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A Freeze Warning has been issued by the NWS Phoenix AZ on January 12 at 12:12 PM MST, lasting until January 13 at 9:00 AM MST.

2025-07-03 16:24:52 By Linda Davis

View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

* Weather Advisory: Temperatures are forecasted to drop below freezing, reaching the low 30s.

* Location: Fountain Hills/East Mesa.

* When: Starting at midnight tonight until 9 AM MST on Monday.

* Effects: Frost and freezing temperatures may result in the loss of crops and other agricultural products.

delicate plant life and potential harm to unshielded outdoor areas

pipefitting.

Very Supportive

Business

Nvidia expresses frustration over Biden's 'misguided' AI regulations while eagerly anticipating Trump's potential return, resulting in a decline in stock prices.

2025-07-03 16:24:52

The departing Biden administration announced fresh regulations regarding the export of U.S. semiconductor chips to international markets. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image Credit: Patrick T. Fallon (Getty Images) Nvidia (NVDA-3.12% ) on Monday quickly slammed newly released Biden administration rules to regulate chip sales to foreign countries. The White House published a swath of new guidelines early Monday to curb the sale of AI chips from U.S. firms such as Nvidia to specific countries and companies. The administration said the rules would “strengthen U.S. security and economic strength.” But Ned Finkle, vice president of government affairs at Nvidia, called the policies “unprecedented and misguided.” In a company blog post, he slammed the outgoing administration for jeopardizing global progress on AI. “During its final days in power, the Biden Administration is attempting to weaken America’s global leadership by introducing a 200+ page tangled web of regulations, created behind closed doors and lacking adequate legislative scrutiny,” Finkle stated. “This extensive overreach would establish bureaucratic dominance over the design and global marketing of America’s top semiconductors, computers, systems, and even software.” Nvidia's shares dropped nearly 3% during pre-market trading on Monday. According to the updated regulations, 18 major U.S. allies and partners will be exempt from the imposed restrictions. Firms that adhere to stringent security and trust criteria established by the U.S. and are based in nations regarded as close allies will be eligible to acquire “Universal Verified End User” (UVEU) status. This recognition would permit them to deploy portions of their computational resources in allied nations and purchase as many as 320,000 advanced GPUs within the next two years. Nvidia contended that these regulations are excessive and would "fail to improve U.S. security." Finkle stated, "Instead of addressing any potential threats, the new regulations under Biden would merely diminish America's competitive edge globally, jeopardizing the innovation that has positioned the U.S. as a leader." Simultaneously, Finkle commended the initial Trump administration for establishing "the groundwork for America's present capabilities and achievements in AI, creating a climate where U.S. businesses could compete and succeed based on merit while ensuring national security was not jeopardized." With President-elect Donald Trump set to take office in exactly one week, Big Tech leaders from Google (GOOGL-0.80% ) chief Sundar Pichai to Meta (META+0.94% ) CEO Mark Zuckerberg have been cozying up to Trump. They’re hoping to benefit from favorable policies, more lax regulation, and a pro-innovation environment that they hope will allow them to go full steam ahead on their AI ambitions — and beyond. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang himself said last week week that he’s ready to meet with the incoming Trump administration to help with AI policy. "I would be more than happy to visit him, extend my congratulations, and support the efforts to ensure this administration's success," Huang expressed in an interview with Bloomberg Television regarding Trump. He also mentioned that he has not received an invitation to meet with Trump at his Mar-a-Lago estate.

Business

The IRS has announced the date it will begin processing tax returns, along with an estimate of how long taxpayers can expect to wait for their refunds.

