According to the World Population Review, first cousin marriages are common in Muslim-majority nations. There are studies showing that first cousin marriages have a significant negative impact on intelligence, and health over generations. Some Mennonites also marry first cousins. Studies comparing health and intelligence to first cousin marriages are dated or not considered definitive. However, […] The post The Effect of Consanguineous Marriages in Some Societies appeared first on www.independentsentinel.com.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM New England is no stranger to frigid winters, but five of its states are now working together on a major effort to keep homes warm with cleaner, more efficient technology. Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island have jointly launched the New England Heat Pump Accelerator, a $450 million initiative funded through the federal Climate Pollution Reduction Grants program. Katie Dykes, commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, called the initiative “a big deal,” explaining that it’s “unprecedented to see five states aligning together on a transformational approach to deploying more-affordable clean-heat options.” The program aims to deploy more than 580,000 heat pumps over the next few years, reducing carbon emissions, cutting heating bills, and helping families move away from fossil fuels. Why New England is the perfect testing ground Much of the region still relies heavily on oil, propane, and natural gas, especially in Maine, where more than half of homes use heating oil. This dependence leaves residents vulnerable to volatile prices and high emissions. But despite the need, several barriers have held back broader heat pump adoption, including high upfront costs, limited awareness, and persistent myths about whether the technology can handle bitter winter temperatures. “There’s not full awareness that these cold-temperature heat pumps can handle our winters,” said Joseph DeNicola, deputy commissioner of Connecticut’s energy agency. He noted that many units can now heat homes at a cost lower than traditional delivered fuels. Some states are already proving the point: Maine hit its goal of installing 100,000 new heat pumps two years early, and Massachusetts is on track for its 2025 target. What the accelerator actually does The program is organized into three major areas, or “hubs,” that work together to increase adoption: 1. The market hub: reducing costs upfront The majority of the program’s funding (around $270 million) will go to midstream incentives. Distributors will receive funding to lower the price of heat pumps for contractors, who then pass those savings on to consumers. This approach is designed to shift the market itself, encouraging distributors to keep units in stock and making clean heating the easier choice for contractors. Expected cost reductions include: $500 to $700 off cold-climate air-source heat pumps $200 to $300 off heat pump water heaters “It should be very simple for contractors to access this funding,” said Ellen Pfeiffer of Energy Solutions, adding that incentives will be applied automatically without extra paperwork. 2. The innovation hub: supporting vulnerable communities Each state will receive $14.5 million to fund pilot programs that address barriers in low- and moderate-income communities. Ideas include lending libraries of window-mounted heat pumps, which would offer a stopgap solution for residents whose heating systems fail unexpectedly. The innovation hub will also invest in workforce development. Program leaders are coordinating with contractors to design new training pathways, with an expected launch in April 2026. 3. The resource hub: one-stop support for stakeholders A centralized resource center will provide information for contractors, distributors, and program implementers. Organizers hope all three hubs will be fully operational by spring 2026. Big goals, big impact If successful, the accelerator will reduce carbon emissions by 2.5 million metric tons by 2030, equivalent to removing more than 540,000 gas-powered cars from the road. The program also arrives as federal tax credits of up to $2,000 for heat pumps are expected to phase out, meaning states will play an even more crucial role in advancing clean energy. For Dykes, the regional effort is about more than technology. It’s about empowerment: “This is one example of a way we are helping to make progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but with a solution that can help people take control of their energy costs. That’s really what we’re focused on.”The post New England’s bet on heat pumps: a $450 million push toward cleaner, cheaper home heating first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM ‘Tis the season of hosting, gathering, feasting! For many of us, this time of year is basically one long parade of hugs, handshakes, shared desserts, and recycled indoor air. It’s also, unfortunately, prime time for the cold and flu carousel to spin at full speed. And while it should feel normal to ask people if they’re sick before they show up to your home (does anyone else remember the global pandemic?), most of us still treat that question like it’s a breach of etiquette. But here’s the truth: with so many respiratory viruses circulating like the flu, RSV, and good old-fashioned mystery sniffles, a quick “Hey, is everyone feeling well?” is one of the kindest things you can ask. Infectious disease specialist Dr. Linda Yancey and psychotherapist Terri Cole agree: normalizing this conversation protects the people you love. Why checking in about symptoms actually matters Many people don’t automatically connect their mild symptoms to the potential impact on others. But as Dr. Yancey explains, “Mild cold symptoms can be serious for certain people and young children.” A little congestion might be nothing to you, but infants, older adults, and immunocompromised friends can end up in the hospital from something as simple as a lingering cough. RSV is a perfect example. Most adults experience it like a typical cold, but babies under six months and kids under two with heart or lung conditions face a much higher risk of severe illness. The same goes for the flu, a virus that hospitalizes hundreds of thousands of people every year. And culturally, we’ve been conditioned to “power through” sickness. No paid sick leave? No problem, we’ll often go to work anyway. Social plans that took weeks to coordinate? Why cancel when you can just grab tissues and pretend it’s allergies. As Dr. Yancey puts it, “People don’t want to let down the people around them,” even if pushing through puts others at risk. How to ask someone if they’re sick (without making it weird) Terri Cole, LCSW, specializes in boundary-setting, and she says the key is to skip the dramatic lead-in. No “we need to talk,” no family meeting, no nervous texts with seven disclaimers. Instead, keep it light and collaborative. Try something like: “Hey, can we agree to let each other know if anyone isn’t feeling well this season? I’m trying to be mindful of everyone’s wellness. I’ll do the same on my end.” That’s it. No accusations, no guilt-tripping. Just a simple agreement to look out for each other. Cole also recommends sharing context when it’s relevant. If you’re hosting a gathering where someone’s bringing a newborn or an immunocompromised relative, being upfront helps everyone make informed decisions. “You don’t have to write a thesis,” she says, “but a little background information helps people understand why you’re asking.” Define what “sick” actually means One person’s “tiny cough” is another person’s full viral storm. That’s why Dr. Yancey suggests using a clear benchmark: fever. “A fever of one hundred one or higher is a nice dividing line,” she says. “You’re genuinely sick.” Congestion and coughs can be trickier to interpret, especially because COVID-19, RSV, and flu all present similarly. But if someone is feverish, coughing, or struggling with more than mild sniffles, or in other words actively symptomatic, then it’s worth hitting pause on the potluck. You might still get sick (and that’s okay) Even with check-ins, boundaries, vaccines, and best intentions, holiday germs have range. Indoor gatherings plus cold weather plus travel equals prime conditions for viruses to do what they do. That said, asking about symptoms gives everyone more agency. It’s a chance to protect yourself, protect vulnerable loved ones, and avoid the dreaded text two days later that says: “Sooo… I just tested positive.” And remember: if you’re going to ask others to be honest, you’ll need to do the same. As Dr. Yancey puts it, “If you are sick — symptomatic, coughing, congested, especially feverish — you really do need to stay home.”The post Is it rude to ask if someone’s sick before a holiday hangout? Here’s what the experts say first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

