Lincoln Memorial Algae: Lessons for Water Feature Maintenance

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By now many people have seen images of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool colored a soupy green. The algae bloom appeared just days after a more than $14 million restoration was completed. Ironically, the renovation began after President Trump directed the pool’s bottom be painted an “American flag blue” to transform what he described as … Read more

Why Two States Ban Hands-Free Gas Pump Clips

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In much of the United States, gas pump clips—also called hold-open clips or hands-free pump clips—are a familiar convenience at service stations. They let drivers fill their tanks while they clean their windshield, step inside to pay, or grab a quick snack without holding the nozzle. Despite their widespread use, two states continue to restrict … Read more

Choose the Right Pump Timer to Simplify Pool Maintenance

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For pool owners, manually operating a pool pump or water heater can feel like one more task added to an already busy routine. Constantly switching high-power devices on and off not only takes time, it increases the risk of forgetting to run essential equipment. A dedicated pool pump timer removes that daily chore, improves reliability … Read more

Why Someone Smuggled 100,000 Cockroaches Into Australia

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Border authorities regularly intercept goods that are not permitted to enter a country, but some seizures are more unusual than others. In Australia, officials recently dealt with a particularly striking case: a large illegal collection of live exotic cockroaches. In early June, Australian officials announced the seizure of 100,000 live exotic cockroaches. The insects, which … Read more

From Crumbling 1940s Shed to Dream Home Office: DIY Transformation

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In Family Handyman’s series DIY Diaries, real DIYers share the projects they’re most proud of. They tell the whole story—from first sketches and frustrating setbacks to the moments they felt most accomplished. These candid accounts reveal the real process of DIY and offer practical tips to give you confidence for your next build. Family Handyman … Read more

Stopping Jumping Worms: How to Protect Your Garden and Soil

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If you’re a gardener, you likely appreciate earthworms for the role they play in healthy soil. However, not all worms are beneficial in every setting. An invasive species commonly called the “jumping worm” has been spreading across many parts of the United States and poses serious risks to native habitats and garden ecosystems. What Are … Read more

Save Thousands in Interest With This Little-Known Loan Payment Strategy

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A mortgage payment is often one of the largest monthly expenses for U.S. households, and that burden has grown recently. The number of homeowners behind on mortgage payments rose sharply in 2026 compared with 2025, and searches for what to do if you can’t make your mortgage payment have surged. Many homeowners are now exploring … Read more

I Tried the Povison Aurora Power Sofa Bed — A Game-Changing Recliner

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I’ve tested plenty of furniture over the years, and the Povison Aurora-Power Sofa Bed immediately stood out because it doesn’t behave like a typical recliner or a typical sleeper sofa. At first glance it reads as a clean, modern sectional with soft chenille fabric and oversized seating. With the press of a button, the seats … Read more

Massive Rat in My Attic: How I Removed It and Sealed the Nest

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Welcome to Domestic Disasters, where we examine some of the worst home mess-ups and most unpleasant discoveries. We bring those situations to pest-control experts to determine how serious the problems are and what it takes to fix them. Lindsay and her husband lived on a half-acre property in the Colorado countryside surrounded by fruit trees, … Read more

Money Advice New Homeowners Really Need Now

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Many new homeowners are surprised by the true cost of owning a home — and the first six months are often the most financially stressful. Savings get drained by the down payment and closing costs, and then a range of unexpected expenses can appear, from repairs to higher escrow charges and insurance gaps. “I also … Read more