calico lucky cat meaning

calico lucky cat meaning GivingTuesday Estimates $3.6B Was Donated This Year, an Increase From 2023InfosecTrain's CSR Initiative Raises Cyber Awareness with Nukkad-Natak 'Jaago Cyber Jaago'

Celebrities can spark change when they speak up about their healthA civil jury in Ireland finds that mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor assaulted a woman in a hotel. (CORRECTS: A previous APNewsAlert misstated the claim the jury found him liable for.)

FBI director says he intends to resign at end of Joe Biden’s termTop Investments to Fill Your TFSA Contribution Room in 2025Harris has ‘no knowledge’ anyone tried to get RTE to take down viral clip

Celebrities can spark change when they speak up about their healthNo. 24 Arizona is coming off consecutive defeats for the first time in the Tommy Lloyd era when it faces undefeated Davidson on Wednesday to begin the Battle 4 Atlantis in Paradise Island, Bahamas. Arizona (2-2) lost at Wisconsin 103-88 on Nov. 15 and followed that with a home loss against Duke 69-55 on Friday. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Each year, an estimated 46 million turkeys are consumed on Thanksgiving alone, with production largely concentrated in a handful of states. To determine the top turkey producers in the U.S., researchers ranked states based on 2023 total turkey production, measured in pounds. Click for more. Thanksgiving's Hometown Heroes: The States You Can Thank for Your Turkey Dinner

Create films that reflect diverse subjects and social realities: VijayanCubs land Kyle Tucker in trade with Astros: Fantasy outlook, details on All-Star outfielder

NEW YORK – U.S. donors gave $3.6 billion on Tuesday, an increase from the past two years, according to estimates from the nonprofit GivingTuesday . The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, now known as GivingTuesday, has become a major day for nonprofits to fundraise and otherwise engage their supporters each year, since the 92nd St Y in New York started it as a hashtag in 2012. GivingTuesday has since become an independent nonprofit that connects a worldwide network of leaders and organizations who promote giving in their communities. Recommended Videos “This just really shows the generosity, the willingness of American citizens to show up, particularly collectively,” said Asha Curran, CEO of the nonprofit GivingTuesday. “We are just seeing the power of collective action and particularly collective giving over and over and over again.” This year, about 18.5 million people donated to nonprofits and another 9.2 million people volunteered, according to GivingTuesday's estimates. Both the number of donors and the number of volunteers increased by 4% from the group's 2023 estimates. “For us, it’s not just about the number of dollars," Curran said. "It’s about the number of people who feel like they have agency over the way their communities progress forward into the future.” The nonprofit GivingTuesday estimates the amount of money and goods donated and the number of participants using data from donor management software companies, donation platforms, payment processors and donor-advised funds. Curran said they are purposely conservative in their calculations. Nonprofits in the U.S. raised $3.1 billion in both 2022 and 2023 on GivingTuesday. That mirrored larger giving trends where the overall amount of donations dropped in 2022 and mostly held steady in 2023 after accounting for inflation. It’s never easy to predict current giving trends, but Una Osili, associate dean at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, said there were economic forces pushing in both directions. “At the very same time, there’s a lot of uncertainty, especially around prices, the cost of living, the supermarket toll that people are expecting to continue even though inflation has moderated,” she said. Donating or volunteering with nonprofits aren't the only ways people participate in their communities. Many give to crowdfunding campaigns , political causes or support people directly in their networks. But tracking charitable donations is one way that researchers use to understand people's civic engagement. “This country is undeniably in a lot of pain and very divided right now,” Curran said. “And so to have a day that felt as hopeful and as optimistic as yesterday did, I’m sure was not only comforting to me, but to many, many millions of people.” ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy .Eagles’ Jalen Hurts claims beef with A.J. Brown was made up: ‘BG knows he spoke out of place’

AP Business SummaryBrief at 3:11 p.m. ESTTrump's TikTok love raises stakes in battle over app's fateCelebrities can spark change when they speak up about their health

NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. donors gave $3.6 billion on Tuesday, an increase from the past two years, according to estimates from the nonprofit GivingTuesday . The Tuesday after Thanksgiving, now known as GivingTuesday, has become a major day for nonprofits to fundraise and otherwise engage their supporters each year, since the 92nd St Y in New York started it as a hashtag in 2012. GivingTuesday has since become an independent nonprofit that connects a worldwide network of leaders and organizations who promote giving in their communities. “This just really shows the generosity, the willingness of American citizens to show up, particularly collectively,” said Asha Curran, CEO of the nonprofit GivingTuesday. “We are just seeing the power of collective action and particularly collective giving over and over and over again.” This year, about 18.5 million people donated to nonprofits and another 9.2 million people volunteered, according to GivingTuesday’s estimates. Both the number of donors and the number of volunteers increased by 4% from the group’s 2023 estimates. “For us, it’s not just about the number of dollars,” Curran said. “It’s about the number of people who feel like they have agency over the way their communities progress forward into the future.” RELATED COVERAGE How an Irish YouTuber turned a niche following into millions for charities with holiday livestreams Tiger Woods in favor of Americans getting paid at the Ryder Cup as long as it goes to charity Melinda French Gates plans to match $1M in GivingTuesday gifts to groups that support women The nonprofit GivingTuesday estimates the amount of money and goods donated and the number of participants using data from donor management software companies, donation platforms, payment processors and donor-advised funds. Curran said they are purposely conservative in their calculations. Nonprofits in the U.S. raised $3.1 billion in both 2022 and 2023 on GivingTuesday. That mirrored larger giving trends where the overall amount of donations dropped in 2022 and mostly held steady in 2023 after accounting for inflation. It’s never easy to predict current giving trends, but Una Osili, associate dean at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, said there were economic forces pushing in both directions. “At the very same time, there’s a lot of uncertainty, especially around prices, the cost of living, the supermarket toll that people are expecting to continue even though inflation has moderated,” she said. Donating or volunteering with nonprofits aren’t the only ways people participate in their communities. Many give to crowdfunding campaigns , political causes or support people directly in their networks. But tracking charitable donations is one way that researchers use to understand people’s civic engagement. “This country is undeniably in a lot of pain and very divided right now,” Curran said. “And so to have a day that felt as hopeful and as optimistic as yesterday did, I’m sure was not only comforting to me, but to many, many millions of people.” ___ Associated Press coverage of philanthropy and nonprofits receives support through the AP’s collaboration with The Conversation US, with funding from Lilly Endowment Inc. The AP is solely responsible for this content. For all of AP’s philanthropy coverage, visit https://apnews.com/hub/philanthropy .

DRACUT — Early in 2020, Rony Jimenez was pondering the idea of leaving his full-time job with National Grid to start his own business installing security and home-entertainment systems. He had a successful side gig performing the installations for friends and family, but he wasn’t sure if he should take the next step. One day, he was discussing his quandary with his father, Pichardo, who was in the late stages of Alzheimer’s and was often not lucid. On this day, Pichardo listened to his son and gave him a piece of cogent advice: Follow your dream. He passed away just a few days later. Jimenez left his job at National Grid and started RJ Installations & Design in a small space in Methuen. On Oct. 25, he officially opened his new showroom at Village Square Plaza, 101 Broadway Road, Suite 23, in Dracut, with Dracut Economic Development hosting a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome the business to town. Jimenez actually started renting the space over two years ago. He and his crew did all the work themselves to prepare the site, accounting for the delay between renting the space and opening it. “It’s a long time coming,” he said. “But I’m proud to say I didn’t take out a single loan to build this place out. We built this up on our own, during down times. We did the electrical and everything else — everything except for the sign.” While he was agonizing over the decision to start his own company, COVID struck. Though the pandemic was bad news for most businesses, Jimenez experienced an increase in folks asking him to install security systems. “During COVID, it just blew up — the power of social media,” Jimenez said of how his side business grew. Then, when his father imparted his wisdom, he decided to take the plunge, starting RJ Installations in a small space in Methuen. “I started the business all by myself after hours and eventually hired a team. There’s seven of us now,” Jimenez said. By 2022, he was looking for a larger location to move into that included space for a showroom. “My office manager was at Frobie’s having a coffee and she saw the space was available next door, and she knew I was looking for a space,” Jimenez said. RJ Installations has more than 200 reviews of 4.9 or higher on Google. The company specializes in luxury accent walls, audio-visual setups and, especially, security