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Poll finds bipartisan agreement on a key issue: Regulating AI
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article here. In the run-up to the vote in the U.S. Senate on President Donald Trump’s spending and tax bill, Republicans scrambled to revise the bill to win support of wavering GOP senators. A provision included in the original bill was a 10-year moratorium on any state law that sought to regulate artificial intelligence. The provision denied access to US$500 million in federal funding for broadband internet and AI infrastructure projects for any state that passed any such law. The inclusion of the AI regulation moratorium was widely viewed as a win for AI firms that had expressed fears that states passing regulations on AI would hamper the development of the technology. However, many federal and state officials from both parties, including state attorneys general, state legislators and 17 Republican governors, publicly opposed the measure. In the last hours before the passage of the bill, the Senate struck down the provision by a resounding 99-1 vote. In an era defined by partisan divides on issues such as immigration, health care, social welfare, gender equality, race relations and gun control, why are so many Republican and Democratic political leaders on the same page on the issue of AI regulation? Whatever motivated lawmakers to permit AI regulation, our recent poll shows that they are aligned with the majority of Americans who view AI with trepidation, skepticism and fear, and who want the emerging technology regulated. Bipartisan sentiments We are political scientists who use polls to study partisan polarization in the United States, as well as the areas of agreement that bridge the divide that has come to define U.S. politics. In April 2025, we fielded a nationally representative poll that sought to capture what Americans think about AI, including what they think AI will mean for the economy and society going forward. The public is generally pessimistic. We found that 65% of Americans said they believe AI will increase the spread of false information. Fifty-six percent of Americans worry AI will threaten the future of humanity. Fewer than 3 in 10 Americans told us AI will make them more productive (29%), make people less lonely (21%) or improve the economy (22%). While Americans tend to be deeply divided along partisan lines on most issues, the apprehension regarding AI’s impact on the future appears to be relatively consistent across Republicans and Democrats. For example, only 19% of Republicans and 22% of Democrats said they believe that artificial intelligence will make people less lonely. Respondents across the parties are in lockstep when it comes to their views on whether AI will make them personally more productive, with only 29% − both Republicans and Democrats − agreeing. And 60% of Democrats and 53% Republicans said they believe AI will threaten the future of humanity. On the question of whether artificial intelligence should be strictly regulated by the government, we found that close to 6 in 10 Americans (58%) agree with this sentiment. Given the partisan differences in support for governmental regulation of business, we expected to find evidence of a partisan divide on this question. However, our data finds that Democrats and Republicans are of one mind on AI regulation, with majorities of both Democrats (66%) and Republicans (54%) supporting strict AI regulation. When we take into account demographic and political characteristics such as race, educational attainment, gender identity, income, ideology and age, we again find that partisan identity has no significant impact on opinion regarding the regulation of AI. State of anxiety In the years ahead, the debate over AI and the government’s role in regulating it is likely to intensify, on both the state and federal levels. As each day seems to bring new advances in AI’s capability and reach, the future is shaping up to be one in which human beings coexist – and hopefully flourish – alongside AI. This new reality has made the American public, both Democrats and Republicans, justifiably nervous, and our polling captures this widespread trepidation. Lawmakers and technology leaders alike could address this anxiety by better communicating the pitfalls and potential of AI, and take seriously the concerns of the public. After all, the public is not alone in its trepidation. Many experts in the field also have substantial worries about the future of AI. One of the fundamental political questions moving forward, then, will be to what degree regulators put guardrails on this emerging and transformative technology in order to protect Americans from AI’s negative consequences. Adam Eichen is a doctoral candidate in political science at UMass Amherst. Alexander Theodoridis is associate professor of political science and co-director of the UMass Amherst Poll at UMass Amherst. Sara M. Kirshbaum is a postdoctoral fellow and lecturer of political science at UMass Amherst. Tatishe Nteta is provost professor of political science and director of the UMass Amherst Poll at UMass Amherst.
Remembering the Tiananmen Square Crackdown in 1989
The anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown on June 4, 1989, marks one of the most pivotal and censored events in modern Chinese history. What began as a peaceful student-led demonstration demanding political reform, freedom of expression, and anti-corruption measures, ended in a violent military response that shocked the world. The Chinese government's suppression of the protests, including the deaths and detentions of countless civilians, continues to shape how the nation is viewed both internally and globally. As public remembrance is restricted in China, the event remains a powerful lens through which to examine human rights, authoritarian governance, and the limits of collective memory. Key story angles include: What Led to the Protests: Exploring the economic and political climate of late-1980s China, the influence of global democratic movements, and the demands of the student protestors. The Crackdown and Casualties: Reconstructing the timeline of events, the military response, estimated death tolls, and the international reactions in real-time. Global Response and Diplomatic Fallout: Analyzing how countries responded with sanctions, condemnation, or silence—and how the crackdown affected China’s foreign relations. Censorship and Erasure in China Today: Investigating how the Chinese Communist Party has erased public memory of the event through internet censorship, media control, and surveillance. Legacy for Chinese Civil Society: Looking at how the crackdown shaped political activism, dissent, and civil rights movements in China and among the Chinese diaspora. Symbolism and Cultural Memory: Examining how iconic images, like the “Tank Man,” became global symbols of resistance, and how artists, scholars, and activists continue to commemorate the event. As China rises on the world stage, the legacy of Tiananmen Square remains a crucial marker of its internal contradictions and its contested role in global discussions on freedom, history, and accountability. Connect with our experts about Tiananmen Square and its enduring global impact: Check out our experts here : www.expertfile.com
Digital Dementia: Does Technology Use by ‘Digital Pioneers’ Correlate to Cognitive Decline?
