School district to discuss budget plans
During its initial regular meeting of 2025 on Wednesday, the Ketchikan Gateway School Board will be presented with the budget proposal for fiscal year 2026. In a message to the Daily News on Friday afternoon, Daniel Schuler, the Business Manager for the Ketchikan School District, announced that his upcoming budget presentation would utilize a method that the district previously employed several years ago. He plans to guide the board through different funding scenarios, beginning with the current funding formula without any increments, and progressing to various anticipated funding increases.
Wealth Challenge: Starting your own investment journey has never been simpler. Here’s a guide to get you going.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Begin investing independently. Putting your emergency fund in a high-yield savings account is a wise decision. Keeping that money "liquid" (meaning it's easily accessible and not invested) ensures that you can access it immediately when the need arises. (This is Day 12 of the 31-day Wealth Challenge. You can start from the beginning by signing up for our daily email newsletters), or see the challenge here.) Once you've established an emergency fund that covers 3 to 6 months of essential expenses, it's time to think about investing. Generally speaking, the stock market tends to yield better returns than even the most lucrative savings account interest rates. In simpler terms, your money can grow more effectively when invested rather than just saved. The article proceeds after this advertisement. Currently, the United States essentially operates under two distinct economic systems: one for individuals whose wealth is generating more wealth, and another for those who are incurring debt to finance their expenses. The first category, the asset holders, have been having a great run. They refinanced mortgages or bought homes when rates were low, their investments have benefited from the stock market’s historic repeated highs, and their savings are raking in solid interest. For the second, interest rates on debt keep climbing, rent keeps going up, and inflation has brought bills sky-high. Aspiring to be part of the asset holder group is a worthy goal. Many individuals in that category have achieved their status through strategic investing. If you're new to investing or have only put money into retirement accounts, it may seem intimidating, almost like you're throwing your money away. Every type of investment carries some level of risk. This is precisely why it's important not to use your emergency fund for investments — you could need that cash when the market takes a downturn. The article proceeds after this advertisement. Additional Reading You don't need to be a financial guru to profit from the stock market. Consider investing in index funds, which consist of a diverse range of stocks rather than being tied to a single company. This approach helps to distribute both the risks and potential gains across multiple investments. Starting with a small investment is a great idea. Even if your budget is limited to just $25 or $50 at the moment, setting up an account and putting that money into the market is beneficial. You'll witness the growth potential firsthand, and when you do come into some extra funds, your account will be primed for action to maximize those opportunities. The majority of investors aren't engaged in day trading or constantly selecting stocks. Adopting a "set it and forget it" strategy can effectively help you build your savings without the anxiety of tracking every corporate earnings report. If you're interested in diving deeper into your investments, that's fantastic, as there's plenty of knowledge to acquire. However, this guide is designed to help you take your initial steps into the market. You don't necessarily have to hire a financial adviser to begin your investment journey. Any platform you choose will likely attempt to promote their advisory services. While advisers do select stocks, which can sometimes lead to slightly better performance, it can also lead to poorer outcomes. Additionally, these advisers usually charge an annual fee based on a percentage of your total investment or a fixed rate. If you're starting with a modest investment, it may be wise to forgo an adviser at this stage. The article proceeds after this advertisement. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you kick off your investment journey quickly and effortlessly. Select an investment platform and create an account. Choose the brokerage that suits your needs best. This is the company that facilitates transactions, acting as an intermediary between buyers and sellers in the stock market. Your bank might offer one (mine does, and that’s what I use). If you already have a 401(k) or IRA, it’s likely through one of the major financial players, and they will be more than happy to let you create another account for regular investing. That’s probably the fastest and simplest way to get going. But there are many other options on the Internet — NerdWallet has a good rundown of your options. Check the fees and minimum investment requirements; many platforms allow you to open an account with $0. If you’re beginning with a small amount of money, seek out a brokerage that offers “fractional shares” — this means you can purchase a portion of a stock if the full price is beyond your budget. Most brokerages provide this option. The article proceeds after this advertisement. Determine your investment budget. Starting with even a modest investment can set a solid foundation. Along with your initial deposit, consider how much you can allocate regularly—whether it's every paycheck or monthly. Remember, building wealth takes time and effort, similar to saving; it’s a gradual process. If you're feeling motivated, think about setting up automatic transfers from your main bank account to your investment account on a monthly or bimonthly basis. Choose your schedule. In general, it's advisable to keep your investments in the market for an extended period. Many individuals have faced losses by attempting to select stocks they believe will surge in value. However, your investment choices may vary depending on your timeline. For example, if you intend to access the funds in a few years, you might opt for different assets compared to money you plan to leave untouched until retirement. Keep in mind that when you liquidate your investments, you will be liable for the taxes incurred. The article proceeds after this advertisement. Choose your investments. If this is your first stock purchase ever, I’d go with a low-cost index fund. Index funds are made with a blend of stocks and other investments intended to mimic how the overall stock market is doing. Search for “low-cost index funds” – here’s NerdWallet’s overviews of the most popular ones – and pick one. You won’t go far wrong. There! You’re investing! Here are a few points to keep in mind when making more specific investment choices: If you're looking to sell certain assets in the next few years to finance a significant expense, such as buying a home, it may be wise to select stocks that have the potential for greater returns. Conversely, if these investments are part of your retirement strategy, consider exploring "target date funds," which are designed for investors to choose a specific year when they plan to retire.