2025-07-03 16:24:52

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. FILE - A segment of the 1040 U.S. Individual Income Tax Return form is displayed on July 24, 2018, in New York. The Internal Revenue Service has announced that it will begin accepting and processing tax returns in two weeks. Tax season will officially start Monday, Jan. 27. The IRS expects more than 140 million individual returns for tax year 2024 to be filed ahead of the April 15 deadline. The agency began accepting returns via IRS Free File Program on Jan. 10 but they won’t be processed until the official start date. Most filers who submit their returns digitally receive their refunds within 21 days but paper filers will have to wait for at least four weeks for information on the status of their return. You can track your refund using the Where’s My Refund tool within 24 hours of e-filing. In both cases, the information updates overnight so there’s no need to check more than once a day, according to the IRS. Taxpayers seeking the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, and Credit for Other Dependents will experience delays in receiving their refunds because of additional identity verification processes. The IRS has yet to announce when these refunds will be issued. Open Direct File Taxpayers in 25 states have the option to file their taxes for free directly through the IRS. Last year, a Direct File pilot program included twelve states: Arizona, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New York, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Washington State, and Wyoming. This year, the service is expanding to include residents of Alaska, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Maine, Maryland, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Direct File includes a new feature this year that will allow taxpayers to opt-in to automatically import data from the IRS account, including personal information, the taxpayer’s IP Pin and some information from their W-2. IRS Free File Program IRS Free File Program is open now. It allows taxpayers with an Adjusted Gross Income of $84,000 or less to use tax preparation software for free. People who use Free File can fill out their forms now and they will be processed starting Jan. 27. Free tax preparation is also available through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly.

Business

Discovering the $2,967 Direct Deposit Bonus: Key Insights for Social Security Beneficiaries

2025-07-03 16:24:52

Social Security recipients can anticipate a pleasant surprise this month, with the potential for direct deposits of up to $2,967 in their accounts. This boost is part of the regular payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which adjusts disbursements based on recipients' unique circumstances, including cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). In 2023, the SSA introduced a 2.5% COLA to mitigate inflation's impact. The current average monthly retirement benefit is $1,976. However, some beneficiaries, particularly those with higher earnings histories and delayed retirement credits, may receive up to $2,967, with maximum payouts possibly reaching $5,108 for those who delay claiming benefits until age 70. Important Payment Schedule Social Security payments follow a tiered schedule based on your birthdate: Birthdates from the 1st to the 10th: Payments are processed on the second Wednesday of the month. Birthdates from the 11th to the 20th: Payments are processed on the third Wednesday of the month. Birthdates from the 21st to the 31st: Payments are processed on the fourth Wednesday of the month. In January, payments are set to be disbursed on the 8th, 15th, and 22nd. Beneficiaries should expect their direct deposits on these dates, provided their personal information is up to date. Implications for Recipients Your benefits are shaped by factors such as lifetime earnings, the age at which you start receiving Social Security, and your work history. Generally, those who delay retirement to maximize benefits receive the highest payments. To find out the exact amount you are entitled to, access your “My Social Security” account online. This user-friendly platform provides personalized information about your benefits, payment schedules, and other crucial details. Final Thoughts While the 2.5% COLA is a modest step to counteract inflation, it offers significant relief for many Americans reliant on Social Security. Ensure you confirm your payment dates and verify the accuracy of your banking details to avoid any potential disruptions.