As the first generation that interacted with digital technology reaches an age where dementia risks emerge, scientists have asked the question: Is there a correlation between digital technology use and an increased risk of dementia? With the phrases “brain rot” and “brain drain” circulating on social media, it would appear that most people would assume the answer is yes. However, a new study in Nature Human Behavior by neuroscientists at Baylor University and the University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School reveals the opposite – digital technologies are actually associated with reduced cognitive decline. The study – A meta-analysis of technology use and cognitive aging – was sparked by the ongoing concern about the passive activity of digital technologies and their relation to accelerating risks of dementia. Study co-authors are Jared F. Benge, Ph.D., clinical neuropsychologist and associate professor of neurology at Dell Medical School and UT Health Austin’s Comprehensive Memory Center within the Mulva Clinic for the Neurosciences, and Michael K. Scullin, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Baylor. “You can flip on the news on just about any day and you’ll see people talking about how technologies are harming us,” Scullin said. “People often use the terms ‘brain drain’ and ‘brain rot,’ and now digital dementia is an emerging phrase. As researchers, we wanted to know if this was true.” The “digital dementia” hypothesis predicts that a lifetime of exposure to digital technology will worsen cognitive abilities. On the contrary, the study’s findings challenge this hypothesis, indicating instead that engagement with digital technology fosters cognitive resilience in these adults. Reviewing more than 136 studies with data that encompassed over 400,000 adults, and longitudinal studies with an average of 6 years of follow-up data, Scullin and Benge found compelling evidence that digital technology use is associated with better cognitive aging outcomes, rather than harm. The researchers’ study supported the “technological reserve” hypothesis, finding that digital technologies can promote behaviors that preserve cognition. In fact, their study revealed that digital technology use correlates with a 58% lower risk of cognitive impairment. This pattern of cognitive protection persisted when the researchers controlled for socioeconomic status, education, age, gender, baseline cognitive ability, social support, overall health, and engagement with mental activities like reading that might have explained the findings. Increase in problem-solving skills Scullin said that for some, these findings are surprising as technology use is often associated with being sedentary both physically and mentally. However, for the current generation of older adults who were introduced to the first technological advancements – computers, the Internet and smartphones – past their childhood, using technology is cognitively challenging because it is everchanging. “One of the first things that middle-age and older adults were saying is that ‘I’m so frustrated by this computer. This is hard to learn.’ That's actually a reflection of the cognitive challenge, which may be beneficial for the brain even if it doesn’t feel great in the moment.” Scullin said. Technology requires constant adaption, he said, such as understanding new software updates, troubleshooting Internet loss or filtering out website ads. “If you’re doing that for years and you’re really engaging with it, even though you might experience frustration, that may be a sign of you exercising your brain,” he said. Social connection Technology also enables communication and engagement like never before, which can expand opportunities for connectivity. Video calls, emails and messaging apps help maintain social networks, especially for people who would not otherwise regularly see their family members. “Now you can connect with families across generations,” Scullin said. “You not only can talk to them, you can see them. You can share pictures. You can exchange emails and it's all within a second or less. So that means there's a greater opportunity for decreasing loneliness.” Better social connectedness is a well-documented correlate of cognitive functioning in older adults, providing a link between decreased isolation from digital technologies and reduced risks of dementia. Impact of “digital scaffolding” A dementia diagnosis is indicated in part when cognitive changes lead to a loss of independence with daily tasks. Tools such as digital reminders, GPS navigation and online banking allow older adults to remain independent despite cognitive difficulties through digital scaffolding. According to the research article, this digital scaffold “facilitates better functional outcomes in older adults while general cognitive functioning declines.” Technologies can serve as a compensatory support system to maintain general independence and reduce the risk of a dementia diagnosis even with the presence of some cognitive decline. “As clinical practice continues to move toward an individualized, precision-medicine approach, it will be necessary for the field to identify for whom and for how long, such digital scaffolding is effective,” the researchers said. Promoting healthy technology use While Scullin recognizes the negative effects of technology, such as distracted driving or using technology over consistent face-to-face interaction, he also emphasizes how promoting a healthy use of digital tools in older adults is beneficial for their cognitive health. “If you have a parent or grandparent who’s just staying away from technology, maybe revisit that. Could they learn to use photo, messaging, or calendar apps on a smartphone or tablet? Start simple and be very patient while they learn,” he said. Social media use is another highly debated topic in terms of cognitive effects. While he says it’s hard to predict the cognitive effects of endlessly scrolling on TikTok, Scullin does argue that generating videos through creative cognition could be beneficial. In addition, he said that interacting with communities online can provide benefits by forming social connections. “We could spend a long time talking about all the specific ways in which technology use can be bad. However, the net effect since the 1990s has been positive for overall cognition in older adults,” he said. FUNDING The study was supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health (R01AG082783; M.K.S., J.F.B.). Michael Scullin was named Baylor’s inaugural Newsmaker of the Year in 2018, after his “to-do list” research was widely covered by media outlets, including ABC’s Good Morning America, TODAY.com, USA TODAY, Discover, LiveScience, HealthDay, BBC Radio and many more, reaching an international circulation and viewership of nearly 1 billion people. Looking to interview or chat with Michael Scullin? Simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.
