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(NAPSI)—The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, but when the average American is spending nearly $1,000 on gifts, food, and decorations, they can also be the most stressful. For many, the pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can stretch budgets a bit too far. Many of today’s shoppers seek advice from their favorite online influencers, sourcing creative hacks, recipes, DIY projects, and tips to keep the holidays magical without overspending. In fact, 69% of consumers say they value and actively seek out influencer recommendations. Now, questions don’t need to get buried in the comments. This December, TextNow is flipping the script on holiday stress by introducing the Holiday Hotline , a free resource to help you navigate the season, with advice a mere text away. Whether it’s finding affordable gifts, creating a festive dinner on a budget, or even learning how to save on your monthly bills, the Holiday Hotline can make things simpler, cheaper, and—perhaps most importantly—more joyful. TextNow Holiday Hotline: Expert Advice at Your Fingertips From December 5–10, TextNow’s Holiday Hotline connects you with relatable experts (aka some of your favorite influencers including social media creator and podcast host Remi Cruz, Kayla Savings, and Melissa Weiss) who will share their go-to tips for a budget-friendly holiday. Here’s what you can expect: • Holiday Budgeting 101: Learn simple ways to stretch every dollar and avoid those dreaded post-holiday bills. • Affordable Gift-Giving Ideas: Thoughtful, creative gifts that won’t break the bank. • Festive Decorating on a Dime: Transform your home into a holiday wonderland with budget-friendly hacks. • Stress-Free Holiday Cooking: Recipes and meal-planning tips to impress your guests. Need more advice? Just text the hotline at 310-299-3584, and you’ll get personalized, practical tips sent straight to your phone. Win $1,000 for Your Holiday Dinner As if free expert advice wasn’t enough, TextNow is also giving you the chance to win big this holiday season. Enter the $1,000 Dinner Giveaway for a shot at a $1,000 gift card to cover your holiday expenses—whether it’s for food, gifts, travel, or whatever else makes your season special. Entering is simple: 1.Head to TextNow’s Instagram . 2.Like the giveaway post. 3.Share your best holiday tip in the comments (bonus: share the post to your story for an extra entry). 4.The giveaway runs from December 5-12, with winners announced from December 13-16. Save More This Holiday Season TextNow is more than just a phone service—it’s a way to take control of your budget, not just during the holidays but year-round. • Free Phone Service: Unlimited calling and texting on the nation’s largest 5G network free. No gimmicks, no contracts. • Free Essential Data: Get free data for such essential apps as maps, rideshare, and email when you activate your SIM card. • Additional Flexible Data Plans: Add extra data only when you need it, with hourly, daily, or monthly passes. Getting started with TextNow is easy. Download the app to call and text for free over Wi-Fi or unlock free cellular service with a $4.99 SIM card. Learn More For more details, visit www.TextNow.com . Word Count: 491
Amaravati, Dec 24 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Tuesday said he has accepted the training policy recommendations made by the Capacity Building Commission (CBC). The southern state inked an agreement with the CBC in August for employee training and the establishment of a global institute of good governance in Amaravati. Also Read | Election Commission Rejects Congress Claims on Voter Turnout Discrepancies, Clarifies Data Process; Stands by Transparency in Maharashtra Assembly Elections. "In a knowledge-driven economy, staying updated with the latest skills is crucial. As part of our efforts to enhance governance efficiency in Andhra Pradesh, I am pleased to announce the acceptance of the training policy recommendations by the CBC," Naidu said in a post on X. The chief minister also noted that these recommendations will serve as the foundation for establishing the Global Institute of Good Governance (GIGG) in Amaravati to drive transformative capacity-building initiatives. Also Read | Dog Attack in Kerala: 88-Year-Old Woman Mauled to Death by Stray Dog in Thiruvananthapuram. He said key programmes such as Mission Karmayogi will utilise advanced technologies like Artificial Intelligence for targeted skill development, guided by comprehensive skills census. According to Naidu, training will commence for critical departments such as police, revenue, municipal administration, Panchayati Raj, agriculture, education and health. "The government of Andhra Pradesh is also exploring innovative workspace solutions, including work from home models, to enhance productivity and efficiency," the chief minister said. (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
