Susan Shelley: Trump is dismantling the unaccountable bureaucracy

• March 1, 2025

We’re living through history. We have a new president who has already been president, something that has only happened one other time since the founding of the republic.

Watch as the 45th and 47th president of the United States does something no elected official has been able to do since Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal. President Donald Trump is going to outlive the all-powerful, formerly eternal, federal bureaucracy.

For nearly 100 years, an unaccountable bureaucracy made up of thousands of departments, offices and agencies has been running the government while mostly ignoring the officials elected by the voters. Feeding on your income through a tube permanently attached to your paycheck, the bureaucracy became bigger, stronger and hungrier every year. Presidents would come and go, but endless wars, wasteful spending, needless regulations and higher debt would stay and stay.

Now Trump has returned to the White House with a map to the source of the problem. A close look at some of his executive orders, and at the particular way he has fired the heads of independent agencies, seems to reveal a strategy aimed at overturning specific legal precedents that have empowered and protected the bureaucracy. He has invited this fight, which is now barreling toward the U.S. Supreme Court. Will he win?

We’ll all find out together when the justices have the opportunity to reconsider the 1935 case of Humphrey’s Executor v. United States.

William E. Humphrey was appointed by President Herbert Hoover in 1931 to serve on the Federal Trade Commission for a term of seven years. When things didn’t work out as planned for Hoover in the 1932 election, FDR asked for Humphrey’s resignation so there wouldn’t be a conservative overseeing the definitely-not-conservative New Deal.

Humphrey refused to resign, and on Oct. 7, 1933, Roosevelt fired him. Because his termination was purely for reasons of policy and not for “inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office” as the FTC Act required, Humphrey had a case, but then he had a different kind of termination, so the case is Humphrey’s Executor v. United States. The executor sued the government for the salary that was owed to the estate for the duration of Humphrey’s appointed term.

FDR’s team argued that the Supreme Court’s decision in a 1926 case, Myers v. United States, confirmed the president’s power to remove officers who were “units of the executive department.” But the justices said the Myers case didn’t matter because the Federal Trade Commission wasn’t really “executive.” It was “quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial.” Therefore, Humphrey could only be fired for cause, not policy.

The 1935 Humphrey’s Executor decision has allowed Congress to create powerful independent agencies that execute the laws but do not answer to the elected chief executive. Lawyers have argued that this decision contradicts the U.S. Constitution by violating the separation of powers, which is key to protecting everybody’s freedom from a government that can rapidly become oppressive when unchecked.

Did Trump selectively fire the heads of independent agencies in order to get sued, get to the U.S. Supreme Court and make the same argument that FDR made in Humphrey’s Executor? You be the judge:

Roosevelt asked Humphrey to resign because “the aims and purposes of the Administration with respect to the work of the Commission can be carried out most effectively with personnel of my own selection.” When Humphrey wouldn’t go, FDR sent him this brief letter: “Effective as of this date, you are hereby removed from the office of Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission.”

Here’s the text of Trump’s letter to Ellen Weintraub: “You are hereby removed as a Member of the Federal Election Commission, effective immediately.”

Here’s the text of the email sent by Sergio Gor, Director of the Presidential Personnel Office, to Hampton Dellinger on Feb. 7: “On behalf of President Donald J. Trump, I am writing to inform you that your position as Special Counsel of the U.S. Office of Special Counsel is terminated, effective immediately.”

Here’s the text of more than a dozen nearly identical emails sent by Gor to Hannibal “Mike” Ware and other Inspectors General on January 24: “Due to changing priorities, your position as Inspector General … is terminated, effective immediately.”

The email sent on behalf of the president to Gwynne Wilcox, informing her that she was removed from the National Labor Relations Board, echoed FDR with the statement that Wilcox had not “been operating in a manner consistent with the objectives of [Trump’s] administration.”

Trump has this issue teed up like a Titleist Pro V1 on the first hole at Augusta. Can the elected president of the United States replace the top officials in powerful government agencies, or can they pursue their own policy goals, unaccountable and unchecked in their “quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial” unelected positions?

Legal challenges to the firings of Dellinger, Weintraub, Wilcox and others may succeed in the lower courts. But those practice-round victories won’t count in the final score.

This is only one of the court fights that Trump has picked. His executive orders directing spending freezes, workforce reductions and cuts to foreign aid have prompted lawsuits that have landed in federal courts in Rhode Island, San Francisco and the District of Columbia.

Individual federal judges have issued temporary restraining orders that could turn into preliminary injunctions, preventing the president’s policies from being implemented while the lawsuits drag on. This effectively permits one federal judge to take control of the whole executive branch, potentially for years. Watch for the U.S. Supreme Court to ask a few questions about that, sooner rather than later.

