Working down at the library
Some mystery seeds illegally sent from China identified – CBS News
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has identified some of the plant species in bags of unsolicited seeds arriving in mailboxes across the United States. Officials have warned the shipments of mystery seeds, which appear to have originated in China, could be invasive plant species.
So far, however, the species appear to be innocuous. At least 14 of the seed species had been identified as of July 29, according to Deputy Administrator Osama El-Lissy of the USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. They includes mustard, cabbage and morning glory as well as herbs like mint, sage, rosemary and lavender. He said hibiscus and roses were also found.
New York City’s Finances Could Spell Trouble
The city remains the main economic driver of the state. The rich people who live in New York City balance out the state budget by contributing a large portion of its revenue through the personal income tax. That keeps upstate taxes being increased even further. The stock market also provides a source of wealth for the state, from how transfers are taxed to bonsues.οΏ½
And if New York City's finances are under the weather, upstate will soon face a similar economic dilemma. It could, in fact, be even worse.οΏ½
Upstate New York did not recover from the previous financial recession a decade ago like the rest of the country did, or New York City for that matter.,
The region has struggled to retain population and with many local governments relying heavily on sales tax revenue, that leaves few avenues for making up the difference in lost money.οΏ½
Beautiful morning!
I Left the Coast for a Simpler Life in the Midwest – and You Can, Too – The Simple Dollar
When I thought about moving in the past, I would be riddled with doubts: “What if I don’t like it? What if I get homesick? What if I can’t find a job? What if I secretly love the beach and I won’t realize it until I can’t have it? I might be destined to be a surfing champion!” These fears kept me in place.
But, just as it’s wise to overcome your fear of investing and just do it, it’s smart not to let fear of the unknown dictate your place of residence. I tried to look at all the positives of living in Madison: affordability, four seasons, proximity to my older brother in Ohio, plentiful jobs, its reputation as one of the best places for young people to live, etc.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Living in the Midwest | ToughNickel
Living in the Midwestern U.S. has its appeal and its drawbacks, depending on your perspective.
Benefits to Midwest Life Cheaper Living The cost of living among Midwest states routinely ranks among the lowest in the country, compared to the higher costs in the big cities along the coasts and elsewhere. The big reason is supply and demand: citizens flock to big cities, and existing citizens need homes as well. The Midwest has few big cities, mostly consisting of small towns and smaller cities.
Denser cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and New York have a limited amount of space and unoccupied homes, driving up the cost. Other limits create costs as well. Big cities often charge for parking, which is free in smaller locales. Many densely populated states charge tolls on certain highways. Insurance premiums are higher in big cities, as heavy traffic creates more opportunities for accidents. Food and fuel cost more due to the demand.
In the Midwest, the cost of necessities is much lower, which makes life a lot cheaper than in Seattle, Detroit or Houston.
NPR
But this year, with the coronavirus pandemic raging, Weiss, who's 74, decided it's just too risky to work the election in November.
"I'm a very patriotic person. I felt this is just a duty that we should have, you know? So not doing it, it makes me sad," she says. "And I feel a little selfish about it because there are people that are really putting themselves out there during this pandemic and I marvel at that, I marvel at our first responders. But should I get the virus, I'm quite concerned over my being able to survive it."
Instead, her grandson, Max Weiss, is going to take her place at the polls.
He's a law student at William & Mary and helped form the Alliance of Students at the Polls, which is building a national network of law students to serve as workers.