(BPT) - Tech gifts are consistently some of the most popular presents to give and receive during the holidays. In fact, according to the annual Consumer Technology Holiday Purchase Patterns report , a record 233 million U.S. adults (89%) will buy tech products during the 2024 holiday season. But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to decide on the perfect option for the loved one on your list. A tablet like the new Fire HD 8 from Amazon offers the versatility of an all-in-one device, with access to streaming, gaming, video chatting, reading or writing all at your fingertips. Fire HD 8 also features a vibrant 8-inch HD display and lightweight, portable design, for high-quality entertainment on the go. Plus, Fire HD 8 comes with three new AI features that can help you get the most out of your tablet experience. Check them out below and learn how they can help you with daily tasks this holiday season and beyond. 1. Meet your personal writing assistant Do you struggle with writing a heartfelt message or finessing a tricky email? Fear not! Writing Assist is here to help. Writing Assist works as part of your Fire tablet's device keyboard and compatible apps, including email, Word documents and social media. In just a few taps, you can transform your writing from good to great. Try Writing Assist's pre-set styles to turn a simple email into a professionally written note. Or, you can ask Writing Assist for grammar suggestions to make your writing more concise, or elaborate on your ideas. You can even "emojify" your writing to add more fun and personality. 2. Learn more in less time Say goodbye to scrolling through pages of information. The new Webpage Summaries feature allows you to learn pertinent information as quickly as possible. Available on the Silk browser on Fire tablets, Webpage Summaries provides quick insights on web articles. In a matter of seconds, this feature will distill the key points in an article or on a webpage into a clear, concise summary of what you need to know. 3. Get creative with your device wallpaper With Wallpaper Creator, you can easily add a touch of creative flair and customization to your tablet's home screen. You can choose from one of the curated prompts to get started on creating a unique background. Or, if you're ready to let your imagination run wild, type a description of what you'd like to see. For example, you can ask for an image of a tiger swimming underwater or a watercolor-style image of a desert landscape in space. Wallpaper Creator will then turn your vision into a reality, delivering a high-resolution image that you can use as your tablet's wallpaper. Celebrate an AI-powered holiday season Writing Assist, Webpage Summaries, and Wallpaper Creator are now available on Amazon's new Fire HD 8 and other compatible Fire tablet devices, including the latest Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11 tablets. To learn more, or to order a new Fire tablet this gift-giving season, visit Amazon.com . Stay Informed: Subscribe to Our Newsletter Today
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EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Malik Nabers said calling the New York Giants “soft” after Sunday's embarrassing loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers was a mistake, although the star rookie receiver still plans to speak out when he thinks it's necessary. After talking with coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen and watching video of the Giants' 30-7 defeat , Nabers said Tuesday that "soft” was a poor choice of words. “I don’t think it was really soft. I think it was just a lack of technique,” Nabers said. “We were playing our butts off, we just lacked technique.” The Giants (2-9) trailed 23-0 at halftime and had run only 19 plays on offense. Nabers was not targeted in first the half but still finished with a team-high six catches for 64 yards. The No. 6 overall pick in the draft, Nabers said his rant after the game — in which he said the Giants' quarterbacks weren't to blame for the team's poor performance — was just the competitor in him talking. “That’s just how I’m wired. That’s just who I am,” he said. “I just don’t like losing. If I feel like if I had an opportunity to help the team win, I’m going to express that.” Nabers said not being targeted in the opening half was tough because his body is prepared to play and not doing anything throws him off his game. “You’re not getting involved early, then you’re not getting the feel of the ball, you’re not getting hit,” Nabers said. “After football plays as an offense, after you get hit, you’re like, ‘All right, I’m ready to go.’” Nabers has a team-high 67 catches, the most by a player in his first nine NFL games. He said he sees himself as a resource, someone who can change the game for the Giants. “I’m not going to just sit back just because I’m a younger guy and not speak on how I feel,” Nabers said. “They want me to speak up. They feel like my energy helps the offense, in a way, to be