The people's voice of reason
The people's voice of reason
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The average salary in the U.S. is $63,795, according to the latest data from the Social Security Administration. How your salary compares will depend on your industry and skilI set, as you'd expect. What you might not realize is that your salary is also greatly influenced by where you live, since salaries go hand in hand with the cost of living. SoFi takes a closer look at the average salary in the U.S. and how income varies from state to state. Key points - The average salary in the U.S....
Your smartphone is ruining your sleep—and what you can do about it A new year, a new beginning. A fresh start on the calendar inspires many to improve. Apart from resolutions to achieve more and change for the better, many also aspire to find better ways to improve their well-being, including enhancing their sleep quality. In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, sleep has never been more critical. Obesity, cognitive decline, weakened immune function, and an increased risk of anxiety and...
February 6, 2025 - WASHINGTON, D.C. – President Donald J. Trump (R) signed an executive order: keeping men out of women's and girls' sports. Trump was joined at the ceremony by Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall (R) and U.S. Senators Katie Britt (R-Alabama) and Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama). "Since returning to the White House, President Trump has wasted no time tackling the issues that matter most to the American people. With a single stroke of his pen, he has reversed years of radical a...
The portion of Americans contributing more than a third of their income to rent has been rising for the past two decades, and today, it sits at around half of all renters, according to recently released Census data collected in 2023. Since 2021, the cost of housing has been one of the most persistent and potent forces driving a rising cost of living around the nation. Even as the rate of price increases has neared previous norms, the remaining upward pressure on inflation is almost entirely...
The national adoption of remote work spurred by the pandemic has been touted for opening accessibility opportunities to the larger labor force. And yet, workers with disabilities still have varied access to remote work throughout the country. Nationally, 13.1% of workers with disabilities were remote, compared to 13.9% of American workers overall. While these figures may seem on par, there is great variation when comparing geographic locations. In several states, workers with disabilities outpac...
Technology is helping some states and cities crack down on dangerous driving. In particular, traffic cameras have spread throughout the nation. These are intended to ensure that drivers fully stop at red lights and maintain posted speed limits, which help motorists avoid major safety threats. About 340 communities throughout the United States have red light cameras, and 278 have speed cameras, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Automated camera enforcement programs are not...
Tuesday, February 4, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL – Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadeville) and State Sen. Andrew Jones (R-Centre) have filed legislation to establish the Alabama Veterans Resources Center (AVRC). The Alabama Veterans Resource Center will serve as a sustainable, one-stop resource center that prioritizes holistic support for veterans, military personnel, and their families. It will focus on mental and physical health, employment, social connections, and overall well-being. Rep. Ed Oliver (R-Dadevil...
Amid growing political polarization and ongoing national crises, politics has become a significant source of stress for many Americans. In fact, a national survey on stressors conducted by the American Psychological Association, or APA, in 2024 found that the future of the nation was the leading cause of significant stress among adults, with nearly eight in 10 (77%) reporting it as a major source of anxiety. The same study found that the increasingly strained political climate in the United...
January 31, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday announced that on February 1, 2025, the Alabama Department of Labor will officially become the Department of Workforce. After effectively serving during the initial transition period, Secretary of Labor Marty Redden will retire, leading the way for Greg Reed to become the state's first Secretary of Workforce. "Increasing Alabama's labor force participation rate is the current focus of our workforce development efforts. We are a...
February 4, 2025 - Lieutenant Governor Ainsworth, President Pro Tem Gudger, Speaker Ledbetter, Speaker Pro Tem Pringle, members of the Alabama Legislature, Chief Justice Stewart, justices of the Alabama Supreme Court, distinguished guests – and my fellow Alabamians! It is an honor to join you all this evening as we begin another productive legislative session. From Rainsville to Cullman...Huntsville to Birmingham...Tuscaloosa to the Loveliest Village on the Plains...from the Black Belt to the W...
Heart disease has long been America's number one killer, but it's not just a concern for older adults anymore. Alarming trends show it's becoming a problem for young people, too. "Younger people aren't invincible when it comes to heart health," says preventive cardiologist and MyFitnessPal scientific advisory member Danielle Belardo, MD. "The increasing prevalence of cardiovascular conditions in younger people has many factors. Key contributors include obesity, sedentary behavior, and diets...
January 29, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL – Results just released from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), commonly known as America's Report Card, show Alabama students are leading the charge in post-covid academic recovery. In 4th grade math, Alabama climbed to 32nd in 2024, from a low point of 52nd in 2019, the last NAEP administered pre-covid. Alabama's 6-point scale score increase was the largest increase in the nation when it comes to 4th grade math. Notably, Alabama's gains i...
Washington D.C. - U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (AL-07) joined more than 150 House Democrats in sending a letter to the Trump Administration after President Trump issued an executive order on his first day in office that could pause all disbursements of Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funding immediately. Neither the vaguely worded executive order nor a follow-up memorandum from Trump's Office of Management and Budget Acting Director Matthew Vaeth and National Economic...
