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Driving Out of the Storm: A Personal Look at Safety and Chaos on Interstate 10
Driving Out of the Storm: Driving east on Interstate 10 from Ontario to Phoenix during the November 15 storm, we witnessed more than ten accidents caused largely by reckless driving in severe weather. Most drivers slowed down and used caution, but a few ignored conditions — leading to preventable crashes. Here’s what we saw and what it says about storm safety on I-10.
Last Updated on November 16, 2025 by Rod Washington
Driving the I10 near Palm Springs during Saturday’s storm. Image Credit: Rod Washington
Driving Out of the Storm: A Personal Look at Safety and Chaos on Interstate 10
As we were leaving California on our journey back to Phoenix on Saturday, November 15, 2025, we found ourselves driving straight into the heart of one of the most intense Southern California storms I’ve experienced in decades. Our final stop was in Ontario, and from there we headed east on Interstate 10, hoping to stay ahead of the worst of the weather. Instead, the storm followed us for nearly the entire route.
Visibility dropped to a few car lengths at times. Sheets of rain hammered the windshield. Even with the wipers on full speed, it felt like driving through a gray curtain that never fully lifted. But the toughest part wasn’t just the weather — it was what the weather revealed about how differently people respond to it.
Between West Covina and just past Indio, we saw at least 10 car accidents. Most looked like they could have been avoided. And the contrast between responsible and reckless behavior was on full display.
The majority of drivers were doing the right thing:
Reducing speed to match the conditions
Using hazard lights to alert others in areas of low visibility
Changing lanes safely to avoid flooded stretches
Showing courtesy and respect, understanding that everyone was just trying to get through safely
That kind of cognitive awareness on the road — recognizing danger, adjusting behavior, working collectively — makes all the difference in extreme weather.
But mixed among them were a smaller group of drivers who seemed to treat the storm like a challenge rather than a hazard. We saw cars speeding far beyond what was safe, weaving across multiple lanes, tailgating, and even deliberately splashing drivers who they felt were going “too slow.” Unfortunately, karma came quickly for some of them. Several of the accidents we passed looked like the direct result of that kind of behavior — and tragically, those choices didn’t just hurt the reckless drivers. They injured people who were taking the storm seriously.
It was a stark reminder that during severe weather, safety isn’t just a personal choice — it’s a shared responsibility. Most of us were out there trying to navigate a dangerous highway under extreme conditions. It only takes one careless driver to put several others at risk.
By the time the skies began to lighten, we were grateful not just to be out of the worst of the storm, but to have made it through under our own sense of caution, patience, and respect for the road. Storms like this show us a lot about nature — but just as much about one another.
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STM Blog
What is Nude Recreation Week?
Nude Recreation Week is a real event that promotes the idea of enjoying the outdoors without clothing.
Nude Recreation Week is a real event that promotes the idea of enjoying the outdoors without clothing. It is a week-long celebration of the human body and its natural state. The history of Nude Recreation Week is a fascinating one, with its origins dating back to the early 1970s.
The idea of Nude Recreation Week came from a group of naturists who wanted to promote the benefits of nudity in the outdoors. They believed that nudity was a natural and healthy way to enjoy the outdoors, and that it allowed people to connect with nature in a more meaningful way. The first Nude Recreation Week was held in 1976, and it has been celebrated every year since then.
There are many ways to celebrate Nude Recreation Week legally. Many naturist organizations offer events and activities that are open to the public, such as nude hikes, beach cleanups, and other outdoor activities. There are also many private resorts and campsites that cater to naturists, and they offer a variety of activities and amenities for those who want to enjoy the outdoors in the nude.
Nude Recreation Week – July 6–12
Nude Recreation Week celebrates naturism, body positivity, and the freedom to enjoy outdoor activities in a clothing-free environment. Observed at nudist resorts, beaches, and private spaces, it encourages self-acceptance and connection with nature. The week culminates in International Skinny Dip Day. Learn more about the history and celebration: National Today, National Day Calendar, American Association for Nude Recreation.
The opinions about Nude Recreation Week are divided. Some people believe that it is a healthy and natural way to enjoy the outdoors, and that it promotes body positivity and self-confidence. Others believe that it is inappropriate and offensive, and that it should not be allowed in public spaces.