explosive. So, of course, I’m going to speak up if something doesn’t go my way. That’s just how I am.” AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — A day after De’Vondre Campbell Sr. refused to play and walked off the job, coach Kyle Shanahan made it clear Friday that Campbell won’t be returning to the team. “We’re working through the semantics of exactly how to deal with it,” Shanahan said on a media conference call. “You heard from me last night and the players. His actions from the game are not something you can do to your teammates ... and still be part of our team.” Whether Campbell’s one-year, $5 million contract is terminated or he’s released or suspended, Shanahan only said the 49ers would handle it “appropriately.” Campbell did not play a snap in Thursday night’s 12-6 home loss to the Los Angeles Rams, refusing to budge from the bench once the 49ers needed him in the third quarter to replace a fatigued Dre Greenlaw in the latter’s season debut. Shanahan said he wasn’t aware of Campbell’s boycott until asking the defensive coaching staff over their headsets about it in the third quarter. “I addressed De’Vondre and found out. It was pretty simple to see how he was,” Shanahan said. “Then we moved on with our lives after that.” Campbell, who started in place of Greenlaw the past three months, walked off the field in the fourth quarter to the 49ers’ locker room, where he was gone once reporters entered to seek his still-unanswered motive for his in-game desertion. Shanahan said he did not order him off the field, nor did Campbell reveal exactly why he refused to play. “Not sure exactly what led to him leaving the field,” Shanahan said. “Once I found out he wasn’t playing, I moved on to people we could count on.” Teammates seethed over what they deemed Campbell’s “selfish” act to leave their defense in a lurch, seeing how Greenlaw’s troublesome left leg sidelined him after a 30-snap debut and seeing how Dee Winters’ first-half neck injury kept him from working as the No. 3 linebacker, a role that perhaps Campbell thought he deserved in this week’s demotion. This conceivably could spell the end of Campbell’s nine-year NFL career that’s earned him $38 million. He’ll be gone before playing out the one-year, $5 million contract with the 49ers, who turned to him in mid-March after linebacker Eric Kendricks backed out of a deal and defected days later to the Dallas Cowboys in free agency. Campbell, 31, never quite meshed as a linebacker tandem with All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner. Prior to Thursday night’s benching, Campbell was a full-time starter, although he was not in the Week 3 opening snap at Los Angeles when the 49ers instead deployed five linemen and five defensive backs around Warner. Campbell’s 79 tackles rank second to Warner’s 106. “We needed a starting-caliber linebacker to fill in for Dre until he got back. (Campbell) had ups and downs throughout the year,” Shanahan said. “He started off slow. He got more used to our defense and how we expect people to play, and he improved throughout the year.” In the 49ers’ previous home loss before Thursday’s, they fell to another NFC West opponent, and it was Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith racing past Campbell for a go-ahead touchdown run in the final seconds of that 20-17 collapse on Nov. 17. “They just made plays at critical moments,” Campbell said afterward at his locker. Campbell had at least seven tackles — and no more than eight — in five of his six final games, not counting Thursday’s boycott that had teammates fuming in its aftermath. “I have never been around anybody that’s ever done that and I hope that I’m never around anybody that does that again,” tight end George Kittle said. Cornerback Charvarius Ward, who’s been playing through grief after the Oct. 28 death of his toddler daughter, was aghast at Campbell’s ploy. “If he didn’t want to play, he shouldn’t have dressed out. He could have told them that before the game,” Ward said. “I feel like that was some sucker (expletive) that he did. ... That’s some selfish stuff to me, in my opinion. Probably gonna be cut soon.” Part of the 49ers’ attraction to Campbell stemmed from his connection with Shanahan, who was the Super Bowl-bound Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator in 2016 when Campbell arrived as a fourth-round draft pick. Campbell played four seasons in Atlanta, 2020 in Arizona, then began a three-year stint in Green Bay by making All-Pro in 2021. It’s not a certainty Greenlaw will be healthy enough to make an encore next Sunday when the 49ers visit the Miami Dolphins. He expressed concern about his knee’s stability in the left leg he’s been rehabilitating the past 10 months because of his Achilles tear in the Super Bowl. “His Achilles and knee checked out good. He’s dealing with soreness,” said Shanahan, who listed Greenlaw and Winters (neck) as day to day. Warner (ankle) and Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (knee) all have