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Today’s top stories

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is rejecting President Trump’s idea of deploying federal troops to patrol Chicago. At the end of last week, the president discussed sending National Guard troops to the city, just like he has done in Washington, D.C. Johnson says Trump’s plan is illegal, uncalled for and uncoordinated.The mayor also quoted city data showing that Chicago has seen a drop in certain violent crimes in the past year, including homicides, robberies and shootings.

Chicago Mayor Rejects Trump’s National Guard Threat as “Unsound”

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has publicly criticized former President Trump’s suggestion to deploy the National Guard to the city, calling the move “uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.” The exchange comes after Trump, during a rally, alluded to sending the national Guard to Chicago to quell violence, a statement that drew swift condemnation from local officials.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker echoed Johnson’s sentiment, characterizing Trump’s actions as “a trial run for a police state” and stating he does not want the National guard in Chicago.

NPR’s tamara Keith reported on Up First that Trump’s remarks appeared less like a concrete plan and more like a prioritization of Chicago.keith also noted that the federalization of Washington D.C. over the past two weeks,involving hundreds of arrests – a meaningful portion related to immigration enforcement – has been viewed as a testing ground for similar actions in other cities.

The rise of ‘de-influencing’ and why brands should pay attention

For years, influencers have reigned supreme on social media, shaping consumer habits with carefully curated posts and sponsored content. But a new trend is emerging that could disrupt the influencer marketing landscape: “de-influencing.”

De-influencing, popularized on platforms like TikTok, involves creators discouraging their followers from purchasing certain products – frequently enough those that are overhyped, overpriced, or simply not worth the investment. Rather,de-influencers promote mindful consumption,suggest affordable alternatives,or encourage people to use what thay already have.

“It’s about being real and honest with your audience,” says Mikayla Toninato, a de-influencer with over 200,000 TikTok followers. “People are tired of being constantly sold to. They want authentic recommendations and a break from the pressure to buy, buy, buy.”

The trend is fueled by a growing sense of skepticism towards conventional influencer marketing. consumers are becoming more aware of sponsored content and are questioning the authenticity of endorsements. A recent study by Morning Consult found that 68% of U.S. adults say they’ve seen de-influencing content online.

Why is de-influencing resonating?

Several factors are driving the popularity of de-influencing:

Economic pressures: With inflation and economic uncertainty, people are more cautious about their spending.
Sustainability concerns: A growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism is prompting people to buy less.
Authenticity: Consumers crave genuine connections and are drawn to creators who prioritize honesty over profit.
Influencer fatigue: Years of relentless promotion have led to a sense of burnout and distrust towards traditional influencers.

What does this mean for brands?

De-influencing doesn’t necessarily signal the end of influencer marketing, but it does require brands to adapt. Here’s what companies should consider:

Focus on authenticity: Partner with influencers who genuinely believe in your products and whose values align with your brand.
transparency is key: Clearly disclose sponsored content and be upfront about any potential biases.
Prioritize quality over quantity: Invest in fewer, more impactful partnerships with influencers who have a highly engaged audience.
Embrace mindful consumption: Support influencers who promote sustainable practices and responsible purchasing.
* Listen to the conversation: Pay attention to what de-influencers are saying about your industry and your brand. Use this feedback to improve your products and marketing strategies.

De-influencing represents a shift in consumer behavior and a demand for greater transparency and authenticity. Brands that can adapt to this new reality will be best positioned to succeed in the long run.This week marks 20 years sence Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, bringing with it a wake of destruction. In Katrina’s aftermath, Army Lt. Gen. Russel Honoré became a household name, leading recovery efforts as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina. As then, storms

the Rise of ‘Quiet Quitting’ and What It Means for Work

You’ve likely seen the term floating around on social media: “quiet quitting.” But it’s not about actually quitting your job. Instead,it describes a growing trend of employees doing exactly what their job description requires – and nothing more.

The movement, popularized on TikTok, is a response to the “hustle culture” that’s been prevalent for years, where employees feel pressured to go above and beyond, frequently enough without extra compensation or recognition. Quiet quitting is, for many, a way to reclaim work-life balance and protect themselves from burnout.

What does quiet quitting look like in practice?

It’s not about slacking off or doing poor work. It’s about setting boundaries. Examples include:

Leaving work on time: No more staying late to answer emails or finish projects that aren’t urgent.
Not taking on extra tasks: Politely declining requests that fall outside of your defined role.
Avoiding unpaid overtime: Strictly adhering to your contracted hours.
disconnecting after work: Resisting the urge to check emails or respond to messages during personal time.

Why is it happening now?

