Business and Finance
5 Ways to Upgrade Your Remote Workspace
(Family Features) With remote and hybrid work schedules here to stay for many Americans, it’s important to have a space dedicated to comfort and productivity. The initial transition to remote work may have involved setting up an impromptu workstation at the dining room table but creating a long-term, functional home office can be one of the first steps to increasing efficiency, focus and productivity.
Whether your work area is a spacious room, small den or desk in a quiet spot in the house, these ideas can help you create a space where you enjoy working.
Select the Perfect Location
While some remote workers have a spare bedroom or den they can dedicate as a home office, others may need to create a multiuse area in which office space occupies another room, such as the dining room, family room or basement. If you have several options for your workspace, consider how lighting and sound may impact your ability to focus.
For example, positioning your desk near a window can help increase your mood and reduce boredom. Similarly, if possible, choose a location where noise from other family members moving around or traffic outside will be less of a distraction. Earplugs or background noise can help drown out sounds if you’re restricted to a specific location in your home.
Keep Color in Mind
Colors can influence productivity and mood, so it’s important to consider them when designing or updating your workspace. Avoid white, which can lead to boredom, and instead choose a color scheme that can make a positive impact. Warm colors like red or orange can increase energy; blues are relaxing and can help keep blood pressure down; and green can help reduce stress.
An on-trend option like the Granny Chic Home Office from Wellborn Cabinet, Inc., can be set up in nearly any area of the home to create a stylish workspace. Featuring Premier Series cabinets with Napa doors in an olive finish and satin nickel hardware, this desk and hutch also includes base and crown moulding to help set it apart as a space devoted to productivity. Plus, accessories like a wastebasket pullout, drawer inserts and dividers, and tiered organizers can make organization easy.
Choose a Desk and Chair
Start by measuring your space to see how large of a desk you can accommodate then decide between a traditional desk or trendy adjustable-height version, which can allow you to sit and stand throughout the workday and has been shown to provide health benefits in addition to increasing work performance. An ergonomic chair with a padded seat and armrests is also a must-have to provide lumbar support and increase comfort while seated.
Find Storage Solutions
Storage is one of the most critical aspects when designing your home office. To avoid clutter and keep documents and other items organized, consider options such as built-in cabinets and shelving, base cabinets with desk file drawers, utility cabinets and wall bookcases. You can even customize your cabinets and choose from a wide selection of styles including traditional, transitional, casual, formal, contemporary or eclectic with options from Wellborn Cabinet.
Add Plants and Decor
Office plants provide numerous benefits, including improving air quality and increasing productivity. In fact, a study published in the “Journal of Environmental Horticulture” found productivity increased 12% when workers performed a task on a computer in a room with plants compared to those who performed the task in the same room without plants. Low-maintenance species such as orchids and succulents also produce a pleasant aroma and earthy atmosphere to decrease stress.
In addition, consider your space’s decorations if you will be conducting video calls. If your home office doesn’t have much natural light, place a light source behind the camera. While the background for your calls should be relatively neutral, a mural or art on the walls or shelves can complement your professionalism and add a creative touch to your space.
Find more home office inspiration at Wellborn.com.
SOURCE:
Wellborn Cabinet, Inc.
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Lifestyle
Why the First Year Behind the Wheel is the Most Dangerous: Data Shows Teen Drivers 3 Times More Likely to be in Fatal Crash
Teen drivers are significantly at risk of fatal crashes, with those aged 16-19 being nearly three times more likely to be involved in accidents than older drivers. The first year of driving presents heightened dangers, but with proper preparation, including coaching, technology, and smart insurance, families can mitigate these risks and promote safety.
Why the First Year Behind the Wheel is the Most Dangerous: Data Shows Teen Drivers 3 Times More Likely to be in Fatal Crash
(Feature Impact) The driver’s license photo may be slightly awkward, but the milestone is unforgettable. For families, a newly licensed teen means independence, busy schedules and a new set of responsibilities.
Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for U.S. teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows drivers ages 16-19 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers 20 and older, per mile driven.
The statistics are serious, but they’re also manageable.