What Trump is doing is the opposite of dictatorship. He’s going after government agencies that have spent decades flaunting that they can do anything to anybody at any time. He is limiting their power.

That’s good. Freedom is a condition that exists under a government of limited power.

The United States was the first nation to figure that out. And we will again.

Write [email protected] and follow her on X @Susan_Shelley

​ Orange County Register 

For Katie Porter, President Trump’s second term is a factor as she weighs a governor run

• March 1, 2025

Former Rep. Katie Porter says she ran for Congress in 2018 in response to President Donald Trump‘s first term.

Now, as she considers a run for California governor in 2026, she says the early actions of his second administration are “certainly a factor.”

“I am seriously considering it,” Porter said in a recent interview about running for governor.

“Democrats across the state are looking for what more they can do to stand up to what’s going on in Washington and defend our state and values,” Porter said. “What we are seeing this time from Washington is many times more hurtful for our state’s residents and our future.”

Porter left Congress in January after a failed U.S. Senate bid, but she hasn’t stepped away from politics.

In addition to teaching bankruptcy, consumer law and the legislative process at UC Irvine Law, Porter raises money for Democrats through her Truth to Power PAC and remains active with social media, TV appearances, emails to supporters and the occasional Zoom discussion.

But staying relevant in politics as a private citizen — what Porter is now — is more challenging than as an elected official with a public-facing role, especially with the upcoming governor’s race drawing attention to potential candidates.

A February poll indicated former Vice President Kamala Harris would be the frontrunner if she enters California’s 2026 governor’s race, with 57% of Democratic primary voters surveyed saying they would support her. Porter had 9% support in that poll, while 17% of voters were undecided. Gov. Gavin Newsom is term-limited and prevented from seeking reelection.

Without Harris as an option, Porter led with 21% support among Democratic primary voters.

The survey only included registered Democrats, but California’s open primary system means all candidates appear on the same ballot, regardless of party. The race is already crowded, with seven candidates who have officially launched their campaigns, including Republican Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco.

Harris is also now a private citizen, but as the party’s former presidential nominee and vice president, she would enter the governor’s race with higher name recognition and a funding advantage, making it challenging for Porter to mount a successful campaign against her, political analysts noted.

“It appears that Porter would really like to have the job, but smart enough to understand that running against Harris … would not only be a steep uphill climb but could harm her prospects for running for statewide office in the future,” said Dan Schnur, a former campaign consultant and political messaging professor at UC Berkeley and USC.

A September survey from USC, Cal State Long Beach and Cal Poly Pomona found Porter was favored by the highest percentage of respondents among 13 potential and declared gubernatorial candidates — without Harris as an option. But that poll also showed weak support across the board, with nearly half (49.7%) of respondents unsure of their choice.

In the meantime, Porter is staying involved in current politics.

On Thursday, Feb. 27, she joined Rep. Robert Garcia — a Long Beach Democrat who, like Porter, has emerged as a media darling in his congressional tenure — in a virtual town hall for about 170 people who had donated to her PAC. The event included a discussion on government oversight and how Democrats should respond to the Trump administration’s pledge to shrink federal bureaucracy and root out waste and fraud.

When some attendees asked her Thursday, “What can normal people in California, and around the country, do to push back against Trump,” Porter said Democrats need to invest in candidates with real-world experiences.

“I think people feel like, ‘Do Democrats really know what groceries cost?’”

“I mean, I know, because when the milk is $3.99 per gallon, I’m excited, and I buy two gallons. But we need to elect people who know those things and who are really experiencing some of the harms that the Trump administration is causing so that they can be really, really credible advocates for pushing back,” she said.

Matt Lesenyie, a political science professor at Cal State Long Beach, said voters are signaling through recent elections and polling that they’re looking for a different style of politics and candidates who feel authentic.

“Porter is closer to that ideal point than many California representatives, including Harris,” Lesenyie said. “Porter has more modern political skills and instincts. Some of that is her, and I think some of it comes from her practicing politics in Orange County, which has a lot of Republican political talent and evenly matched party registrations in the electorate. Not the easiest place for a Democrat to win.”

Porter was part of a 2018 blue wave that ousted all congressional Republicans in Orange County amid anti-Trump sentiment.

While serving in the House, Porter was known for her sharp questioning in hearings, particularly her use of a whiteboard to break down complex financial and policy issues. On the House Oversight and Financial Services Committees, she gained a reputation for grilling corporate executives and government officials on issues like consumer protection.

Earlier in the week, Porter criticized Democratic strategist James Carville on her Substack, a subscription-based platform where people can publish newsletters, for proposing a “tactical pause” in opposing the Republican Party. Carville, a veteran Democratic strategist, had called for a “strategic political retreat” by Democrats in a recent guest essay for the New York Times.

