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Looking for a safe car for your teen? These used options start under $10,000

If you're looking to purchase a first car for your teen, Consumer Reports says you don't need to break the bank to prioritize safety.

Consumer Reports and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety identified 45 used vehicles starting at under $10,000 that offer good crash protection and are suitable for teen drivers.

Another 29 used vehicles under $20,000 add highly rated headlights and automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

The groups recommend avoiding vehicles that are too powerful, too small or especially large, saying they can pose added risks for inexperienced drivers.

To make the groups' "Good Choices" list for safety, vehicles had to cost less than $10,000, have a curb weight of more than 2,750 pounds, earn average or better scores in CR's routine and emergency handling and braking tests, and receive a good rating in the driver's-side small-overlap front crash test.

Among the small cars included:

Chevrolet Sonic 2019, also 2018-2015 (built after February 2015) Honda Civic 2015, coupe or sedan, also 2014 Hyundai Elantra 2019, also 2018, 2017 Hyundai Elantra GT 2019, also 2018 Kia Forte 2019 Kia Soul 2019, also 2018-2015 Mazda3 2017, hatchback or sedan, also 2016-2014 (built after October 2013) Mini Countryman 2017, also 2016-2012 Nissan Sentra 2019, also 2018-2015 Subaru Impreza 2017, sedan or wagon, also 2016-2014

Among midsized cars:

Acura TL 2012 (built after April 2012) Alfa Romeo Giulia 2017 (built after May 2017) Audi A3 2015 Audi A6 2016 (built after January 2015) Chevrolet Malibu 2018, also 2017-2014 Ford Fusion 2017 Honda Accord sedan 2014, also 2013 Honda Accord Hybrid 2014 Hyundai Sonata 2018, also 2017-2016 (built after October 2015) Hyundai Sonata Hybrid 2018, also 2017 Lincoln MKZ 2017 Mazda6 2017, also 2016 Nissan Altima 2018, also 2017-2016 Nissan Maxima 2017, also 2016 Subaru Legacy 2016, also 2015 Volvo S60 2017, also 2016-2012

Large Cars:

Acura RLX 2014 Volvo S80 2015, also 2014-2012

Small SUVs:

Audi Q3 2017, also 2016-2015 BMW X1 2017, also 2016 Chevrolet Equinox 2017, also 2016-2014 Fiat 500X 2018, also 2017-2016 (built after July 2015) Hyundai Tucson 2017, also 2016 Jeep Compass 2018, also 2017 (built after December 2016) Kia Niro Hybrid 2018, also 2017 Kia Sportage 2017 Mazda CX-3 2017, also 2016 Mazda CX-5 2016, also 2015-2014 (built after October 2013) Nissan Rogue 2018, also 2017-2014 Nissan Rogue Sport 2017 Subaru Crosstrek 2016

Midsized SUVs:

Audi Q5 2015 (built after January 2015)

GMC Terrain 2020, also 2019-2014

Kia Sorento 2017, also 2016

Nissan Murano 2015

Volvo XC60 2015, also 2014-2013

Volvo XC90 2015, also 2014-2013

Consumer Reports added that for some families who can afford it, buying a new car might be the right move. If that's the case for you and your family, there's a separate list for that.

Cost keeps many without vision coverage from getting needed eye care

Skipping vision coverage could end up making eye care harder to afford.

A new report from the Alliance for Affordable Vision Care finds adults without vision coverage are twice as likely to skip an eye exam because of cost.

The survey looked at more than 4,000 adults ages 21 to 64, including 3,027 with vision coverage and 1,000 without, as well as 201 benefits decision-makers at small and medium-sized employers.

Of those who were uninsured but needed vision care, 84% said cost contributed to their decision not to seek care.

The report also found that nearly 90% of those with coverage said affordability matters to them.

Eighty percent of consumers said regular eye exams are important to their overall health.

"The report shows that while consumers and employers may view vision care from different perspectives, they reach the same conclusion: Vision coverage works. It helps keep care affordable and accessible, delivers real value to families and employers, and should be preserved," said Dr. Mary Anne Murphy, AAVC spokesperson.

Researchers also found that employers were predominantly satisfied with the value of their vision benefits, with 74% rating their coverage as a "good or excellent value."

Overall, one thing both consumers and employers largely agreed on was the importance of preserving affordable coverage.

