Here’s a recession paradox: despite booming ridership, public transportation systems are raising fares, cutting back service, or both. Why? Because most of their budgets come from ever-scarcer state and local tax revenues, not from fares. The New York Times reported on the damage recently:“In New York City, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority is considering steep fare increases and its deepest service cuts in years to help close a $1.2 billion deficit. In addition to considering a 23 percent increase in fares and tolls, the authority is weighing plans to eliminate more than two dozen city bus routes and two subway lines, reduce off-peak service and even close some subway stations at night….Big systems in Boston, Atlanta and San Francisco, and smaller ones across the nation, find themselves weighing cuts or fare increases that they fear could erode the gains they have made in attracting new riders.” Tragic, right? Irwin Kellner over at the Wall Street Journal thinks the solution is to make public transportation free:“Raising fares is hardly the way to reward new customers much less hold onto one’s existing customer base….Not only should fares be lowered and service improved there is a good case that can be made to eliminate fares altogether. That’s right, Virginia, make mass transit free!This is not as far-fetched as it looks. On average, the fare box covers only one-third of the cost of a typical mass transit ride. The rest is made up with dedicated taxes, subsidies from state and local governments, and tolls.Clearly, if these sources cover two-thirds of a ride, how much do you think taxes, subsidies and tolls would have to rise to take over the remaining third? The answer: not much.”With the economy in the tank, more people than ever want to use public transportation right now. It seems like the perfect time to expand and further subsidize service-with the understanding that any short term cash deficit is more than made up for in positive environmental externalities and the cultivation of a new ridership.But while making public transportation free might marginally increase demand, it’s not going to solve the fundamental problem that public transportation systems don’t have money. We should all do what we can to make sure stimulus money is set aside to bolster them.
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The conversations people avoid may be the ones they would enjoy the most
Awkward small talk gets a bad rap.
Before having a conversation with a stranger, many people assume the interaction will be boring, uncomfortable, or simply not worth the effort. A recent study found that people routinely underestimate how enjoyable and meaningful these interactions can be.
In a recent paper, “Conversations About Boring Topics Are More Interesting Than We Think,” researchers suggest one of the biggest obstacles to human connection may be our own expectations. Across nine experiments involving 1,800 participants, talking on topics people expected to be boring turned out to be far more engaging than they predicted.
A good conversation.
Photo credit CanvaPeople unknowingly avoid meaningful conversations with strangers
Elizabeth Trinh, a doctoral student at the University of Michigan and lead study author, placed people in conversations about topics that they identified as boring. Options varied from the stock market to cats to vegan diets.
The study asked participants to predict how a conversation with unfamiliar people might go. Most participants expected less enjoyment, less connection, and less value from the exchange. The results suggest that people are surprisingly poor at forecasting their own social experiences.
After the interaction with a stranger, the majority believed it went far better and was more engaging than they had predicted. In an American Psychological Association press release, Trinh said, “People consistently expected conversations about seemingly boring topics to be less interesting than they turned out to be.”
The study indicates people might place too much emphasis on the topic and situation itself. Because once people start actually talking, the content matters far less than the interaction. “What really drives enjoyment is engagement,” explained Trinh.
“Feeling heard, responding to each other, and discovering unexpected details about someone’s life can make even a mundane topic meaningful,” she added.
Co-workers enjoy a good conversation.
Photo credit CanvaPeople opt out of potential connections
The study shows that people may be opting out of potential connections because they assume that opportunity isn’t worth their time and energy. It also challenges the idea that meaningful conversations require a special chemistry or a pre-existing relationship.
Instead, ordinary interactions with neighbors, coworkers, or people standing in a line may offer more emotional value than once believed. “Even a brief conversation about everyday life may be more rewarding than we expect,” said Trinh.
Researchers have repeatedly found that people feel better after engaging with strangers, even when expectations of awkwardness are high. They report feeling happier and more connected. Responding to another person, sharing experiences, and discovering unexpected connections far outweigh the importance of a strong starting point.
An epidemic of loneliness
These findings offer a reassuring contrast to the belief that modern loneliness is a growing problem that may not be easily solved. Avenues for connection may be far more abundant than many people think.
Several proposed solutions to loneliness and social isolation involve building new friendships through social groups and new hobbies. But Trinh’s research suggests a far simpler approach. People may be surrounded by opportunities that they routinely dismiss. Most of us assume boring, small talk won’t go anywhere, yet even a brief chat with a coworker or stranger may offer more social value than people realize.
The basic, everyday exchanges people have been avoiding might actually be some of the most valuable. Rather than planning the perfect social outing, a willingness to talk with a stranger that we might otherwise avoid could lead to a more meaningful experience.
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How one World Cup superfan bought a giant, rare FIFA soccer ball that barely fits in his car
“I’m like Atlas…I got the World Cup on my shoulders!”
The 2026 FIFA World Cup brings out a wild streak in footie fans. For one fan though, his passion for the sport led him to pursue the ultimate piece of memorabilia for months. Then, it happened: to the envy of every FIFA fan, the fan was able to purchase a giant World Cup soccer ball.
Kevin Cronin, better known as Kickball Dad online, was excited to see an Adidas Trionda Jumbo soccer ball. The massive 31.5-inch ball was part of a store’s display.
“We need one of those,” said Cronin.
Upon seeing it, Cronin immediately asked if he could buy it. The store said it was for display only. The cost of the sold-out ball typically goes for $320.00, but would likely be higher in price since Cronin was lucky enough to find it in the secondary market. That didn’t stop him.
The store management was unprepared for Cronin’s determination and fandom. For months, he would come in and visit the store, asking again and again if he could buy the incredibly large soccer ball. He was told again and again that it wasn’t for sale.