“With no clear leader to voice our opposition and no control in any branch of government, it’s time for Democrats to embark on the most daring political maneuver in the history of our party: roll over and play dead,” Carville said.

But Porter argued that would allow Republicans to further rally behind the Trump administration’s push to cut federal programs and services, a key issue Democrats are highlighting for the 2026 campaign.

“I think some of what I’ve heard from some Democrats is, well, give them more rope, and they’ll hang themselves, or let’s just sit back and see how bad it really is. I think that is nuts. That is not who I am, that is not who I think we should be as Americans,” she told attendees during the virtual town hall.

While Porter is “acting and sounding like a candidate for governor,” she has to “decide whether she takes the risk or plays it safe and wait for Harris to make her own decision,” said Schnur, the former campaign consultant.

In the last election cycle, Porter faced some criticism for announcing her run for U.S. Senate before Sen. Dianne Feinstein, who was still in office at the time, had announced a decision about reelection, leading some to view Porter’s move as disrespectful to the longtime senator.

Similarly, if Porter “can be seen as interfering with a Harris candidacy, it could have more of an impact on her long-term political career,” Schnur said.

​ Orange County Register 

What to know about daffodils bulbs and when to plant them

• March 1, 2025

Q. How late is too late to plant daffodil bulbs? They are on sale, but I don’t want to buy them if they won’t survive.

Although right now (late winter/early spring) is not the optimal time to plant them, they will probably bloom next spring. Make sure they’re not all dried up since they’ve been sitting out for a while. If you decide to buy now, go ahead and plant them as soon as possible. I made the mistake of buying a couple of big bags of bulbs and promptly misplaced them. When I finally found them, they were completely desiccated. About 6 months after tossing them into the compost, some of them miraculously sprouted. I relocated them into the garden, and they’ve been fine ever since. Sometimes those “plant by” dates can be surprisingly flexible.

Q. I have a Christmas cactus that has finally dropped all its flowers. I’d like to put it outdoors, but I don’t want to kill it. Can it tolerate outdoor temperatures if there’s no frost?

There are two types of cacti – desert types and forest types. Desert cacti are very hardy and thrive in full sun, low water, and good drainage. Christmas (and Easter) cacti are forest cacti and are completely different from desert cacti.

Christmas cacti (Schlumbergera buckleyi) produce succulent, tooth-edged “leaves” (actually stem segments) on branched arching stems. Their flowers appear between November and January and can be pink, white, red, or purple. Once the flowers fall off, most people like to keep the plant around in the hope that it will re-bloom. Unfortunately, few will be successful.

If you want it to rebloom, wait until late June or early July and relocate the plant to a sheltered outdoor spot that gets part sun. Water regularly, but don’t allow the planting mix to become waterlogged. By the middle of September, bring the plant back inside, cut back on the water, and keep it in a cool spot. Think of this as “naptime” for the plant. By early November, resume watering and move to an east-facing window. By this time, buds should be visible, and the plant should not be moved (except for periodic rotation to encourage symmetrical growth). By late November or early December, it should be reblooming.

Q. I think I may have overwatered my pothos plant. Is there something I can do to prevent the roots from rotting?

You don’t have to wait until your plant starts showing signs of distress. Simply tip the plant out of its pot and nestle the root ball in a large container of dry potting mix. Leave it there for a few days (or up to a week, depending on how sodden the soil was). The dry potting mix will absorb any excess water while protecting the roots from drying out. Once the root ball is sufficiently dry, but still moist, repot the plant.

Los Angeles County

[email protected]; 626-586-1988; http://celosangeles.ucanr.edu/UC_Master_Gardener_Program/

Orange County

[email protected]; http://mgorange.ucanr.edu/

Riverside County

[email protected]; 951-955-0170; https://ucanr.edu/sites/RiversideMG/

San Bernardino County

[email protected]; 909-387-2182; http://mgsb.ucanr.edu

​ Orange County Register 

Larry Wilson: The current president undoes our place in the world, every day

• March 1, 2025

When everything exploding out of the White House as if from a busted sewer line is bad — and yes, letter-writers, I do mean everything — there can be a tendency to want to point to the smaller bad things, the ones that don’t make the front pages because of all the big, bad things.

For instance, out of all the lousy, I’ve been a bit fixated on the nutty firing of one of the most obscure major figures in the federal government, Archivist of the United States Colleen Shogan, on Feb. 7, a decision for which the current president gave no reasons.

He didn’t have to. While this is an apolitical post overseeing an apolitical agency, the current president when running for office didn’t like the fact that since the job of the the National Archives and Records Administration is to preserve and provide access to the essential records of the federal government, the agency was involved in the effort to reclaim classified records from his Florida home, in the same manner it was involved in reclaiming classified records from Joe Biden’s Delaware home.