Macy's Reveals the Initial 66 Locations Set to Close in 2025
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Getty Images/Canva Macy's department stores were established in 1929 and have since expanded to become one of the largest retail chains in the United States, boasting hundreds of locations nationwide. Macy's Has Officially Revealed the Initial 66 Locations That Will Be Shutting Down But as we've been seeing over the years, the shuttering of once thriving major businesses is the norm, or at least feels that way. According to CNN, Macy’s announced it would close up to 150 stores in 2025, and so it begins. While Macy's will still have around 350 locations, we now know 66 of the 150 stores across 22 states that are shutting down for good. According to CNN, Macy's plans to focus on wealthier shoppers and higher-end brands. The company is shutting down underperforming Macy's locations to concentrate our resources and prioritize investments in our future stores, where customers are already reacting favorably to improved product selections and enhanced service. According to the Secret NYC website, this includes five stores in four of the NYC boroughs. Macy's flagship store and corporate headquarters, located in Manhattan's Herald Square, where the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade takes place, is safe. STATE-WISE CLOSURES ARIZONA州 Mesa-Superstition Springs Mall CALIFORNIA STATE Chula Vista - Otay Ranch Town Center Citrus Heights - Sunrise Shopping Center Corte Madera-Redwood Route Los Ángeles - Calle 7 del Oeste Newark-Newpark Shopping Center San Diego - Mission Valley Residence San Mateo-South El Camino Real Westminster - Westminster Shopping Center Sacramento - K Street COLORADO STATE Centennial-South Vine Avenue Northfield Shops in Denver 佛罗里达 Altamonte-West Town Boulevard Boca Raton-Glades Avenue Boynton Beach-North Congress Avenue Fort Lauderdale - North Federal Highway Pembroke Pines - Pines Boulevard Sarasota-Westfield Siesta Key Miami-South Dixie Road Tampa - West Shore Plaza 乔治亚 Duluth-Ventura Boulevard Duluth-Gwinnett Place Shopping Center Suwanee-Johns Creek Community Hub IDAHO州 Coeur d'Alene-Silver Lake Shopping Center ILLINOIS STATE Springfield-White Oaks Shopping Center LOUISIANA STATE Lafayette-Acadiana Shopping Center MARYLAND STATE Bel Air-Harford Shopping Center Baltimore's Security Square Mall MASSACHUSETTS Kingston-Kingston Collection Route MICHIGAN STATE Flint-Genesee Valley Shopping Center Sterling Heights-Lakeside Shopping Center Traverse City - Grand Traverse Shopping Center Troy-Oakland Shopping Center MINNESOTA州 Burnsville-Burnhaven Road Maplewood-White Bear Road MISSOURI STATE Kansas City - Metro North Shopping Center St. Louis-South County Hub NEW JERSEY STATE West Orange-Prospect Avenue Westbound NEW YORK CITY Brooklyn-Fulton Avenue Brooklyn - Emmons Avenue Bronx-East Fordham Avenue Queens - Boulevard of Queens Huntington-Melville Shopping Center New Hyde Park-Union Turnpike Massapequa-Sunrise Shopping Center Rochester-Greece Ridge Shopping Center Staten Island - Richmond Hill Avenue OHIO Beavertown-Fairfield Commons Avenue Toledo-Franklin Park Shopping Center OREGON STATE Hillsboro - Tanasbourne District Salem-High Street NE PENNSYLVANIA (Pennsylvania) Altoona-Logan Valley Shopping Center Exton - Exton Square Shopping Center Philadelphia - Market Street Wilkes-Barre Wyoming Valley Shopping Center Tennessee Memphis-Oak Court Shopping Center Lone Star State Dallas-Southlake Town Square is a vibrant shopping and dining destination located in Southlake, Texas. Flower Mound-Long Prairie Avenue Fort Worth River Run Houston-Almeda Shopping Center Willow Bend's Plano-Shops VIRGINIA Colonial Heights-Southpark Circle Area WASHINGTON, D.C. Puyallup South Hill Shopping Center Northeast 24th Street in Redmond Silverdale-Kitsap Shopping Center In the meantime, as reported by Secret NYC, the remaining stores will see investments that involve the growth of Macy's small-format locations. Disgusting Behaviors That Can Destroy Relationships Check out the 12 grossest partner habits as revealed by LifeHacker.com. Gallery Credit: Lauryn Snapp Famous Young Stars Through the Years Gallery Acknowledgment: Erin Joslyn
Walmart is set to unveil its first logo update in 17 years, and the company's marketing leader shares the reasoning behind this change.