January 29, 2025 – WASHINGTON, D.C. - President Donald J. Trump (R) signed into law: S. 5, the "Laken Riley Act," which requires the Secretary of Homeland Security to take into custody aliens who have been charged in the United States with theft, shoplifting, and for other serious crimes. Sponsored by U.S. Senator Katie Britt's (R-Alabama) the Laken Riley Act became President Donald J. Trump's first bill signed into law as the 47th President of the United States. This bipartisan legislation is t...
Selecting the perfect engagement ring is a milestone in many couples' journeys. It symbolizes love, commitment, and a future together. However, the quest for the ideal ring often comes with questions about budgeting. VRAI, a fine jewelry brand featuring lab-grown diamonds, explores engagement ring options for every budget, ensuring that your declaration of love doesn't break the bank. Are There Engagement Rings For Every Budget? There is a wide range of engagement rings to suit every budget,...
February 10, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced appointments to fill vacancies in three district judgeship positions and one sheriff position across the state. Lauderdale County District Judgeship Governor Ivey has appointed William D. Motlow, III, as District Judge for the 11th Judicial Circuit in Lauderdale County, Alabama. Motlow, a graduate of the University of North Alabama and the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, will replace District Judge C...
February 10, 2025 - MONTGOMERY – Alabama taxpayers with a qualifying 2024 adjusted gross income can prepare their 2024 state and federal income tax returns online using free tax preparation and e-filing software now available at Alabama Free File or IRS Free File. "Free File is now available in Alabama to help eligible taxpayers take the guesswork out of completing state and federal tax returns," said Governor Kay Ivey. "With step-by-step help to get tax returns done quickly, safely, and for f...
State Auditor Andrew Sorrell addresses the Mid-Alabama Republican Club February 8, 2025 – VESTAVIA HILLS, AL – State Auditor Andrew Sorrell (R) spoke to the Mid-Alabama Republican Club about his duties as Auditor, election integrity, cryptocurrency, his campaigns, de-banking, and his tenure in the Alabama House of Representatives, Sorrell, who owns a gun store and pawnshop, is from Muscle Shoals in northwest Alabama. He and his wife – Hannah – have two daughters, Sorrell said that he met his...
February 11, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL – The Alabama Legislature is poised to consider legislation making it harder to sue law enforcement officers for actions taken during performance of their duties. The "Back the Blue" bill is part of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey's (R) effort to crack down on crime by giving law enforcement a freer hand, House Bill 202 (HB202) is sponsored by State Representative Rex Reynolds (R-Huntsville). Reynolds is the retired police chief of Huntsville. The same leg...
February 10, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL – Economic Developer Dr. Nicole Jones Wadsworth told the Alabama Gazette that news that ArcelorMittal, one of the world's leading steel producers, $1.2 billion investment to build an advanced manufacturing facility in Mobile County "will strengthen Alabama's position as a leader in modern steel production." "Steelmaking in Alabama plays a vital role in the US manufacturing sector by supplying high-quality steel for the automotive, construction, and energy indus...
If a rash has recently appeared on your body, you may suspect you have shingles. Generally, shingles lasts an average of four weeks. Shingles is known for the painful rash it causes, and it can appear anywhere on the body. The symptoms include extreme discomfort and pain. You may first start feeling generally unwell and feel some tingling or pain on one side of your body, SaveHealth reports. The following are common shingles symptoms: - Tingling, numbness, or pain on the skin - Blisters full of...
Consumers in the United States owed $17.57 trillion in total debt as of the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, according to Experian data. That's a 2.4% increase from the $17.15 trillion total Experian measured in Q3 2023. The relatively restrained increase in total debt levels compared with prior years is partly attributable to a slowing inflation rate, which has dropped to less than 3% for the first time since 2022. However, each type of consumer debt tells a different story about consumers'...
February 11, 2025 - MONTGOMERY, AL – Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined a coalition of state attorneys general in demanding accountability for Dr. Anthony Fauci's actions during the COVID-19 pandemic. In a letter to congressional leadership, the attorneys general emphasize their commitment to investigating potential violations of state laws and ensuring that former President Biden's sweeping pardon does not shield Fauci from consequences at the state level. The letter, sent to Speaker o...
February 11, 2025 – MONTGOMERY, AL – Alabama Lieutenant Governor Will Ainsworth shocked many Republican legislators by releasing a statement opposing the Governor's takeover of the Department of Veterans Affairs bill – Senate Bill 67. SB67 is sponsored by State Senator Andrew Jones (R-Centre) who is carrying the bill at the request of Alabama Governor Kay Ivey (R). After Veterans Commissioner Kent Davis filed an ethics complaint with the Alabama Ethics Commissioner Kim Boswell, Gov. Ivey declare...
Human resources departments are finally shedding stereotypes of being a company's unofficial paper-pushers: They're now at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence. While many HR professionals have traded filing cabinets for cloud storage, the transition to digital has unlocked vast amounts of "juicy, rich, people data," Will LaSala, field chief technology officer for the cybersecurity firm OneSpan, told HR Brew. This data fuels AI-driven processes with the potential to streamline...
