• Biden pardons Anthony Fauci anf Mark Milley.
• Trump seeks to punish those who investigated him.
• Tension in the middle of Trump’s inauguration.

In an extraordinary move, outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden granted pardons on Monday, January 20.

The action was primarily aimed at shielding prominent officials and legislators from potential political retribution by the incoming administration of Donald Trump.

Notable recipients of these pardons include renowned physician Dr. Anthony Fauci, retired General Mark Milley, and several members of the House of Representatives committee that investigated the January 6 Capitol attack.

President Biden acts just hours before leaving office

In the final hours of his presidency, Biden exercised his executive powers, describing the decision as a measure to protect these officials from potential unwarranted persecution.

The action was prompted by Trump’s threats to compile lists of political adversaries.

Biden emphasized that the move was also intended to shield those who have challenged Trump or sought to hold him accountable for his actions during and after the 2020 elections.

“This should not be seen as an admission of guilt, but rather as a tribute to the unwavering public service of these individuals,” Biden stated in an official announcement.

The pardons have sparked intense debate over the broad application of this presidential power, particularly when granted to individuals who have not faced formal charges.

Anthony Fauci, a central figure in the United States’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic, was among the recipients.

He frequently found himself the target of criticism and attacks from opposing political factions due to his advocacy for science-based public health policies.

Joe Biden grants last minute pardons

Members and staff of the House committee that investigated the Capitol assault were also included in the additional pardons.

The committee had determined that Trump was involved in a “multi-pronged conspiracy” to overturn the 2020 election results, culminating in the violent events of January 6.

While Biden’s decision is legally permissible under presidential pardon powers, it has raised concerns about the potential precedent it sets for future administrations.

Critics argue that the preemptive use of pardons could enable political leaders to shield allies and themselves from future investigations and legal proceedings.

On his final day in office, Biden set a record for the number of individual pardons and commutations granted, highlighting his commitment to justice and institutional stability.

While some critics have questioned the necessity of issuing preventive pardons to individuals not facing formal charges, others view them as a prudent measure in an increasingly polarized and retaliatory political environment.

• $800 Stimulus Check in November
• Requirements Include Income and Age
• Economic Support in Response to Inflation

The United States economy is facing a challenging time due to rising inflation, which has severely impacted thousands of citizens.

To counteract this, the government has decided to distribute an $800 stimulus check through Social Security.

This aid is intended for individuals who meet specific criteria and need support to cover essential needs such as housing, food, and healthcare.

Social Security has announced that the checks will be distributed throughout the month.

Social Security Stimulus Check Announced for November

This measure is part of government efforts to alleviate the economic burden faced by low-income citizens or those in economically vulnerable situations.

The requirements for eligibility for the $800 check are specific and aim to prioritize those who need it most.

First, the program targets retired individuals aged 65 or older who are already receiving Social Security benefits.

Additionally, beneficiaries must be permanent residents of the United States and have a valid Social Security number.

Another key criterion is the income limit: individual applicants must have an annual income of up to $75,000.

For married couples, the combined income must not exceed $150,000.

Applicants must also be receiving retirement or disability benefits or participating in specific Social Security programs.

This $800 check can also benefit those who have not necessarily applied for additional aid.

Requirements to Receive the Check

In many cases, the payment will be automatically sent to citizens who meet the government-established criteria.

This automation aims to streamline the distribution of funds, eliminating the need for beneficiaries to go through a complicated application process.

For those who believe they meet the requirements but have not yet received the check, there is a verification process.

Interested individuals must confirm they meet all criteria, including age, income, and residency status.

Additionally, they must prepare necessary documents, such as proof of income and their Social Security number.

Another eligibility condition is having filed the previous year’s tax return, which is essential for the government to verify incomes.

Once beneficiaries have met all the requirements and completed the necessary steps, Social Security will issue the $800 payment.

According to authorities, this money can provide significant relief to cover essential expenses, as reported by El Cronista.

• HEAP Program Benefit for New Yorkers
• Up to $1,000 in Heating Assistance
• Eligibility and Application Process

With winter severely impacting much of the country and low temperatures gripping New York, many families are facing higher-than-usual heating bills.

In response, the state government has launched an initiative to provide economic relief to the most vulnerable households.