Seventy-four percent of consumers and 83% of employers said elected officials should prioritize keeping vision care affordable.

Starbucks announces 2026 Red Cup Day: Here’s when to get a free cup

Starbucks' annual Red Cup Day is back on the calendar for all of its festive fans!

According to the coffee chain, the tradition will return on Tuesday, November 17. Customers will receive a free, limited-edition reusable red holiday cup with the purchase of a seasonal beverage.

The classic red cups have caused a stir in the past. In 2023, Starbucks workers at more than 200 locations across the United States staged a one-day walkout dubbed the "Red Cup Rebellion."

That walkout was part of a yearslong effort to unionize the company's stores.

FROM THE ARCHIVES | Red Cup Rebellion: Starbucks workers stage walkout at over 200 stores

Starbucks has already revealed its holiday menu plans, beginning November 5.

Customers will be able to enjoy classic holiday drinks, including the Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brule Latte, Sugar Cookie Latte and Gingerbread Chai.

Also returning is the original Bearista Glass Cold Cup, which will arrive at select coffeehouses on December 1.

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Before the cold cup returns, the coffee chain will also roll out a surprise collection of Glass Bearista Cold Cup characters beginning November 10.

Each box will contain a mystery Bearista that will only be revealed once the box is opened.

NFL, NFLPA reviewing handling of Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis

The NFL and NFL Players Association have announced they are working together to review the handling of Jalen Hurts' blood clot diagnosis.

It was announced on October 19 that the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback would likely be out for the remainder of the season after multiple blood clots were found in his lungs.

RELATED STORY | Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts likely out for the season after blood clots found in his lungs

Hurts' health had been in question earlier that week when it was discovered that he had a blood clot in his calf. It was reported that the injury occurred on October 4, when he took a cleat to the calf during a game against the Los Angeles Rams.

He was added to the injury report and then traveled to London for a matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Hurts played in the October 11 game, three days after informing medical staff of the injury.

He was initially diagnosed by specialists in London with superficial vein thrombosis in his left calf.

The Eagles quarterback then boarded a transatlantic flight back to Philadelphia, where a follow-up ultrasound found that the blood clot had moved.

RELATED STORY | Eagles are not being punished for handling of Jalen Hurts' blood clots, AP source says

According to an Associated Press source, the Eagles would not be punished for their handling of Hurts' blood clots.

"The league's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Allen Sills, arranges for medical resources with leading providers in every international market with approval from the NFL Players Association," the league said. "Medical care for players is provided by club medical staff in coordination with independent doctors."

On Sunday, October 25, the league and players' union released a joint statement saying they were reviewing the handling of Hurts' diagnosis after the NFLPA called for an investigation.

Hurts has deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli and will receive treatment involving blood thinners. He will not be allowed to participate in any football activities until he is off them.

National parks waive entrance fees to celebrate Teddy Roosevelt's birthday

In honor of Teddy Roosevelt's birthday, the National Park Service is offering free admission to all of its parks and public lands on Oct. 27.

During his time in office, President Roosevelt doubled the number of sites within the system and signed legislation establishing five new national parks, including Crater Lake, Oregon; Wind Cave, South Dakota; Sullys Hill, North Dakota; Mesa Verde, Colorado; and Platt, Oklahoma.

Roosevelt also signed the Antiquities Act of 1906, which created nearly 20 national monuments, including the Grand Canyon, Petrified Forest, Montezuma Castle and Devils Tower.

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The act allowed Roosevelt and succeeding presidents to proclaim historic landmarks, historic or prehistoric structures and other objects as national monuments.

He also created 150 national forests and many more bird and game reserves.

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Roosevelt himself is now commemorated across the National Park System, including his Birthplace National Historic Site in New York City, Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota and Theodore Roosevelt Island in Washington, D.C.

On Tuesday, those wishing to celebrate the former president can do so by visiting any national park that normally charges an entrance fee.

NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk reveals Parkinson's disease diagnosis

Pro Football Hall of Fame running back and Southern University coach Marshall Faulk says he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

The 53-year-old revealed his diagnosis on the podcast "The Caring Neurologist" with Dr. Sandeep Thakkar.

Faulk played in the NFL for 12 seasons, most notably with the St. Louis Rams from 1999 to 2005, winning Super Bowl XXXIV in 2000.

In 2000, he was named the NFL MVP and was a key contributor to the "Greatest Show on Turf" offense, the nickname given to the Rams' high-flying offense from 1999 to 2001.

