magic jili slot game OLYMPIA — The Washington State Department of Agriculture has announced the successful eradication of the northern giant hornet, a five-year effort involving state officials, local landowners, beekeepers and citizen scientists. The group effort eliminated the invasive species from the state when it could have spread from the northwestern corner of the Evergreen State to the rest of the region. "It is a rare day when the humans actually get to win one against the insects," the Pest Program Manager at WSDA Sven-Erik Spichiger said. This invasive species, known for its devastating impact on bee populations, was first detected in Washington in December 2019. "None of this would be possible without everybody in Washington State and also from other parts of the country and other parts of the world that really helped make this possible," Spichiger said. He acknowledged the vital role played by landowners in Whatcom County, in particular. "The landowners generously allowed us access to their properties for trapping and eradication activities," he said. The cumulative efforts over the years led to the final trap being removed Dec. 5, with no additional hornets found since 2021. "I am absolutely honored to announce that eradication has been achieved and it's a significant victory for everybody who's involved," Spichiger said. The eradication effort was multifaceted and involved various stakeholders, according to the WSDA press release. Local beekeepers took the initiative to aid the WSDA by deploying spring traps to capture emerging queens, while citizen scientists participated in trapping and monitoring activities. "To me, this was absolutely huge because it allowed us to focus our resources in areas where we knew we had hornets," Spichiger said. The eradication initiative was initiated in response to public concerns after reports surfaced in 2013 of 42 fatalities resulting from hornet attacks in China, prompting discussions on potential responses to invasive species in the U.S. In 2016, a framework for responding to invasive hornets was developed, anticipating the need for rapid action in the event of an introduction. Spichiger explained how this groundwork supported their response strategy. "You know, we had a couple programs available that allowed citizen scientists to trap Asian giant hornets," Spichiger said, recognizing the important contributions from the community that led to success in the eradication process. The cooperative efforts came to fruition when WSDA successfully located and eradicated the first nest in October 2020, facilitated by advanced tracking technology borrowed from the United States Department of Agriculture. Nicole Russo, associate deputy administrator at USDA, expressed gratitude for the collaborative nature of the eradication. "A strong partnership between USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service and WSDA was an essential component of eradicating the Northern Giant Hornet from the United States," Russo said. "True to what we often see when partners come together to fight a destructive pest, a shared goal and determination brought promising results." As the battle against the hornet continued, community involvement became pivotal. Trappers worked in challenging conditions to check traps and check for hornet activity. During the three-year effort, multiple nests were detected and successfully eradicated. Efforts took place against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to further complications. Despite these challenges, the team succeeded in tracking and eradicating multiple hornet nests, employing innovative methods such as radio telemetry technology. "The partnership with WSDA and APHIS was key to this remarkable accomplishment," Russo said, stating how the teams used tracking devices initially developed for other pest management efforts. Greg Halbrick, assistant director of the Plant Protection Division at WSDA, emphasized the importance of community support in their operation. "The amazing citizens of Whatcom County, including the beekeepers and citizen scientists that hung their traps, were extremely helpful," he said. Despite the announcement of eradication, Spichiger cautioned that vigilance must continue. "Although it is an absolutely significant victory, we won this battle. The battle will continue," he said, citing the ongoing risk of other invasive species, such as the yellow-legged hornet and the southern giant hornet recently discovered in Spain. The involvement of the community and multiple agencies proved critical in the success of the Asian giant hornet eradication project. "The fact of the matter is, if the entire community hadn't stood up and taken action, there is a real good chance that we would just all be living with northern giant hornet for years to come," Spichiger said. "It is a very difficult task to eradicate an insect once it has become well established. And these were established enough that they were actually attacking resources already." Get local news delivered to your inbox!