This includes a one-time check of up to $996 to help cover heating costs during the coldest months.

The assistance is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a state initiative designed to help low-income households pay their energy bills.

Heating Assistance Checks Announced in New York

Approximately 1.7 million New Yorkers are expected to benefit from this program, reflecting the state’s commitment to ensuring no resident endures the cold due to a lack of resources.

Access to this benefit is not universal, and certain eligibility requirements must be met.

First, applicants must be residents of New York State.

Additionally, the household’s gross monthly income must fall within the current income guidelines, which vary based on household size.

Who Is Eligible for the Heating Assistance Check?

The current income guidelines are as follows:

• 1 person: $47,890
• 2 people: $62,570
• 3 people: $68,312
• 4 people: $76,681
• 5 people: $83,470

It is important to note that, in addition to meeting the income limits, households must be enrolled in one of the following public assistance programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Temporary Assistance (TA)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for those living alone

These requirements ensure that the aid goes specifically to families with the greatest financial need.

Benefit Amount and Eligible Heating Sources

The amount provided to each household depends on factors such as family size, economic situation, and the primary heating source used.

Covered heating sources include electricity, natural gas, oil, kerosene, propane, coal, wood, and wood pellets.

The maximum payment a family can receive is $996, offering significant relief for those relying on costly heating systems.

Learn How to Apply

For those interested in accessing this benefit, the application process is straightforward, according to the AS portal.

Residents can submit their applications in person at local social services offices in New York State. Alternatively, they can complete the process online through the Access NYC website, making it convenient to apply from home.

Applicants are advised to gather necessary documentation, including proof of income, recent energy bills, and proof of enrollment in the relevant assistance programs.

The Importance of Heating Assistance for New York Families

For detailed information, applicants are encouraged to visit the official HEAP Program website, which offers step-by-step guides and additional resources to assist throughout the process.

The heating assistance check provides crucial support for many families who might otherwise struggle during the winter months.

In a time when energy costs continue to rise, this aid not only alleviates financial burdens but also ensures the well-being and safety of residents, particularly those in vulnerable situations.

Through this program, New York reaffirms its commitment to protecting disadvantaged families and ensuring every household can maintain a comfortable temperature throughout the winter.

According to statistics, in 2021, nearly two million people were diagnosed with some type of cancer, and more than 608,000 people died from the disease. If you know a person who has recently been diagnosed, you may not know what to say to cancer sufferers, but it is important that you know how to address that person.

There are some phrases that must be avoided, such as “I know what you are going through” or “you should try this new diet,” since these types of comments only cause anguish and sorrow in people. For this reason, we present five phrases that you can say to a person with cancer.

5. I am here for whatever you need

If you don’t know what to say to cancer patients, it is best to be honest and speak from the heart, trying to be as empathetic as possible but always respecting their space and privacy. Let that person know that you are there for everything they need.

Saying this phrase might seem like a cliché, but it can be a real relief for a cancer patient who will probably need your help at some point for things as simple as some company time or grocery shopping.

4. What day can I visit you? 

Above all, respect the privacy of the person who has been diagnosed with cancer since it is news that can negatively affect their mood. Do not try to force a talk or a visit because, far from helping, you would be causing greater discomfort.

This is a phrase that you can say to a person with cancer since it will let them know that they are an important person for you, that you care about them, and that knowing that if they do not want visits, it will not be a personal matter but simply a way of processing the news.

3. I am very sorry for what you are going through

If you are a person who has not had cancer, avoid at all costs using phrases such as “I know what you are going through” or “I can imagine how you feel” because, in reality, it is a situation that carries a physical and emotional burden that will be difficult to explain.

For this reason, perhaps it is best to say, “I am sorry for what you are going through,” since, although you cannot do anything to cure this illness, your friend or family member will know that their feelings are valid and justified and that they have someone to vent to.

2. Tell your friend that if they want to talk to someone, you are there for them

Do not try to force talks with a cancer patient, especially if you want to know more about the disease or if it is newly diagnosed. Give the patient enough space so that they can share with you everything they feel, but always at their own pace.

Mention to your friend or family member, “If you ever want to talk to someone, I’m here for you.” Send them messages sporadically without asking invasive or insistent questions, simply reminding them that you wish them the best and that you will always be there for them.

