Today is Wednesday, Feb. 26, the 57th day of 2025. There are 308 days left in the year.

Today in history:

On Feb. 26, 1993, a truck bomb built by Islamic extremists exploded in the parking garage of the North Tower of New York’s World Trade Center, killing six people and injuring more than 1,000 others. (The bomb failed to topple the North Tower into the South Tower, as the terrorists had hoped; both structures were destroyed in the 9/11 attack eight years later.)

Also on this date:

In 1815, Napoleon Bonaparte escaped from exile on the Island of Elba, sailing back to France in a bid to regain power.

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Today in History: February 25, Muhammad Ali wins heavyweight title

Clint Hill, Secret Service agent who leaped onto JFK’s car after the president was shot, dies at 93

Today in History: February 24, President Andrew Johnson impeached by US House

Museum offers new home to gun St. Paulites used to fire first American shots of WWII

Today in History: February 23, Marines raise flag on Iwo Jima

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson signed an act making the Grand Canyon a national park.

In 1952, Prime Minister Winston Churchill announced that Britain had developed its own atomic bomb.

In 1987, the Tower Commission, which had probed the Iran-Contra affair, issued its report, which rebuked President Ronald Reagan for failing to control his national security staff.

In 1998, a jury in Amarillo, Texas, rejected an $11 million lawsuit brought by Texas cattlemen who blamed Oprah Winfrey’s talk show for a price fall after a segment on food safety that included a discussion about mad cow disease.

In 2012, Trayvon Martin, 17, was shot to death in Sanford, Florida, during an altercation with neighborhood watch volunteer George Zimmerman, who said he acted in self-defense. (Zimmerman was later acquitted of second-degree murder.)

In 2013, a hot air balloon burst into flames during a sunrise flight over the ancient Egyptian city of Luxor and then plummeted 1,000 feet (305 meters) to earth, killing 19 tourists.

In 2017, At the Academy Awards, “Moonlight” won three Oscars, including best picture of 2016; in a startling gaffe, the musical “La La Land” was mistakenly announced as the best picture winner before the error was corrected.

Today’s birthdays:

Singer Mitch Ryder is 80.
Singer Michael Bolton is 72.
Hockey Hall of Famer Joe Mullen is 68.
Actor Greg Germann is 67.
Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., is 67.
Singer Erykah Badu (EHR’-ih-kah bah-DOO’) is 54.
Filmmaker Sean Baker is 54.
Football Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk is 52.
Olympic swimming gold medalist Jenny Thompson is 52.
Singer Corinne Bailey Rae is 46.
Tennis Hall of Famer Li Na is 43.
Singer Natalia Lafourcade is 41.

Which stair treads are best?

Stairs, whether indoors or outdoors, can be dangerous for some people and even animals to use. Stair treads aim to remove much of the risks by providing a high-traction surface to your otherwise risky surfaces. They aren’t all about function though — many stair treads have fun and attractive patterns if you simply want to liven up your stairs.

The best stair treads are the Bungalow Flooring Waterhog Stair Treads, Boxwood Collection. The design is pleasingly floral, and they don’t require adhesive to stay put.

What to know before you buy stair treads

Size

Stair treads come in all sizes to best fit any size of stairs. Before shopping, measure your stairs’ surface area. Covering the entirety of it is unlikely, plus it rarely looks good. As such, aim to find stair treads that leave roughly 1-2 inches of empty space on the sides and no more than 1 inch of empty space on the top and bottom. Most stair treads are 22-36 inches long.

Quantity

Stair treads always come in packs, with most packs including between two and 15 treads. Pay close attention to how many treads are included. It can often be hard to parse through all the numbers thrown at you in product descriptions to find the count.

When determining how many treads you need, remember to count the floors as well. For example, if you have stairs with three steps, you should buy five treads: three for the actual steps and one each for the top and bottom floor.

Design

Most stair treads are simple one-color pieces, but others offer all manner of designs. Most of these designs are purely decorative, but others may have special properties, such as being reflective or glow-in-the-dark.

What to look for in quality stair treads

Easy installation

The best stair treads include a way to be installed. This usually takes the form of specialized pre-applied adhesive but bottoms covered in rubber can have plenty of grip without needing adhesive.

Common installation methods for treads that don’t include a method are double-sided tape and staples, both of which can damage the stairs underneath.

Resistances

There are three important resistances to check for when shopping for high-quality stair treads: moisture, stain and fade.

