The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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In social media internet-search parlance, if you're trending, there's a good chance you've done something wrong, embarrassing or wildly entertaining. Automakers are often trending, of course, but not always for an exciting design or tech breakthrough like they'd hope, but usually for some disastrous recall or financial mismanagement. We wanted to see what brands and models were trending for the right reasons: Anticipated new launches, overhauls, and redesigns to popular existing nameplates....
Restaurant owners entered 2025 feeling optimistic, according to data from the 2025 Square Future of Restaurants report. With costs rising and time more valuable than ever, restaurants are exploring new strategies to optimize operations, improve guest experiences, and drive revenue. To understand restaurant leaders' current goals and challenges, as well as what customers want from dining experiences this year, Square collaborated with Bredin to survey 2,000 restaurant owners and managers and...
On Feb. 14, 2025, the National Park Service laid off about 1,000 probationary employees, targeting those hired less than a year ago, as part of efforts to downsize the federal workforce under the Trump administration. Additionally, over 700 employees opted to resign, further reducing staff levels. These staffing changes occurred just weeks before the busy season, typically from May to September, creating operational challenges across the 428 sites within the national park system, Outwander...
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 movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a...
As you approach middle age, you may notice that it's getting harder to zip up your jeans and your clothes are feeling a little too tight, especially around your belly. Unfortunately, this is normal. Studies show that women gain an average of 1.5 pounds per year during the menopause transition, largely due to a decline in estrogen levels. Decreasing estrogen levels changes how your body stores fat, typically moving away from the hips and thighs to accumulate around the abdomen, Christine Maren,...
The question of how to rent out your house might arise due to a move, financial reasons, or an emotional attachment to the property that keeps you from selling it. The process can be daunting, though. There are legal elements to understand, tenants to screen, and home improvements to ensure your rental is competitive and attractive to applicants. Don't let fear of the unknown stop you. There are tricks and tools available that make home rental a breeze. Below, TurboTenant will take a deep dive...
If you wait until tax season to think about taxes, you are already behind. The number one mistake Ramp sees small business owners make when it comes to taxes is failing to plan. Most small business owners treat taxes as a once-a-year obligation. They meet with their accountant in March or April, hand over a stack of documents, and hope for the best. By that point, most opportunities to reduce taxes are long gone. Tax savings happen before the year ends, not when filing a return. Some of the...
In the Nov. 5, 2024, elections, Republicans gained 55 state legislative seats, Democrats lost 54, and Independents and minor party officeholders lost one, Ballotpedia reports. That means the overall partisan composition across all 50 state legislatures changed by 0.7% in favor of Republicans. In 2022, the partisan composition changed 0.4% toward Republicans, with Democrats losing four seats, Republicans gaining 27 seats, and Independents and minor party officeholders losing 20 seats. Both 2024...
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...
