By SETH BORENSTEIN

WASHINGTON (AP) — Global warming in the United States is amping up the country’s sweet tooth, a new study found.

When the temperature rises, Americans — especially those with less money and education — drink lots more sugary beverages and a bit more frozen desserts. That amounts to more than 100 million pounds of added sugar consumed in the nation a year, compared to 15 years earlier, according to a team of researchers in the U.S. and United Kingdom.

When temperatures go between 54 and 86 degrees, the amount of sugar the average American consumes goes up by about 0.4 grams per degree Fahrenheit per day, based on researchers tracking of weather conditions and consumers’ purchases. At 54 degrees, the amount of added sugar for the average American is a little more than 2 grams. At 86 degrees, it’s more than 15 grams.

Beyond that, appetites lessen and added sugar falls off, according to the study in Monday’s Nature Climate Change.

“Climate change is shaping what you eat and how you eat and that might have a bad effect on your health,” said study co-author Duo Chan, a climate scientist at the University of Southampton.

“People tend to take in more sweetened beverages as the temperature is getting higher and higher,” Chan said. “Obviously under a warming climate that would cause you to drink more or take in more sugar. And that is going to be a severe problem when it comes to health.”

A little added sugar every day adds up

The daily difference from higher temperatures doesn’t amount to even a single candy bar for the average person. But it adds up over time and has a big effect, said University of California San Francisco endocrinology professor Dr. Robert Lustig, a specialist in pediatrics and obesity who wasn’t part of the study.

Lustig wrote in an email that among poorer Americans, just one added can of sugary soft drink per day increases diabetes risk by 29% — and temperature-related thirst plays a big part in America’s obesity epidemic.

The United States’ average annual temperature has gone up about 2.2 degrees since 1895, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

To chart the impact on sugar consumption, researchers compared it to the American Heart Association recommendations: limiting daily intake to 36 grams for men and 25 grams for women.

The team then compared wind, precipitation and humidity records to the detailed purchase records of 40,000 to 60,000 American households from 2004 to 2019, not using any data after the pandemic hit. Then they looked at the nutritional information of the items bought. That allowed them to eliminate other factors to make a causal link and come up with a calculation for how much extra sugar is consumed per person per degree, said lead author Pan He, an environmental scientist at Cardiff University.

Researcher He said she started thinking about the study when she noticed that people in the U.S. tend to grab sugary soda when they are thirsty: “From a perspective of nutrition science or environmental science, that could be a problem,” she said.

Sugar consumption can vary with gender, income and education

The researchers found that men consumed more sugary soft drinks, and that the amount of added sugar consumed during hot weather was several times higher for low- and very low-income families than for the wealthiest, the study found.

NEW YORK CITY – JULY 25: A man buys cold drinks at a deli on a day where the heat index is expected to top 100 degrees on July 25, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Much of the East Coast is experiencing days of relentless heat in what is turning out to be another summer of record-breaking temperatures across America. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

People who work outside drank more sugary drinks than those who work inside, and the same went for families where the head of the household was less educated. White people have the highest added sugar effect, while Asians showed no significant change in added sugar in the heat.

Lustig said sugary drinks are marketed and priced in a way to attract the poor, and in many disadvantaged communities the water tastes funny because of chemicals in them. Poor people are also less likely to have air conditioning and are more likely to work outside and need more hydration, Lustig and He said.

“It should concern us that the rate of the impact is larger in households where people make less money or are less educated,” said Dr. Courtney Howard, vice chair of the Global Climate and Health Alliance. “These groups tend to have lower baseline health status, so this is an area where climate-related changes appear to magnify existing health inequalities.”

Howard, an emergency room physician, was not part of the study.

The amount of sugar consumed is likely to soar in the future with more warming, Chan said.

But University of Washington health and climate scientist Kristie Ebi, who wasn’t part of the research, said as temperatures increase with human-caused climate change “there will be other issues of more importance than a small increase in sugary beverages.”

The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.

By Linda Gassenheimer, Tribune News Service

Savor the flavors of France with this classic Chicken Chasseur, also known as poulet chasseur. This French dish is celebrated for its rich and aromatic sauce, made from a blend of mushrooms, shallots, tomatoes, and a splash of wine.

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While there are many variations, this particular version is simple and can be prepared at home in just minutes. The recipe features shallots, a type of onion prized for their subtle sweetness and mild flavor, which perfectly complement the savory elements of the sauce.

HELPFUL HINTS:

Sliced onion can be used instead of shallots.

If you prefer not to use wine, add 1/2 cup broth instead of 1/4 cup.