A final disbursement of $8.8 million completes the $17.8 million grant awarded by the Department of Defense (DoD) to Virginia Commonwealth University’s (VCU) Convergence Lab Initiative (CLI). The funding allows CLI to continue advancing research in the areas of quantum and photonic devices, microelectronics, artificial intelligence, neuromorphic computing, arts and biomedical science. “The Convergence Lab Initiative represents a unique opportunity to drive innovation at the intersection of advanced technologies, preparing our students to tackle the critical challenges of tomorrow,” said Nibir Dhar, Ph.D., electrical and computer engineering professor and CLI director. “By combining cutting-edge research in electro-optics, infrared, radio frequency and edge computing, we are equipping the next generation of engineers with the skills to shape the future of both defense and commercial industries.” Working with Industry Partnership is at the heart of CLI and what makes the initiative unique. CivilianCyber, Sivananthan Laboratories and the University of Connecticut are among several collaborators focusing on cutting-edge, multidisciplinary research and workforce development. The lightweight, low-power components CLI helps develop are capable of transforming military operations and also have commercial applications. The Convergence Lab Initiative has 25 collaborative projects in this area focused on: Electro-optic and Infrared Technologies: Enhancing thermal imaging for medical diagnostics, search-and-rescue operations and environmental monitoring. This improves military intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Radio Frequency and Beyond 5G Communication: Developing ultra-fast, low-latency communication systems for autonomous vehicles, smart cities and telemedicine. Accelerating advancements in this area also address electronic warfare challenges and security vulnerabilities. Optical Communication in the Infrared Wavelength: Increasing data transmission rates to create more efficient networks that support cloud computing, data centers, AI research and covert military communications. Edge Technologies: Creating low size, weight and low power-consuming (SWaP) computing solutions for deployment in constrained environments, such as wearables, medical devices, internet of things devices and autonomous systems. These technologies enhance real-time decision-making capabilities for agriculture, healthcare, industrial automation and defense. Benefits for Students College of Engineering students at VCU have an opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research as part of the DoD grant. Specialized workforce development programs, like the Undergraduate CLI Scholars Program, provide hands-on experience in advanced technologies. The STEM training also includes students from a diverse range of educational backgrounds to encourage a cross-disciplinary environment. Students can also receive industry-specific training through CLI’s Skill-Bridge Program, which facilitates direct connections between business needs and academic education. Unlike the DoD program for transitioning military personnel, the CLI Skill-Bridge is open to students from VCU and other local universities, creating direct connections between industry needs and academic training. This two-way relationship between academia and industry is unlike traditional academic research centers. With the College of Engineering’s focus on public-private partnerships, VCU becomes a registered partner with the participating businesses, collaborating to design individualized training programs focused on the CLI’s core research areas. This approach ensures students receive relevant, up-to-date training while companies gain access to a pipeline of skilled talent familiar with the latest industry trends and innovations. “The significance of this grant extends beyond immediate research outcomes. It addresses critical capability gaps for both the DoD and commercial sectors,” says Dhar. “This dual-use approach maximizes DoD investment impacts and accelerates innovation in areas that affect everyday life — from healthcare and environmental monitoring to communication networks and smart infrastructure. Breakthroughs emerging from these collaborations will strengthen national security while creating commercial spinoffs that drive economic growth and improve quality of life for communities both locally and globally. Advances in infrared technology, in particular, will position the VCU College of Engineering as a center for defense technologies and new ideas.”
What's Your Retirement Plan B?