“With the right preparation, teen driving doesn’t have to feel overwhelming,” said Susan Irace, manager, divisional claims at Mercury Insurance. “Experience is what young drivers are building. Parents can help shorten that learning curve with structure, technology and smart coverage decisions.”
Why the First Year Matters
Federal safety data shows crash risk is highest in a teen’s first year of independent driving. Night driving, teen passengers and distracted driving increase that risk – while seat belts, graduated licensing laws and supervised practice significantly reduce it.
In 2023, more than 2,800 teens ages 13-19 were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, according to the CDC. However, teen crash rates have declined over time thanks to safer vehicles, graduated driver licensing programs and greater awareness of distracted driving.
Ways to Reduce Teen Driving Risk
The experts at Mercury Insurance encourage families to focus on preparation rather than panic.
1. Coach Early and Often
- Log supervised driving time in different conditions – highways, rain, nighttime
- Create a simple written driving agreement outlining expectations
- Limit teen passengers during the first year
- Make seatbelts non-negotiable
2. Let Technology Help
- Choose vehicles with safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring
- Use telematics or safe-driving feedback tools to reinforce good habits
- Activate smartphone “Do Not Disturb While Driving” settings
3. Review Insurance Before the Keys Change Hands
- Add teens to your insurance policy promptly
- Revisit liability limits to protect family assets
- Ask about good student and driver training discounts
“Insurance is about preparation, not fear,” Irace said. “When families combine active coaching with the right coverage, they’re setting their teen up for safer miles ahead.”
Preparation Turns Risks into Confidence
The first solo drive is a milestone, but preparation determines what comes next. By pairing common-sense coaching with today’s vehicle safety technology and thoughtful insurance planning, families can support independence while managing risk responsibly.
For more teen driver safety tips and coverage guidance, visit MercuryInsurance.com/resources.
Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
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Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
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Arizona Scholarships 2026: $1,500 Awards + Free ACF Virtual Workshops
Arizona scholarships 2026: Arizona scholarships are open through ACF: one application for 160+ awards, plus ARAC’s $1,500 Ashby-Herring scholarships due April 6, 2026.
Last Updated on March 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Arizona Scholarships 2026: $1,500 Awards + Free ACF Virtual Workshops
Scholarship season moves fast, and for a lot of Arizona families, the hardest part isn’t writing the essay or gathering transcripts—it’s simply finding the right opportunities in time.
The Archer Ragsdale Arizona Chapter (ARAC), Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. is encouraging students and the community to take advantage of scholarship resources through the Arizona Community Foundation (ACF), including an easy online application that can match applicants with 160+ scholarships—plus virtual workshops where students can get help directly from ACF’s scholarship team.
Whether you’re a high school senior, a current college student, or an adult re-entry student, ACF’s scholarship portal is designed to meet people where they are.
The Big Picture: One Application, 160+ Scholarships
According to the flyer, ACF awarded $6.3 million in scholarships last year, with over 160 scholarships available through a single, easy application.
- Application opens: January 1
- Most deadlines: March and April
- Where to start: https://azfoundation.org/scholarships
- ACF scholarship email: scholarship@azfoundation.org
What to watch for: Even if a student is only targeting one scholarship, completing the ACF application can surface additional matches they didn’t know existed.
ARAC Tuskegee Airmen Scholarship: Ashby-Herring Scholarships ($1,500) — Deadline April 6, 2026
ARAC (Tuskegee Airmen, Inc.) awards two or more scholarships to deserving Arizona students who are college-bound. The flyer highlights the Ashby-Herring scholarships, named in honor of late founding ARAC members who were original Tuskegee Airmen.
Award: Two Ashby-Herring scholarships (each $1,500)
Deadline:April 6, 2026
Apply here:https://www.azfoundation.org/archer-ragsdale
Eligibility:
- Graduating high school senior from Arizona
- Attending a 2-year or 4-year college/university
- African-American
- 3.0 GPA or higher
- Demonstrated financial need
Free Virtual Workshops (Zoom): Get Help With Your Application
If you’ve ever watched a student stall out halfway through an application, these workshops are a smart fix: they’re designed so applicants can work on their scholarship application with support from ACF’s scholarship team.
Workshop dates (Zoom):
- February 12, 2026 — 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- March 5, 2026 — 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.