1 tablespoon tomato paste is needed, freeze extra tomato paste for another time.

COUNTDOWN:

Prepare all ingredients.

Start chicken.

While chicken cooks, microwave the rice.

Complete the chicken recipe.

SHOPPING LIST:

To buy: 3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, 2 shallots, 1 container sliced button mushrooms, 1 bottle white wine, 1 container fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth, 1 small can tomato paste, 1 bunch fresh parsley, 1 package microwaveable brown rice.

Staples: olive oil, flour, salt and black peppercorns.

Chicken Chasseur (Chicken with Mushrooms and Wine)

Recipe by Linda Gassenheimer

1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil, divided use

3/4 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs about 1/4-1/2 inch thick

1 cup sliced shallots

1 cup sliced button mushrooms

1/2 tablespoon flour

1/4 cup dry white wine

1/4 cup fat-free, no-salt-added chicken broth

1 tablespoon tomato paste

2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 package microwaveable brown rice to make 1 1/2-cups cooked rice

Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and brown 3 minutes. Add the shallots and continue to cook 2 minutes stirring as the cook. Turn chicken over and add the mushrooms. Continue to cook, stirring for 3 minutes. Divide the chicken in half and remove the chicken to two dinner plates. A meat thermometer should read 160 degrees. Cook a minute longer if needed. Add the flour to the skillet and mix with the vegetables until dissolved, for a few seconds. Add the wine. Cook 1 minute. Add broth and tomato paste. Stir all of the ingredients together and cook 1 to 2 minutes until sauce is thickened. Add salt and pepper to taste. While sauce cooks, add the rice to the microwave and cook following package timing. Measure 1 1/2 cups and save any remaining rice for another meal. Divide in half and add to the plates with the chicken. When the sauce is ready, spoon it over the chicken and sprinkle parsley on top.

Yield 2 servings.

Per serving: 561 calories (30 percent from fat), 18.6 g fat (2.7 g saturated, 8.8 g monounsaturated), 156 mg cholesterol, 40.4 g protein, 50.7 g carbohydrates, 3.3 g fiber, 181 mg sodium.

©2025 Tribune Content Agency, LLC

By Rachel Christian, Bankrate.com

If you’re serious about financial security in retirement, you can’t rely on Social Security alone.

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For most people, those checks cover only a fraction of their living expenses. According to the Social Security Administration, the average monthly benefit for retired workers as of July 2025 was about $2,000 a month. That barely covers rent in many cities, let alone food, health care and everything else you’ll need over decades in retirement.

The pension era is also over for most workers. Outside of government jobs, pensions have largely disappeared as companies shifted the onus of saving for retirement to employees via 401(k)s and IRAs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only 15% of private industry (non-government) workers had access to a pension in 2023. So for most Americans, their retirement income largely depends on how well they save, invest and structure their own portfolio.

That means you’ll likely need to piece together multiple sources if you want to create lifetime income — money you can rely on every month, no matter how long you live.

“Combining a variety of income streams with differing levels of growth potential, flexibility and guarantees will provide a solid balance for most retirees,” says Stephen Kates, CFP and financial analyst for Bankrate.

Here are five ways to get on the path to lifetime income so you can sustain cash flow for the long haul.

1. Buy a single premium immediate annuity (SPIA)

A single-premium immediate annuity, or SPIA, is the most straightforward version of an annuity. You give an insurance company a lump sum — say $100,000 — and in return, the insurer guarantees you a fixed monthly check for the rest of your life. Payments usually begin within one year of signing the annuity contract.

What sets SPIAs apart is their simplicity. Unlike variable annuities, which tie payouts to the performance of mutual fund–like subaccounts, or indexed annuities, which use formulas linked to stock market indexes, SPIAs aren’t linked to the market.

Instead, the insurer calculates your payment based on age, interest rates and life expectancy. Once the contract is signed, you know exactly what you’ll receive each month. That predictability makes them function almost like a self-funded pension.

They also stand out on fees. With SPIAs, you won’t see itemized costs eating into your payments each month. Instead, the insurance company builds its margin into the payout up front. That’s a noteworthy departure from other annuities, especially variable annuities with income riders, which can carry annual fees of 2 or 3%.

The trade-off is that once you commit, the money is locked up. You can’t dip back into the lump sum for emergencies. That’s why some financial advisors use SPIAs to cover a client’s fixed monthly needs, like housing and utilities, while using withdrawals from retirement plans and other income for other expenses.