On one hand, some people argue that nudity is a natural state for humans and that it should be celebrated. They believe that nudity is not inherently sexual or offensive, and that it is a healthy way to connect with nature and with other people. They also argue that nudity promotes body positivity and self-confidence, and that it can help people overcome body shame and negative self-image.
On the other hand, some people argue that nudity is inappropriate and offensive, especially in public spaces. They believe that nudity is a private matter and that it should not be displayed in public. They also argue that nudity can be sexualized and that it can lead to inappropriate behavior and harassment.
In conclusion, Nude Recreation Week is a real event that promotes the idea of enjoying the outdoors without clothing. It has a fascinating history, and it is celebrated by many people around the world. While opinions about nudity are divided, it is clear that there are many ways to celebrate Nude Recreation Week legally, and that it is a healthy and natural way to enjoy the outdoors.
https://nationaltoday.com/nude-recreation-week/
National Nude Day – July
National Nude Day celebrates body positivity, personal freedom, and self-acceptance—not sex. Observed by nudist and naturist communities, the day encourages people to embrace their natural form and challenge societal body shaming. Participants may visit naturist beaches or resorts or enjoy private time at home to connect with their body and nature. Learn more about the celebration and its history here: National Day Calendar, National Today, The Guardian on Naturism.
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Consumer Corner
Lowe’s Is Calling on Creators to Help Design—and Launch—New Products
Lowe’s announced Creator: Into the Blue, a new program letting creators pitch product ideas and work with Lowe’s teams to develop and potentially launch items in retail. Applications are open through Sept. 1, 2026.
Lowe’s is taking its creator strategy beyond sponsored posts and curated storefronts. On June 23, 2026, the home improvement retailer announced Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue, a new program that invites creators to pitch product ideas and, if selected, work with Lowe’s teams to develop and potentially bring those products to retail shelves.
The announcement arrives as the Lowe’s Creator Network hits its one-year milestone—an initiative Lowe’s launched in 2025 and billed as the first creator network in the home improvement industry. Now, Lowe’s says it’s expanding the pathway for creators: from making content about products to creating products themselves.
From content to creation: what “Creator: Into the Blue” is
Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue is designed as a forum for creators—both current members of the Lowe’s Creator Network and newcomers—to submit innovative product concepts for consideration. Selected creators could receive support from Lowe’s internal teams across product development, product design, sourcing, and merchandising, with the goal of turning audience-inspired ideas into real-world items that can scale.
In other words: creators aren’t just being asked to promote what already exists. They’re being invited to help shape what comes next.
How this fits into Lowe’s bigger strategy
Lowe’s positioned the new program as a natural next step that builds on two existing pillars:
- Lowe’s Creator Network (launched 2025): A program connecting creators with Lowe’s to share DIY projects, home improvement inspiration, and product recommendations. It also includes personalized Lowes.com storefronts so creators can curate product selections for their audiences.
- Lowe’s Into the Blue (launched 2022): A separate initiative focused on helping entrepreneurs bring innovative products to Lowe’s customers.
Now, Lowe’s is essentially merging the momentum of both worlds—creator-led influence and entrepreneur-led product innovation—into a single on-ramp for creators who want to build businesses through product development.
MrBeast is the proof-of-concept
Lowe’s also pointed to its recent collaboration with global creator MrBeast as an example of how creator partnerships can evolve beyond content and curation. The collaboration included a collectible toy kitdeveloped with Lowe’s—showing how a creator’s audience and brand can translate into physical products that connect with customers in new ways.
That collaboration is now being used as a signal: if a creator with a massive following can co-create a product with Lowe’s, the company wants to open similar opportunities to creators of all sizes.
What creators can submit
According to Lowe’s, creators can submit a range of ideas, including:
- Existing products seeking distribution, scale, and retail exposure
- Product ideas that need development and sourcing support
- Collaborations tied to an existing Lowe’s product line
The message is clear: you don’t have to show up with a fully manufactured item. You can show up with a concept—especially one shaped by what your audience keeps asking for.
