News Progress

•December 10, 2025•

by DM Williamee

As the chill of winter sets in and the selection of outdoor activities dwindles, many find themselves searching for ways to stave off boredom while maintaining mental, physical, and emotional health during the chillier winter months. Believe it or not, winter provides an opportunity to explore indoor activities that can both bust boredom and enhance well-being. From creative pursuits to physical fitness, there are options other than binge-watching television that can enhance the season.

Get crafty and unleash your creative side. Winter is the perfect time to dive into arts and crafts, for example. Engaging in creative activities not only provides a productive outlet for stress but also enhances mood and reduces that stress. Painting and/or drawing are simple examples. Experiment with watercolors, acrylics, sketching, or even just doodling. You don’t need to be a professional artist—just let your imagination take over. You can also create handmade gifts, decorations, or upcycle old items into something new. Knitting or crocheting is not only therapeutic but also functional. Both can result in cozy accessories such as scarves, hats, slippers, and lap-blankets, perfect for this chillier season.

•December 10, 2025•

by DM Williamee

In a landmark settlement that has sent ripples through both the retail and financial sectors, Visa and Mastercard reached an agreement with a coalition of merchants that will -fundamentally- alter the landscape of credit card transactions at checkout lanes beginning in early 2026. This settlement paves the way for businesses to implement tiered pricing based on the type of credit card that a consumer uses, and will no doubt lead to more complicated shopping experiences for consumers. From “ No purchases by credit card under $5” to “all purchases by credit card will be subject to a fee, depending on the card you use.” Huh? Don’t we already pay interest fees on our credit cards when we pay the bill every month? Yes. But wait, folks, now there’s more…

Photo by RR Best

On Monday, December 1st, Wyman Park in Sullivan was looking full of colorfully lit festive cheer, with the weekend’s snowfall accumulation providing the perfect backdrop for the beautifully lit displays.

Practical tips to protect your home, family, and holiday spirit this season.

•December 10, 2025•

By Angela Hogan

As we enter the Christmas season, our lives fill with the excitement of decorations, traditions, delicious food, and long-awaited gatherings and events. However, the holidays also bring a faster pace, extra expectations and stress, and more than a few perils we often overlook. As a result, the rate of accidents and injuries typically increases during this time of year.

Let’s consider how a nod to safety in our homes, kitchens, and during holiday travel can help support our holiday cheer.

Make home safety a priority

Walkways: Clear exterior walkways of snow and ice. Secure loose rugs and electrical cords, and keep interior pathways free of holiday clutter, and keep all walkways and stairways well-lit.