Housing Market Turning

Daily Upsider on January 1, 2024

In recent months, the housing market has seen a surge in new home construction as builders work to meet the growing demand for housing. According to the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau, residential new construction rose 14.8% in November 2023 compared to the previous month, reaching an annual rate of 1.56 million new homes being built. This increase in new home construction is a positive sign for the housing market, as it indicates that builders are feeling optimistic about the future of the industry.

One of the driving factors behind the increase in new home construction is the decline in mortgage rates. As rates have come down, more people are able to afford to buy a home, which has led to an increase in demand for new homes. This, in turn, has spurred builders to ramp up construction in order to meet the growing demand.

In addition to the decline in mortgage rates, the increase in new home construction can also be attributed to the rise in housing permits. In November 2023, the number of housing permits issued rose 6.6% month-over-month to 1,453,000 completions. This increase in permits is yet another good sign for the housing market.

Despite the increase in new home construction, the housing market still faces some challenges. One of the biggest challenges is the high cost of building materials. The cost of lumber, for example, has risen significantly in recent months, which has made it more expensive for builders to construct new homes. In addition, the ongoing labor shortage in the construction industry has made it difficult for builders to find the workers they need to complete projects on time.

Despite these challenges, as more homes are built, it will help to ease the shortage of available homes for sale and provide more options for buyers. This, in turn, could help to keep home prices from rising too quickly and make it easier for people to find a home that they can afford.

Veggie Farm Thrives in Desert!

Daily Upsider on December 30, 2023

In Aqaba on Jordan’s Red Sea coast, the Sahara Forest Project practices innovative farming amid extreme water scarcity. Despite Jordan importing 98% of its food this farm found a way to plant crops like cucumbers, peppers, and passion fruit.

This sustainable farm relies on solar power and seawater, using evaporative systems and salt-tolerant plants. The project aims to reverse land degradation by enriching soil through waste recycling. With a successful track record, the project is expanding, replacing seawater trucks with a pipeline and aiming to absorb more carbon than it emits. It has created good jobs in the area and provides training of sustainable farming methods, offering a model for sustainable agriculture amid the challenging arid climate.

Jewel’s #NotAloneChallenge

Daily Upsider on December 30, 2023

Jewel Kilcher, the multi-platinum singer-songwriter, recently released her new album, “Freewheelin’ Woman,” in 2023. The album has garnered significant attention for its empowering themes and catchy melodies. Along with the album release, Jewel also launched the #NotAloneChallenge in partnership with iHeartRadio to raise awareness for mental health and provide resources to those in need.

The #NotAloneChallenge aims to bring together a coalition of over 120 mental health advocates, including leaders in technology, media, finance, entertainment, sports, and more. The campaign’s mission is to remind people that they are not alone during challenging times, offer free mental health resources, and raise funds to make mental health support available to those in need.

Jewel has been open about her own struggles with mental health and her experiences growing up in a difficult environment. She has used her platform to inspire others and provide tools for self-improvement through her music and her non-profit organization, “Inspiring Children”.

Social Media’s Latest Craze – The 9-Month Ultimate World Cruise!

Daily Upsider on December 29, 2023

The Ultimate World Cruise, a 274-night journey on the Serenade of the Seas by Royal Caribbean Cruises, became a TikTok sensation just two weeks into its nine-month global expedition. Departing from Miami on Dec. 10, the cruise promised travelers visits to over 60 countries and nearly a dozen world wonders. Passengers shared their experiences on TikTok, with the #UltimateWorldCruise tag amassing over 54.8 million views.

The cruise spans four legs, covering North and South America, the Pacific, the Mediterranean and Middle East, and Europe. Prices for the entire journey started at $53,999, but passengers had the option to book shorter durations or individual segments.

Some passengers shared their reasons for being on the Ultimate World Cruise with “TODAY.” Some mentioned celebrating wedding anniversaries, while one traveler, Angie Linderman, revealed she went on the journey due to her higher risk of developing cancer. Linderman stresses the importance of seizing the opportunity to check off bucket list items while still in good health.

“Retirement age is not a guarantee. And so (there is) an emphasis on just doing all of the things I can do now while I’m healthy, while I’m able, instead of putting them off in hopes that I can do them later, when in reality that may not happen,” she said.

242 Billion Dollar Industry Legalization

Daily Upsider on December 29, 2023

The legalization of sports betting, now a $242 billion dollar industry, has been a hot topic since the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018. Since then, many states have embraced sports betting, but a dozen states still have not legalized it.

States Where Sports Betting is Illegal

There are currently 12 states where sports betting remains illegal: Alabama, Alaska, California, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Minnesota, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. In these states, sports betting is either not on the legislative agenda, or there are significant obstacles preventing its legalization.

The Biggest Prizes

California and Texas are the most populous states in the US, and their legalization of sports betting would significantly impact the industry. However, neither state seems likely to adopt it in 2024. In California, competing interests among online gaming companies, tribal casinos, and horse tracks have created a challenging environment for sports betting legislation. In Texas, the sale of the Dallas Mavericks basketball team to a politically active family that runs the Las Vegas Sands casino company has raised speculation of a bigger push for legal sports betting, but the state’s legislative process and lack of citizen initiatives make it difficult to predict any changes in the near future.

States with Potential for Legalization in 2024

Minnesota, Missouri, and Georgia are the states most likely to legalize sports betting in 2024. In Minnesota, the key issue is balancing the interests of tribal casinos and horse racing tracks. In Missouri, the conflict between casinos and video gaming terminal interests has stalled sports betting legislation. Georgia’s debate is complex due to the desire to leverage sports betting to also legalize casinos and horse racing.

Sports Betting Workaround

The fact that sports betting remains illegal in many states has not stopped people from participating in it. Many residents of states where sports betting is illegal travel to neighboring states to place their bets. This not only deprives the state of potential tax revenue but also raises concerns about the safety and regulation of these activities.

Personal Take

We do not endorse gambling with hard-earned money. However, given the ease of accessing alternatives like online crypto casinos, we advocate for a regulated, safer environment for players that also generates state revenue. Recognizing the reality of gambling and providing accessible support for addicts is a more pragmatic and realistic approach.