- March 26 — 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. (date listed on flyer; confirm year when registering)
Register here:https://acf.cventevents.com/acfscholarships2026
View the flyer here: https://stmdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Deadline-updated-12.29.2025-Archer-Ragsdale-Flyer-FINAL.pdf
Download Flyer (PDF)
What to watch for: Register for the dates you can attend and come prepared with what you already have (basic info, activities list, questions). One hour of guided progress can save days of procrastination.
Why This Matters (and Why Sharing Helps)
The Tuskegee Airmen legacy is rooted in excellence, discipline, and breaking barriers—and scholarships tied to that legacy are meant to elevate futures for the next generation.
If you’re a parent, teacher, coach, mentor, or neighbor, consider this your nudge: forward the link, post it in a group chat, or share it with a student who might qualify. Deadlines hit quickly, and the easiest scholarship to win is often the one you actually apply for.
View the press release: https://stmdailynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FOR-IMMEDIATE-RELEASE.pdf
Related Links:
- https://azfoundation.org/scholarships
- https://acf.cventevents.com/acfscholarships2026
- https://www.azfoundation.org/archer-ragsdale
College Life
College isn’t just classes and credits — it’s learning how to manage your time, money, health, and relationships while you build a future that actually fits. In our College Life coverage, STM Daily News shares practical, real-world guides for students and families: campus living tips, study and productivity habits, career prep, budgeting basics, mental wellness check-ins, and smart ways to make the most of college in Arizona and beyond.
Expect quick reads, useful takeaways, and “what to do next” advice — whether you’re a first-year student, a transfer, or heading back to school.
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Preparing Students for What’s Next in Work
Preparing Students: Automation, AI and societal economic changes are affecting the workforce and making a significant impact on the employment prospects of future generations. Consider this guidance to put students on the path toward greater earning potential and economic mobility in a rapidly changing economy.
Preparing Students for What’s Next in Work
(Family Features) Automation, AI and societal economic changes are affecting the workforce and making a significant impact on the employment prospects of future generations. More than one-third of today’s college graduates are “underemployed,” meaning they work jobs that don’t require a college degree and may pay less than a living wage, according to data from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. At the same time, a World Economic Forum report explored how advances in AI are threatening to negatively impact access to entry-level and even mid-level jobs for millions of Americans. Looking ahead, research by Georgetown University indicates that by 2031, 70% of jobs will require education or training beyond high school. However, data from the National Center for Education Statistics indicate only one-third of high school graduates go on to complete a college degree with many of those being in fields that are not in high-earning, high-growth professions. These challenges are not lost on today’s students. In a survey by Junior Achievement and Citizens, 57% of teens reported AI has negatively impacted their career outlook, raising concerns about job replacement and the need for new skills. What’s more, a strong majority (87%) expect to earn extra income through side hustles, gig work or social media content creation. “To put students on the path toward greater earning potential and economic mobility in a rapidly changing economy, students need proactive education and exposure to transferable skills and competencies, such as creative and critical thinking, financial literacy, problem-solving, collaboration and career planning,” said Jack Harris, CEO, Junior Achievement. This assertion is consistent with findings from the Camber Collective. This social impact consulting group identified four key life experiences students can consider and explore that positively affect lifetime earnings, including:- Completing secondary education
- Graduating with a degree in a high-paying field of study
- Receiving mentorship during adolescence
- Obtaining a first full-time job with opportunity for advancement
- Learning opportunities that are designed with the future in mind. For example, learning experiences offered through Junior Achievement reflect the skills and competencies needed to promote economic mobility.
- Internships or apprenticeships that provide hands-on experience and exposure to a career field that can’t be found in a textbook.
- Volunteer or extracurricular roles that develop communication and leadership skills. Virtually every career field requires these soft skills for growth and greater earning potential.
- Relationships that provide insight and connection. Networking with individuals who are already excelling in a chosen field, as well as peers who share similar aspirations, offers perspective from those who are where you wish to be and potentially opens future doors for employment.
- Courses that offer introductory insight into a chosen career path. Local trade or technical schools and other training organizations may even offer certifications that align with a student’s area of interest.
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