Several factors are contributing to the rise of quiet quitting:

Pandemic-induced reflection: The pandemic forced many to re-evaluate their priorities and what they want from their careers.
Burnout: Years of overwork and pressure have left many employees feeling exhausted and disengaged.
Lack of recognition: Employees who consistently go above and beyond without receiving adequate recognition or compensation may feel demotivated.
Generational shift: Younger workers, in particular, are prioritizing work-life balance and mental health.

Is it a problem?

The answer is complex. From an employee perspective, quiet quitting can be a healthy way to protect boundaries and prevent burnout. However, employers may view it as a lack of engagement or commitment.

Experts suggest that quiet quitting is frequently enough a symptom of larger issues within a company, such as poor management, lack of growth opportunities, or an unhealthy work culture.

What can employers do?

Rather of viewing quiet quitting as a negative trend, employers should see it as a wake-up call. Here are some steps they can take:

Clearly define roles and expectations: Ensure employees understand what is expected of them.
Provide opportunities for growth and development: Invest in employee training and career advancement.
Recognize and reward hard work: Show thankfulness for employees’ contributions.
Promote a healthy work-life balance: Encourage employees to disconnect and prioritize their well-being.
* Foster open communication: Create a safe space for employees to voice their concerns.

Ultimately, addressing the root causes of disengagement is crucial for creating a more fulfilling and productive work environment for everyone.The White House is giving the iconic Rose Garden a makeover, and the work is nearly complete.Since returning to office in January, Trump has been on a mission to renovate. He swapped out the grass in the garden with stone, turning what had been a lawn into a patio.The switch bears a striking resemblance to a popular feature at the president’s Mar-a-lago resort in Palm Beach, Fla. The president said it was vital to get rid of the grass as it got too soggy for fine footwear. Though the lawn is gone, the flowers will remain a fixture. the Rose Garden dates back to the Kennedy administration. Check out this look at the popular garden through the yearsincluding the new renovations.

How Climate Change Is Affecting Wine production

For centuries, winemakers have relied on predictable weather patterns. But climate change is disrupting those patterns, creating new challenges for grape growers and the wine industry worldwide. From shifting growing seasons to increased risk of extreme weather events, the effects are already being felt in vineyards across the globe.

Earlier Harvests and Changing Grape composition

One of the most noticeable impacts of climate change is the shift in harvest dates. Warmer temperatures are causing grapes to ripen earlier, sometimes by several weeks. While an earlier harvest might seem beneficial, it can lead to imbalances in grape composition. grapes may reach optimal sugar levels before developing full flavor complexity. This results in wines with higher alcohol content and potentially lower acidity.

“We’re seeing harvests happening earlier and earlier,” says Dr. Elizabeth Wolkovich, a viticulture researcher at Cornell University.”This isn’t just about a slightly warmer year; it’s a consistent trend that’s altering the fundamental chemistry of the grapes.” Learn more about Dr. Wolkovich’s research.

Extreme Weather Events

Beyond gradual warming, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Heatwaves can scorch grapes, while unseasonal frosts can damage buds. Increased rainfall can lead to fungal diseases, and droughts can stress vines, reducing yields. Hailstorms, always a threat to vineyards, are becoming more common and destructive.

In 2023, severe heatwaves across Europe led to significant losses in wine production. Southern France and Italy were notably hard hit, with some regions experiencing yield reductions of up to 50%. Wine-Searcher details the 2023 European wine production losses.

Shifting Wine Regions

As traditional wine regions become less suitable for grape growing, winemakers are exploring new areas. Regions in northern Europe, such as England and Germany, are experiencing warmer temperatures and longer growing seasons, making them increasingly viable for viticulture. However, this shift isn’t without challenges. New regions may lack the established infrastructure and expertise of traditional wine-producing areas.

some winemakers are also experimenting with different grape varietals that are more resilient to warmer temperatures and drought conditions. For example, growers in California are increasingly planting Mediterranean varieties like Grenache and Mourvèdre, which are better suited to the state’s hotter, drier climate.

Adapting to a Changing climate

The wine industry is responding to climate change in a variety of ways. Some strategies include:

• Water Management: Implementing efficient irrigation techniques and water conservation measures.
• Canopy Management: Adjusting vine pruning and leaf cover to protect grapes from excessive sun exposure.
• rootstock Selection: Choosing rootstocks that are more drought-tolerant and resistant to soil-borne diseases.
• Precision Viticulture: Using technology to monitor vineyard conditions and optimize grape growing practices.

“The future of wine depends on our ability to adapt,” says James Suckling, a renowned wine critic. “Winemakers need to embrace innovation and sustainability to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this beloved beverage.” Read James Suckling’s wine reviews and insights.

The Future of Wine

Climate change presents a significant threat to the wine industry, but it also creates opportunities for innovation and adaptation. By embracing sustainable practices and exploring new regions and varietals, winemakers can mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the long-term viability of wine production. The wines of the future may taste different then those of today, but with careful planning and a commitment to sustainability, they can still be exceptional.