systems for commercial, industrial and residential properties. “That’s our niche,” Jimenez said. “With crime rates going up, security systems are big right now.” For more information, call 978-831-4466, visit rjinstallation.com , or email info@rjinstallation.com.Walmart's DEI rollback signals a profound shift in the wake of Trump's election victory NEW YORK (AP) — Walmart’s sweeping rollback of its diversity policies is the strongest indication yet of a profound shift taking hold at U.S. companies that are revaluating the legal and political risks associated with bold programs to bolster historically underrepresented groups in business. The risk associated with some of programs crystalized with the election of former President Donald Trump, whose administration is certain to make dismantling diversity, equity and inclusion programs a priority. Trump's threat to impose tariffs could raise prices for consumers, colliding with promise for relief DETROIT (AP) — If Donald Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists and industry officials say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, booze and other goods. The president-elect floated the tariff idea and an additional 10% tax on goods from China, as a way to force the countries to halt the flow of illegal immigrants and drugs into the U.S. But his posts Monday threatening tariffs on his first day in office could be a negotiating ploy to get the countries to change behavior. Trump’s latest tariff plan aims at multiple countries. What does it mean for the US? WASHINGTON (AP) — President-elect Donald Trump has identified what he sees as an all-purpose fix for what ails America: Slap huge new tariffs on foreign goods entering the United States. On Monday, Trump sent shockwaves across the nation’s northern and southern borders, vowing sweeping new tariffs on Mexico, Canada, as well as China, as part of his effort to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. Trump said he will impose a 25% tax on all products entering the country from Canada and Mexico, and an additional 10% tariff on goods from China, as one of his first executive orders. Federal Reserve officials signal cautious path for rate cuts amid still-high inflation WASHINGTON (AP) — With inflation still elevated, Federal Reserve officials expressed caution at their last meeting about cutting interest rates too quickly, adding to uncertainty about their next moves. Even if inflation continued declining to the Fed’s 2% target, officials said, “it would likely be appropriate to move gradually” in lowering rates, according to minutes of the November 6-7 meeting. The minutes don’t specifically provide much guidance about what the Fed will do at its next meeting in December. Wall Street investors see the odds of another quarter-point reduction in the Fed’s key rate at that meeting as nearly even, according to CME Fedwatch. Canadian officials blast Trump's tariff threat and one calls Mexico comparison an insult TORONTO (AP) — Canadian officials are blasting President-elect Donald’s Trump’s threat to impose sweeping tariffs. The leader of Canada's most populous province on Tuesday called Trump’s comparison of Canada to Mexico “the most insulting thing I’ve ever heard.” Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada, Mexico and China as soon as he takes office in January as part of efforts to crack down on illegal immigration and drugs. He said he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico. Canadians say their economy and the U.S. one are deeply intertwined and Americans would feel tariffs, too. Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans WASHINGTON (AP) — Millions of obese Americans would be eligible to have popular weight-loss drugs like Wegovy or Zepbound covered by Medicare or Medicaid under a new rule the Biden administration proposed Tuesday morning. The proposal, which would not be finalized until after President-elect Donald Trump takes office, could cost taxpayers as much as $35 billion over the next decade. It would give millions of people access to weekly injectables that have helped people shed pounds so quickly that some people have labeled them miracle drugs. Surveillance tech advances by Biden could aid in Trump's promised crackdown on immigration President-elect Donald Trump will return to power next year with a raft of technological tools at his disposal that would help deliver his campaign promise of cracking down on immigration — among them, surveillance and artificial intelligence technology that the Biden administration already uses to help make crucial decisions in tracking, detaining and ultimately deporting immigrants lacking permanent legal status. One algorithm, for example, ranks immigrants with a “Hurricane Score,” ranging from 1-5, to assess whether someone will “abscond” from the agency’s supervision. It’s almost time for Spotify Wrapped. When can you expect your 2024 recap? NEW YORK (AP) — It’s almost that time of year. Spotify is gearing up to release its annual Spotify Wrapped, a personalized recap of its users' listening habits and year in audio. The streaming service has been sharing these personalized analyses with since 2016. And each year, it’s become