“If your existing guaranteed income (like Social Security) doesn’t cover all necessary expenses, an annuity can help fill the gap,” says Kates.

2. Consider a longevity annuity

A longevity annuity is designed for the later years of retirement. Instead of paying right away, payouts start at age 75, 80 or even 85, helping protect you from outliving your savings.

A longevity annuity is simply a type of deferred income annuity. You pay the insurer a lump sum now, and they promise fixed monthly checks in the future. Because the insurer invests your money longer, the funds have room to grow into bigger payouts. The longer you defer, the less you need to invest up front to secure meaningful lifetime income.

One popular version is the Qualified Longevity Annuity Contract, or QLAC. You fund a QLAC using money from a traditional IRA or 401(k), and you can delay required minimum distributions (RMDs) on the money used to fund it.

Normally, the IRS forces you to begin RMDs at age 73, even if you don’t need the cash. With a QLAC, you can shield up to $210,000 in 2025 from those withdrawals, cutting your taxable income in your 70s while setting yourself up with guaranteed income later. However, payments from a QLAC must begin no later than age 85.

Like SPIAs, longevity annuities are simple and straightforward compared to many other annuity products. You don’t have to wade through participation rates, index crediting formulas or optional riders with extra charges. Costs aren’t broken out in an annual fee statement, but like SPIAs, they’re built into the calculation of your future payments.

The trade-off, of course, is you might not live long enough to reach the payout age. And if you die before payments begin, the insurer keeps the money unless you’ve purchased a special rider at an added cost.

However, for those who expect to live longer than average, longevity annuities can deliver peace of mind at a relatively low cost.

3. Create a bond ladder

If you want income without locking money away in an annuity, a bond ladder is a helpful tool.

A bond ladder is a strategy in which you buy a series of bonds that mature at different times — such as one-year, three-year, five-year and 10-year Treasury bonds. As each bond matures, you collect the principal and can either reinvest the money or spend it.

The benefit of this setup is steady, predictable cash flow and reduced interest rate risk. Instead of putting everything into one long-term bond (and getting stuck with a low rate), you spread out maturities. That way, when rates rise, you can reinvest in new bonds with higher yields.

But building a bond ladder on your own can be confusing.

“DIY investors who are familiar with building CD ladders at their local bank may find bonds to be a more complex undertaking,” says Kates.

You’ll need to select the right mix of maturities, know how to buy Treasurys or corporate bonds, and manage rollover decisions. That’s why Kates says bringing in a financial advisor to structure and monitor the ladder can be a prudent move.

“Otherwise, sticking with CDs or bond ETFs may be a better option,” he says.

4. Invest in dividend stocks

Dividend-paying stocks are another vehicle retirees use to generate income. Shares of these companies regularly return a portion of profits to shareholders, often quarterly. For example, household names like Coca-Cola (KO) or Procter & Gamble (PG) have a long history of paying reliable dividends.

The advantage is twofold: You get regular cash flow and the potential for your stock value to increase over time.

But here’s the trade-off and the risk: Dividends aren’t guaranteed. Companies can slash or eliminate payouts at any time and for any reason.

Despite the risk, retirees often use dividend stocks to supplement their income. Purchasing a dividend stock ETF, which spreads your money across multiple companies and sectors, can help lower the risk of relying too heavily on one company’s payout. Some investors also focus on what are known as Dividend Aristocrats, or companies that have paid and raised their dividends for at least 25 straight years.

5. Own a rental property

Real estate is another classic income source for retirees. A rental property can provide monthly cash flow while also appreciating in value over time. In retirement, that steady income can feel like a second paycheck.

Of course, being a landlord isn’t for everyone. Dealing with repairs, tenant headaches and vacancies can be stressful. Property managers can take some of that hassle off your plate, but they also eat into profits. And unlike an annuity, rental income isn’t guaranteed — tenants might move out and unexpected costs can pile up.

Still, real estate is a tangible asset, which gives it a unique edge. Unlike other investments, property is something you can live in, pass down or sell if needed.

Bottom line

Everyone loves the idea of lifetime income, but it doesn’t happen on its own. You need a plan that blends different sources. Annuities are the only tool aside from Social Security that can guarantee income, making them an important consideration. But beyond that, bond ladders, dividend stocks and real estate can all play supporting roles. A good financial advisor can help you sort through these options, weigh the trade-offs and build a strategy that fits your needs.

