Good Morning! 🌞 

The numbers for our monthly mind stretcher competition are in!

Galen Garretson came in first with 15 correct answers!
Chris Hostetler and Albert Knox came in second with 13 correct answers followed by Linda Runatz with 10.

If you have been sending in answers to the mind stretchers you can check your placement on our website here.

Also, in the month of May, we will be introducing a prize for the winner of the monthly competition. So stay tuned for that!

Economy

US Sportsbooks Join Forces To Combat Problem Gambling

Seven leading gaming corporations in the nation are uniting to establish a trade organization aimed at advocating for responsible gambling practices. This initiative, a first of its kind, will involve sharing data on problem gambling.

The Responsible Online Gaming Association, abbreviated as ROGA, was introduced by companies including Fanatics Betting & Gaming, Hard Rock Digital, and bet365 on March 27th.

These companies, representing over 85% of the U.S. legal online betting market, have collectively committed over $20 million to support ROGA's initiatives.

Jennifer Shatley, the executive director of ROGA, expressed enthusiasm about advancing the association's mission to enhance research, develop evidence-based practices, and equip players with valuable information.

ROGA's members are dedicated to collaborating on various fronts, such as educational efforts, establishing responsible gaming protocols, and ensuring ethical advertising and marketing throughout the sector.

Moreover, ROGA plans to set up a novel independent platform for exchanging crucial consumer protection information, although the specifics of this system remain to be detailed.

The organization also intends to launch a certification scheme to evaluate and promote the responsible gaming measures of its members, encouraging wider industry engagement.

The formation of this consortium is timely, as sports betting has expanded rapidly in the U.S. since 2018. Currently, thirty-eight states and Washington, D.C. offer legal sports betting.

Notably, this year's Super Bowl saw a record-breaking number of bets placed, with online transactions reaching nearly 15,000 per second, a figure that doubles last year's peak, as reported by GeoComply.

Caesars, a significant player not participating in ROGA's formation, shared with CNBC its confidence in its own Responsible Gaming practices, built upon 35 years of experience in the field. The company praised the efforts towards responsible online gaming but reaffirmed its commitment to its approach.

It is fantastic to see companies taking steps to combat gambling addictions and encouraging responsible gaming!

World News

A New Type of Food Bank

“The Bread and Butter Thing” is a network of food banks across the UK, but with an interesting twist. These centers not only distribute food but also serve as community connectors, offering a potential blueprint for similar initiatives.

Visiting any of the 90 hubs managed by The Bread and Butter Thing offers a surprise regarding the food you'll take home. What's certain, though, is the warm welcome you'll receive, complete with engaging conversations and plenty of tea. Additionally, professionals are often available to provide guidance on employment opportunities, social housing, parenting, and mental health.

The food, ranging from salmon and celeriac to strawberries, is surplus from farms, factories, and supermarkets, all diverted from potential waste. This approach distinguishes it from traditional food banks.

With the efforts of The Bread and Butter Thing, over 100 tonnes of food are rescued from waste each week, translating to around one million meals a month. This initiative not only prevents waste but also helps its 45,000 members save more than £4.8 million annually.

The organization's success is measured not just in significant figures but in its qualitative impact as well. It brings affordable, nutritious food to areas lacking fresh produce and fosters a sense of community through the sharing of healthy recipes. The goal is to effect enduring positive change in communities facing challenges.

Volunteers deliver the food using refrigerated vans. The food bank volunteers then unload everything and pack the food into bags. Each customer receives three bags for a total of £8.50. The actual value of the three bags is usually well over £35.

After receiving their bags, customers can sit, drink tea or coffee, and eat biscuits or cake provided. People are encouraged to stay and socialize. The Bread and Butter Thing frequently arranges for specialists to engage with the community on important topics such as mental health and social housing. Last year, the organization distributed complimentary tablets, enabling individuals to access the internet for job applications and to seek information on benefits.

This unique model has garnered recognition, earning The Bread and Butter Thing the Community Partnership of the Year award at the latest Global Good Awards. Launched in 2015, these awards celebrate entities worldwide that lead in sustainable, ethical, and purpose-driven initiatives.

Sports

Will Lionel Messi Still Play?

Lionel Messi, who will celebrate his 37th birthday in June, is keen on extending his career as far as his health permits. In a conversation with MBC's Big Time Podcast, the Inter Miami and Argentina striker emphasized that he'll make the decision to retire when he feels he can no longer contribute to the game or his team, or when he no longer finds joy in playing.

“I am my own harshest critic. I'm aware of my performances, both good and bad. The moment I sense it's time to step back, I'll do so without letting age influence my decision. As long as I feel capable, I'll continue to compete because it's my passion and what I excel at," Messi stated.

Messi's current contract with Inter Miami is set to conclude in December 2025. Speculation has surfaced about him potentially concluding his illustrious career at Newell's Old Boys, the Argentine team where he started before moving to Barcelona. However, Messi's immediate attention is on his present commitments with both his club and national team.

Since joining MLS and Inter Miami, Messi has faced challenges, including a demanding schedule and injuries that have necessitated careful management. Recently, he was sidelined by a hamstring injury, missing both club and country matches, as well as a game due to an adductor issue—this included a highly anticipated match against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr.

With Inter Miami gearing up for a busy April and Messi's participation uncertain for the upcoming NYCFC match, the team's aspirations hinge on his fitness. Messi's influence is undeniable; with him, Inter Miami boasts an impressive record and has ambitions of securing more titles, following their 2023 Leagues Cup victory.

Argentina, too, depends on a fit Messi as they aim to defend their Copa América title and prepare for World Cup qualifiers.

For Messi, age remains irrelevant. His focus is on managing injuries and continuing to play as long as possible, with retirement still in the distance.

Toward the end of the discussion, Messi added, "The truth is I haven't thought about it yet. Today I try to enjoy the day-to-day, the moments, without thinking about what comes after. I don't have anything clear yet, I hope to continue playing for a while longer, which is what I like. When the time comes, I will surely find the way to what fulfills me, what I like and a new role."

Fans of MLS will surely be quite happy to hear this!

Entertainment

Star Wars 25th Anniversary Marathon

Star Wars enthusiasts will have the chance to catch all nine films of the "Skywalker Saga" in theaters within the next two months. The announcement came from Star Wars and LucasFilms, coinciding with the 25th anniversary of "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace." The marathon will kick off on May 4, also known as "Star Wars Day."

The lineup will follow the chronological order of the saga, starting with "Star Wars: The Phantom Menace" and concluding with "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker." Alongside the film screenings, attendees will also be treated to an exclusive preview of the upcoming Disney+ series, "The Acolyte," set in the High Republic era. The 8-episode series is slated for a June 4 premiere exclusively on Disney+.

Tickets for the event are currently on sale, as announced by LucasFilms. The release stresses the unique chance to enjoy Star Wars on the big screen and invited fans to participate in the celebration.

Mind Stretchers

⁉️ 

How many birth days does the average man have?

Answers to yesterday’s Mind Stretchers:
9⁹, this is 9x9x9x9x9x9x9x9x9 or 387,420,489.

Linda Runatz got it correct first with her answer of “9 to the 9th degree.”!

Be the first to send us the correct answer for today’s mind stretcher for a shout-out with the answer tomorrow. Just send us the answer and your name to [email protected] or reply to the email.

If you have any uplifting stories and experience you might want to share, send those over to [email protected] for the chance to be featured.