He also won a record three AP NFL Offensive Player of the Year awards during his tenure, as well as three consecutive first-team All-Pro selections.

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Faulk is one of three players to reach 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards in his career. He is also the only player thus far to have reached 12,000 rushing yards and 6,000 receiving yards.

He also holds the NFL record for career 2-point conversions with seven, tied with Alvin Kamara, Zach Ertz and Saquon Barkley.

He retired in 2007 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. Faulk has since become head coach of the Southern Jaguars football team after being hired in 2025.

According to ESPN, Faulk told Dr. Thakkar on the podcast that he wants to help as many people as he can. He added that he first noticed symptoms after playing golf and went to his doctor to get checked.

"It's something you live with. It's not to where it's a detriment to your livelihood," said Faulk. "Now, if you don't take care of it, there's an opportunity for that to be. But you have to take care of it."

Mysterious object found in Minnesota cornfield may be rocket debris

Earlier this month, a sheriff's office in Minnesota made an odd discovery in a cornfield.

According to Stevens County officials, they received a call on October 14 reporting foreign debris in a cornfield. Upon arrival, deputies found a large metallic object, approximately 11 feet in diameter, that was presumed to be a space object.

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The Sheriff's Office has been working closely with several state and federal agencies to find the owner of the debris and have it removed from the field.

Evidence suggests the object could be part of a Chinese rocket that launched in September to deploy satellites. The upper stage of the rocket reentered Earth's atmosphere over the Midwest.

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According to Ars Technica, the timing and trajectory matches the debris, as well as the objects reported width.

The object found in the field matches the dimensions of that part of the rocket.

Officials say the object poses no danger to the public.

New study reveals how stress during pregnancy may affect fetal brain development

It's no secret that chronic stress can have a negative impact on your body.

According to the Mayo Clinic, it can harm your body and mind when the body's stress response remains activated for too long.

This could lead to a number of issues down the line, including headaches, heart disease and a weakened immune system.

In pregnancy, chronic stress has also been linked to preterm birth, as well as other complications.

A new study suggests it may also influence a developing fetus' brain.

Researchers studied pregnant mice exposed to chronic stress and examined what was happening in their placentas and fetal brains.

Through the study, they used different techniques to examine gene activity.

After examining the mice, they examined human placentas to see whether some of the biological patterns they observed were also present in humans.

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What they found was that chronic stress affected immune and antiviral signaling, cellular energy metabolism, gene-regulating processes involving chromatin and RNA, and processes involving the extracellular matrix, which surrounds and supports cells.

They also found that stress altered gene activity in the fetal mouse brains in ways that suggested neural cells were shifting toward premature maturation and connectivity.

The study suggests that chronic prenatal stress may alter the normal timing of early brain development, although the researchers did not establish that this occurs in human fetuses.

Glee reboot officially ordered at Disney+ and Hulu

If you were a fan of the musical comedy-drama series Glee, you're in luck.

We're getting ready to head back to William McKinley High School after Disney+ and Hulu announced that a new series has been ordered.

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The original show ran for six seasons on Fox from 2009 to 2015 and starred Lea Michele, Cory Monteith, Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch, Dianna Agron, Chris Colfer, Darren Criss, Amber Riley, Naya Rivera, Heather Morris, Kevin McHale, Jenna Ushkowitz, Harry Shum Jr., Chord Overstreet, Mark Salling and more.

The show became a cultural phenomenon, tackling a variety of topics while introducing memorable covers of songs such as "Don't Stop Believin'," "Rumour Has It/Someone Like You" and "Smooth Criminal," among many others.

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While no cast members have been officially confirmed, creator Ryan Murphy said he has been in touch with about 10 original cast members who were enthusiastic about the idea.

There's no word yet on when the reboot will premiere.

Forbes names Delta, Emirates among world's best airlines

Looking to travel in the new year? Forbes has named this year's best airlines and airports.

Delta took the top spot among U.S. airlines, earning praise for its first-class and business-class amenities.

RELATED STORY | Delta is giving its most luxurious cabins a major upgrade

The best international airline was named Emirates. The Dubai-based carrier has been enhancing its economy experience while also introducing new premium economy offerings.

The best small airline award went to JSX, which has catered to semi-private travelers for the past decade.