“We believe the removal of AOTUS with no stated cause does harm to our nation and its people,” the gloriously nerdy Society of American Archivists said in a statement. The SAA went on to note the national archive’s job: “preserving and promoting our nation’s foundational documents, giving veterans access to their personnel records to secure benefits, connecting with your family’s history, teaching students about the history of the United States and studying and understanding the human experience.”

By keeping boxes of America’s stuff, in much better condition than you do your grandmother’s photos up in the dusty attic.

That’s all they do. It’s dull and very important. So after the boss was fired, just to kick sand in the archive’s face, the current president fired 27 employees across the presidential library system, which is part of the agency. To make it harder for Americans to understand their history? Just guessing, here.

So these big little things are vicious, and need to be called out.

But you know what’s really vicious, and if not turned around threatens the pre-eminence of our country in the world by reversing 80 years of standing up against first Soviet and now Russian tyranny and imperialism?

Cozying up to the latter-day czar who has installed himself permanently in the Kremlin.

And doing so with more of the lies the current president has such a genius for — his only apparent talent, making things up.

Vladimir Putin is a dictator who has installed himself for life, and who invaded a neighboring country whose breakaway from Russia was made possible by the steadfastness of Ronald Reagan and every postwar president who came before him.

So what does the current president say? He lies, saying that the president of Ukraine is a dictator, and that he started the war that Russia in fact began.

How, letter-writers,  do you stomach those lies, and continue to support the man who would undo the place we hold in the world thanks to Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Reagan, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama and Biden?

Those were presidents who, whatever their differences, supported democracy, and saw that the best way to spread the least-bad form of government ever created was to work with our closest allies in Western Europe and Canada to counter both the long despotism of Russia and the rising anti-democratic movements in China and India.

Whereas the current president says: “Look, let’s be honest, the European Union was formed in order to screw the United States.”

It was not. He’s lying. You know who’s going to get screwed by the current president’s newly announced — and literally insane — tariffs on imports from the EU? You and me.

And our current president sends his vice to Germany to support a neo-Nazi party that trivializes, for instance, Dachau.

We trivialize America every time we don’t call out the current president for the damage he does, every single day.

Larry Wilson is on the Southern California News Group editorial board. [email protected].

​ Orange County Register 

Make your Oscars predictions — and see how they compare to expert picks

• March 1, 2025

By LINDSEY BAHR and JAKE COYLE, Associated Press

The Associated Press’ film writers have made their Oscars predictions in every category, ahead of Sunday’s ceremony. Now it’s time to make your own picks, and see how they stack up.

Below, you’ll find predictions from the AP’s Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle in all 23 categories.

Best picture

BAHR: “Conclave”

COYLE: “Anora”

Actress

BAHR: Demi Moore, “The Substance”

COYLE: Demi Moore, “The Substance”

Actor

BAHR: Adrien Brody, “The Brutalist”

COYLE: Timothée Chalamet, “A Complete Unknown”

Supporting actress

BAHR: Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”

COYLE: Zoe Saldaña, “Emilia Pérez”

Supporting actor

BAHR: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”

COYLE: Kieran Culkin, “A Real Pain”

Director

BAHR: Sean Baker, “Anora”

COYLE: Sean Baker, “Anora”

Documentary

BAHR: “No Other Land”

COYLE: “Porcelain War”

International film

BAHR: “Emilia Pérez”

COYLE: “I’m Still Here”

Animated film

BAHR: “Flow”

COYLE: “The Wild Robot”

Original screenplay

BAHR: “A Real Pain,” Jesse Eisenberg

COYLE: “Anora,” Sean Baker

Adapted screenplay

BAHR: “Conclave,” Peter Straughan

COYLE: “Conclave,” Peter Straughan

Original song

BAHR: “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez,” Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard

COYLE: “El Mal” from “Emilia Pérez,” Clément Ducol, Camille and Jacques Audiard

Original score

BAHR: “The Wild Robot,” Kris Bowers

COYLE: “The Brutalist,” Daniel Blumberg

Cinematography

BAHR: “The Brutalist,” Lol Crawley

COYLE: “The Brutalist,” Lol Crawley

Sound

BAHR: “Dune: Part Two,” Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett and Doug Hemphill

COYLE: “Dune: Part Two,” Gareth John, Richard King, Ron Bartlett and Doug Hemphill

Production design

BAHR: “The Brutalist,” Judy Becker and Patricia Cuccia

COYLE: “The Brutalist,” Judy Becker and Patricia Cuccia

Costume design

BAHR: “Wicked,” Paul Tazewell

COYLE: “Wicked,” Paul Tazewell

Film editing

BAHR: “Conclave,” Nick Emerson

COYLE: “Conclave,” Nick Emerson

Makeup and hairstyling

BAHR: “Wicked,” Frances Hannon, Laura Blount and Sarah Nuth

COYLE: “The Substance,” Pierre-Olivier Persin, Stéphanie Guillon and Marilyne Scarselli

Visual effects

BAHR: “Wicked,” Pablo Helman, Jonathan Fawkner, David Shirk and Paul Corbould

COYLE: “Dune: Part Two,” Paul Lambert, Stephen James, Rhys Salcombe and Gerd Nefzer

Animated short

BAHR: “Yuck!”