a bigger production than the last. Spotify claimed its 2023 Wrapped was the “biggest ever created” in terms of audience reach and the kind of data it provided to users. But information on Wrapped's 2024 release has been kept under ... er, wraps. In previous years, it’s been released after Thanksgiving, between Nov. 30 and Dec. 6. Thanksgiving travel is cranking up. Will the weather cooperate? The Thanksgiving travel rush is picking up, with Tuesday and Wednesday expected to be much busier than the last couple days. A lot of travelers will be watching weather forecasts to see if rain or snow could slow them down. The Transportation Security Administration expects to screen more than 2.8 million people on Tuesday and 2.9 million on Wednesday after handling more than 2.5 million people on Monday. So far, relatively few flights have been canceled this week, but there have been thousands of delayed flights every day. That is becoming normal for U.S. airlines. Federal agency raises the size of most single-family loans the government can guarantee to $806,500 The Federal Housing Finance Agency is increasing the size of home loans that the government can guarantee against default as it takes into account rising housing prices. Beginning next year, mortgage buyers Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be able to acquire loans of up to $806,500 on single-family homes in most of the country, the agency said Tuesday. The new conforming loan limit is a 5.2% increase from its 2024 level. FHFA oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which buy home loans from banks and other lenders. FHFA adjusts the loan limits annually to reflect changes in U.S. home values, which have been rising this year despite a national home sales slump.UNITY TOWNSHIP, Pa. — The search for a woman who is believed to have fallen into a sinkhole in western Pennsylvania shifted to a recovery effort after two treacherous days of digging through mud and rock produced no signs of life, authorities said Wednesday. Pennsylvania State Police spokesperson Trooper Steve Limani said during a news conference that authorities no longer believe they will find 64-year-old Elizabeth Pollard alive, but the search for her remains continues. “We’ve had no signs of any form of life or anything” to make rescuers think they should “continue to try and push and rush and push the envelope, to be aggressive with the potential of risking harm to other people,” Limani said. He noted oxygen levels below ground were insufficient. Emergency crews and others have tried to locate Pollard 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 the sinkhole above a long closed, crumbling mine. 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. “We feel like we failed,” Limani said of the decision to change the status of the effort from a rescue to a recovery. “It’s tough.” Limani praised the crews who went into the abandoned mine to help remove material in the search for Pollard in the village of Marguerite, about 40 miles east of Pittsburgh.. “They would come out of there head to toe covered in mud, exhausted. And while they were getting pulled up, the next group’s getting dropped in. And there was one after the next after the next,” Limani said. Authorities said earlier that the roof of the mine collapsed in several places and was not stable. “We did get, you know, where we wanted, where we thought that she was at. We’ve been to that spot," Pleasant Unity Fire Chief John Bacha, the incident's operations officer, said earlier Wednesday. “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.” Searchers used electronic devices and cameras as surface digging continued with the use of heavy equipment, Bacha said. In coming days, they plan to greatly widen the surface hole, with winter weather forecast in the region. Rescue workers search through the night in a sinkhole for Elizabeth Pollard, who disappeared while looking for her cat, Tuesday in Marguerite, Pa. Sinkholes occur in the area because of subsidence from coal mining activity. Rescuers used water to break down and remove clay and dirt from the mine, which has been closed since the 1950s. 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 Tuesday. Searchers also deployed drones and thermal imaging equipment to no avail. Pollard's family called police 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. Limani said the searchers met with her family before announcing the shift from rescue to recovery. Pollard's son, Axel Hayes, described her as a happy woman who liked going out to have fun. She and her husband adopted Hayes and his twin brother when they were infants. She used to work at Walmart but recently was not employed. 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. The top of a sinkhole is seen Tuesday in the village of Marguerite, Pa., where rescuers searched for a woman who disappeared. 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 the sinkhole was new. Pollard lived in a small neighborhood across the street from where her car and granddaughter were found by state police. It's unclear what happened to the cat. 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. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!