Looking at the top airports, LaGuardia Airport in Queens was named the best U.S. airport.

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The airport earned the title for the third year in a row.

And if you're heading overseas, Singapore Changi Airport was named the Best International Airport, recognized not only for its jaw-dropping architecture but also for its amenities.

Need a few minutes to relax? Head to a Delta One Lounge, specifically the one at JFK. The 140-seat restaurant serves three-course meals featuring dishes such as hamachi crudo and lasagna Bolognese.

Study explores how income and personality may influence each other

A new study is examining whether a larger paycheck could be linked to changes in personality.

Researchers analyzed data from about 134,000 workers and focused on several personality traits, including conscientiousness, emotional stability (the opposite of neuroticism) and extraversion.

They found that as people's incomes increased, they tended to become more conscientious and emotionally stable, but less outgoing.

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The relationship also worked in the other direction.

People who became more conscientious and emotionally stable tended to see their incomes rise later on. Researchers noted that the effects were small, and the study does not prove that earning more money causes changes in personality.

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The researchers said their findings could help employees better understand how personality may develop throughout a career and could encourage organizations to create opportunities that support employees' long-term growth.

Americans are cutting back on groceries to keep the lights on

Higher electric bills are forcing some Americans to make tough choices about what they can afford.

According to a new Consumer Reports survey, one in five Americans said they have cut back on groceries to pay their electric bills.

Roughly a quarter also said they are keeping their heat or air conditioning at uncomfortable levels to save money.

Electricity prices in major U.S. cities have jumped 14% over the past three years.

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Among those who saw an increase in their electric bills, nearly 75% said the higher costs were straining their finances. Those earning less than $85,000 a year were more than twice as likely to say the increase was affecting their household finances.

Americans are being asked to foot the bill for costs they didnt create and cant control. This survey shows people see through that. They want the costs and risks to stay with the corporate entities that create them, not residential customers, said Sara Enright, senior director of safety and energy at Consumer Reports.

Consumer Reports says students, retirees and others on fixed incomes can be especially vulnerable when bills suddenly spike.

Many respondents also said their bills are difficult to understand.

A majority of Americans said utilities should prioritize helping customers improve energy efficiency before producing more electricity.

More than half of Americans say they no longer feel like themselves

A recent study conducted by Talker Research found that more than half of Americans have experienced a "loss of identity."

The study surveyed 2,000 beauty-conscious Americans, exploring how respondents have navigated this change and what it has been tied to.

Researchers found that 39% reported weight changes as the top driver behind this shift in their sense of self. That was followed by major life events (37%) and aging-related changes (31%).

Some respondents described no longer seeing the person they used to be when they looked in the mirror.

Of those who participated in the study, 1,402 had used or were currently using GLP-1s.

Talker Research found that the top reasons for using these medications were to lose weight, feel more confident and comfortable, and improve mental health.

Researchers also found that while 67% said they experienced a loss of identity before using a GLP-1, more than 24% reported a shift in identity after using the medication.

"Identity is deeply personal, and these findings show just how many people are quietly navigating a shift in how they see themselves," said Jessie Vallejo, marketing director at Revance. "Weight change, in both directions, was the leading driver of that experience, and for many, GLP-1 medications have been part of that journey."

Researchers believe these findings highlight room for improvement when it comes to GLP-1 education.

Eighty percent of GLP-1 users said they did not receive education about potential muscle loss, while 81% said they were not educated about gastrointestinal side effects or facial volume loss.

"Expanded access to GLP-1s is a meaningful development for people's health and well-being," said Vallejo. "At the same time, this data points to a real opportunity to improve the conversations happening between patients and their providers, particularly when it comes to physical changes that can come with significant weight loss. Feeling like yourself is part of feeling well, and we hope findings like these encourage more holistic, informed discussions about the full journey."

Safety warning issued for hundreds of thousands of pressure cookers nationwide

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is warning consumers to immediately stop using 6-quart Power Quick Pot pressure cookers, model Y6D-36, due to a burn hazard.

There have been 24 reports of the pressure cookers unexpectedly expelling hot contents, resulting in serious burn injuries.

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According to officials, the lid can open while the cooker is pressurized. Consumers are urged to stop using the product and dispose of it.

The pressure cookers have a black pressure lid, button controls and a digital temperature and function display. "Power Quick Pot" is printed on the front, and the model number appears on a label on the back of the unit.