Chances are, you have seen the ups and downs in the financial markets, which can really cause seniors a lot of anxiety when looking at those portfolio statements. Add to that the ripple effects of the Canada-U.S. trade war, and it’s more essential than ever to have a Plan B. The Trade War Is Personal The Canada-U.S. trade tensions may appear to be a political issue, but their repercussions are directly impacting kitchen tables across the country. Inflation is increasing the cost of everyday essentials, while investments—on which many retirees depend for income—are suffering. For those who cannot easily re-enter the workforce, this situation is more than just inconvenient. It’s stressful. Withdrawing investments during a market dip can permanently reduce your savings. Meanwhile, rising prices on everything from apples to arthritis medication stretch fixed incomes thinner than ever. This isn’t just about budgeting anymore —it's about building a wise financial safety net. Plan B Matters More in Retirement You’ve worked hard to reach this point. Retirement should be about freedom, not fear. However, having a backup plan is essential since there are limited ways to generate new income. Think of Plan B as your financial airbag — something you hope you never need, but you're grateful it's there when life encounters a bump. And let’s be honest: even the most well-padded retirement can use a little backup when the economy’s doing somersaults. The Simple Economics of Cashflow Managing your finances boils down to a straightforward equation: money in versus money out. Think of it as balancing a seesaw—on one side, you have your income (cash in), and on the other, your expenses (cash out). For seniors, especially those on a fixed income, keeping this balance is crucial. Boosting Your Income Even in retirement, there are ways to add a little extra to your “money in” side. This could be through part-time work, turning a hobby into a small business, or renting out unused space in your home. Every additional dollar earned can provide more breathing room in your budget. Another option for many Canadians, is right under their feet—their homes. Home equity can be a powerful tool, giving them access to funds without selling or downsizing. Here are some practical options you may want to consider: Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): If you qualify, a HELOC offers flexible access to funds and charges interest only on the amount you use. It’s perfect for short-term needs or emergency access. Remember, you’ll need to make monthly payments and provide proof of income to qualify. Manulife One is a creative and customizable solution that combines your mortgage, income, and savings into a single account. It allows you to borrow against your home with greater flexibility. Payments are required but can be made within the available limit. Qualifying is similar to a HELOC. Reverse Mortgage: For homeowners aged 55 and older, a reverse mortgage allows you to access your home equity without the need for monthly payments. The loan is repaid when you sell or move, providing you with freedom and cash flow while remaining in your home. These tools can help ensure you're not forced to withdraw from investments during market downturns, letting your money recover while you stay comfortable. Trimming Your Expenses On the flip side, reducing your “money out” can be equally, if not more, effective. Perhaps you have subscriptions you no longer use for streaming services or mobile phone plans. Or you find you are purchasing too many items at the store because you aren’t preparing a list. Or you are dining out multiple times a week. Remember, every dollar you don’t spend is a dollar saved. Let’s unpack this a bit more, looking at this from a tax perspective Understanding the After-Tax Advantage of Cost Reduction For seniors supplementing their income with part-time work, it’s crucial to recognize that reducing expenses can be more impactful than earning additional income, primarily due to the effects of taxation. For example, let’s consider part-time income at a marginal tax rate of 30%. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- • To have an extra $100 in your pocket after taxes, you’d need to earn approximately $142.86 before taxes. This is because 30% of $142.86 is $42.86, leaving you with $100 after tax. • Conversely, if you reduce your expenses by $100, you effectively save the full amount. There’s no tax on money you don’t spend. Why This Matters: Every dollar saved is equivalent to more than a dollar earned when considering taxes. This means that focusing on cost-saving measures can be a more efficient strategy for improving your financial situation than seeking additional taxable income. 3 Major Strategies to Help You Cut Costs Budgeting: Prioritize identifying and eliminating unnecessary expenses. Regularly review subscriptions, dining habits, and utility plans to find areas where you can cut back. Smart Shopping: Utilize discounts, loyalty programs, and bulk purchasing options to reduce spending on essentials. Tax Planning: Be aware of how additional income might affect your tax bracket and eligibility for income-tested benefits. Sometimes, earning more can inadvertently reduce certain government benefits. Saving Smart – Some Tips to Get Started Your Plan B doesn’t have to focus solely on earning more income or borrowing. Sometimes, the best backup plan begins with cutting the extras. Think of it as being retro cool — just like you were before it became trendy. Tip #1: Rethink Dining Out - A Once-A-Week Treat, Not a Routine I love to dine out. It’s great to leave the cooking to someone else, especially after a busy day. But this is also one of the fastest ways to drain your budget. In Toronto, the average cost of a casual dinner for two with wine is around $90–$120. Opt for a more upscale spot? You’re likely looking at $150+ after tax and tip. Savings Tips • Cutting out one dinner per week could save approximately $400–$500/month or $5,000–$6,000/year. • Think about hosting a monthly dinner with friends at home where everyone brings a dish. You’ll still enjoy social time—but for a fraction of the cost. Or maybe try organizing a game night. Perhaps it’s euchre or cribbage, or maybe charades they all have something in common (they don’t require a monthly fee). Organize a potluck to bring people together. Twister might be off the table (unless your chiropractor is on standby), but laughter and connection are always in season. • Also think about how you can share resources. From ride-shares to splitting bulk grocery