health concerns, too. Jalen Graham and DaShaun White are on the practice squad. Curtis Robinson, Campbell’s potential replacement earlier in the year, is on injured reserve because of a knee injury, as is the case with Tatum Bethune. As for Campbell, “In my opinion, as a (NFL) brotherhood, he should never play again. Why would you want him on your team?” former NFL safety Ryan Clark said Friday morning on ESPN’s “Get Up.” His in-game exit drew comparisons to those marking the NFL farewells of Vontae Davis (2018 Bills) and Antonio Brown (2021 Bucs). Whereas 49ers tight end Vernon Davis got sent off by Mike Singletary during a 2008 game, Davis rebounded from that viral moment and stayed with the 49ers into the 2015 season as a two-time Pro Bowler. The 49ers (6-8) play next Sunday at the Miami Dolphins, before a home finale on Monday night Dec. 30 against the NFC-leading Detroit Lions, then the regular-season finale at the Arizona Cardinals. ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.Cam Peupion scored for Albion under-21s as he eyes a January loan move. The Australian wideman made the breakthrough as the young Seagulls beat a particularly young but stubborn and well-organised Anderlecht side 2-0 at Lancing in the Premier League Cup. Marcus Ifill was also on target as Albion made it three wins from three in the competition. Peupion has shone for the youngsters this season and would appear a decent bet to be going on loan in January. Via Albion’s official website, he said: “I definitely feel like I'm ready for first-team football . “I didn’t get the opportunity in the summer so in this period until January I want to stay fit and stay sharp. “I think from my numbers this season I've put a good case forward. "I'm just focusing on each game and trying to maximize any time I'm on the pitch, trying to score goals, get assists, create for the team and show why someone out there should take me.” Peupion had an unsuccessful spell in the first half of last season on loan with a poor Cheltenham outfit but has been back with the Seagulls since last January and has had first-team involvement. He broke through early in the second half, tapping in a low cross from full-back Imari Samuels, who had worked a nice one-two with Harry Howell before playing the ball low across goal. Howell’s corner led to Ifill heading home the second. Albion dominated throughout and really should have scored several more goals. Anderlecht goalkeeper Michiel Haentjens made some fine saves – and his penalty stop from Jamie Mullins, diving low to his right, in the later stages was probably not the best of them. Josu Duffus hit the post soon after. Julio Enciso played the first half and had two efforts blocked by Haentjens amid a busy display. Albion: Cahill; Albarus, Turns, Simmonds, Samuels (Mills 86); Mullins, Knight (Owusu 85); Peupion (Ifill 69), Enciso (Duffus 45), Howell (Flower 75); Vickers.
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The late 1970s were a sad time for America. The Vietnam War had just ended. Big cities fell in the grip of crime and neglect as the 1975 fiscal crisis pushed New York City to the brink of bankruptcy. New York uniformed police, angry at the mayor’s budget cuts, handed out “Welcome to Fear City” leaflets at the airports. Featuring a hooded skull, the flyers warned visitors to stay off the streets after 6 p.m. It urged them to not leave Manhattan and to avoid the subways altogether. Yet two years almost to the day after Saigon fell, an ambitious dance club opened on a shabby side street of Manhattan. Studio 54 became the world’s most famous disco. Then came the movie “Saturday Night Fever,” its score dominated by those rhythmic Bee Gees chart-toppers starting with “Stayin’ Alive.” Americans found joy under the spinning mirrored balls. To quote the name of Chic’s super disco hit, they wanted to “Dance, Dance, Dance.” We needed disco then. We need disco again — or something like it. The pandemic is over, and many of us are seeking escape from our toxic politics. What about disco set off the animal spirits? Discos enabled ordinary people to dance off their anxieties to a simple four-on-the-floor beat. The grayness outside got blocked out by flashy sequins and spandex — and in fantasy settings divorced from the grim realities. Disco replaced the dirty jeans and stoned-out pain of rock with groomed elegance. People again danced in couples. As Regine Zylberberg, owner of Regine’s, an elegant disco on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, bragged, “I am the one who saved the city from bankruptcy. I made it happy again.” But disco fever spread across the country, in big cities and small towns. Discos opened at airport Holiday Inns. Live entertainment, part of what’s now called the “experience economy,” is seeing double-digit growth, Bloomberg News reports. As evidence, it points to a packed nightclub in Manhattan called Somewhere Nowhere, where swing dancers have taken over the floor. Patrick Soluri, whose