'Yeah, there's something wrong with Walz'

Lane Kiffin’s circus finally folded its tents Sunday afternoon in Oxford, Mississippi

a great Christmas present

A cat brought along her kittens when she finally moved indoors, but the little family needed far more than a roof over their heads. BestFriendsFelinesAbout two months ago, Best Friends Felines, an all-volunteer rescue, received an urgent request to take in a heavily pregnant cat.Jen, a longtime foster volunteer, stepped up immediately and welcomed the expectant mom, Clair, into her home. "It was evident this wasn't her first rodeo, as she had clearly nursed babies prior," Jen shared.A vet check for the calico was scheduled for three days later. "Let's just say that the appointment was never attended." BestFriendsFelinesThat Thursday morning, Clair went into labor. Within the first hour, she delivered two kittens. By the afternoon, she had four tiny newborns nursing contentedly at her side. "They are simply the most beautiful little babies, all different colors."From the start, Clair was a devoted mother, tending to her kittens' every need. "One thing she loves just as much as her babies is human affection." BestFriendsFelinesWhenever she could sneak a moment for herself, Clair sought out her foster mom. She "helped" with chores, supervised tasks, and filled the room with her soothing purrs. "She has appeared in a few team meetings when she's insisted on cuddles right there and then."But the moment she heard a kitten cry, she dashed back to the nest to make sure their needs were met. BestFriendsFelinesA few weeks later, things took a difficult turn. One of the kittens, Barrington, suddenly began to decline. Jen rushed him to the vet, where she learned he had a rare genetic condition, transient hyperlipidemia and anemia, which can lead to severe anemia. Despite every effort, Barrington lost his fight."There are no warning signs, no way to predict it." Fearing for the others, Jen took the rest of the family straight to the vet. The remaining kittens received lifesaving transfusionsBestFriendsFelinesThe following Monday, tests revealed that the blood levels of the three remaining kittens had dropped significantly, and they would need transfusions. Jen's own cat, Adele, became the first donor, and River, a cat belonging to another volunteer's family, stepped up as the second donor.Thanks to these two cats, the kittens, Stanley, Wellington, and Flowerpot, received the lifesaving treatment they needed that day. Adele and RiverBestFriendsFelinesAdele and River were calm and cooperative at the clinic, as if they understood the assignment. After their extraordinary efforts, they were rewarded with plenty of affection and hearty meals. "We are incredibly grateful to both of these heroic felines and their wonderful humans."Over the next several days, the kittens steadily improved, and their personalities truly blossomed. BestFriendsFelines"Stanley is our cheerful, easygoing adventurer and the biggest of the trio. Wellington is a gentle, snuggly sweetheart who loves a quiet cuddle. Flowerpot is full of sass and spirit, always plotting her next pounce with a flick of her tail."The kittens continue their medication for anemia and are thriving like the little champs they are. StanleyBestFriendsFelinesNow that the kittens are starting to explore the world on their own, Clair is leaning even more into her love of human companionship. "We have some great chats with her, and she gets along well with most of the residents."She has started a charming new hobby: stealing her kittens' toys and parading them proudly around the house. BestFriendsFelinesNo more pregnancies, no more uncertainty. Now, Clair can just shine like the star she is."She has become the official greeter to all visitors and will proceed to tell them all about her day. She continues to melt hearts wherever she goes. She is going to make an incredible companion to a very lucky family." BestFriendsFelinesShare this story with your friends. More on Clair, her kittens, and Best Friends Felines on Instagram and Facebook.Related story: 21 Year Old Cat Lost Only Place She Knew Then Came Wonderful People Who Promised Her the Best Rest of Life

Idaho Bar Tips for Taps Promotion: Help Deport an Illegal Alien and Earn Some ICE Cold Beer

Airbus fleets were returning towards normal operations on Monday after the European plane maker pushed through abrupt software changes faster than originally expected, as it wrestled with safety headlines long focused on rival Boeing.