purchases with a neighbor, the old-school approach of sharing is making a comeback. It’s like carpooling, but with avocados and streaming passwords. Tip #2 Review Your Subscriptions - What are you Really Using? Have you already binge-watched all the episodes of your favourite shows, but you are still paying for streaming services you haven’t used in months? Then it’s time to cancel some subscriptions. According to the Convergence Consulting Group The average Canadian household now spends $70–$90/month on streaming and digital services (Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify, etc.). Many people are paying too much for mobile. According to the CRTC, the average Canadian pays $64/month for mobile service. Seniors who negotiate can often reduce this to $35–$45/month—a 30–40% savings. Savings Tips: • Audit Your Subscriptions: Write down every monthly and yearly subscription you have. Even cutting or optimizing 2 or 3 could save $30–$50/month. • Cancel subscriptions you don’t use often. You can always resubscribe later. Instead of paying for four platforms and using a few, consider rotating through them one at a time. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can catch up on your favorites. Many streaming platforms also offer free trials or cheaper, ad-supported versions. • Call Your Mobile Phone & Internet Carrier Once a Year. Most people don’t realize how much loyalty can cost them. New customers often get much better deals than long-standing ones. When you call, here are some questions to ask: “Am I on the best plan for my usage?” “Are there any promotions I qualify for?” “Can I get a loyalty discount?” “Do you offer special discounts for seniors?” Keep in mind there are also senior-specific mobile plans from carriers like Zoomer Wireless, Public Mobile, or SpeakOut. • Don’t be shy about taking your business elsewhere. Carriers don’t want to lose subscribers and have special offers designed to make you want to stay. You’d be surprised how quickly they "find" a discount. Savings Tip #3: Don’t Throw Out Those Flyers and Coupons With inflation pushing up grocery prices, shopping smart matters more than ever. According to Statistics Canada, the average Canadian household now spends $1,065/month on groceries. So, it may be time to pay attention to those grocery store flyers you used to throw out. While Canadian data on potential savings is limited, US studies show that flyers and couponing can reduce costs by 10–25% for groceries and other household items if used consistently. Savings Tips: • Use apps like Flipp or visit sites like Smart Canuks to find online flyers you may have missed. • Sign up for loyalty cards to access extra discounts. One of the most popular savings programs, PC Optimum, offers frequent discounts and helps you collect points at Shoppers Drug Mart and Loblaws. Also, remember to swipe loyalty cards at the pump; many gas retailers offer discounts that can add up. • Consider shopping at stores like Walmart, which have pricing-matching policies for identical items you find advertised elsewhere. Saving Tip #4: Cut the “Daily Habits” That Add Up Remember, it’s not just the big expenses—it’s the daily ones that sneak up on you. Let’s look at a few “seemingly small” indulgences as examples: • 3 Starbucks Grande Lattes ($6.45 + tax) x 3 days/week = $1,137/year • Take-Out Lunch (for $12 + Tax) x 3 days/week = $2,115/year That’s over $3,000/year in “small” daily purchases! Savings Tips: • Prepare Meals in Advance: Cooking larger portions and planning for leftovers can minimize the temptation of ordering takeout. Planning meals and shopping with a list can prevent impulse purchases and reduce food waste. • Embrace the Home Café Trend: Investing in a quality coffee maker and brewing your own coffee can add joy to your day but also reduce your costs. • Set a Food Budget: Establishing a clear budget for dining out and groceries helps you track expenses and make more mindful spending decisions. Try allocating specific amounts to avoid overspending. Saving Tip #5: Leverage Senior Discounts if you are 60+ From transit to museums to groceries and drugstores, there are dozens of businesses that offer 10–20% off for seniors—but they don’t always advertise it. Many stores also have a set day of the week for seniors' discounts. Consider this: A $50 weekly purchase with 20% off saves $10—over $500/year. Savings Tips: • Shoppers Drug Mart has a 20% Seniors Day on Thursdays (for those 65+) • Rexall offers a 20% discount on Tuesdays • Many major retailers (e.g., Canadian Tire, Sobeys) offer senior discounts that vary by location—ask at checkout. Cineplex has special pricing for seniors plus seasonal promos like $5 Tuesdays if you want to take the grandkids with you. Saving Tip #6: Mind Your Utilities and Insurance Reviewing these bills once a year can result in hundreds of dollars saved. Consider switching to time-of-use electricity plans, which are offered in most areas. Check to see when cheaper rates are offered during off-peak hours, and look at using appliances such as your clothes dryer on off-peak hours. You can also lower your insurance premiums by looking at options such as raising your deductible (if you’re comfortable with the risk). Also, look at rates offered by providers for “pay as you drive” insurance, especially if you aren’t using your car a lot. Also, if you are not bundling your home and auto insurance, you may be missing out on some savings. Saving Tip #7: Buy & Sell Online Many items we need can be found for a fraction of the cost used on platforms such as Facebook Marketplace and Kijiji. And remember, buying a used item also saves on tax. Many retirees have extra furniture, tools, collectibles, or tech they don’t need. It's now easier than ever to declutter and turn these unused items into extra cash. It’s All About Small Changes and Big Rewards Recessions are hard on everyone, but especially on those living on fixed incomes. The good news is that there are plenty of smart, manageable ways to reduce expenses without giving up all the good things in life. By becoming a more conscious consumer and checking in on your spending habits once or twice a year, you can save thousands of dollars annually—money that can be redirected toward travel, gifts for grandkids, or, if nothing else, it just may calm your nerves. Another Tip: Don’t Wait — Timing Matters If this trade war continues, housing values may dip, which means the equity you can access could shrink. Getting your Plan B in place now ensures you lock in flexibility and peace of mind before things tighten