Prohibition Productions puts on swing nights, says revenue from his Jazz Age-themed events has more than doubled since 2019, and he is expanding beyond New York. The key to disco’s popularity was that the people were the show. They weren’t passively watching guitarists showing off their long solo riffs, one complaint against ’70s rock. More recently, hip hop presents the same drawback with artists commanding the spotlight. A communal culture that shares some similarities to disco is Western line dancing. Though around forever, line dancing got a boost from the 1980 film “Urban Cowboy.” It did for that genre some of what “Saturday Night Fever” did for disco. As with disco, line dancers are the show. And fashions also are attached — those fabulous cowboy boots and hats, jeans and denim skirts. And as with disco, Western line dancing now has its own clubs and events all over the country. Ironically, the digitalization of American life isn’t so much killing these experiences as exposing us to the joys of being there in person. No matter how terrific the video production, it can’t recreate the visceral thrill of dancing amid a celebratory crowd. Disco inspired a kind of second Jazz Age. And though its golden era is almost 50 years in the past, one can’t help but notice all those store windows now decked out for the holidays with sparkling disco balls. To this day, disco balls radiate fun and glamour and partying. Today, like then, we need a scene in which Americans can let loose, work off tensions, forget about Washington — and with a dance that anyone can do. Americans need to dance, dance, dance. Harrop, who lives in New York City and Providence, Rhode Island, writes for Creators Syndicate: fharrop@gmail.com . Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Here’s How V of BTS’s Collaboration With Late ‘Idol’ Bing Crosby Came TogetherTrump’s comeback and goals please conservatives
UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The team looking for a missing Pennsylvania woman believed to have fallen into a sinkhole has determined that an abandoned coal mine is too unstable for people to safely search underground, authorities said Wednesday while still expressing hope Elizabeth Pollard will be found alive. Rescue workers continue to search for Elizabeth Pollard, who is believed to have disappeared in a sinkhole while looking for her cat, Wednesday in Marguerite, Pa. Emergency crews and others have been trying to find Pollard, 64, for two days. Her relatives reported her missing early Tuesday and her vehicle with her unharmed 5-year-old granddaughter inside was found about two hours later, near what is thought to be a freshly opened sinkhole above the long closed, crumbling mine. Authorities said in a noon update that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and is not stable. The sinkhole is in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," said Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer. “What happened at that point, I don’t know, maybe the slurry of mud pushed her one direction. There were several different seams of that mine, shafts that all came together where this happened at.” Trooper Cliff Greenfield said crews were still actively searching for Pollard. “We are hopeful that she’s found alive,” Greenfield said. Searchers were using electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. Search dogs may also be used. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. On Wednesday afternoon, machinery was removing material from the area around the hole while police and other government vehicles blocked a clear view of the scene. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers had been using water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s, but that increased the risk “for potential other mine subsidence to take place," Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said. Crews lowered a pole camera with a sensitive listening device into the hole, but it detected nothing. Another camera lowered into the hole showed what could be a shoe about 30 feet below the surface, Limani said. Searchers have also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment, to no avail. Marguerite Fire Chief Scot Graham, the incident commander, said access to the immediate area surrounding the hole was being tightly controlled and monitored, with rescuers attached by harness. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. “We cannot judge as to what’s going on underneath us. Again, you had a small hole on top but as soon as you stuck a camera down through to look, you had this big void,” Graham said. “And it was all different depths. The process is long, is tedious. We have to make sure that we are keeping safety in the forefront as well as the rescue effort.” Bacha said they were “hoping that there’s a void that she could still be in.” Pollard's family called police at about 1 a.m. Tuesday to say she had not been seen since going out at about 5 p.m. Monday to search for Pepper, her cat. The temperature dropped well below freezing that night. Her son, Axel Hayes, said Pollard is a happy woman who likes going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. Hayes called Pollard “a great person overall, a great mother” who “never really did anybody wrong.” He said at one point Pollard had about 10 cats. “Every cat that she’s ever come in contact with, she has a close bond with them,” Hayes said. His mother worked for many years at Walmart but recently was not employed, he said. “I’m just hoping right now that she’s still with us and she’s able to come back to us,” he said. Police said they found Pollard's car parked behind Monday's Union Restaurant in Marguerite, about 20 feet from the sinkhole. Hunters and restaurant workers in the area said they had not noticed the manhole-size opening in the hours before Pollard disappeared, leading rescuers to speculate that the sinkhole was new. “It almost feels like it opened up with her standing on top of it,” Limani said. Searchers accessed the mine late Tuesday afternoon and dug a separate entrance out of concern that the ground around the sinkhole opening was not stable. “Let’s be honest, we need to get a little bit lucky, right?” Limani said Wednesday. “We need a little bit of luck on our side. We need a little bit of God’s good blessing on our side.” Pollard lives in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were located, Limani said. The young girl “nodded off in the car and woke up. Grandma never came back," Limani said. The child stayed in the car until two troopers rescued her. It's not clear what happened to Pepper. In an era of rapid technological advancement and environmental change, American agriculture is undergoing a revolution that reaches far beyond the farm gate. From the food on consumer plates to the economic health of rural communities, the transformation of U.S. farming practices is reshaping the nation's landscape in ways both visible and hidden. LandTrust explores how these changes impact everyone, whether they live in the heartland or the heart of the city. The image of the small family farm, while still a reality for many, is increasingly giving way to larger, more technologically advanced operations. According to the USDA, the number of farms in the U.S. has fallen from 6.8 million in 1935 to about 2 million today, with the average farm size growing from 155 acres to 444 acres. This shift has profound implications for rural communities and the food system as a whole. Despite these changes, diversity in farming practices is on the rise. A landmark study published in Science , involving data from over 2,000 farms across 11 countries, found that diversifying farmland simultaneously delivers environmental and social benefits. This challenges the longstanding idea that practices boosting biodiversity must come at a cost to yields and food security. The adoption of precision agriculture technologies is transforming how farmers manage their land and resources. GPS-guided tractors, drone surveillance, and AI-powered crop management systems are becoming commonplace on many farms. These technologies allow farmers to apply water, fertilizers, and pesticides with pinpoint accuracy, reducing waste and environmental impact while improving yields. However, the digital divide remains a challenge. More than 22% of rural communities lack reliable broadband internet access, hindering the widespread implementation of AI and other advanced technologies in agriculture. While technology offers new opportunities, farmers are also facing significant economic challenges. The USDA's 2024 farm income forecast projects a 4.4% decline in net farm income from 2023, following a sharp 19.5% drop from 2022 to 2023. This financial pressure is compounded by rising production costs and market volatility. Climate variability adds another layer of complexity. Extreme weather events, changing precipitation patterns, and shifting growing seasons are forcing farmers to adapt quickly. These factors could reduce agricultural productivity by up to 25% over the coming decades without significant adaptation measures. But adapting requires additional financial resources, further straining farm profitability. In the face of these challenges, many farmers are turning to diversification as a strategy for resilience and profitability. The Science study mentioned earlier found that farms integrating several diversification methods supported more biodiversity while seeing simultaneous increases in human well-being and food security. Agritourism is one popular diversification strategy. In 2022, 28,600 U.S. farms reported agritourism income, averaging gross revenue of $44,000 from these activities. Activities like farm tours, pick-your-own operations, and seasonal festivals not only provide additional income but also foster a deeper connection between consumers and agriculture. The changing face of agriculture is directly impacting consumers. The rise of farm-to-table and