Key takeaways

Social Security likely won’t cover all of your expenses in retirement, and the prevalence of pensions is dwindling. This leaves those planning for retirement to piece together how they will create lifetime income for themselves during their golden years.
Annuities are the only product that can provide guaranteed lifetime income, but other tools — like bonds, dividend stocks and real estate — can add stability and flexibility.
There’s no universal formula for creating lifetime income. The right approach depends on your risk tolerance, resources and retirement goals.

©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

By DANICA KIRKA

LONDON (AP) — Prince Harry arrived in the U.K. on Monday leading to speculation about whether he will meet with his father, King Charles III, for the first time in 19 months.

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Amid signs of a thaw in the frigid relationship between Harry and the rest of the royal family, British media suggest that the prince’s trip to London on Monday’s third anniversary of the death of Queen Elizabeth II provides an opening for a long-overdue rapprochement between Charles, 76, and his estranged son. Harry visited the monarch’s grave in Windsor to offer his respects and lay flowers.

Harry has had little contact with his father and elder brother, Prince William, since he and his wife, the former Meghan Markle, gave up royal duties and moved to California in 2020. The relationship became even frostier after the couple bared their grievances with Buckingham Palace in a tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey, a Netflix series and Harry’s memoir, “Spare.”

A frosty relationship

The last time Harry and Charles met was in February 2024, when the prince flew to London after receiving news that his father had been diagnosed with cancer. Harry spent about 45 minutes with Charles before the king flew to his Sandringham country estate to recuperate from his treatment.

Harry was last in London in April, when the Court of Appeal rejected his bid to restore a police protection detail that was canceled after he stopped being a working royal. Charles was on a state visit to Italy at the time, so a meeting was impossible.

That case was itself an impediment to improved relations because it involved Harry criticizing the king’s government in the courts. But once it was over, change became possible.

Immediately after the case ended, Harry said he would “love reconciliation with my family.”

“There’s no point in continuing to fight anymore,” he told the BBC on the day the court case was resolved. “Life is precious. I don’t know how much longer my father has.”

Despite that olive branch, Harry struck a combative tone that might torpedo hopes of repairing the family breach. The prince repeatedly said that the decision to withdraw his security was made at the direction of the royal household in an effort to control him and his wife while putting their safety at risk.

“What I’m struggling to forgive, and what I will probably always struggle to forgive, is the decision that was made in 2020 that affects my every single day and that is knowingly putting me and my family in harm’s way,” Harry said.

Change of tone

But with the lawsuit out of the way, the mood music coming from Charles and Harry’s supporters seemed to change.

In July, the new team handling Harry and Meghan’s communications, headed by Los Angeles-based Meredith Maines, was seen on the balcony of a private members’ club in London speaking with Tobyn Andreae, the king’s press representative. The Mail on Sunday was on hand to snap a photo of what the paper called: “The secret Harry peace summit.”

Regardless of who tipped off the paper, it showed a change of tone since the meeting wouldn’t have happened if the so-called principals hadn’t given their tacit consent.

Celebrating the bravery of ill children

And now comes Harry’s appearance at the WellChild Awards on Monday night in London.

The event, which celebrates the bravery of seriously ill children and those who care for them, is sponsored by a charity Harry has long supported. It is a reminder that not so long ago, Harry was one of the star attractions of the royal family’s effort to reach out to younger, more diverse Britons.

“For 20 years these Awards have highlighted the courage of young people living with complex health needs and shone a light on the devoted caregivers — family and professionals — who support them every step of the way,’’ the prince said in a statement put out by the charity. “Their stories remind us of the power of compassion, connection and community.”

But it will be hard to undo the damage caused by Harry and Meghan’s allegations of insensitivity, conflict and racism within the royal household.

Memoir overshadows reconciliation

Harry’s explosive memoir, “Spare,” shattered the veneer of unity the royals present to the public, depicting them as scheming rivals who use a cozy relationship with the media to jockey for public favor.

It also revealed the details of private conversations, including one between the king and his sons, which was held in a graveyard in hopes of hiding it from the press.

“Please, boys,’’ Harry quotes Charles as saying. “Don’t make my final years a misery.’’

But Charles may have an incentive to let bygones be bygones.

Now approaching his 77th birthday and continuing to undergo cancer treatment, the king may want to get more time with his grandchildren, Prince Archie, 6, and Princess Lilibet, 4, who was born after her parents moved to the wealthy Southern California enclave of Montecito.

Harry put the responsibility for any rapprochement on his family.

In his interview with the BBC, Harry said he believes that you can’t have reconciliation without truth, and his lawsuit over police protection revealed the truth about his battle with the palace.

“It would be nice to have that reconciliation part now,” he said. “If they don’t want that, that’s entirely up to them.”