Nissan and Honda plan merger that would create the world's No. 3 automakerA former president of the Calgary Homeless Foundation says he is deeply concerned by the Alberta government’s recent decision to overhaul the funding scheme for organizations providing services to homeless people. Tim Richter, who served as the foundation’s president from 2008 to 2012 and who now leads the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness, a national charity, says the change is dangerous and will lead to more people falling through the cracks. Under the current model, the foundation and six other non-profit and other organizations act as local hubs and receive a lump sum of government money, which they distribute to smaller organizations in their area. But provincial Community and Social Services Minister Jason Nixon announced Friday that the government plans to ditch that model, and distribute the funding itself through existing government grants. Richter says under the current model, hub organizations like the foundation and Edmonton’s Homeward Trust ensure that smaller organizations within the same city work together to ensure needed services are available, and gaps are filled. He worries that under the new model, that unity and communication will be lost. “This turns back the clock on the homelessness response in Alberta 15 years,” he said. “It is a terribly dangerous move that will cost more, hurt people in the long run, and leave homelessness to explode across the province.” However, Nixon said Friday that the agencies receiving funding to dole out are essentially acting as middlemen, and it will be more efficient to eliminate that step. He also said the new process would improve “accountability and oversight” of the programs and services made available through the funding, and gave a couple of examples of funds being used in ways that didn’t align with the government’s goals. “We’ve seen evidence in the past of organizations distributing tents out into the community,” he said. “That would be a great example of where our government is focused on shelter and housing, not on providing encampments.” In an interview late Friday Nixon dismissed Richter’s concerns. “(Funding) will continue to be based on community need, and continue to go to frontline services associated in those communities,” he said. He also said the government provides a combined $101.5 million annually to the seven hub organizations and the new model is anticipated to increase the funding available. But Richter said the province will lose the local oversight and flexibility that the hub organizations provide. “Homelessness is local, and you need local leadership and local focus and local decision-making,” Richter said. “Who will be more efficient and more effective in coordinating a local response, people on the ground or somebody in a government office in Edmonton?” “What this announcement signals is that the government of Alberta does not want to solve homelessness, because solving homelessness requires building coordinated systems focused on ending it.” In an email Friday Homeward Trust said it wasn’t able to comment on the change. Kaely Cormack, a spokesperson for the Calgary Homeless Foundation, said the agency was only notified of the change Friday and is waiting for more details from the government. Janis Irwin, the Opposition NDP housing critic, is also critical of the government’s overhaul and says the move raises questions about which anti-homelessness organizations will receive funding going forward. Irwin said that given the UCP government’s staunch opposition to harm reduction services and total focus on addiction recovery, she thinks organizations like Boyle Street Community Services in her Edmonton riding could be at risk for losing funding. “I think it’s fair to think that they’ll be in jeopardy under this plan,” Irwin said, adding that she’s also concerned the province will lose data the hub organizations provide on homelessness in the province. “They’re going to be taking away the support for these organizations that provide the data that they should be using to make evidence-based decisions and they’re really going to be putting a whole lot of more unhoused folks at risk.” Nixon also announced Friday that a panel was being established to advise the government’s approach to homelessness, with a specific focus on homelessness in rural areas. The panel will also be tasked with engaging service providers on the new funding process over the next few months.