local food movements reflects a growing interest in where our food comes from and how it's produced. If every U.S. household spent just $10 per week on locally grown food, it would generate billions of dollars for local economies. However, the larger challenges in agriculture can also lead to price fluctuations at the grocery store. The USDA's Economic Research Service projects that food-at-home prices will increase between 1.2% and 2.2% in 2024. Looking ahead, several innovations are poised to reshape agriculture: The transformation of American agriculture affects everyone, from the food we eat to the health of our environment and rural communities. Consumers have the power to support sustainable and diverse farming practices through our purchasing decisions. As citizens, they can advocate for policies that support farmers in adopting innovative and sustainable practices. The challenges facing agriculture are complex, but they also present opportunities for innovation and positive change. By understanding and engaging with these issues, everyone can play a part in shaping a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable food system for the future. This story was produced by LandTrust and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Donald Trump is expected to appoint Scott Bessent as U.S. Treasury secretary, a move anticipated by Wall Street insiders. While the Trump team has not confirmed this selection, Bessent emerges as a likely candidate, having trumped others like Marc Rowan and Kevin Warsh. Bessent's background in the financial sector, including his tenure at Soros Fund Management where he made significant profits through strategic economic bets, makes him a noteworthy choice. His proposals, which favor tax reform and deregulation, align with Trump's economic aspirations and could influence the administration's fiscal policy direction. As Bessent steps into a storied lineage of Treasury leaders, his stewardship will encompass managing U.S. economic policy, guiding international financial relations, and addressing the anticipated surge in national debt and deficit due to Trump's expansive tax plans. (With inputs from agencies.)How major US stock indexes fared Friday, 12/6/2024By BARBARA ORTUTAY, AP Technology Writer Nearly half of American teenagers say they are online “constantly” despite concerns about the effects of social media and smartphones on their mental health, according to a new report published Thursday by the Pew Research Center. As in past years, YouTube was the single most popular platform teenagers used — 90% said they watched videos on the site, down slightly from 95% in 2022. Nearly three-quarters said they visit YouTube every day. There was a slight downward trend in several popular apps teens used. For instance, 63% of teens said they used TikTok, down from 67% and Snapchat slipped to 55% from 59%. This small decline could be due to pandemic-era restrictions easing up and kids having more time to see friends in person, but it’s not enough to be truly meaningful . X saw the biggest decline among teenage users. Only 17% of teenagers said they use X, down from 23% in 2022, the year Elon Musk bought the platform. Reddit held steady at 14%. About 6% of teenagers said they use Threads, Meta’s answer to X that launched in 2023. The report comes as countries around the world are grappling with how to handle the effects of social media on young people’s well-being. Australia recently passed a law banning kids under 16 from social networks, though it’s unclear how it will be able to enforce the age limit — and whether it will come with unintended consequences such as isolating vulnerable kids from their peers. Related Articles National News | Fewer US grandparents are taking care of grandchildren, according to new data National News | How to protect your communications through encryption National News | Luigi Mangione’s arrest thrust his family into the spotlight. Who are the Mangiones of Baltimore? National News | Military service academies see drop in reported sexual assaults after alarming surge National News | Unidentified drones spotted flying at locations across NYC, including LaGuardia Airport Meta’s messaging service WhatsApp was a rare exception in that it saw the number of teenage users increase, to 23% from 17% in 2022. Pew also asked kids how often they use various online platforms. Small but significant numbers said they are on them “almost constantly.” For YouTube, 15% reported constant use, for TikTok, 16% and for Snapchat, 13%. As in previous surveys, girls were more likely to use TikTok almost constantly while boys gravitated to YouTube. There was no meaningful gender difference in the use of Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook. Roughly a quarter of Black and Hispanic teens said they visit TikTok almost constantly, compared with just 8% of white teenagers. The report was based on a survey of 1,391 U.S. teens ages 13 to 17 conducted from Sept. 18 to Oct. 10, 2024.