Moisture resistance is more important for outdoor treads as they’ll be in direct contact with rain, etc. Indoor treads also need resistance as the bottoms of your shoes will drag in moisture.
Stain resistance focuses on fighting off the effects of mud, grass and any other debris shoes attract.
Fade resistance also keeps your treads looking fresh. Outdoor treads will need to resist the bleaching effects of direct sunlight while indoor treads will need to resist higher levels of traffic.

How much you can expect to spend on stair treads

Stair treads come in packs of varying costs making it best to focus on the price per tread. Low-cost treads typically cost less than $5 with midrange treads costing $5-$10 and high-cost treads running up to $20 or more.

Stair treads FAQ

How should I prepare my stairs before adding treads?

A. Your stairs need to be as clean and as dry as possible before adding your new treads. Use a wet cloth to remove as much dirt, debris and any residues first, followed by thoroughly drying the stairs with a separate cloth. Don’t apply your treads until your stairs are completely dry, letting them air out after manually drying them if need be.

What’s the best adhesive to use with stair treads?

A. The best adhesive depends on what stair treads you have. Most stair tread products directly recommend certain types of adhesive to use with double-sided tape being the most frequently recommended. Better stair treads include peel-and-stick adhesives so you don’t need to worry about it.

What are the differences between indoor and outdoor stair treads?

A. The main differences are material and level of traction. Outdoor stair treads are usually made of rubber or plastic so they can best resist all the effects of weather. They also typically have higher levels of traction as many outdoor stairs have no guardrail to hold on to.

What are the best stair treads to buy?

Top stair treads

Bungalow Flooring Waterhog Stair Treads, Boxwood Collection

What you need to know: The leaf pattern adds a little touch of elegance compared to plain treads.

What you’ll love: They’re available in seven colors and four sizes and can be used indoors and out. Each square yard of tread can hold up to 1.5 gallons of water. They use a rubber grip underneath that can hold to any surface.

What you should consider: It only includes four treads per pack, making it expensive — even more so for the larger-sized treads. Some consumers had issues with the treads curling up on the ends.

Top stair treads for the money

EdenProducts Nonslip Carpet Stair Treads

What you need to know: These are perfect for indoor stairs.

What you’ll love: They measure 8 inches by 30 inches and come in five colors and multiple pack sizes. It uses an anti-moving backing, not an adhesive, so your stairs remain undamaged. They can be cleaned via vacuum or by tossing them in your washing machine.

What you should consider: The adhesive on the back struggles to stick to slick stairs. They are shipped folded over and need to be pressed flat before installing them.

Worth checking out

LifeGrip Antislip Traction Treads

What you need to know: These are an excellent purchase for outdoor stairs.

What you’ll love: These come in a pack of 10 and are available in three sizes. They come in four designs — standard black, black and yellow caution, black with a glow-in-the-dark strip and black with a reflective strip. Installation is as easy as peeling and sticking.

What you should consider: The adhesive may come undone in harsh weather conditions. They are packaged in a wound-up roll, so they need to be flattened before installation.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which Nest thermostat is best?

Smart thermostats are one of the best ways to keep your home at a comfortable temperature while simultaneously saving money on your energy bill every month. Without a doubt, Google Nest devices lead the pack when it comes to overall functionality, and many would say aesthetics as well.

If looking for the most advanced functionality and the highest level of compatibility with various HVAC units, the Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Generation should be your go-to choice. It offers machine learning and boasts the company’s Farsight feature that automatically lights up when it detects you in the room. Also, it comes in several metallic finishes that give it a sleek look.

What to know before you buy a Nest thermostat

Nest thermostats can save you money

Many people buy Nest thermostats simply for their convenience. They integrate with Alexa for voice control and also operate remotely via the associated application. There is another excellent reason for buying a Nest thermostat, though, and that is they can save you money.

Based on reports published by Google, installing a Nest thermostat in the home saves consumers an average of 15% on their cooling bills and 10-12% on their heating bills. If you prefer to get your information from unbiased third parties, you’ll be interested to learn that many actual users say they save from $10-$20 a month.

Nest thermostats accomplish this in several ways, including scheduling, machine learning, HVAC monitoring and geofencing. You can also improve your Nest’s ability to save you money by adding sensors in different rooms of your home.