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Hyderabad: A 28-year-old man was arrested for stealing vehicles from parking areas near government hospitals in the twin cities. The accused was identified as Mohammed Sameer, an air-conditioner technician from Falaknuma. He had been facing financial difficulties due to his addiction to alcohol and ganja which drove him to steal vehicles. Sameer, who completed his SSC in Kalapathar, initially worked as a labourer at a petrol pump in Afzalgunj. While working at Osmania General Hospital (OGH) in Hyderabad, he noticed the absence of surveillance cameras in the parking areas which he exploited to carry out the thefts. According to reports, the accused would steal vehicles parked near hospitals in Hyderabad. Then, he would use them for a few days before selling them to receivers running scrap businesses in Musheerabad. The receivers would then dismantle some of the stolen vehicles into spare parts for later disposal. Upon receiving information, police arrested the accused and recovered five vehicles in their original condition and four dismantled vehicles with a total value of Rs 4 lakh. A case has been registered and further investigation is ongoing. Earlier, Hyderabad police arrested a man for allegedly stealing an ambulance from Gandhi Hospital while an ambulance driver was occupied in moving a patient to a ward. According to a press release, the Chilkalguda police said that K Yadagiri, 33, a labourer from New Bhoiguda in Secunderabad, had met L Srinivas, a Karimnagar ambulance driver who had arrived at Gandhi Hospital with a patient, on Monday. To assist the patient in getting to the emergency ward, Srinivas accompanied him to the hospital. Following a complaint, the police registered a case and tracked down Yadagiri. The vehicle was later seized from him.Work Better from Anywhere with This Portable Touchscreen Monitor

If the book "Fifty Shades of Grey" left an impression on you, you’re not alone. The 2024 Intimacy Status Report by Israeli company Arya reveals that 35% of respondents expressed interest in spicing up their relationships. 3 View gallery Arya app ( Photo: Arya ) According to the report, which is akin to a modern version of the legendary Masters and Johnson studies, 100,000 users of Arya’s platform aren’t looking for casual flings. Instead, they’re searching for ways to reignite romance and passion in long-term relationships that have fallen into routine. Unsurprisingly, 90% of users dissatisfied with their sex lives reported that this dissatisfaction negatively impacted their overall relationship. If you’re wondering how technology fits into all of this, the answer lies in artificial intelligence. Arya is a relationship-enhancement app currently making waves in the U.S. market. It uses AI to learn couples’ preferences and desires, offering tailored “scenarios” that encourage them to explore new dimensions of intimacy. To complement this experience, Arya sends couples a “surprise box” containing curated items designed to enhance their connection and, of course, their user experience. So far, 200,000 users have registered on Arya’s platform in the U.S., with tens of thousands actively engaging – couples receiving new activities to try every month. The user base has grown tenfold over the past year, likely fueling the company’s recent announcement of an $8.5 million Series A funding round, just a year after its previous round. To date, Arya has raised a total of $16 million. The funding round was led by Ibex Investors, with participation from previous backers Play Ventures, Patron Fund, and BigBets.vc, as well as private investors like Yasmine Lukatz (“The Shark”), Naama Barkler, founder and CEO of BetterHealth, Neil Parikh, co-founder of Casper, and others. Ofer Yehudai, Arya’s co-founder and CEO, explained in an interview with Ynet that there has been a major shift in quality-of-life investments in recent years. People are increasingly willing to spend on mental health, nutrition and sleep quality, and, in line with this, couple wellness is becoming an equally important part of the conversation. 3 View gallery Arya surprise box ( Photo: Arya ) “People are used to finding love online,” Yehudai explained. “But how do you maintain it? That’s where there’s a gap. It’s easy to forget that between online dating, couples therapy, and divorce, there are years of good, healthy relationships. But the tools to sustain them are quite limited.” A possible successor to Tinder? Could Arya be the next step after Tinder, designed for those who found love online and now want to preserve it using online tools? “Eighty percent of our customers are millennial moms aged 35 to 45 – women who decided to take responsibility for their relationships and intimacy. What unites all our users is that they’re people willing to invest in their quality of life. They care about nutrition, put effort into looking better, and want to live their lives to the fullest.” Why is the majority of your user