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Walmart is known not for making rash, sudden, bold moves. Rather, its M.O. is to deliberate on big changes it makes, a strategy that has generally paid off over time for the largest U.S. retailer. Walmart's recent logo update, its first in almost 17 years, aligns perfectly with the company's brand identity, featuring only slight modifications that may go unnoticed by the casual observer. The refreshed design showcases bolder lettering for "Walmart" and wider stems on the accompanying yellow sun-inspired spark graphic, which is increasingly prominent in the company's marketing efforts. Walmart's marketing chief aimed not to completely change the logo, but to give it a modern update that aligns with the company's significant focus on e-commerce and digital services. The goal is to position Walmart as a more stylish brand that attracts a broader range of U.S. consumers, particularly those with higher incomes, while still retaining the loyalty of its existing customers. "I wouldn't call this a rebrand, but really a refresh to reflect who we are today," Walmart U.S. Chief Marketing Officer William White tells Fortune. "The Walmart of today is very different than the Walmart of 2008, the last time we made a change in the brand identity. We are more modern, we are more digital." In 2008, Walmart eliminated the dash in its name and logo—"Wal-Mart"— that for decades since its 1962 founding had been its trademark. The background now features a richer shade of blue, while the yellow in the sparkle has become more vibrant, and the Walmart lettering in the logo appears bolder and more pronounced. Although these adjustments may not cause passersby to halt in their tracks, they do give the logo a more contemporary and refreshed appearance. "According to White, 'The modifications are significant as they infuse more vitality and energy into the spark, enriching it and adding depth.' The updated appearance will be rolled out online this month and gradually introduced in physical stores." The previous logo (above) and the updated logo (below): View pictures in App save up to 80% data. MIAMI, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 18: A Walmart sign is seen outside a Supercenter on November 18, 2024, in Miami, Florida. Walmart is scheduled to announce its third-quarter earnings on Tuesday, November 19th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) View pictures in App save up to 80% data. One of the ways in which Walmart has been trying to project modernity hipness has been through the apparel it sells. The emphasis used to be pretty much solely on low prices for basic items. But in recent years, Walmart has borrowed some moves from rivals like cheap-chic rival Target and the department stores to raise its fashion game. As detailed in a Fortune feature in June, Walmart for instance now uses visual merchandisers to showcase clothing with mannequins in its stores rather than just piling up clothes with basic signage showing everyday low prices. Moves such as those, and offering more organic food, have been key to helping Walmart win more business from households with income of more than $100,000 and thus outperform rivals with a 5.3% increase in comparable sales last quarter. Nevertheless, White faced the challenge of making subtle adjustments to position Walmart as a more modern and appealing option for tech-savvy consumers, while being careful not to stray too far from its core identity. The risk was that such changes could confuse or even alienate the loyal shoppers who primarily choose Walmart for its affordability and essential goods. After all, maintaining a sense of consistency is a message in itself. Walmart has been making a fascinating change in its branding strategy by increasingly featuring just the iconic yellow spark in its advertisements, often without any accompanying text, including the name "Walmart." Last year in New York City, a place where Walmart doesn't have any stores, some bus shelters displayed advertisements for fashionable items sold by Walmart that only included stylish images of the clothing along with the spark. This approach aims to gradually alter shoppers' views, moving away from the perception that Walmart is solely a provider of low-cost, mass-produced goods. "It is prompting a re-evaluation of who Walmart is and the variety of products we offer," states White, who became Walmart's Chief Marketing Officer in 2020 after a lengthy career at Target. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Walmart's aspiration is that its revamped spark will achieve the same level of recognition for the brand as Starbucks' mermaid, Target's bullseye, and Apple's apple do for their respective companies. "We aspire to present ourselves like the legendary brands," White states. "Our goal is for the spark to serve as a guiding light for the Walmart brand," he adds. This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
Blue Origin's launch: Is Jeff Bezos in pursuit of Elon Musk in the race for space among billionaires?
