Income inequality continues to rise in the United States. The Gini coefficient, a standard measure for the distribution of wealth in an area, rose significantly in the 1980s and 1990s, indicating growing inequality. Since…
People of all backgrounds dream of moving to the big city seeking fortune. Life in a vibrant metropolis certainly can be a romantic and exciting experience. One thing is for sure: urban life is…
In the lower 48 states, a single adult earning $12,140 or less has an income below the poverty line. For families, the poverty line increases by $4,320 for every additional family member. Though work…
The number of cruise passengers has been increasing annually, and was projected to reach 27.2 million in 2018, about 10 million more than a decade ago. With more than 440 ships in operation, 50…
The cacao tree is native to either Central or South America. The people who probably first roasted and ground its beans into a powder, to make beverages and gruel, were the Olmecs in southern…
Municipal solid waste management (MSW) is the most important service a city or state or nation can provide. MSW, or trash, is waste generated from companies, buildings, institutions, small businesses, houses, and yards. Waste…
If you are planning on buying a new tablet, a 4K smart TV, a new phone, or some other new tech gadget this holiday season, chances are you’re not alone. Two-thirds of American adults…
The United States is, in general, a well-fed country — at least in the quantity of what we eat. Americans consume an average of 3,682 calories per capita daily, well above the recommended 2,000…
Alzheimer’s disease, which destroys memory and important mental functions over time, and for which there is no cure, is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Worldwide, Alzheimer’s and other dementias…
Comic book legend Stan Lee died on Monday at the age of 95. His death marked the end of the long and prominent career of arguably the most influential, and certainly the most well-known…
More than 6 million people across the world die every year from causes directly linked to tobacco use, and about a million more die from second-hand smoke. Overall, the deadly habit kills half of…
The good news is that tobacco smoking is declining globally, including in the United States. The bad news is that about 16% of the adults in the country still smoke regularly, and more than…
The unemployment rate for black Americans fell below 6.0% for the first time in history earlier this year. The historic dip in joblessness was a benchmark of progress in the continued pursuit of racial…
‘Tis the season to be jolly…and careful. Emergency room visits spike during the holiday season as some injuries are more common that time of year. Thanksgiving probably sends the most people to the ER,…
Poverty might mean different things in different parts of the world and to different people, but it is largely defined as being unable to afford a minimum standard of living. The United States has…