up. Remember, it’s easier to get approved for a HELOC or reverse mortgage when you don’t urgently need it. It's better to set it up and keep it on standby than to wait until it’s too late. Talk It Out Stress develops in silence. Speak to family and friends about your concerns. They may not have all the answers, but they’ll provide emotional support — and possibly assist with paperwork or technical hurdles. If you have senior loved ones, check in and ask how they’re feeling about rising costs and uncertainty. These conversations go a long way and might even lead to better solutions. This trade war isn’t solely about economics. It involves peace of mind, dignity, and stability in retirement. While it may not be the type of Plan B that preoccupies the younger generation, it is equally important — perhaps even more so. So, take a breath. Make a plan. Get creative with your budget, and look at ways to save. Tap into your home equity if necessary, and don’t hesitate to ask for help. With the right Plan B, you can face the future with confidence — and perhaps even enjoy a little fun along the way. Here's a handy checklist to help you get started. Quick Wins Checklist ❏ Cancel one unused subscription ❏ Call your mobile carrier for a better deal ❏ Bring lunch instead of dining out 1x/week ❏ Use a coupon or flyer on your next grocery trip ❏ Look for a senior discount before you pay ❏ Brew your coffee at home 3 days this week ❏ Research potential discounts on your car insurance (bundling or pay-as-you-drive options) ❏ Use your clothes dryer or other appliances during off-peak hours to save on electricity Don’t Retire … Re-Wire! Sue
A Brief History of Stock Market Crashes
Stock market crashes have punctuated economic history with sudden downturns that reshape public confidence, policy decisions, and financial systems. From the Great Depression to the 2008 financial crisis, these events have not only disrupted global economies but also exposed systemic vulnerabilities and sparked reforms. As markets face ongoing volatility and new risks, understanding the history of stock market crashes—and the factors behind them—is vital for investors, policymakers, and the general public. This topic offers journalists compelling opportunities to explore financial history, economic psychology, and risk management. Key story angles include: The Great Depression (1929): Analyzing the causes of the most infamous crash in history and its lasting impact on global economic policy. Black Monday (1987): Investigating the role of computerized trading and investor panic in one of the largest one-day percentage drops in stock market history. Dot-Com Bubble (2000): Exploring how tech speculation and investor overconfidence led to the collapse of early internet startups. The 2008 Global Financial Crisis: Examining the role of housing market speculation, subprime lending, and financial deregulation in triggering a global recession. Behavioral Economics and Market Psychology: Understanding how fear, speculation, and herd behavior contribute to market volatility. Are We Due for Another Crash? Looking at current economic indicators, tech valuations, interest rates, and global tensions that could signal future instability. With markets continuing to respond to global events and economic shifts, revisiting the history of crashes offers valuable insights into how financial systems react under pressure—and how societies can better prepare for what comes next. Connect with an expert about the History of Stock Market Crashes: To search our full list of experts visit www.expertfile.com
Insights: Cyber Risks & Opportunities in 2025
Managing cyber risk is no longer simply a technical necessity but also a strategic imperative in global business. With companies becoming more interconnected and reliant on artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, and the rest of the digital ecosystem, they are exposed to greater opportunity and risk. In the video below, Senior Managing Director & cybersecurity expert Denis Calderone shares topics covered in the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report focused on managing cyber risk in the year ahead. To view the report and learn more about cyber risks and opportunities, click on the button below: Looking to know more or connect with Denis Calderone Simply click on his icon to arrange an interview today.
Managing cyber risk is no longer a technical necessity but also a strategic imperative in global business. As companies are more interconnected and reliant on artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things, and the rest of the digital ecosystem, they are exposed to greater opportunities and risks. In this video, Senior Managing Director and cybersecurity expert Denis Calderone shares topics covered in the 2025 J.S. Held Global Risk Report focused on managing cyber risk in the year ahead. The global regulatory landscape is evolving rapidly in response to the increasing severity of cyber threats. Governments and regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the European Union (EU), and the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), have introduced cybersecurity mandates that require businesses to strengthen their defenses, improve incident reporting, and ensure compliance with new industry standards. The 2025 Global Risk Report by J.S. Held provides perspectives on these regulatory shifts, helping businesses navigate the complexities of cyber risk and compliance. The growing frequency and severity of cyberattacks are reshaping how businesses approach risk management. The J.S. Held 2025 Global Risk Report explores key issues facing business today, including: Business Interruption from Cyber Incidents: High-profile cases like Change Healthcare’s 2024 breach demonstrate how cyberattacks can halt operations, lead to regulatory scrutiny, and result in massive financial losses. Reputational and Legal Fallout: Cyber incidents can trigger lawsuits and damage a company’s reputation, often leading to prolonged trust recovery periods with customers and investors. Loss of Sensitive Data: Data breaches can expose critical information, including personal, financial, and proprietary data, amplifying risks of identity theft and fraud. Tightening Regulatory Landscape: New cybersecurity laws, such as the EU’s NIS2 Directive and Cyber Resilience Act, alongside the US SEC’s disclosure rules, demand stricter compliance from businesses in key sectors. Complexities in Cyber Insurance: Many companies lack clarity on whether their policies cover ransomware or meet legal and operational