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Women are drinking more than ever, leading to more health issues

3 weeks ago | beformidable.com | Emily Parkhurst

What you probably already know: Women are drinking significantly more alcohol than they used to, and it has doctors concerned. This is particularly true among women in their 30s and 40s, who are 60% more likely to report binge drinking than women of that same age in the early-to-mid 1990s, according to the journal Addiction. The result is higher rates of liver diseases among women, as well as a rise in breast cancer rates, even while other cancer rates are declining. Why?
An octopus in the garage prompts climate change lawyer to take action

1 month ago | beformidable.com | Emily Parkhurst

What you probably already know: About nine years ago, a real estate agent named Richard Conlin walked into the parking garage of his Miami Beach condo building and stepped into about six inches of water. That wasn’t terribly unusual — low-level parking garages often flood in Miami. What was unusual is what he saw at his feet: A live octopus. The creature had apparently come in through the drainage pipes straight from the ocean.
Study finds rampant discrimination in AI hiring models

1 month ago | beformidable.com | Emily Parkhurst

What you probably already know: As artificial intelligence is increasingly used to screen job candidates, many have expressed concerns that it could reinforce bias that was already a pernicious part of the hiring process. Now, a new study published by the University of Washington has found that AI tools used to screen candidates for job openings dramatically favored white men over other genders, races and ethnicities.
Public confidence in vaccines waivers as Kennedy's stance shifts

1 month ago | beformidable.com | Emily Parkhurst

What you probably already know: If you’re not up to date on your latest vaccines, doctors are encouraging you to get them while you can. Despite promising not to crack down on vaccine research and public confidence in vaccines during his Senate confirmation hearings, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is doing just that as health secretary.
Unusual economic indicators like lipstick, underwear sales mixed as economists warn of recession

1 month ago | beformidable.com | Emily Parkhurst

What you probably already know: As more banking and investment leaders warn of a possible recession, citing official signs like the growth of gold market and a slowdown in home sales, everyday consumers have their own economic indicators. The lipstick index, for example, suggests that when sales of lipstick spike, that consumers are seeking “inexpensive treats” to make them feel good when they can’t afford other luxury items.
Canadians call on Americans to speak out about 'dictatorship in the making'

1 month ago | beformidable.com | Emily Parkhurst

What you probably already know: Canadians are not OK. In fact, they’re livid. After President Donald Trump made overt threats to the country’s sovereignty, suggesting it could become the 51st state. Since then, there’s been a dramatic rise in nationalism as Canadians band together against a common enemy — an enemy that was once the country’s strongest ally. That has many Canadians boycotting American-made goods and canceling travel plans.
Luxury brands were already on the ropes - tariffs add to pain

2 months ago | beformidable.com | Emily Parkhurst

What you probably already know: Clothing brands are bracing for the impact of tariffs and consumers are increasingly concerned that once-affordable brands might quickly become unaffordable. For luxury brands, though, the tariffs mean more than just higher prices for clothes. In an economic downturn, consumers frequently turn to more conservative, understated clothing, leaving the luxury brands in the closet, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Residential solar power on the rise in U.S., particularly in Texas, California

2 months ago | beformidable.com | Emily Parkhurst

What you probably already know: Solar power came online last year in a big way, opening doors to a future that is less depending on fossil fuels for energy. A new report out last week found that solar accounted for 53% of the new electricity capacity added to the power grid. It’s the largest jump in one source of power in two decades, and the first time ever that solar power has grown by so much. Combined with new battery storage systems, solar power could change the way Americans get their power.
Meet the spitfire governor who's standing up to Trump

2 months ago | beformidable.com | Emily Parkhurst

Maine Gov. Janet Mills, a Democrat, has stood up to the Trump Administration’s executive order prohibiting transgender kids from participating in school sports. Photo courtesy Maine Governor’s OfficeWhat you probably already know: The state of Maine is under threat from the White House after Democratic Gov. Janet Mills stood up to President Donald Trump’s order prohibiting transgender women and girls from participating in school sports and refused to comply.