COYLE: “Wander to Wander”

Documentary short

BAHR: “Incident”

COYLE: “I Am Ready, Warden”

Live-action short

BAHR: “A Lien”

COYLE: “A Lien”

​ Orange County Register 

The rise of dairy alternatives: What’s driving the shift?

• March 1, 2025

By Lisa MarcAurele, Food Drink Life

Dairy alternatives are becoming a go-to choice for consumers who want simple solutions for dietary restrictions. From creamy almond milk to rich oat-based yogurt, these alternatives replicate the taste and texture of traditional dairy, making them a convenient option for those following plant-based diets or managing dairy sensitivities. With so many delicious choices available, switching to dairy free doesn’t mean giving up your favorite foods.

What are dairy alternatives?

These days, you can find alternatives for nearly every dairy product like milk, cheese, yogurt and ice cream. Plant milks, such as almond, soy and oat milk, are among the most popular. These options offer creaminess for drinks like lattes and work well in baking.

Plant-based cheeses and butters are also in high demand. Cheese alternatives now come in various styles like shredded and sliced as well as spreadable soft cheese. Many brands rely on nuts, soy or coconut oil to replicate traditional cheese textures.

Vegan yogurts made from coconut, almond or soy bases are popular, too. They are available in various flavors, including vanilla and berry. You’ll also find a variety of non-dairy ice creams, puddings and cakes in grocery stores. These days, going dairy free doesn’t mean giving up your favorite treats.

Popularity of dairy substitutes

Thanks to their versatility and widespread availability, dairy substitutes have become a kitchen staple for millions. Plant-based options offer a delicious solution, whether you’re lactose intolerant, cutting back on animal products or simply following food trends. From vegan whipped cream for your morning coffee to oat-based ice creams for dessert, the choices are endless.

Health is a major motivator for many. Lactose intolerance affects a significant portion of the population, and dairy alternatives offer relief from discomfort without compromising on taste. Others choose dairy-free products for environmental reasons since plant-based options generally have a lower carbon footprint.

Beyond health and sustainability, the sheer variety and convenience of these products appeal to consumers. Grocery stores are stocked with options like soy milk, cashew cheese and coconut yogurt, making it easy to find something that suits your taste and dietary needs.

Types of dairy-free milk

Plant-based milk refers to a broad range of options, including soy, coconut and hemp milk. Soy milk stands out for its protein content. According to Very Well Health, coconut milk, while lower in protein, contains medium-chain triglycerides that may provide health benefits. Healthline also provides that hemp milk, though less common, is rich in omega fatty acids.

Nut milks are among the most popular due to their creamy texture. Almond milk is a favorite for its low-calorie count and versatility, while cashew milk is mildly sweet and often blended with oats for extra creaminess. Lesser-known options like pistachio and macadamia milks offer more choices.

Oat milk has soared in popularity for its thicker texture and mild taste making it a great option for creamy drinks like hot chocolate. Rice milk is another grain-based option, offering a naturally sweet flavor and lighter consistency, making it perfect for cereals and smoothies. Though lower in protein, rice milk is easy to digest and suitable for those with allergies.

Seed-based milks, such as flax and sunflower, are excellent alternatives for those avoiding nuts and grains. Flax milk is rich in omega-3s and blends seamlessly into recipes. Sunflower seed milk, with its nutty flavor and allergen-friendly profile, is gaining attention as a versatile option.

Blended milks combine multiple plant-based ingredients to create well-rounded alternatives. For example, a cashew-oat blend offers the creaminess of cashews with the thick texture of oats, making it ideal for cooking, baking or drinking on its own.

Cheese and yogurt

Finding good non-dairy cheese used to be a challenge, but today’s options are more sophisticated than ever. From tangy cashew spreads to firm almond-based slices, there’s a plant-based cheese for every preference and recipe. You can even make a dairy-free macaroni and cheese that tastes like the real thing.

Non-dairy yogurt is another booming category. Options made from coconut, almond, soy and oat milk provide a range of textures and flavors. Coconut yogurt is particularly thick and creamy, making it ideal for parfaits and smoothies, while almond and soy yogurts offer neutral flavors suitable for cooking or enjoying on their own.

