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For all its billion-dollar gyrations, the actual investment strategies behind a highly valued and hotly debated stock portfolio of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints appears to be a relatively staid affair. Analysis of the $54.7 billion stock fund managed by the faith's investment arm, Ensign Peak Advisors, shows money managers have carefully steered those huge holdings to closely mirror the investment mix of a leading stock index known as the S&P 500, which tracks the performance...
As the gig economy continues to evolve, more and more consumers depend on it not only for their own late-night cravings and weekly groceries, but also for at least some of their income. How gig workers, or independent contractors, are treated and even defined have become election issues at both the state and national levels in recent years, Experian reports. There's no easy way to get one's arms around the size of the gig economy. The Bureau of Labor Statistics, for example, has found that only...
One of the biggest challenges employers face is keeping their employees engaged and empowered to do their best. Over half of firms with fewer than 500 employees reported challenges in hiring or retaining qualified staff, according to the Fed Small Business' 2024 report on employer firms. Upskilling is one staff investment industry experts say can pay off in dividends for employers. Though it may sound like a trendy phrase, upskilling invests in employees' knowledge and skills for the long term,...
From former presidents and famous movie stars to accomplished engineers and lawyers, it is not uncommon for children to choose the same career as their parents. Even Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson followed in his father's footsteps as a professional wrestler after a stint in the Canadian Football League and a slew of injuries that cut short his path to football stardom. But does following in a parent's footsteps speak to the importance of parental influence and involvement, or the value of role...
As smartphones advance and social media options increase, more Americans across generations are finding solace in a digital playground. People have become so attached to their mobile devices that many have admitted in polls that they can't imagine life without them. As different generations have different communication preferences, smartphone use inevitably varies across age groups. Spokeo analyzed generational trends in and perceptions of smartphone use amid public health concerns, using data...
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a...
The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey. Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a...
As COVID-era "Zoomtowns" and the urban exodus fade into history, which city in every state is most popular for Americans who want to move now? Between 2020 and 2023, the fastest-growing cities exploded with incoming remote workers who wanted to live larger and cheaper. And many sought homeownership—buying a home is a key factor in where Americans choose to put down roots. But the fastest-growing cities of 2021 or 2022 aren't the boomtowns of today. So why are we relying on backward-looking c...
Power of attorney documents give one or more people the right to act as your agent when you're unavailable, incapacitated, or otherwise indisposed. Beyond more general types of POAs, specialized versions exist to address specific situations, such as real estate transactions or end-of-life care decisions. Depending on the power of attorney you choose to use, you can protect yourself financially, make business dealings more convenient, or ensure that your wishes are taken care of if you're...
This Halloween season, fur may overtake fear: American spending on pet costumes will reach $700 million in 2024, according to the most recent data from the National Retail Federation. Americans really love dressing up their pets for Halloween. According to a 2022 PetSmart survey conducted by Wakefield, more than 3 in 4 (76%) pet owners dress their pets for the holiday. About a third of pet owners reported their costume-wearing pets attract the most attention, while over a third said that...
Marcus Hadden, a father of three from central New Jersey, texts and talks with his oldest son, a college sophomore, a few times a week. His 19-year-old son attends Rutgers University just a half-hour away, but Hadden said the easy communication has helped them feel closer. Occasionally, his son, a dedicated hiker, shares his phone's location with his parents. "We don't monitor him, but if he's out hiking on a remote trail, which he does most weekends around the tristate area, it feels like a...
Retirement will likely be the most significant expense of your lifetime, which means saving for retirement is a big job. This is especially true if you envision a retirement that is rich with experiences such as traveling through Europe or spending time with your grown children and grandkids. A retirement savings plan can help you achieve these financial goals and stay on track. There are all types of retirement plans to help you build your wealth, from 401(k) to Individual Retirement Accounts,...
Around midnight on Pioneer Day two years ago, a pair of 21-year-olds—a man and a woman—decided to make a trip from Davis County to Utah County to retrieve the man's "church clothes," presumably to wear hours later that Sunday morning, The Salt Lake Tribune reports The man, according to a recently filed lawsuit, was "tired and not in a condition to drive as an ordinarily prudent driver." The woman also couldn't drive because she was tired and suffering from a headache, according to the law...
With the 2024 presidential election just days away, Democrats and Republicans in rural areas are directing their focus beyond the top of the ticket and toward state and local-level offices. So-called "down-ballot" races feature candidates for state legislature, city council, local school boards, and even judges and police commissioners. These elected officials decide on issues in their community, such as education, housing services, public transportation, and health care. Thus far in 2024, 75%...