base women? “When you speak to professionals, they’re not surprised that, in most cases, the woman takes the lead. It’s a well-documented phenomenon in the realms of intimacy and relationships. In most cases, the woman takes responsibility for the relationship in this area, while the partner goes along. Interestingly, in the 20% of cases where the man is the client, these couples tend to stay together much longer.” Shaping intimate connections Arya provides a variety of activities for its users, although Ynet refrains from delving into specifics due to its family-friendly nature. Ultimately, most people know what’s being referenced, but many feel uncomfortable discussing such topics – even with their partner. Yehudai recounted a story about a friend, Yaniv, and his wife. Everyone has a “Yaniv” in their life, but in this case, Yaniv decided to playfully gift the couple an adult toy. It became a subject of jokes but also sparked curiosity without either partner feeling pressured. “Arya is like Yaniv,” Yehudai said. “It knows both of us, picks the gift, and if it misses the mark it’s Arya’s fault – not ours.” 3 View gallery ( Photo: shutterstock ) Arya operates differently from other relationship apps. Users communicate with its AI, called the “concierge,” via text. Couples share what interests them, what they want to learn, and where their boundaries lie. The concierge, much like Yaniv, suggests ideas from its “experience” and surprises them with exciting gifts. Get the Ynetnews app on your smartphone: Google Play : https://bit.ly/4eJ37pE | Apple App Store : https://bit.ly/3ZL7iNv The company was founded in 2022 by entrepreneurs Ofer Yehudai and Tomer Magid, both seasoned innovators with multiple successful startup exits. They partnered with Dr. Yael Doron, known as “Yael from Married at First Sight,” as a scientific advisor. Recently, Arya appointed renowned intimacy coach and sexologist Shan Boodram – AASECT certified sex educator, an American Board of Sexology certified Sexologist, with a M.S. in psychology – as its Chief Intimacy Officer (CIO). In addition to its scientific team and experts who developed the platform’s content and activities, Arya also operates a human support center to assist when the AI encounters situations it cannot handle. Does the AI serve as a replacement for a partner? “Today, you see many apps offering virtual partners, friends, or companions. We’re trying to show that our AI is different – it connects you to someone in real life in a better way, rather than replacing them.” Insights into relationship dynamics With hundreds of thousands of users, Arya has amassed rich data on the romantic and intimate preferences of Americans. For example, one-third of couples want to be more adventurous than they currently are, one-third aim to reignite the spark in their relationship, and one-third are looking to try completely new experiences. Most users engage with the concierge three to four times a week, and once a month, they receive a new “scenario” featuring intriguing items from the world of intimacy. Over the past two years, Arya’s AI has been trained on texts that no other AI models are familiar with – or perhaps wouldn’t even want to be. This specialized data is invaluable for identifying behavioral patterns, human preferences, and suggestions to enhance users’ satisfaction with their lives. For Yehudai, Arya’s mission feels deeply meaningful. “There are 72 million couples in the U.S. Our goal, without cynicism, is to create couple wellness. When you see feedback from couples saying, ‘I rediscovered my spouse,’ it gives you energy. There’s enormous potential here. The trend among millennials and younger generations is that they’re having less intimacy. We’re here to offer them new tools to invest in their intimacy and relationships.” >

Opinion editor’s note: Strib Voices publishes a mix of material from 11 contributing columnists , along with other commentary online and in print each day. To contribute, click here . ••• During the 2024 campaign, prominent Democrats liked to label Republicans as an existential threat to democracy. Vote for our ticket, they browbeat, or our institutions will come crumbling down. It turned out that intimidation tactic did not play well, with the American people summarily rejecting it at the ballot box. Voters, it seems, don’t like to be lectured at. But part of the reason, too, that contention fell flat is how little credibility many liberal-leaning leaders have on the issue of preserving democratic norms. For instance, Minnesota’s own DFL Sen. Tina Smith is no champion of protecting constitutional and legislative custom, having strongly advocated for eliminating the Senate filibuster , toying with the Electoral College , and packing the Supreme Court to better serve her progressive policies and party. And her views were certainly not unique within the former Democratic majority of the U.S. Senate. It will be tempting for Republicans now in full command of both Capitol Hill