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Friday, April 4, 2025

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Republicans weigh using the power of Congress to rein in Trump on tariffs; Stocks tumble again after China fires back in trade war; Mississippi urged to invest in jobs, not jails, to cut prison costs; Studies highlight gut health benefits of plant-forward diets in MI.

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The administration stands behind its tariffs, despite declines in markets. Advocates nationwide push back against federal rollbacks affecting military families, and the environment and big budget plans advance in Congress.

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The proposed dismantling of the Depart. of Education has rural schools scared, postal carriers say USPS changes will hurt rural communities most, fiber networks to improve internet may be supplanted by Musk's satellites, and it's time to PLAY BALL!

CSU Study: Americans have friends, but lack time and closeness

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Tuesday, August 6, 2024   

The U.S. Surgeon General has declared a public health crisis of loneliness and social isolation.

New research from Colorado State University suggested Americans are pretty happy with the number of friends they have, they just want to spend more time with them.

Natalie Pennington, communication studies researcher at Colorado State University and co-leader of the American Friendship Project, said she was eager to learn more about how interactions across a person's social network -- from Facebook acquaintances to forever besties -- can affect people's lives.

"Understanding how, over time, how changes in our relationships might affect our well-being," Pennington outlined. "Things like life satisfaction, loneliness, stress, connection, disconnection."

Researchers looked at three different surveys conducted by the American Friendship Project starting in 2022, and found 98% of respondents said they had at least one friend. Three in four American adults said they are satisfied with their number of friends but just half said they're satisfied with the time spent together. Four in 10 said they want deeper connections with the friends they have.

Pennington pointed out people did lose some friends during the pandemic, a time of prolonged social isolation, especially relationships with weaker bonds. But she added many friendships grew closer.

"Your closest friends, you actually kind of strengthen those because now, suddenly you can't see each other," Pennington explained. "We have this need to belong to each other. We're reaching out and deepening a few connections, even though we might lose some as well."

Maintaining connections with friends, especially those who now live far away, can be challenging. Pennington emphasized there are ways to remain close if you do not have the time or resources to meet up in person.

"In the absence of that, knowing that there are little ways we can connect, sending emails, sending a text message, phone call, voice memo, those are ways that we can sustain that relationship," Pennington concluded.

Disclosure: Colorado State University contributes to our fund for reporting on Environment, Health Issues, and Social Justice. If you would like to help support news in the public interest, click here.


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In addition to gut health benefits, many researchers say reducing meat consumption and increasing plant-based foods can help lower greenhouse gas emissions, conserve water and reduce the environmental footprint of food production. (NDABCREATIVITY/Adobe Stock)

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