As the 2024 presidential election hurdles closer, voters are clamoring for more information about what policy might look like under Democratic nominee Kamala Harris or Republican nominee Donald Trump. For agriculture policy, experts predict it could follow two very different paths depending on the results of the election: more tariffs and subsidies for big farmers under Trump, or climate investments and expanded crop insurance under Harris, The Daily Yonder reports. To know what might happen...
Inside a North Philadelphia high school, a class of 11th graders talked frankly about the most controversial aspects of the 2024 election: abortion, Project 2025, the prospect of the first female president. Nearly 650 miles away at a middle school in Indianapolis, an eighth grade teacher avoided talk of former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, holding a mock debate about cellphones and cafeteria food instead. As the presidential election took over classroom conversations t...
On Nov. 5, tens of millions of Americans will head to the ballot box to vote in one of the most consequential presidential elections in recent history. With so much on the line, anxious election-watchers naturally want clarity on the outcome. But can any poll, no matter how precise, offer a reliable glimpse into where the cards will fall on Election Day? The answer is complicated, especially given that this year's election is particularly tricky to forecast. For starters, there's no clear...
The intersection of political leanings and hunting participation presents an interesting paradox in American culture. Based on research from the land-sharing marketplace for outdoor recreation, LandTrust, this article explores the top 10 liberal and liberal-leaning states with the highest number of hunters per capita and the top 10 conservative and conservative-leaning states with the least number of hunters per capita, challenging common stereotypes about hunting and political affiliations. Top...
When you're a kid, going to school feels like a given—no matter how much you beg to play outside instead. But for school-aged children with disabilities, going to school wasn't always a guarantee. For decades, many states legally refused to properly support the educational needs of children with disabilities, often putting them in institutions that did little to impart vital knowledge and life skills. This unequal treatment also burdened their families, who rarely had other options or access to...
Fossil fuels have been a cornerstone of America's energy infrastructure for over a century. Today, however, as Americans come to terms with both the environmental impact of fossil fuels and rising transportation costs due to the depletion of a nonrenewable energy source, many people are seeking alternatives. There has been increased consumer interest in electric vehicles, but the technology is not always accessible or practical in all regions, leaving many new vehicle buyers to look to hybrid...
Fewer teenagers are using drugs after rates precipitously dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic, but overdose rates are on the rise as fentanyl becomes more common. Substance Use Treatment Facilities examined data from the University of Michigan's Monitoring the Future survey and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to determine how teen drug use varies by state and how it has changed over time. In 2023, about 1 in 5 children between the ages of 12 and 17 had used an...
Stacker created the forecast for Florence, Alabama using data from OpenWeather. This week's high is 81 °F on Wednesday, while the low is 58 °F on Sunday. There is expected to be 1 sunny day and rain on 5 days this week. There are currently no weather alerts. Monday, November 4 - High of 77 °F, low of 63 °F (63% humidity) - Overcast with a 0% chance of rain - Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index) - Moderate breeze (18 mph wind) - Sunrise at 6:14 AM, sunset at 4:53 PM You may als...
Stacker created the forecast for Decatur, Alabama using data from OpenWeather. This week's high is 82 °F on Wednesday, while the low is 59 °F on Sunday. There is expected to be 1 sunny day and rain on 5 days this week. There are currently no weather alerts. Monday, November 4 - High of 78 °F, low of 62 °F (58% humidity) - Overcast with a 0% chance of rain - Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index) - Moderate breeze (17 mph wind) - Sunrise at 6:11 AM, sunset at 4:51 PM You may als...
Stacker created the forecast for Dothan, Alabama using data from OpenWeather. This week's high is 85 °F on Tuesday, while the low is 64 °F on Monday. There is expected to be 1 sunny day and rain on 4 days this week. There are currently no weather alerts. Monday, November 4 - High of 82 °F, low of 64 °F (53% humidity) - Partly cloudy with a 0% chance of rain - High risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index) - Moderate breeze (14 mph wind) - Sunrise at 5:59 AM, sunset at 4:50 PM You may also lik...
Stacker created the forecast for Huntsville, Alabama using data from OpenWeather. This week's high is 82 °F on Wednesday, while the low is 61 °F on Monday. There is expected to be 1 sunny day and rain on 5 days this week. There are currently no weather alerts. Monday, November 4 - High of 77 °F, low of 61 °F (57% humidity) - Overcast with a 0% chance of rain - Moderate risk of harm from sun exposure (5 UV index) - Moderate breeze (17 mph wind) - Sunrise at 6:10 AM, sunset at 4:49 PM You may als...