percentage of the population is living with, and dying from, chronic diseases. Chronic diseases tend to require consistent medical attention and often restrict daily activity. The ongoing pain, limited mobility, compromised energy, and repeated treatments often associated with chronic diseases can be exhausting—and expensive—for those affected and their caregivers. At least 43 million people worldwide died in 2021 from a noncommunicable disease, also known as...
ATF urges police to stop reselling used guns Federal officials are cautioning state and local law enforcement against reselling their used guns to the public, saying the practice has sent tens of thousands of old police weapons into the hands of criminals. The warning was the first in a series of recommendations made by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in its fourth and final installment of a multiyear gun trafficking assessment requested by President Joe Biden in 2021....
Rising U.S. suicide rates, linked to socioeconomic struggles, are hitting Native communities hard. Here's what's being done to help. Suicide is an irrevocable act with implications not just for individuals but also their families and communities. It stems from intense feelings of despair and hopelessness, and when it happens, loved ones often ache to know: Why? Why did their son, daughter, sibling, friend, or colleague take their own life? However, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...
Smartphones are an everyday part of our culture, but research on the effects of screen time might give parents pause when it comes to giving their children one of their own. Even so, smartphones allow parents to reach their children in an emergency, students to access educational materials at the stroke of a finger, and kids to find community, especially when peers of certain identity groups may be hard to find locally. Of course, with each benefit comes a new digital risk. Parents must manage t...
"It's a love story, baby, just say, 'yes'." - Taylor Swift, "Love Story" (Taylor's Version) For Taylor Swift fans, the music isn't just entertainment—it's a roadmap to the places and experiences that have shaped one of the world's biggest stars. If you couldn't score tickets to the Eras Tour or are simply craving more Swift-inspired adventure, Outwander crafted the ultimate Swiftie RV road trip. This unforgettable journey takes you through the heartland of Taylor's songs, from her childhood h...