Queens of the deal: These women reached the top of corporate Britain while raising children - so what are the secrets of their success?Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is President-elect Donald Trump's nominee to run Health and Human Services. SPRINGFIELD — Every new presidential administration comes with policy changes, but the second administration of President-elect Donald Trump and his proposed secretary of Health and Human Services, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., could dramatically reshape the public health landscape. Kennedy, a former political rival of Trump, became a close ally over the final months of the 2024 campaign and was selected for the HHS post shortly after the election. The department houses the National Institutes of Health, Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Kennedy’s views on health and his stated policy initiatives could have far-reaching effects on public health, including on policies in Illinois. Kennedy has often encouraged healthier food consumption for Americans — a goal Illinois Democrats could support. But Kennedy holds other views at odds with science. In a 2023 Fox News interview, he said he believes a debunked theory that vaccines cause autism. He has also proposed discouraging fluoridating public water — a public health measure that supports dental health. Kennedy is not receiving a warm reception from Illinois Democratic U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, who will vote on Kennedy’s nomination if it advances to the Senate floor. “This is one of the most important and sensitive appointments that a president can make,” Durbin said. “Robert F. Kennedy Jr. may be qualified in some areas; he is totally unqualified for this job. He has engaged in quack science and crazy theories right and left and drawn a lot of attention because of it. "I fear this man is going to bring the same ideas to the administration of this life and death agency and that would be a disaster.” If Kennedy becomes the HHS secretary, his administration’s work could put Illinois health policy at odds with federal directives in some areas. But the state might also find a partner in Kennedy as the General Assembly considers food regulation. If Kennedy gets his way, the CDC would recommend public water systems stop putting fluoride in public drinking water on the very day Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20, according to a social media post Kennedy made days before the election. “Fluoride is an industrial waste,” Kennedy said, claiming it causes bone and neurological issues as well as other problems. Fluoride keeps teeth strong and is a naturally occurring mineral that is often used in toothpaste because of its benefits for dental health, according to the CDC. Putting it in water supplies was named by the agency one of the 10 greatest public health achievements of the last century. As for Kennedy’s claim that it causes health problems, one National Toxicology Program study found a possible link between fluoride levels of 1.5 milligrams per liter or higher and lower IQs in children. However, researchers noted more studies are needed to draw specific conclusions. Illinois water systems keep fluoride levels at 0.7 parts per million and are required to notify customers when levels exceed 2 milligrams per liter, according to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Nearly every Illinois resident consumes fluoride in their drinking water, according to a 2023 CDC report. The annual report found 90 percent of state water systems had fluoride. Together, they serve 98 percent of the state’s population. Fluoride is required in Illinois drinking water under a 1967 state law, which was amended in 2016 to lower the amount of fluoride water systems are required to use. However, the 2016 law says the levels “shall be in compliance with the recommendations on optimal fluoridation for community water levels as proposed and adopted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.” Additional rules established by the state’s Pollution Control Board also govern the level of fluoride in water. It’s not clear how Illinois’ fluoride use would change if federal recommendations change. “Illinois EPA cannot speculate on what actions may be taken if such decisions are made at the federal level. State regulations can be more stringent than federal regulation but cannot be less stringent,” agency spokesperson Kim Biggs said. Kennedy is known for being skeptical of vaccines and spreading false information about them. What he would do about vaccines as HHS secretary is unclear. He has said in recent weeks he wouldn’t take any vaccines away. However, he has pushed for significant deregulation and changes at HHS and its agencies that could affect approval of future vaccines. The Illinois Department of Public Health requires a schedule of 12 vaccines children must receive and stipulates parents present their child’s school with proof of immunization for certain vaccines by certain grade levels. There are also various vaccine requirements for college students and health care workplaces. Illinois’ school vaccine policy is set at the state level based on recommendations of a CDC advisory committee on vaccines, according to IDPH. The state’s history of requiring vaccines in schools goes back more than a century. The Illinois State Board of Health first required children to get vaccines against smallpox to attend school in 1894. The World Health Organization eventually declared smallpox eradicated in 1977 after decades of vaccination against the virus. Broader vaccine requirements that apply today were mandated by the General Assembly beginning in 1967. The State Board of Health, a division of IDPH, is primarily responsible for any changes to Illinois’ vaccine requirements, even