Butter and cream substitutes

Butter and cream are essential in many kitchens, and thankfully, dairy-free alternatives deliver comparable results. Plant-based margarines work well for spreading and baking, while coconut oil excels in frying and adding richness to dishes.

Cashew cream is a popular choice for its mild flavor and creamy texture. It’s perfect for thickening soups, sauces or even desserts. Oat-based creams are also gaining traction, offering a texture similar to heavy cream. With these options, dairy-free cooking and baking have never been easier.

Ice cream without dairy

Non-dairy ice cream has come a long way, offering indulgent, creamy textures that rival traditional versions. Cashew, almond and coconut milk-based ice creams come in a variety of flavors, from classic vanilla to decadent chocolate fudge.

The best part? These treats are now widely available in supermarkets. Whether you’re craving something sweet after dinner or need a refreshing treat on a hot day, non-dairy ice cream has you covered.

Dairy-free condiments and sauces

Creamy condiments and sauces often contain dairy, but plenty of dairy-free versions exist. Vegan mayo, made from aquafaba or soy, works perfectly in sandwiches and salads. Dairy-free ranch and Caesar dressings offer the same creamy satisfaction as their dairy counterparts.

In the kitchen, coconut milk and cashew cream make excellent substitutes for heavy cream in savory dishes like pasta sauces and curries. Plant-based queso and other cheese-based sauces are also available, ensuring you never miss out on creamy comfort foods.

Why people ditch dairy

The shift away from dairy appears to be more than just a passing trend. Many people switch due to health concerns, environmental reasons or personal preferences. With so many delicious and accessible alternatives available, ditching dairy no longer feels like a sacrifice.

Digestive discomfort is one of the top reasons people cut out dairy. Lactose intolerance is common, and eliminating dairy can dramatically improve symptoms like bloating and cramps. Additionally, some people report clearer skin and reduced inflammation after going dairy free.

Environmental and ethical considerations are also driving the shift. Dairy production requires significant resources, and those looking to reduce their carbon footprint find plant-based options to be a more sustainable choice. Moreover, with the wide availability of alternatives like almond milk, oat yogurt and cashew cheese, transitioning away from dairy has never been easier.

Ready to make the move?

Switching to dairy alternatives opens up a world of tasty options. Start with something simple, like almond milk in your morning coffee or oat cream in your next dessert. Coconut yogurt can elevate your parfaits, while cashew cheese spreads add a gourmet touch to your meals.

You don’t have to sacrifice anything when making the switch. Whether you’re fully plant-based or just exploring new dietary options, there’s a dairy-free alternative for everyone. Give it a try. You might just discover a new favorite.

Lisa MarcAurele is the original founder of Low Carb Yum and the author of two keto cookbooks. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is a long-time resident of Connecticut and enjoys hiking and taking scenic day trips around New England.

​ Orange County Register 

Losing a pet can cut deeper than many people realize. Here’s how friends can help

• March 1, 2025

By JOHN LEICESTER, Associated Press

PARIS (AP) — Even months later, the pain of losing a pet can still hit without warning.

The trigger might be noticing — again, for the umpteenth time — how empty the house feels since your cat died, without the pitter-patter of padded paws. Or stumbling across the leash of the dog you lost and remembering how it used to set off tail-wagging glee.

Grieving owners can feel doubly lonesome if the humans in their lives don’t quite know how to help, perhaps because they’ve not had pets themselves or feel awkward around grief.

How can owners and their friends cope better with pet bereavement? Experts in pet loss offer these ideas:

Recognize that feeling awful is normal

For some grieving owners, pet loss can feel worse than a human death. That doesn’t make them monsters. Instead, it reflects the potential depths of human-animal bonds.

For some people, a pet is their most important relationship, “the being that they see every single day, that maybe sleeps on their bed, that they cuddle with on the couch,” says E.B. Bartels, author of “ Good Grief: On Loving Pets, Here and Hereafter.”

“There are people who feel more comfortable with animals than with people,” she adds. “So losing those relationships can be really, really difficult.”

Offer a sympathetic ear

People who haven’t experienced pet love may struggle to understand what it’s like to lose it. They may think they are being helpful by saying, “It was just an animal,” or “They were lucky to have such a loving owner.” But pat phrases, no matter how well-meaning, can make grieving owners clam up and feel alone.

“You feel like you can’t talk about it because people aren’t really empathizing,” says Annalisa de Carteret, who manages a telephone helpline and other pet-loss support services for Blue Cross, a U.K. animal welfare charity.

“Just allow that person to talk about how they’re feeling, and you don’t need to comment,” she says.

Avoid clichés like, “‘Oh, you can get another pet’ or ‘He had a good life, he was a good age,’” she says. For the owner, “that doesn’t make you feel any better, because you knew all of those things. You just feel sad and just want someone to listen and to understand.”