They were sold nationwide between July 2018 and November 2023 for between $44 and $160.

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The CPSC says the importer, Tristar Products Inc. of Altamonte Springs, Florida, has refused to recall the products or offer a remedy to consumers.

While there is no official recall, the CPSC estimates that about 393,000 units are affected.

Study finds consumers prioritize discounts over AI shopping tools

Retailers may be overthinking what it takes to win over shoppers.

A new survey from Wunderkind and Cordial found that 56% of consumers say getting the lowest price is a top consideration when shopping online.

But only about a quarter of marketers think price matters that much.

While marketers are betting big on AI and personalization, just 16% of consumers say AI makes shopping better.

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What do shoppers want? Discounts, easier checkout and simple ways to hear from brands, including email.

Half of consumers say discounts are among the strongest factors determining whether they pay attention to a brand message. This contrasts with marketers' assumptions, as only 26% view discounts as a strong factor.

"Closing the customer marketing gap requires connecting customer identity, behavioral insights and reliable data to make better decisions about what customers need, when they need it and how brands can deliver value across every interaction," said Rob Garf, chief strategy officer at Cordial. "AI and personalization have significant potential, but only when they are built around a clear understanding of the customer."

The study suggests that for consumers to embrace AI, brands should be transparent about how it benefits customers rather than focusing on the technology itself.

FTC warns retailers about AI-powered personalized pricing

You've likely heard of surveillance pricing by now.

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The practice uses personal information, such as your location, browsing history or purchase history, to help determine the prices you see online.

The FTC has warned businesses that failing to disclose when personal data is used could violate consumer protection law.

"The FTC does not have the legal authority to ban personalized pricing in all circumstances, but businesses that fail to tell consumers how their personal data is being used to set a price may be in violation of the FTC Act and other laws we enforce," said FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson.

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Ferguson added that consumers expect prices to change based on supply and demand, not their browsing history.

"When consumers see a listed price, they expect it to be the same price that everyone else sees, not the retailer's estimate of how much they are willing to pay based on their personal data," Ferguson said.

Retailers claim digital price tags alone do not mean you're paying a personalized price.

As retailers increasingly turn to AI and digital pricing tools, lawmakers are taking notice.

At least 30 states have considered legislation this year addressing practices such as algorithmic or personalized pricing.

Feeling down? A salsa class might help, according to researchers

A study published this summer by Cambridge University found that salsa dancing could help ease depression.

The study examined social dance-based activities, specifically an eight-week salsa dance class for young adults with mild to moderately severe depressive symptoms.

Scientists recruited 121 young adults between the ages of 18 and 24 and randomly assigned them to either the eight-week class or a waitlist control group. The control group had to wait three months before taking the class.

During the study, participants were asked about their mental health status, and researchers tracked changes in their anxiety and depression symptoms.

Researchers found that those who participated in the dance classes showed a significantly greater reduction in symptoms than the control group.

While both groups reported improvements in areas such as social anxiety, loneliness and generalized anxiety, those who participated in salsa experienced greater reductions in social anxiety and larger improvements in daily happiness.

Overall, the study found that the findings support the value of dance classes as an accessible way to reduce depressive symptoms.

Lay's releases holiday chip lineup featuring turkey, bacon and chocolate

Looking to get into the holiday spirit with a new type of snack?

Lay's is bringing its Holi-LAY'S lineup to snack aisles across the country starting Oct. 25. The holiday lineup includes five limited-time seasonal offerings, including Lay's Cheddar Scalloped-Style Potatoes and Lay's Roasted Holiday Turkey.

Lay's Maple Bacon will be available on U.S. shelves starting Nov. 8, while Lay's Wavy Milk Chocolate and Lay's Wavy Dubai-Style Dark Chocolate will hit shelves Dec. 1.

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"The holidays are all about gathering around the table with friends and family, and food plays an important role in those celebrations," said Denise Truelove, senior vice president of marketing for PepsiCo Foods. "With this year's Holi-LAY'S lineup, we're bringing fans flavors inspired by courses on the holiday table so they can taste the joy of the holiday season before the table has been set and after it's been cleared."

This year, consumers can also scan the code on qualifying bags or visit HappyHoli-Lays.com to enter the Happy Holi-LAY'S Sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes such as a Happy Holi-LAY'S Glass Chip Bowl and a Lay's x Le Creuset Signature Oval Casserole.

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