1. Do you need me to help you with something?

“Do you need help with something?” If you’re wondering what to say to cancer patients, this is one of the best phrases since it is possible that at some point they need or want your help or company. There will be times when the person wants complete privacy, but there will also be days where they require the company of other people.

Don’t hesitate to give your friend or family member options about the ways you can help them: by shopping, preparing some special food, going to buy their medicines, or just visiting them for a good time.

Do you know when a Covid-19 home test expires? Since the pandemic began, a great concern among the global population has been to access effective treatment and avoid spreading the virus to others.

Given the scarcity of tests in hospitals and health centers, a resource that has been used frequently is the home tests for Covid-19, which allow the presence of the virus SARS-CoV-2 to be detected easily. But what if the Covid home tests expire? 

1. Covid-19 home tests: What are their benefits?

Undoubtedly, home tests for Covid-19 are an extremely useful tool to access timely treatment and avoid putting your health at greater risk, in addition to the fact that its cost is usually much lower than in other health centers. This saving helps the budget of households with more than one member.

Another benefit of this test is that it is less invasive than others and does not represent greater discomfort for the person performing it, so it can be carried out from the comfort of your home in as many attempts as necessary, always using a different test.

2. What is the duration of a Covid-19 test?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has carefully studied the components of each Covid home test and based on solid scientific bases, has concluded that they have an approximate duration of 15 months.

The health authorities of the United States, where a large part of the Covid home tests are produced explained that in reality what expires are the components of the strips. Each manufacturer has placed the expiration date on the sides of the boxes that are for sale.

3. Can I use an expired Covid test?

When asked “Can I use an expired Covid test?” the simplest answer is yes. Using a Covid home test whose shelf life has expired is possible but not recommended. This means that the operation of the equipment will not present obvious alterations, but it could alter the result.

The official recommendation of the health authorities is to avoid, as far as possible, the use of tests that have already expired. However in recent months, the FDA has said that in some cases it is possible to use tests with an expiration date of no more than three months.

4. How could using an expired Covid test affect me?

One of the main suggestions that experts give regarding the use of home Covid tests is to carefully review the expiration date contained on the packaging and avoid using any strip that has an expiration date that has already passed.

But what could happen if I use an expired Covid test? The greatest risk to which a person who uses an expired home Covid test is that their results will be affected, and this could put their closest relatives at risk of contagion.

5. How should these tests be handled?

One thing to consider is that before using a home Covid test, it is necessary to keep it at room temperature in a safe and cool place.

It is important to bear in mind that the tests have undergone rigorous studies, and it has been verified that the tests can withstand temperatures between 2° and 30°, but it is not designed to spend long periods in refrigeration or freezing.

In the United States, the average electricity bill is $115 per month, but this figure can vary depending on the town, the number of devices in the house, and their usage.

There are some ways to reduce your electricity bill to save money and promote environment-friendly habits.

Learn 10 ways to save money fast!

1. Check the ducts

Carry out a thorough review of the ventilation ducts, air conditioning, and cooling systems, which could mean the difference between paying a high electric rate or paying as low as possible. Ensure the good condition of your ducts, and proceed to repair all leaks. In this way, you will guarantee that the performance of your equipment is optimal and that its use fulfills the function for which it was designed.

2. Use energy-saving devices

Thanks to technological innovations, it is becoming easier to reduce energy consumption through devices designed to save energy, such as washers, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerators. For example, an Energy Star–certified dishwasher offers water savings of up to 6.5 gallons per wash cycle. Experts recommend investing in efficient equipment that has a greater use at home.

3. Change your bulbs

The installation of light level dimmer switches, as well as energy-saving LED or fluorescent light bulbs, save up to $75 dollars on your annual electricity bill. Although it may seem like small savings per year, this will be added to the adoption of other energy consumption habits, which in the long term will result in considerably lower electric energy bills.

4. Invest in an audit to know where the energy is going

If in recent months or years you have noticed a considerable increase in your electricity bill, you may need specialized advice from your electricity supplier. The providers usually give personalized advice, often free, in which they will help you identify the usage and consumption habits that impact your bill.