Business

10 Financial Blunders to Steer Clear of in Your 60s

2025-07-03 16:24:52

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. whyframestudio/istockphoto Golden Mistakes Now in your 60s, you’ve dedicated years to hard work, saving, and preparing for what lies ahead. Though you no longer need to hustle relentlessly, it remains essential to handle your finances with caution and foresight. As you enter your 60s, safeguarding your assets becomes crucial to ensure a secure future. Here are the 10 biggest financial pitfalls to avoid during this pivotal decade. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. andresr/istockphoto图库 Withdrawing Funds from Your Retirement Account One frequent error that retirees often commit is withdrawing the entire balance of their retirement accounts, cashing it out, and depositing the funds into a bank account. This approach can lead to tax liabilities on the withdrawn amount. It’s advisable to take out only what is necessary for living expenses rather than the total amount available. Withdrawing from your retirement fund means pulling your money out of the stock market, where it has the potential to continue growing. As a result, you might find yourself lacking sufficient funds to meet your future expenses. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. FreshSplash/istockphoto Avoiding Stock Investments A common misconception among seniors is that they should exclusively focus on low-risk investments. However, this isn't entirely accurate. It's important to maintain a portion of your portfolio in stocks and equity securities. A prudent option would be to invest in a total stock market index fund that mirrors the overall market performance. This approach allows for diverse exposure while avoiding concentration in a single sector. A common guideline suggests that the percentage of your portfolio allocated to stocks should equal 100 minus your age. For instance, at the age of 65, it would be advisable to keep 35% of your investments in stocks and stock-related funds. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. sturti/istockphoto Assisting Your Kids For a parent, few things are more rewarding than assisting their children. However, this support can occasionally come at the expense of their own financial stability. A frequent error that many seniors commit is overextending their finances by providing excessive monetary support to their children. This could involve covering college tuition, purchasing a new vehicle for them, or maintaining financial assistance even after they finish high school. It's important to keep in mind that while your children can secure loans to achieve their aspirations, you cannot borrow money for your retirement needs. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Ken Tannenbaum / iStockphoto Claiming Social Security Benefits Prematurely If you take Social Security before the age of 66, you could wind up forfeiting thousands of dollars a year. If you anticipate living a long time, then your best bet is to delay taking Social Security for as long as possible. For each year that you delay past your normal benefits age, you’ll earn an extra 24% maximum. That's a guaranteed return that’s hard to beat. If relying on Social Security makes it challenging for you to retire comfortably, it might be wise to continue working. This could be an effective strategy to enhance your savings for retirement. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. AJ_Watt/istockphoto Failing to Select the Appropriate Medicare Plan Medicare plans can differ significantly, and selecting an inappropriate one may lead to higher medical expenses than needed. It's essential to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages when deciding on a Medicare plan. Additionally, failing to select a Medicare plan during the designated enrollment period may result in increased premiums and a penalty for late enrollment. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Brian A. Jackson / iStockphoto Neglecting to Draft a Will No one likes to think about death. However, avoiding the subject can be costly. If you don’t create a will, then your assets will have to go through probate. This is a time-intensive process that can delay how long it takes your heirs to receive the money and property you’ve set aside for them. Having a will also means your heirs will not have to spend as much on a lawyer. Failing to create a will can result in significant family conflict once you're no longer around. It’s wise to communicate your desires regularly and in advance, ensuring that everyone is aware of your intentions. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. LifestyleVisuals/istockphoto图库 Deciding Against Selling Your Property Reevaluating your housing situation as you approach 60 doesn't necessarily mean you have to move to a smaller home right away. However, it may be wise to start thinking about your future needs. Homes with multiple levels can become challenging to navigate as you age, and you probably won't require more than a few bedrooms. Making the decision to downsize now could also provide you with additional savings for your retirement. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. SolStock/istockphoto Disregarding Your Credit Score When you’re a senior, you may not be making a lot of major purchases. However, that doesn't mean you should stop caring about your credit score. For instance, if you're looking to purchase a car, you might consider applying for an auto loan. In that case, having a good credit score will be essential. The positive aspect is that keeping a healthy credit score doesn't require extensive effort. The key elements to focus on are ensuring your bills are paid punctually and avoiding excessive use of your credit card limit. If you have concerns about identity theft, consider placing a freeze on your credit. This process involves contacting each of the three major credit bureaus—Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian—and requesting a freeze on your credit profile. By freezing your credit, you prevent anyone from being able to open a new credit account using your identity. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Daisy-Daisy/istockphoto图库 Falling Victim to Scams Every year, thousands of seniors lose tens of thousands of dollars to scams. This is a common way to erase your nest egg without meaning to. To reduce the risk of falling for scams, consider implementing protective measures such as installing firewalls on your computer or using voice identification on your smartphone. Additionally, avoid answering phone calls from unfamiliar numbers; if it's significant, the caller will likely leave a voicemail. If you have kids, encourage them to let you know if they notice anything suspicious in their emails. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. bernardbodo/iStockphoto Neglecting to Update Your Budget Regardless of whether you retire due to financial stability or because your health no longer allows you to continue working, revisiting your budget is essential. As you age, your financial requirements evolve, making it important to assess your expenses against your income. Take the time to review your bank and credit card statements to evaluate your actual spending in relation to what you can sustain. Reviewing your expenses could lead you to the conclusion that having an additional source of income is essential, even if it’s just a part-time position. This article was originally published on Cheapism