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral on Monday. What is the current status in the competition among billionaires for dominance in space exploration? View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image: Jeff Bezos, Sir Richard Branson, and Elon Musk are competing fiercely for dominance in the realm of outer space. Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin is preparing for the first launch of its new space rocket this coming Monday, marking a significant milestone that could intensify the competition among billionaires in the space exploration sector. The New Glenn rocket is set to launch from Cape Canaveral, marking the culmination of a multi-billion dollar project that has spanned over ten years. This mission could pave the way for Amazon's satellite constellation initiative and potentially challenge Elon Musk's dominance in the market. Mr Musk's SpaceX has dominated the scene for many years but both Mr Bezos and Virgin Galactic founder Sir Richard Branson have designs on outer space... and the wealth tied up in its exploration. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Photo: New Glenn positioned on the launch pad in December. Source: Blue Origin Jeff Bezos and his company Blue Origin "Since I was just five years old, I've had a dream of exploring outer space," Mr. Bezos remarked before embarking on his journey to the brink of space in 2021. He established the Blue Origin initiative with the goal of enabling "millions of individuals to work and reside in space." For several years, it has successfully launched and landed its reusable New Shepard rocket at the edge of Earth's atmosphere, yet it has never placed anything into orbit. However, that may change this coming Monday. Image: Jeff Bezos, the entrepreneur behind Blue Origin and Amazon. Source: Reuters Blue Origin aims for its New Glenn rocket to rival SpaceX's Falcon 9, which currently holds the title of the most frequently launched rocket in the world. In comparison to Mr. Musk's Falcon 9, the New Glenn boasts approximately double the power and features a payload bay diameter that is twice as wide, allowing it to accommodate larger groups of satellites. The forthcoming launch is a crucial certification flight mandated by the US Space Force, which is necessary for New Glenn to transport national security payloads in connection with the multi-billion dollar government contracts that Blue Origin aims to secure. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image: A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launches in October 2024. Photo credit: Reuters. Elon Musk and SpaceX are at the forefront of space exploration and technology. Founded by Musk in 2002, SpaceX aims to reduce space transportation costs and enable the colonization of Mars. The company has achieved significant milestones, including the first privately-funded spacecraft to reach orbit and the development of the reusable Falcon rockets, which have revolutionized the industry. Musk's vision extends beyond Earth, as he envisions a future where humanity becomes a multi-planetary species. Elon Musk once joked, "I wish to die on Mars, but not upon crashing." The ally of Donald Trump, often seen sporting an "Occupy Mars" t-shirt, has maintained a significant presence in the private space sector with his company SpaceX. Back in 2016, Mr Musk outlined his vision of building a colony on Mars "in our lifetimes" - with the first rocket propelling humans to the Red Planet by 2025, though this deadline does not appear likely to be met. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Photo: Elon Musk and Donald Trump engage in conversation during a SpaceX launch event in 2020. Source: Reuters For many years the company used an image of the Martian surface being terraformed (turned Earth-like) in its promotional material. However, a NASA-sponsored study published in 2018 dismissed these plans as impossible with the technology available then. SpaceX has undertaken missions that encompass contracts with the US government as well as the deployment of its Starlink satellite internet system. Although Mr. Bezos' New Glenn rocket boasts greater power compared to the successful Falcon 9, SpaceX's upcoming Starship, which is a fully reusable rocket system in the works, is expected to be even more powerful. Mr. Musk considers Starship essential for broadening Starlink's presence in space. The upcoming test flight, scheduled for later this month, will include the deployment of simulated satellites. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Picture: Sir Richard Branson. Source: Reuters. Sir Richard Branson and his venture, Virgin Galactic, have been at the forefront of commercial space travel. Branson, a British entrepreneur, founded Virgin Galactic with the vision of making space tourism accessible to the public. The company aims to offer suborbital flights, allowing passengers to experience a few minutes of weightlessness and see the curvature of the Earth. Since its inception, Virgin Galactic has made significant strides in developing its spaceflight technology and has conducted several successful test flights, marking a new era in the exploration of space for non-professional astronauts. Additionally, Sir Richard Branson, the founder of Virgin, is aiming for a piece of the upper atmosphere with his Virgin Galactic initiative, which successfully transported its inaugural group of tourists to the brink of space in 2023. The team transported the passengers to an altitude of approximately 55 miles (88 km) above the Earth's surface, allowing them to experience weightlessness for a flight that lasted just over an hour. "The British billionaire once remarked, 'My mother instilled in me the importance of perseverance and aspiring to greatness.'" According to a report by Forbes in October of the previous year, the company has temporarily suspended its flight operations while it focuses on the development of new space vehicles. The latest lineup of Delta spacecraft is set to restart commercial space travel by the year 2026.
Homeowner left in disbelief as insurance company cancels coverage following a single warning letter: 'I couldn't believe it'
View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Image Source: iStock Even though their home avoided any damage from two recent wildfires, one family in Arizona was dismayed to learn that their insurance provider was still dropping them due to significant fire risk — leaving them high and dry in the event of a disaster. What occurred? In the last year-and-a-half, over 2,100 acres have burned in the greater Phoenix area, local station 12 News reported. While resident Kevin O'Neil was lucky enough to avoid any damage to his home during that time, he still encountered a major issue. "My wife got a letter," O'Neil shared with 12 News. "It stated, 'Because of the fire situation, we won't be renewing your policy.' I couldn't believe it." While conversing with fellow members of his community, he discovered that many families were facing similar circumstances. "I understand. The insurance companies are in the business of making profits," he remarked. "We all have to earn a living. However, these are our residences." Similar situations have been cropping up around the country — from states with high fire risk to coastal areas vulnerable to severe hurricane damage, floods, and tornadoes. Why is the removal of insurance coverage so alarming? What makes this predicament so troubling, scientists warn, is that all of these natural disasters — from fires to floods — are exacerbated by human-driven global heating. The combustion of fossil fuels has resulted in an alarming increase of heat-trapping gases in the atmosphere, subsequently giving rise to a weather-enhancing phenomenon referred to as the greenhouse effect. This means that, as humans continue to produce emissions — through everything from transportation to manufacturing — hurricanes are continuing to grow more severe, droughts last longer, and wildfires blaze hotter. All of these issues put homes at risk. 🗣️ In your opinion, is the United States facing a housing crisis? 🗳️ Select your option to view the outcomes and share your thoughts! What actions can be taken? Unfortunately, when it comes to assessing home insurance in disaster-prone areas, there is no obvious solution. While most states offer a state-backed "plan of last resort," these have quickly become overwhelmed by the vast number of homeowners seeking their coverage. In order to assess the issue and determine possible solutions, organizations like Arizona's Mitigation and Resiliency Council are being formed. In the council's first meeting, members pointed out that new homes are still being built in fire-prone areas, meaning fire prevention and mitigation efforts are going to become even more expensive — and insurers may be incentivized to drop entire areas even more quickly because of it. While experimenting with disaster-proof building materials is a worthwhile effort in the short term, having governments and corporations work to reduce their planet-warming emissions in a timely, organized way is the only true solution for the underlying problem. View pictures in App save up to 80% data. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Awesome Selections