Application window and where to apply
Applications are open now through Sept. 1, 2026 at Lowes.com/CreateWithLowes. Lowe’s will review submissions after the application period and announce selected creators at a later date.
Creators interested in applying should also review the full terms and conditions on the application page.
Why this matters for the creator economy—and retail
Creator-led product lines aren’t new, but Lowe’s move is notable because it’s coming from a major home improvement retailer with deep sourcing and distribution infrastructure. If executed well, Creator: Into the Blue could become a meaningful bridge between:
- Audience-driven product demand (what communities want)
- Retail-grade execution (design, sourcing, merchandising)
- Shelf-level distribution (scale and visibility)
For creators, it’s another sign that the creator economy is maturing: the next phase isn’t only about views and engagement—it’s about IP, product development, and scalable revenue.
The bottom line
With Lowe’s Creator: Into the Blue, the company is betting that creators can do more than inspire projects—they can help design the tools, kits, and products people use to complete them. And for creators looking to turn their audience into a business, Lowe’s is offering a new route: pitch an idea, build it with support, and potentially launch it at retail scale.
For more details and application terms, visit Lowes.com/CreateWithLowes.
Related Links
- Apply / program page: https://www.lowes.com/createwithlowes
- Lowe’s main site (company + newsroom gateway): https://www.lowes.com/
- Lowe’s corporate site (investor/corporate info): https://www.lowes.com/corporate
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The Knowledge
So, Here’s the Story of Mound Bayou, Mississippi
Discover the inspiring history of Mound Bayou, Mississippi — one of America’s most successful Black-founded towns and a symbol of resilience, freedom, and progress.
Last Updated on June 9, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Did you know there was once a thriving Black-founded town in the Mississippi Delta built on the dream of freedom, self-reliance, and opportunity?
Mound Bayou
Founded in 1887 by Isaiah T. Montgomery and Benjamin T. Green, Mound Bayou, Mississippi became one of the most successful all-Black communities in American history. Established just decades after the Civil War, the town represented hope during a time when racial segregation and violence dominated much of the South.
Mound Bayou quickly grew into a center of Black business, education, healthcare, and agriculture. Residents built schools, churches, newspapers, banks, and medical facilities, proving that economic independence and community leadership could flourish despite enormous challenges.
The city even gained national attention from leaders like Booker T. Washington and President Theodore Roosevelt, who recognized Mound Bayou as a symbol of progress and determination.
During the Civil Rights era, the town also played a role in the fight for justice, particularly through the work of Dr. T.R.M. Howard following the murder of Emmett Till.
Today, Mound Bayou stands as a powerful reminder of resilience, entrepreneurship, and a chapter of American history that deserves far more recognition.
Now you know.
Here are some related article links you can include at the bottom of your STM Daily News post for further reading:
Related Articles & Further Reading
• The Official History of Mound Bayou
https://www.cityofmoundbayou.com/our-history
• Mound Bayou: The Historic Black Community in Mississippi
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mound_Bayou,_Mississippi
• The Historic Bank of Mound Bayou
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bank_of_Mound_Bayou
• The Legacy of Dr. T.R.M. Howard and Civil Rights Activism
https://www.cityofmoundbayou.com/our-history
• How Mound Bayou Became Known as “The Jewel of the Delta”
https://cityofmoundbayou.com/
• Community Discussion About Mound Bayou’s History
https://www.reddit.com/r/BlackHistoryPhotos/comments/1ta0r2e/famous_allblack_american_cities_towns_mound_bayou/
Dive into “The Knowledge,” where curiosity meets clarity. This playlist, in collaboration with STMDailyNews.com, is designed for viewers who value historical accuracy and insightful learning. Our short videos, ranging from 30 seconds to a minute and a half, make complex subjects easy to grasp in no time. Covering everything from historical events to contemporary processes and entertainment, “The Knowledge” bridges the past with the present. In a world where information is abundant yet often misused, our series aims to guide you through the noise, preserving vital knowledge and truths that shape our lives today. Perfect for curious minds eager to discover the ‘why’ and ‘how’ of everything around us. Subscribe and join in as we explore the facts that matter. https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge/