Business

“Fallen” Game Publisher Discusses Strategies and Revenue

2025-07-03 16:24:52

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. CI Games CI Games, the studio behind the "Sniper Ghost Warrior" series and the publisher of the "Lords of the Fallen" games, has announced that it will refrain from incorporating "any social or political agendas" into its titles, emphasizing that such decisions carry a significant risk of resulting in commercial failure. The comments were made during an investor call according to outlet Strefa Inwestorow and picked up by PC Gamer. The company was asked about its “stance on DEI [diversity, equity, and inclusion] in gaming”. Global marketing director Ryan Hill is said to have emphasized that the main focus is on delivering “an exceptional user experience through engaging themes and characters designed specifically for both primary and related audiences.” He then allegedly went on to say: "Although several video games have started to incorporate social or political themes into their gameplay, it’s evident that a significant portion of gamers are not in favor of this trend. Consequently, we have witnessed several major titles failing to meet commercial expectations in the past year." We are committed to creating games that prioritize player enjoyment and commercial viability. Therefore, we have decided not to incorporate any social or political elements into our future projects, as we recognize the significant risks associated with such integrations. Hill seemingly did not provide any instances of games that exhibit perceived “social or political agendas,” nor did he clarify how developer CI Games interprets DEI in this context. This stands in contrast to CD Projekt Red, the studio behind “Cyberpunk 2077,” which has a dedicated page outlining its detailed approach to diversity and inclusion. CI Games' newest title, "Lords of the Fallen," launched in late 2023 and received a mix of average reviews, scoring 70 out of 100 on Metacritic. Despite the lukewarm reception, the game achieved impressive sales, surpassing one million units within the first ten days of its release. A sequel is already in development, set to debut in 2026. Sources: PC Gamer, VGC

Business

Every Stock That Warren Buffett Has Claimed He Would Hold for the Long Term

2025-07-03 16:24:52

Warren Buffett once famously stated that his "favorite holding period was forever." However, even a cursory examination of Berkshire Hathaway's (BRK.A -2.20%) (BRK.B -2.03%) portfolio changes through the years will show that Buffett doesn't hold most stocks as long as he said he prefers. Buffett's reluctance to hold onto stocks indefinitely is explained further in his 1988 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. He specified that his commitment to holding a stock for the long term is reserved exclusively for "exceptional businesses with exceptional management." Which stocks fit that high standard? Buffett has addressed this question directly. Below is a list of every stock that Buffett has indicated he would hold almost indefinitely. 1. Coke Buffett sang the praises of The Coca-Cola Company (KO -1.04%) in his 2023 letter to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. Berkshire has owned shares of Coca-Cola longer than any other stock. It's now the conglomerate's fourth-largest holding. In his 2024 letter to shareholders, Buffett reiterated his thoughts on Coca-Cola, stating, "Once you discover a genuinely exceptional business, hold onto it." He also mentioned that this stock was one of several he anticipated would be "held for the long term." 2. Amex Buffett also lauded American Express (AXP -3.15%) in the 2023 and 2024 letters to Berkshire Hathaway shareholders. His comments about sticking with a "truly wonderful business" and owning indefinitely applied to both Coca-Cola and AmEx. Similar to Coca-Cola, American Express has been a staple in Buffett's portfolio for many years. While he hasn't made any new purchases of the financial services company in quite some time, it remains Berkshire's second-largest investment, valued at almost $46 billion. Remarkably, the original investment was just $1.3 billion. 3. Occidental Petroleum Corporation In that 2024 shareholder letter, Buffett expanded the list of stocks he planned to own practically forever. Occidental Petroleum (OXY 0.21%) was the first stock he mentioned. After several years of Buffett aggressively buying the stock, Occidental is now Berkshire's sixth-largest holding. Buffett explained why he favors Occidental so much, stating, "We particularly like its vast oil and gas holdings in the United States, as well as its leadership in carbon-capture initiatives, though the economic feasibility of this technique has yet to be proven." Keeping with his principle that forever stocks should have outstanding management teams, he applauded the leadership of Occidental CEO Vicki Hollub. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. The five major trading companies in Japan, known as Sogo Shosha. I’ve categorized the following five stocks as Buffett often discusses them together. These are the five Japanese sogo shosha (trading companies) that Berkshire started investing in during 2020: Itochu (ITOCF -5.14%) (ITOCY -5.21%) Marubeni (MARUY -3.84%) Mitsubishi (MSBHF 0.79%) Mitsui (MITSY -5.43%) Sumitomo (SSUM.Y -4.48%) While these Japanese stocks don't represent significant holdings for Berkshire, Buffett appreciates their "shareholder-friendly policies." He also pointed out that these firms exhibit a high level of diversification, much like Berkshire itself. 9. Apple Inc. Surprisingly, Buffett didn't mention Apple (AAPL -2.41%) as one of the stocks he expected to own indefinitely in the 2024 shareholder letter. CNBC's Becky Quick asked him about the omission in Berkshire's annual shareholder meeting in May. He clarified, saying that Apple is "an even better business" than Coca-Cola and would remain in Berkshire's portfolio along with AmEx and Coke "unless something really extraordinary happens." I believe that serves as a compelling endorsement for adding Apple to the roster of Buffett's long-term investments. While it's true that the iconic investor reduced Berkshire's investment in Apple last year, it still stands as the conglomerate's most significant asset, accounting for 24.6% of its equity portfolio. What can you tell me about Berkshire Hathaway? Here's an even more astonishing revelation: Berkshire Hathaway is not included in the roster of stocks Buffett claims he would hold for nearly eternity. Naturally, Berkshire stands apart as a unique entity for the "Oracle of Omaha" and undoubtedly represents his main forever investment. Certain truths are so evident that they require no explanation.