Bonds can run deep with any kind of animal

Another tip: Don’t assume that an owner’s grief is commensurate with the size or type of animal they lost, or the length of time they had them. The death of a pet lizard, for example, can be as painful for some people as losing the cutest of fur balls for others.

“My friend’s dad has a koi pond and he loves these koi. And he was so upset when a raccoon got in and killed all his koi one summer,” Bartels says. “Some people would be like, ‘Oh, they’re just fish.’ But he loved these fish, you know?”

She suggests that friends can offer practical help: A grieving owner who no longer has a four-legged reason to leave the house might appreciate the offer of a walk with a two-legged companion.

“People can really feel they lose their community,” Bartels says. “In the morning you get up, you bring your dog to the dog park and you get to know the group of people who are there every morning really well. And that’s your social community. And so then if you lose your reason for going … you’ve lost a lot more than just a dog.”

Guilt often compounds pet loss

Up to 30,000 people contact Blue Cross each year for pet-loss support. Many aren’t simply sad but also are fearful that they may somehow have been responsible for their animal’s death or disappearance, de Carteret says.

“Guilt is a really big part of pet loss,” she says.

“They maybe think, ‘Oh, if I’d done something differently, maybe they’d have stayed alive a little bit longer,’ or if they were stolen: ‘If I didn’t put them in the garden.’ Or, ‘What could I have done differently to change the inevitable?’”

For bereaved owners who feel more upset about the loss of a pet than about a family member, that can trigger more guilt, de Carteret adds.

“It’s really normal,” she says. But “it feels wrong to say, doesn’t it? And people don’t want to share that.”

Can a new pet help?

Possibly. But it’s not a magic bullet. Each animal has its own personality and a new one won’t necessarily fill the void left by another. And if your previous pet was full-grown, you may no longer have the patience for kittens’ litters or puppy-training again.

Bottom line: Grieving can’t be truncated. The sadness and memories can be lasting.

Bartels lost her dog, Seymour, last June.

“I’m sure I’ll have a hard time again in June when it’s the year anniversary of when we put him down,” she says.

De Carteret keeps her dog’s ashes by her fireplace, which was his favorite place to sit.

“Some people will think that’s weird,” she says. “But, you know, that’s how I deal with it … You have to find the right way for you.”

​ Orange County Register 

Consumer debt by gender: Is there a difference?

• March 1, 2025

By Michelle Clardie, Bankrate.com

Despite attempts at financial equality, gender continues to impact nearly every aspect of personal finance, including earning, spending, investing and consumer debt.

Men on average earn more than women, allowing them to spend, save, borrow and invest more. Women tend to be more cautious with money, which makes sense since they have less of it. Data is not as robust for transgender and gender-diverse (TGD) individuals, but emerging research shows a pattern of even greater financial strain for this marginalized group as they work to overcome prejudices and early setbacks caused by a lack of financial support that cisgender peers typically receive from family.

Whatever your gender, being aware of the role gender plays in personal finance can help you better understand your financial hurdles and those others are facing.

General differences in the finances by gender

Statistics only tell a small part of the story regarding finances by gender. Chromosomes, sex and gender expression do not affect someone’s ability to manage money, build good credit, use debt responsibly or invest for the future. However, external factors and societal pressure assigned to gender roles do have a financial impact.

On average, women are still responsible for the lion’s share of family caregiving and household labor, negatively impacting their lifetime earning potential. Women also tend to suffer more severe financial consequences of divorce. By contrast, men feel socially pressured to exude wealth and status regardless of their success and frequently go into debt to keep up appearances.

Transgender individuals typically take on more debt when starting out than their cisgender peers, likely due to a lack of financial support and living accommodations provided by family. This puts transgender or nonbinary individuals in a more financially precarious position than cisgender men or women.

Earning differences by gender

After decades of progress in narrowing the gender wage gap, 2023 saw the gap widen significantly for the first time in 20 years according to the annual Income in the United States report from the U.S. Census Bureau.

Women who work full-time were paid about 82.7% of a man’s salary in 2023, down from 84% in 2022. Full-time male workers made a median salary of $66,790, while full-time female workers made $55,240. This results in a difference of $11,550 per year — a gap that only widens further for women of color, women with disabilities and women working part-time.

The median income for all American men in 2023 was $56,280, while the median for all American women was just $42,110.

Earning information specific to TGD individuals is not available.

Spending differences by gender

Spending tends to be closely correlated with income, with higher earners spending more.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics’s latest Consumer Expenditure surveys found that the average single woman spends $42,174 annually, while the average single male spends $43,299.

The breakdown of spending by category is shown below.