Energy usage reports

Nests tracks your HVAC system’s energy use and produce a monthly report. The report shows metrics, including how much the system runs, how energy use compares month-to-month, the impact of weather on energy use and more. With this information, you’ll be more aware of your energy usage, so it will be easier to make informed decisions that can save you additional money on your heating and cooling bills.

Compatibility

Nest thermostats are compatible with most HVAC systems, but not all. The few systems that are not compatible include proprietary and high-voltage systems, millivolt heaters, microcontroller systems that lack a C-wire and solid-fuel systems. They may also not work with systems that use wired remote sensors. A complete list of compatible systems is available on the company’s support website.

Features to look for in a Nest thermostat

Machine learning

The Nest Learning and Nest E models have a machine learning feature that will automatically create a custom schedule based on your usage habits. Use the associated app to adjust the temperature as needed. Over time, the thermostat learns household preferences, removing the need for manual adjustments. This feature is the default setting, but you can turn it off.

Scheduling

The basic Nest Thermostat, the company’s most affordable model, doesn’t have machine learning. However, it can still save you money through the use of its scheduling feature. During the initial setup, it prompts the user to set a heating and cooling schedule manually. Alternatively, users can use the Quick Schedule feature, which creates a program based on the national average’s most efficient schedule.

Display

Your Nest thermostat may have a frosted mirror display that blends in with the outer ring or a high-resolution color display, depending on your chosen model. Both feature easy-to-read digits, but the high-resolution color display also boasts Farsight, which allows it to automatically light up and show the time, current temperature, target temperature and weather when it detects you across the room.

Housing color and material

Most nest thermostats come in several colors so that you can match them to the decor of your home. Depending on the model you choose, it may have a metal ring around the exterior or an all-plastic housing.

How much does a Nest thermostat cost?

Nest thermostats cost $100-$250, but you can find more expensive packages bundled with up to three remote sensors.

Nest thermostat FAQ

Are Nest thermostats difficult to install?

A. Most people will find the Nest thermostat relatively easy to install in 30 minutes or less as long as you already have all of the existing wiring. If you need to install new wiring and aren’t familiar with electrical work, it may be better to hire a professional.

Do Nest thermostats work without Wi-Fi?

A. A Nest thermostat can function without an internet connection, but functionality is limited to the programmable, nonsmart thermostat.

What is the best Nest thermostat to buy?

Top Nest thermostat

Google Nest Learning Thermostat 4th Generation

What you need to know: Google’s most advanced model, the Nest Learning 4th Generation, includes tons of features that save money without sacrificing comfort.

What you’ll love: It has a premium look with its bright, high-resolution display and a metallic ring available in several finishes. Also, it offers the Farsight feature so you can easily see the current temperature and other pertinent information from across the room.

What you should consider: It tends to stand out noticeably on a wall rather than blend in with it.

Top Nest thermostat for the money

Google Nest Thermostat

What you need to know: The affordable price of the basic Nest Thermostat makes it a good choice for those on a tight budget who still want to give their HVAC smart functionality.

What you’ll love: You can manually program it with a custom schedule that fits your lifestyle, and the mirrored display gives it a discreet look that blends into walls well.

What you should consider: It isn’t compatible with as many HVAC systems as other models.

Worth checking out

Google Nest Thermostat E

What you need to know: Other than Farsight, The Nest Thermostat E offers nearly all the same functionality as the Nest Learning 4th Generation but at a lower price.

What you’ll love: It automatically adjusts itself to an eco-friendly temperature when you leave the house, and it notifies you with a leaf logo when you have manually chosen an energy-saving temperature.

What you should consider: It only comes in white.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

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Which dog crates are best?

Having a safe and comfortable place to retreat to when you feel tired or stressed is a must for everyone, even your dog. A crate can provide your pup with their own private spot to relax when they’re afraid or need some down time. Additionally, crates are an invaluable tool when potty training your puppy or when they’re still learning what not to chew.

Some crates are perfect for traveling with your pet, and others are built into furniture to be less disruptive to your home’s interior design. Midwest Homes for Pets Life Stages Folding Metal Crate is easy to assemble and it folds down for storage.

What to know before you buy a dog crate

Size

Dogs come in all different sizes, and so do their crates. It feels natural to select a large crate for your dog, but smaller spaces actually make them feel more secure. You want the crate to be large enough for your dog to comfortably stand, lie down, sit and turn around. To translate this concept into inches, measure your dog from their nose to the base of their tail and from the floor to the top of their head when sitting. Add 2-4 inches to these measurements, and these are the approximate dimensions on the proper kennel size for your dog.