and the White House to use Democrats’ past support of reckless tinkering with our legislative process as license to pursue the same. But we should not take the bait. Whataboutism is not responsible governance. The American founders designed our republican form of government to protect political minorities, hold the commander in chief in check and make broad congressional consensus required to pass meaningful reform. While the American people gave the GOP a stout electoral mandate to pursue a substantive conservative agenda, and it should, voters also value the special republican form of government we have in place and do not want it distorted. The Republican-controlled 119th Congress will swear an oath on Jan. 3 to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and it should be faithful to it. That must start with its rejection of an unconstitutional idea floating around President-elect Donald Trump’s transition team that the new commander in chief should maintain the option at the outset of his term to instigate blanket recess appointments of his entire Cabinet in order to bypass the Senate’s advice-and-consent role altogether. Trump won his second term by large margins on promises to reform the way Washington works, and the change agent officers he wishes to appoint to serve in his White House deserve a certain level of deference. But under Article II of the Constitution, the presidential power to appoint principal administrative officials is explicitly conditioned that those nominations receive the “advice and consent of the Senate.” The American people duly elected the 100 members of that body, too, and senators have a duty to see that their constitutional responsibilities in the presidential nomination vetting process are properly fulfilled. As Alexander Hamilton explained in Federalist Paper No. 76, the Senate’s capacity to approve or reject presidential appointments affords “an excellent check upon a spirit of favoritism in the President, and would tend greatly to prevent the appointment of unfit characters.” One of the ingenious features of our republican form of government is that each branch’s authority is limited by the others. The president’s power to fill his Cabinet is not absolute by design. Gutting the Senate’s constitutional role in approving Trump’s nominees would require that the Senate be complicit in it and voluntarily go into recess right after he is sworn in on Jan. 20. Doing so would be a doleful display of submissiveness by a Senate majority leader at a time when Republicans rightly wish to reclaim more of Congress’ powers back from what has become a heavy-handed executive. The new Republican Senate Majority Leader John Thune is a serious man, and he should not kneel to this demand should Trump make it. And if he does not, as I suspect will be the case, the new Senate GOP majority will deserve far more credit for protecting congressional norms than its Democratic predecessor, which there is nary an example of it pushing back on President Joe Biden’s many attempts to exercise powers outside the Oval Office’s constitutional limits, such as his bid to bypass Congress and unilaterally forgive hundreds of billions of dollars in higher education debt. Many of Trump’s Cabinet nominees thus far have been excellent. The likes of Marco Rubio for secretary of state, Susie Wiles for White House chief of staff and Elise Stefanik for U.N. ambassador will have no trouble sailing through the confirmation process. Others may face more scrutiny, but being in the president’s Cabinet is a big deal and a tough job interview can be warranted. But if Trump feels certain his selections are dead on arrival at a Senate controlled by his own party, he has picked unwisely and should choose again. To be sure, the U.S. Senate has at times abused its “advice and consent” powers and hijacked well-qualified nominations for political exploitation. The way Senate Democrats treated Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh at their Supreme Court confirmation hearings was a disgrace and brought shame to what is supposed to be the world’s greatest deliberative body. The presidents who nominated these good and decent public servants were right to stick by them. And justice ultimately prevailed. But we must always remember that freedom is a special thing when one takes a broad view of world history. Totalitarianism has been the default form of government for most peoples for most of human existence. Americans have been able to enjoy their liberties for so long not only because of the brave men and women who fought and died for them, but also owing to the brilliant constitutional regime of separation of powers we inherited that intentionally frustrates the unbridled will of any one man or political majority. We would do well not to meddle with that, but instead respect and appreciate it — even when it means the party in power, and even when it is our own, does not get its way on all things. Maintaining American freedom demands it.