5. Adjust the temperature of your water heater

Water heaters usually have a temperature of 140 degrees Fahrenheit, or 60 degrees Celsius. However, modifying this factory setting will reduce your energy cost significantly. This is another way to save on your electricity bill. Simply reduce the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit, or 49 degrees Celsius, to reduce the cost by 10%.

6. Regulate your thermostat

One way to reduce electrical energy consumption is by regulating the temperature of the thermostat, which can be done manually or getting equipment that performs this task for you. One way to do this is to reduce the temperature at bedtime or when you are away from home. Doing this for eight hours a day will notably contribute to a reduction of up to 10% in the cost of electricity.

7. Install ceiling fans

The installation and use of ceiling fans is an idea that will allow you to use some devices less frequently, helping to lower your monthly electric bill. The reason why experts recommend the installation of this type of fan is because it allows the air conditioning to work optimally without straining or increasing energy consumption.

8. Dry your clothes naturally so you don’t waste energy

Do you want to save money? Maybe it’s time to say goodbye, at least temporarily, to your dryer. You will reduce the amount of water you use and you will get the benefit of paying a lower bill. If you have the option consider installing a clothesline to dry your clothes. You could also just hang your freshly laundered clothes in the laundry room.

9. Invest in curtains

Just as installing ceiling fans will help your air conditioner work optimally, so will curtains and blinds. Especially those that receive more natural light during the day. By closing the curtains and blinds in the hottest hours, you will help your air conditioning work optimally. You can also apply a tinted coat to your windows if you wish.

10. Wash your clothes in cold water to save energy

Did you know that 90% of the electrical energy consumption derived from washing machines is due to the use of hot water? This considerably increases your electricity bill. For this reason, the main recommendation is to avoid washing cycles with hot water. Just use cold water. You will begin to notice the difference in the first month!

Menopause is the time that marks the end of menstrual cycles, and its official diagnosis is given when women have experienced at least one year without a menstrual period. This occurs on average in women of 51 years, although the symptoms of menopause can occur in people from as early as 40 years. In addition to the absence of menstruation, among the most common symptoms are mood swings and hot flashes, but they are not the only ones. Find out what are the most common symptoms of menopause!

Dry skin and thinning hair

Menopause is a natural process in which hormone levels drop considerably, leading to increased dryness of the skin and noticeable thinning of the hair. It is also possible that a greater amount of facial hair appears, and women go through periods of vaginal dryness. However, these symptoms can be greatly reduced with proper treatment.

Headaches may indicate menopause

It is common for women going through menopause to report an increase in the intensity and frequency with which they suffer from tension headaches or migraines due to the drastic decrease in hormone levels. These symptoms tend to be more intense during perimenopause, but not everything is bad since in some cases, migraines can disappear once the menstrual periods stop.

Sleeping problems

For many women going through menopause bedtime can be difficult, mainly because night sweats and dry skin make it difficult to fall asleep. Another aspect that negatively affects sleep patterns is excessive sweating, which can cause women to wake up abruptly, making it more difficult for them to fall asleep and achieve sound rest.

Joint stiffness could be due to menopause

Osteoarthritis is a condition that can occur in a large number of women during menopause, affecting joints, such as the knees, shoulders, neck, and hands. If the person has suffered a previous bone injury, their discomfort may increase since the hormonal imbalance causes a lower response to inflammatory processes.

Recurrent urinary tract infections

Before menopause, the body faces a series of changes that can affect the body in different ways. For some women this means an increased risk of osteoporosis, while for others, it increases the frequency with which they suffer from urinary tract infections. This is because the decrease in estrogen levels not only causes vaginal dryness but also leads to an increased production of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections.

Palpitations

A symptom associated with menopause is palpitations or changes in the heart rate. These palpitations are usually harmless, but they cause widespread discomfort that sometimes prevents you from performing daily activities comfortably. In these cases, your doctor may prescribe a hormone blocker, beta-blockers, or calcium channel blockers to keep your heart rate in a healthy range.

Loss of muscle mass could be due to menopause

Experts in the treatment of symptoms associated with menopause recommend light physical activity to help counteract the loss of muscle mass during menopause. Among the most recommended exercises for losing body fat and maintaining muscle mass are walking, light jogging, swimming, and even low-impact aerobics.