Until it was.
He got the ball!
One day, Cronin found the right store manager willing to sell him the ball. Cronin excitedly checked out the ball at the cash register. In a video of the purchase, Cronin’s daughter Alyssa can be heard giggling the entire time as Cronin triumphantly lifts the ball into the air.
“I’m like Atlas,” said Cronin. “I got the World Cup on my shoulders!”
Buying the giant ball was one massive task, but soon came the next one: trying to fit the ball into Cronin’s small four-door car. This gave everyone, including Cronin, second thoughts. But Cronin’s will was strong.
“Why did we buy this?” asked Cronin’s son.
“Because we have W.C.F.,” Cronin replied. “World Cup Fever.”
Cronin was able to squeeze the massive soccer ball into the backseat and drive it home. He pried the ball out of the car and into his house, where his wife greeted him with laughter.
“We got it,” he said victoriously as he placed it on the kitchen counter.
Soccer fans and brands alike congratulated him
Cronin’s video went viral on Instagram with many soccer fans commenting on his determination:
“This is a triumph a man dreams about.”
“Never give up!!!!!!”
“It’s meant to be 💞”
Even major brands reached out to give their kudos:
“Some display pieces are just too awesome to leave behind.” said Lego.
“The look on your wife’s face = priceless. What’s next? 🤣” quipped Adidas Football.
“Mission accomplished 🏆” shared Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Who is ‘Kickball Dad’?
This isn’t the first time Kevin Cronin/Kickball Dad has made waves online. Cronin has become an avid content creator known for his fandom of most sports—specifically his kids’ sports games and Miami Dolphins football. Fans see videos of him shopping at the grocery store, going to sporting events, sharing his sports takes, and even birding. His daughter Alyssa shoots and edits the videos, leading to a fun family side hustle as content creators.
As the 2026 World Cup starts, it’ll be fun to see fans all over the world show their enthusiasm whether it’s through loud cheers with their families or creating fun videos starring a hard-won giant soccer ball.
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Coloradans can now fight against a weaker economy and hunger through the ‘Tamale Act’
Feed the community while keeping money in it.
The citizens of Colorado are being presented with an opportunity to make more money through home-cooked meals. The state has passed into law the “Tamale Act,” which allows people to make and sell food made in their personal kitchens. This creates a means for many people to make supplemental income and/or start a full-fledged home-based business.
Previously, there were restrictions for folks to sell food outside of official commercial businesses and restaurants. Now that the Tamale Act has been written into law, many restrictions are lifted, including access to foods that were previously prohibited. The law is an expansion of the Colorado Cottage Foods Act that allowed the sale of non-refrigerated food items excluding dairy and meat products.
There are still requirements in play for safety and public health. The sellers must complete a food safety and handling course with proof of completion. The homemade food also cannot be transported more than once or for longer than two hours.
Colorado’s officials weigh in
According to government officials, this law allows opportunities for both home cooks and consumers alike.
“This is a big win for Colorado cooking entrepreneurs!” said Governor Jared Polis in a statement. “This important bill expands Coloradan’s access to tasty homemade foods while supporting small kitchens and empowering Colorado’s cooking entrepreneurs and small business owners. Some of our favorite restaurants were started in a home kitchen, and today we are taking action to remove barriers for home-based cooks to earn a living and legally sell delicious food to Coloradans growing our economy and supporting communities,” said Governor Polis.
“People already sell prepared food – like tamales, pupusas, and baked goods – to their friends, family, and neighbors,” added Senate Majority Leader Robert Rodriguez. “This is a way that Coloradans share their culture, support each other, and work hard to earn extra money and support their families. This law creates a pathway for this to happen in a safe and legal way.”
Addressing two issues with one law
This act helps two growing issues in the United States overall. Per a Talker Research 2024 poll, 77% of Americans feel too exhausted to cook for themselves after work. Because of this, many people turn to unhealthy, cheap takeout for sustenance rather than healthier home cooked meals. Laws like the Tamale Act provide an opportunity for people to pay people within their community for a home cooked meal that is likely cheaper and healthier than fast food from a national chain.
The other issue, as mentioned by the Colorado government, is the growing need for a side hustle. Per a 2026 survey by Omnisend, one in three Americans turned to a side hustle to help stay afloat with their bills. This is to survive, mind you, not thrive. According to recent Gallup polls, the increasingly difficult job market has shown many that they can better benefit from turning their delicious recipes into a side business.
How to start a home cooking business
If you want to start a home cooking business, there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, the legality. While Colorado has just reduced restrictions on selling homemade food, there may be more red tape in your state. The Food and Drug Administration recommends researching your local laws to see what’s restricted. You’ll also want to know what kind of permits, licenses, and certifications you’ll need before putting your food up for sale.
After all of that is researched and settled, there are other considerations. The Food and Liability Insurance Program offers some tips: depending on the scale of your homemade food business, you may want to invest in specific equipment to make larger batches of meals. You may also want to register as an LLC and/or get your food business insured.
Marketing is also an important aspect. Setting up a website and social media accounts featuring a brand can help spread the word locally. If you want tips for that, you may want to scour online for your favorite homemade food businesses and ask what worked for them.
With a little bit of research and grit, many people in local communities will be fed either through delicious home cooked meals or through the profit generated from them.
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How one World Cup superfan bought a giant, rare FIFA soccer ball that barely fits in his car
Coloradans can now fight against a weaker economy and hunger through the ‘Tamale Act’
Social media before bedtime wreaks havoc on our sleep − a sleep researcher explains why screens alone aren’t the main culprit
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