needs, leaving them exposed to potential financial risks. Ransomware Dilemmas and Legal Risks: Paying a ransom may violate international sanctions, creating additional legal complications for organizations already dealing with cyberattacks. Proactive Cybersecurity Enhancements: Companies implementing advanced cybersecurity measures like MFA, EDR, and immutable backup systems improve their defenses and reduce risks of disruption. AI-Powered Threat Detection: Artificial intelligence enables companies to identify fraud and cyberattacks faster by analyzing patterns and anomalies in real time, minimizing damage, and reducing costs. Increased Demand for Cyber Insurance: As companies across industries seek better coverage, insurers have opportunities to innovate new products, though exclusionary clauses are becoming more common. Business Continuity and Resilience: Organizations with strong cyber hygiene, incident response plans, and dependency mapping are better prepared for attacks and may benefit from reduced insurance premiums. Cybersecurity risk is just one of the five key areas analyzed in the J.S. Held 2025 Global Risk Report. Other topics include sustainability, supply chain, cryptocurrency and digital assets, AI and data regulations. If you have any questions or would like to further discuss the risks and opportunities outlined in the report, email GlobalRiskReport@jsheld.com. To connect with Denis Calderone simply click on his icon now. For any other media inquiries - contact : Kristi L. Stathis, J.S. Held +1 786 833 4864 Kristi.Stathis@JSHeld.com
SEO: Why Expertise Ranks Higher
When the internet took off in the mid-90s, finding content wasn’t for the faint of heart. There were no directories or search engines and if you didn’t know where you wanted to go, you weren’t going very far. In the wild west of URLs, it became abundantly clear that we needed a better way to search. Yahoo brought us our first directory but in a list of websites, everyone’s content looked equal. That’s when Google stepped up to the plate. Right from the early days of search algorithms, they understood that people valued expert content and we needed a way to rank the credibility and integrity of a webpage. Drawing on his academic background, Larry Page introduced the concept that links could act like citations in a research paper. The original idea operated like a voting system; the more links, the higher the rank. While Google still places tremendous value on expertise, their algorithm for search engine optimization (SEO) has become significantly more complex. We know that it’s combination of on-page and off-page factors but at the end of the day, it boils down to delivering the quality content people are searching for. Source: Search Engine Land Give the People What They Want Today’s audiences want to build more meaningful connections with the institutions and businesses they engage, and that requires information. It’s not enough to put out an unimaginative website or tri-fold brochure. While these tactics may have worked a short time ago, traditional marketing often fails to deliver the level of detail audiences need to make purchasing decisions. From transparency to accountability, they have high expectations for organizations and the content they provide. They want to know how a product or service will uniquely work for them and how your organization aligns with their vision and values. Most of all, they need expert perspectives and proof you can deliver results. If you want to remain competitive, it’s essential to keep up with these rising demands for easy-to-find, high-quality content and secure you a key spot on Google’s SERP. Climbing the Ranks with Expertise Organizations, particularly those in knowledge-based industries (academia, consulting, professional services, medicine etc.), need to pay special attention to how Google is tuning its search algorithm to index information that is attributed to experts. Factors like quality, keyword research and freshness are all on-page tactics that help webpages improve their rank. With this in mind, here are just a few ways your experts and their content are contributing to your rank on Google: Meta-Tagging: Meta tags are snippets of text or rich media that help audiences understand what’s on your webpage from the Google SERP. To ensure they deliver the most relevant search results, both Google and YouTube have been updating their meta tagging and schema options to allow expert content to be indexed more descriptively. This includes everything from author attribution to expert answers the prestigious Rank Zero which highlights the best possible result to users at the very top of the page. Freshness: The freshness of content is correlated with content relevance, and it’s something Google highly values when ranking search. Not only will outdated employee biographies and profiles on your site negatively impact your ranking on search engines, but failing to deliver timely, relevant content on trending topics will also hold you back. By regularly updating your website with expert content, you’re showing that you’re an active contributor to that topic – building trust your audiences and increasing your rank on Google. Keywords: Google collects and indexes searches from users every day, so the richness of your keywords is critical to your search ranking. In many cases, you’ll find that expert content has a holistic way of providing information about high-searched topics in your industry. When an expert creates content, they not only include the targeted keywords, but they naturally incorporate latent semantic indexing as well which accounts for related terms. This all feeds into Google’s desire to surface the most relevant content and who better to do that than your experts. All of these factors are important considerations for improving your organic search rank. As a key driver in inbound traffic, improving your organic rank will not only increase brand awareness, but it also delivers higher-quality leads. And by sharing expert content on your digital channels, you’re showing your audiences and Google exactly what makes you an industry authority and why they should engage your business. Download The Complete Guide to Expertise Marketing For a comprehensive look at how expertise marketing benefits the entire organization and drives measurable return on investment, follow the link below to download a copy of ExpertFile’s Complete Guide to Expertise Marketing for Corporate & Professional Services, Higher Education Institutions, Healthcare Institutions or Association & Not-for-Profits.