Business

TikToker Moves Elderly Woman to Tears by Mowing Her Overgrown Lawn for Free: “Nobody Has Been Willing to Assist Me”

2025-07-03 16:24:52

View pictures in App save up to 80% data. SB Lawn Care If TikTok does end up disappearing, this is definitely one of the things I will miss the most. Currently, the app is scheduled for a ban on January 19, following a law enacted by President Joe Biden that mandates parent company Byte Dance to divest TikTok to an American firm. Byte Dance has not yet adhered to the ban and has contested it in the Supreme Court, where arguments took place last week. A ruling from the court is anticipated before the 19th; however, if they do not grant an injunction or nullify the law mandating the company to divest, the app will be essentially prohibited in just one week. Certainly, this doesn’t imply that TikTok will disappear overnight. If you currently have the app installed on your device, you can continue to use it. However, the legislation would require Apple and Google to take it down from their app stores. Without the option to provide regular updates to users, it’s likely that the app will become increasingly dysfunctional in the coming months. Incoming President Donald Trump has shown a desire to preserve TikTok and has requested the Supreme Court to delay the ban until after his inauguration, allowing him time to negotiate a suitable solution. Meanwhile, the app's future remains uncertain as the Supreme Court deliberates, leaving creators anxiously anticipating the outcome. To be honest, I wouldn't mind if a lot of the content on TikTok disappeared. However, there are definitely some videos that showcase the positive impact this social media platform can have. If you’re on TikTok, chances are you’re familiar with SB Lawn Care. The account was started by a landscaper named Spencer, who has racked up nearly 11 million followers on his videos showing him going around and mowing overgrown and out of control yards free of charge. Many of the videos feature homes that have been left to decay, with overgrown yards that haven't seen care in years. However, occasionally, Spencer receives a request for assistance from someone in need and makes it a point to lend a hand. Recently, Spencer received a call from a friend in the city who informed him about an elderly woman in need of assistance with her unruly yard. When he visited the house, he encountered Beth, who expressed her regrets about the state of her yard and mentioned that she had been unable to find anyone to assist her with lawn maintenance. The city informed Beth that she needed to tidy up her yard by the end of the month, or she would incur a $240 fine for them to handle the mowing – a sum that the elderly woman expressed she simply couldn't afford. Spencer sprang into action, dedicating the whole day to mowing the lawn, clearing out the weeds from the driveway cracks, and pruning the bushes and trees. When he finally unveiled the finished work to the homeowner, her gratitude was beyond words. “I truly wish I had something to offer you. Your efforts bring a sparkle to my day. I genuinely appreciate everything you do. Words can’t express how much it means to me.” When Spencer expressed his willingness to assist, Beth responded with tears, saying that “no one has ever truly been happy” to lend her a hand. @sbmowing Her Tears Revealed Everything: “My Prayers Have Finally Been Heard” mowing, edging, and tidying up ASMR satisfaction, yard transformation, cleaning up the overgrown space, viral video moments, featuring Maruyama and Bad Boy Mower, all while wearing muck boots. #FYP #Satisfying #Transformation ♬ original sound – SB Lawn Care – SB Lawn Care The video rapidly gained popularity, amassing over 70 million views and 8 million likes. Many viewers felt compelled to assist, offering donations to ensure that Spencer could consistently maintain her lawn throughout the season. So once again, Spencer jumped back into action and started a GoFundMe for Beth, to help with things she needs around her house like a handicap-accessible ramp, a new driveway, a chair lift, regular lawn care, and repairing broken windows. The fundraiser has almost reached $200,000, indicating that Beth is likely on her way to receiving some much-needed enhancements to improve her quality of life. It appears that many individuals were more than willing to lend her a hand. @sbmowing Beth’s GoFundMe is linked on my profile! SBMowing neighbors #helpingothers #elderly #accessibility #gofundme #donations ♬ original sound – SB Lawn Care – SB Lawn Care