HASLOO Why choose consumer staples today 2024 has been an amazing year, and major technology companies have continued to ride the wave of artificial intelligence. Their price per share has skyrocketed and they have led the S&P 500 to cross the 6,000 mark. The Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of HSY, PEP either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article. Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Plastic Healthcare Packaging Market to Reach USD 40,306.8 Million, Driven by Industry Growth and Demand for Innovative Solutions 12-24-2024 03:38 PM CET | Business, Economy, Finances, Banking & Insurance Press release from: Future Market Insights The global plastic healthcare packaging market is set to experience robust growth, with an estimated valuation of USD 24,768.7 million in 2023, projected to reach USD 40,306.8 million by 2033. The market is anticipated to record a steady CAGR of 5% over the forecast period, driven by the rapidly growing healthcare industry and the increasing demand for high-quality, durable, and versatile packaging solutions. Core Concepts in the Plastic Healthcare Packaging Industry Market Valuation in 2023: The plastic healthcare packaging market is valued at USD 24,768.7 million . Future Forecast: The market is projected to reach USD 40,306.8 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 5% . Leading Regional Market: North America is a leading regional market due to its advanced healthcare infrastructure. Key Trend: Advancements in smart packaging technologies for enhanced safety and traceability are a significant trend. Preferred Material Type: Polypropylene is preferred due to its compatibility with sterilization methods and high-barrier properties. Get a Sample PDF of the Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1127 Key Growth Drivers: Healthcare Industry Expansion: The ongoing expansion of the healthcare industry, fueled by the rising demand for medical supplies and medications, is a primary driver for the plastic healthcare packaging market. Manufacturers are increasingly turning to plastic packaging due to its affordability, durability, and versatility. Innovative Packaging Solutions: Manufacturers are focusing on innovation, developing diverse shapes, colors, and designs to enhance consumer appeal and product visibility. Advanced features like tamper-evident seals and child-resistant closures are gaining popularity, further boosting market growth. Child-Resistant Packaging Demand: With an aging global population and increased medication use, there is a growing demand for child-resistant packaging. This is particularly crucial for products posing risks to children, such as medications and medical devices. Manufacturers are investing in new technologies to develop safe, durable, and user-friendly child-resistant packaging. Technological Advancements: Innovations in packaging design are enhancing the functionality and safety of plastic healthcare packaging. Smart packaging solutions, which improve product shelf life and reduce waste, are becoming more prevalent. Additionally, advanced design technologies are enabling the production of lightweight, cost-effective, and easy-to-use packaging solutions. Challenges in the Market: Environmental Concerns: The increasing pressure from environmental groups and consumers for sustainable packaging solutions poses a significant challenge. Plastic packaging has a substantial environmental impact, and as consumer awareness grows, the demand for eco-friendly options is rising. Specialized Materials and Regulatory Standards: Healthcare packaging requires specialized materials and designs to meet strict regulatory standards. Ensuring safety and effectiveness while complying with regulations demands a high level of expertise and investment, which can be a barrier to market entry for some players. Balancing Efficiency and Sustainability: Companies are under pressure to minimize packaging waste and increase efficiency while protecting and preserving healthcare products. Balancing these concerns with environmental impact poses a challenging landscape for manufacturers to navigate. Technological Advancements: Smart Packaging: Technological advancements are leading to the development of smart packaging solutions that improve shelf life, reduce waste, and provide valuable information to consumers. Lightweight and Cost-Effective Designs: Advanced design technologies enable the creation of lightweight, user-friendly, and cost-effective packaging solutions tailored to healthcare needs. Access Full Report: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/plastic-healthcare-packaging-market Plastic Healthcare Packaging Industry by Category: By Product Type: Vials & Ampoules Blisters Bottles Dropper Bottles Nasal Spray Bottles Liquid Bottles Bags, Pouches & Sachets IV Bags Medical Specialty Bags Prefilled Inhalers, Syringes & Cartridges Containers & Jars Caps & Closures Trays Medication Tubes By Material Type: Polyethylene Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE) High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) Polyvinyl Chloride Polystyrene Polypropylene Bi-axially Oriented Polypropylene (BOPP) Cast Polypropylene (CPP) Polyethylene Terephthalate Bi-axially oriented Polyethylene Terephthalate (BoPET) Metalized PET Others (Polycarbonate) By Application: Medical devices Sterile packaging Nonsterile packaging Pharmaceuticals By Region: North America Latin America Europe South Asia East Asia Oceania Middle East and Africa (MEA) Contact Us: Future Market Insights Inc. Christiana Corporate, 200 Continental Drive, Suite 401, Newark, Delaware - 19713, USA T: +1-347-918-3531 For Sales Enquiries: sales@futuremarketinsights.com Website: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com LinkedIn| Twitter| Blogs | YouTube Niranjan.k@futuremarketinsights.com About Future Market