LSU expert in social and economic issues: Rural America’s unique struggles affect how it votes
An expert in social and economic issues, Professor Slack explains the unique struggles facing rural communities—like changes in jobs, health concerns, and population shifts. In this Q&A, he clears up common misunderstandings about rural life, discusses the problems rural voters face, and explores how these issues may affect their votes in this important election. What is your area of expertise? I am a professor of sociology at LSU. My research coalesces around the areas of social stratification and social demography with an emphasis on geographic space and the rural-urban continuum as axes of difference. With my colleague Shannon Monnat (Syracuse University), I recently authored the book Rural and Small-Town America: Context, Composition, and Complexities, published by the University of California Press. What are the key socio-economic challenges facing rural voters in this election? Wow. Where to start? There are so many myths and misunderstandings about rural America. One is that “rural” is synonymous with farming. To be sure, agriculture is a vital industry in terms of sustenance and national security. But technological advances and farm consolidation—the shift from many smaller farms to fewer larger farms—means most rural Americans don’t have direct economic ties to agriculture anymore. The two largest sectors of employment in rural America today are services and manufacturing, respectively. A concern regarding the service sector is that it produces jobs that vary greatly in quality depending on people’s educational level; good professional jobs for the more educated and lower quality jobs—low wages, low hours, and few to any fringe benefits—for less educated folks. Those good professional jobs tend to be concentrated in urban areas (the emergence of remote work may reshape this in the future). Manufacturing employment, which has historically been the “good jobs” sector for less educated people, has been in steady decline in terms of its share of jobs for the past 50 years. While people sometimes think of plant and factory work as urban, it has provided a larger share of jobs and earnings in rural America for decades. Deindustrialization is causing real pain in rural America: it is one thing for a plant to shut down in a large and diversified metropolis, but quite another when it is the lone “good jobs” employer in town. Other big issues are the challenges posed by population aging and youth out-migration in rural America, as well as increasing racial and ethnic diversity. Another is the factors underlying the “rural mortality penalty”—that rural America has higher death rates and lower life expectancy than urban America. These are all pressing issues. What role will rural voters play in this close presidential race, and what may sway their vote? Rural voters will play a key role in this election, assuming the margins end up being as close as they have been in the last two presidential cycles. A persuasive working-class message and a sense that rural people and places are seen—that they aren’t just “flyover country”—will help. Given that the two leading candidates hail from New York City and San Francisco, both picked running mates with a rural and small-town backstory as a nod to that constituency. All of that said, the power of the rural vote should not be overstated. The contemporary U.S. is mainly an urban society, so the winning candidate will ultimately pull most of their votes from cities and suburbs. Can you discuss any recent research on how rural voting patterns have evolved over the last few election cycles? The short answer is that the rural vote has been steadily trending Republican for decades. The last presidential election in which voters in metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties were essentially equal regarding party preferences was in 1976 when Jimmy Carter was elected. Since that time, the percentage of nonmetro votes for the Republican candidate has trended steadily upward. In 2020, roughly two-thirds of the nonmetro vote went to Donald Trump, more than 20 points higher than in metro counties. That said, rural voters are not a monolith. The flip side of the 2020 numbers above is that roughly 1 in 3 voters in nonmetro counties cast their ballot in the other direction. And rural places with majority Black, Latino, and Indigenous populations often vote in the Democratic column. Moreover, you have political legacies particular to certain places that matter—like the left-leaning Farmer-Labor Party in Minnesota (today the Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party or DFL) or the rural state of Vermont electing a socialist to the U.S. Senate (Bernie Sanders). So, there are notable deviations from the aggregate trend. “ The problems and prospects facing rural America in the 21st century matter for this nation. Personally, I would love to see a less ideological and more pragmatic politics emerge that puts that in focus. ” How do political campaigns target rural voters, and how effective do you think these strategies are? This is a bit outside my area of expertise, and I want to stay in my lane. But I will raise two issues. One is what the political scientist Katherine Cramer has called “rural consciousness”: a belief that rural areas are ignored by policymakers, that rural areas do not get their fair share of resources, and that rural folks have distinct values and lifestyles that are misunderstood and disrespected by city folks. The message from some quarters that rural people vote “against their own self-interest” or vote “the wrong way,” essentially that they are rubes, feeds into this. The other issue is that much of rural America is a local “news desert.” That is, there simply are no sources of comprehensive and credible local news. So, people rely on cable TV news or—if they have access to broadband—the internet. The result is that all news becomes national, even when those issues may have little bearing on local life. It used to be said that “all politics is local,” but in today’s media environment, that is increasingly untrue. Is there anything else you want to add? I would just emphasize that common myths and misunderstandings about rural America run deep. Rural America is not a paragon of stability, social and economic change abounds. And rural America is not a monolith, it is socially and regionally diverse. The problems and prospects facing rural America in the 21st century matter for this nation. Personally, I would love to see a less ideological and more pragmatic politics emerge that puts that in focus. Link to original article here.
