Author: Reporter

The United States grew older, faster, last decade. The share of residents 65 or older grew by more than a third from 2010 to 2020 and at the fastest rate of any decade in 130 years, while the share of children declined, according to new figures from the most recent census. The declining percentage of children under age 5 was particularly noteworthy in the figures from the 2020 head count released in May. Combined, the trends mean the median age in the U.S. jumped from 37.2 to 38.8 over the decade. America’s two largest age groups propelled the changes:...

Nostalgia sells and marketers know it, having used the brands of yesteryear fully aware that consumers will open their wallets to scratch that sentimental itch. Those oldies but goodies keep popping up today, but increasingly with a twist. Companies continue to re-release snacks, entertainment and technology that millions of people grew up with, but tweaking them to create hybrids that possess the same heartfelt recognition, with a modern flavor. Companies have recognized that they can win over consumers nostalgic for the past and, at the same time, win new generations of consumers with a new spin. “Younger consumers, like...

For the first time in three decades, the U.S. has a new favorite dog breed, according to the American Kennel Club. Adorable in some eyes, deplorable in others, the sturdy, push-faced, perky-eared, world-weary-looking and distinctively droll French bulldog became the nation’s most prevalent purebred dog last year, the club announced in April. Frenchies ousted Labrador retrievers from the top spot after a record 31 years. “They’re comical, friendly, loving little dogs,” said French Bull Dog Club of America spokesperson Patty Sosa. City-friendly, with modest grooming and exercise needs, she said, “they offer a lot in a small package.” Yet...

Changes in air patterns as the world warms will likely push more and nastier hurricanes up against the United States’ east and Gulf coasts, especially in Florida, a new study said. While other studies have projected how human-caused climate change will probably alter the frequency, strength and moisture of tropical storms, the study in April’s journal Science Advances focuses on the crucial aspect of where hurricanes are going. It’s all about projected changes in steering currents, said study lead author Karthik Balaguru, a Pacific Northwest National Laboratory climate scientist. “Along every coast they’re kind of pushing the storms closer...