Insights (FMI) Future Market Insights, Inc. (ESOMAR certified, recipient of the Stevie Award, and a member of the Greater New York Chamber of Commerce) offers profound insights into the driving factors that are boosting demand in the market. FMI stands as the leading global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, consulting, and events for the Packaging, Food and Beverage, Consumer, Technology, Healthcare, Industrial, and Chemicals markets. With a vast team of over 400 analysts worldwide, FMI provides global, regional, and local expertise on diverse domains and industry trends across more than 110 countries. Join us as we commemorate 10 years of delivering trusted market insights. Reflecting on a decade of achievements, we continue to lead with integrity, innovation, and expertise. This release was published on openPR.Environment Don't miss out on the headlines from Environment. Followed categories will be added to My News. The Albanese government is weathering backlash from environmentalists after extending the life of four coalmines. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek on Thursday announced the extensions to NSW’s Boggabri and Queensland’s Caval Ridge Horse Pit, Laker Vermont Meadowbrook and Vulcan South mines, claiming it was essential to support Australia’s steelmaking industry. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young on Friday dismissed the justification and accused the Albanese government of “dumping the rubbish on Christmas eve”. Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young has likened the coalmine extensions to ‘dumping the rubbish on Christmas eve’. Picture: NewsWire / Martin Ollman “If they wanted people to know about it, they wouldn’t have tried to hide it over the last 24 hours,” Senator Hanson-Young told the ABC. “They’re not proud of it, they know it’s damaging, they know it stinks, and they don’t have a plan to get out of the export of coal.” But appearing shortly after Senator Hanson-Young, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen defended the mine extensions, insisting metallurgical coal was vital while Australia develops green steelmaking options. “Green steel is coming, it’s got a great future but it’s not here yet,” Mr Bowen said. “The fact of the matter is when the Greens talk about these things ... they just lump all coal together.” Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen says Green steelmaking is still a while away. Picture: NewsWire / Jeremy Piper He said Australia was on track to reach the 82 per cent renewable energy target by 2030 and transitioning the energy system “is a long process”. “The fact of the matter is we need a lot of steel for this transition,” Mr Bowen said. “We’re building a lot of transmission lines and towers ... we’ll need more steel, not less. “The fact of the matter is it’s going to require metallurgical coal for years to come.” Mining firm Vitrinite is being investigated for allegedly going ahead with mining operations at the Vulcan South extension site without federal approval. It allegedly cleared nearly 50 hectares of koala habitat. What a difference a decade makes. pic.twitter.com/eyNm6T1g0f — Tanya Plibersek (@tanya_plibersek) December 19, 2024 In her remarks, Senator Hanson-Young said it was “appalling” that the Vulcan South extension “would fall smack-bang in the middle of koala habitat that’s going to make climate change worse, push up pollution, and push koalas to further extinction”. “This company is being investigated for illegally clearing and bulldozing this habitat before been given any approval,” she said. “And now they have been given the green light. It sends the wrong message to the industry that they can go do whatever they like without approval and at the end of the day the minister will just roll over.” Independent experts are divided on whether the Vulcan South extension qualifies as an extension or a stand-alone mine. Originally published as Chris Bowen defends coalmine extensions as Labor weathers backlash Join the conversation Add your comment to this story To join the conversation, please log in. Don't have an account? Register Join the conversation, you are commenting as Logout More related stories Environment ‘Do not return’: Bushfire warning update Residents have been warned not to return home if they’re away as an out of control bushfire has burned through more than 7000 hectares of land. Read more National Breaking News Outrage over Plibersek’s coal mine move Outrage is building after Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek approved three new coal mine extensions - one fellow MP calling the decision “despicable”. Read moreThe best hybrid cars: which car to choose in 2025

The 10 announcements that made 2024 a landmark year for AI

Sheriff office assistance grants by the Attorney General Gentner Drummond’s office have gone to 77 counties per House Bill 2914. Individual grants range from $150,000 to $300,000 and can be used for training, technology, equipment, capital improvements, stipends and more. Drummond said the funds will positively impact all areas of the state. Payne County received $300,000 in this disbursement. “We are using the funds to help pay for a recovery support specialist, care coordinator and an assistant district attorney who monitors the progress of cases. The first two positions are provided by Grand Mental Health to which we will use the grant to reimburse them,” said Rockford Brown with the Payne County Sheriff’s Office. Noble County received $250,000; Logan County received $300,000 and Lincoln and Pawnee Counties received $300,000 and $150,000 respectively.On December 12, 2024, the U.S. Census Bureau released new data that provide information about the wellbeing of Granite Staters during 2019 to 2023. These insights build on less detailed one-year data released earlier and collected only during 2023, and