Business

Burberry's CEO Emphasizes the Importance of Evolution While Remaining Authentic to Heritage

2025-07-03 16:24:52

Speaking at the National Retail Federation’s (NRF) Big Show, Burberry CEO Joshua Shulman stressed the importance of authenticity during brand reinvention. "The greatest opportunities arise from genuine authenticity. In the luxury sector, it's essential to incorporate an element of surprise and allure, but this must be grounded in the fundamental values of the brand." Returning to the right path The seasoned luxury executive assumed leadership of Burberry last year, during a time when both sales and profits were on the decline. "When I stepped in, it became evident that we had a chance to critically evaluate our strategies and determine which messages and products we needed to highlight," he stated. Schulman pointed out that, even with a significant global brand recognition and loyalty, Burberry had strayed from its path. “We lost track of our primary customer and didn’t concentrate enough on our key customer groups and essential outerwear line. Additionally, we projected a brand image that felt alien to many of our clientele…it's not 1999 anymore; nowadays, if your brand message fails to connect, you’ll hear about it on social media right away.” The prestigious luxury brand, with a legacy spanning 170 years, revealed a revitalization strategy late last year known as Burberry Forward. The goal of this initiative? To restore the brand's connection to its foundational mission – after all, it was established with the intent of shielding individuals from the unpredictable British climate. According to Schulman, Burberry holds significant expertise in outerwear and scarves, which is why these items are being prioritized. “Our goal is to provide a complete wardrobe, but we want to highlight our core strengths while focusing on what customers adore about Burberry. We’ve noticed a positive change in how the brand is perceived. We’ve recognized the areas where we let our customers down, and we are now focused on pleasantly surprising them as we improve our offerings.” Alongside a renewed focus on key product lines, the strategic overhaul emphasizes the need for increased pricing diversification. Many anticipated that Schulman might steer Burberry towards a more affordable market as CEO, significantly lowering prices and launching numerous outlet locations. “That’s not our strategy. We position ourselves as a luxury brand with widespread, universal attraction.” He talked about how the leading five luxury brands share a common allure, each employing unique strategies to attract customers, whether it be through products like lipstick, sunglasses, or leather accessories. "We require captivating and exhilarating luxury fashion shows at the pinnacle of the industry. This should be complemented by exceptional products across a spectrum of luxury price points, categorized into good, better, and best, to cater to the diverse needs of luxury consumers." Stay true to yourself, but avoid reliving previous experiences. Burberry has consistently maintained a blend of “magic and logic.” What strategies do you employ to preserve this essence while remaining authentic to your heritage and simultaneously evolving to stay relevant to your customers? “Revisiting the past isn’t an option,” Schulman remarked. “Instead, you should capture the essence of what made people fall in love with the brand originally and tailor that for the modern consumer. The most successful brand transformations evoke joy and prompt the thought, ‘this is the essence of what I’ve always adored about the brand, yet it feels innovative and revitalized.’” He recounted how he recently came across images of ASAP Rocky sporting a timeless Burberry scarf on social media, leading him to believe it was a sponsored partnership. To his surprise, it turned out to be a genuine post, as the rapper had simply visited a store, bought Burberry's signature item, and decided to showcase it online. "At times, brands attempt to reshape themselves by declaring, 'We’re bored with our essence, we're weary of our identity.' However, the most fascinating individuals actually seek out the most genuine aspects of our brand."