Open vs. closed sides

Some dog crates, like those made from wire, have open sides. A crate with open sides is better for airflow, which is important if you live somewhere hot or your dog’s crate is used outside. This type of crate can keep your dog cool and allow you to keep a closer eye on them.

Crates with enclosed sides make for a cozy, warm place for your dog to relax. If there’s a draft where you place the dog crate, enclosed sides can protect your dog. Enclosed sides can also give your dog a stronger sense of security while inside their crate. If you’re traveling with a dog in a crate, this can help them feel less exposed. You can achieve an enclosed effect with an open-sided crate by placing a blanket over it when it’s cold or at night.

Escape-proof

If you’re purchasing a crate for your dog to keep them safe while you’re gone, it’s important to consider how easy it is for them to escape the crate you’ve chosen. Dogs most often escape by chewing, manipulating the locking mechanism or using force to bend a hole large enough for them to slip out.

A dog determined to get out can easily chew through fabric crates used for travel. Dogs can also chew flimsy connecting parts that lead to the crate falling apart. A bored dog can figure out how to open latches in a surprisingly limited amount of time. While having a secure crate is important, the easiest way to prevent your dog from trying to escape is to make sure they’re crate-trained and not left for too long inside it.

What to look for in a quality dog crate

Material

Plastic: Plastic dog crates are usually solid on the sides and the back with a wire door on the front. These dog crates are lightweight and may have a handle attached on the top for travel. To clean a plastic crate, simply spray it down with a hose. The enclosed sides make your dog feel safe and secure but can lead to a hotter internal temperature because there’s less airflow. These types of crates are popular for use in the car or when flying with your dog.

Wire: Wire dog crates are a smart choice for use inside the home. They have excellent airflow to keep your dog cool if you live in a hot climate. Most have a removable plastic tray in the bottom that makes for easy cleaning. They’re often adjustable, and you can section them off to accommodate your dog’s growth. Many are foldable, which makes them easy to transport, except that the metal wiring can be heavy. Some nervous dogs might not like the open sides because it makes them feel exposed.

Fabric: If you’re looking for the easiest crate to travel with, a fabric crate is the way to go. These crates are extremely lightweight, foldable and may come with straps or a storage bag. With their soft construction material, fabric crates can be more comfortable for your dog to lounge in. If your dog is an escape artist, fabric crates aren’t the right choice since they’re easily chewed through. They’re also much more difficult to keep clean than plastic or wire crates.

How much you can expect to spend on a dog crate

The price of a dog crate has a lot to do with the size you purchase. If you have a smaller dog, you can expect to spend between $20 for a wire crate and $50 for a fabric crate. For larger dogs, you can expect to spend $100-$150.

Dog crate FAQ

How long can my dog stay in a crate?

A. Adult dogs can be in their crate for 6-8 hours. However, according to PetMD, if you’re going to crate your pet all day while you’re at work, you really shouldn’t expect them to be in the crate all night too. Puppies can only stay in a crate for 2-4 hours at a time, as they can’t hold it as long.

How do I crate train my dog?

A. Crate training can take up to 6 months and requires patience and persistence. It involves slowly getting your dog used to their crate with positive reinforcement.

What’s the best dog crate to buy?

Top dog crate

Midwest Homes for Pets Life Stages Folding Metal Crate

What you need to know: This is a rugged, well-made crate that collapses for easy storage.

What you’ll love: This crate comes in six different sizes and can be set up without any extra tools. The bolt and latch system is tamper-free, and the crate comes with a 1-year warranty.

What you should consider: This crate is heavier than other similar models.

Top dog crate for the money

Petmate Two-Door Top Load Kennel

What you need to know: A great crate for dogs under 20 pounds, this crate has a top latch to allow you to pet or soothe your dog.

What you’ll love: This is a well-constructed dog crate with solid plastic sides and two doors. It’s available in two different sizes and three different colors.

What you should consider: The assembly might be difficult, and some reviews note discrepancies in the listed dimensions.

Worth checking out

Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel

What you need to know: This dog crate is a good choice for a pet owner who wants something versatile.

What you’ll love: This crate is perfect for air travel, as it meets most airline carriers’ requested specifications, and for at-home training. It’s made of durable recycled plastic and has a wire door.

What you should consider: Putting this crate together and taking it apart is difficult.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.