Single men spend more than single women on food, transportation and entertainment. Single women spend more on housing, apparel/services and healthcare.

It is worth noting that the average age of single women from the survey is 60, while the average age of single men is 52. Age is an important factor in earning power and spending habits. Cost of living, dependents, disabilities, and other considerations also influence income and expenditures.

There is no data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics breaking down income and expenses for transgender or nonbinary individuals.

Borrowing differences by gender

Experian compared debt balances among men and women and found that men carry more debt in all categories except student loans.

On average:

• Men have 16.3% more auto loan debt than women.
• Men have 2% more credit card debt than women.
• Men have 9.7% more mortgage debt than women.
• Men have 20% more personal loan debt than women.
• Women have 2.7% more student loan debt than men.

Consumer debt information specific to TGD individuals is not available.

Credit score differences by gender

The Equal Opportunity Credit Act largely prohibits using demographic information, including gender, in credit reporting, so it is difficult to evaluate credit scores by gender.

However, the Federal Reserve analyzed the credit scores of thousands of men and women in 2018. Its findings indicate that gender has little impact on credit scores, although the average man’s score is slightly higher than the average woman’s, controlling for age. For example, the mean VantageScore 2.0 for men aged 31–40 was 793 while the mean for women of the same age was 785. While this data is older, it’s unlikely that this disparity has changed significantly.

There is no reliable data differentiating the credit scores of nonbinary individuals.

Investing differences by gender

Women are less likely to invest than men. A study commissioned by BNY Mellon Investment Management found that if women invested at the same rate as men, there would be more than $3 trillion in additional assets under management today.

BNY cites the gender pay gap, perceived risk of investing and lack of engagement as key factors for this disparity.

Anne-Marie McConnon, Global Chief Client Experience Officer at BNY Mellon Investment Management, said: “As women, we all have different hurdles to overcome to meet our individual financial goals. Some of these are influenced by demographics and personal circumstances but some are a result of how the investment industry has traditionally engaged with women.” In fact, 86% of asset managers acknowledge that their default target customer is male.

There is no information specific to the investment habits of TGD individuals.

Financial stress differences by gender

Women are more likely to report feeling stressed by finances than men. In a recent Bankrate study, 46% of women say money issues have negatively affected their mental health, prompting feelings of anxiety, depression and stress. Only 38% of men report feeling the same financial stress.

Recent research from the International Journal of Consumer Studies found that transgender college students experience greater financial strain than their cisgender peers. According to the study, “TGD students had significantly lower financial optimism, financial self-efficacy and financial socialization than their cisgender peers.”

Discrimination in lending by gender

Legislation has been implemented to prevent lending discrimination by gender.

The Fair Housing Act of 1968 prevents discrimination in mortgage lending, specifically based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity and sexual orientation, disability and family status. It wasn’t until 2020 that federal protections were put in place to prevent housing discrimination based on gender identity.

Additionally, The Equal Credit Opportunity Act of 1974 prohibits discrimination in all types of lending based on race, color, national origin, sex, marital status, age or participation in public assistance programs.

Before 1974, lenders were allowed to require women to have a male co-signer before approving a loan. This made it nearly impossible for women to build credit, buy homes or take out loans to start a business without a man agreeing to help them. While the act did make this discrimination illegal, prejudices from this era still carry forward.

The bottom line

Gender has no scientific bearing on your ability to manage money, but societal expectations and gender norms still affect your income potential and can pressure you to spend or borrow in a certain way. We’ve come a long way from when women couldn’t get their own credit cards and when nonbinary people could be charged more for housing, but we still have a long way to go.

Frequently asked questions

• Do lenders consider gender when making decisions? No, a lender cannot consider your gender or gender identity when making decisions. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in mortgage lending, and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits discrimination in other forms of lending.
• What should I do if I’m being discriminated against financially because of my gender? If you feel you’re being discriminated against financially because of your gender or gender identity, try to gather as much evidence as possible. Take notes and record conversations if you’re in a state that allows one-party consent for recordings. Try to keep communications to a written medium for better tracking. Once you’ve gathered your evidence, submit a complaint through the proper channels, depending on your situation:
  • For housing discrimination, including mortgage lending and rental price discrimination: File a complaint through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
  • For credit discrimination including loans, mortgages and credit cards: File a complaint through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
  • For any type of discrimination: File a report with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division. Your state, county or city may also have a civil rights division where you can file complaints.
  • Note: Some of these may be subject to change with the Trump Administration’s changes. You may need additional research to find the best place to get help.

Key takeaways

• On average, men carry more debt than women across all categories, except student loans.
• The gender pay gap affects women’s ability to earn, save, invest and build wealth.
• Even though women spend less and carry lower debt balances, they still feel more financial stress than men.

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

​ Orange County Register