if recommendations change at the federal level. Any changes to the requirements would be recommended by the Board of Health following a public hearing, according to IDPH, and are based on recommendations issued by a CDC review panel. Some common vaccines such as Hepatitis A, flu and COVID-19 are not required for children to attend school in Illinois despite appearing on the CDC’s recommended vaccine schedule. Illinois law requires school districts to provide parents with information about flu shots, however. State law also allows parents and guardians to skip vaccines for their children for religious or medical reasons. Another of Kennedy’s priorities is establishing healthy diets to combat obesity and chronic diseases. He has called for more regulation of food ingredients in a pledge to crack down on ultra-processed foods and ingredients linked to health problems. “Given the current nominee’s interest, it’s likely something like this could be on the docket on the federal level,” UI-Chicago School of Public Health Professor Jamie Chriqui said. “Usually what we see is it gets tested first at the state and local level before it becomes a federal push, unless there is a champion at the federal level who is interested in making changes.” Despite controversy around Kennedy, the Trump administration could have a partner with Illinois on ingredient restrictions. The state Senate took a bipartisan vote this spring to advance a bill that would ban brominated vegetable oil, red dye No. 3, propylparaben and potassium bromate — which are all used in food manufacturing — in food sold in Illinois beginning in 2028. The bill is currently stalled in the House. “I agree with the science and in this case, it appears RFK does as well,” said bill sponsor Sen. Willie Preston, D-Chicago. “We’re in alignment. I’m happy to work with him if that’s possible to move this issue forward, certainly here in Illinois, which I have a responsibility to do, but across this country.” Kennedy is “problematic” on other issues, Preston said, but he said he believes on the issue of food additives, Kennedy’s appointment shows the country is moving toward further regulation to make food healthier. The FDA, which Kennedy hopes to reduce in size and scope, has considered revoking authorization for brominated vegetable oil. These ingredients are all linked to health issues from cancer to nervous system issues, Chriqui said. California has already cracked down on several artificial ingredients Illinois lawmakers are targeting, though food and business organizations have opposed such regulations, including in Illinois. Chriqui pointed to the FDA’s ban on artificial trans fats as evidence food manufacturers can make changes when prompted by the government. “There was a similar push back, and ultimately when the FDA came out with federal regulations related to trans fats, manufacturers were able to comply,” Chriqui said. While the FDA plays a key role in shaping federal food regulations, states maintain similar power, Chriqui said. She stressed that doesn’t mean it would be a good idea for Kennedy to abolish parts of the FDA, but that states have historically been the initial drivers of nutrition policy changes, such as regulating trans fats and food in schools. “States like California and Illinois, who have a history of leading important food safety regulations, can continue to demonstrate how science-backed policies can make a positive impact,” Chriqui said. While Kennedy has also suggested reforms he would make to school lunch programs, those are managed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. An Illinois State Board of Education spokesperson said ISBE receives four grants from HHS, but they are not related to the lunch program.

Well, the days of being able to count on a $7,500 rebate on EV purchases may be coming to a close. The federal EV tax credit has long been a way for many customers to justify the purchase of an electric vehicle over a traditional gas-powered one, especially considering the fact that EVs are typically more expensive upfront (though they cost less to maintain and power over time). Many of the most popular EV models have qualified for the credit over the years, including the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y, Kia EV6, Hyundai Ioniq 5 , and so on. With the upcoming change in administration, those days could soon be over. According to a report from Reuters , President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team is reportedly planning to kill the EV tax credit — a move that would likely dissuade many potential buyers from opting for an EV. The move will have a pretty significant impact on the automotive industry in general. EV manufacturers have been banking on the tax credit as a way to lower the costs of their cars for customers, and many manufacturers have built plants in the U.S. in an effort to ensure that their vehicles qualify for the credit. The news isn’t great for those who were planning on buying an EV in the next few years. If you are about ready to pull the trigger, you may want to start thinking more seriously about it as we head closer to the beginning of Trump’s term in January. Unknowns Of course, to be clear, Trump’s team hasn’t actually announced that it’s planning on getting rid of the credit just yet, with the Reuters report citing two unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the matter. It’s entirely possible that the decision could be reversed, especially as more information comes to light about how it will impact American automotive manufacturers and jobs for American workers in newly built plants. Even if the Trump team does announce that it will be killing the credit, it’s entirely possible that they could instead phase it out over the course of a few months or years instead of ending it