Business

The Great Salt Lake Is Facing Decline—and Farmers Hold the Key to Its Preservation

2025-07-03 16:24:52

In both 2021 and 2022, the lake experienced its lowest levels on record. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. (Image courtesy of Justin Sullivan/Getty Images) Are you familiar with the Salt Lake that lends its name to Salt Lake City? It's known as the Great Salt Lake, but the term "great" might be somewhat misleading given its present state. The lake is experiencing a significant drop in water levels, which poses a serious risk to its future sustainability. A study published in the scientific journal Environmental Challenges says nearly two-thirds of the Great Salt Lake’s shrinkage is due to human consumption of river water that otherwise would have been used to replenish the lake. VICE Productions Lakes are replenished by intricate and meandering systems of rivers, streams, creeks, and tributaries. Over the years, as our agricultural demands have increased, we have gradually redirected much of that water, primarily for the cultivation of crops that sustain livestock. As a result, the Great Salt Lake is experiencing significant drying, largely due to the water consumption of cattle. The researchers say the lake’s water levels have constantly fluctuated since people started measuring such things back in 1847. The water levels seen in recent years, however, are lower and much more concerning than they’ve ever been. Water levels have been dropping by about four inches per year since 1987. In both 2021 and 2022, the lake experienced its lowest levels on record. Despite the challenges, the researchers remain optimistic and have proposed several strategies to increase water levels. They suggest that cutting down on "anthropogenic" water usage by 35 percent could help bring the lake's water levels back to normal. Anthropogenic is a sophisticated term that refers to environmental alterations that are directly triggered or significantly impacted by human activities. In simpler terms, if we can achieve a 35 percent decrease in the harmful practices contributing to the lake's water depletion, we can restore the water levels to their usual state. However, accomplishing this is more challenging than it sounds. Researchers suggest that a good starting point would be to cut alfalfa production by 61 percent, as it serves as a key food source for livestock. Additionally, they propose that we should consider fallowing between 26 to 55 percent of grass hay production. However, this strategy carries a major drawback that you might have anticipated: it could lead to a substantial decline in agricultural revenue, estimated at around $97 million each year. In a capitalist society, individuals would prefer to see the world crumble into mere particles carried off by a cosmic wind than forfeit nearly $100 million annually in profits. Indeed, while that figure represents just 0.04% of Utah's GDP, researchers suggest that the lake contributes approximately $2.5 billion to the state's economy and sustains around 9,000 jobs. Therefore, it seems prudent to prioritize the preservation and health of the lake. MoreAccording to VICE View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. View pictures in App save up to 80% data.

Business

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients may notice a change in their bank accounts with new direct deposit amounts of $421 and $495. Are you eligible for these payments?

2025-07-03 16:24:52

View images in the app to save up to 80% data. Recipients of SSDI might see a variation in their bank account balances this month due to recent adjustments in payment figures. Some beneficiaries are set to receive direct deposits of $421, $495, or even higher amounts. Let's delve into the details of these changes and how to confirm if you qualify for them. Reasons for the Payment Method Adjustment The 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) has led to a 2.5% increase in SSDI benefits, aimed at helping recipients manage the rising cost of living. This adjustment has raised the average monthly SSDI benefit to approximately $1,580, up from $1,542 in the previous year. Beneficiaries with higher earnings histories could be eligible for higher payments, with the maximum monthly benefit reaching $4,018. Conversely, lower amounts like $421 or $495 are common, as payment amounts are influenced by an individual's work history and earnings. Determining Your Eligibility SSDI is not a one-size-fits-all program. To qualify, you must meet the following criteria: Work Credits: You need to have earned sufficient work credits, which are based on your lifetime earnings. Typically, 40 credits are required, with 20 of those earned in the last 10 years. Disability Status: The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a strict definition of disability. Your condition must prevent you from working and be expected to last at least one year or result in death. In 2025, the monthly income limits for "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA) are $1,620 for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for those who are blind. When to Expect Your Payment Payments are scheduled based on your birth date: January 8: For those born between the 1st and 10th of any month. January 15: For those born between the 11th and 20th. January 22: For those born between the 21st and 31st. Individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) started receiving their initial adjusted payments on December 31, 2024. Next Steps for You Check Your Eligibility: Log in to your SSA account online to review your benefit details. Plan Ahead: Utilize your updated payments to budget for expenses and manage increasing costs. Stay Informed: Keep an eye on updates from the SSA to ensure you are aware of any important changes. The SSDI increase for this year is a crucial measure to support Americans with disabilities in managing their daily expenses. If you haven't seen the updated payment in your account yet, check it soon—it could significantly affect your finances!