🛸 I want to believe

Pushing out the little guy: Google’s algorithm changes are hitting smaller independent websites hard. Between AI-generated answers, sponsored ads and bigger publishers getting all the play, gaming site Retro Dodo says its traffic has tanked 85% since September 2023. Just 16 companies own over 400 sites that receive 3.8 billion clicks a month from Google. Let that sink in for a moment.

Next year’s IRS mileage rate for business travel. The 3-cent increase kicks in for 2025 trips and taxes due in 2026. Tax question: How long do leftovers have to be in the fridge before you can claim them as dependents?

🚘 Looking for a cheap Tesla? Try renting one on Hertz. One Reddit user did, then scored a 2023 Tesla Model 3 with 30,000 miles for just $17,913. Be careful — most are pretty beaten up by the time they hit over 100,000 miles. That’s when Tesla’s battery warranty expires, so it may not be such a steal after all.

Memory lane: Here’s a hot TikTok trend I told you about (checks watch) 10 years ago. Pop into old Street View photos on Google Maps for a hit of virtual nostalgia. Fun finds: One gal spotted her childhood dog in the yard, and another found herself in high school cleaning eggs off her car. Open Google Maps on a browser, type in an address and click the photo that pops up. Choose See more dates. Find something great? Let me know!

🐶 Hold onto your leash: Have you seen the viral videos of dogs pressing buttons on soundboards to “talk”? They’re real! A study tracked over 190,000 button presses from 152 dogs over 21 months. Dogs pressed buttons like “play + ball” in a way that showed they knew what they wanted. (That’s why your pup isn’t hitting the “bath” button.) I’m eyeing this set so I can teach Abby!

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Time millennial dads spend with their kids compared to dads in previous generations. Get this: In 1982, 43% of dads said they’ve never changed a diaper! Now, it’s only 3%. If you know a good dad, give him a high-five for me!

Of mild cognitive decline by doing just one exercise session a week. Scientists say 30 minutes is enough to keep your mind sharp as you age. How ‘bout an indoor bike or treadmill if you don’t want to (or can’t) leave the house? It’ll be a new year for a new you!

We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.

📸 Saving memories: A North Carolina woman is using Instagram to reunite families with photographs lost during Hurricane Helene. Taylor Schenker has collected hundreds of photos from the debris and shares them on her page, Photos from Helene. Folks can reach out to claim them or have them mailed back. Only about 15% have been returned. Spread the word if you can.