Author: TECH

So far in February, the U.S.’s Social Security Administration (SSA) has sent out benefits to five groups of recipients, across four payment dates.And with March now approaching, just one set of beneficiaries is still to be issued this month’s benefits. Here’s what you need to know about the SSA benefits schedule for February 2026:Three-Wednesdays cycle – payment status update:Of the 70.6 million Americans who claim one of the SSA’s retirement, disability or survivor benefits, most are paid on the second, third or fourth Wednesday in each month. A recipient’s designated Wednesday depends on the date of birth of the worker…

Brooks Bell and Sarah Beran’s fashion brand Worldclass bears a rather cheeky slogan: “A great ass is a terrible thing to waste.”At first glance, it’s merely a humorous tagline, but it holds an important double meaning for Bell and Beran. Despite hailing from different corners of the country — Bell from North Carolina and Beran from California — the founders met and bonded over a shared diagnosis of late-stage colon cancer. Both of them were in their 30s when they started registering symptoms, and despite skepticism from their doctors, both women advocated for themselves and pushed for colonoscopies. It was a measure…

As we all look forward to the next step in our lives, I know many of us are yearning for a simpler and selective range of life experiences — the happy days, the normal times, the settings and experiences that make us feel more comfortable. And yet, the full range of our reality often brings something very different. The days in front of us will inevitably provide an extensive array of experiences that evoke feelings ranging from sadness and struggle to growth and pride, and more. So we have a choice starting today. We can revolt against reality — the…

Retirees received a bit more in January even as inflation cooled.Seniors are increasingly reliant on Social Security to make ends meet in retirement. In the most recent edition of an annual Gallup poll, 62% of retirees said the program is a major source of income for them. That’s the pollster’s highest reading in its 24-year history of conducting the survey. As such, the annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is an important part of budget planning for many seniors. At the start of every year, the Social Security Administration (SSA) increases everyone’s retirement benefit by a small amount to account for…

Dundonnell Mountain Rescue Team In what was noted to be a bit of a reversal of traditional roles, a dog was rescued by mountaineers after spending a frigid night in a hollow below a mountaintop. Five dogs and four hikers were approaching the summit of Fionn Bheinn in the Scottish Highlands near Achnasheen recently, when their dogs fell through a “cornice,” a term for a large buildup of snow on the edge of a cliff face or overhanging ledge. The hikers rescued four of the imperiled pooches, but Aggie, a 5-year-old spaniel, could not be found. She had fallen into a…

Last Updated:February 20, 2026, 17:01 ISTSleep divorce is on the rise as couples choose separate beds for better rest, health and stronger relationships. Experts explain benefits and risks.Even missing 1–2 hours of sleep daily can alter your body’s key systems.For decades, sharing a bed has been treated as a quiet symbol of intimacy. But as modern life grows busier and sleep becomes increasingly elusive, many couples are rethinking that tradition. Instead of sacrificing rest for togetherness, they’re choosing something unexpected: separate beds – sometimes even separate rooms – to protect their health.Known as sleep divorce, the trend isn’t about emotional…

Gary Tou – unsplash From Thailand comes a story that’s pure Hollywood: police going undercover as festival lion dancers to nab a suspected art thief. Dressed as the rump and head of a large Asian lion costume during Lunar New Year festivities, the police sprang upon the suspect and took him into custody, phone cameras mercifully recorded. Bangkok police received a call earlier in February about a home burglary with a loss of “numerous Buddhist objects and two 12-inch Buddha statues,” the Straits Times reports, estimating the items as worth $81,000, or 2 million Thai bat. Evidence collected indicated that…

In an era where pre-packaged foods are a staple in many Filipino households, the seemingly unassuming food label holds surprising power. More than just a regulatory compliance, these labels are pivotal tools, empowering consumers to make informed dietary choices that directly impact their health and well-being. According to Arlene R. Reario, President of the Philippine Association of Nutrition (PAN), Inc., understanding these labels is key to navigating our food landscape and taking charge of our health. “Food labels are more than just a regulatory requirement; they are powerful tools for empowerment,” states Reario. “They offer a window into what we…

Richard Stephen / Getty ImagesSocial Security payments changed at the start of 2026 with a 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) and higher earnings limits for the year.Those updates happen automatically, which leads many retirees to assume the rest of their benefit is fixed. In reality, several decisions made during the year can still change what arrives each month.Your Social Security check could be higher in 2026. Here’s how to fix it before it’s too late.Take Advantage of the 2026 ChangesThe 2.8% cost-of-living adjustment began with the January 2026 payment and happens automatically. COLA cannot be changed, but understanding the 2026 rules…

Social Security checks can change in 2026 due to COLAs, Medicare premiums, taxes, earnings limits, and overpayment corrections. Here’s what to expect.