offer a deeper look into New Hampshire’s economy, poverty levels, and housing challenges. Here are seven quick takeaways from the one-year and five-year American Community Survey datasets that provide greater understanding about the lives of Granite Staters: Median household income growth outpaced inflation in 2023 after slipping behind in 2022. In 2023, New Hampshire’s median household income grew to about $97,000 , which was an increase from approximately $90,000 in 2022. Even after adjusting for inflation and accounting for statistical uncertainty, the median Granite State household experienced a boost in the real purchasing power of the median household in 2023. Incomes had previously slipped behind inflation in 2022, and 2023’s increase brought inflation-adjusted income to about the 2021 level, the prior peak, rather than growing to a new high. Coos County median household income was about half of Rockingham County’s level . During the 2019-2023 period, median household income in Coos County, the northernmost and least populous county in the state, was about $58,000 in inflation-adjusted 2023 dollars, which was the lowest among the counties in the state. Rockingham County, the second-most populated New Hampshire county and the closest to metropolitan Boston, had a median household income of about $114,000, which was the highest in the state and nearly double that of Coos County. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Living Wage Calculator estimated that the cost of living in Rockingham County for two working adults and one child was $105,005 in 2024, while in Coos County the same household would face living costs of $79,714. Poverty rates were higher in northern and western counties. In the 2019-2023 period, poverty rates were highest in Coos County (12.9 percent) and Sullivan County (10.8 percent) in west-central New Hampshire. Uncertainty in these survey-based data render these two poverty rates statistically indistinguishable from each other, but both reflect that rural areas in northern and western New Hampshire faced higher concentrations of poverty. While it had the lowest poverty rate, Rockingham County had the second-highest number of people in poverty among the state’s counties. About 15,000 people lived in poverty in Rockingham County, behind only Hillsborough County’s 27,000 people, in the 2019-2023 period. While Coos County had a much higher poverty rate than either Rockingham or Hillsborough County, the total population in poverty was likely just under 4,000 people, based on available data . About 98,000 people in the state lived in poverty in New Hampshire during 2023. The Official Poverty Measure is based on income and household composition. Poverty thresholds for 2023 varied by household size and composition: in 2023, poverty level incomes were $15,852 for a single person under 65 years old, $21,002 for a household with one adult under 65 and one child, $24,526 for two adults and one child, and $30,900 for two adults with two children. Poverty thresholds varied based on other adjustments for different household compositions. In 2023, an estimated 98,000 people (7.2 percent) lived with incomes below Official Poverty Measure poverty thresholds, including about 20,000 children under 18 years old and 21,000 adults over age 64 years. More than half of renters were cost-burdened by housing, and renters with lower incomes faced even more significant hurdles paying for a place to live. The term “cost-burdened,” used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development describes households that pay more than 30 percent of their income toward housing. In 2023, approximately 51 percent of New Hampshire’s 157,000 renter households met the criteria of being housing cost-burdened, compared to about 28 percent of the 258,000 owner households paying a mortgage and about 20 percent of 155,000 owner households without a mortgage. More granular data for the 2019-2023 period shows that about 31 percent of New Hampshire’s renter households had annual incomes below $35,000 per year. Among these households, about three quarters were cost-burdened, and more than half were billed at least half of their income in rent and utilities. Poverty rates varied substantially among Granite Staters by race, ethnicity, disability status, and family structure. Reflecting long-standing structural barriers to opportunity and success that are more profound for some Granite Staters than others, poverty rates varied substantially by population group in New Hampshire in the 2019 to 2023 period. Female Granite Staters were more likely to be in poverty than male residents. Compared to the statewide rate of 7.2 percent, about one in five residents without a high school degree were in poverty, as were nearly one in ten residents who had a high school degree or the equivalent with no further formal education. The estimated poverty rate for Hispanic or Latino Granite Staters was about twice as high as for non-Latino white residents. About one in ten Granite Staters who identified as Black or African American, as well as those identifying as two or more races, were in poverty. Approximately one in six New Hampshire residents with a disability lived in poverty. Nearly one quarter of households with children headed by a single woman without a partner present had incomes below poverty levels as well. These U.S. Census Bureau data can reveal key trends related to income and poverty , health coverage , housing , and other aspects of life in New Hampshire. Further analysis, particularly from the new five-year data covering 2019-2023, will provide additional insights into the wellbeing of different communities throughout the Granite State. For more research and information, subscribe to the New Hampshire Fiscal Policy Institute’s newsletter at nhfpi.org . Phil Sletten is Research Director for NH Fical Policy Institute .