with immediate effect. All that is to say that we may end up finding out that the new administration won’t kill the tax credit at all, whether through a decision or by having other priorities first. In other words, you may find yourself buying an EV with the fear of the tax credit going away, only to find that it remains in place for the next few years. The best models that currently qualify If you do decide to buy an EV now in order to take advantage of the credit before it goes away, there are a few models that you should consider. Those in the market for a crossover-sized vehicle are spoiled for options. There’s the highly popular Tesla Model Y, alongside the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford Mustang Mach-E , and the Kia EV6, all of which are considered to be among the best in their class. If you’re instead looking for an SUV-sized vehicle, then your options are a little more limited, but there are still some great vehicles out there. Perhaps the best vehicle that qualifies for the EV tax credit and is SUV-sized is the Rivian R1S (though keep in mind the price limitations of the credit, outlined below). For a slightly more affordable option, it’s worth considering the Kia EV9 , which is also an excellent SUV. Perhaps you’re instead looking for a truck? In that case, the Ford F-150 Lightning is an excellent option, as is the Rivian R1T. How to take advantage of the federal EV tax credit There are some guidelines for the federal EV tax credit that you’ll need to keep in mind if you want to take full advantage of it. The credit depends on where EVs are made, and only vehicles manufactured in North America qualify. Not only that, but these vehicles must have an MSRP under $80,000 for an SUV or under $55,000 for a sedan or hatchback. You may still be able to get the credit on your taxes if you lease a vehicle instead of buying one. Additionally, plug-in hybrid vehicles may qualify for the credit, but traditional hybrid cars do not. There are also income limitations related to the tax credit. For those buying a new EV, the income limit for a single person or married couple filing separately is $150,000. For the head of household, the limit is $225,000, while for those married and filing jointly, it’s $300,000. For those buying a used EV, the income limit is half of those numbers.New Jersey Real Estate Attorney Christine Matus Releases Comprehensive Article on Real Estate Law in New Jersey

Online manifesto appearing to be penned by Luigi Mangione is fakeSANTA ANA, Calif., Dec. 13, 2024 (SEND2PRESS NEWSWIRE) — In a groundbreaking move for the property management and inspection industry, DrBalcony ( drbalcony.com ) introduces its cutting-edge app, a pioneering digital platform designed to revolutionize the balcony inspection process. This innovative tool empowers homeowners, property managers, and Homeowner Associations (HOAs) with a streamlined, intuitive experience, eliminating inefficiencies and redefining how inspections are managed. With a user-friendly interface and advanced features, the DrBalcony App transforms what was once a complex, time-consuming process into one that is seamless and efficient. Users can now obtain instant quotes, create and manage projects, and schedule inspections—all with just a few taps on their devices. “At DrBalcony, we are passionate about reimagining property management through technology,” said Greg, VP of Sales of DrBalcony. “The app reflects our dedication to simplifying inspections while upholding safety and compliance standards. With over 2,500 inspections completed, we’re proud to offer a solution that sets a new benchmark for convenience and reliability.” FEATURES THAT SET THE DRBALCONY APP APART The DrBalcony App is tailored to meet the specific needs of California property owners, offering features designed to ensure the integrity of balcony structures while making compliance with state laws like SB 721 and SB 326 more accessible than ever. Learn more: https://drbalcony.com/services/ A SOLUTION BACKED BY REAL RESULTS “For years, the balcony inspection process has been frustrating and inefficient,” shared Omid, CEO of DrBalcony. “This app eliminates unnecessary complications. From instant quotes to straightforward scheduling, it’s a game-changer.” DOWNLOAD THE DRBALCONY APP TODAY The DrBalcony App is now available for download and marks a significant leap forward in property management. By addressing common pain points in the inspection process, DrBalcony ensures peace of mind for property owners, engineers, and HOAs, all while maintaining safety and compliance with California’s strict balcony safety regulations . About DrBalcony: DrBalcony leverages innovative technology to enhance balcony inspection, focusing on efficiency, safety, and customer-centric solutions. With a mission to simplify the complex, DrBalcony has become a trusted name in the balcony inspection industry, ensuring compliance and safety standards are met with ease. Learn more: https://drbalcony.com/ . Your property’s safety has never been simpler—download the DrBalcony App today! NEWS SOURCE: DrBalcony Keywords: Real Estate, DrBalcony, Balcony Inspections, home inspection, safety, app, solution, service, SB 326, SB 721, SANTA ANA, Calif. This press release was issued on behalf of the news source (DrBalcony) who is solely responsibile for its accuracy, by Send2Press® Newswire . Information is believed accurate but not guaranteed. Story ID: S2P122836 APDF15TBLLI To view the original version, visit: https://www.send2press.com/wire/drbalcony-app-redefines-balcony-inspections-with-unparalleled-efficiency/ © 2024 Send2Press® Newswire, a press release distribution service, Calif., USA. Disclaimer: This press release content was not created by nor issued by the Associated Press (AP). Content below is unrelated to this news story.